reciprocity from cali to VA (foreign graduate)

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Hi there guys! I just want to ask if I still have to take CGFNS (CES) and English proficiency Exam when I want to apply for reciprocity from California to Virginia if I'm a foreign graduate? and the other thing is can I work under my California license for 30days after sending the application for reciprocity but haven't done the CGFNS and English proficiency stuff yet? Thanks.. :crying2:

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Have you looked at the VA BON website? All the info and forms related to applying for licensure by endorsement should be there (inc. any special instructions for foreign-educated applicants).

There is no "grace period" for which you can use your California license in Virginia -- you have to have a Virginia license to be able to work in Virginia, even a single day.

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I did. It actually doesnt say anything about endorsement of another state license to Virginia if your a graduate of foreign country. It only has application for LICENSURE via EXAMINATION graduated from another country not endorsement. Thank you though. I appreciate it.

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I just took a look at the VA BON site, out of curiosity, and see that I was wrong about practicing with a CA license -- VA does allow an applicant to practice with a valid license from another state for up to 30 days if you've submitted your application for VA license and have a letter from the BON authorizing you to do so. Ya learn something new every day! I've never heard of any state allowing such a thing -- I stand corrected, and apologize for misspeaking.

I didn't see any special requirements for foreign-educated nurses applying for licensure by endorsement, as long as you have a valid license in another state, but, of course, your best bet is to confirm that directly with the VA BON.

Best wishes!

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Hi pilyoRN, we kinda have the same problem. but mine is that im still gonna apply nclex in CA since there is no need for CGFNS, TOEFL,. but i'm having 2nd thoughts that maybe when i passed and have my license endorse in VA, they still gonna need the CGFNS and TOEFL. I look at VA BON site and it's quite confusing since they already have this online application. Do you have any progress yet? I'm hoping for your reply. :)

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Hi Lbella pilyoRn,

I just take my NCLEX RN and passed last week in New York state. Now I need to endorsement my license to VA. Please help me. Do I need to take any other test. Because I also graduated other country.

Thanks.

[email protected]

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

To be honest, only the VA BON can answer with certainty any questions about licensure.

Virginia Board of Nursing

OP: to help avoid any potential problems, you should begin the application process as early as possible, in order to work out any requirements or problems as they come up...so by the time you arrive in VA you have your license or that temporary authorization letter.

And keep in mind that 30 days can pass by fast. You don't want to start working at a job in VA but find that for whatever reason--yours or theirs--you don't have the license from the BON before the grace period expires. Then you'd have to stop working immediately until the license arrives...not a good way to start a relationship with a new employer.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

VA Info:

Licensure by Endorsement – Registered Nurse

If you have graduated from an approved nursing education program and have been licensed by examination in another state within the U.S. or are scheduled to sit for the NCLEX in another state in the U.S., you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement.

Canadian Nurses:

Canadian Nurses are eligible for endorsement if:

  • the nurse holds an unrestricted license in Canada,
  • the nurse’s training was obtained in Canada where English was the primary language, and
  • the nurse passed the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) or other Canadian nurse licensing examination administered since 1970.

Foreign and Puerto Rico Nurses:

If your nursing education was received in another foreign country or Puerto Rico (did not take the NCLEX in Puerto Rico), please contact the board at (804) 367-4555 before filing this application.

Please read the application questions carefully before answering each question. If you need additional information, please read the Board of Nursing regulations governing nursing.

Please Note: Click here to determine if your original state of Licensure requires the Nursys form for verification. Click here to use the Nursys online verification system.

Applications for licensure as a Registered Nurse by Endorsement or Examination are now exclusively accepted online. Click here to begin the online application process.

From Regulations

A. A graduate of an approved nursing education program who has been licensed by examination in another U.S. jurisdiction and whose license is in good standing, or is eligible for reinstatement, if lapsed, shall be eligible for licensure by endorsement in Virginia, provided the applicant satisfies the same requirements for registered nurse or practical nurse licensure as those seeking initial licensure in Virginia. Applicants who have graduated from approved nursing education programs that did not require a sufficient number of clinical hours, as specified in 18VAC90-20-120, may qualify for licensure if they can provide evidence of at least 960 hours of clinical practice with an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. jurisdiction.

Since you had to go through CGFNS for NY licensure, and have passed NCLEX, should not need to repeat info. Contact Board at above number.

Best wishes on the move to VA ---beautiful part of country.

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VA Info:

From Regulations

A. A graduate of an approved nursing education program who has been licensed by examination in another U.S. jurisdiction and whose license is in good standing, or is eligible for reinstatement, if lapsed, shall be eligible for licensure by endorsement in Virginia, provided the applicant satisfies the same requirements for registered nurse or practical nurse licensure as those seeking initial licensure in Virginia. Applicants who have graduated from approved nursing education programs that did not require a sufficient number of clinical hours, as specified in 18VAC90-20-120, may qualify for licensure if they can provide evidence of at least 960 hours of clinical practice with an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. jurisdictionSince you had to go through CGFNS for NY licensure, and have passed NCLEX, should not need to repeat info. Contact Board at above number.

Best wishes on the move to VA ---beautiful part of country.

Thank you so much for all your nice advice. I will contact VA Board of Nursing. I been nurse 14 Years and I always proud of my profession.

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Yes you do. I'm a foreign graduate and had no problems (no CGFNS, no English profiency test) to get my license in California. Moving to Virgina and tried to apply for licensure by endorsement. The BON told me I need a credential evaluation through CGFNS and a the TOEFL or IELTS in order to apply for endorsement. It doesn't matter (for VA) that you are already practicing in CA.

If you live in a compact state that's different though. If you want your VA license you still have to go through the hoops, but there are a lot of job opportunities who accept a license from a compact state.

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