The dream of building a new life in the United States is a common desire among many health professionals. O país oferece diversas oportunidades de carreira, um mercado de trabalho dinâmico e uma qualidade de vida elevada.
For nursesThe outlook is even more promising, with a constant demand for qualified professionals. However, in order to work in the USA, you need to have validation of the diploma by the competent authorities.
EB2-NIW nurse approved for the USA in just 4 months
Knowing how to validate your nursing diploma for the USA is a process that requires attention to many details and can lead to doubts about the procedures and costs involved. With this in mind, D4U Immigration has prepared this Complete Guide to help you through all the stages of this journey. Here you will find the following detailed information about the process of Validating a Nursing Diploma for the USA:
- 5 Steps
- Basic requirements
- Documents required
- Credential evaluation companies
- Estimated costs for each phase of the journey
- Type of visa for nurses
- Main questions on the subject
With this guide, you’ll have a clear overview of how to validate your nursing diploma and you’ll be one step closer to realizing your dream of working in the United States. Read on and find out all the information you need to take the next step in your career!
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5 Steps to Validate a Nursing Diploma for the USA
A validating a nursing degree in the United States is the process of ensuring that your academic training meets the standards set by US higher education institutions. This process is essential for you to be able to apply for a nursing license in a particular US state and practice your profession legally.
- Choosing a credential evaluation company: There are several companies that specialize in evaluating foreign diplomas, such as the CGFNS, a Josef Silny & Associates and Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES). Each has its own procedures and costs.
- Sending documents: You must send all the documents requested by the company you have chosen, such as your diploma, academic transcript, proof of registration with COREN and others.
- Document analysis: The company will analyze your documents and issue an evaluation report, in which it will be indicated whether your training is equivalent to US standards.
- Registration with the Board of Nursing: After the evaluation report has been issued, you will be able to apply to the Board of Nursing of the state in which you wish to work.
- NCLEX exam: Most states require foreign nurses to pass the NCLEX exam (National Council Licensure Examination), which evaluates the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals.
A D4U Immigration can help you with all stages of the immigration journey to the United States, including diploma validation for the United States.
Validation of the Nursing Diploma for the United States: Necessary Documentation
A documentation required to validate your nursing diploma for the United States may vary according to the credential evaluation agency you choose and the specific state where you intend to practice.
The documents commonly requested are:
- Diploma in Nursing
- School transcripts
- Proof of Registration with COREN (Regional Nursing Council of Brazil)
- Specific forms from the credential evaluation company
- Certified translation of documents (if necessary)
In some cases, a professional reference letter or a letter of good conduct issued by COREN.
Nurse passes EB2-NIW – US visa in 7 months
In addition to the specific documents to validate the nursing diploma for the USA, to practice the profession in the country, you also need to have:
- Passport: Copy of your valid passport;
- Birth Certificate: Copy of your birth certificate;
- Curriculum Vitae: A detailed CV in English, highlighting your education and professional experience;
- Sworn TranslationsIt is essential that all documents are translated into English by a certified translator. The list of accredited sworn translators varies according to the state;
- English proficiency: In some cases, proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, may be required.
In 2021, 2022 and 2023, D4U Immigration was voted the Best Immigration Consultancy in the United States and Latin America, with a 99% approval rating and more than 11,000 beneficiaries. Check out some of our Success Stories and get in touch via D4U Immigration WhatsApp to speed up the process of validating your nursing diploma in the USA.
What is the visa for working as a nurse in the USA?
The choice of visa to work as a nurse in the United States depends on several variables, such as your qualifications, experience and the job opportunity you get.
The main types of visa for nurses are:
- EB-2 visa: This visa is intended for foreign professionals with advanced skills and experience in the field. It is an excellent option for nurses with postgraduate degrees or significant experience and a job offer from an American employer.
- EB-2 NIW visa: A category within EB-2 that allows professionals with exceptional skills and academic records to apply for permanent residence without the need for a specific job offer.
- H-1B visa: This visa is intended for foreign workers in occupations that require higher education. It is an option for nurses who get a job offer from an employer in the USA. It is important to note that this is a temporary visa.
Understand the requirements for the EB2-NIW Visa – an excellent option for professionals with a solid academic and professional background who wish to immigrate to the United States.
Nurse approved for EB-2 NIW to the USA
Nurses with more than 5 years’ experience and exceptional skills can qualify for a Green Card – a permanent resident card in the United States, which allows foreigners to live and work legally in the country.
Steps to obtain a work visa
- Diploma validation: Submit your nursing diploma for evaluation by an accredited agency.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN: Take and pass the nursing proficiency exam.
- Find a job: Search for job opportunities in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare institutions in the USA.
- Hiring and visa application: Your employer will sponsor your work visa and start the petition process.
- Consular interview: You will be interviewed at an American consulate to finalize the process.
