There has been a major nursing shortage in the U.S. for many years that is impacting patient safety and care and resulting in longer wait times for those who need medical attention. To address the nursing shortage, the government is allowing foreign nurses to come to the U.S. to work. Qualified nurses from around the world can now work within one of the best healthcare systems and help improve patient safety and care while filling the gap created by the nursing shortage.
The decision by the U.S. government to allow foreign nurses to work in the U.S. is great news for nurses from other countries interested in working within the U.S. healthcare system. However, it can be difficult for foreign nurses to get U.S. nursing jobs due to U.S. immigration laws. Foreign nurses not only need to meet the proper educational and nurse licensure requirements to work in the U.S., but also obtain the proper paperwork and visas from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department.
In this guide, we will cover the requirements foreign nurses must meet to be able to obtain a nursing job in the U.S. as well as the steps they must take to ensure their eligibility and obtain a nursing job.
Requirements for Foreign Nurses to Work in the U.S.
Before foreign nurses can apply for nursing jobs in the U.S., they must meet the following requirements:
- Foreign nurses must have a valid nursing license from their home country.
- They must have completed a nursing program that is equivalent to a nursing program in the U.S. A bachelor’s degree in nursing is preferred but not required as some employers will hire nurses who have nursing diplomas and good nursing experience.
- They must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing and English proficiency exams which are required for registered nurses in the U.S.
- Foreign nurses must obtain an authorization to work in the U.S. by either getting a work visa or permanent resident/ green card status.
- After passing the NCLEX-RN licensing and English exams and obtaining a visa, foreign nurses must obtain a nursing license in the U.S. state where they want to work.
This process can be complex and time consuming, but foreign nurses who follow the steps to meet each of these requirements are free to apply for and accept a nursing position in the U.S. W have explained each step that foreign nurses must take to be eligible to work as a international nurse in the U.S.
Step 1: U.S. Nursing Education Requirements
Foreign nurses interested in working in the U.S. are expected to already have a valid nursing license from their own country. In addition to this, they must also meet the nursing education requirements of the U.S. These nursing education requirements include the following:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a nursing diploma with experience.
- A Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Preferred two years of experience practicing as an RN. However, Lower acuity healthcare employers, such as rehab or long-term care facilities, may hire an RN with little to no experience.
Step 2: English Language Proficiency Tests
Foreign-educated nurses who received their nursing education in a language other than English must pass English language proficiency tests to demonstrate their ability to effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals in English. Depending on their country of origin, foreign nurses may be required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The results of these tests are submitted directly to the state nursing board.
There are exemptions for nurses who completed their education in English speaking countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec). Nurses from other countries who completed nursing programs given in English and/or studied nursing school textbooks written in English may also be exempt.
No matter how well a foreign-educated nurse speaks English, they must still take an English language proficiency test if they completed a nursing program in another language.
Step 3: NCLEX-RN Exam
Once a foreign nurse has met the previously mentioned education requirements, they must apply for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in the U.S. state in which they hope to find employment. NCLEX examinations are administered in many countries throughout the world including the U.K., Canada, Australia, China, France, Israel, Turkey, Germany, Spain, South Africa, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Philippines. Those taking this exam will need to pay U.S. and foreign fees.
Step 4: Evaluation of Credentials
Foreign nurses must have their credentials evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or another credentialing organization. The following are the three main credentialing reports accepted by the State Boards of Nursing:
Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report
The Credentials Evaluation Service report provides basic information for the State Board of Nursing. The requirements foreign nurses must meet include the following:
- English language proficiency test
- Secondary school documents
- Licensure documents from home country
- Nursing education documents from home country
- Pay required fee
This is the most basic and affordable of the credentialing reports, but it is only accepted in a handful of states.
CGFNS Certification Program
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is a company employed by the State Boards of Nursing that was established in 1977 by the U.S. Department of State and Labor. The purpose of the Commission is to ensure Americans receive safe patient care and prevent the exploitation of foreign-educated nurses employed in the U.S. The CGFNS evaluates all nursing school transcripts and education history from the applicant’s home country to ensure they meet basic requirements.
The requirements for the CGFNS include the same requirements as the Credentials Evaluation Service Professional Report but applicants must also take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. This exam helps states determine if an applicant is able to provide effective care for American patients. Applicants must have a minimum number of classroom and clinical hours in required nursing fields and pay a fee.
