Foreign-educated NCLEX passer. No license acquired from country of origin of nursing schl

World International Nursing Q/A

Hello. I am a foreign-educated nurse, and have just recently passed the NCLEX-RN.

I would like to know if which SPECIFIC US states that DON'T require a nursing license from the country of origin where the nursing education was acquired. I've been trying all day online researching trying to find an answer to this, but to no avail. Help! Please if there's anyone out there who knows which US states I can practice nursing WITHOUT a local license of the country where I graduated nursing from.

Thank you very much guys.

6 Answers

Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

You do NOT need any "original" license from any country to practice nursing in the USA. You need a license granted by a state where you are going to practice.

The Boards of every state have their own, slightly different, processes for foreign nursing grads. They might want to see documents about your education, like your foreign diploma. But they won't need your "original" license.

If you are already on CGFNS conveyor belt, just follow their instructions. If not, go to CGFNS International, Inc. | Global Credibility |

then go through motions. Some states are more difficult to get into, California being thought to be the worst one.

Depends on the state. California does NOT require a license from the country you studied from. It states on their application form you must "provide a copy of your foreign license OR diploma", the OR is important to note, because it means you can provide either one. After submitting my initial application, they asked me for a copy of my passport (cover to cover) and a copy of my foreign license. I provided the copies of my passport and a letter of explanation to the BRN as to why I did not obtain a foreign license. I have to wait another 4 weeks for my ATT. Good luck future nurse ;)

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
You do NOT need any "original" license from any country to practice nursing in the USA. You need a license granted by a state where you are going to practice.

The Boards of every state have their own, slightly different, processes for foreign nursing grads. They might want to see documents about your education, like your foreign diploma. But they won't need your "original" license.

If you are already on CGFNS conveyor belt, just follow their instructions. If not, go to CGFNS International, Inc. | Global Credibility |

then go through motions. Some states are more difficult to get into, California being thought to be the worst one.

Some states will ask for a license in the country where they trained. Saying that it may be waivered following contact with BON and letter of explanation.

You eliminated three states already and you're limited to stay within the Midwest areas and limited to not having an international RN license, so why not start looking into those Midwestern states closest to where you want to work and go from there?

Let's say, WA state or OR doesn't require the foreign RN license but then, it's too far from your Midwestern family ties, so these Western states are an automatic no-go.

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

My question would be if already passed NCLEX for a state do you not want to work in that state?

My question would be if already passed NCLEX for a state do you not want to work in that state?

I passed in New York. As we all know, it is very expensive there and good nsg job prospects are low. Also my family is in the Midwest area so I plan to be closer around there.

I've already crossed out CA, IL, MO---these States require a nursing license of the foreign country you graduated from.

Now is there anyone out here who graduated abroad with NO LOCAL LICENSE in that foreign country but passed the nclex and are able to practice in the United States? Kindly tell me what State you're in.

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