The Nurse's best route to the U.S.

The 10 EZ steps to a Green Card assumes that you are a Registered Nurse. If you are not yet a Registered Nurse, See How to become a Registered Nurse.

This document only focuses on how to get a nursing job through a Green card. There are also 3 other ways you can obtain a visa to work as a nurse. Read 4 proven ways to enter the US

Other Visa Options: H-1B | TN1 | H-1C

Step 1

Take the CGFNS exam

Pass the CGFNS in your own country even before you find an employer because it is a long and elaborate process to register.

See if you need to the TOEFL exam?

Time Frame:
Register: Today
Exam: 3 months
Results: 8-10 weeks

How to get started?:
Register for the CGFNS now. Click here to begin.

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Administrative Services to help you get a CGFNS date? Want to prepare for the CGFNS or TOEFL exam? Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com

Step 2

Prepare a Professional Resume and Cover Letter and market it. Also see how to take interviews.

Time Frame:
1 week

How to get started?:
Check out some samples of Professional Resumes and mail and post it.

2.1 Mail
1000 Hospitals
The Best Hospitals in the US

2.2 Post
On the Best jobsites to announce your availability to 90% of the marker

Checkout:
Where And How To Find Nursing Jobs, Summer Jobs And Internships In The US

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Career Counseling to help you draft a Professional Resume?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 3

Search for an employer, while the CGFNS process is on. 

Time Frame:
1-2 months to find a employer

How to get started?:
Click here to Search the database of Hospitals

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis.com Placement services to find you an Employer?
Send Resumes to: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 4

Begin the Green card (I-140 Immigrant Visa Petition) process through your employer.

Once the I-140 has been submitted to INS, approval can take 3 - 6 months or longer, depending on the location of the employer and/or worksite (each of the four INS service centers have jurisdiction over certain states...some service centers process faster and more efficiently than others).

Time Frame:
1-2 weeks to begin for filing the Green Card

Once the I-140 has been submitted to INS, approval can take 3 - 6 months or longer, depending on the location of the employer and/or worksite.

How to get started?:
You will need to retain the services of a law firm or an attorney to help you prepare and file your documentation.

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis.com Legal Services to process your Green Card?
It's the most affordable.
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 5

Obtain a VisaScreen™ Certificate.

As your Green card application is in process, start working on obtaining the VisaScreen™ Certificate.

Time Frame:
2-3 months

How to get started?:
Contact an organization qualified to offer you this federal screening program.

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Administrative Services to help you get a VisaScreen™ Certificate?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 6

Take the NCLEX exam

Find out from your employer where your location of work will be. Based on this you will need to for a state licensure, which also includes
Registering to take the NCLEX for that particular state.
After you know which state you may be working in, write to the state nursing board and request an application to sit for NCLEX.

Time Frame:
You would need to apply for the NCLEX atleast 4 months prior to the exam.

Most US states require you to do the CGFNS in order to appear for the NCLEX

How to get started?:
Click here to find the licensing requirement for the any US state.
Apply to the board of nursing of the state you intend to work in. Send the application to the Chauncey Group along with the relevant documentation.

Candidates intending to work in Illinois or Massachusetts need not apply to the Chauncey group.

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Administrative Services to help you register for the NCLEX?
Want to prepare for the NCLEX exam?
Want to appear for the NCLEX?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 7

Obtain an Interim License.

Each board operates differently, and some will issue temporary (interim) licenses for you to practice on, once you enter the U.S., until you can sit for the NCLEX.
Check if your employer has a licensing coordinator who can assist you.

Time Frame:
This is usually issued if all your licensure documentation is complete with the state board of nursing.

How to get started?:
Along with your application for licensure to the concerned state board of nursing , you may also apply for an Interim Permit.

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Administrative Services to help you obtain an Interim License?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 8

Medical exams and fingerprinting.

If your Priority Date is current, several weeks after the I-140 has been approved, you'll receive forms and instructions from "the Visa Processing Center" in New Hampshire, for the final step of consulate processing. Once the forms have been submitted to the consulate, you'll receive instructions for obtaining medical exams and fingerprinting.

Time Frame:
2-4 weeks

How to get started?:
Fingerprint cards need to be submitted to the respective State Board of Nursing along with the application for licensure.

The state board of nursing will submit it to the Department of Justice.

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Administrative services to help you with your finger print documentation?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com


Step 9

Green Card Interview

You will now need to wait the notice of your interview date for the Green card.

Time Frame:
2-4 weeks

Step 10

The Visa Interview at your consulate and arrival
See US Embassy and Consulates in your country

The interview at the U.S. consulate and arrival into the US

Time Frame:
1-2 weeks

Want Y-Axis to help you?:
Want Y-Axis Administrative Services to help you prepare for the Visa Interview?
Contact: customerservice@y-axis.com

See the Nursing Kit