VisaScreen® Certificate: A Guide for International Healthcare Professionals
For international healthcare professionals, securing a US employment-based visa is the final, critical step in achieving your American career dream. A key component of this immigration process is the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service, a government-mandated screening program.
This service is administered by TruMerit, the organization previously known as CGFNS International. The assessment is not a suggestion; it is a legal requirement under US federal law for many health professions. This definitive guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to the entire VisaScreen® process, explaining what it is, who needs it, and how to successfully obtain your certificate from TruMerit (CGFNS).
What is a VisaScreen® Certificate and Who Needs It?
A VisaScreen® Certificate verifies that an internationally educated healthcare professional has met the minimum requirements for their profession as set by US federal law. It was mandated by Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) to ensure all healthcare practitioners entering the US are qualified and competent.
You are required to obtain a VisaScreen® Certificate if you are an international professional in one of the following fields seeking a US occupational visa:
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Registered Nurses (RNs)
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Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVNs)
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Physical Therapists (PTs)
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Occupational Therapists (OTs)
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Physician Assistants (PAs)
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Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
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Medical Technologists and Technicians
The final ICHP VisaScreen® Certificate, issued by TruMerit (CGFNS), is the document you must present to a US consular officer to be issued your visa.
The 5 Components of the VisaScreen® Assessment
The VisaScreen® service is a comprehensive review of your professional profile. To receive a certificate, you must successfully complete an assessment of these five components:
Educational Review
TruMerit (CGFNS) will conduct a detailed analysis of your secondary and professional education to ensure it is comparable to that of a US graduate in the same profession.
Licensure Review
TruMerit (CGFNS) will verify every professional license/registration you have ever held. All licenses must be validated directly from the issuing authority and must be in good standing.
English Language Proficiency Assessment
You must demonstrate competency in English by passing an approved English language proficiency examination (e.g., TOEFL® iBT, IELTS, etc.). Each profession has specific score requirements recognized by TruMerit (CGFNS).
Passing a US Licensure Exam (NCLEX for Nurses)
For registered nurses, a key requirement is proof of having passed the NCLEX-RN examination. TruMerit (CGFNS) will verify your exam pass directly with the US State Board of Nursing that holds your license. This confirms your clinical knowledge meets US standards.
Passport Photo Submission
A recent, passport-style photograph is required for identity verification and inclusion on your final certificate.
The VisaScreen® Application Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
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Create Your TruMerit (CGFNS) Account: The entire process is managed through the TruMerit Applicant Portal. Your first step is to create a secure online account.
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Complete the Application & Pay Fees: Fill out the VisaScreen® application form accurately and pay the required fees online.
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Ensure All Documents are Sent to TruMerit (CGFNS): You are responsible for having your academic transcripts, license validations, and English test scores sent directly to TruMerit (CGFNS) from their respective institutions. Your review cannot be completed until all required documents have been received and verified.
Navigating the Complexities: Why Expert Guidance Matters
The VisaScreen® application is a meticulous process of document coordination. A missing transcript, an incorrect form, or a delay in verification from a licensing authority can stall your application for months, jeopardizing your visa timeline.
NEAC Medical Exams Center is an expert in managing the TruMerit (CGFNS) VisaScreen® application for international healthcare professionals. We handle the complexities for you, from ensuring all forms are correct to following up on document submissions. We streamline the process so you can secure your certificate without unnecessary stress or delays.
Let our experts handle the process, so you can focus on your success.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the NMC Test of Competence (ToC)?
The VisaScreen Service is a comprehensive screening program for healthcare professionals who are not U.S. citizens and are seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States TruMerit is an approved credentialing agency for only nine (9) occupations, these are:
Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses
Physical Therapists only (not Physical Therapist Assistants)
Occupational Therapists
Physician Assistants
Audiologists
Speech Language Pathologists
Clinical Laboratory Technicians / Medical Laboratory Technicians
Clinical Laboratory Scientists / Medical Laboratory Technologists
Applicants whose entry to practice education in a specialty field such as Cardiovascular Perfusion, Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Laboratory Safety, Cytology, Blood Banking, etc., do not fall within the technologist category. These occupations fall outside the purview of the certification requirement.
How long is a VisaScreen® Certificate valid for?
A VisaScreen® Certificate issued by TruMerit (CGFNS) is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
Can I get a VisaScreen® Certificate without passing the NCLEX?
No. For Registered Nurses, proof of passing the NCLEX-RN is a mandatory component of the VisaScreen® assessment. You must pass the NCLEX before your certificate can be issued.
What are the accepted English tests and scores for VisaScreen®?
Accepted tests include TOEFL® iBT, IELTS, and others. The required scores vary by profession. For example, registered nurses must meet a specific score on the academic module of the IELTS or the TOEFL® iBT. Always check the official TruMerit (CGFNS) website for the most current requirements for your profession.
How long does the VisaScreen® application process take?
Once TruMerit (CGFNS) has obtained all necessary documents, the review process may take up to four days, provided that all requirements are met. Delays could occur depending on how quickly your school and the licensing authorities submit the required documents.
What is the difference between a TruMerit (CGFNS) CES Report and a VisaScreen® Certificate?
A CES (Credentials Evaluation Service) Report is an advisory report that only evaluates your education. It is often required by State Boards of Nursing for NCLEX eligibility. A VisaScreen® Certificate is a comprehensive screening that includes education, licensure, English proficiency, and exam verification, and it is required for US immigration purposes. They are two different services for two different purposes.
Do I need a US Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for VisaScreen®?
No. You do not need a US Social Security Number to apply for and receive a VisaScreen® Certificate.
Can I renew my VisaScreen® Certificate?
Yes. If your certificate is about to expire, you can apply for a renewal through your TruMerit (CGFNS) account. The renewal process is typically simpler than the initial application, but you may need to re-verify your licenses and potentially re-take an English exam if your scores have expired.
Does the VisaScreen® Certificate guarantee me a US visa?
No. The VisaScreen® Certificate is a mandatory document required by US immigration law, but it is just one part of your visa application. The final decision to grant a visa rests with the US consular officer and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How can an agency help with the TruMerit (CGFNS) VisaScreen® application?
An expert agency like NEAC understands the intricate requirements of the VisaScreen® process. We ensure your application is filled out correctly, guide you on which documents to request from which institutions, and follow up to ensure a smooth and timely process. This coordination is crucial for avoiding long delays that can impact your visa petition.