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.
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.
Hi Suzanne4! What if my original license is in Vermont then it was endorsed to the state of Illinois and it is still valid at this time meaning it has not yet expired then my license in Vermont got expired, can I endorse my license in Illinois to another state?
As long as one license is current, then it can be endorsed to another state. But if it is not being renewed due to not having a SSN#, I would just wait until you have one and then reactivate your existing license. Easier and cheaper to do that.
As long as one license is current, then it can be endorsed to another state. But if it is not being renewed due to not having a SSN#, I would just wait until you have one and then reactivate your existing license. Easier and cheaper to do that.
Where do you actually wish to work?
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Well I wish to work in Maryland if given a chance. By the way, can Vermont BON process the application for licensure verification form from Maryland even my license there(VT) has lapsed and under inactive status?
You must have an active license to be able to use it for endorsement. An inactive license is just that, it is not current to be used at this time. And that is what is needed to endorse to any state.
You must have an active license to be able to use it for endorsement. An inactive license is just that, it is not current to be used at this time. And that is what is needed to endorse to any state.
Thank you so much Suzanne4, you're such a big help to all foreign nurses in this forum! God speed!
Sure, you can have it endorsed. You have to go thru the CVS process and that is about 8 months to get done on average. And then there is the issue of hospitals not petitioning in most cases, especially even more so now with the retrogression in place. And it is going to get even more difficult, the immigration rates/fees are almost doubling on Wednesday.
You have to figure on about a year to get everything done. It is definitely not going to be a quick process.
In my opinion, you would be much better off going for licensure in NJ, and working there. Just across the river from Manhattan, and easier to find a job there. And much quicker in time.
Sure, you can have it endorsed. You have to go thru the CVS process and that is about 8 months to get done on average. And then there is the issue of hospitals not petitioning in most cases, especially even more so now with the retrogression in place. And it is going to get even more difficult, the immigration rates/fees are almost doubling on Wednesday.
You have to figure on about a year to get everything done. It is definitely not going to be a quick process.
In my opinion, you would be much better off going for licensure in NJ, and working there. Just across the river from Manhattan, and easier to find a job there. And much quicker in time.
Thank a lot suzanne!
I don't have definite plans yet with the retrogression and everything...I'm just reviewing for my Nclex...As of the moment I'm just trying to get answers to the questions that pops in my head so that I will be more aware and well informed since there are many assumptions and wrong information being forwarded here in our country...I believe knowing more things gives me more options... I will consider new jersey though... thanks for your advice...
I hope you wont get tired of answering our questions... What ever I become someday suzanne you will be a part of it... You're answers to our questions have been a great help in our step towards our nursing career goals...I can't thank you enough!
Hi Suzanne! I'm still here in the Philippines and have recently passed the NCLEX-RN under NY BON. I found an employer but they are located in CT. As what I know, CT requires CGFNS certification (exam) before they can issue a license to a nurse. Is it gonna be the same thing in my case even if I will only apply for endorsement? Appreciate your help all these years. God bless you always!
You need to follow the requirements for endorsement that can be found on the website for CT. You will need to use the License by Endorsement procedure for them, and include the needed requirements. It specifies there exactly what is needed.
I am licensed in california, I graduated outside the country but now, I want to relocate in chicago. Would it be possible to practice nursing there? I am not licensed in the country where I was educated. How would I know the requirements needed by Illinois to practice there? My status is an immigrant does it make a difference for the needed requirements? I am going through a lot these days. I wish someone would help me answer my questions.
I am licensed in california, I graduated outside the country but now, I want to relocate in chicago. Would it be possible to practice nursing there? I am not licensed in the country where I was educated. How would I know the requirements needed by Illinois to practice there? My status is an immigrant does it make a difference for the needed requirements? I am going through a lot these days. I wish someone would help me answer my questions.
Licensure and immigration are two very separate and distinct things. You will need to obtain a CES, credentials eval done by CGFNS, before they will look at your application for Illinois. There is no requirement that you hold a license from where you were trained.
If you actually have a SSN#, then you can follow the process for License by Endorsement. You will still need to meet the requirements for the foreign-trained nurse.
There are already several threads on working in Illinois where you can specifics for there. They also require the TOEFL exam before they will issue your license if you did not have your training in English when you were in school.
pinoynarz
51 Posts
Hi Suzanne4! What if my original license is in Vermont then it was endorsed to the state of Illinois and it is still valid at this time meaning it has not yet expired then my license in Vermont got expired, can I endorse my license in Illinois to another state?
Hoping for your quick reply. Thanks...