States that DO NOT require SSN.

Updated:   Published

This is just an FYI for non-American travelers who do not have a social security number. I was searching for a list of states that don't require an SSN to get a job because, as a Canadian, you have to take an assignment in one of these states to get an SSN while you're there so you can travel to a state that does require an SSN after. So here it is!

AZ

AK

CO

CT

FL

IL

ME

MN

OR

TX

VA

WA

WI

NC

Hopes this helps!

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Are you talking about boards of nursing that do not require an SSN to apply for a license? Every employer in every state does require one - you cannot get a job without one.

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Yes, SSN to apply for licensure and your first travel assignment... Until you arrive in the States to apply for one. US employers require an SSN legally, just as you must have one in Canada.

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

They are moving the thread to the International Nursing forum as more appropriate there. Technically, all states are supposed to require an SSN upon application or, at minimum, before issuing a nursing license; it is a rolling implementation. CA, VT, and other states have already begun enforcing this mandate.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

AZ, as far as I am aware, requires a US SSN with the application or, at the most, will not issue a license without one.

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I notice NC is on the OP's list. The NC BON website requires an SSN to issue a license. Also, per the NC BON website, this is a Federal requirement -- so all states will eventually comply; it's taking some states longer than others to get the new regulations and procedures in place.

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NY doesn't need SSN too.

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New Mexico doesn't require SSNs. I can confirm that as I just got a license issued there as a foreign nurse.

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grantsally1 said:
New Mexico doesn't require SSNs. I can confirm that as I just got a license issued there as a foreign nurse.

Here's my question: let's ASSUME I pass the NCLEX without an SSN; that's great! But how does one get a nursing job (NOT as a traveler)? As mentioned here, "Every employer in every state does require one - you cannot get a job without one."

I know that's true, as any employment application clearly states, "Are you legally able to work in the United States?" Sometimes, it's just a box to check "YES" or "NO." One can't contain "YES" if they don't have an SSN, green card holder, etc.

If you say "Yes," you can work, you must provide the employer with a valid SSN card number or their PR information. What are your plans to implement working in the States? I'm guessing you're already working on your PR status, or.

Thank you in advance, and congrats on getting your RN license :yeah: that's one job well done!

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Thanks for that steep bay. I will be using an E3 visa, which requires a job offer from the employer and doesn't have to supply an SSN at that stage. As soon as I get a job offer together with LCA from the employer, I can apply at a U.S. consulate for the E3 visa on the spot. If approved, I can apply for the SSN before landing in the U.S., which is then supplied to the employer before starting with them. You only need a valid Visa to apply for SSN outside the U.S.

Not sure about other visas, though. I had no problems getting New Mexico License without SSN and am currently endorsing Colorado using an SSN waiver for foreign nurses for endorsement—$ 43 plus a $30 nurse verification fee. I don't know how R.N.s will circumnavigate the SSN issue with the boards of nursing when they all change to SSN requirements before any applications. It will be impossible for foreign nurses to apply for full stops. We all know we have to have an SSN before working, which is fine, but it makes it very hard to gain licensure, and that's the only issue most of us have.

Regards and best of luck.

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grantsally1 said:

Thanks for that steep bay. I will be using an E3 visa, which requires a job offer from the employer and doesn't have to supply an SSN at that stage. As soon as I get a job offer together with LCA from the employer, I can apply at a U.S. consulate for the E3 visa on the spot. If approved, I can apply for the SSN before landing in the U.S., which is then supplied to the employer before starting with them. You only need a valid Visa to apply for SSN outside the U.S.

Not sure about other visas, though. I had no problems getting New Mexico License without SSN and am currently endorsing Colorado using an SSN waiver for foreign nurses for endorsement—$ 43 plus a $30 nurse verification fee. I don't know how R.N.s will circumnavigate the SSN issue with the boards of nursing when they all change to SSN requirements before any applications. It will be impossible for foreign nurses to apply for full stops. We all know we have to have an SSN before working, which is fine, but it makes it very hard to gain licensure, and that's the only issue most of us have.

Regards and best of luck.

Ahh, okay, thanks for the information; it sounds like you're not coming from the PH, so that helps your case, LOL. Most Philippine grads and nurses can't go the route you're taking via the E3 visa.

Good luck with your job hunting, and I hope that happens soon! Report back one day when you land that job!

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GUYZ, I need suggestions here. :blink:

I learned that TEXAS and NEW MEXICO don't require SSNs if you endorse your examination license to them. :saint::saint:

WHICH state has the cheapest and fastest when it comes to processing your endorsement?

Thank you so much, and FEEDBACK will be significantly appreciated. :smug: ♥♥♥

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