Obtaining Ca license as a Canadian?

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Hello there!

I'm a fairly recent graduate of a Canadian nursing program. I have my RN license in Ontario and have been working as a nurse since graduation. I am presently married to a US citizen from California and we want to move to the state. I am experiencing one problem in particular with applying to this state's nursing board. I don't have a SSN. I can't even access their online forms through BreeZE without putting in a SSN. I'm not sure how to remedy this. I've tried calling the board but they just tell me to call back at a better time due to a high call volume. I've emailed them to inquire butr have received no response after one week. I haven't found anything on their site about applying for licensure by examination when you don't have a SSN.

Can anyone help with this? Do I just need to apply by paper/mail and omit the SSN? The PDF forms say at the bottom that if you don't include a SSN, the application won't be processed.

Any input would be helpful.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/end-app.pdf

I gave this a quick glance, and as you mentioned, it appears that if you do not provide a SSN, your application simply will not be processed. IMO, I would start finding out how to obtain that SSN. You're going to need one anyway once you immigrate here.

A heads-up that the CA BRN is notoriously strict about educational requirements. If your nursing program doesn't meet those requirements, you're not getting licensed in CA regardless of how many other state/province licenses you hold. I haven't heard of many Canadians getting denied though...it's usually been applicants from Philippines or Excelsior grads that are getting told NO.

Best of luck!

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The CA BRN will not accept and consider your application for licensure until you have a Social Security number. That's how they do things.

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How does one obtain a SSN as a Canadian?

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

You need to obtain a green card (perhaps via marriage) or qualify for a nafta TN visa. You have a BSN so that's step one. Now you need a license and an offer of employment. That's the catch 22. You can't get a job offer to get a SSN without a license, you can't get a license without a SSN in CA.

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