Necessary Credentials

The INS requires that a foreign nurse pass the following tests in order to qualify for sponsorship:

• CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
  This is a not-for-profit, immigration neutral, internationally recognized authority on education, registration, and licensure of nurses worldwide. It is a credentials review and a nursing qualifying exam designed for first-level, general nurses educated and licensed outside the United States. The CGFNS Qualifying Exam is required by over 80% of U.S. State Boards of Nursing and predicts success on the NCLEX-RN examination. Application fee is $185.00 and sent to CGFNS, 3600 Market St., Suite 400 Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 U.S.A. Exams are given in foreign countries like the Philippines three times a year (November, March and July).
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• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  This is to be taken as soon as CGFNS is passed. The exams can be taken at the Sylvan Learning Center in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. The fee is $110.
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• TSE (Test in Spoken English)
  This is also to be taken at the Sylvan Learning Center. The fee is $125
  
  *The CGFNS, TOEFL, and TSE consist the ICHP (International Commission on Health Care Professionals) visa screen that the INS requires from all nurse applicants to qualify for sponsorship by prospective employers.
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• NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses)
  Anyone who wants to practice as a registered or practical nurse in the United States must be licensed by the nursing licensure authority in the state or territory in which he or she intends to practice. To obtain this license, one must pass the NCLEX.
  
  *The CGFNS, TOEFL and TSE may be taken in the U.S. or the Philippines; while the NCLEX has to be taken in the U.S. or any of its territories such as Guam and Saipan (which are closer to the Philippines). It is best for nurses to take review classes to pass these exams.
  

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