Three Steps to Becoming a Foreign Nurse in the USA

As college professors, we know a lot of people who wonder, “How do I become a nurse in the USA?” Navigating the process of becoming a nurse is complex enough for people living in the USA, we can only imagine how discouraging all the bureaucratic hurdles of making this process from abroad. If you have dreamed about moving abroad and are a nurse, this could be your ticket to the USA. With the increasing global demand for nursing professionals, immigrating to the USA to work as a registered nurse has become a viable option for many foreign nurses. Sure, the paperwork can be a headache, and the process seems daunting, so we've created a guide to simplify the process! Follow our step-by-step instructions to pursue your dream of becoming a nurse in the USA.  

Step 1: Meet the requirements 

• Graduate from an accredited college with a nursing degree. You will be asked to have received general education about caring for adult medical-surgical, maternity, pediatrics, and psychiatric patients. 

• Obtain a nursing license in your country. 

• Demonstrate English proficiency - if needed. This may not be required for some countries, but if you are from a non-English speaking country, you will be required to prove your English skills. 

• TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS Academic are great ways to certify your English proficiency. 

• Get two years of nursing experience. 

Step 2: Apply to Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) 

• Submit high school and college transcripts and license registration to the CGFNS (link here). CGFNS has an excellent reputation and is the most used agency, but other alternatives are available.  

• You might need an official translation of your documents. 

• You might be required to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®. So, search for a book on Amazon to help you prepare for the exam. Here is our recommendation (link here) 

• Receive a CGFNS Certificate. 

• Now, it is essential to note that requirements vary by state. Some states will allow you to bypass the CGFNS process. However, they will require you to get your transcripts and license evaluated by the board of nursing or a board-recognized credentialing agency. Check the state requirements you plan to apply first (link here). 

Step 3: Take the NCLEX 

• Prepare to sit for the NCLEX 

• Get familiar with NCLEX questions, including the new NGN questions and case studies. 

• This is the exam everyone fears most (American or foreign nurses). So, what is the trick to passing it on the first try? Practice, practice, practice! Check our 5 Top Recommendations for Extra NCLEX Questions post (link here)! 

• Sit for the NCLEX 

• Registration with Pearson Vue (link here). Note: you might be able to take it in your home country. 

• The exam costs $200 US dollars or more, depending on where you live. This cost covers the examination fee and the costs of issuing the license. Be aware that some states are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice across other states in the NLC without additional licenses. Not all states belong to the NLC. 

• Receive your license registration. 

• You might have to pay to get a license in the state where you will be working, but rest assured, you will NOT need to retake the NCLEX! 

That’s it! You are done. It is time to apply for nursing positions with sponsorship, which has become more common due to the extreme nursing shortage in the USA. Share this guide with friends (maybe a buddy willing to embark on this journey with you!). 

If you successfully completed this process or are in the process of completing it, please share your additional insights in the comments below.  

Happy nursing adventures ahead!