What You Need To Know About VisaScreen Application

(Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes)

Before practicing in the United States, healthcare professionals educated abroad must undergo federal screening, a mandatory nationwide requirement. This process, known as VisaScreen, is facilitated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or Josef Silny (Visa4Nurses). Completing the VisaScreen certification is essential before applying for a US visa in the healthcare sector. 

This article provides a comprehensive overview and essential details regarding VisaScreen application procedures.

What You Need to Know about the CGFNS VisaScreen Application

VisaScreen assesses foreign healthcare professionals seeking US employment. Its comprehensive process evaluates their education, licensure, and English language proficiency. 

Moreover, US law mandates rigorous screening for most healthcare professionals seeking temporary or permanent employment visas. Thus, VisaScreen verifies applicants meet minimum standards for safe healthcare practice in the United States. In addition, this process ensures foreign professionals’ qualifications, protecting public health and well-being.

Who needs VisaScreen Certification? 

Below are the nine (9) occupations for which CGFNS VisaScreen is approved to provide credential evaluation services:

1. Registered Nurses

2. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses

3. Physical Therapists (not including Physical Therapist Assistants)

4. Physician Assistants

5. Occupational Therapists

6. Audiologists

7. Speech-Language Pathologists

8. Clinical Laboratory Technicians / Medical Laboratory Technicians

9. Clinical Laboratory Scientists / Medical Laboratory Technologists

Please note that each healthcare professional might need to meet specific requirements, such as a licensure or certification exam, before they can process their Visa Credentials Assessment.

Requirements for the CGFNS VisaScreen

The CGFNS VisaScreen process is a multi-step evaluation for international nurses seeking to practice in the United States. Here’s a general overview of the process, including when to take the English proficiency and NCLEX exams:

1. Educational Review

• Secondary School Information

CGFNS will also need to evaluate your high school credentials. You will need to provide a photocopy of your high school diploma. Moreover, you can also offer an external examination certificate from the highest secondary school you have attained.

Please note that this requirement is waived if you graduated high school ten (10) years ago. 

• Professional Education Information

For your professional education information, your educational institution must send your credentials (ToR and RLE) directly to CGFNS. Additionally, your transcript must be translated into English by your educational institution or CGFNS (for an additional fee).

2. Licensure Review

CGFNS will also evaluate your current professional nursing license from your country of origin. This will include past and current licenses from all domestic and foreign jurisdictions. Moreover, the signature of the licensing authority releasing your license should be within three (3) years. 

3. English Language Skills Assessment

Another requirement for your VisaScreen is English language proficiency. This requirement is to make sure that you can communicate well in the English Language. In addition, if you have already undergone an English language skills assessment, you would send the proof to CGFNS. Here is the list of acceptable English tests:

a. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

Validity: 2 years

Passing Score(for RNs):

Reading and Listening Section – 725

Writing Section – 150

Speaking Section – 160

b. Michigan English Test (MET)

Validity: Does not Expire

Passing Score(for RNs): 

Overall Score – 55

Speaking Section – 55

c. Cambridge English

Validity: Does not Expire

Passing Score(for RNs):

Overall Score – 176

Speaking Section – 185

d. International English Language Test System (IELTS)

Validity: 2 years

Passing Score(for RNs): 

Overall Score – 6.5

Speaking Section – 7

e. Occupational English Test (OET)

Validity: 2 years

Passing Score(for RNs):

Reading, Listening, Writing – 300

Speaking – 350

f. Pearson PTE Academic

Validity: 2 years

Passing Score( for RNs):

Overall – 55 

Reading – 50

Listening – 50

Writing – 50

Speaking – 50

g. Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT ) 

Validity: 2 years

Passing Score(for RNs):

Overall Score – 81

Reading, Listening, and Writing combined score – 57

Speaking Section – 24

Please note that CGFNS does not accept at-home versions of any English tests it recognizes. Additionally, check if your chosen state accepts your specific English language test. This precaution can save you time and money by avoiding the need for additional testing.

4. Predictive Examination for Nurses

Foreign-educated nurses are required to pass one of two nursing exams to verify their qualifications for the CGFNS VisaScreen application. CGFNS will accept either the CGFNS Qualifying Exam or the Nursing Council Licensure Examination(NCLEX). Moreover, these exams will test the foundation of your nursing knowledge. While the CGFNS Qualifying Exam will test your nursing knowledge, NCLEX will test your readiness and competency to enter the US healthcare system. Please take note of the following:

• Not all states require the CGFNS Qualifying Exam. Many now accept only the credentials evaluation part of the CGFNS Certification Program.

• The NCLEX-RN is required across all states.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official CGFNS website or contact the board of nursing in the state where you plan to work.

Tips for a Smooth CGFNS VisaScreen Application

Here are additional tips you should consider to ensure your VisaScreen goes smoothly. 

