Once you get a license in the US in your initial state, and that means having a an actual license number assigned to you, you are free to endorse that license to another state. But not until you have the actual license number. When you take the NCLEX for CA, Florida, or other states that will not grant an actual license until you have a SSN#, you do not have a license to practice as an RN in the US, so therefore cannot endorse. They only give you a piece of paper that states that you have passed NCLEX exam, but it is not a license. They can verify that you have passed NCLEX for the Visa Screen Certificate, but they cannot verify a license, and that is what is required for endorsement.
Once you take the NCLEX exam, the exam has reciprocity. Meaning that you do not need to take it for another state, your score is accepted by all states.
To endorse, the exam score can be used, but that is only one part of the licensing process. Some states have language requirements, others have extra classes that need to be done, like Florida and NY. Each state can also set their own curriculum requirements, and it may be more stringent than what is required for the VSC. It is up to the individual state.
hello. i'm new here. i'm an RN here in the Philippines. I plan to work in New York and hoping to acquire my license directly from New York. However, as I was filling up Form 1 of NY BON application, I was unable to answer one question regarding citizenship/immigration status since I have no employer/sponsor yet from NY, USA. Should I just leave this blank and proceed with the application? I'm not sure...but is this the reason why most applicants go through the state of Vermont and then later apply by endorsement to New York? Please enlighten me... thank you very much!!
You just put permanent resident, that is what you will have when you get to the US. You also need to complete the CVS applicaiton from CGFNS before NY will even look at your application. Just include a copy of your passport with it and you will be just fine.
If you are going to work in NY, you will need to go thru the CVS process, even to endorse if you go for initial licensure in another state. And if you use Vermont, you are just spending more money. There are specific cases when Vermont is recommended over NY, but in your case, it is not. And yes, ther are those that just like to waste money for no reason.
I wanted to ask, you seem to always recommend endorsing INTO CA rather than going into it directly. How may I ask can one endorse into CA with a license from another state if one still does not have an SSN? Does that mean CA wont be asking for an SSN if one applies by endorsement? I am a tourist visa holder and about to take the NCLEX. I hope you could shed some light. Thanks
Also, would you have any idea how long the Hong Kong testing center is backlogged? I know the NCLEX RN candidate handbook states that the testing center is obligated to offer a testing date within 30 days of the call, but ive heard there's quite a delay. Thanx
I wanted to ask, you seem to always recommend endorsing INTO CA rather than going into it directly. How may I ask can one endorse into CA with a license from another state if one still does not have an SSN? Does that mean CA wont be asking for an SSN if one applies by endorsement? I am a tourist visa holder and about to take the NCLEX. I hope you could shed some light. Thanks
You take the exam for a state that issues you a license without the SSN#. You can endorse into CA immediately, as soon as you have a SSN#, a license will be issued. And a tempoary one can be issued to you the same day if you go to Sacramento.
Also, would you have any idea how long the Hong Kong testing center is backlogged? I know the NCLEX RN candidate handbook states that the testing center is obligated to offer a testing date within 30 days of the call, but ive heard there's quite a delay. Thanx
The NCLEX guide book is for centers in the US. Hong Kong has about a two month scedule lag, Toronto has as much, if not more. But you also have the option of Saipan, Taiwan, and Seoul; Japan will be starting later this summer as well.
And since you have a visa, you can also use Guam as well. So you have plenty of options. You are jumping way ahead of yourself.
yes, i'm also simultaneously filling up forms for CVS-NY, i was just bothered by the questions in NY-BON that's why i couldnt proceed for a while.. i have a follow up question re your advice on citizenship/immigration: there's an option to check "an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the US." however, they're looking for the alien registration number or control number issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.. how do u suggest i proceed with this? coz I havent gone thru anything fr USCIS yet..
may i also ask if you have any idea of the timeline for processing CVS and approval of NY BON before i get an ATT for NCLEX? And if luckily I pass the NCLEX, how long does it take to get the license?
You just need to put that you are in the process of getting the green card, you will have status before you leave for the US. just include a copy of your passport. They want to make sure that you are legal somewhere.
Time frame will depend on whow soon that your school responds to CGFNS's letter, etc. And your licensing board, if you have a local license. Usually about four months on average, but sometimes quicker, and sometimes longer.
You will get results from NCLEX in 48 hours, NY particiaptes in early results with Pearosn-Vue. License issuing is usually just a few days later.
Hi Ms. Suzanne! Good day! This is mark from the Philippines. I have a question about reciprocity, endorsement, etc... What if, for example, I applied for California nclex and then i passed.. What should I do in order to be endorsed to other state/s particularly NY or Maryland having no SSN#? Can having a sponsor in the chosen state/s thru an agency help me to have SSN#? And lastly, is it true that if i'm under an agency here i really have to render 3 years of duty in any nursing home or hospital in California in order that i'll be given a SSN#?
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi Ms. Suzanne! Good day! This is mark from the Philippines. I have a question about reciprocity, endorsement, etc... What if, for example, I applied for California nclex and then i passed.. What should I do in order to be endorsed to other state/s particularly NY or Maryland having no SSN#? Can having a sponsor in the chosen state/s thru an agency help me to have SSN#? And lastly, is it true that if i'm under an agency here i really have to render 3 years of duty in any nursing home or hospital in California in order that i'll be given a SSN#?
Thanks a lot for your kindness! GOD BLESS!!!
Hi and welcome :welcome:
If you have passed NCLEX with CA they will not issue a SSN, this you need to get once you are in the US with a valid work isa ie GC. Just having a sponser does not mean you can get the SSN before arriving in the US, they can not apply for it for you. To endorse to another state you have to meet a few requirements especially because CA does their own assessment. NY requires CVS and most other states require CES. Also having passed CA because they will not issue license without SSN it is hard to endorse and you have to apply to state bon where you are going I believe for licensure but arrange with CA for them to send your NCLEX results to new BON
You sign a contract with the agency and they will have some sort of cancellation fee and they will also have requirement on how long you need to work with them before your contract is up, some vary from 1-3 years. You are given SSN because of GC and working in the US it is not the agencies until you finish the contract, you need SSN for work and lots of other things
If you do not have an actual license number assigned to you, then you do not have a license to endorse. CA does not assign a license number until you are in the US on a visa that permits you to work and ready to start.
You must appply in person for the SSN#, and provide proof that you can legally work.
Most contracts now for the US are for three years due to the significant jump in immigration fees starting next week. You get the SSN# when you start to work, but there are significant cancellation fees if you do not complete a contract, some in the tune of $45,000 US.
Only the NCLEX exam has reciprocity, actual licenses must be endorsed.
The NCLEX result can be used by all fifty states and US territories, that is what is meant by reciprocity. And it is only one step in the licensing process.
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
You just put permanent resident, that is what you will have when you get to the US. You also need to complete the CVS applicaiton from CGFNS before NY will even look at your application. Just include a copy of your passport with it and you will be just fine.
If you are going to work in NY, you will need to go thru the CVS process, even to endorse if you go for initial licensure in another state. And if you use Vermont, you are just spending more money. There are specific cases when Vermont is recommended over NY, but in your case, it is not. And yes, ther are those that just like to waste money for no reason.