HELP: licensed in saipan, need verification for visa screen

suzanne4, RN · Feb 13, 2009

You did not stupidly declare anything that you were not required to do so for, using your words. Actually withholding that information would be grounds for you never to get the Visa Screen Certificate issued in the first place.

One of the requirements for the VSC is that you have taken and passed the NCLEX exam, how would you be able to prove it any other way? Each and every license or licensing exam written must be included on the application for the VSC. Anything left off and it is considered fraud. So glad that you included it.

There is not one thing that CGFNS can do about this. Saipan BON is going to need to complete the form and send it in for you. But you do not even know if they have ever received your request in the first place, do you?

If they have a fax number, suggest that you send them a written fax. That usually will get one's attention quicker. They are not computerized, so the e-mails do not get much attention there at all.

You can also post on the Philippine Forum asking for the cost to have Saipan complete the form as well and then just send it in to them via courier service with a new verification form for them to complete. Chances are if the form were sent last year and no payment with it, that it was discarded after a period of keeping it.

4fifteen · Feb 13, 2009

I sent the form (with the letter asking them how much it costs) via DHL courier, so I got notices from them that the letter was sent and that it was received. I was just stupid that I deleted all of it from my inbox because the last time I did send via DHL to Saipan, I did get results (this was when I was applying for my NCLEX), so I thought it'd be the same. =\

I haven't thought about faxing, so yeah, maybe I should try that route too. Just fax a note asking about how much it costs? I'm wondering how they would get the information back to me, since calling and emailing don't seem to be something they do, and sending a fax reply back to me would mean it would cost them something since it'll be international fax.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 13, 2009

I suggested that you just post this same question on the Philippine Forum, I am sure that there are some that have gone this route and then obtained the VSC.

They can easily give you the advice. And then you can just send them a new verification form with the funds included and be done with it.

You are making it harder for yourself than it needs to be. You can also do a search and more than likely will see the fee that they require already posted on the Philippine Forum.

tobby_walter · Feb 13, 2009

hi there, were on the same boat. im about to apply for the visa screen in saipan! I just received my board certificate after a long waiting period of it just like the prc board certificate, the one that looks like the diploma. it cost $70 for the license verification fee and take note they dont accept money drawn at local bank here in phlippines. they want either cashier's check or postal money direct from usa bank as stated on my license renewal form!

4fifteen · Feb 13, 2009

Wow, I didn't know they issue a board certificate! How did you find out about this and the cost of the license verification? Not that I'm doubting you or anything, just that you are such a lifesaver! I can't recall how I sent the money when I applied for an ATT; it was probably cash...but I can't remember if they accept cash.

tobby_walter · Feb 13, 2009

i asked the agency that processed my papers and thats what they told me its $70. my classmate had processed her vsc and she received it after 4months and at that time it was only $40. yes they do issue a board certificate and it takes months after passing the nclex rn exam before i received it. i guess they accept a cash payment but not a good idea as it might not reach to them, you know what i mean! so better if you have relatives in usa ask them to purchase you either cashiers check or postal money from us bank payable to CNMI treasurer.

4fifteen · Feb 13, 2009

Ohmygod, FOUR months? My application expires this April! I should have asked on this forum sooner.

My dad is going to kill me. I feel like pulling my hair myself.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 13, 2009

You can pay an additional fee to CGFNS for them to add on a year to the one year that you paid for. You are not going to have any other choice in the matter if your application is going to be hitting the one year mark in just a few weeks.

Do enclose a copy of the verification for Saipan, chances are that they did not save the one that you sent last summer if the payment was not enclosed with it. They had no legal responsibility to hold onto it.

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And for others reading here. Saipan is not the way to do things if you are not going to be working there. They are not computerized and are very difficult to get into contact with.

There is absolutely no reason to go thru them for initial licensing if you are not going to be working there. It will only cost you more time, money, as well as grief than you need.

4fifteen · Feb 13, 2009

Saipan is not the way to do things if you are not going to be working there. They are not computerized and are very difficult to get into contact with.

Yes, I agree. I sadly just learned of it today, after searching through different Saipan topics, and if I had known of this site before and read of this info, I wouldn't have sent my application to this board. The speed of getting the ATT isn't worth all the stress.

I definitely would have to pay for that additional year. Thank you for all the information! This really is the best place for international nursing. :)

suzanne4, RN · Feb 13, 2009

Thank you for the lovely note.

When one is searching where to go for initial licensure, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. Time of processing of the application should never be the only factor, it can cost you must more in time and money if you are going to have to endorse to another state where you actually wish to work.

Trying to get records from them for anything is also quite difficult.

For others that are reading here, please pay very close attention to what this nurse has had to go thru.

Best of luck to you.

(Not sure if you are aware of the fact that the VSC will expire in five years and there are significant chances that you are not going to be in the US in that time and will have to complete the requirements once again and pay for an additional VSC.)

popotski · Feb 19, 2009

how long does it take for them to do a verification of license?? is money order the same as cashier's check?? are they gonna accept money order??