VisaScreen® Certificate holders who have not adjusted their status or obtained a permanent U.S. visa are required to renew their certificates within five years of the date it was issued.

Applicants should begin the process six months prior to the expiration of their VisaScreen® Certificate. The cost for renewal is $250 USD.

The application for VisaScreen® renewal has been updated and is available for download at http://www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/apps/VisaScreenReApp.pdf.

Applicants may also apply online under the CGFNS Connect tab located on the CGFNS International Web site.

Source: CGFNS International Special Notices And Alerts, September 2008

GAP EY- WAGACHON

ma’am ask ko lng po uli kung ung first tym na takers po ang babayaran po ba namin sa bankdrop ay iyon po bng.application for licensure examination only po ba o ung application for licensure by examination and INTERIM PERMIT?

You will pay a total of $126. That includes fee for the application which is $75 and then $51 for the fingerprint card processing.

hello, ma’am jo its me again, ask po ako uli panu po kung last year ng november pa natapus ang requirements ko galing school at ngayun ko pa lang po ipapadala sa CA BOn..pwede pa ba po yun? o do  i need to get another one? and then anu po ba ung pinaka magandang pagsesendan ng mga requirements?sa CA BON? since sabi po nila d daw 2matangap ang mga special couriers ng P.O. box? wat is ur suggestion po? meron po bng special na nkalaan ang CA BON na tumatangap specifically sa mga special couriers scuch as fed ex, dhl etc.?o pewde ko pa ipadala dito ma’am ung street address for overnight  or in person delivery: BOARD OF REGISTERED NURSING 1625 north market blvd., suite N-217 sacramento ,CA95834-1924

Hi there again. I just feel that your November School records might be questionable since its been 10 months. I think it would be better if you request another set that is more recent. Just think of it as a precaution because the last thing you want is to have problems with your application. Also take note that your school should be the one sending the school documents and you should not mix it in with your application form. As for the mailing you are right most couriers do not accept P.O. Box addresses so just use this address:  

Board of Registered Nursing
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite N217
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924

JAYSON B.

hi, mam joan.. pwede bang makaabala sau, kz tanong ko lang sana kung saang state ung nagrerequired ng cgfns exam, tsaka ano bang mauuna na iaaply ung cgfns b o ung nclex exam? tsaka saan ung place ng cgfns examination.. gusto ko sana s florida state ako mag apply ng examination ko e, may cgfns exam bng require dun.. patulong naman ako please tnx..

Obviously you are having a hard time in choosing which state to apply to. But the main thing here is you decide on a state that you really intend on staying and working. In the end, that will save you time and money. Most of the US do not require CGFNS Examination anymore. Some just use the CGFNS Credential Evaluation System (CES) where your academic records and licenses are evaluated and then forwarded to your chosen state. This is the case for Florida they need a CES report from you as part of their requirement. 

TWIN TWIN

hi ! i was wondering if what should i include in my application because i am an american citizen but i graduated in the philippines. i was told that i should get a certification from the PRC in manila. is that true? some say that i should include the certification in my personal application and others say that the PRC will be mailing it to the BON in Calif. pls help me with this matter. . im having a hard tym asking people because they’re not kinda sure of what they’re saying. .

Here is the thing from experiences by people sent here it seemed like that the California Board of Nursing are asking for a license in the country you were educated despite your status (US Citizen/ Immigrant). They are aware of the fact that the PRC will not issue you a license due to your citizenship but they are claiming that you can take the exam but just NOT given a license. This you have to verify with PRC. But some appealed their case to California BON and was permitted to take the NCLEX-RN even without a Philippine RN License. Just be ready to defend your case if requested by the CA BON to show proof of license where educated. This is another example of case to case basis. So there is no specific answer for this. I think the best thing to do is go to PRC and see if they will allow you to take the exam if they refuse to do so, then request them to put that in writing and keep it for records just in case the CA BON questions you.

RAQUEL

Meron sana ko question. Kakapasa ko lng last june sa local board. Pero nandito ko ngayon sa cali. Yung mom ko ng-ayos ng requirements ko from the school . Kso napadala nya sa BON ung application for licensure by examination. Then, wlang ksamang application fee and livescan kc plano ko sana dito ko na lng i-address sa california. I called knina sa BON..hindi daw nila msasabi kung nareceive na nila ung mga transcript ko..etc.

