While there is an overall shortage of nurses and healthcare professionals all over the USA, it is still not straightforward for foreign nationals to enter the country to work in these professions. In fact, the process of nursing in the USA for foreigners can be quite complex, and you might need help knowing where to start.
It is crucial to have the correct paperwork when you wish to immigrate to the USA as a foreign-educated nurse. Not only that, but you must follow the key steps and meet all of the requirements. This guide will dive deeper into this process to help you get started.
Table of Contents
Steps to Work in the USA as a Foreign-Educated Nurse
If you have studied and prepared to become a nurse in your home country but wish to work in the USA as one, you have to follow specific steps. These all pertain to obtaining the correct documents to apply for the visa and qualify as a nurse. Take a look at these steps you must follow:
Ensure You Meet All Educational Requirements
First and foremost, you must ensure you meet all the requirements to become a nurse in the USA. You should have a bachelor’s degree or education of at least four years in the nursing field and be a registered nurse. You should also practice as a nurse for at least two years.
Complete a Course for Foreign-Educated Nurses
Besides this, foreign-educated nurses are also typically required to complete a nursing course specifically for those individuals outside of the USA. It typically consists of credit hours in the classroom and practical experience.
Take an English Proficiency Exam (If Necessary)
In some cases, depending on the home country of the nurses, they will also be required to take an English proficiency exam to demonstrate their English speaking and understanding skills. Hence, they might have to give the TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC.
Individuals from countries where English is the primary and first language are exempted from this rule. Similarly, those who taught their nursing program in English and had English textbooks would also be exempted.
Pass a Licensure Exam
Although you may be a registered nurse in your home country, you would still have to apply for a license to register as a nurse in the USA. Nursing in the USA for foreigners requires you to get a license from the State you are planning to work in. You will thus have to give the NCLEX-RN nursing exam.
Prepare Nursing Credentials in the USA
Before you give the license exam, you will have to get your credentials evaluated by a private institution that is a NACES member. This means that these organizations are accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
All of your professional and educational documents need to be assessed to ensure that they are genuine and compared to US nursing standards. This is a requirement by the State nursing board, and if you get it done from a private institution or organization like ERES, they will directly send the official credentials report to the board.
Find a Registered Nursing Position
Once you have passed all the exams, registered as a nurse, and prepared the credentials report, you can officially become a nurse in the USA. Nurses must have sponsorship from an employer or agency to be able to apply for a work visa to the country.
It is a good idea to apply to a staffing agency rather than a hospital, as foreign-educated nurses would have better employment chances. The agencies typically have a system in place for foreign-educated nurses coming to the USA for work. They will also
Apply for Immigration or a Visa
Depending on where you are from, you can apply for a specific type of visa. Nurses from Mexico or Canada can work in the USA on a particular ‘TN Visa.’ Nurses who have passed the aforementioned steps and are not from Canada and Mexico can apply for the H-1B Temporary Work Visa.
After working in their State on this visa, they will qualify for a green card. However, it should be noted that there are temporary seats available for this type of visa. Instead, most individuals can opt for a permanent work visa. They will immediately receive a green card in this case. However, they should obtain a visa before traveling to America.
Prepare for Nursing Credentials in the USA with ERES
Becoming a nurse in the USA is a straightforward process, but it may require time and effort. It is recommended for foreign-educated nurses to practice in their home country for a couple of years before taking this route.
Need to get your educational and professional documents evaluated for a CES nursing report? Consider ERES. We work with numerous State nursing boards to which we will send the reports directly. For more information, get in touch with us today!
