Any wavers on English requirements from Boards of Nursing during COVID closures of testing centers??

[Val.RN, ADN, BSN]

Hello, Is anybody knows what requirements for foreign graduate nurses on the English proficiency test are? While COVID is many, if not all, testing centers ARE CLOSED. Some boards ( VA, for example) still request it during endorsement from a different state, even though you have earned a Bachelor of Science in states and or practicing nursing for some time already in a different state. I am n compact state licenses but obtained mine while living in MD, moved to VA, and trying to get a license from Virginia. Is anyone deal with it recently?

Thanks

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

No known language wavier at this time.

Any chance you could get a letter from previous facility Manager attesting to your English proficiency to include in your application along with a note from you, that you completed BSN in the U.S. and worked X # years here, unable to complete English proficiency test due to COVID restrictions on testing centers.

[Val.RN, ADN, BSN]

I had an English test ( just for state MD) different from TOEFL or IELTS n 2017 and passed it, but VA doesn't accept it. Neither they care about my BSN earned n the USA, citizenship or working in states ( including nursing) for many years. They are ridiculous in the requirements and even suggested applying for a VISA screen ( with CGFNS) for ME. I am a USA citizen for 10 years! Not sure how I will be endorsing myself ( I have COMPACT plus other 2 states) but want to get VA license bc of residency.

 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Val RN

These instructions for endorsement of a current nursing license

Submit credential evaluation by CGFNS: licensure applicants previously licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction but educated in a foreign country (exceptCanada) must provide their identification/certificate number issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). For more information, click on these regulation(s): 18 VAC 90-19-120 and 18 VAC 90-19-130.

https://www.license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/Forms/Nursing/RNLPN_End_InstrForms.pdf
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18VAC90-19-120. Licensure by Endorsement.

Applicants whose basic nursing education was received in another country shall meet the requirements of 18VAC90-19-130 for a CGFNS credentials review and examination of English proficiency. However, those requirements may be satisfied if the applicant can provide evidence from another United States jurisdiction of:

a. A CGFNS credentials evaluation for educational comparability; and

b. Passage of an English language proficiency examination approved by the CGFNS, unless the applicant met the CGFNS criteria for an exemption from the requirement.

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency90/chapter19/section120/

Virginia is also a compact state, so should be able to practice using multistate license during VA pandemic emergency regs. If living in VA now, contact your local VA legislator to assist in obtaining VA compact license.

[Val.RN, ADN, BSN]

Do you mean VA board of nursing ? Or who is the legislator. 
I am familiar with the requirements about CGFNS ( most of people in states do not  know though  that its is probably easier for me going back to USA nursing school and obtain initial nursing education AGAIN  than to deal with GFNS ) I went through the  process Nd took me and my fam alm 5 years to finish all their papers and requirements between my school Nd Cgfns back and forth ). Ppl also don’t know that schools abroad do not have official transcript system and u MUST go in person OVer and over .. .. which can be extremely complicated if y live in USA like I do . They also very jealous and may not give you required verifications bc there are no law to make them or they would require to bribe the school officials . I finally get initial license and 2 endorsed one of them compact ..So I can practise In many states but I was thinking that I have to apply for VA license due to my recent residency. 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

VA legislator is Virginia  General Assembly government legislator:

https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

House legislators office assist with government business, in this case board of nursing,  to resolve issues.

[Val.RN, ADN, BSN]

Thank you so much.