Visa Screen: Visa Credentials Assessment
The Visa Credentials Assessment has the same requirements as the CGFNS Certification Program, but the applicant is qualified for a work visa once they pass the NCLEX. This assessment also requires a fee.
Step 5: Work Visa
After foreign educated nurses have all of their educational and credentialing requirements, they can apply for a visa to work in the U.S. Foreign nurses can start this process by contacting the U.S. embassy in their home country. Applicants will be asked to submit all required documents and information and be called in for an interview. If the visa is approved following the interview, the foreign nurse can begin looking for nursing jobs in the U.S.
Foreign nurses can work with JobGraze, a nurse staffing, job search, and matching company, to apply for and obtain their work visas. A benefit of working with us is that we will manage and submit the paperwork required for work visas, including H-1B and EB-3 visas, and pay the required fees for the applicants. This option saves foreign nurses the time, hassle, and fees associated with dealing with embassies.
The following are the main types of work visas for foreign nurses:
- TN Visa: The TN Visa allows nurses from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. Applicants must have an offer of employment in the U.S., be licensed to practice in their home country, and have passed the NCLEX and meet all state licensure requirements.
- H-1B Temporary Work Visa: This is the most common type of work visa obtained by foreign nurses to work in the U.S. To qualify, foreign nurses must hold a four-year degree, fulfill a specialized nursing role, have passed a language proficiency exam and the NCLEX, and have a job offer from a U.S. employer. Those who receive an H-1B temporary work visa can apply for a green card once they reach the U.S.
- EB-3 Visa: The EB-3 visa, also known as a green card or permanent residency visa, allows foreign nurses to work in the U.S. for ten years. Applicants must have two years of education from an accredited institution and a license to work in the country where they received their education to qualify, but they are not required to have a job offer from a U.S. employer. These visas also allow foreign nurses to bring their spouses and children under 21 to the U.S.
Step 6: Apply for a Nursing Job in the U.S.
After meeting all requirements and obtaining a work visa, foreign nurses can apply for and accept a nursing position in the U.S. by applying through JobGraze. The platform allows international nursing applicants to refine their search by type of facility and area of expertise to find positions most suitable to their skills and experience.
When using JobGraze, foreign nurses can easily connect with a number of healthcare providers across the U.S. that are looking for nurses with their specific skillsets. Nurses can submit multiple applications and reply to requests for interviews within this platform without having to contact multiple healthcare providers directly or wait to hear back from a staffing agency. With JobGraze, foreign nurses can obtain their work visa, apply for relevant nursing positions, and accept a nursing job all in one place.
How Long Does it Take for Foreign-Born Nurses to Become Eligible to Work in the U.S.?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on so many factors. Many foreign nurses may take the time to earn a four-year degree which is preferred by many employers while some RNs may be able to find work with lower acuity care providers with little to no experience. Nurses must also pass necessary exams such as the NCLEX and English language proficiency tests, as well as have their credentials evaluated. The time each of these steps is taken may vary depending on how quickly each nurse applies for and completes these steps.
For foreign nurses that have passed their NCLEX-RN and English exams, they just need to obtain their work visas to be eligible to work in the U.S. Nurses who work with JobGraze to obtain their visas can get a TN Work Visa or H1-B Work Visa in as little as 6 months. Obtaining an EB-3 visa can take up to 1.5 years due to retrogression. (Estimated Timeframe)
International Nurse Jobs on JobGraze
Foreign-educated nurses who are interested in getting a nursing position in the United States must complete the steps outlined above to be eligible. Those who complete these steps are free to apply for and accept a nursing position in the U.S. and be a part of one of the best healthcare systems in the world. While meeting all the requirements to work in the U.S. is certainly an accomplishment, foreign-educated nurses then must find a nursing position that best suits their skills, experience, and interests.
JobGraze is a technology company that connects international nurses directly to employers, such as hospitals and healthcare facilities to help them find international nursing jobs. The cutting-edge technology of this platform allows foreign-educated nurses to refine their search, get hassle free process and find nursing positions that best suit their skills and experience. We help nurses from around the world, including countries such as Nepal, India, Mexico, Canada, and the Philippines find nursing positions in the U.S.