Ok lng ba na mgsend ko ng application for licensure by examination pero dito na naka-address sa cali? Yun bang mga requirements ko from school nsa knila lng yun as a record. Or kelangan ko ulitin lhat. Mgask ko ulit from school? Tpos hintayin ko na din sana ung license ko from the Philippines before ko mgfile. I need your advice. thanks

I am quite confused with your scenario. First, did you send the personal application together with the school records? If yes, then you might be questioned since the school records should come directly from the school not from you.

In your personal application what address did you use? A Philippine or a US address? If its 2 different addresses that might cause confusion on their part. 

If you used the same address and mailed your school and personal application separately this is what you can do. You can go ahead with your livescan and make a draft for the fees. Just make sure to attach a letter explaining what the fees and the livescan are for and that they are for your application. 

I am worried since your situation is quite confusing. I still need details so I can give you a more concrete advice. Feel free to email me at joangillen@philippinenursesinfo.com or leave a comment here and I will get back to you.

PINKY

hi po.. question po.. what if dumating na eligibility ko pero hindi pa ako nagpaparegister, and then gusto kong magpalit ng state, from CA to another state, possible ba yun and may additional requirements po ba?

You cannot do this. You need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam before you can transfer from another state. 

another question po.. if ever licensed na ako sa cali, then magpapaendorse ako sa ibang state kasi mag-eexpire na, and then papaendorse ulit sa cali kasi dun ko talaga gusto mag work e.. possible din ba yun?

Yes that is possible. But bear in mind that each time you transfer from another state that entails fees and requirements so you have to be ready to accomplish those requirements and pay the necessary fees.

naguguluhan po kasi ako kung san talagang state, gusto ko tlaga magwork sa cali dahil andun yung mga relatives ko, pero pag yun ang pinili ko, 3yrs lang nang validity nun, hindi ko alam kung sa 3yrs na yun, makakrating na ako dun.. kaya tinatanong ko po kung pwede ung endorsement from cali to another state then back to cali? thank you very much po god bless

I understand how you feel. It is a tough situation to be in. The thing is though you are waiting for your eligibility for California already so focus on that first. Focus on the task at hand which is passing the examination. Because once you pass, it would be easier for you to think about preserving your license even if the validity expires. 

NHAY

Hi po.. May tanong po ako about sa SSN na requirement sa California BON. I just passed NCLEX-RN sa California but it stated in the letter that I need to submit an SSN within 3 years. Pag di ko po ba na submit yun? Do I need to reapply and take the NCLEX Exam again kahit pumasa na ako sa exam? Salamat po ng marami and MORE POWER..

Unfortunately they say that you would have to do everything all over again. But try to look at it in a positive light that you have accomplished that exam so you are halfway through that goal. The challenge now is to make use of that three year period in being able to finish that goal. Scouting for possible employers that could sponsor you to go to the US is your next step.

APRIL

thanx madam for your response. I was the one who took the nclex exam last aug 5, 2008 and yet dont hav the result. I applied for California State but took the exam here in the Phil ( makati). Do they also send nclex results thru email add? or will i just i have to wait from post office mail? thanx..

They do not send results via email only by postal mail. The best thing is wait for another month just to give breathing room for delays but if it hasn’t arrived by then you can give the California Board of Nursing a call so you can follow up the results. This is not the first time this has happened. I know its tough to be in this position but hang in there. Good luck!

PAUI

hi. just want to get your opinion or maybe suggestions on the next step i should take. like everyone else,im a nurse,RN..nclex and ielts passer but don’t have any hospital experience and most of the agency (bound for US) i’ve inquired requires hospital experience. im considering on trying my luck in dubai since i have relatives their who could help me. my concern now is if in any case i’l be leaving for dubai,do you think its a wise decision?.. and would you suggest me to process my visascreen certificate first before leaving?.. what does that visascreen do for me? in applying for that,does that give me a priority date already? thanks a lot!

I know how this feels and its frustrating to be in this position. I think that getting hospital experience is the right way to go since with the recent retrogression nobody knows until when this will last thus giving nurses a hard time to be able to go to the US despite the need.

If you can gain experience overseas aside from the US I think that would still be a great opportunity. You get to earn a decent amount of money and at the same time get experience. You are very fortunate to have a relative that can guide you through this process.

