Canadian educated in USA and work in Cali

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Hello! I am a Canadian and just graduated from nursing school in Valdosta, GA. I recently relocated to California because of family and was told that I did not have to do CGFNS because Cali does not require it. Has anyone run into the same situation? I thought every state requires it? Also, does anyone know what is required? From what I understand, once you have passed your NCLEX, have a US social security number you apply for a job and once you receive one your employer writes you a letter stating their job offer. The letter then needs to be sent to the border. Has anyone gone through this and know if this is correct or am I missing something?

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

CA do their own assessment so you don't need CGFNS however if you require a work visa like the TN then you do need visa screen certificate.

You need to go to the border and apply for your visa you do not send them anything as they will not accept it.

It appears you are looking at the TN visa and for that you need VSC and a employers letter etc. There are several threads discussing the TN visa may be worth doing a search for them

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Yes I would need a TN. So for that I do need my visa screen certificate and not the CES? When should I start the VSC process....I'm taking my NCLEX on Sept 3 for MN and then endorsing it over to CA. Can I start the VSC process now? Also, I've thought about working for various health screening companies for extra cash...is that possible or would I have to have a letter from each company to bring to the border? If I got married to an American tomorrow, would I be able to skip this entire process and start work in the US right away or would I still have to wait about a year before I can legally work?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

TN is tied to the employer so you will as far as I am aware need to get a TN for each employer. VSC can be started now however it will not be issued until you meet requirements and have passed NCLEX.

As I mentioned in another post (try to keep all your questions together as it makes it less confusing) Marrying a USC still requires you to submit paperwork before they will allow you to live and work in the US (ie Greencard) Not sure where you get a year from as a lot will depend on how soon you meet requirements, if going the TN route how quick after you pass NCLEX you find a employer willing to go the TN route with you. If you pass NCLEX say in October you could be working on a TN visa early next year as long as you have a employer and meet requirements

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Thank you for the information! Sorry that I haven't kept my posts together..I'm new to this website and need to navigate it a bit more. Thanks again.

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