NCLEX Licensure Processing for Internationally Educated Nurses (2026 Edition)

By Lysa Balboa

Executive Summary

The integration of Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) into the United States healthcare system is a critical mechanism for addressing persistent workforce shortages, yet the regulatory pathway remains one of the most complex professional licensing processes globally. Unlike nations with centralized health registries, the United States operates under a federalist model where licensure is a state-level prerogative, managed by 50 distinct Boards of Nursing (BONs) and various territorial bodies. This decentralized architecture creates a labyrinth of varying requirements regarding educational equivalence, English language proficiency, and identity verification, specifically the Social Security Number (SSN).

This report serves as an exhaustive, expert-level reference document designed to guide IENs of all nationalities through the end-to-end licensure process. It synthesizes data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), CGFNS International, Pearson VUE, and state-specific statutes to provide accurate, actionable intelligence. The analysis moves beyond simple procedural checklists to explore the strategic implications of jurisdiction selection, the nuances of credential evaluation, and the intersection of licensure with federal immigration mandates under the EB-3 visa classification. It is structured to answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) with high-granularity detail, ensuring that applicants can navigate the "Next Generation" NCLEX (NGN) and subsequent licensure endorsement with precision.

Section 1: The Regulatory Architecture of U.S. Nursing

1.1 The Federalist Model and State Sovereignty

The fundamental premise of U.S. nursing regulation is that the authority to license nurses is reserved to the states, not the federal government.1 While the examination (NCLEX) is national, the eligibility to take that examination is determined locally. This distinction is paramount for IENs, who often mistakenly view the "USA" as a single entry point. In reality, an applicant is applying to a specific jurisdiction—such as the Texas Board of Nursing, the New York State Education Department (NYSED), or the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)—each with its own legislative statutes.

This structure implies that "eligibility" is fluid. An applicant deemed qualified in New York may be rejected in California due to differences in how "educational comparability" is defined, particularly regarding clinical concurrency.4 Furthermore, the U.S. territories (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands) act as distinct jurisdictions that can serve as strategic entry points for candidates lacking specific identifiers like a U.S. Social Security Number.5 The "Uniform Licensure Requirements" (ULRs) developed by the NCSBN attempt to harmonize these standards, yet significant variances persist regarding criminal background checks, English proficiency benchmarks, and recency of practice.

1.2 The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

A critical development in workforce mobility is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to hold one "multistate license" in their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) and practice physically or telephonically in other compact states.1 As of 2025, over 40 jurisdictions participate in the NLC.

However, for the IEN applying from abroad, the NLC presents a paradox. To obtain a multistate license, the applicant must provide proof of legal residence (e.g., a driver’s license, voter registration) in an NLC state.6 Most IENs do not have U.S. residency at the time of application. Consequently, even if an IEN applies to an NLC state like Texas or Arizona, they will typically be issued a Single State License initially. This license is valid only in that state. Once the nurse immigrates and establishes residency, they can apply to "upgrade" to multistate status. This distinction is frequently misunderstood, leading to confusion regarding practice privileges upon arrival.

1.3 The Role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

The NCSBN is a non-profit organization that comprises the regulatory boards of all 50 states.7 It develops the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN examinations to measure the minimum competency required for safe entry-level practice. It is crucial to understand that the NCSBN does not issue licenses, grant eligibility, or evaluate transcripts. They manage the Nursys database for license verification and the exam development process, but they are not the entity that approves an IEN's application.2

Section 2: Credential Evaluation Services (CES)

Because State BONs lack the resources to verify thousands of international transcripts in varied languages and grading systems, they delegate this function to approved third-party agencies. The selection of the correct agency and the correct report type is the first critical decision an IEN makes.

2.1 The Major Credentialing Agencies

While CGFNS International (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) is the global leader and most widely accepted agency, it is not the only option.

