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The following are suggested guidelines for obtaining green cards on behalf of foreign-born nurses。
RNs Residing Abroad
In some cases, employers recruit RNs who are living abroad in countries such as the Philippines, India, and elsewhere. Before an employer can sponsor a foreign-born RN to come to the U.S., the following documents are needed:
A diploma from a nursing school in her country;
an RN license in her country; and a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the state of intended employment, or a certificate issued by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.
Again, these documents are needed before an employer can sponsor a nurse. Additional documents, which are described below, are required for the nurse to begin employment in the United States.
Most states also require foreign nurses to pass the CGFNS exam before taking the state RN licensing exam (NCLEX).
Meanwhile, the National Council on State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is expanding its international reach. As April 2006, it became possible to take the NCLEX abroad in Hong Kong; London, England; or Seoul, South Korea, Australia, India, Japan, Mexico, Canada, Germany and Taiwan as well. In addition, RNs residing abroad may take the NCLEX in Guam and Saipan. (More information about NCLEX-RN can be found at the NCSBN Web site:
Existing state prerequisite requirements for licensure must be met in order for the nurse to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam at an international site.
"Schedule A" Occupations
RNs and PTs are deemed "shortage" or "Schedule A" occupations by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Employers seeking to hire workers in "Schedule A" occupations, such as registered nursing, should submit their applications directly to the Citizenship and Immigration Service (CIS), completely bypassing the Department of Labor, and thereby saving time.
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