Canadian RN BSN to US Hospital (CGFNS - Visa screen)

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 16, 2019

Seeing as something has to come from the state you applied to for visa screen certificate to CGFNS to confirm you met their nursing requirements have you looked at what paperwork they require for someone who trained in Canada or outside the US?

hypnotizer90, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2019

6 hours ago, Silverdragon102 said:
Seeing as something has to come from the state you applied to for visa screen certificate to CGFNS to confirm you met their nursing requirements have you looked at what paperwork they require for someone who trained in Canada or outside the US?

Yes. I spoke with the Maine hospital recruiter and they wanted me to do CGFNS Visa Screen.

The BON of Maine application paper (link) for Canadian RN is through endorsement & also stated they needed me to do CGFNS Visa Screen. Once completed, I can apply for the TN Visa with the proof of job offer. (The Maine hospital said they will pay for this). Then I can obtain a Social Security Number.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 16, 2019

That’s good, best of luck

Fetitaha, BSN · Mar 19, 2019

Hey,

Thanks for the info, Im looking to relocate to TX so just wondering how was the interview process and what is the timing for getting the visa screen processed? Did they offer any sign on bonuses? Is your contract with this hospital permenant?

hypnotizer90, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2019

On 3/19/2019 at 9:27 AM, Fetitaha said:
Hey,
Thanks for the info, Im looking to relocate to TX so just wondering how was the interview process and what is the timing for getting the visa screen processed? Did they offer any sign on bonuses? Is your contract with this hospital permenant?

1. The interview process focused on how you answer to a difficult/ stressful situation. Thankfully, it was more of behavioural questions. You have the option for an in-site visit (Recruiter said they will pay for the flight) but I just requested for phone interview with the hiring manager of the unit I wanted as I needed the verbal job offer right away which I got after 3 days of interview. I then received an email confirmation of offer.

2. The timing of the visa screen as per the previous people’s posting was between 4-6mos. I am hands-on, I went to my school & college of nursing to complete the forms. Once CGFNS accepted all the needed paperworks, you could expedite the process for $500 USD.

*CNO will process the confirmation of my RN license within 6 weeks.

3. The job position I applied to did not have any sign-on bonus. I think it really depends on the job posting you applied to. My recruiter is looking at putting me into “residency” but I don’t know if I really need it. For every money you receive from them means more time commitment to stay with them.

4. It is a hospital direct - hire for me. I will speak with the hospital’s legal team re. my TN visa. All the extra - fees I needed to pay from my own pocket. I believe the “job offer” letter per se needs to be drafted to demonstrate qualification for the TN Visa. Apparently, it is a 1 year commitment to the hospital that’s why they ask during the interview if what’s your future at their hospital. This hospital is one of the largest trauma centre in Maine so I like it.

hypnotizer90, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2019

Update: March 2019

1. I went to my three nursing schools for them to complete my CGFNS forms and send transcripts directly to BON of Maine. Each has their own processing fee $$$.

2. I also went to my BON in order for them to process the verification of my RN license only & not including the LPN license (since I'm not applying as one) and to send to CGFNS & BON of Maine. Processing fee $$$

3. I spoke with Maine hospital's legal counsel and she directed me to ensure the following prior to applying for TN visa:

Quote
Company supporting letter (will send later)
Original and photocopy of diploma, transcripts, and license (in case the officer wants to inspect the original – you should not turn over originals for filing)
Copy of visa screen from CGFNS
Copy of Maine nursing license
Original Passport valid for more than six months after entry-date; and
Copy of your resume.

4. It's a waiting game. I'm being productive and still working as a nurse in Ontario. A back-up plan.

*Questions welcome.

seems · Apr 8, 2019

Hi, I am working as a RN in Canada under CNO. I have finished my graduation from India. I am planning to do CGFNS. I have already WES(World Education Service) USA evaluation report. Can I endorse WES credential to CGFNS? If anyone advising me is really appreciated.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 9, 2019

Suggest asking CGFNS this question

livkacs · May 27, 2019

Did you apply for the visa screen and the license from Main at the same time? I am in the middle of getting the transcripts and everything. So, you would recommend to go in person to the schools and CNO instead of mailing the forms to fill out? Did your schools and CNO paid for the postage to mail the forms or did you leave a prepaid envelop?

hypnotizer90, BSN, RN · May 27, 2019

2 minutes ago, livkacs said:
Did you apply for the visa screen and the license from Main at the same time? I am in the middle of getting the transcripts and everything. So, you would recommend to go in person to the schools and CNO instead of mailing the forms to fill out? Did your schools and CNO paid for the postage to mail the forms or did you leave a prepaid envelop?

Yes. I applied for Visa Screen & Maine license at the same time so that I could both process 2 applications simultaneously such as going to school and CNO. I preferred to submit the forms in person so I know who was involved.

Just make sure the State you are applying to allows: RN license endorsement from Canada. Basically, For Maine, I filled - up a form from Maine BON (APPLICATION FOR LICENSE AS A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE BY ENDORSEMENT CANADIAN APPLICANT) and mailed to to them via Canada Post Express.

Maine State needed a Social Security Number which I don't have and one of their requirement first is to get the Visa Screen.

1. I would recommend in person if you could. I live in Hamilton but my family is in Toronto so travelling is not a biggy for me. Besides, I went to 3 schools so I wanted to make sure everything go smoothly. (Not happy w Centennial though as they did not send the CGFNS form yet).

2. The schools & CNO would mail CGFNS form, verification of license, transcript, other requests via "regular mail" (which is included on the fee) but I chose "courier" for CGFNS with additional fee. For instance, I still have my login to Ryerson and I paid my transcript online be mailed to Maine.

3. I have learned that I am doing all of this paperworks myself since I am a direct hire from a hospital rather than a staffing agency. I spoke to one colleague and she said the agency she applied to was doing all paperworks for her.

4. Anyhow, having the Visa Screen (I think most States require this... please do your research) and a State license would help your application to the US much quicker. You just need a job offer.

Feel free to ask questions.

livkacs · May 28, 2019

Thanks for all the info.