  • CGFNS International: Accepted by virtually all states. It is the primary provider of the "VisaScreen" certificate required for immigration.7

  • Josef Silny & Associates: Accepted by specific states such as Texas, Florida, and Nevada. They are often cited for faster processing times (standard 15-20 days) compared to CGFNS.9

  • ERES (Educational Records Evaluation Service): Frequently used for California and other western states. They offer detailed course-by-course evaluations that meet California's strict standards.11

  • IERF (International Education Research Foundation): Another alternative accepted by states like California and Arizona.13

Strategic Insight: Applicants must verify which agency their chosen State BON accepts. For example, while CGFNS is universal, a nurse applying to Florida might choose Josef Silny to expedite the process by weeks or months.10 Conversely, New York requires a specific verification pathway (CVS) that is exclusively handled by CGFNS.8

2.2 Distinguishing Between Report Types

A frequent point of failure for IENs is purchasing the wrong evaluation product. The nomenclature is specific and not interchangeable.

2.2.1 The CES Professional Report

This is the standard report used for Licensure. It provides a detailed breakdown of the applicant's education, licensure, and professional experience, assessing comparability to a U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) program.14

  • Used By: Texas, Illinois, Florida, and most other BONs.14

  • Requirements: Secondary school diploma, nursing transcripts sent directly from the school, and license validation sent directly from the home country's nursing council.14

  • Cost: CES is $485 and expedited fee is $425 15

2.2.2 The CGFNS Certification Program (CP)

The CP is a more rigorous program that includes three components: a credential review, the CGFNS Qualifying Exam (a pre-NCLEX test), and an English proficiency requirement.8

  • Used By: A minority of states (e.g.,Connecticut, Virgin Island) require this specific certificate before an applicant can even sit for the NCLEX.

  • Immigration Utility: Passing the CGFNS Qualifying Exam satisfies the "nursing knowledge" component of the VisaScreen, but most nurses satisfy this via the NCLEX.16

  • Warning: IENs applying to New York or Texas generally do not need the Certification Program. Purchasing it unnecessarily wastes time and money ($495+).17

2.2.3 The VisaScreen (Visa Credentials Assessment)

This is an Immigration document, not a licensure document. Mandated by Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996, it is required for all foreign healthcare workers (except physicians) seeking an occupational visa (EB-3, H-1B, TN).18

  • Components: Education review, license validation, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), and proof of passing either NCLEX or CGFNS Qualifying Exam.19

  • Validity: Five years. It must be renewed if the applicant has not obtained a Green Card within that timeframe.20

  • Digital Issuance: TRUMERIT (formerly CGFNS) currently issues the VS in digital form, but applicants can also obtain a physical copy upon request and payment of the applicable fee.

2.3 Documentation Logistics and Fraud Prevention

The evaluation process is strictly controlled to prevent fraud. "Primary Source Verification" is the golden rule: documents must come directly from the issuing institution (school or licensing body) to the evaluator.14 Documents submitted by the applicant are rejected.

  • Translation: If documents are not in English, they must be translated. Agencies like CGFNS and Josef Silny offer translation services for an additional fee.22

  • Secondary School: Verifying high school graduation is a mandatory step that often causes delays. If the original high school is closed or unresponsive, IENs may face significant hurdles. Some states waive this if the applicant has a higher degree, but CGFNS is strict about the 12-year education requirement.

Section 3: Strategic Jurisdiction Selection

The most pivotal decision an IEN makes is selecting the initial state for licensure application. This decision should be driven by eligibility compatibility rather than geography. An IEN can obtain a license in one state (e.g., New York) and endorse it to another (e.g., Florida) later. Two major variables dictate this strategy: Social Security Number (SSN) requirements and Clinical Concurrency.

3.1 The Social Security Number (SSN) Dilemma

The SSN is a U.S. tax and identification number. Most State BONs require an SSN to process a license application to comply with federal child support enforcement laws.25 However, IENs living abroad cannot obtain an SSN without a valid visa/work permit, which requires a job offer, which requires a license. This circular problem is solved by applying to "Non-SSN States."

3.1.1 States Not Requiring SSN for Initial Application

  • New York (NY): The most popular gateway for IENs. NYSED allows applicants to submit a waiver or simply leave the SSN field blank (or declare "not applicable") during the application process. Eligibility for the NCLEX is granted, and the exam can be taken. 

