How to work as a nurse in the USA: credentials, NCLEX-RN and state licence (2026)

Official fees: $350plus 3 that vary
Steps: 4from degree to licence
Language: English: a test accepted by your state board and for the visa (VisaScreen)
Planning time: About 1–2 years to licence and visa
Our estimate, not official

Where did you qualify?

Outside the EU and English-speaking countries EU, EEA or Switzerland UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand

Canadian nurses often move under trade agreements but still need the NCLEX-RN and a state licence. Others follow the standard route.

Step by step

Each fee links to the page we took it from.

1

Have your credentials evaluated
set by the agency

Through the agency your state board accepts, often CGFNS (TruMerit). About two-thirds of state boards require the CGFNS Certification Program before the NCLEX. Source
2

Apply to a state board of nursing
set by each state

The board confirms you are eligible to test.
3

Pass the NCLEX-RN
$200 + $150 abroad

US$200 registration plus US$150 international scheduling fee if you test outside the USA. For registrations from 1 February 2027 the fee is US$350. Source
4

Get your licence and VisaScreen
set by CGFNS

The state issues the licence. For a work visa you also need a VisaScreen certificate, which checks education, licence and English. Source

Not included: courses, translations, travel, visas and living costs.

Practise with someone who passed

One-to-one online sessions with nurses who sat these exams themselves – they know what the examiners want.

NCLEX-RN (nurses) tutors →

Study materials

Official practice tests, books and courses for each exam, checked on the publisher's or exam body's own page.

NCLEX-RN (nurses) materials →

Stories from people who took this route

No story here yet. Took this route yourself? Share your story – it helps the next person more than any brochure.

Choose where to live

Compare the USA's 51 states side by side: immigrant population, people from your country, recorded crime and, where official data exists, hate crime. Official figures only, no scores.

Compare regions of the USA →

Settling in the USA

Renting a home, using your driving licence and the paperwork of your first months – three short guides, every rule linked to the official page.

Renting a home →Driving licence →Everyday life →

Agencies that help with this route

No agency listed for this route yet.

Recruiter, school or consultant for nurses in the USA? List your agency.

Questions

Can I take the NCLEX outside the USA?

Yes, at Pearson VUE international centres, for an extra US$150 scheduling fee.

Sources

Last checked 19 October 2026. Fees and rules change – always confirm with the regulator before you pay. PassPeers is independent and not affiliated with any regulator or exam provider.