How to Apply for NCLEX in the Philippines? Your Strategic Guide

Summary: The 5-Phase NCLEX-RN Roadmap

The path to USRN licensure for Filipino nurses is a sequential process defined by decentralized U.S. regulatory bodies. Success is dependent on strategic state selection and efficient document management to overcome the average 47.0% international first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.

Core Strategic Pillars

  1. Strategic State Selection (Phase 1): The crucial initial step is selecting an "NCLEX Gateway State" (New York, Texas, or Illinois) that waives the Social Security Number (SSN) requirement for exam eligibility. This allows the IEN to pass the exam while residing in the Philippines, securing the essential credential needed for the VisaScreen® certificate and subsequent U.S. employment visa.

  2. CGFNS Bottleneck Management (Phase 2): The primary cause of delay is the document verification process by CGFNS International, Inc. The average 14-week delay is due to waiting for primary source documents (transcripts/TOR and PRC license verification) to be sent directly from Philippine institutions. Proactive management of institutional submission is critical.

  3. Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Mastery (Phase 4): The NGN assesses Clinical Judgment Measurement (CJM), shifting focus from content recall to applying a six-step critical thinking process (Recognize Cues $\rightarrow$ Analyze Cues $\rightarrow$ Prioritize Hypotheses, etc.). Targeted review on U.S.-centric concepts of prioritization and delegation, combined with mastering the new polytomous (partial credit) scoring, is essential.

Key Logistical Points

  •  NCLEX Testing in Manila: IENs pay a total of $368 USD to Pearson VUE ($200 registration + $150 international scheduling fee + PH testing center additional $18 for the tax.) to take the NCLEX-RN at the confirmed Pearson VUE center in Manila. 

  • Dual Application and ATT: Candidates must execute a dual registration with both the chosen BON and Pearson VUE. The Authorization to Test (ATT), which is typically valid for 90 days, is issued once the BON confirms the applicant’s eligibility 

  • Post-Pass Hurdles: Passing the NCLEX is a prerequisite, but the final, active license will typically not be issued until the IEN secures their U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), which usually occurs after entering the U.S. on an occupational visa.

I. The Regulatory Foundation and Strategic Necessity

The pursuit of U.S. Registered Nurse (USRN) licensure by Filipino nurses requires navigating a complex and decentralized regulatory ecosystem. Success hinges on a precise, phase-by-phase strategy that addresses the unique requirements set for internationally educated nurses (IENs).

I.A. Understanding the Tripartite Regulatory System

The NCLEX application process involves three distinct, yet interconnected, entities, each holding crucial authority in the IEN’s journey.1 Understanding their roles is paramount to avoiding costly and time-consuming errors:

  1. The State Board of Nursing (BON): The individual State Boards of Nursing (BONs) hold the ultimate regulatory power to grant, deny, or establish the prerequisites for licensure.1 While the NCLEX examination is standardized, the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam—including educational prerequisites, background checks, and acceptance of foreign credentials—are defined exclusively by the BON selected by the candidate.1

  2. CGFNS International, Inc. (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools): CGFNS functions as the essential intermediary for IENs. Authorized by the federal government, CGFNS offers services such as the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report and the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment.1 These services verify and evaluate a Filipino nurse’s academic and licensure credentials against U.S. standards, fulfilling a requirement mandated by most BONs before an applicant is deemed eligible to test.3

  3. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) & Pearson VUE: The NCSBN is the consortium responsible for developing and maintaining the uniform competency examination, the NCLEX-RN®.5 Pearson VUE is the organization contracted by the NCSBN to administer the computer-adaptive test (CAT) globally, including international test centers.2

I.B. The High-Stakes Reality: Pass Rates and the NGN

The NCLEX-RN examination is a criterion-referenced pass-fail test measuring the competencies required to perform safely and effectively as an entry-level nurse.5 Data from 2025 indicates a significant competitive gap: the first-time pass rate for internationally educated candidates was only 47.0%, compared to 87.1% for U.S.-educated first-time test-takers.8 This stark contrast demonstrates that traditional nursing knowledge, while necessary, is insufficient, validating the need for specialized preparation tailored to the U.S. clinical setting and examination structure.

