Published Jan 15, 2014
Christiney
15 Posts
Hello everyone :) I need some answers and good advice. Ok so I'll give you some background info on me first. I'm a Canadian nurse and I currently work in Vancouver. I recently got my licence in washinton state because I though I would be moving there, but plans have changed now and I would like to go to California to work. Can I apply for a California state licence by Endorsment? Or do I have to take the NCLEX again? I keep hearing different answers from different people so I'd really like to know :) I'd really appreciate the help!
loriangel14, RN
6,931 Posts
You only have to pass the NCLEX once. Yes you can apply for a licesne by endorsement.
denicu
244 Posts
Like the other poster said you do not need to take the NCLEX again. However, you will have to endorse your WA license to CA. If you go to the CA BON all the info is there and its pretty clear cut. If you have questions its best to call the BON although its difficult to get through. I called one morn at opening 8am and was shocked that I actually was able to speak to a very nice live person. I think this is important because as you noted you graduated from a nursing school outside of the US. I dont know what the nursing curriculum is like in Canada but from reading various posting from international nurses it appears some are having difficulty getting a CA license due to differences in nursing curriculum. My other suggestion, if possible is to go to CA to do the livescan and apply for temp license first-its a shorter wait time.
Well that is a huge relief! :) I don't want to take the NCLEX again. Okay I will follow the guidelines on the CA BON but I see that I need a social security number? I don't have one since I work and live in Canada. What should I do?
elkpark
14,633 Posts
You cannot apply for a CA license until you have a SSN valid for work purposes.
Okay so how do I get a SSN? Would I have to first work in Washington state where I am licensed and use that fo get to California? Or is there another way? Please help. I'm not familiar with the rules and regulations.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
Go to the social security website (http://www.socialsecurity.gov). You cannot obtain a SSN until you have permanent residency or valid work rights via visa (TN visa qualifies). You would have to obtain a job that qualifies for a TN visa in a state other than CA
Go to the social security website (www.socialsecurity.gov). You cannot obtain a SSN until you have permanent residency or valid work rights via visa (TN visa qualifies). You would have to obtain a job that qualifies for a TN visa in a state other than CA
Okay so Ive decided I'm going to apply for work in washinton state. I'm going to go to a job fair this weekend and hopefully get hired. Can you tell me what the process is to obtain a work visa? Do I have to bring paper work for them to sign? Does my employer have to do anything? Please enlighten me I'm unsure. Thanks so much.
Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN
20,908 Posts
from the immigration website....TN NAFTA Professionals | USCIS
Okay I read through it and from what I gather is that I can obtain a TN visa without a visa screen? Is that possible?
I think the website about the TN visa is the best place for you to get your answers-unless someone has gone through this exp I would not trust their answers. There is another website-delphi forums and subforum called travel nurses and therapists. I dont see many now but there use to be a lot of Canadian nurses asking and giving info about TN visa. This is a website for travelers but I think that's how most of the nurses got to work in the US and they were sponsored by the travel agency. Good luck.