Canadian New Grad seeking California Licensure

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Hello! 

Given the topic of my previous post, let's say I was to receive a job offer in California for a Registered Nurse, how would I go about applying for licensing in California since I need a SSN in order to even apply for license, and to be granted a temporary visa I need a job offer along with license for the profession. Anyone have this same issue/know more?

Thanks so so much!

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma/Neuroscience/Cardiac ICU.
On 1/19/2021 at 9:05 PM, GabJay said:

how would I go about applying for licensing in California

It looks like you could apply for the license by endorsement but not sure whether they will to start your application without SSN/ ITIN. 

*The State I applied to did not release my license until I got my SSN. Of course, I didn't have SSN and US RN license (when I got my TN and crossed the border.)

*My employer's lawyer helped me reached out to the BON. (But you could try doing it yourself). I did not know that you could ask for a "letter in lieu of license" only if your paperworks were complete to be used at the border/custom to get your TN permit.

*I was in the US for a month waiting for my SSN then sent copy to BON + new fingerprint and was so happy when my RN license was released then started hospital orientation. 

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So, I applied for a NY license as an Ontario RN. I was granted my license in both NY and CA without needing a SSN. I applied through endorsement in CA as an international graduate, which is what you will have to do as well. 

In both states, for a variety of employers, I was not apply to have an official interview until I had my RN license. No matter where you work, it seems they will not grant a job offer without this. However, I initially had a job offer, start date, etc without a SSN.

I received my license, confirmed my job, went across the border to get my TN visa and went to a social security office the same day to apply for my SSN. In NYC, it took 2 weeks for my Son to arrive, but I was actually working without the SSN and my employer had no issues. I was working for one of the main hospitals as well. 

Based off of the previous post, it does seem like there are a few routes you can go with.  

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Specializes in NICU.

Hi! I've got exactly the same problem! I am an international graduate, I've got a nursing license issued by New York but do not have SSN since I am still waiting for my visa interview. If you have managed to apply for endorsement/licensure in any way without needing SSN I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me how. You're not alone ? Many thanks!

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For my NY state license, I can't fully remember what I did, but I believe I left it blank and then called the BON to verbally explain and have a note added to my application. For NY state, I never had an issue without a SSN. I did obtain CGFNS first and this may have allowed me to skirt the SSN requirement for the NY BON application. Hope this helps!

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call the BON and ask?

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