Social Security number problem

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hi!I'm currently here in Texas using my tourist visa. I want to take my NCLEX exam here. Do you happen to know if its possible even without social security number? I kept on calling the BON here in Texas but I haven't gotten any feedback yet. I need some help please. Thanks.

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Specializes in Emergency, Tele, Med Surg, DOU, ICU.

Depends on the board. They may let you take the NCLEX but without a social security number they will not issue you an RN license. In my opinion since you do not have a social security number which are issued only to US citizens and legal immigrants, what you intend to do (attempt to take NCLEX) is a waste of your money and time.

I'm sorry for being blunt but that is what it is.

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is that so!?what's the best thing i can do to have an RN license and will be able to work here!??thanks?

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

The evaluation process takes a few months have you even started the credentials evaluation yet? NCLEX is but one step in the process in obtaining a nursing license by examination. You cannot simply take the NCLEX. You must have your credentials assessed (by the BoN if US educated and likely CGFNS if an IEN), then apply to the BoN for a license by examination, pass the fingerprint & background check and in TX take and pass the TX jurisprudence exam. Not something that can be completed quickly or cheaply.

Just so that you are aware, there is a federal mandate that professional licenses only be issued to those with work rights (a valid social security number issued to a citizen, permanent resident , or non citizen with a valid work visa ). States are slowly complying by requiring social security number as part of the application process (such as CA , AZ , MD, VT, NJ) or prior to the license being issued (such as FL).

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Specializes in OR Nurse.

Depends. But if you want to take NCLEX here in the US that doesnt require ssn then you need to apply to Vermont or Illinois. But you can still take it in Texas even if you apply in the other state. Hope it helps

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
is that so!?what's the best thing i can do to have an RN license and will be able to work here!??thanks?

Tourist visas are not intended to search for work. You are to visit and return to your home country. If you are using your real name and USCIS gets word of your intention to use a tourist visa to seek work your tourist visa can be revoked and you can be required to leave the country and possibly be barred from returning for up to 10 years.

Are you a licensed nurse with 5+ years of paid clinical experience? Do you have several years experience in an in-demand specialty area such as PICU, NICU, CCD, SICU, TICU, ED/a Trauma, L&D, OR, PACU, etc)? If not you will be hard pressed to find an employer willing to take the chance and sponsor you for a H1B specialist visa. Employment based visas are affected by retrogression and depend on your country of birth. Those born in the Philippines have a 5-10+ year wait for the visa status to become current. Indian born applicants have a 10-12 year wait. It's hard to expect an employer to hold a job for a few weeks never mind hold a job for several years.

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

Depends. But if you want to take NCLEX here in the US that doesnt require ssn then you need to apply to Vermont or Illinois. But you can still take it in Texas even if you apply in the other state. Hope it helps

Vermont requires a social security number as a condition of application for over a year now. Also a valid SSN is required for license renewal.

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Specializes in OR Nurse.

Ohh really? I didn't know that, coz my friend applied for vermont and she dont have ssn. Maybe they change the rules but she applied last 2months ago. Took nclex and pass and now shes RN. Maybe it's different now.. hehe But you are right about the tourist visa thing, only US citizen,permanent residenct (greencard),work permit etc can work in the US. Unless she will have a sponsor or employer and they can start their working visa thing before going back to her country.

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You do not need to be a us citizen to take nclex people from other counties take it all the time. Ssn is issues to j1 visa, f1 visa and many other visas you do not have to be a citizen to get one, pls get facts right

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Specializes in OR Nurse.
You do not need to be a us citizen to take nclex people from other counties take it all the time. Ssn is issues to j1 visa, f1 visa and many other visas you do not have to be a citizen to get one, pls get facts right

what I mean is to work in the US you need to have a certain permit to work. We are talking about "VISA". Tourist visa can apply and take NCLEX here but cannot work unless she do have sponsor or employer that will hire her before she go back to her country. Besides, In the oath before going in the US it states that No looking for a job once you applied for tourist visa UNLESS you will get married to a US citizen or will have an employer. I know other country can apply for nclex here which most of them apply for other states that doesnt require SSN (because they are still in their country but if they are here then they can apply ssn depends of what type visa they have). I know that thing. I know the FACTS because that's what my brother did.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Ohh really? I didn't know that, coz my friend applied for vermont and she dont have ssn. Maybe they change the rules but she applied last 2months ago. Took nclex and pass and now shes RN. Maybe it's different now.. hehe But you are right about the tourist visa thing, only US citizen,permanent residenct (greencard),work permit etc can work in the US. Unless she will have a sponsor or employer and they can start their working visa thing before going back to her country.

From Vermont BoN

International Nurses

As of May 15, 2012, the Vermont State Board of Nursing will be unable to accept applications without a valid U.S. Social Security number. No exceptions.

No NCLEX retake or license renewal applications accepted without valid SSN after 12/2014.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
You do not need to be a us citizen to take nclex people from other counties take it all the time. Ssn is issues to j1 visa, f1 visa and many other visas you do not have to be a citizen to get one, pls get facts right

For F1 you need authorization to work to apply for a US SSN and not everyone can apply or everyone gets it.

We are seeing more and more states not issuing a license until a US SSN is submitted. There are however some states that will accept an application without a US SSN just won't give a license if you pass NCLEX. J1 etc are visa that allow you to live and maybe work in the US for a certain period of time

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