VisaScreen Certificate for Filipino Nurses 2026: Complete Guide to US Immigration Screening

Passing the NCLEX qualifies you to practice nursing in the US — but to migrate on a work visa, Filipino nurses also need a VisaScreen certificate. This guide explains how it fits alongside your NCLEX application.

What Is VisaScreen?

VisaScreen is a certification program operated by TruMerit(CGFNS International) that verifies a foreign healthcare worker meets US licensure and education standards for immigration. US immigration law requires healthcare workers to present a VisaScreen certificate before being granted an occupational work visa or permanent residency.

Why Do Filipino Nurses Need VisaScreen?

Under US immigration law (Section 343 of IIRIRA), foreign healthcare workers must prove their education, licensure, and English ability are equivalent to US standards before entering the US to work. Without VisaScreen, a nurse cannot complete the work visa process — even with a passed NCLEX.

VisaScreen English Language Requirements for Filipino Nurses

 IELTS Academic —

• An overall score of 7.0.

• At least 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking.

• At least 6.5 in Writing across two sittings.

• No individual component score below 6.5 in either test sitting.

 OET — 

• Be tested in all four components in each sitting.

• Meet the required minimum scores in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

• Have no component score below 320 (Listening), 340 (Reading), 350 (Writing) and  360 (Speaking).

TOEFL iBT —

• Overall: 4.5

• Speaking: 4.5

• Reading, Listening and Writing: 3.5 

Pearson PTE Academic

• Overall score: 55

• Minimum score of 62 in Reading, Listening, and Writing

• Speaking: 76

 Michigan English Test (MET)

• Overall score: 58

• Speaking: 59

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

• Overall Cambridge English Scale score: 169

• Speaking: 194

As of 12 May 2026, accepted English language test scores for English language requirements for VisaScreen.

NEAC assists with IELTS, TOEFL, and OET registration to meet VisaScreen requirements.

How VisaScreen Relates to the NCLEX and CGFNS

The TruMerit (CGFNS credential evaluation) you complete for your NCLEX state board feeds into the VisaScreen education review. Your NCLEX pass and US state license are verified in the licensure component. VisaScreen is required for the visa, while the NCLEX is required for the license — you need both to work in the US.

VisaScreen Process Steps for Filipino Nurses

1.   Create TruMerit(CGFNS) account and  Submit VisaScreen application with required documents

2.  Complete the application and pay fees- fill out the Visa Screen application form and pay the required fees

3.   Ensure all documents are sent to Trumerit(CGFNS)- academic transcripts, license validations,and English test scores.

4.    VisaScreen certificate issued — present to US immigration for your visa

How Long Does VisaScreen Take?

The VisaScreen process  may take up to four days.Provided that TruMerit(CGFNS) requirements are met.TruMerit(CGFNS evaluation)  can streamline the VisaScreen  review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is VisaScreen and do Filipino nurses need it?

A: VisaScreen is a TruMerit(CGFNS) certification required by US immigration law for foreign healthcare workers. Every Filipino nurse migrating to the US on a work visa must present a VisaScreen certificate verifying education, licensure, and English proficiency meet US standards — in addition to passing the NCLEX.

Q: Is VisaScreen the same as the NCLEX?

A: No. The NCLEX is the exam required for a US nursing license. VisaScreen is an immigration certificate required for your work visa. Filipino nurses need both to legally work in the US.

Q: How long does the VisaScreen process take?

A: VisaScreen may  take  up to  4 days, depending on how quickly your nursing school, the PRC, and licensing bodies respond to verification requests.

Q: What English test scores does VisaScreen require for nurses?

A: Typically IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Speaking, or TOEFL iBT 91 total with 22 in Speaking. Some Filipino nurses qualify for an English exemption based on their education.