What is the easiest state to apply for?

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Hello everyone! ;) I'm just new to this site, I have a few questions and i'm hoping someone can help me answer them!

I am a registered nurse in the Philippines, I just passed my boards last year. I'm a dual citizen so i'm living here in Canada with my family.

I applied for New York state through CGFNS, because I'm trying to work in the States. I started my application mid-September, and until now it still hasn't been completed. CGFNS is taking forever! (anyone else have problems with CGFNS? their service in my opinion is horrible! they don't release information about the status of your application because you aren't to "interfere". how unfair when you're paying $300+ for their services .. )

During my Kaplan class, I overheard some people saying it's easier to apply to other states such as California, Michigan, etc because the process is so much faster. They also said applying to NY state was a mistake because they still do criminal screening, the license takes 6 months to obtain, etc.. it's like my worst nightmare! :'

Anyone know if this is true? I was trying to apply for a state that didn't require CGFNS because I didn't want to waste any time taking the test. I grew up in Canada and just went to university in the philippines- I didn't see a point in having to take my IELTS and all that when my English is fine.

What states don't require CGFNS and is a fast process?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated, thanks fellow nurses!

:redbeathe Nurse GJ.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

It isn't a case of which is easiest to apply to but which state do you want to work in the US? I presume you have Canadian citizenship and can use the NAFTA visa.

Each state has their own requirements for licensure and NY with CVS has been like this for several years and takes on average 6 - 8 months to go through the process. Going to one state with plans to work in another because it was easier can mean you still need to meet new states requirements and spend more money.

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I wanted to originally work in NY state to begin with, but I'm afraid it'll be waiting over a year to get everything fixed. Thanks for your reply, silverdragon!

:nurse: GJ

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

If you plan on working still in NY then I would just wait a bit longer for CVS, you say it is 5 months so once 6 months are up they will forward everything they have to the NY BON who will then make their decision. Have you sent your application to NY yet?

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I believe that California is the easiest state to apply for because they are not requiring CGFNS services such as (CES, CP, CVS) and no english proficiency requirement.

I think CVS is better than CES specially if you are already working because you don't have to do the request to your school and PRC. Unlike CES, you do all the request for transcript and license. If they need additional information regarding your education you will request again. But the problem in CVS is that you cannot follow up with CGFNS. During their evaluation you are out of the picture, only your credentials that matters. The CGFNS communicates with your school and the licensing authority.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

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Actually California isn't recommended for initial licensure. Do a search on past threads and you will read as to why it isn't recommended. Good luck

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Specializes in CTICU.

Definitely not CA if you don't have a SSN. You will need to use the CGFNS company for something most likely, usually CES credential evaluation of your transcripts/license. Very few states require the actual CGFNS exam though.

I would look at Vermont or Pennsylvania. Just be aware that if you plan to work in NYS eventually/at any time, you'll have to undergo their CVS process in any case, so it may as well be now.

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I would look at Vermont or Pennsylvania. Just be aware that if you plan to work in NYS eventually/at any time, you'll have to undergo their CVS process in any case, so it may as well be now.

Yes, I see people post here all the time about which state is easiest to get licensed in (coming from another country), because the state they know they want to work in takes too long or has too many requirements, and I always wonder what they think they're accomplishing. They're still going to have to get licensed, eventually, in the state they want to work in and, in all the cases I'm aware of, they'll still have to meet all of that state's requirements for foreign grads, even if they are endorsing with a license from another US state. In the end, they're not saving themselves any time or money; they're paying for another license they aren't going to use, and prolonging the process, in order to end up in the same place in the end.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Well to be fair, I think it's human nature to want the fastest and easiest way to do something. In addition, I don't think people always know that they would have to do it eventually anyhow.

For example, I got licensed in VT initially so I didn't have to take CGFNS exam for PA, even though I want to work in PA. I was then able to endorse my license to PA without having to take the exam. Saved time and money (and now PA has removed the requirement for CGFNS exam).

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Exactly what is the CGFNS exam? What's the reason behind it?

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Well to be fair, I think it's human nature to want the fastest and easiest way to do something. In addition, I don't think people always know that they would have to do it eventually anyhow.

For example, I got licensed in VT initially so I didn't have to take CGFNS exam for PA, even though I want to work in PA. I was then able to endorse my license to PA without having to take the exam. Saved time and money (and now PA has removed the requirement for CGFNS exam).

Very Smart

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Specializes in CTICU.
Exactly what is the CGFNS exam? What's the reason behind it?

The reason was for CGFNS to make money, I think! The reason according to them was that people who passed the CGFNS exam were more likely to pass the NCLEX exam.

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