If you are an international nurse planning to work in the United States, one term will come up again and again: VisaScreen.
For many nurses, this is also one of the most confusing parts of the process.
You may be asking:
- Do I really need VisaScreen
- When should I start it
- Is it the same as NCLEX
- Will it delay my U.S. start date
Let us break everything down in plain English.
What Exactly Is VisaScreen:
VisaScreen is a certification issued by TruMerit (Formerly known as CGFNS), that verifies you meet U.S. immigration standards to work as a nurse.
It confirms three major areas:
-
Your nursing education is equivalent to U.S. standards
-
Your professional license is valid and in good standing
-
You meet English language proficiency requirements if applicable
VisaScreen is not a visa and it is not the NCLEX.
Think of it as an immigration safety check that proves you are qualified to practice nursing in the U.S. healthcare system.
Without VisaScreen, immigration authorities cannot approve your entry even if you already have:
- A U.S. job offer
- NCLEX passed
- State license issued
Who Needs VisaScreen:
Most internationally educated nurses will need VisaScreen if they are applying through:
TN Visa for Canadian Nurses:
Even Canadian RNs who often have faster immigration options must present a valid VisaScreen at the border.
EB3 Green Card Sponsorship:
For international nurses VisaScreen is a mandatory part of the immigrant visa process.
You May Be Exempt Only If
- You completed your entire nursing education in the United States
- You already hold certain legacy credentials
For the vast majority of All Med Search candidates, VisaScreen is required.
VisaScreen vs NCLEX: Not the Same Thing
We hear this confusion every day: I passed NCLEX, does that mean I have VisaScreen
No. These are two completely separate steps.
NCLEX is the nursing competency exam – VisaScreen is the immigration credential review
NCLEX is administered by NCSBN – VisaScreen is issued by TruMerit
NCLEX is required for state licensure – VisaScreen is required for U.S. immigration
NCLEX tests clinical knowledge – VisaScreen verifies education, license, and English
You need both to work in the U.S. as an international RN.
What Documents Are Required
While each nurse situation is unique, VisaScreen typically involves:
- Nursing school transcripts
- Validation from your licensing authority
- Proof of all professional licenses
- Passport information
- English exam results such as IELTS or TOEFL, or approved exemptions
- Note: Which English exams are accepted varies state by state
This is where delays often happen because schools and councils must send documents directly to TruMerit.
How Long Does VisaScreen Take
Realistic timeline: three to six months on average
Delays can occur due to:
- Slow response from nursing schools
- Licensing bodies outside the U.S.
- Missing forms or incorrect names
- English test scheduling
Our Best Advice: Start Early
At All Med Search, we often recommend beginning VisaScreen as soon as you are serious about the U.S., even before you have a job offer.
Common VisaScreen Mistakes to Avoid
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
This is the number one reason start dates get pushed back.
2. Name Mismatches
Your name must match exactly across:
- Passport
- Nursing license
- School records
- TruMerit application
3. Sending Documents Yourself
Most records must be sent directly from the source, not uploaded by the nurse.
4. Assuming English Exemptions
Not all countries qualify, always verify first.
As of January 2026, you are exempt form taking an English exam if your nursing instruction and textbooks were in English and you were educated in one of the following countries¹:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Canada (except Quebec, the only schools approved for exemption are: McGill University, Dawson College, Vanier College, John Abbott College, and Heritage College)
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- United States
How VisaScreen Fits Into Your All Med Search Journey
When you work with All Med Search, we help you understand:
- When to open your TruMerit file
- What your employer will need
- How this affects EB-3 or TN timing
Our recruiters coordinate with immigration teams and employers so VisaScreen becomes a step you understand, not a roadblock you fear.
The Bigger Picture
VisaScreen is not meant to make your journey harder, it is designed to:
- Protect patient safety
- Validate your professional background
- Open doors to long term U.S. careers
Once completed, it becomes one of the most powerful credentials in your move to America.
Ready to Start Your U.S. Nursing Career
All Med Search specializes in permanent EB3 and TN opportunities only.
We guide international nurses through:
- VisaScreen timing
- Employer matching
- Relocation support
Contact All Med Search today to explore U.S. RN opportunities nationwide.