  • Illinois (IL): Does not require an SSN for the application but requires an affidavit declaring the applicant's status.26

  • Montana (MT): An SSN is not needed in Montana, and a license can be issued after the applicant passes the NCLEX.

  • Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): A U.S. territory that does not require an SSN, often used by applicants from Asia due to geographic proximity for testing.5

  • Texas (TX): Texas does not require an SSN, and a license is issued once the applicant has passed the NCLEX.

3.1.2 States Requiring SSN

States like California, Arizona, and Florida typically require an SSN to complete the application process.5 Applying to these states from abroad without an SSN often leads to a stalled application or a rejection, unless the applicant already has an SSN from prior U.S. residency.

3.2 The Clinical Concurrency Hurdle

"Concurrency" refers to the educational standard where nursing theory (classroom lectures) and clinical practice (hospital rotations) are completed in the same semester or timeframe for specific subjects: Medical-Surgical, Obstetrics (Maternal), Pediatrics, and Psychiatry/Mental Health.

3.2.1 The California Challenge

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) strictly enforces concurrency. Many international nursing programs (e.g., in the Philippines, Russia, India) historically taught these subjects in separate semesters or lacked specific clinical hours in areas like Obstetric or Psychiatric nursing.4

  • Consequence: If an IEN applies to California and their transcript lacks concurrency, they are deemed ineligible for the NCLEX. They must retake the specific courses at a U.S. school, which is logistically and financially difficult.4

  • Regulatory Shift (2022): California passed regulations (CCR 1410.5) allowing an exemption for out-of-state applicants endorsing into California. If a nurse has been licensed and practicing in another U.S. state for two years, the concurrency/lab deficiency may be waived.4 This reinforces the strategy of obtaining licensure in a different state first.

Section 4: English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English is assessed at two distinct stages: State Licensure (varies by state) and VisaScreen (federally mandated).

4.1 Accepted Examinations and Standards (2025)

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and CGFNS accept specific tests. Passing standards for VisaScreen are federal and non-negotiable, while state boards may set higher or lower benchmarks.38

  • Critical Update (PTE): As of December 1, 2024, CGFNS requires a Speaking score of 50  on the PTE Academic for VisaScreen. The overall score requirement remains 55, with no other section below 50. This is a crucial adjustment for applicants preparing for the PTE.19

  • OET Popularity: The Occupational English Test (OET) has become the preferred choice for many nurses because it tests medical English (e.g., patient consultations, referral letters) rather than academic literature, often resulting in higher pass rates for clinical professionals.40

4.2 Exemptions

Applicants educated in recognized English-speaking countries are exempt from the English proficiency testing requirement for VisaScreen and most State Boards.

  • The "Exempt" List: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Canada (except Quebec).

  • Trinidad and Tobago Exception: CGFNS explicitly lists Trinidad and Tobago as an exempt country for the VisaScreen English requirement, provided the language of instruction and textbooks was English. This is a distinct advantage for nurses from this nation compared to other Caribbean states.

  • The "English-Based" Education Rule: For many states (like NY), if the nursing program was taught in English, the test might be waived for licensure purposes, but the federal VisaScreen requirement is stricter. Even if a nurse from the Philippines or India was taught in English, they are not exempt from the English test for VisaScreen purposes.

Section 5: The Examination Phase - NCLEX-RN

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the standardized exam for all U.S. states. In April 2023, the exam transitioned to the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) format.

5.1 Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) Structure

The NGN was designed to better assess Clinical Judgment—the ability to observe, assess, prioritize, and make decisions in real-time.42

  • Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (CJMM): The exam assesses six cognitive skills: Recognize Cues, Analyze Cues, Prioritize Hypotheses, Generate Solutions, Take Action, and Evaluate Outcomes.43

  • New Item Types:

  • Case Studies: A split-screen scenario with medical records, notes, and labs, followed by six sequential questions.

  • Bowtie Items: Candidates must simultaneously identify a condition, actions to take, and parameters to monitor.

  • Trend Items: Evaluating data points over time (e.g., vital signs shifting).44

  • Scoring: The NGN uses polytomous scoring, meaning candidates can receive partial credit for questions with multiple correct answers. This differs from the previous "all-or-nothing" scoring.42

  • Length: The exam is Variable Length Adaptive Testing (CAT). It ranges from a minimum of 85 items to a maximum of 150 items. The time limit is 5 hours.42

5.2 Registration and Authorization to Test (ATT)

The registration process involves two synchronized steps.

