CGFNS Visa Screen certificate

RGN · Jun 22, 2004

First of all, what type of visa are you on?
Second, there is no endorsement applacation for CT on-line but I quickly skimmed their regualtions (27 pages) and the only mention was that a nurse could get endorsement if they were lciensed in another state.
I would call the BON there, and ask that if you were licensed in NY, could you apply for endorsement there...........best way to do it....also which part of CT are you living in? NY is quite close and fewer headaches.....and easy commute to many cities...just a thought. Most states handle the endorsement process rather quickly. The reason that I asked the first question is because are you required to submit a Visa Screen Certificate? Then you have that to deal with, but that could be done while you are waiting for endorsement.
Hope that this helps, at least a little.............. :balloons:

Thanks for your reply, Suzanne, it certainly does help. I'm currently on a H4 visa (my husband has a H1B), which entitles me to live and study here only, and we're in central CT, although we'd definitely consider moving to be nearer my workplace if necessary. I'm not sure about the VisaScreen Certificate. Thanks for all your helpful suggestions and research, it is much appreciated. By the way, where did you find the CT regulations?!

suzanne4, RN · Jun 23, 2004

Yes, you definitely need the Visa Screen Certificate since you would be the one applying for the green card for your family. H1-B is only a temporary work permit. Did you attend nursing school in the US or overseas? If in the US, then you may not need the Visa Screen but you will have other requirements to meet.

Connecticut Board of Nursing..................but again, no endorsement application is on-line. I recommend that you call the BON there and ask if you can endorse to CT as a NY license holder.

Every state has their regualtions on-line, at least I believe that all of them do, as well as contact phone numbers.

RGN · Jun 23, 2004

Thanks a lot, Suzanne! Is a Green Card essential to work here as a nurse? I thought there was a new H1C visa specially for foreign nurses...could be wrong though! I have also heard that the sponsoring hospital would expect you to commit for at least two years if they organise a Green Card for you, which could be quite restrictive in terms of moving around the country. I would prefer less ties and obligations, if possible. Also, do you know anything about the 'temporary visa' which I've heard can be used while you're waiting for exam results (I think)!

Thanks again!

suzanne4, RN · Jun 23, 2004

First, you are not committed to a hospital if you pay for the fees for the green card. If the hospital pays all of the costs, then yes you would be obliged to sign a contract.

If you do the work and just have the hospital submit the petition, then you pay and you win. I actually prefer this model.

There is no new H1-C for foreign nurses. There is an H1-B, but it is full for 2004, and they do not believe that it will open for nurses in 2005. The requirements for that visa are the same as for the green card.

The temporary visa that you are talking about for students, is not for wiaitng for exam results, but specifically gives the student one year to work to get training in the area in which they got their degree. It is used for the time while you are getting petitioned for a green card, or you have to leave the US after the one year. You have to have a hospital sponsor you for this also.

If you look under http://www.visapro.com, you can find out what the number is.

You will also need the form that says for a change in status.

Hope that this helps. Let me know if you need any other info..... :balloons:

RGN · Jun 24, 2004

Suzanne, many thanks for your insight. It is a difficult process but it certainly does help to hear from you and I really appreciate the time you have taken to answer some of my questions. I am sure I will have more questions for you and would definitely appreciate your advice!!

Thanks again!

NYrnTX · Jul 19, 2004

Not sure what to tell you at this point. Personally I adivse everyone to go for initial licnesure in NY, then just endorse over to whatever state that they want. There are only a couple where this is not possible, examples Michigan and Illinois. Almost all others just want a credentials verification done, and not the exam.
Good luck.............. :balloons:

Hello Suzanne,

You are a great help for foreign nurses. Thanks again.

BTW, Do you know why IL, Michigan do not endorse license from NY. Also, I would appreciate if you can shed some light on the endorsement process for TX. Their website link points you to NURSYS which I think is only good for 'Compact' states.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 19, 2004

Illinois and Michigan require CGFNS exam. You can endorse to Illinois if you have actually worked two years in the US as an RN.

You just need to follow the instructions on the Texas website for endorsement. If your state isn't listed, you need to use the other address that is there.