Hi, I am a British trained nurse now living (and trying to get nursing licence) in Texas. The RN training in England is a 3 or 4 year course (diploma or degree) which must be sucessfully completed in order to gain registration with NMC (nursing and midwifery council) and to work. I am not sure about a transfer and how that would work but my advice would be to contact the nursing schools local to the area you would be living to see what they say. Finally, no you do not have to be hired by the government. I hope this is somewhat helpful. Good luck!