Step by Step guide for International nurse to work in or immigrate to USA.

Have a dream to work in or immigrate to USA? you can find how to do-- Step by Step guide here; or simply contact one of SkyBlue Cross service representatives, you will be guided through every procedure.


1.NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation

Once you have been accepted into the USA Nursing Program, the first step is to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Nurses must pass the computerized, multiple-choice NCLEX exam in order to be eligible for American nursing employment. The NCLEX exam, which covers five areas of nursing (medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry and obstetrics) is designed to test your knowledge and ability to provide high-quality patient care.



O’Grady Peyton International is dedicated to helping you prepare for the important NCLEX-RN exam. We provide excellent educational programs and study materials to help you achieve the best NCLEX results.  Our NCLEX review and NCLEX study guide materials include books, audio tapes, CDs, DVDs, online Web training, practice NCLEX "questions and answers" CDs, practice tests, study plans and seminars (not available in all areas).* Due to our comprehensive training and support, our nurses have one of the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates of any international program.

2.English Language Testing

For nurses who have not undertaken their professional training in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada or the USA, the American immigration process requires you to take either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the TOEFL/TSE (Test of English as a Foreign Language/Test of Spoken English) tests.

These tests are internationally recognized English language examinations that meet the criteria set by the USCIS (United States Citizen and Immigration Services) and ICHP (International Commission for Healthcare Professionals).

An O’Grady Peyton representative can assist/advise you with obtaining English language training and examinations.
3. There is currently no specific nurse visa available in the United States. However, there are two ways that foreign individuals wishing to work as registered nurses in the United States can apply:

H-1B Work Visa for Skilled Workers

TN NAFTA Work Visa (only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens)

H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements: In order for the petitioning employer to hire a foreign RN (registered nurse), the registered nurse must qualify for a specialty occupation. Although general RNs will not typically be eligible for H-1B Visa status, certain specialized nursing occupations are likely to require a bachelor’s or higher degree as the minimum requirement for entry into that specialized field. Consequently, those positions have a great chance of satisfying the H-1B Visa requirements. Other requirements may be a state license to practice the occupation, completion of degree, experience and expertise.

TN Visa Eligibility Requirements: Registered nurses are also on the list of approved NAFTA professions. Note that a TN Visa is only available to citizens of Canada or Mexico, while the H-1B Visa classification is open for other nationals

4. Permanent Residency Visa

Once you have passed your NCLEX-RN exam, we’ll begin the Permanent Residency and Visa Screen process.

O’Grady Peyton International will sponsor you and your immediate family members to become Legal Permanent Residents (i.e. to obtain Green Cards). This will allow you and your spouse and children under the age of 21 to legally live and work in America. Your immigration specialist will help you complete all the required documentation for the USCIS and will be available to support you throughout the process.

This part of the process can be time consuming, but O’Grady Peyton International will keep in contact with you on a regular basis to keep you updated on any developments.

5. Visa Screen™ Certificate

The Visa Screen certificate provides evidence that you have completed a required screening program for healthcare professionals in order to qualify for a Permanent Residency visa for nursing employment in America. O’Grady Peyton International will handle all the paperwork and documentation required for your Visa Screen certificate.