The VisaScreen is basically a requirement by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) it evaluates your education, professional licenses, english proficiency and verifies your NCLEX-RN/ CGFNS passing. It does NOT give you a priority date. Most agencies or employers requires this in order for them to file your application with the USCIS. The decision of applying for this or not depends on you. Though I want to point out that given that you passed the IELTS just make sure that you apply for the VisaScreen before your results expire so that it would serve its purpose. After all, the VisaScreen is valid for 5 years and is renewable. If you are to leave and decided to apply for the VisaScreen, make sure that you have accomplished everything needed since there would be things to be submitted to the school, PRC, IELTS and to the state where you passed your NCLEX-RN exam. At least while you are still in the Philippines most of these things would  be accessible. After accomplishing everything you can check the status of your application online at the CGFNS Website.

COKIE

just wanted to say thank you very much!!! you make things better and easier for everyone!!! Again more power to you and God Bless….

Thank you very muck Cokie. Like what I always say I am glad to be of help to everyone who needs it. I hope you can spread the word about the site so we can help more people who are in the same situation as us. Take care and God bless!

Please be reminded that all information placed on these articles are opinions based on different forums, sites, experiences and knowledge. The intention of these articles is to be able to give guidance and idea to the readers. Later on, it will be the reader who will decided on whether or not to push through with the content of this article. In addition, end results vary from person to person and is a case to case basis. If to be posted elsewhere please credit www.philippinenursesinfo.com.

CAT

Good day! Thank you for your response regarding my query. I have another question, can you recommend any agencies that direct hire nurses in USA? I know there are a lot of them, but I need an advice regarding this matter. What are the agencies that you can recommend to me? I am looking forward for your kind response regarding this matter. Thank you very much.

You are correct there are a lot of agencies or employers out there but unfortunately I cannot pinpoint a specific one to recommend. Its just that there is a lot to consider when choosing and I am afraid some of the criterion to be considered vary from person to person. I may not be able to give you a specific employer but what I can give you are things to consider when choosing an employer. First, review the contract some companies are going to entice you with so many things that you will eventually miss out the real important things. Ask yourself if their goals for you are realistic? Are they after your best interest or their best interest? And it helps sometimes to listen to your gut feel if there is any doubt… ask. Do not be shy in asking questions because afterall its your life and career that is on the line. There is nothing wrong with asking as long as you ask them politely. Newspapers and the Internet are your best resources in finding direct hire agencies. The Internet is a good tool to see feedbacks from people who got the service of certain agencies BUT do not solely rely on it as well. Its just a good way to get ideas. I hope this helped.

REYMOND

hello once again, thnx for the response and i really apprediated it,maa’m I;d like to follow-up my query, can i ask what is the website where can download my visa screen form, and the procedure thank yopu and more power to you maa’m.

You can get all that information in the 2008 VisaScreen Application Handbook. Thank you very much for the support to the site and feel free to leave comments if you have any further questions or clarifications about applying for the VisaScreen.

COKIE

hi Ms. Joan, this site is AWESOME!!! its very informative… Ms Joan, like others i have some question and need your help… i am an american citizen and i just graduated my Bachelors in Nursing in the Philippines and also did not take the NLE,,, i would like to apply a Massachusetts licensure… how do i go about it…do they require cgfns???? thank you very much!!!!

I would like you to read through these steps to give you an idea on how to apply. They are the company that is assigned in handling application for Massachusetts Board of Nursing. Most of the information you need are there. It was not clearly stated if any of the CGFNS is required. If you have further questions feel free to leave a comment and I will be more than happy to assist you. 

APRIL

hi mam joan..I passed the local boards last june and i am planning to take NCLEX and all the necessary exams required to be able to work in the US before i start working  here in the philippines as a nurse. Is that possible? Is it true that once you pass the nclex, you have to be able to go abroad before  its expiration or you will have to apply all over again..Thanks alot..I enjoy reading all of your answers.They are very helpful to me..

Yes it is possible. But you have to decide what state you want to apply to since they vary from one state to the other. As a piece of advice when preparing for the NCLEX-RN do not take too much time. Set a time period from the time you start fixing your documents, to scheduling a test date and reviewing for the exam. That way you can save time in terms of preparing as well as gaining experience. Most of the states require you to get a Social Security Number (SSN) and for you to get that you should be legal to work and live in the US. Like in California, they require you three years to present them with a SSN and if not, you need to reapply again. With the recent backlogs in visa getting in the US seems hard but hopefully that will change soon. I know it sounds discouraging but focus on the task at hand which is passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Good luck with your endeavors and feel free to leave comments if you have any further questions. Thanks for the support!