  1. State Board Application: The candidate applies to the BON (e.g., Texas). The BON determines eligibility based on the CES report and application.42

  2. Pearson VUE Registration: The candidate creates an account with Pearson VUE and pays the $200 registration fee.45

  3. The Link: Once the BON deems the applicant eligible and sees the Pearson VUE registration, they authorize Pearson VUE to send the Authorization to Test (ATT) email.47

  4. Validity: The ATT is typically valid for 90 days (varies slightly by state). It cannot be extended. If the candidate does not test within this window, they must re-register and pay the $200 fee again.47

5.3 International Administration and Fees

The NCLEX is administered internationally in approved Pearson VUE centers (e.g., Philippines, India, UK, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Japan).48

  • International Scheduling Fee: Candidates testing outside the U.S. and Canada must pay an additional $150 USD fee plus any applicable Value Added Tax (VAT).46

  • Rescheduling: Appointments can be rescheduled via the Pearson VUE website. If changed more than 24 hours in advance, fees are minimal or waived; changes within 24 hours result in fee forfeiture.49

  • Strict ID Policy: For international test centers, the Passport is the only acceptable form of identification. It must be valid (unexpired), government-issued, and signed. Driver's licenses or national ID cards are generally not accepted at international centers, unlike domestic U.S. centers where they might be.50 Name matching between the passport and the ATT must be exact.

Section 6: Immigration and VisaScreen (Section 343)

Passing the NCLEX is necessary for licensure, but the VisaScreen is necessary for the visa.

6.1 The VisaScreen Requirement

Under Section 343 of IIRIRA, specific healthcare professionals (Nurses, PTs, OTs, etc.) must possess a VisaScreen certificate to obtain an occupational visa.18 This is a federal immigration requirement overseen by the Department of Homeland Security but administered by CGFNS (and other approved bodies like Josef Silny for specific professions).9

  • Timing: The VisaScreen is typically applied for after passing the NCLEX and the English proficiency exam, as both scores are required components.

  • Renewal: The certificate is valid for five years. If the nurse has not adjusted their status to Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) within five years, they must renew the certificate.20

6.2 The EB-3 Visa Process for Nurses

Most IENs enter the U.S. on an EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) visa.

  • Schedule A Designation: Registered Nurses are on "Schedule A," a list of occupations with a recognized shortage. This allows the employer to bypass the lengthy "Labor Certification" (PERM) recruitment process usually required for EB-3 visas.52

  • Step 1: I-140 Petition: The U.S. employer (hospital or staffing agency) files Form I-140 with USCIS. This establishes the "Priority Date".53

  • Step 2: Priority Date & Retrogression: The Priority Date is the nurse's "place in line." If the number of visa applicants exceeds the annual cap for their country, "Retrogression" occurs. Applicants from high-demand countries (China, India, Philippines) often face significant waits (years) before their Priority Date becomes "current" in the Visa Bulletin.53

  • Step 3: Consular Processing (DS-260): Once the date is current, the nurse applies for the immigrant visa at the U.S. Consulate in their home country, completes the medical exam, and attends the interview.53

  • Step 4: Entry: Upon entry to the U.S., the nurse becomes a Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).55

Section 7: Detailed State-Specific Workflows

7.1 New York State (NYSED) Workflow

  • Step 1: Complete mandatory online courses: Child Abuse Identification and Infection Control.31

  • Step 2: Submit Form 1 (Application for Licensure) online at the NYSED OP website. Pay $143 fee.56

  • Step 3: Credential Verification.

  • Option A: CVS (Credential Verification Service) via CGFNS. The applicant applies to CGFNS for "CVS for New York State." CGFNS collects transcripts and sends a report to NYSED.8

  • Option B: Form 2F. The applicant sends Form 2F to their nursing school, which fills it out and mails it directly to NYSED with transcripts. (Slower, higher risk of error).31

  • Step 4: Form 3F. Sent to the home country's licensing board to verify the foreign license.

