Which US state will give license even if I don't have license from my country?

suzanne4, RN · Nov 2, 2008

The majority of the states are now requiring the local license before they will permit one to sit for the NCLEX exam. What you need to understand is that even if you get licensed in another state, but do not have actual work experience in the US, then more than likely the state that you are in is not going to accept anything for endorsement. They are not required to and one has to meet their requirements for licensure.

I would check with them directly before you attempt to go for licensure in another state if they will in fact permit you to endorse; that is where you may have serious problems.

In order to endorse to any other state, you need to meet their specific requirements, and they are usually the same as for initial licensure. They are not required to automatically issue you a license because you hold on it another state.

suzanne4, RN · Nov 2, 2008

As stated on many other threads here, your fastest way to get things done would be to write the NLE and then you will never have any problems later on.

This would be my recommendation.

States are starting to make things much tighter here and this is going to affect you all over if you wish to move or anything else.

At this very moment, VT has not been requiring the local license if one is a new grad. But if you have graduated several years ago and do not have experience, then this is going to be a problem for you as well.

Check out their website, but be aware that Virginia is not required to issue you a license because another state has.

Best of luck to you.

JLMC2007 · Nov 2, 2008

As stated on many other threads here, your fastest way to get things done would be to write the NLE and then you will never have any problems later on.
This would be my recommendation.
States are starting to make things much tighter here and this is going to affect you all over if you wish to move or anything else.
At this very moment, VT has not been requiring the local license if one is a new grad. But if you have graduated several years ago and do not have experience, then this is going to be a problem for you as well.
Check out their website, but be aware that Virginia is not required to issue you a license because another state has.
Best of luck to you.

I just checked VT, it says that they require you to hold a local board license as well. Might be a recent change but that is the requirements now. Any others?

JLMC2007 · Nov 2, 2008

As stated on many other threads here, your fastest way to get things done would be to write the NLE and then you will never have any problems later on.

When you say NLE you are speaking of the local board exam correct?

The only problem with that for me is I'm currently in the States. They don't have any place in the states that allows you to take the NLE. The only way would be for me to go take a trip to the Philippines and hope to pass the NLE?

suzanne4, RN · Nov 2, 2008

In the past, VT has accepted a letter as to why you did not write the NLE and have a local license. As far as I heard, they were still doing this.

But again, the issue that you have is that where you are living is not going to permit you to endorse if you do not meet their requirements for licensure and theirs is that you hold a local license.

My suggestion would be to apply to sit for the NLE in your country and fly back and write it. It comes down to the fact that you need to meet the requirements for the state where you wish to work, they do not need to meet your requests. If they want the local license, then you are going to need to provide it for them. Remember that you hold a green card, that means that you are still a citizen of your country, so the exam is not exempt for you as it would be if you held only US citizenship. But that is not the case for you so any requirements need to be met by you.