NCLEX Requirements

RNSmiles · Feb 16, 2021

NCLEX and RN licensure are two different things. However you need to pass NCLEX to get a (state) RN license.

Please read carefully:
You can take your NCLEX anywhere (in any states) in the US. However, on the test date, you will need to present a valid government-issued ID, such as, valid visa and/or passport, drivers license or state ID) before you’ll be allowed into your test center. Your name on the ID must match with the name you use during registration.

To add, as per RN licensure, some states require you to have SSN whereas others don’t.

Try to get any of the above IDs and you will be fine to test in other states should need be.

Bubble buster: you don’t need a valid F1 Visa or SSN to test or secure RN licensure in states like NY. I’m not sure if it’s the same in CA. I urge you to further research.

Best of best.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 16, 2021

Not sure how you can have a visa that expired but still legal. Anyway Oklahoma may let you sit NCLEX because you trained in the US but not issue a license without proving you are legally allowed to live and work.

if you can’t afford to leave now how are you planning on staying because getting a work or immigrant visa isn’t quick especially in these current times

RNSmiles · Feb 16, 2021

@Silverdragon102 The info you provided is inaccurate. I’m not trying to attack you or be condescending.

Expired visa doesn’t mean an F1 student is illegal or accruing illegal presence. Every F1 student must have a valid visa and/or valid I-20; in fact, a valid I-20 establishes F1 student temporary residence and keep them “in status” or “legal” as F1 students.

The above F1 student can always apply for licensure in another state or take his exam outside of Oklahoma (check NSCBN page for detail)

The above F1 student can always apply for OPT (I think) 90 days before his I-20 expired (please check the accurate information on USCIS webpage). The OPT allows F1 students to work legally for a few months to years. Again check USCIS page for detail.

Disclaimer: this shouldn’t be construed as a legal advice. But you can always check USCIS and NSCBN webpages as they pertain to you for proper guidance.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Feb 16, 2021

@RNSmiles I just said not sure how visa expired but legal. We have seen many states allow people to register and sit NCLEX but not issue a license until proof of US SSN or immigrant visa/work visa. I know about OPT but if they haven’t applied for it then they have to remain as a student until they find employer willing to go the work or immigrant route and even then the process isn’t quick. If they can’t afford to leave the question is can they afford to remain as a student whilst they look for employer.

Totally agree to check USCIS and state BON websites

RNSmiles · Feb 16, 2021

A valid F1 Visa allows you to travel into the US for educational purpose and out of the US to your home country or any other place. I-20 establishes your active status as a student. I-20 is not a travel document! This means you WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE COUNTRY if your visa has expired even with a valid I-20. You will need to apply for a new visa in your home country or any country with a US consulate.

A case in point: if my visa is valid for one year because I applied for a year program. Let’s say I then later decided to change my program(F1 students are free to make this choice at anytime inasmuch as they are in good standing in the previous school) to a new program (in their primary school or in a different school) that takes 2 years, I don’t have to apply to a new visa. All I need to initiate a transfer; my valid I-20 + transfer form + ensure you pay all debt + assistance of DSOs are sufficient for this process.

You don’t need to have SSN in New York to have apply for RN licensure nor is it a requirement to register for NCLEX. However , if you already got an SSN, you need to include it in the space provided. I’ll refer this applicant to check NYSED webpage.