  • Step 5: NYSED reviews file (approx. 6-9 months). If approved, they notify Pearson VUE.

  • Step 6: Register with Pearson VUE ($200). Receive ATT.

  • Step 7: Pass NCLEX.

  • Result: NYSED issues a "Pass Letter." The actual license number is often held until a Social Security Number is provided, but the Pass Letter allows the employer to file the I-140 visa petition.26

7.2 Texas Board of Nursing Workflow

  • Step 1: Apply to CGFNS for a CES Professional Report (not CP, not CVS). Ensure the report is sent to the Texas BON.33

  • Step 2: Pass the English Proficiency Exam (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) before applying to the Board, as Texas requires this for eligibility.35

  • Step 3: Submit the Licensure by Examination application on the Texas Nurse Portal. Pay ~$75 fee.28

  • Step 4: Take the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE). This is an online, open-book exam that must be passed before the ATT is issued.28

  • Step 5: Criminal Background Check. Complete fingerprints (if in the U.S.) or submit a fingerprint card (if abroad).

  • Step 6: Receive ATT, schedule, and pass NCLEX.

  • Result: Texas does not require an SSN, and a license is issued once the applicant has passed the NCLEX.

7.3 California Board of Registered Nursing Workflow

  • Step 1: Apply to the BRN via the BreEZe online system. Pay $750 application fee (significantly higher than other states).34

  • Step 2: Submit Fingerprints. International applicants use "Hard Cards" (FD-258) and pay $49 processing fee.34

  • Step 3: Transcripts. Schools must send transcripts. CA is extremely particular about the "Breakdown of Educational Program" form being filled out to show concurrent theory and clinical hours.34

  • Step 4: Assessment. The BRN reviews the file (10-12 weeks per review cycle). If concurrency is met, eligibility is granted.

  • Result: If approved, register for Pearson VUE and pass NCLEX. If rejected for concurrency, the applicant is often told to take remedial courses. Strategic Note: Applicants denied in CA often withdraw and apply to NY or TX, then endorse back to CA later after gaining 2 years of work experience, utilizing the CCR 1410.5 exemption.4

Section 8: Fee Schedule and Financial Planning

The cost of licensure is substantial and largely non-refundable.

Insight: The California application fee ($750) makes it the most expensive state for initial application, further discouraging it as a "trial" state for uncertain candidates.58

Section 9: FAQ and Troubleshooting

9.1 Name Mismatches

Question: "My passport has my maiden name, but my nursing diploma has my married name."

Answer: This is a critical error point. All documents must match. You must submit a legal affidavit or marriage certificate to CGFNS/State Board to link the names. Your ATT name must match your ID (Passport) exactly. If they differ even by a middle name, you will be turned away at the test center and forfeit your $200 fee.59

9.2 The 45-Day Retake Rule

Question: "I failed the NCLEX. How soon can I retake it?"

Answer: The NCSBN mandates a minimum 45-day waiting period between exams. You must re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 fee again. You generally do not need to resubmit your transcript to the State Board, but you may need to re-apply for re-examination eligibility depending on the state.42

9.3 CGFNS "CVS" vs. "CES" for New York

Question: "I bought the CES Professional report for New York, but they said it's wrong."

Answer: New York requires the Credential Verification Service (CVS), not the CES Professional Report. The CVS is a specific product for NYSED. If you bought the CES, you may need to contact CGFNS to switch the service or purchase the CVS separately.

Conclusion

The journey of an Internationally Educated Nurse to U.S. licensure is a rigorous test of both clinical knowledge and administrative perseverance. It requires a precise understanding of the interplay between State Boards (eligibility), CGFNS (verification), Pearson VUE (examination), and Federal Immigration (visas).

While the barriers—financial, regulatory, and educational—are significant, they are navigable with strict adherence to the protocols outlined in this report. As the U.S. healthcare system continues to rely on global talent, the IEN who masters these regulatory mechanisms positions themselves for a successful and mobile career in American nursing.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: Which U.S. state is the best for an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN) to apply to first?

There is no single "best" state, but there are strategic "gateway" states for applicants who do not yet have a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN).

