What is the next step after CGFNS?

After CGFNS completes your credentials evaluation (CES/CP), the next steps involve applying to the specific U.S. State Board of Nursing (BON) where you want licensure, fulfilling their unique requirements (which often includes passing the NCLEX exam), and potentially working with a nursing recruiter for job placement and visa sponsorship if needed. The exact sequence depends on your state's rules and whether you're already licensed in another U.S. state (endorsement) or seeking initial licensure as a foreign graduate.

In what order do I list my nursing credentials?

ANCC recommends listing nursing credentials in this order: Highest earned degree: Educational credentials should be listed first because they can't be taken away (except in extreme circumstances). If you have degrees in different fields, list the highest non-nursing degree first, followed by the highest nursing degree.

Can I take NCLEX without CGFNS?

The CGFNS Certification Program® is required by approximately two-thirds of the State Boards of Nursing as a criterion for approval to take the NCLEX-RN® exam, which is a requirement for licensure in the United States and Canada.

How to extend CGFNS?

Once your VisaScreen® Certificate has expired, you can order a renewal by following these instructions:

1. Log into your CGFNS Connect account.
2. Choose the option to purchase CGFNS services.
3. At the service selection screen, choose VisaScreen® Renewal Application.

What is the difference between Nclex and CGFNS?

The CGFNS certification programme not only assesses nurses' abilities through the qualifying exam, but they also test their English language proficiency and evaluate their credentials. Whereas the NCLEX is just an exam that nurses must take to obtain licensure in the US.

After passing the NCLEX exam, what’s next? — In-depth guide for aspiring USRNs

How much to renew CGFNS?

$475.00. For renewing an existing VisaScreen Certificate that will expire in less than 6 months or has expired within the last 6 months. Certificates with expiration dates more than 6 months from the current date, a new VisaScreen Application is required to issue another Certificate.

Is 3 months enough to study for NCLEX?

Yes, 3 months is generally enough time to study for the NCLEX, allowing for thorough content review, daily practice questions, and full-length tests without extreme pressure, fitting well for most students and repeat takers with decent content knowledge. However, timelines vary; some first-timers use 1-2 months, while those needing more support or balancing work might need 3-6 months, emphasizing consistent, focused study with good resources like Saunders, Archer, and Simple Nursing. 

Is the CGFNS exam difficult?

Get the test prep help you need to be successful on the CGFNS test. The CGFNS Exam is extremely challenging and thorough test preparation is essential for success. CGFNS Exam Secrets Study Guide is the ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass the CGFNS Exam.

Which state is best for foreign nurses in the US?

If you ask us, Texas, Alaska, New York and Kansas are some of the best US states for foreign nurses to move to. But ultimately, you will have to assess each state and what it has to offer against your priorities, needs and goals for the future. Here are key factors to consider: Nursing pay in the area.

Which is higher, RN or NP?

Yes, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is considered a higher, more advanced level than a Registered Nurse (RN) because NPs have graduate-level education, leading to a broader scope of practice, including diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, and prescribing medications, duties typically performed by physicians, while RNs provide direct patient care under a physician's supervision. NPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), building on RN skills with advanced training for greater autonomy and responsibility in managing patient care. 

What are the 5 nursing certifications?

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

• Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification (AMB-BC™)
• Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC™)
• Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC™)
• Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC®)
• Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC™)

Is it a RN or an RN?

Why do we say an RN instead of a RN? The answer is simple—it's all about sound, not spelling. Since RN is pronounced “ar-en,” it begins with a vowel sound, which means it needs an.

Does CGFNS expire?

Documents submitted by an applicant in support of obtaining the CGFNS VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service will be deleted five years from the date of the applicant's last submitted order.

What will disqualify you from being a nurse?

Disqualifications from nursing typically involve serious criminal offenses like felonies, violent crimes (assault, homicide, sexual offenses, abuse), fraud, or drug-related charges, as these raise concerns about public safety and integrity; however, factors like the specific state, time since the offense, rehabilitation, and full disclosure on applications significantly influence decisions, with some states having automatic denials while others review case-by-case. 

What state is the fastest to get a nursing license?

For the absolute fastest nursing license (often same-day temporary), Hawaii, Louisiana, and Missouri are top contenders if you have all documents ready for a "walk-through," while states like Arizona, Texas, and Georgia offer streamlined processes and compact licensing (NLC) for quick multi-state mobility, though actual processing times vary. The fastest route always involves having your NCLEX passed, transcripts ready, background checks initiated, and all paperwork perfectly in order before applying for endorsement or temporary permits. 

Can a nurse practitioner make $200,000?

Yes, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) absolutely can make $200,000 or more, with about 1 in 12 NPs reaching this level, but it typically requires high-demand specialties like Dermatology, Psychiatry, or Anesthesia, working in high-paying locations (like California or major metros), taking on extra shifts, working in private practice, or on productivity-based pay. While the national median is lower (around $130k-$140k), significant experience and strategic career choices make $200k+ attainable. 

Is CGFNS required for NCLEX?

Most U.S. state boards of nursing require nurses educated outside the United States to have a CGFNS Certificate before taking the U.S. registered nurse licensure exam (the NCLEX-RN® examination).

Which is the hardest nursing exam?

There isn't one single "toughest" nursing exam, but the NCLEX-RN (for new grads) and the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification (for experienced nurses) are widely considered among the most challenging due to their breadth and depth, testing critical thinking, complex scenarios, and extensive knowledge beyond simple memorization, with the NCLEX being the essential gateway to licensure and the CCRN a significant step for critical care specialists.
 

How many nurses pass NCLEX on first try?

Overall first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates surged after the test change in April 2023, climbing from 88.6% in 2023 to 91.2% in 2024. However, through most of 2025, overall first-time pass rates3 have dipped to 87.5% — prompting reflection about what these trends mean for student preparedness and program effectiveness.

Is NCLEX shutting off at 85 good?

Yes, the NCLEX stopping at 85 questions is generally a good sign, indicating you likely passed because the Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) algorithm found you consistently above the minimum passing standard for safe nursing practice; however, it can mean you failed if you were consistently below that standard, but statistics heavily favor passing at 85 questions, showing strong performance. 

What if I fail the NCLEX 3 times?

Can I retake the NCLEX after failing three times? Answer: Yes, you can retake the NCLEX after failing three times. However, there are specific requirements and waiting periods between attempts for different states.

How much does a Green Card cost in 2025?

Green card fees in 2025 vary significantly by application type, with major updates from a July 2025 rule (H.R. 1) changing costs, such as the I-485 Adjustment of Status (potentially over $2,800 when bundled) and I-130 (Family Petition) around $625-$675; expect fees for family-based to be in the thousands and employment-based even higher, including new asylum fees and inflation adjustments, with USCIS implementing new payment rules and potential waivers becoming stricter.
 

What is the English score for CGFNS?

Effective December 1, 2024, CGFNS requires applicants who use the PTE Academic to meet the English language proficiency requirement to receive a 63 on the speaking section. The overall score of 55 and minimum score of 50 on the other sections have not changed.

What documents are ready for CGFNS evaluation?

In addition to a diploma, CGFNS will need to receive a complete academic record or transcript directly from each educational institution attended for the nursing profession being evaluated. These documents must be in English and translated by the educational institution(s) that the applicant has attended/completed.