Green Card vs. NAFTA

shearernurse · Jan 5, 2004

Hey cowgirl, sorry, you are just someone in my neck of the woods. I am here in Seattle with a TN visa under the NAFTA programme. It won't matter what you call it, it will change as of July 1. It is called the VisaScreen, and you have to go through the CGFNS site. I believe you will have to take the NCLEX. I will PM you more info later. My travel agency has offered to help me with my visa screening process.

From Snowy Seattle

monie2004 · Jan 5, 2004

shearer nurse have you taken the NCLEX already? I was just informed that I would have to take it for Florida which I thought was a State that didnt need me to take it?

lalaxton · Jan 6, 2004

I have not gone to the US lately but returned to Canada. Believe me it is best to get your Trade Canada Visa (NAFTA) first, takes much less time. Once you are in the US you can start to apply for a green card. It took us 6 months to get our green card and that was with the help of an immigration lawyer (I know of some people trying to do it on their own that took much longer) , this was also before 9/11.

Another little known option is trying to get a green card through the annual lottery. My cousin was able to get a green card this way. Sorry though I am not sure how to apply for the lottery but I know you can do it on-line, so do a little seaching!

Good luck!

RNBN2B · Jan 10, 2004

Hello to all who responded to my question ... thanks so much for taking the time to do so. The info you provided is very helpful!

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2004

Originally posted by monie2004
shearer nurse have you taken the NCLEX already? I was just informed that I would have to take it for Florida which I thought was a State that didnt need me to take it?

All states are requiring it as of July (i believe)

monie2004 · Jan 10, 2004

So if I move before July I would avoid that??

monie2004 · Jan 10, 2004

Also what is this new visa screen? Is there a time where I can move to avoid being caught up in this??

canadianmurse · Jan 19, 2004

I am a nurse 6 months fresh. I'm dealing with the whole NCLEX/VISA SCREEN B.S. and i mean B.S. Complete money grab, and like we can afford it, thank God (not literally) our dollar is a little stronger than in past. It seems our US neighbors are handling the Nursing shortage as well as we are...

For Ontarians, required is as follows:

58 US for Michigan Boards appn (plus add'l fees for transcript and license to be sent to MI board)

200 US for NCLEX

325 US for CGFNS Oh and here's the kicker... that thing you do for the Michigan board, to verify licensure (Ontario RN license) and Approved College, well guess what, that's exactly what the CGFNS does, wait, they do it twice... Mmm very safe, I guess you can't be too careful if you (american politicians) need a little extra funding...

Sorry a little bitter, but I guess i shouldn't necessarily complain since I am a sucker Canadian RN who is going through the whole rigermorole (sp)..

If you are looking for a rundown of the process, message me and i'll be glad to forward it to you, and I'll even do it free!!! Surprise in todays world...

I really am a happy go lucky guy, lets talk about something else... haha...

cdnmurse

fergus51 · Jan 19, 2004

Why do you have to do the CGFNS? I never had to

lalaxton · Jan 20, 2004

Some states require CFGNS some do not if you graduated from an English language nursing program. Check the individual state requirements.

Florida Native, BSN · Jan 27, 2004

Unfortunately new regulations eliminate the NAFTA exemption even for nurses already practicing in the United States. In July Canadians will have to complete CGFNS Visa Screen in order to continue practicing. Looks like CGFNS gets a cut on every foreign nurse entering the U.S. now. With their monopoly they will take in over fifteen million dollars this year.