CHIEKOY

SALAMAT Ms. Joan..  I had a permission from my Friend to use her Credit Card but there’s another PROBLEM again. while answering the registration form (using internet) . I answer all required information  needed like int’l education code  99-425 and the year i graduated etc.  I tried many times to repeat answering that page But then I can’t MOVE to the NEXT the page. PLS… HELP!.  Madam what will i do po?? Pasencia na po sa dami kng tanong

It’s okay I am glad to be of help. I am having a hard time picturing this issue since I am really trying to refresh this part in my head when I was registering in the site. So I went and logged in to my account there and tried to register to see what you were pertaining to.  In terms of answering these type of forms via the Internet there should be some missed question that was unanswered or if you did answer a question probably you answered it in an incorrect format that is why you cannot go through the next part of the registration. In the part that says select the nursing program from which you graduated select PHILIPPINES. Then leave the CITY and PROGRAM CODE as BLANK and then click on the SEARCH button and supposedly it will show the program code for Philippines (99-425) just click on the button beside to choose the revealed program code. And then  continue on answering the forms which is your graduation month and year and the board of nursing you are seeking licensure for. Then click on the NEXT button to proceed. Hopefully that works and you can successfully complete your application.

If all else fails I suggest that you try to re-register if possible (this is if you haven’t paid anything and if you still do not have an assigned username and password) meaning you start from the beginning since you are still on the process of registering. But if you have a username or password in PearsonVue then this would be a different case altogether. I hope I can help you with this but if the problem still persists maybe you can give them a call at this number: 603 8314 9605.

ROXY

i mailed my application for CA licensure recently and my school have also mailed other documents needed. problem is, they failed to include the course description for M/S as part of the breakdown of educational program.. can i just have them mail it (course description) right away? do they have to include a letter that it was part of the forms they have sent earlier? tnx.. more power!

I don’t think you have to worry about much especially if your school sent the Board of Nursing a copy of your RLE. If your RLE records reflect that there is geriatric content then it wouldn’t be an issue. If ever there would be a problem they would correspond with you via mail and tell you what they need. 

JAJA

hi ms. joan.. thanks for answering my concern.. good to hear that they will send me a letter if there’s  a problem with my application.. another concern,  do i need to pay for the $150 + the VAT kahit na dito ko sa Philippines mag-eexam?? thanks and hope to hear from you soon.. again.. thanks much talaga miss joan.. you are a big help..

Yes. If you are taking the exam outside US territory you would need to pay additional $150 upon scheduling an examination date. 

SAM

Thanks ms. Joan for responding to my queries.It’s good there’s a site like this to help and enlighten others when it comes to NCLEX.sorry for double posting….

It’s okay. Thanks for supporting the site and spread the word about the site so we can help more people.

MAI

thank for your reply to all my concerns…. i got those numbers from their site , and also same number given to me of the sec.guard of the TRIDENT TOWER which is the testing test center was located. Its a funny a experience because i try to go their office without schedule for an exam for that day. Hoping to familiarize about the location. Anyway, i already have my schedule on October… i just went to PLDT office and ask them how to call those numbers. I bought a touch card and just dial the number on a landline phone and thats it!

Glad to hear that. Good luck on your examination. 

CEL

hello po, ask ko lang po, kc po ngsend napo ako ng application form ng nclex last june, kaso po blank  po ung subject ko na anatomy, kc po sa ibang university ko po kinuha yun, sbi po kc saken dun ko daw kunin ung grade ko sa anatomy kung san ko cia kinuha, and with different application form, hindi po ba masyado complicated un that i will send 2 different application form, and medyo late po kc tong anatomy ko ng isend ko po, bka po kasi mgahintay ako sa wala, help me po pls

Supposedly whatever subjects that were credited in your previous school would be sent or carried over to the next school you apply in. The school where you graduated Nursing should have took note of that grade. I just worry that it might complicate your application with the Board of Nursing. Maybe you can verify with your school if the grades were forwarded and at the same time talk to the school where you took the Anatomy class and also clarify the matter with them. What state did you apply to? If you applied in California, average waiting time is atleast 1-2 months before you follow up. 

APRIL

gudnoon po, i took my nclex exam last august 5, 2008 and until now sept 2 wala pa din po akong idea of my result. i hav’t recvd thru mail. may i ask whether thr are still other ways to know my result? thnx a lot and God Bless!

First of all what state did you apply to? If you applied in one of the compact states then you can request for results online. If not try calling your designated Board of Nursing and verify the status of your results.