If you have a question that is not answered please contact us.

Q. What are the requirements for working in the USA?
 
A. In order to qualify for nursing in the USA, you must:
Be a registered general nurse.  Your education must have included both theory and clinical hours in medical, surgical, obstetrics, paediatrics and psychiatric nursing.

- (Applicants who received their nursing education in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago or the United Kingdom, and their textbooks and instruction were in English, are exempt from this requirement.) 

- Be ready to commit yourself to the process of preparing for and passing the US licensure exam (NCLEX.)

Q. What is NCLEX?

A. Every Nurse in America must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receive an RN license.

Q. Where is the NCLEX offered?

A.This NCLEX is offered in the US, and in locations throughout the world, including London and Frankfurt. To be eligible to take the NCLEX, you must apply to the Board of Nursing or the state in which you are going to practice. International Medical Agency will help you with this process and with all examination preparation.

Q. When is the NCLEX offered?

A. The NCLEX is offered six days a week at locations throughout the world.  Once you receive eligibility to take the NCLEX you will be able to schedule your exam date.

Q. Can International Medical Agency help me pass the NCLEX?

A. Yes! International Medical Agency has teamed up with Kaplan, the company well known as the leaders in NCLEX preparation. 

Q. How long does it take to prepare for the NCLEX?

A. This depends on the nurse.  Most nurses can prepare for and pass the NCLEX in approximately 4 months.

Q. What is the CGFNS Certificate?

A. The Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) issues certificates to foreign nurses who have passed a nursing qualifying exam and fulfilled the English language requirements. The CGFNS certificate is used for US immigration, by many US state Nursing Boards, and by many US hospitals.  For more information visit www.cgfns.org.

Q. Do I have to take CGFNS?

A. No.  Even if you want to go to a state that requires CGFNS, you don’t always have to take it.  You can take the NCLEX directly with a state that does not require CGFNS and then transfer your license into the state you will be working.  However, there are some states that require a CGFNS Certificate for ALL foreign trained nurses, even if you hold a license in another state.  Therefore, if you plan on moving to one of these states, it is recommended that you obtain a CGFNS Certificate.  Ask an International Medical Agency representative for more information on this.    

Q. What if I have already passed the NCLEX or CGFNS exam?

A. Good for you ! Contact us as soon as possible so that we can contact employers to sponsor you.

Q. What is a VisaScreen Certificate and why do I need it?

A. In order to be eligible for a Green Card you must obtain a VisaScreen certificate issued by CGFNS -ICHP. This is proof that you have met the federal requirements for entry and employment to the United States. We can help you get this.

Q. Do I have to be a registered General Nurse to qualify for an American nursing licence?
A. Yes. All nurses in America are trained to a general level. When you apply to take the NCLEX your nursing transcripts will be evaluated to ensure you meet the criteria to nurse in the USA.  Your nursing transcripts must show both theory and clinical education in medical, surgical, obstetrics, paediatrics and psychiatric nursing.  Usually, if you are a RMN, RSCN, Midwife etc, you will need to become Double Trained in order to qualify.

Q. I am a registered mental health nurse; will I qualify for nursing in America?

A. No.  You must be a registered general nurse to qualify for nursing in the USA

Q. I am a registered midwife; will I qualify for nursing in America?

A. No.  You must be a registered general nurse to qualify for nursing in the USA

Q. Is my English good enough?

A. You must be able to communicate effectively and safely in English (see required scores below.) You can check you English levels here for a quick, on-line test: Cambridge University English language test.

If you do not score well on the on-line test, we would recommend enrolling on an English language course as soon as possible. We can introduce you to English language schools which can help improve your English.

Q. What English Language scores are required?

A. You must pass the IELTS Academic. Alternatively, you must get pass the TOEFL.
Applicants who received their nursing education in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago or the United Kingdom, and their textbooks and instruction were in English, are exempt from this requirement.

Q. How long will it take to get to the USA?

A. It varies.  Delays are usually caused by the time it takes for the US immigration process to operate.  We will get you there as fast as possible. Typically, if you have done the NCLEX, it will take 12 -18 months until you start work.

Q. Can my family go with me?

A. Yes.  Your spouse and any unmarried child under the age of 21 will be entitled to a Green Card as your dependent.

Q. Will my spouse and children be able to work and study in the USA?

A. Yes.  Your family members will receive green cards (immigrant visas) which allow them to work and study in the USA.

Q. Does International Medical Agency charge a fee?     

A. No, there are no fees charged to the nurses. International Medical Agency will assist you meeting all requirements, finding an employer and immigration sponsorship in the USA.  There is no charge to the candidate.

Q. What will it cost to get the USA?

A. Candidates pay International Medical Agency no fees. We are paid by the hospital or employer.  Depending on your job offer, you will be required to pay some licensure / immigration fees.  Your International Medical Agency representative will discuss what costs are covered in your job offer and how much you will have to pay.   We will explain in detail what costs are necessary, when these will be paid, and by whom. Many USA costs will be reimbursed when you arrive in the USA. We try to make the whole process as clear as possible.

Q. What are the rates of pay in the US?

A. You will be earning approximately $20-$40 per hour. This will depend on where you are and the exact job you do. Additionally, there are many benefits, including shift differential, overtime pay, educational assistance and more.

Q. I have a heard of huge salary fluctuations in pay in the US. Is this true?

A. Nurses’ pay in the United States fluctuates according to the cost of living. A nurse living and working in New York City will be paid more than a nurse living somewhere with a very low cost of living. Generally, a nurse will have the same amount of disposable income no matter the location.