New Mexico or New York for licensure

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Hi Folks, I am a foreign educated nurse from India and would like to take up and pass NCLEX-RN and eventually become a US RN. Here I am in a dilemma. As I don't have Green card or SSN, I am supposed to select a State that has less hurdles to get registered as a nurse. I am already aware that NY does not need SSN to get license. But its a long term process I believe. I heard that New Mexico has a speedy registration process. I have already passed IELTS which is a requirement of NM BON. Unfortunately they are asking for finger print cards. Is it possible to get fingerprint cards for a non US citizen?

All expert opinions are highly appreciated.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Thread moved to nurse registration forum in world nursing section to elicit further response

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You can request fingerprint cards on the NM BON website.

Here is the link: Fingerprint Request

As you are internationally educated they will require you to have a credentials review. I used CGFNS - you need the credentials evaluation service (CES)

I am from the UK and will take my NCLEX for NM this week. All I can say about the board is, they are not overly helpful towards foreign nurses. Make sure that you read all of the requirements prior to submitting anything and ensure they have your credentials review before you submit your application packet.

Also, they do ask for your SSN on almost every page of the application, so you might need to clarify if you are eligible to apply without one.

I know that Florida accepts applicants who don't have a SSN as one of my colleagues from the UK was able to apply there.

Good Luck :)

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Thank you Smilty for your response. I have already contacted BON and SSN is not necessary for licensure.

My concern is about finger print procedure. Do I need to fly to US to get it done? Is there any possibility to complete it from India itself?

Thanks again.

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I think you should be able to get it done in your home country. You have to have it done at a police station or somewhere official. They send a form that you have to get the official to sign.

Good luck

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Thank you Smilty for your response. I have already contacted BON and SSN is not necessary for licensure.

My concern is about finger print procedure. Do I need to fly to US to get it done? Is there any possibility to complete it from India itself?

Thanks again.

It's true one does not need a S/S# to apply for the NM license, but they will NOT issue you the actual license with the needed license numbers until you can provide them with one. There's been a few other posters who even passed the NCLEX-RN but stuck as they have no license until they meet the S/S# requirement.

Just know that even if you get the license without a S/S#, any USA employer requires a copy of verifiable S/S# or the employer faces some very expensive fines and in some states, the employer can be looking at going to prison. Many employers now use E-verify so that they can be assured the S/S# is not a fake one.

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Hi Steppybay,

Thanks for the reply. I think it's wise to choose New York state as they do not need SSN to issue license. But it's takes long time to get ATT.

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