What state is the quickest to get a license (Canadian RN coming to the US?)

Published

Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.

Ultimately, I would like to end up in WA (My husband is American and serves in the Navy there). Right now I'm living in Vancouver, BC.

I understand about taking the NCLEX and the TN visa process; but which state is currently the quickest to apply to for a license, to be transferred to WA? I've contemplated going directly to WA but would like to do this the smartest and quickest way possible. I've heard Vermont on a previous post, but that was from 2006. I've also heard MN from a co-worker, but again that's a bit dated. Does anyone have any recent experience with this? Please let me know your source too. :)

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I would say probably quicker to go direct to the state you plan on working unless they require CGFNS exam (only about 5 states currently require this) only then would I look at another state.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Since your husband is American, why are you worrying about a TN visa? Can't he just sponsor you in on a spousal one and obtain your greencard that way?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.

Thanks for all the answers so far. Yes, he can sponsor me- although right now we're at a crossroads as to which route I will take into the US (spouse sponsorship or TN visa). TN visa is much, much quicker then the spouse sponsorship, and cheaper too (at least for the moment- in the long term, he will probably end up sponsoring me). Spousal sponsorship can take up to a year, and there are employment issues initially. With a TN I can start working immediately, no problems.

I figure I have to pay to get all my licenses transferred, visa screen, etc- TN seems logical- providing I can get a job offer. I'd like to "get there"- once there I'll figure out how to stay there long-term.

Of course if anyone has advice perhaps I haven't considered, I'm all ears. :)

:)

Thanks also to the above poster for the hospital links :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In New York state you can get a license without a SSN, but I'm not sure if that would be the quickest way to go if you have to transfer it to WA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion