Important info for Visa Screen Certificate

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Important info for all of you that are required to now complete the Visa Screen Certificate who have already been working in the US, etc.

1. If you have completed and passed NCLEX already, you do not have to take another exam in nursing. Once this is passed, this is it. You are not required to leave the country to take the CGFNS exam.

2. English exams are only good for two years if you need them. If you are from an exempt country then you do not need to take them.

3. You are just required to complete the paperwork and submit the fee.

4. The Visa Screen process needs to be completed every five years.

Again, once the NCLEX has been done, you now longer have to take another exam. For Visa Screen, you can take either CGFNS or NCLEX. The CGFNS exam is only good for two years, but the NCLEX is good for life. If you need more details you can send me a PM and I will forward a copy of the e-mail, from CGFNS, that I have.

Hope that this helps and decreases some fears that you have.

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http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html

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Hello Suzanne,

Could you please tell me does the Visa Screen program issue a credential evaluation report like CES does?

Basically, my thinking is:

1. I apply for VIsa Screen program since it takes the longest time;

2. Pass the english proficiency exam;

3. Pass the CGFNS Qualifying exam (i pay 295 for the service);

Do i need to make the CES in order to get that report or does the visa screen do that?

Thanks a lot for your help.

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You do not need to sign up for the CES service. Only $325 for the Visa Screen Certification, and then $295 for the CGFNS exam. If you are planning on taking the exam in July, the deadline for all materials to be received in PA is mid-April. This means your application, as well as verification form your Board of Nursing and your transcripts from your nursing college. If you have the form included in the packet filled out and stamped by your school, and also get them to include a full transcript of your nursing education, with the English translation, if necessary, you will be all set for both parts and only have to submit that once. You do not need to submit two sets of papers from your BON, just one time since it goes into the same file. Again, I highly recommend that you send your documents via a courier service and not the mail system.

Good luck :balloons:

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I am still confused about the Visa Screen. I have been crossing the boarder and working in the US for over 3 years. I am a licenced Michigan Nurse and I wrote the NCLEX to obtain it. Why would I need credetialed again if I am already licenced for the state? Help! No one has a straight answer.

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You are a Canadian working under the NAFTA treaty? The new requirements of this type of Visa and any other that allows you to work in Healthcare, now requires the Visa Screen Certificate. You will not be allowed to renew your visa without it. Since you already have a visa, and lets say that it doen't until next August 2005, you will be okay until July 2005. You are covered by the grandfather rule for one year. If you happen to leave to go home, you will not be permitted to reenter the US without this being completed. Doesn't matter if you own a home and car in Michigan, you will have to take care of this. You visa is a work permit and you will not be allowed to work without it, so they will not let you back in...............These are the US Government rules..................

Go to the website for CGFNS at http://www.CGFNS.org and look under programs. At the bottom of the list, it is a program for "Visa Screen for NAFTA Visa" holders. You must pay the fee and complete the paperwork. This will need to be renewed every five years.

Hope that this helps............... :balloons:

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do you know how long it's taking to get the visa screen from CGFNS now? thanks.

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Probably about four months to have the actual certificate in hand, but that is at the earliest. If you are missing something from your papers, then it is longer. Also, if you have taken CGFNS exam, could be a little shorter, because they have already looked at your credentials. Timeframe that they are giving is two months, but I haven't seen anyone in that time period. In my opinion, it is only going to get longer, as everyone has to go through the program now.

My suggestion to my students is that they apply right in the beginning. It actually states that right in the CGFNS handbook. Do not wait until the end.

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Suzanne, you are very helpful to anyone seeking Visa screen information. I find your posts very informative.

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Suzanne, you are very helpful to anyone seeking Visa screen information. I find your posts very informative.

Thank you! :balloons:

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Thank you very much Suzanne4,you have always good advices :)

Joun :balloons:

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Thank you very much Suzanne4,you have always good advices :)

Joun :balloons:

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