1. Timeframe

The entire VisaScreen process, from initial application to certificate issuance, can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year. So, plan accordingly and start the process well before moving to the US.

2. Costs

The VisaScreen process involves various fees, including application, credential evaluation, English language test, and potentially NCLEX fees. Thus, budget for these expenses early in your planning.

3. Document Retention

Keep copies of all documents submitted throughout the process. These may be useful for future reference or if you need to renew your VisaScreen certificate.

4. Ongoing Requirements

Remember that obtaining your VisaScreen certificate is just another step in working as a healthcare professional in the US. Hence, you’ll also need to meet state licensing requirements, which may involve additional exams or credentials.

5. Certificate Renewal

The VisaScreen certificate is valid for five (5) years. If you plan to continue working in the US after this period, you must apply for renewal.

6. Professional Development

While preparing for and going through the VisaScreen process, consider engaging in continuing education or professional development activities. In addition, this can help keep your skills current and may be beneficial when seeking employment in the US.

7. Networking

Connect with other healthcare professionals who have navigated this process, as they can offer valuable insights. You can also seek assistance from VisaScreen processing experts such as IPASS Processing to streamline your journey.

8. Stay Informed

Immigration policies and healthcare regulations can change. Stay updated on any changes that might affect your application or future employment in the US.

Following the steps above, you can smoothly process your CGFNS VisaScreen Application. Remember, the application can be costly. Make sure that you carefully follow every step of the application.

VisaScreen Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the CGFNS VisaScreen application:

1. Can I start VisaScreen without taking NCLEX first?

Yes, you can take the VisaScreen even if you still need to take the NCLEX. The VisaScreen is designed to evaluate the qualifications of internationally educated nurses to practice in the United States. Moreover, it’s a separate certification from the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), which is required for licensure in the US.

However, you must be a CGFNS Qualifying Exam passer before proceeding with VisaScreen. Here’s why you need to take  the CGFNS Qualifying Exam before the NCLEX:

a. Various states in the US require the CGFNS Qualifying Exam as part of the licensure process for foreign-educated nurses.

b. Studying for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam can help you build a strong foundation of nursing knowledge, which can be beneficial when preparing for the NCLEX.

The specific licensure requirements vary by state. Some states may require the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and NCLEX. Thus, it’s crucial to research the exact requirements of the state where you plan to practice.

2. Can I start the VisaScreen process without the English Language Assessment?

You can order VisaScreen service even if you haven’t taken your English Language Test yet. 

However, please note that the order will expire after one (1) year. Hence, completing the English Language assessment and achieving the required band score within this timeframe.  is important

Please do so to avoid the service expiring, which could prevent you from proceeding with your visa credential assessment. Thus, we strongly recommend completing your English Language test before purchasing. 

3. Do I need to have an employer before I can start the Visa Screening?

No, you do not need an employer to start your VisaScreen process. As soon as you pass the NCLEX, you can actually start it.

4. How long is the validity of the VisaScreen certificate?

Another thing you need to know about VisaScreen applications is the Visa Credentials Assessment requirement. After completing it, you’ll receive a certificate valid for five (5) years.

You do not need to worry about the validity of the English Language test as long as your VisaScreen Certificate has been issued. Unless your VisaScreen expires and you aren’t in the US yet, then you have to retake your IELTS.

5. Can I use my VisaScreen certificate in any state?

Yes, you can! The VisaScreen is mandated by immigration law. Hence, it is a requirement for any state before you can be issued an occupational visa.

Getting Started With Your VisaScreen Credential Assessment with IPASS

Good thing! At IPASS Processing, we process your NCLEX needs and assist with your VisaScreen process. We also provide other services to various medical professionals. Just give our team a heads-up; we would be happy to help you with the application processing. Moreover, we have assisted hundreds of medical professionals with their VisaScreen applications. Our happy and satisfied clients can attest that the application procedure through IPASS Processing is hassle-free, affordable, and quick.

VisaScreening is a much faster application than NCLEX. The time process will just vary depending on how fast you can take your English proficiency examination and complete other requirements. However, note that once you purchase the service, you only have one (1) year to accomplish everything before it expires.

The Takeaway

The CGFNS VisaScreen process is comprehensive and detailed because it ensures that foreign-educated healthcare professionals meet the standards required to work in the US. Moreover, the VisaScreen process can be lengthy and complex. However, careful planning, attention to detail, and persistence can lead to success and new opportunities in US healthcare.

The global demand for nurses remains a critical challenge worldwide. This demand is particularly pronounced in key countries like the United States, Australia, and Canada. In addition, a 2021 Wiley Online Library study revealed that one in every 20 US registered nurses is trained in the Philippines. Therefore, Filipinos are the largest minority group within the US nursing workforce.

Get started with your VisaScreen process through the expert assistance of IPASS Processing today!