  • New York: Best for those without an SSN who want a straightforward (though slow) application process. It allows applicants to leave the SSN field blank or declare "not applicable."

  • Texas: Excellent for those who want a faster timeline than New York. It processes applications without an SSN (status remains "identifying info needed," but exam eligibility is granted).

  • Montana & Illinois: Viable alternatives that generally allow exceptions or affidavits for international applicants regarding the SSN.

  • Avoid: California is generally not recommended as an initial state for IENs due to strict "Clinical Concurrency" requirements and the need for an SSN at the time of application.

Q: What is "Clinical Concurrency," and why does it matter?

Clinical Concurrency is the educational standard requiring nursing theory (classroom) and clinical practice (hospital rotations) to be completed in the same semester.

  • The Issue: Many older international curriculums (e.g., in Russia, India, Philippines) separated these components.

  • The Risk: The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) enforces this strictly. If your transcript lacks concurrency, you will be denied eligibility.

  • The Solution: Apply to a state with flexible evaluation standards (like New York) first. Once licensed and practicing for two years, you may apply to endorse your license to California under exemption CCR 1410.5.

Q: Can I apply for a Multistate License (NLC) directly from abroad?

No. While over 40 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you generally cannot obtain a multistate license immediately. To hold a multistate license, you must prove primary residency (e.g., driver’s license, voter registration) in that Compact state. IENs applying from abroad will initially be issued a Single State License. You can upgrade to multistate status once you immigrate and establish residency.

Q: What is the difference between the CGFNS CES Report, the Certification Program, and the VisaScreen?

Choosing the wrong service is the #1 error IENs make.

  • CES Professional Report ($485+): Used for Licensure. It evaluates your education for the State Board (e.g., Texas, Florida).

  • Certification Program (CP) ($495+): A rigorous exam + evaluation combo required by very few states (e.g., Alabama, Hawaii). Do not buy this for New York or Texas.

  • VisaScreen ($740): Used for Immigration. It is a federal requirement for the visa, not the license. You typically apply for this after passing the NCLEX.

Q: My name on my Nursing Diploma is different from my Passport. What should I do?

You must address this immediately to avoid rejection at the test center.

  1. Legal Link: Submit a marriage certificate or legal affidavit to CGFNS and the State Board linking the two names.

  2. Passport Priority: When registering for Pearson VUE, your name must exactly match your valid Passport. If your Passport says "Maria Santos Smith" and your Authorization to Test (ATT) says "Maria Smith," you will be turned away and forfeit the $200 fee.

Q: How is the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) different from previous versions?

The NGN, launched in 2023, focuses on Clinical Judgment.

  • Scoring: It uses polytomous scoring (partial credit is allowed).

  • Format: It includes Case Studies (medical records followed by 6 questions), Bowtie items, and Trend items.

  • Length: The exam uses Variable Length Adaptive Testing (CAT), ranging from 85 to 150 items with a 5-hour time limit.

Q: If I fail the NCLEX, how soon can I retake it?

The NCSBN mandates a 45-day waiting period between exam attempts. You must re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee again.

Section 4: English Proficiency & Immigration

Q: Which English tests are accepted for VisaScreen?

As of 2025, the following tests and scores are accepted for the VisaScreen certificate:

  • Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams)

  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based Test)

  • TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • MET (Michigan English Test)

  • OET (Occupational English Test)

  • Pearson PTE Academic

Q: Are there exemptions for the English proficiency requirement?

Yes. You are exempt from the English test for VisaScreen if your entry-level nursing education was completed in:

  • United States

  • United Kingdom

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Ireland

  • Canada (excluding Quebec)

  • Trinidad and Tobago (Explicitly listed as exempt by CGFNS).

Note: Being educated in English in countries like the Philippines or India does not exempt you from the VisaScreen English requirement.

Q: What is Retrogression?

Retrogression occurs when the number of visa applicants from a specific country exceeds the annual cap. This creates a backlog. Nurses from high-demand countries—specifically China, India, and the Philippines—often face significant waiting periods (years) before their "Priority Date" becomes current, allowing them to proceed to the visa interview.

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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.

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