{"id":11304,"date":"2019-04-24T23:09:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-25T06:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nursemk.wpengine.com\/how-guide-foreign-nurses-who-want-work-u-s\/"},"modified":"2022-03-02T14:49:22","modified_gmt":"2022-03-02T19:49:22","slug":"how-guide-foreign-nurses-who-want-work-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nurse.com\/solutions\/blog\/how-guide-foreign-nurses-who-want-work-u-s","title":{"rendered":"How To Guide Foreign Nurses To Work in U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"

Foreign nurses often inquire about what is involved in immigrating to the U.S. and working here as RNs.<\/h2>\n

And sources agree there are many opportunities for them. So you need to be prepared to answer foreign nurses’ questions and\u00a0provide helpful resources<\/a> as they move through the process.<\/p>\n

Common foreign nurse questions<\/h3>\n

Visas and sponsorships seem to generate the most frequent questions.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the state in which a foreign nurse wants to live and practice, all foreign nurses will need a visa.<\/p>\n

However, U.S. work visas<\/a> are only issued to RNs and APNs because LPNs and LVNs are not eligible.<\/p>\n

Also, it’s important to know a passport is not enough. A visa is required, and they are not the same document.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe main difference between a visa and a passport is that a visa is an endorsement placed within a passport that grants the holder official permission to enter, leave or stay in a country for a specified time period,” according to an article on\u00a0Envoy.<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In all states, taking and successfully passing the NCLEX is mandatory for licensure to practice<\/a>. Sponsorships are strongly recommended, but they are not mandatory.<\/p>\n

Immigrating to the U.S. <\/a>can be a long process for foreign nurses. But it’s definitely possible and attainable for those who are serious about working in the U.S.<\/p>\n

Filling out the paperwork for a U.S. work visa can take a long time and be complex. One way foreign nurses can get help with this process is to find a sponsor.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor nurses educated outside the United States, the first step to practicing as a nurse in the United States is to apply for a license with a state board of nursing, according to the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools<\/a> (CGFNS). “All state boards require the NCLEX exam. Each state will have specific requirements to determine comparability of those educated outside of the United States. Each state board may require certain services to determine if you will be able to practice in the United States.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To practice in a state that has additional requirements, information can be obtained from that state\u2019s board of nursing. A full state board list is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can be foreign nurses’ biggest ally<\/h3>\n

Leaving family, friends and native countries to come to the U.S. to work and live while pursuing a new job with new people<\/a> is a major undertaking.<\/p>\n

As a recruiter, you\u2019re likely to be the first frontline healthcare professional they will meet, so your guidance and experience will be crucial in getting them started on their journeys.<\/p>\n

You need to be well-versed on the things foreign nurses might need help with and what they need to know, work on and take care of throughout the process. You can be their strongest ally.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What they are undertaking involves many changes \u2014 both personal and professional \u2014 and they are things we don\u2019t often think about, such as different weather conditions, foods, languages, cultures and religions.<\/p>\n

Foreign nurses face taking many tests, filling out forms, meeting new co-workers and bosses, getting to know new friends and neighbors, joining new social activities and more.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also tasks such as:<\/p>\n