NCLEX + credential roadmap

NCLEX-RN for international nurses

Step-by-step

  1. Apply for NCLEX Authorization to Test (ATT) via NCSBN
  2. Choose a US state for initial licensure (Compact State recommended)
  3. Register with Pearson VUE
  4. Schedule exam at nearest Pearson VUE center (200+ countries)
  5. Pass NCLEX-RN (adaptive: 75–145 questions)
  6. Receive RN license from your chosen state

Compact nursing license explained

Nurses Licensure Compact (NLC): if you get licensed in one of the 42 Compact States, your license is valid in all 42 simultaneously. This is critical for international nurses targeting multiple US states.

Key NON-compact states (avoid as gateway)
CaliforniaNew YorkOregonNevadaHawaiiConnecticutMassachusettsRhode IslandVermontMaine

IELTS Academic

Required score: 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0. Accepted by all US state boards and VisaScreen.

ielts.org

OET (Healthcare-specific)

Minimum grade B in all four sections. VisaScreen accepts OET. More relevant to nursing context.

occupationalenglishtest.org
Note: TOEFL iBT is also accepted by VisaScreen (score 83+ total). Some state boards accept TOEFL.

VisaScreen (CGFNS) process

VisaScreen Certificate from CGFNS International is mandatory for EB-3 immigrant visa consular processing.

  1. Credential evaluation of nursing education
  2. License verification
  3. English proficiency test
  4. VisaScreen Certificate issued
Timeline: 4–6 months typical.cgfns.org/services/visascreen