How to apply for licensure in the US from a Canadian RN?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 30, 2008

Dear All
I'm a Canadian RN. I am just planning to take NCLEX in California. I got BScN from the Canadian University. But I have no idea if I need send my application to CGFNS and take the CGFNS exam or send my application to California Board of Registered Nursing. From the instruction of Licensure by Examination (http://www.rn.ca.gov/applicants/lic-exam.shtml), it looks like that I only need send my application package to board of registered nuring. Is my understanding correct? Many thanks!
Regards
Kitty

Ca will make their own assessment on your training so only have to complete requirements they have for Foreign trained nurses and arrange with the province nursing board to send proof of your license (I presume you have passed CRNE?). You do not have to sit CGFNS exam although you do have to get a visa screen certificate from CGFNS once you have passed and meet Ca requirements. They will not give you a license until you are in the US with a work visa like the TN. A good thread to read is the sticky called Primer to working in the US

I am amending your title of thread as you are not applying for NCLEX but licensure to be a RN in the US of which NCLEX is a part of that process.

kittyfox · Oct 4, 2008

Hello Silverdragon102

Thank you so much! In terms of your reply, my understanding is as follow:

1. I need send my application to CA's board of registered nursing directly.

2. If I pass and meet CA's requirement, I need apply VISA Screen certificate from CGFNs

3. To write NCLEX test

4. To get offer from any one hospital from CA

5. To apply TN

6. To get RN licence from CA's board of registered nursing.

Is that correct? Many many thanks

Kitty

Ca will make their own assessment on your training so only have to complete requirements they have for Foreign trained nurses and arrange with the province nursing board to send proof of your license (I presume you have passed CRNE?). You do not have to sit CGFNS exam although you do have to get a visa screen certificate from CGFNS once you have passed and meet Ca requirements. They will not give you a license until you are in the US with a work visa like the TN. A good thread to read is the sticky called Primer to working in the US
I am amending your title of thread as you are not applying for NCLEX but licensure to be a RN in the US of which NCLEX is a part of that process.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

Hello Silverdragon102
Thank you so much! In terms of your reply, my understanding is as follow:
1. I need send my application to CA's board of registered nursing directly.
2. If I pass and meet CA's requirement, I need apply VISA Screen certificate from CGFNs
3. To write NCLEX test
4. To get offer from any one hospital from CA
5. To apply TN
6. To get RN licence from CA's board of registered nursing.
Is that correct? Many many thanks
Kitty

Number 2 comes after 3 and you pass NCLEX. I wouldn't apply for VSC until you have a result with NCLEX. You will need an official letter from employer for the TN whihc you apply for at the border. Once in Ca and you have a SSN then you will get your license from Ca. VSC takes approx 4-6 weeks to get.

My thoughts

1. Apply to Ca BRN and await eligibility (takes a couple of months or so)

2. Sit and pass NCLEX

3. Apply for VSC with CGFNS

4. Find employer and get official letter stating employment

5. Once VSC in hand start moving to USA ans apply for TN at border

6. Register for SSN and then inform Ca of SSN and they will issue license

7. Start work

kittyfox · Oct 4, 2008

Hello Silverdragon102

Thank you so much! Your post is very very helpful for me. Have a good weekend!

Best Regards

Kitty

Number 2 comes after 3 and you pass NCLEX. I wouldn't apply for VSC until you have a result with NCLEX. You will need an official letter from employer for the TN whihc you apply for at the border. Once in Ca and you have a SSN then you will get your license from Ca. VSC takes approx 4-6 weeks to get.
My thoughts
1. Apply to Ca BRN and await eligibility (takes a couple of months or so)
2. Sit and pass NCLEX
3. Apply for VSC with CGFNS
4. Find employer and get official letter stating employment
5. Once VSC in hand start moving to USA ans apply for TN at border
6. Register for SSN and then inform Ca of SSN and they will issue license
7. Start work

Silverdragon102, BSN · Oct 4, 2008

You are welcome and good luck. Keep us updated on how it goes

suzanne4, RN · Oct 5, 2008

CA is taking four to six months to get approval to sit for the exam, would recommend going thru another state and then just endorsing to CA.

You also need to be aware of the fact that CA is rated high on the list for having the highest unemployment in the country right now, and any job has to be proven that they offered it first to an American. CA may not be the best in terms of finding a job right now.

kittyfox · Oct 19, 2008

Many thanks! Is it hard for nurse to find a job in States now? I knew it is really hard for guys who want to get job in finanial industry. ... Same for nurses now????

CA is taking four to six months to get approval to sit for the exam, would recommend going thru another state and then just endorsing to CA.
You also need to be aware of the fact that CA is rated high on the list for having the highest unemployment in the country right now, and any job has to be proven that they offered it first to an American. CA may not be the best in terms of finding a job right now.