Canadian RN to work in US

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Hello nurses! If you are a Canadian RN and immigrated to US to work, I need your help!

I am RN in Ontario and would like to immigrate to US to work. Preferably New York, NY or Boston, Massachusetts. If you know, please tell me the process for job application.

Which US states accept CNO RN licence?

I would like to secure a permanent job in US. Does it mean that I need to get a Green Card? Should I apply directly for the job via US hospital websites?

Does anyone know what is the application process for green card. I thought that first I need to get an US employment letter and start from there...

Also, does anyone know if it is possible to write NCLEX in Ontario. I have heart that Canadian nurses need to "sit" the exam. I am not sure if it means to write it or something else..

Thank you very much! I would greatly appreciate any help!

Olga B.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum as nothing to do with actually working in Canada

To work in the US as a RN you need to meet state requirements and pass NCLEX. NCLEX can be taken in Canada just check the pearsonvue website for a list of International centers. It is a computer adaptation exam.

If you are going for a Greencard then read up on retrogression as you will be affected and looking at several years wait.. If you are a Canadian citizen then you can look for NAFTA visa however you will need a employer and meet other requirements

Suggest you check up the state forums to the states you want to work in, MA and NY both have several threads where it is really hard to find work so as a International nurse looking for a employer will mean it will be harder.

Check the state BON website for requirements but both will require some involvement with CGFNS and will take anything from 4-8 months before you obtain eligibility to sit NCLEX

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Hello nurses! If you are a Canadian RN and immigrated to US to work, I need your help!

I am RN in Ontario and would like to immigrate to US to work. Preferably New York, NY or Boston, Massachusetts. If you know, please tell me the process for job application.

Which US states accept CNO RN licence?

I would like to secure a permanent job in US. Does it mean that I need to get a Green Card? Should I apply directly for the job via US hospital websites?

Does anyone know what is the application process for green card. I thought that first I need to get an US employment letter and start from there...

Also, does anyone know if it is possible to write NCLEX in Ontario. I have heart that Canadian nurses need to "sit" the exam. I am not sure if it means to write it or something else..

Thank you very much! I would greatly appreciate any help!

Olga B.

If you want to write NCLEX then go through Minnesota Board of Nursing because it is least time consuming. I mean you can get ATT within few weeks after filling up the application of Minnesota Board of nursing. However, I just learn that we have to have visa screen certificate in order to get a work a visa which might be a long process. I will be applying for it next week lets see how long it takes.

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Is it possible to take the NCLEX (aimed at a particular state, not for Canada) in Canada and then apply to the US?

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No,.

The NCLEX is not "aimed" at a state. It's a national exam. Just like we apply to a provincial college for a practice permit, Americans apply to a state board for a licence.

You need to know where you are going.

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Thanks Fiona. Yes, the NCLEX is national, but can one write it without being registered with a state board? If so, after passing one can then register with a state board where one would like to work then?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You don't actually apply to write the NCLEX. You are applying to a state BON for a license. Passing the NCLEX is just part of that process. You have to apply to a BON in a particulat state for a license first. Then you have to meet that state's requirements before they will give you permission to write the NCLEX. So you do have to start off by picking a state.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Thanks Fiona. Yes, the NCLEX is national, but can one write it without being registered with a state board? If so, after passing one can then register with a state board where one would like to work then?

You can not sit NCLEX for the US without a state reviewing your training and giving the OK to sit the exam

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Specializes in OR/PACU.

Hi silverdragon

I almost got my Canadian citizenship, I am still looking to work as an RN in the US. I am a licensed nurse from the Philippines and as a Canadian citizen would I qualify under NAFTA? I am still working on my Canadian RN, they make it very very hard to get your RN here.

Thank you

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Hi silverdragon

I almost got my Canadian citizenship, I am still looking to work as an RN in the US. I am a licensed nurse from the Philippines and as a Canadian citizen would I qualify under NAFTA? I am still working on my Canadian RN, they make it very very hard to get your RN here.

Thank you

Hello, I'm in the same case as you.. any updates in getting a TN status?

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