)? about License by endorsement in Arizona (from Canada)

Cali83 · Sep 12, 2008

Hey, I might not be of MUCH help, as I moved from Canada to California before a visa screen was needed and I haven't had to deal with this stuff in awhile...but...I BELIEVE that an I-95 or I-94 and a TN Visa are the same thing. You'll obtain that when you cross the border with your letter in hand stating your offer of employment. Its a little piece of paper with your name and an ID # on it that they staple to the inside of your passport. When you go for your interview and what not, just tell them they will get that when you come down to start work because you can't get it before hand. And, I don't recall needing it prior to getting finger printed. Goodluck! And MAKE SURE you have an address of where you'll be staying when you cross the border...and letter head on your job offer letter! Those guys at the border love to make your life difficult.

suzanne4, RN · Sep 13, 2008

The I-94 is what you get when you have a visa to enter the US stamped in your passport; but you do not need this to get done what you need.

Have MN submit the documents to AZ as if you were applying now for a license there, get that done.

I would not focus on the 48 hours as it is going to take you longer than that to get situated as well as have the SSN# in hand to be able to begin work. It is usually about ten days to get the SSN# and have it in hand to submit to the employer and that is needed before you can begin work and you cannot apply for that until you have the TN Visa in hand.

Get the interview done and then go from there, licensure is done completely by you; there is nothing that the employer will be able to do to get it done sooner.

An employer will hire you without you being available in two days, that is how most function. Even if an American, most are unable to move and begin work in just two days.

Best of luck to you.

CanNurse06 · Oct 10, 2008

Hi Tequila,

I just reached the same roadblock today and decided to check out allnurses to see if there was any advice on what I should do and saw your post.

I am also a Canadian, planning to relocate south for the winter on a TN visa.

I have both an MI and TX license, but would ideally like to work in AZ and applied to the board of nursing for that state a couple of weeks ago. I checked online today and was confused to see that they were waiting to receive a copy of my citizenship documentation. I had mailed them a copy of my Canadian passport - so I called to find out more info.

To get the AZ license, you need to provide proof of citizenship & documentation to be legally present in the US i.e. TN Visa. BUT, we can't get a TN Visa without a license for the state of expected employment.

Chicken and egg dilemma.

AZ Board of Nursing said that they can mail a letter for the TN application at the border explaining the situation, so you go, apply and get the TN.....then mail in a copy of the TN to the Board of Nursing. They mail you a temp license so you can start work. Other paperwork is needed for the permanent license.

I left a voicemail for the person who organizes this letter at the AZ BON, but want to speak to her in person on Tuesday before I let out a sigh of relief.

I'm still waiting for my VisaScreen to come through, and have already lost a job because of the delay in receiving it. I hope that it comes through soon.

Hope this helps. I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with all the red tape!!! Just keep reminding yourself that when it's -30 degrees up here, we'll be all toasty warm in the sun.

CanNurse