RPN in Canada want to work in the States

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I am a Registered Practical Nurse in Canada and I would like to know what would be the process for me to get my RN license in the states and work there?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

To get a RN license will depend on the state and whether they agree your training meets their requirements. Therefore starting point would be applying to the state you plan on living and working in. Bare in mind CA requires a US SSN and give everyone who doesn't train in California a hard time

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Once you have a US state license then it is a case of finding a employer willing to go the work/immigrant visa route

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Thank you so much for your reply! I just have a few more questions

Do you know what is the equivalent of a Canadian RPN in the states? I heard that an RPN will be an LPN in the states. If I study one more year in Canada would I then be the equivalent of a RN with an associates degree? Also if I am able to get a license in one state would I then be able to apply for license by endorsement in another state? I am trying for Florida.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Generally US LPN training is 12 months plus any time taking prerequisites. If you bridge to RN it may be accepted. If Florida is your destination then apply there first and see what is said about your application.

Also endorsing doesn't always mean you meet new state requirements

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In the US, LPN is 1 year of training and for RN it is 2/4 years. However in Canada, an RPN trains for 2 years and RN for 4 years. Does this mean that an RPN from Canada with 2 years of training can apply for an RN license in the states without any further study? Also do you need a bachelors degree to get an H1B visa or would an education level equivalent to the associates degree suffice? Sorry for so many questions! It's just that the application process is expensive and lengthy and I want to make sure I have an understanding of whether or not I at least meet the minimum qualifications for this process to be possible.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
In the US, LPN is 1 year of training and for RN it is 2/4 years. However in Canada, an RPN trains for 2 years and RN for 4 years. Does this mean that an RPN from Canada with 2 years of training can apply for an RN license in the states without any further study? Also do you need a bachelors degree to get an H1B visa or would an education level equivalent to the associates degree suffice? Sorry for so many questions! It's just that the application process is expensive and lengthy and I want to make sure I have an understanding of whether or not I at least meet the minimum qualifications for this process to be possible.

H1B requires a minimum of a bachelors plus specialty experience. No a Canadian RPN does not equate to US RN without further study. LPN/RPN does not meet the requirements for TN visa, EB3 or H1B specialty visa.

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So if I study a year longer in Canada and obtain the equivalency of an RN with associates degree can I eventually work with an h1b ? Because I know only RNs can obtain work visa but by RN do they mean any RN or RNs strictly with bachelors?

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Please note it's not about the length of an educational program, it's about the content. A practical nursing program of any length would not be considered the equivalent of an RN program in the US, because there are significant differences in the scope of practice. In order to be eligible for RN licensure in the US, you would have to have completed a program that is considered equivalent (in content, not length) to RN programs in the US.

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Specializes in Public Health.
Please note it's not about the length of an educational program, it's about the content. A practical nursing program of any length would not be considered the equivalent of an RN program in the US, because there are significant differences in the scope of practice. In order to be eligible for RN licensure in the US, you would have to have completed a program that is considered equivalent (in content, not length) to RN programs in the US.

Not related to this thread, but bear in mind that Canadian RPNs have a scope of practice that is MUCH broader than an LPN in the states. Because of the fact that the programs are 2-2.5 years in length, they do cover substantially more content. In many clinical settings in Ontario, including more acute settings, RNs at the bedside are being replaced by RPNs. Many RNs are moving towards roles away from the bedside (research, case management, clinical education, leadership/management, etc.). I actually wouldn't even consider this as "being replaced", it's just more proper utilization of nurses and their different knowledge levels and skills.

Again, like I said this is not directed towards this particular post as I know this does not matter when one is looking at moving to the U.S., but just in general.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

You couldn't just go to school for a year and expect to be considered an RN

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
So if I study a year longer in Canada and obtain the equivalency of an RN with associates degree can I eventually work with an h1b ? Because I know only RNs can obtain work visa but by RN do they mean any RN or RNs strictly with bachelors?

No. You cannot be an RN without completing an RN program

The minimum for H1B is BSN plus 5-15 years of specialty experience. Your experiences as an RPN don't count. Many RNs do not qualify for an H1B. Many companies won't go through time & expense for H1B. New grads never qualify.

TN visa is an option if a Canadian citizen with RN plus experience. And is minimal time/cost to employer.

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