VisaScreen Certificate is required for all healthcare professionals (except physicians) who are seeking permanent residency in the United States to work as a registered or licensed practical/vocational nurse. The certificate is issued after a complete evaluation of a professional's credentials and must be received before the INS will issue a residency visa to the applicant.
CGFNS created a new division, the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP), which administers VisaScreen. In order to receive a VisaScreen certificate, CGFNS must conduct credential reviews of applicant nursing education and licensure, and an assessment of English language skills. Applicant only need to successfully complete either the CGFNS Qualifying Examination or the NCLEX-RN, not both. As a result, you have satisfied the examination requirement for the Visa Screen. According to the CGFNS, when you receive the VisaScreen packet, you should:
- Complete the VisaScreen application.
- Complete the enclosed forms to send to your nursing school(s). Academic transcripts must come directly from the nursing school(s).
- Complete the enclosed forms to send to your licensing authority(ies). Validations of all licenses, past and present, must come directly from the licensing authorities.
- You must successfully complete an English language proficiency test and have the scores directly forwarded to ICHP from the testing agency.
- You must successfully pass either the CGFNS Qualifying Exam or the NCLEX-RN examination if you are a nurse.
- Enclose a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent.
- Enclose the application fee.
Visa Screen Program Elements
program is comprised of an educational analysis, licensure validation, English language proficiency assessment, and, in the case of nurses, an exam of nursing knowledge. Once the applicant has successfully completed all elements of the VisaScreen program, the applicant is awarded a VisaScreen Certificate, which can be presented to a consular office, or in the case of adjustment of status, the attorney general as part of a visa application.
Educational Review The educational review ensures that the applicant's education meets all applicable, statutory and regulatory requirements for the profession the applicant intends to practice, and is comparable to that of a U.S. graduate seeking licensure.
The licensure review evaluates initial and all current and past licenses. Validations provided directly to ICHP by the issuing/validating institution, affirm that the applicant has completed all practice requirements and that the registration/licensure has no encumbrances.
Predictive Examination for Nurses Applicants who wish to obtain an occupational visa to practice as nurses in the United States must present a CGFNS Certificate or a passing score on the NCLEX-RN examination to provide proof of their nursing knowledge.
All foreign-born nurses applying for permanent residence based on employment as a nurse, even if educated, licensed and trained in the U.S., must obtain a VisaScreen Certificate.
Download the application packet for the VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment program. Read all instructions very carefully before filling out all forms neatly and completely. Once all forms are completed, Send the completed Application (pages 4-7) and your payment US $***.00 to: ICHP, Attn: VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2665 USA.
VisaScreen Application Packet.pdf
Application Handbook
For more information about the VisaScreen program, check out Frequently Asked Questions about the program at the main CGFNS web site.