A D4U Immigration can help you throughout this journey, from validating your diploma to obtaining a work visa. Get in touch with our immigration experts for more information.
D4U Immigration: Your Partner on the Journey to the USA
D4U Immigration is a specialized immigration consultancyoffering complete support for nurses wishing to validate their diplomas and build a new career in the United States.Our services include:
- Guidance on the diploma validation process
- Assistance in choosing a credential assessment company
- Preparation for the NCLEX exam
- Assistance in obtaining a work visa
- Advice on immigration issues
FAQ about nursing in the USA
In order to clarify all the points about how to validate a nursing diploma for the United States, we’ve highlighted the main questions on the subject that we’ve received from countless candidates assisted by D4U Immigration over the years. Check them out below:
1. I’m a nurse in Brazil, can I work in the USA?
Yes, Brazilian nurses can work in the United States. Para isso, é preciso seguir um diploma validation process and obtain the nursing license to practice the profession. This process involves evaluating your diploma, passing an English proficiency exam and passing the NCLEX-RN.
2. How do I know if my diploma is valid in the USA?
To find out if your diploma is valid in the USA, you need to submit it to a credential evaluation by a recognized agency, such as the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). This agency will compare your diploma with the standards of nursing education in the United States.
You can also analysis of your diploma with D4U Immigration and speed up the process.
3. How much does it cost to validate the diploma in the USA?
The cost of validating your diploma varies according to the agency you choose and the services you contract. In addition to the agency’s fees, you will also have to pay for sworn translations of the documents, the sending of documents and other administrative fees.
Contact D4U Immigration and schedule a CONSULTATION by WhatsApp.
4. How much does the NCLEX exam cost?
The cost of the NCLEX exam also varies depending on the state in which you plan to take the exam. It is important to consult the website of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website for the most up-to-date information on rates.
5. What’s on the NCLEX exam?
The NCLEX is a comprehensive exam that assesses the knowledge and skills essential for nursing practice. The questions cover several areas, such as:
- patient care
- patient safety
- nursing process
- pharmacology
- mental health
- among others.
You can consult the Free NCLEX Preparation Guide on the official website of the institution responsible for administering the exam.
6. How do I pass the NCLEX?
In order to pass the NCLEX, it is essential to study diligently and use specific study materials for the exam. There are several preparatory courses available, both face-to-face and online – as indicated in the previous question.
It’s also important to practice with mock exams to familiarize yourself with the format.
7. What are the costs involved in Validating the Nursing Diploma for the United States?
The cost of validating a nursing diploma for the United States can vary according to the company you choose and the services you contract.
In addition to the costs of the credential evaluation, you will have to pay the Board of Nursing registration fees and NCLEX exam fees.
9. How long does the Nursing Diploma Validation process take in the United States?
The time needed to complete the diploma validation process can vary, but it usually takes a few months. It is important to start the process early to avoid delays.
To speed up the process, contact D4U Immigration by WhatsApp.
10. How much does a nurse earn in the USA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse salaries in the United States can vary significantly depending on a number of factors:
- Specialty: Pediatric, intensive, oncologyetc.
- Experience: More experienced professionals tend to earn more.
- Location: Areas with a higher cost of living generally offer higher salaries.
- Size of the institution: Larger hospitals can offer better pay.
- Additional certifications: Specializations can increase market value.
That said, the average salary for nurses in some of the US states (in US dollars and in alphabetical order) is:
- Alabama: US$72,000
- Alaska: US$103,000
- Arkansas: US$78,000
- California: US$133,000
- Colorado: US$94,000
- Connecticut: US$99,000
- Delaware: US$96,000
- Florida: US$68,000
- Georgia: US$69,000
- Hawaii: US$113,000
- Illinois: US$92,000
- Indiana: US$85,000
- Iowa: US$83,000
- Kansas: US$81,000
- Kentucky: US$75,000
- Louisiana: US$77,000
- Maryland: US$97,000
- Massachusetts: US$104,000
- Michigan: US$87,000
- Minnesota: US$91,000
- Mississippi: US$73,000
- Missouri: US$82,000
- Nebraska: US$80,000
- Nevada: US$93,000
- New Hampshire: US$90,000
- New Jersey: US$98,000
- New York: US$100,000
- North Carolina: US$70,000
- North Dakota: US$64,000
- Ohio: US$86,000
- Oklahoma: US$79,000
- Oregon: US$106,000
- Pennsylvania: US$88,000
- Rhode Island: US$95,000
- South Carolina: US$71,000
- South Dakota: US$65,000
- Tennessee: US$74,000
- Texas: US$76,000
- Vermont: US$89,000
- Virginia: US$67,000
- Washington: US$102,000
- West Virginia: US$66,000
- Wisconsin: US$84,000
- Wyoming: US$63,000
The national average salary for nurses in the United States is approximately US$73,300 per year.
Salaries can vary significantly within each state, depending on the city, the type of institution and the specialty.