Associate degree nursing petition requirements
This type of visa will allow you to obtain the Green Card for you, your spouse and your unmarried children under 21 years old.
If you are a nurse, you do not need to go through the lengthy Labor Certification process which can take several years. Rather,.
Nursing Application Process — From foreign-educated nurse to U.S. licensure
The nursing licensure process in the United States can feel complicated, especially for nurses trained abroad. In short: you must have your education and training verified, meet English-language requirements, satisfy a state board’s licensing rules, and pass the NCLEX (or meet that state’s alternate pathway). Therefore, planning early and organizing documents makes the process faster and reduces avoidable delays.
Step 1 — Evaluate credentials & choose a state board
Different U.S. states have slightly different rules. First, pick the state where you plan to practice and review that state board’s requirements. Obtain an education evaluation from an approved credentials agency (for many applicants this is CGFNS, but some states accept other evaluators). The evaluation confirms that your nursing education is equivalent to U.S. standards.
Step 2 — English proficiency & exams
Most state boards require proof of English ability: common tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or OET. Schedule and pass the accepted exam and upload your results per board instructions. Some boards will accept alternative evidence of English proficiency—check the specific state rules.
Step 3 — VisaScreen / credentials verification for immigration employers
If you plan to work under an employment-based visa, you’ll typically need a VisaScreen certificate (for foreign-educated health professionals) or equivalent state verification. VisaScreen confirms education, licensure, and English proficiency for immigration purposes.
Step 4 — Apply to the state board & register for NCLEX
Submit your application and required documents to the state board (education records, ID, background-check information). When the board approves your eligibility, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) so you can register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Schedule the exam promptly—ATTs expire.
Step 5 — Background checks, fingerprints & licensing fees
Complete a criminal-background check and fingerprinting as required. Pay application and licensing fees and follow any additional state-specific requirements (e.g., jurisprudence exam, supervised practical hours).
Timeline & realistic expectations
From credential evaluation to licensure can take several months to over a year, depending on document gathering, exam dates, and state processing times. Therefore, begin early and keep digital and physical copies of every document.
Common pitfalls
- Incomplete or untranslated credentials.
- Waiting to choose a state (rules vary).
- Letting ATT or exam eligibility lapse.
- Missing deadlines for fingerprinting or background checks.
How we help
We screen your education documents, coordinate credential evaluations and VisaScreen, help prepare NCLEX/English-test applications, guide state-board filings, and assist employers with immigration sponsorship paperwork (PERM/EB-3/other visa paths). Schedule a consultation to get a personalized timetable and a document checklist so you can move from application to license with confidence.
Disclaimer: This page gives general information about steps commonly required for U.S. nursing licensure and immigration-related screening. Exact rules vary by state and change over time — check your state board’s website or consult counsel for state-specific guidance.