Steps to become RN after arriving on K1 Visa

suzanne4, RN · Apr 30, 2006

You need to go thru the same licensing process as anyone else. You do not need the Visa Screen Certificate. English exams are waived as far as immigration, but depending on the state where you are going to, some have language requirements.

You need to submit an application to the BON ( Board of Nursing) for the state that you want a license in. You want the "License by Examination" application. Some have specific requirements as to other things that they want completed, such as the CGFNS exam, or a CES.

Once your credentials are accepted, then you will get permission to sit for the exam, but not until.

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Please post any questions dealing with working in the US and US immigration issues on the International Forum, as they do not pertain strictly to the Filipino Forum.

JaniceLM · Apr 30, 2006

You need to go thru the same licensing process as anyone else. You do not need the Visa Screen Certificate. English exams are waived as far as immigration, but depending on the state where you are going to, some have language requirements.
You need to submit an application to the BON ( Board of Nursing) for the state that you want a license in. You want the "License by Examination" application. Some have specific requirements as to other things that they want completed, such as the CGFNS exam, or a CES.
Once your credentials are accepted, then you will get permission to sit for the exam, but not until.
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Please post any questions dealing with working in the US and US immigration issues on the International Forum, as they do not pertain strictly to the Filipino Forum.

Hi thank you for your response. How do I get my credentials accepted?

I will be here in the philippines for about 6 months until my Visa is approved. Is there something I can do to get my credentials accepted while I'm still here?

suzanne4, RN · Apr 30, 2006

Which state are you going to live in? You need to apply for licensure to that state, and follow what evern instructions that they have. Different states have different requirements. You just need to follow what they tell you that you need.

Submit your application now, do not wait until you are over in the US.

JaniceLM · Apr 30, 2006

Which state are you going to live in? You need to apply for licensure to that state, and follow what evern instructions that they have. Different states have different requirements. You just need to follow what they tell you that you need.
Submit your application now, do not wait until you are over in the US.

I will be living in Virginia.

Do I need to get my credentials approved before I apply for licensure in this state? How can I do this?

I heard I have to go through some sort of consultant to get my credentials approved and only then can I sit in the NCLEX exam. Is this accurate? I'm very confused so I appreciate any help.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 30, 2006

You do not need an outside consultant.

Go to the Virginia BON website and follow what they say that they need for foreign grads. As simple as that.

Virginia does require the CGFNS exam for initial licensure, if you do not have a license in another state that you can endorse. Suggest that you go that route, and then endorse.

JaniceLM · May 2, 2006

You do not need an outside consultant.
Go to the Virginia BON website and follow what they say that they need for foreign grads. As simple as that.
Virginia does require the CGFNS exam for initial licensure, if you do not have a license in another state that you can endorse. Suggest that you go that route, and then endorse.

I went to the Virginia BON website and it states this:

2 COMMISSION ON GRADUATES OF FOREIGN NURSING SCHOOLS QUALIFYING

EXAMINATION - CGFNS

It is required that evidence of passing on the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Qualifying Exam. The Certification Program is comprised of a three-part program that includes a credentials review, a one-day test of nursing knowledge (CGFNS Qualifying Exam), and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

So I also need TOEFL it seems?

I was told that if I am a perminent resident in America that the only thing I need is NCLEX exam and my transcript. Now it seems I need a lot more.

Someone also told me that if you take the CGFNS exam then you also need to have local board exam here in Philippines first. Is that correct? I don't plan on taking the local board here.

Which states allow me to take just NCLEX and get license that way? Also if I decide to do that way and then later change to another state, how hard is it and how long does it take to change? Thank you again.

asiagarden · Jun 14, 2006

JaniceLM, i was too on a K1 visa and i did not take my licensure exam in the philippines because I graduated last May 2005 so that means no time for June 2005 board exam because they will not allow you to take that board exam since I was a summer graduate. I was not able to take the Dec board exam because I had to go here in Virginia on September 2005 since K1-visa is only good for 90 days, right? so what I did was i applied to Maryland board of nursing and then they sent me a packet where the have the CGFNS CES. So at present, I am still waiting for my credentials evaluation. If you have any more questions, I will be glad to answer that as much as I can.