Yes, both Diploma and Bachelor degree holders can work in the USA.

By evaluating your credentials as per the State Board of Nursing you choose, take the NCLEX exam and pass it.

The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is a standardized examination that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed as registered nurses in the United States, Australia, and Canada. The exam is developed and managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) and serves as a crucial step for nursing graduates to demonstrate their readiness to practice safely and effectively as entry-level nurses.

There are two types of NCLEX exams:

• NCLEX-RN: For those who wish to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
• NCLEX-PN: For those aiming to become Practical/Vocational Nurses (PNs).

These exams are administered in person at various NCLEX International Test Centers worldwide. Successfully passing the NCLEX-RN is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a nursing license, which allows one to legally practice as a registered nurse in the countries where the exam is recognized.

There are NCLEX centers in South Africa, London, USA, India, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, and many more locations. Visit Pearson VUE for more information.

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is an independent, immigration-neutral non-profit organization. It is one of the requirements for the NCLEX that assists foreign-educated healthcare professionals by evaluating and validating their academic and professional credentials to receive eligibility approval. The CGFNS program comprises three components:

• A review of the nurse’s credentials, including education, registration, and licensure.
• The CGFNS Qualifying Exam, a one-day exam that tests nursing knowledge.
• An English language proficiency test.

A.) What is visa retrogression?

Visa retrogression refers to a temporary backward movement or slowing down in the issuance of immigrant visas for specific categories of foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States. It occurs when the demand for visas in a particular category exceeds the supply of available visas based on the U.S. government’s annual limits.

Retrogression typically happens toward the end of the fiscal year as visa issuance approaches the annual category or per-country limitations. This may result in a situation where a priority date that previously met the cut-off date one month no longer meets it the following month. However, when the new fiscal year begins on October 1, a new supply of visas becomes available, and priority dates usually return to where they were before the retrogression.

B.) Can I continue with my NCLEX application during visa retrogression? Will it affect my NCLEX application?

Yes, you can proceed with your NCLEX application during a period of visa retrogression. The NCLEX processing timeline typically takes about a year, which includes the review and preparation phases. Visa retrogression does not impact the NCLEX application process because the application is submitted to credentialing agencies and U.S. State Boards of Nursing, not the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Embassy has no role in the NCLEX application process.

Furthermore, taking the NCLEX is just the first step in your journey toward working as a nurse in the United States. Even after passing the NCLEX, you will still need to secure a recruitment agency to assist with your immigrant visa application. Additionally, you must take the English language test required for Visa Screen certification and possibly handle license endorsement if you are employed in a state other than where you were initially licensed. In summary, visa retrogression will not hinder your NCLEX application; your I-140 can still be filed or submitted by your recruitment agency during this period.

C.) Will the visa retrogression affect my eligibility for NCLEX, or is retrogression only for the VISA application?
Visa retrogression only affects the availability of visas and does not impact the eligibility of foreign-educated nurses to take the NCLEX exam or complete other prerequisite procedures such as the English exam and the Visa Screen. It does not affect the processing timeframe or the evaluation by credentialing agencies or state boards of nursing for NCLEX eligibility. Furthermore, visa retrogression does not impact the issuance of your Authorization to Test (ATT) or your nursing license after passing the NCLEX, as these procedures are not handled by USCIS. Your I-140 petition can still be submitted even during retrogression, so you should ensure all documentation is complete and wait for your priority date to become current.

D.) Will you still advise me to proceed with Visa Screen even if there’s visa retrogression?
Yes, it is advisable to complete the Visa Screen certification even if visa retrogression is in effect. The Visa Screen certification is a requirement for foreign-educated healthcare professionals who seek to work in the United States and is valid for five years once issued. Even during retrogression, completing Visa Screen is essential as it verifies you meet the educational, English proficiency, health, and security standards required. It’s best to have all documentation ready so that when the visa bulletin becomes current, you are fully prepared.

E.) Will my IELTS expire even if I already have a Visa Screen Certificate? Will I need to reprocess my Visa Screen if visa retrogression lasts for 5 years? Will I need to take my IELTS again, considering its validity of 2 years?
The validity of your IELTS exam and Visa Screen certificate are separate. IELTS results are typically valid for 2 years, while the Visa Screen certificate is valid for 5 years from the issuance date. If your IELTS has expired, but you already have a valid Visa Screen certificate, you do not need to retake IELTS as long as your US embassy interview occurs within the 5-year validity of your Visa Screen. However, if your Visa Screen certificate expires and you need to attend an interview at the US embassy, you will need to reprocess your Visa Screen application.

F.) Can I proceed to Visa Screen after the Score Transfer even though there is a visa retrogression in the US?
Yes, you can proceed with your Visa Screen application even if visa retrogression is in effect. The Visa Screen program is necessary for obtaining an occupational visa to work as a registered nurse in the US. Completing the Visa Screen certification is an essential step towards being prepared for your work visa, even during retrogression. The Visa Screen certificate is valid for five years, so it is important to complete this process to avoid delays once your priority date becomes current.