Moving to California as a Canadian RN

[potentialnurse1]

Hi I'm currently in high school and I'm planning to take BScN in uni here in Ontario, Canada to become an RN. After that I'd like to move and work in California as an RN. I was wondering what would the steps be for me to achieve this goal because I heard that I have to apply in California Nursing Board then pass then NCLEX exam then find an employer in Cali and that's when I get my TN visa then after that I'd get my SSN. But since I'm Canadian my TN visa would only allow me to work in US for 3 years so after TN visa, is it possible for me to become a permanent resident in Cali or even a citizen?

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the International Nursing forum 

I would concentrate on getting your nursing done and then come back to see what the process is as things change all the time. Currently California is a very hard state to get registered in especially as a nurse trained outside of the US. Correct TN only allows you to work for 3 years but is renewable and if the employer is willing to sponsor your immigrant visa then it is an option. You cannot become a citizen until you have PR

[hypnotizer90, BSN, RN]

Another issue as well that you need to have theory and clinical hours on the following: 

1. medical

2. surgical

3. psychiatrics

4. pediatrics

5. obstetrics

I did the RPN-RN route in ON, CAN and never been sent to pediatrics and obstetrics clinical hours. (If I knew that this is a thing in the US, I probably requested for it). The theory is there. 

Maine asked my schools to provide such letter indicating I had theory & clinical hours on those. Every State is different and they assess "other factors" therefore they decided to give me the RN license. 

Another solution is if the Cali Board thinks you need to take 1-2 semesters in California to take those deficits. You may need to start at another State to get that US RN license and SSN.