Application Station
- travelnursekels
- Sep 17, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 8, 2020
Worst part of travel nursing? The paperwork.
Time to get out your laptop and make yourself comfortable kids....this part is gonna take a while. Before we dive into it, you're gonna need a pair of comfy pants, some snax and good ol' Uncle Visa... cause we all know dreams don't come cheap.
It seems like only yesterday I was sifting through paperwork pulling my hair out. Fortunately, those days are over for me, but are sadly just starting for you. However, I'm hopeful that sharing the steps required to apply for a state nursing license and a VisaScreen will make the application process a lot easier for you than it was for me. This stage of your travel nursing journey takes approximately 6-12 months, so the sooner you start, the better. Money doesn't grow on trees, so I advise setting aside $1,000 to $1,500 for all of your application expenses. It's a lot of money, I know. That's why it's good to have Uncle Visa on standby or pick up a few shifts to be ready. I like to be straight forward about the cost right from the beginning as it truly is a game changer. I've met a lot of nurses who were interested in US travel nursing but were instantly deferred once I told them the upfront costs. Just remember, even though it's a lot of cash right from the get go, you will earn it back and get a lifetime of memories along with it.
Alright, let's get started!
The steps are as follows:
1) Apply for state licensure, by either exam or endorsement
Applying for your NCLEX if needed
2) Apply for VisaScreen via Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
Applying for state specific licensure screening
1) STATE LICENSURE
First step: You'll need to start the process of becoming licensed in a state. Like all Canadian provinces, the US requires you to become licensed in each state that you work. Some of these states may require a SSN (Social Security Number), some do not. As a Canadian, we don't have a SSN (we have a SIN), so if you are wanting to simplify the process, choosing a state that does not require a SSN to apply to first is easiest. HOWEVER, you can apply to a state that does require a SSN, this is just a more complicated and time consuming endeavour which you will need to work out with the Board of Nursing for that state. For my initial state, I chose Minnesota as they have an easy application process for Canadian nurses and recognize our Universities in their application portal.
Do you have your NCLEX?
I graduated in 2013 and was required to write the CRNE as the NCLEX had not yet been implemented. In order to become licensed in the US, you need to have written the NCLEX as this is the standard nursing exam they recognize. On the Minnesota BON licensure page, they have two options for license registration, "By Endorsement" or "By Exam Canadian Program". For my application, I applied via Exam as I did not have my NCLEX. The link is below:
If you do in fact have the NCLEX, apply via the "By Endorsement" tab. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Minnesota BON. They were extremely helpful to me when I was applying. Once you click into the link, you will be prompted to make a username/password and will be provided with the step by step application process.
NCSBN for NCLEX: As I had to write my NCLEX, I needed to register for my exam on the NCSBN website. When you apply for your license via exam, this process is laid out for you in the application forms from the Minnesota Board of Nursing (or the other state of your choosing). Once you have registered to take the exam via NCSBN, the test service will send you an Authorization to Test number (ATT). Your ATT is essential as you cannot write the NCLEX without it. It can take a few weeks to receive this code, so again, the sooner you apply, the sooner you can get the ball rolling.
You can register to write the NCLEX here:
Lastly, throughout the application process it is required that you are fingerprinted and a background check be completed. The BON specific to the state you apply will be thorough with this and provide you with all the information needed. They will send you a fingerprint card in the mail that you can have done here in Canada at either a finger printing agency or the RCMP. Once completed, you'll send that to the address provided to you by your Board of Nursing.
2) VISASCREEN APPLICATION
A VisaScreen is the screening process completed by CGFNS for healthcare workers who are wanting to obtain a work visa in the United States. This screening process meets standard US Federal requirements and is needed for you to apply for your TN visa at the border.
This is the most time consuming application that requires the most documentation, so ensure you are realistic with your timeline when you start this application. The CGFNS website has a lot of options, so it's easy to get side tracked and overwhelmed. Click the link below to go straight to the VisaScreen page:
Once on the website, it will describe what the VisaScreen is and what it all entails. It also addresses its fee. The stand alone cost of the VisaScreen application is $540.00 USD. This is a hefty amount of money, so just make sure you're fully committed before applying.
Once you've started your application, it's required that you send transcripts from your Secondary School, University and your current Board of Nursing. If you went to University in Quebec, you may be required to write an English Proficiency exam. As they screen your application, they will let you know if writing this exam is needed or not. Sending all of your transcripts and documentation adds up, so be prepared to spend some more of your hard earned cash on these expenses.
STATE SPECIFIC SCREENING VIA CGFNS
States like Hawaii or New York may require extra screening to obtain your nursing license (this is different from your VisaScreen application but is only accessible on the CGFNS site). When you are reading through your state licensure applications, read carefully and take note of the documents they require. On the CGFNS home page, there's a button you can press to "Select Service by US state". If you click on your state, it will populate the required screening needed for that state depending on whether you're being licensed by endorsement or by exam for licensure. Just remember, as a Canadian, you will have already applied for your VisaScreen regardless of any additional screening needed. If anywhere it says your VisaScreen is not required this DOES NOT apply to Canadians! You NEED your VisaScreen regardless as it is a separate entity for you to apply for a TN Visa.
I've listed a few examples below to clarify what I mean:
New York State requires a specific Credential Verification Service,
Hawaii requires all of its applications to have a Credentials Evaluation Service Report.
Once you've clarified what additional screening is needed for the state you wish to be licensed in, read the application carefully and pay attention to the fee required. It may cost you another few hundred dollars for this specific application so ensure you're able to fit that into your budget. I would hate for you to get this far and then realize you can't afford it. Plan ahead!
3) NOW, YOU WAIT
Once you've initiated all of your applications , the waiting game begins. I'll be honest, it'll feel like these applications move at turtle speed. Most of the time you can check your application status via your online account, so I encourage everyone to frequently check back as it's a way of staying up to date and on top of any new notifications.
4) YOUR APPLICATION IS COMPLETE
FINALLY, you get an email. Your license has been issued or your VisaScreen Application is complete. Congratulations! All nursing licenses are viewable through your online portal, as well most states mail a hard copy to your residential address. CGFNS will also mail your VisaScreen certificate to your residential address. Your VisaScreen certificate is equivalent to gold, so do NOT lose it! In my next post we will be addressing how to apply for your TN visa and this is where you will be needing your CGFNS VisaScreen certificate!
Hopefully this has been helpful in getting your application process started, feel free to drop a comment if you have any questions! Goodluck!
Thanks for reading,
xx Kels
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