Since 2023, the NCLEX has been enhanced and rebranded as the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN).8 This updated format represents a major shift away from simple content recall, focusing instead on measuring Clinical Judgment and complex decision-making through unique item types and scoring models.9 Preparation strategies must therefore transition from content memorization to process mastery.

I.C. RN vs. PN: Choosing the Appropriate Examination

For Filipino nurses, the educational prerequisite generally involves completing a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and subsequent licensure through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in the Philippines.10 Given this background, IENs from the Philippines are almost universally eligible for and should pursue the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) examination, which requires completion of a registered nursing program.10 The NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) is intended for candidates who have completed a practical or vocational nursing program.11

II. Phase 1: Strategic State Selection (The Gateway Strategy)

The first strategic step is selecting the BON to which the application for licensure will be submitted. This choice is critical because it dictates the eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and initial costs.

II.A. Applying Without an SSN: The Gateway Principle

Many IENs begin the NCLEX process while still residing in the Philippines and do not possess a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). While the SSN is typically mandatory for the final issuance of an active professional nursing license in most jurisdictions, some states strategically waive the SSN requirement solely for determining NCLEX application eligibility.1 These jurisdictions are referred to as "Gateway States."

The rationale behind the Gateway Strategy is simple: the NCLEX passing score is a mandatory prerequisite for the VisaScreen® Certificate 13, which is essential for obtaining a subsequent U.S. occupational visa (Green Card). Therefore, the immediate goal for the IEN is securing the Authorization to Test (ATT) and passing the NCLEX while overseas, leveraging the Gateway State status.

Three prominent Gateway States are frequently targeted by Filipino IENs due to their favorable policies regarding SSN waivers for NCLEX eligibility: New York (NY), Texas (TX), and Illinois (IL).1

  • Illinois (IL): Illinois is often cited as a potentially efficient option, with estimated overall NCLEX processing times taking approximately 3 to 5 months until the quick result phase.12 Illinois does not require an SSN for the NCLEX application, and, notably, it allows the submission of an affidavit in lieu of an SSN for final licensure, though this must be confirmed with current BON requirements.14

  • Texas (TX): The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) accepts NCLEX applications from foreign-educated nurses who do not possess a U.S. SSN, although those who do must disclose their SSN status.12 The overall process in Texas is typically completed within 4 to 6 months.12

  • New York (NY): New York is globally recognized for granting NCLEX eligibility to qualified foreign-educated nurses without requiring an SSN. However, the processing timeframe for New York is often reported as longer, requiring an estimated 4 to 6 months until the quick result phase.12

The selection of a Gateway State should be based on expediency in issuing the ATT, thereby minimizing the financial and logistical burden associated with prolonged delays.

II.B. The Complete Financial Roadmap: Initial Credentialing Costs

The financial planning for an IEN is complex, involving non-refundable fees paid to three separate organizations: the BON, CGFNS, and Pearson VUE. It is helpful to categorize the costs into the "ATT Gatekeeper Cost" (required to sit the exam) and the "Migration-Ready Total" (required for subsequent visa application).

The initial NCLEX registration fee paid to Pearson VUE is $200 USD.16 Since the IEN is testing in the Philippines, an Additional International Scheduling Fee of $150 USD is mandated.16

The table below outlines the major cost components for an IEN pursuing USRN licensure:

Detailed NCLEX Financial Cost Breakdown

Note: This total does not include mandatory costs such as review center fees, English Language Proficiency exam fees, mandatory background checks, fingerprinting, or miscellaneous document costs imposed by the PRC or universities in the Philippines.

III. Phase 2: Credentials Evaluation through CGFNS International, Inc.

The CGFNS evaluation phase is procedurally the most demanding and often represents the primary bottleneck for IENs due to institutional processing times in the country of education.

III.A. Initiating the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES)

For a Filipino nurse seeking U.S. licensure, the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report is typically the required CGFNS product.3 This comprehensive service provides an analysis of the applicant's nursing education and verifies professional qualification (licensure) against U.S. standards.3 The application fee for the CES Professional Report is $485.00.18

Beyond the CES, the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment ($740.00) is a crucial consideration.18 Although it is not required for NCLEX eligibility, it is federally mandated for IENs seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States.13 Since passing the NCLEX is a prerequisite for the VisaScreen® Certificate 13, IENs often pursue both CES and VisaScreen® concurrently to maximize efficiency in their long-term migration plan.

III.B. Document Collection and Verification: Navigating Philippine Bureaucracy

The core challenge in the CGFNS process lies in the verification phase. CGFNS requires primary source documentation, meaning documents must be received directly from the issuing academic or regulatory authority, not from the applicant.4

The average processing time for CGFNS evaluation is heavily influenced by the speed of receiving required documents, a phase that averages 14 weeks.18 The actual evaluation time once all documents are received is typically only 7 business days.  .18 Therefore, the applicant’s strategic focus must be on aggressively managing the institutional submission process in the Philippines.

Required Philippine Documents:

  1. Academic Records: A complete academic record or transcript (TOR) from the educational institution attended for the nursing program is required.4 These documents must either be in English or officially translated by the educational institution itself.4

  2. Professional Licensure Verification (PRC): Verification of the Registered Nursing Licensure held in the Philippines is mandatory.4 The applicant must initiate this process by obtaining and completing the Stateboard Verification Slip (SBVS) via the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and paying the processing fee (P75.00/copy).19

  3. Institutional Submission Protocol: CGFNS institutional forms must be signed by the licensing or school authority. Crucially, CGFNS often requires the institution's official seal or stamp to cover the signature on the envelope, ensuring the document remains sealed and tamper-proof upon transit to the CGFNS address.20

III.C. English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements

CGFNS International requires competency verification for both spoken and written English.4 Acceptable examinations include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), Occupational English Test (OET), Pearson 

PTE Academic, TOEIC, MET, and Cambridge English exams.4

A critical compliance point for IENs is that CGFNS does not accept the at-home versions of these English Language Proficiency examinations.4 Candidates must schedule and take these tests at certified, physical testing centers. Furthermore, regulatory changes must be tracked; for instance, effective December 1, 2024, applicants using the PTE Academic must achieve a minimum score of 63 on the speaking section, though the overall score requirements remain unchanged.13

III.D. Timeline Management and Expiration

Applicants are allotted 12 months to fully satisfy the requirements of a CGFNS order (CES or VisaScreen).18 Due to the potential for significant delays in document receipt from the Philippines, careful monitoring of the 12-month window is essential. If a paid application expires, the applicant is granted a 12-month window to submit a single reprocess application, which carries an additional fee (e.g., $225 for CES Professional Report Reprocess).18

IV. Phase 3: Securing the ATT and Scheduling the Exam

Once CGFNS completes its report and submits it to the chosen BON, the eligibility determination phase begins.

IV.A. Dual Registration and Eligibility

The IEN must execute a "dual registration" process:

  1. BON Application: The candidate applies for licensure by examination to the chosen BON (e.g., Texas) and pays the state's application fees (e.g., Texas initial application fee of $150 and examination fee of $50).2

  2. Pearson VUE Registration: Simultaneously, the candidate registers for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and pays the exam fees ($200 registration + $150 international scheduling fee).2

  3. Eligibility Verification: The BON reviews the CGFNS evaluation and the candidate’s file. Once the BON confirms that the candidate meets all eligibility requirements, it authorizes Pearson VUE to test the candidate.2

  4. Authorization to Test (ATT): Pearson VUE issues the ATT via email. This document confirms eligibility and provides the specific window (usually 90 days) during which the candidate must schedule and take the NCLEX.11

Upon receiving the ATT, scheduling must be completed promptly due to the time-sensitive nature of the authorization. Note that changing the chosen Nursing Regulatory Body (NRB) after registration incurs a $50 USD fee.16

IV.B. NCLEX Testing Logistics in the Philippines

The NCLEX is offered at international test centers globally, including the Philippines.6 IENs are required to pay the standard registration fee plus the additional international scheduling fee to take the examination outside the United States.

The confirmed Pearson VUE testing locations in the Philippines include the main center in Manila, which serves as a central location for test-takers across Metro Manila. Additionally, there is another testing center located in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Appointments for international testing must be scheduled online or by calling Pearson VUE Candidate Services.6

V. Phase 4: Mastering the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)

The NGN demands a mastery of critical thinking, shifting the focus from simply identifying correct facts to applying complex clinical judgment.

V.A. Structure and Length of the NGN-RN Exam

The NCLEX is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the candidate's demonstrated ability.7 The examination employs a variable-length format.24

  • Total Items: Candidates will receive between a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 150 total items.25

  • Scored Items: The total includes 70 to 135 scored items.25

  • Unscored Items: There are 15 unscored pretest items randomly mixed into the exam, used solely for future exam development.9

  • Time Allotment: Candidates have up to 5 hours to complete the examination.9

  • Case Studies: A minimum length test includes 3 case studies, contributing 18 of the 85 items, or 21% of the exam content, reflecting the emphasis on NGN item types.9

V.B. The Six Steps of Clinical Judgment Measurement (CJM)

The NGN assesses nursing competence through the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which structures nursing decisions into six sequential steps. Preparation must be focused on internalizing this process.24

  1. Recognize Cues: The ability to identify relevant and important information from diverse sources (e.g., patient history, laboratory results, vital signs).24

  2. Analyze Cues: Organizing and connecting the recognized data points to the client's current clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiology.24

  3. Prioritize Hypotheses: Evaluating and ranking potential client needs or problems based on urgency, likelihood, risk, and time constraints.24

  4. Generate Solutions: Identifying expected outcomes and using prioritized hypotheses to define a set of appropriate interventions.24

  5. Take Action: Implementing the solution(s) that address the highest priority need or risk identified.24

  6. Evaluate Outcomes: Comparing the observed results of the implemented actions against the expected outcomes.24

V.C. NGN Content Distribution and Scoring

The NGN content is organized under the Client Needs framework. The distribution of content for the NCLEX-RN® is weighted toward the immediate safety and management of patient care.24

  • Management of Care: 18% 24

  • Health Promotion and Maintenance: 9% 24

  • Psychosocial Integrity: 6–12% 24

  • Physiological Adaptation, Reduction of Risk Potential, Pharmacological Therapies, Basic Care and Comfort, and Safety and Infection Control comprise the remaining categories. Note that these percentages may vary up to $\pm 3\%$ in each category due to the CAT structure.24

NGN Scoring System: The NGN introduced polytomous scoring for new item types, which allows candidates to receive partial credit for partially correct answers.9 For example, in a Dyad (paired set of responses), a candidate earns one point if both responses are correct. In a Triad, a candidate earns one point for getting the cause and one effect correct, or two points if all components are correct.9 This contrasts with traditional dichotomous scoring, where items are simply right (1 point) or wrong (0 points).9 This system rewards candidates for demonstrating partial knowledge and competence in complex scenarios.

VI. Phase 5: Focused Preparation and Review Strategies

Given the NGN's emphasis on clinical judgment and the specialized nature of the assessment, targeted review programs are highly recommended for IENs.

Strategic Study Focus

The significant weight given to the Management of Care category (18%) 24 reflects the need for IENs to master U.S.-centric concepts of prioritization, delegation, and effective resource management. Review efforts should concentrate on applying the six steps of the CJM to complex case studies, forcing the candidate to prioritize interventions and evaluate outcomes based on U.S. safety standards. This specialized focus helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge gained in the Philippines and the critical thinking expected of an entry-level USRN.

VII. Post-NCLEX Pathway: Licensure and Migration

Passing the NCLEX is the prerequisite for employment as a U.S. RN, but it does not equate to immediate licensure or migration eligibility.

VII.A. Receiving Results and Initial Licensure

After passing the NCLEX, the candidate must complete any outstanding requirements mandated by the chosen BON to secure an active professional license.

The critical hurdle remains the Social Security Number (SSN). While Gateway States waive the SSN for NCLEX eligibility, most of these states still require the SSN to issue the full, active professional license.1 IENs typically obtain their SSN only after entering the United States on an immigrant visa. Until the SSN is submitted, the nurse’s license may remain in a pending, inactive, or conditional status, preventing them from legally working as an RN. States such as Illinois may allow an affidavit in lieu of the SSN for the license application, but the ultimate requirement for an SSN for employment purposes is often unavoidable.14

VII.B. Completing VisaScreen® for U.S. Immigration

For Filipino nurses whose intent is to immigrate and practice nursing in the United States, the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment is mandatory.13 This service, offered by CGFNS, screens foreign healthcare professionals to ensure they meet minimum requirements, including educational comparability, English proficiency, and having passed the NCLEX-RN.13

The VisaScreen® Certificate is required by the U.S. federal government for nurses seeking an occupational visa (e.g., Green Card). The initial application fee for VisaScreen® is $740.00.18 Completing this credentialing process after passing the NCLEX is the final step before the nurse is ready for visa sponsorship and subsequent U.S. employment.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (15 Critical Topics)

Q1: Is CGFNS credentials evaluation mandatory for Filipino nurses?

The Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report is required by the majority of U.S. State Boards of Nursing (BONs) for internationally educated nurses (IENs). It is the mechanism by which BONs verify that a Filipino nurse's education and licensure meet U.S. standards before granting Authorization to Test (ATT).3

Q2: Which states are best for IENs without a Social Security Number (SSN)?

The most common "Gateway States" that allow foreign nurses to apply for NCLEX eligibility without a U.S. SSN, enabling them to test while overseas, include New York, Texas, and Illinois.1 Illinois often presents the shortest estimated processing timeline (3–5 months).12

Q3: What is the biggest cause of delay in the CGFNS process for IENs?

The single largest cause of delay is the time spent waiting for primary source documentation from the Philippines (specifically the university transcripts/TOR and PRC license verification). The actual evaluation time once all documents are received is typically only 7 business days.

Q4: What documents does CGFNS require from the Philippines?

CGFNS requires a complete academic record or transcript (TOR) sent directly from the educational institution and verification of Registered Nursing Licensure sent directly from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).4

Q5: How long is the Authorization to Test (ATT) valid?

The Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued by Pearson VUE after the BON determines eligibility. The ATT has a fixed expiration date, typically valid for 90 days. Candidates must schedule and take the exam within this window; failure to do so requires re-application and payment.11

Q6: Can I take the NCLEX in the Philippines?

Yes, the NCLEX is offered at international Pearson VUE test centers. The confirmed location in the Philippines is the Pearson VUE center in Manila (Makati City). There is also an additional testing site in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Q7: How many questions are on the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)?

Candidates will receive a minimum of 85 questions and a maximum of 150 total questions. This includes 70–135 scored items and 15 unscored pretest items.9

Q8: How does the NGN score partial credit?

The NGN uses polytomous scoring for new item types (like Dyads and Triads) to award partial credit. For instance, in a Dyad, correctly answering both parts of a paired set earns one point. This means a candidate can gain points even if they do not achieve a 100% correct response on complex items.9

Q9: What is the total NCLEX exam fee to Pearson VUE for testing in Manila?

The total base fee paid to Pearson VUE for an IEN seeking U.S. licensure and testing internationally is $350 USD: the $200 NCLEX Registration Fee plus the $150 Additional International Scheduling Fee.16

Q10: Do I need a VisaScreen® Certificate?

Yes, the VisaScreen® Certificate ($740.00 application fee) is mandatory for IENs who intend to seek an occupational immigrant visa (Green Card) to live and work as an RN in the United States.13

Q11: Can I use my IELTS/TOEFL scores from an at-home test?

No. CGFNS International strictly maintains that it does not accept the at-home versions of English Language Proficiency examinations. Tests must be taken at certified testing centers.4

Q12: What happens if my CGFNS application expires?

The CGFNS application (CES or VisaScreen) expires after 12 months if all required documents have not been received and processed. An expired application can be continued via a single reprocess application within the subsequent 12 months, which requires paying a reprocess fee (e.g., $225 for CES).18

Q13: If I pass the NCLEX without an SSN, can I work immediately?

No. While the NCLEX pass grants eligibility, most Gateway States require the U.S. Social Security Number to issue the final, active license. Until the BON confirms all final documentation, including the SSN or equivalent affidavit, the nurse cannot legally practice as a licensed RN.1

Q14: What is the strategic significance of the low 47% IEN pass rate?

The low pass rate emphasizes that specialized review is essential. The focus must shift from general knowledge (which Filipino nurses typically possess) to mastery of critical thinking, prioritization, delegation, and the application of the six steps of the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model, which is the core of the NGN.8

Q15: What fee applies if I need to change my chosen BON after registering?

If a candidate needs to change the Nursing Regulatory Body (BON/NRB) jurisdiction after having already registered for the NCLEX, Pearson VUE charges a Change NRB fee of $50 USD.16

IX. Conclusions and Recommendations

The NCLEX pathway for Filipino nurses is fundamentally a strategic endeavor governed by decentralized regulatory requirements. The success of the journey is determined early, based on the selection of a "Gateway State" that prioritizes the timely issuance of the Authorization to Test (ATT) over the final licensure requirements. The ultimate objective is to secure the NCLEX pass score—a key prerequisite for the $740 VisaScreen® certificate, which is necessary for occupational migration to the U.S.

The largest variable affecting the IEN timeline is the bureaucratic process of document verification, particularly the 14-week average delay incurred while waiting for official transcripts and PRC license verification from the Philippines. Proactive management of institutional submission protocols is therefore the most critical factor an applicant can control to accelerate the process.

Given the substantial evidence supporting the NCLEX's shift to Clinical Judgment Measurement (CJM) and the relatively low IEN pass rate (47%), preparation must be highly targeted. IENs are strongly advised to invest in NGN-specific review focusing on prioritization, delegation, and the six steps of the CJM, moving away from traditional, content-heavy memorization methods. The combination of meticulous regulatory compliance, strategic state selection, and focused NGN preparation forms the most robust roadmap to achieving USRN licensure.

Works cited

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  2. Register - NCLEX, accessed on November 11, 2025, https://www.nclex.com/register.page

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Author Image
Author Profile
Lysa Balboa

NEAC’s Licensing Supervisor, bringing 9 years of expertise in international medical licensing. As a specialist in NCLEX, License Endorsement, and Visa Screen processing, she has helped thousands of healthcare professionals obtain international licensure. Known for her dedication and in-depth knowledge of licensing regulations, Lysa ensures a smooth and hassle-free application process, guiding applicants at every step. She has also played a key role in major initiatives at NEAC, including co-founding the Processing Department. Her commitment to excellence has established her as a trusted expert in the field.

27 comments

  • Hello! I want to ask if it is possible for me to take NCLEX even though I’m not yet a registered nurse? I finished my BSN last year only and I still didn’t take a licensure exam. However, I’m also a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Midwifery and a registered midwife.

    Cris Ong
  • Hello NEAC,

    Good day,

    I am a fresh graduate batch 2022 with a BS in Psychology Degree. I was given an opportunity by my dad to pursue nursing and follow up in the US. I just wanted to ask if an ADP program here in the Philippines will qualify me for an NCLEX Exam? or Do I need to take a 2nd degree of BS RN?

    as much as possible I am also considering the time that I will spend. I looking for both opportunities but will prepare a short way possible but with quality assurance. Thank you very much for your help.

    Sincerely,
    Gab

    Gabriel Sanchez
  • Kindly send me info on how to process applying for NCLEX

    Rowena
  • Can I apply for NCLEX Exam online with your sponsorship

    Risalinda Sanchez Molina
  • Hi,

    I just wanna inquire if there are states in Us that doesn’t require a local license?

    Rachelyn

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