California: IELTS / TOEFL

FutureUSRN · Aug 31, 2006

IELTS is not required in California. You need TOEFL if you're applying for an Interim Permit. However, if you're not a citizen or if you do not have a working visa, you do not need an interim permit.

If you're planning to take NCLEX for California, you do not need an English exam.

You need to pass an English exam if you're applying for an immigrant visa.

bettorjon · Aug 31, 2006

May I just correct you. Either passing the IELTS or TOEFL is required for you to work in California. I am not saying that it is a requirement for taking NCLEX. Do you understand me now?

Anyway, what I am trying to say is wouldn't it be better if you've taken and passed your IELTS/TOEFL before going to California and take NCLEX? I mean, I have a tourist visa and I will surely take my NCLEX in the U.S. so what I want to do is to pass IELTS/TOEFL first and hopefully pass NCLEX because who knows, there might be an opportunity there waiting for me. Maybe there will be someone who could assist me in changing my satus from tourist to immigrant. You should always be one step ahead and not just stick with your NCLEX requirements only.

I hope you get my point. By the way, thank you for the information you've given me about the Interim Permit at least now I know that I am not qualified to apply for it.

Fil-RN · Aug 31, 2006

I'm an RN from the philippines but I'm a green card holder but I still took the TOEFL mainly because I'm still considered as a foreign nurse graduate. I just recently took the nclex in california and belive me when I say that they don't make it easy for us foreign nurses. I would suggest that you take the TOEFL instead of the IELTS (if you are not planning to work in UK, London, etc.) The TOEFL is not really hard at all, assuming that you can read and write in english (which I don't think you have a problem with). If you are looking for a reviewer for the TOEFL I would suggest that you take the online reviewer which is free. It basically shows you what the TOEFL is like. This is the only review that i took and the test is quite lame actually, it's just a waste of money but a necessary evil! Anyway, if you haven't applied to any state here in the US, try applying to the compact states, its easier and faster! When I applied here in california it took about 6 mos. for me to get my ATT (authorization to test) plus at least 1-2 mos to find a vacant test date. You see there's so many people applying here in California and the processing time here is so delayed. My wife applied in one of the compact states and they only required a credentials evaluation from CGFNS , license verification from PRC, TOEFL (for visa screening purposes actually). I hope I was able to help you with some of your concerns, goodluck!

FutureUSRN · Sep 1, 2006

Friend, that's why I said "You need English exam for the immigrant visa". The english exam is not specific to California, that's why maybe I misinterpreted your post. It is required by USCIS.

Btw, you may also take any English exam while in California. So I don't know why there is fuss when to take the English exam. You can take it here. You can take it there. Wherever and whenever you want.

I hope you'll pass NCLEX. I already passed and now processing my Visa Screen.

May I just correct you. Either passing the IELTS or TOEFL is required for you to work in California. I am not saying that it is a requirement for taking NCLEX. Do you understand me now?
Anyway, what I am trying to say is wouldn't it be better if you've taken and passed your IELTS/TOEFL before going to California and take NCLEX? I mean, I have a tourist visa and I will surely take my NCLEX in the U.S. so what I want to do is to pass IELTS/TOEFL first and hopefully pass NCLEX because who knows, there might be an opportunity there waiting for me. Maybe there will be someone who could assist me in changing my satus from tourist to immigrant. You should always be one step ahead and not just stick with your NCLEX requirements only.
I hope you get my point. By the way, thank you for the information you've given me about the Interim Permit at least now I know that I am not qualified to apply for it.

bettorjon · Sep 1, 2006

Fil-RN thank you so much for the information but may I just ask you several questions.

1. What do you mean by "they make it hard for us foreign nurses"? Hard in what way? Hard in applying for the exam or the exam is very hard for us foreign nurses to analyze?

2. Did you attend to any review center before taking NCLEX? What book did you us as your review material?

3. If you waited for almost 8 mos. to take your NCLEX, how did you manage to recall all of the things that you need to know for this exam (assuming the gap of your review to your NCLEX)?

4. What is a compact state? I'm sorry, I really do not have any idea about it. How can I work in California if i applied for that compact state? As far as I know, you could only work in the state where you got your license.

5. Where can I find the TOEFL online reviewer?

6. Is TOEFL really easy? Why is it that many people say that it is hard to pass?

Please find time to all of my questions. Thank you so much. :wink2: