Canadian nurse moving to IL

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Hello everyone

I'm a Canadian RN from Québec, currently working in Montreal.My husband is a Canadian green card holder working in Chicago. We'll begin the immigration journey this winter. I hope I ll get my green card in approximately 2 years (F2a category).

I want to do as many things as possible before moving in Illinois.

I already created an account on CGFNS for a credentials evaluation. I'll start the process soon. I'm just worried of doing it too soon and that my report will expire.Is it only valid for max 2 years?

What my next steps are:

1- Take the NCLEX-RN in Canada ( I have a valid license from OIIQ but we dont sit for NCLEX here as opposed to other province). From what I understand I'll have to apply to exemple : College of Nurses of Ontario first to be eligble to pass the NCLEX.

Can I do that even if I dont intend to work in ON?

Is it worth it or will I have to pass the NCLEX again in the US???

I'll do it in french as it's my mothertongue and my stress level will be high.

Will that be a problem later on?

2-Take the TOEFL exam

Will I be able to send my results directly to the BON in a year or two?

3-At the begining of 2017 I'll start my credentials evaluation then continue with the whole process.

Thank you so much

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I think your concern about your own comfort in taking the exam in French may be interfering with your ability to understand what the Illinois BON's or CNO's expectations are.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

If you need to sit NCLEX then why apply to a province to sit when you may as well wait and sit NCLEX for the state. Starting now isn't too early, going through the application process can take months

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I guess you're right.I'm just trying to figure out what my options are.

I'd like everything to happen at the same time.

I'm worried about taking my exam too early and therefore requesting my license too early. If that were to happen I wouldnt have my SSN yet, because I would still be waiting for my green card. Will the BON wait for my SSN?

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Look at the BON's application instructions, there is likely a time limit (maybe three years?) for you to complete the application process.

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