Working in the US ----- PLEASE READ FIRST

Steps that need to be taken if you need to apply for the green card.:
1. Apply to a state Board of Nursing for licensure by examination. Follow the requirements that are listed on the application. Some states will require a credentials verification, please be aware of that. Once your credentials have been accepted, they will send you a letter stating that you meet all requirements for licensure except the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have received this letter, you can go ahead and pay the fee for the exam to Pearson-Vue. This can be done on their website: www.pearsonvue.com.
The charge for taking the exam in the US is $200 US, and for the overseas centers is $350 US. The overseas centers require that you phone them to schedule your appointment at this time. See the website listed for Pearson-Vue to obtain their phone numbers.

2. Finger print cards can be done at any police station unless otherwise stated by that particular Board of Nursing. If they are needed, I would have two sets completed.

3. Visa Screen Certificate is handled by CGFNS and can be downloaded from their website at www.CGFNS.org. This is required of all nurses who are applying for a green card on their own. If you are married to a nurse who will also be working, currently just one person needs the Certificate as the other will be on a spousal visa. However, this is subject to change.

4. English exams are required if you are not from an exempt country.
Approved exams are TOEFL, TWE, and TSE or the IELTS series with the academic branch and the speaking section.

5. Any forms that require a notary can be done at the U.S. Embassy where you are living. There is a fee for this. Last time that I checked, the charge was about $35 US per signature required.

6. For those of you wishing to go the New York route, they require a special credentials verification, called a CVS, also done thru CGFNS. They can use the same submitted documents for the Visa Screen Certificate. But you do not submit the documents and are unable to do so. CGFNS is required to obtain all needed documents for this, you just submit the applications and pay the fee and they do the rest.


Hope that this helps clear up many questions that keep popping up.