Australian Citizen Register Nurse - Exploring Opportunities in California on E3

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I am a certified registered nurse (RN) (with graduation from an accredited university in Sydney Australia). I have 4-5 years of work experience as RN in a large hospital in Sydney. I am also a naturalized Australian Citizen.

I would like to move to California and work there as a Registered Nurse for few years. I am married and have a 3 year old child. I believe I can work on E3 visa, but for that I would need a job offer and before that happens I may have to take some state exam.

Can someone provide me step by step guidance on the process?

Also, regarding the California state exam for RN (for those who are from another country): Can this exam be taken outside of the USA? Does it have exam center in Australia (Sydney)?

On some of the forums I read that an SSN is needed, but I don't understand how can I have an SSN while I am still not in US. please provide any guidance you can. Thank you so much!

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Others may give further comments soon, but what country is your original BSN degree from?

This may help shed some light on your inquiries as well as getting licensure into CA from foreign countries has become more and more difficult to get, despite the lack of hospital sponsorships as well the competition from the local residents and out of state nurses wishing to make way to the Golden State.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You cannot apply to CABRN until you have a valid SSN. You can't get a SSN until you have a work visa. You cannot get a work visa until you have a job offer. You cannot be offered an RN job without a license....

In other words you cannot start in CA....

Did your degree include generalist training in adult, geriatrics, psych/mental health, pediatrics, and OB/maternity? This is required in all US states.

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