| Q: |
I want to go to the U. S. and work as a Registered Nurse. How do I do this? |
| A: |
First, you will need to have a valid job offer from a U.S. based employer. The offer can be obtained either before or after passing the NCLEX-RN examination. The U.S. employer must file a petition for an employment based permanent immigrant visa with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). More information on employment based immigrant visas can be found at www.uscis.gov . (TOC) |
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| Q: |
What is the NCLEX-RN? |
| A: |
The NCLEX-RN is an examination that Registered Nurses are required to pass in order to obtain a nursing license in the U.S.. This examination is available in the U.S. as well as several other countries outside of the U.S.. For more information on international administration of the NCLEX-RN examination, go to: www.ncsbn.org. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Can I take the NCLEX-RN test if I have not taken the CGFNS examination? |
| A: |
There are a few states that require a foreign nurse to pass the CGFNS examination before taking the NCLEX-RN examination. Please check with the individual state board of nursing for latest board regulations governing the RN licensure requirements for Foreign Nurses. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Is there any way to avoid taking the CGFNS exam and obtain an approval of the I-140? |
| A: |
According to the regulations, a nurse need not take the CGFNS exam if s/he has either a valid, full and unrestricted nursing license from a state in the U.S. to obtain the I-140 approval or a certified copy of a letter from the state board of nursing from his/her intended state of employment which confirms that s/he has passed the NCLEX/RN exam and is eligible to be issued a license to practice nursing in that state. However, in most instances, s/he will still need the Visa Screen Certificate in order to obtain permanent residence status and for the USCIS to approve the I-485 application for the nurse. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
How do I obtain state licensure as a Registered Nurse? |
| A: |
Each state has a State Board of Nursing that establishes eligibility requirements and confers licenses to qualified registered nursing applicants. Each state has its own individual requirements for licensure of foreign-born applicants, and the requirements are often different from those of the United States citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State. For more information on state licensing regulations, please visit www.ncsbn.org. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between a “CGFNS Certificate” and a “Visa Screen Certificate”? |
| A: |
A “CGFNS Certificate” is awarded after the successful completion of the CGFNS Certification Program. The Program is designed specifically for first-level, general nurses educated and licensed outside the United States who wish to assess their chances of passing the U.S. Registered Nurse licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN® examination, and attaining licensure to practice as Registered Nurses within the United States.
The “Visa Screen Certificate” by contrast is needed for consular processing or adjustment of status. The document must be presented to a U.S. consular office or, in the case of adjustment of status, the USCIS, as part of a visa application. The Visa Screen Certificate evidences that the holder has completed a required screening program for health care professionals (other than physicians) in order to qualify for certain occupational visas. Screening includes an assessment of the applicant's education to ensure it is comparable to a U.S. graduate in that same profession; verification that licenses are valid and unencumbered; English language proficiency; and, in the case of nurses, verification that the nurse has either earned a CGFNS Certificate or passed the NCLEX-RN® Examination. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
If a foreign national nurse obtains her/his R.N. degree from an accredited U.S. school and has a nursing license from the state in which s/he is working, will s/he still need to have a Visa Screen Certificate? |
| A: |
Yes, according to the current USCIS interpretation of the law and regulations. This is also true for a nurse who has studied in a U.S. accredited school to obtain a Visa Screen Certificate in order to demonstrate that the U.S. Nursing degree and state licensure equate to a U.S. Degree in Nursing. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Must a foreign national nurse have a current license in his/her home country in order to qualify for either the CGFNS Certificate or Visa Screen Certificate? |
| A: |
In order to be eligible for the CGFNS Certificate Program, a nurse must be educated and hold both initial and current registration / licensure as a first-level, general nurse as defined historically by the International Council of Nurses (ICN). (TOC) |
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| Q: |
What are Core Medical Group’s requirements for an International nurse? |
| A: |
Two years recent hospital-based experience in your specialty, although minimum requirements may vary slightly depending on your professional discipline, passing of the NCLEX exam, obtaining a Visa Screen Certificate, excellent professional references and a valid U.S. Nursing license. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Will I have medical and dental insurance? |
| A: |
Yes! We offer a medical, dental and life insurance package to all of our nurses with minimal co-pay and no waiting period. For specific information regarding insurance, please contact your recruiter. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Can I participate in a 401(k) program? |
| A: |
We proudly offer a very competitive Transamerica 401(k) Plan with matching contribution. For specific information regarding the 401(k) requirements and benefits, please contact your recruiter. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Do I have to sign a long-term contract? |
| A: |
Yes, up to 3 years is required. For specific information regarding contracts, please contact our Director of International Recruitment. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Do I need a new license for each state I travel to? |
| A: |
Our Quality Assurance coordinators will work with you in conjunction with the medical facilities where you will be placed to ensure that you have all the necessary information to obtain the required license for your state of assignment well before your start date. Each state does have its own rules and regulations (which change frequently), so we at CoreMed contact the individual state boards directly to obtain the most up-to-date information and application paperwork on your behalf, when we are able. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
How can I learn more about the facility where I will be working? |
| A: |
Our recruiters will be able to provide you with many of the facility details prior to your assignment start date. However, each hospital has its own orientation procedures and integration of foreign trained/international nurses, which will depend on the size of the facility, how many contract nurses they utilize, the orientation of their permanent staff, the unit you are assigned to, etc.. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
As an applicant for an immigrant visa to work as a nurse in the U.S., will my spouse and children be eligible for a visa? |
| A: |
Primary applicant’s spouse and children under the age of 21 years are eligible for a “derivative” status. A legal proof of relationship with and age of the dependents is required to claim this status, and also needs to be presented at the visa interview. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Do I need a police clearance certificate from my country of birth for an immigrant visa? |
| A: |
Yes. Each applicant aged 16 years or older must submit a police certificate. For the most current requirements governing the documentary requirements for immigrant visa interviews specific to country of birth, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/immigrants_1340.html . The police certificate must cover the entire period of the applicant’s residence in that area, and state what the appropriate police authorities records show concerning each applicant, including all arrests, the reason for the arrest(s), and the disposition of each case of whichthere is a record.
Note: Police certificates from certain countries are unavailable. More specific information is available from NVC, the nearest United States immigrant visa processing post, or online at: http://travel.state.gov. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Will my spouse or children require police clearance certificates? |
| A: |
All immigrant visa applicants are subject to the police certificate requirements. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
Can I travel with my family? |
| A: |
Yes, your family can travel with you; however we recommend that they join you after you have become acclimated to your new job, which is usually in 90 days. (TOC) |
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| Q: |
How can I learn more about openings and requirements for Registered Nurses in the U.S for Foreign trained Nurses? |
| A: |
If you are a foreign trained nurse, please contact our support team. If you are a client, and would like more information on how CoreMed can provide you with foreign trained contract Registered Nurses, please contact our Director of International Business Development. (TOC) |
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