VisaScreen Processing Times for Canadian RNs

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Hi,

Can anyone tell me approximately how long it takes for a VisaScreen certificate to be issued to a Canadian RN?

I requested all my transcripts etc to be submitted around a month ago, and am now wondering if the work start date of November 1st is a little optimistic.

Any feedback would be very much appreciated, so I can consider changing my move date.

Thank you,

CanNurse

Specializes in ER.

Thank you. That's encouraging, but I'm still concerned why my paperwork is taking so long to get there and get processed by CGFNS. I called them and they said that it takes them 10 days upon receipt of a transcript etc., to update the website. Maybe my school, Board of Nursing just took a long time to mail all the papers to them.

Thanks again.

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Although generally, for most forms CGFNS received of mine, they would post shortly after receiving it that it was either received, reviewed and/or accepted. A neat little service of theirs.

However' there was one particular transcript that seemed to delay everything - and it was making me nervous.

Originally I regreted paying extra for speedy courier service - to get all my documents to them quickly... But, in hindsight, I was glad, as it allowed me to track the progrees of the letters.

Per UPS tracking, I was able to see that CGFNS Received the above transcript...and time was ticking away. So after several emails to them. I wasnt sure what to do. I emailed them and offered explanations that may help with the acceptance of the last document. As my degree involved 2 institutions (College transfer to University). Of course, it was hard to get a response from them. I even let them know that I know they got the transcript via UPS tracking. So after a few emails (trying to restrain myself in the emails), I didnt know what more to do - or how long it would take.

Then all of a sudden...It came! Exactly one month after they received it.

It just seemed odd - that this letter took so long for them to mention they received it (let a alone reviewed it), when every other document was received / reviewed quite promptly.

I honestly dont know how they go about their business there. Im only glad things have come through.

So. if youre saying its nearly 2 months and they have everything - and are sitting on it...definately try contacting them. I think they do have a phone number also.

Hmmmm:

Did your schools institutions send out the documents?

Are they slow in getting them out? (busy time - start of their school years)

Did they send them ground. air or express (usulally a few you have to pay for). One school of mine had no such option, So I provided them a pre-paid pre-addressed courier letter to send my document to CGFNS.

Does the person in their office only do this once a week or somthing like that?

Well, keep us posted on how it goes.

Thanks for the tips on vehicle.

I can get most of those papers, no prob (costs though).

My vehicle meets federal standards etc - no prob.

Im not sure if it will meet the california emissions standards - i think it will pass the smog test, but does not have any such "california EPA equivalent" sticker.

Im wondering if being I am a visitor from out of state/country, I can use my vehicle for a year or so. If there is some kind of clause. I will call the DMV etc see what they say.

I also have another concern on my mind. I have a girlfriend there in the US. Im sure customs knows all my monthly visits have been to her (as they ask each time). I wonder if they may be thinking I may be trying to immigrate or somthing like that. When I will be going through on the TN Visa

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Specializes in ER.

Shadian,

Thank you - you made some really good points. Unfortunately, all my transcripts were sent ground. In hindsight, I should have picked up the papers from the schools etc., in a sealed envelope and expressed them down to CGFNS. That way I would have known for sure that they were mailed and received. Right now, it's anyone's guess. Like you, I did a collaborative program, and had to request transcripts from both the college and university.

I'm sure that the California DMV or DOT websites should have specifics regarding the smog emissions test etc. In Ontario we have etest, and I'm not sure how close that is to the parameters expected by California. The US Customs website lists out everything you need to have for crossing the border with your car.

As for the TN, the people that I have spoken to assure me that it is fairly straight forward, as long as you have all the paperwork ready. Don't worry about your frequent trips to the US to see your girlfriend. I'm sure that they will understand - it may not even be big deal.

Good luck with everything - when are you moving to CA?? Any fears or concerns about working in a US hospital?

Thanks again for all your advice regarding the VisaScreen.

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California Issue you a temporary license, which is good for (6months?) or until you get your SSN.

And You get a SSN from your employer. I'm not exactly sure how long it takes, not too long - from what Ive been reading.

You can get a person at the Cali Board of Nursing ... "IF" you are calling them 8AM Cali Time, other wise there is a good chance you will be on the phone a long time on hold.

I heard Northern Cal offers a lot better wages than Socal. thats great if you land an area in The Bay. Im going to Socal, either LA county or OC, cause my lady is there. We would also like to go to Santa Barbara or Sandiego.

Keep us posted on your job offers, how are you going about it? all by yourself? a recruiter? Travel Nursing organization?

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Hello!

I applied fo rmy visa screen at the begining of august, I called yesterday and they mail it to me on September 23rd. It's usually pretty fast for canadians I think.

Tried leaving you the above reply of rainbow

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Although not Canadian just wanted to add my VSC online never changed and kept saying waiting for documents until it suddenly said they ha sent it. So may not see any changes on file

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Specializes in MICU.

Thanks shadian725!

I'm actually doing everything by myself.

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