Puerto Rican nurses seeking employment opportunities in the United States are required to meet specific criteria to ensure their qualifications and readiness for practice.
It is essential for Puerto Rican nurses to obtain the necessary visas and work permits, allowing them to legally work in the U.S. Below is a detailed step by step guide to help you started!
Step 1: Fulfill the Basic Requirements
If you are a nurse educated outside the United States and wish to practice in the country, it is essential to adhere to U.S. federal immigration laws and meet the fundamental educational and professional criteria:
You will need to secure either a Registered Nurse Immigrant Visa (commonly known as a "Green Card") or an H-1B visa.
- U.S. regulations mandate that nurses undergo a screening program prior to obtaining an occupational visa.
- The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to verify the credentials of nine foreign healthcare professions, including registered nurses, for occupational visas.
- Completing the CGFNS VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service will fulfill the screening program requirement.
- It is necessary to have a "U.S.-based employer" who will act as the petitioner for your visa. Your VisaScreen® certificate must accompany every visa or green card application submitted on your behalf.
Step 2. CGFNS Reviews Your Credentials
Before proceeding, you must submit your application to CGFNS International, Inc. for an evaluation of your academic and professional credentials. This process is essential for verifying the authenticity of your documents and ensuring that your education aligns with U.S. nursing standards as mandated by State Boards of Nursing. Additionally, you may need to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam® to meet State Board criteria, fulfill immigration requirements for an occupational visa, and assess your preparedness for the licensure examination.
Step 3: Complete a Licensure Examination
To practice nursing in the United States, obtaining a professional license from the state where you intend to work is essential. Registered Nurse licenses are governed by State Boards of Nursing, each with its own set of requirements.
Typically, you will need to pass a licensure examination to be registered as a nurse by your state board. If you are a first-level, general nurse educated outside the U.S., you may opt to apply for the CGFNS Certification Program®, which includes:
- a credentials evaluation
- the CGFNS Qualifying Exam®, and
- an assessment of English language proficiency.
Some state boards require the CGFNS Qualifying Exam® before you can take the NCLEX-RN, and it is a strong indicator of how well a nurse may perform on that exam. Taking the Qualifying Exam can help you assess your preparedness prior to undertaking the licensure examination.
Step 4: Secure a Registered Nursing Position
Once you have fulfilled all federal immigration criteria, had your credentials assessed by CGFNS, met the requirements set by your State Board of Nursing, and successfully passed the licensure examination, you are prepared to start your career as a registered nurse in the United States.
Although it is not mandatory, you may opt to collaborate with a nursing recruiter to assist you in finding a registered nurse position. These recruiters can also serve as your "U.S.-based employer" for your immigrant visa application.
Helping You Succeed in the U.S. with Greenstaff US International
At Greenstaff International, we understand that moving to a new country can be overwhelming. That's why we've partnered with leading organizations to provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed in the United States.
Get started by downloading our FREE Healthcare Resource Guide, packed with valuable information to prepare for your move. Not sure when to start? The guide is a great resource to have on-hand!
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