Can Canadian LPN's work in the USA?

suzanne4, RN · Feb 25, 2005

I've heard many rumours that Canadian LPN's can work in the USA and I've heard that they can't. Are there any Canadians LPN's that are working in the USA right now??? I talked to an immigration officer and she told me to first get my CGFNS but then it could be difficult to find an employer to sponser a Canadian LPN. She said Hawaii will. Does anyone know more about this or have first hand experience??? I don't want to get the CGFNS and then find out it is impossible to work.
Thanks

You were given incorrect information. CGFNS only handles RNs, not LPNs. Your biggest problem will be with getting a visa that permits you to work in the US. RNs from Canada can actually qualify under the NAFTA Treaty and can begin work after having a Visa Screen Certificate, quite simple actually.

But this does not work for LPNs. It will take you ablut three years or so to get the documents that you need to permit you to work in the US, you would be much further ahead by getting your RN. Then it is quite simple.

Hope that this helps...............

(it isn't finding the employer, but where you will be in the numbers game as far as getting the documents to legally work.)

Talia_vde · Feb 25, 2005

You were given incorrect information. CGFNS only handles RNs, not LPNs. Your biggest problem will be with getting a visa that permits you to work in the US. RNs from Canada can actually qualify under the NAFTA Treaty and can begin work after having a Visa Screen Certificate, quite simple actually.
But this does not work for LPNs. It will take you ablut three years or so to get the documents that you need to permit you to work in the US, you would be much further ahead by getting your RN. Then it is quite simple.
Hope that this helps...............
(it isn't finding the employer, but where you will be in the numbers game as far as getting the documents to legally work.)

Thank-you for clearing that up for me.

Right now I am on a F-1 visa hoping for acceptance to the RN program, since it is half the time to do it in the USA. I live and work in Ontario and cross the border to go to school. I asked the immigration officer today and that is what she told me about working in the USA as an LPN. I went on the CGFNS website to do a bit of researching on it anyways. On the visascreen application http://www.cgfns.org/pdf/VisaScreenApplication.pdf there is a section where the person applying has to write in their professional code (pg 7). One of the options is "LPN" So this made it sound believeable. Next question...Can I take this test asap while still an LPN, so I can get it out of the way before getting my RN education. Finally, one more question. What is the difference between the CGFNS certification and the CGFNS visascreen? Are there any other tests that I can get out of the way now?

I really appreciate your time.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 25, 2005

Thank-you for clearing that up for me.
Right now I am on a F-1 visa hoping for acceptance to the RN program, since it is half the time to do it in the USA. I live and work in Ontario and cross the border to go to school. I asked the immigration officer today and that is what she told me about working in the USA as an LPN. I went on the CGFNS website to do a bit of researching on it anyways. On the visascreen application http://www.cgfns.org/pdf/VisaScreenApplication.pdf there is a section where the person applying has to write in their professional code (pg 7). One of the options is "LPN" So this made it sound believeable. Next question...Can I take this test asap while still an LPN, so I can get it out of the way before getting my RN education. Finally, one more question. What is the difference between the CGFNS certification and the CGFNS visascreen? Are there any other tests that I can get out of the way now?
I really appreciate your time.

Visa Screen is not a test but a verification of your credentials.......CGFNS is an exam for foreign -trained nurses, but since you are from Canada, this isn't needed for you any longer. Just the NCLEX exam will work for you.

It will still take you at least three years to get a green card to work in the US as an LPN. Your application goes to the bottom of the pile essentially. You would be much further ahead to just get your RN.