Unlock Nursing Opportunities in the U.S. with IEE GlobalBridge™
As an Internationally Educated Nurse (IEN), your skills are in high demand across the United States. This is an incredible opportunity, but the path to getting licensed can feel complex. Between securing a work visa and getting credential evaluations, there’s a lot to manage. The most critical step is getting approval from the state Board of Nursing. We designed the IEE GlobalBridge™ for Nursing Visa to simplify this process. Backed by over 40 years of expertise, IEE provides the clear guidance and support you need to achieve your career goals in the U.S.
Internationally educated nurses often choose to migrate to the United States to unlock career advancement opportunities, achieve higher earning potential, and gain access to professional growth through specialized nursing roles, advanced education, and leadership positions. Currently, about 10% of nurses practicing in the U.S. are internationally educated, highlighting their vital role in addressing the nation’s healthcare needs. Over the past few decades, nurse migration has steadily increased, and this trend is expected to continue. Experts predict that an additional 10.6 million nurses will be needed in the next decade to meet the demands of a persistent nursing shortage and to replace the 4.7 million nurses expected to retire during the same period. (Buchan & Shaffer, 2022, Pressley et al., 2022).
To achieve their career objectives, whether it’s furthering education, obtaining licensure, or securing a visa, IENs must complete necessary credential evaluations. Since 1981, International Education Evaluations (IEE) has been a trusted provider of credential evaluation and translation services, offering tailored support for all these pathways. Each service is designed to help IENs successfully transition into fulfilling opportunities in the U.S. healthcare system.
U.S. Health Care Worker Certificate
For internationally educated nurses, obtaining a U.S. Health Care Worker (HCW) Certificate is a vital step in pursuing a nursing career in the United States. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses who are not U.S. citizens cannot gain admission to the U.S. without this certification. It is an official requirement by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure each nurse meets the minimum standards for education, training, licensure, experience, and English proficiency in their field.
On October 25, 2024, IEE proudly gained USCIS approval to issue these certificates after a rigorous review process. This included an in-depth evaluation of the policies and procedures IEE would utilize to review:
- Comparable nursing education
- Valid and unrestricted licensure
- English language proficiency
- Successful completion of the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX®) for nurses
The HCW Certificate not only verifies your qualifications but also opens the doors to a rewarding career in the U.S. nursing industry. With IEE’s trusted expertise, you can confidently take the next step toward achieving your professional goals.
Why should I choose IEE GlobalBridge™?
Choosing the right partner for your Health Care Worker (HCW) Certificate is critical. While CGFNS and Silny are well-known providers, IEE GlobalBridge™ sets itself apart with faster turnaround times, flexible solutions, and personalized support—making it easier for you to achieve your goals.
- Fastest Turnaround Time
IEE delivers your HCW Certificate in just 10 days after verifying your documents, no one in the industry works faster. - Unmatched Expertise
With over 42 years of credential review experience, IEE ensures accurate, efficient evaluations backed by industry knowledge. - Led by Nursing Professionals
Our nursing division is led by a Registered Nurse with expertise in international credentials, offering unparalleled insight and support. - Commitment to Quality
Every HCW certificate is carefully reviewed by a Registered Nurse educator, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.
With IEE GlobalBridge™, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to your success, ensuring your credentials are handled with the expertise and efficiency you need to achieve your career goals.
What is a State Board of Nursing?
Think of a State Board of Nursing as the official governing body for the nursing profession within a specific U.S. state. Each state has its own board, and its primary mission is to protect the public by ensuring that every nurse practicing there is qualified, competent, and safe. For internationally educated nurses, the state board is your first and most important point of contact for getting licensed to work. They set the standards you’ll need to meet, review your application and credentials, and ultimately issue the license that allows you to practice. Understanding their role is a fundamental step in your journey to becoming a nurse in the United States.
Core Functions: Licensing and Public Safety
The most visible function of a state board is managing the entire lifecycle of a nursing license. This is where you will apply for your initial license, renew it periodically, and where potential employers can verify your credentials. For IENs, this process involves submitting proof of your education, which often requires a credential evaluation to show that your training is equivalent to U.S. standards. Beyond issuing licenses, the board is also responsible for upholding professional standards. They investigate complaints filed against nurses and take disciplinary action when necessary, which can range from a reprimand to license suspension or revocation, all to ensure patient safety.
Practical Guidance and Support for Nurses
While their regulatory role is central, state boards also serve as a vital resource for nurses. Their websites are hubs of information, offering everything from application instructions to updates on nursing laws and regulations. Many boards, like the one in Texas, have dedicated online portals where you can create an account to manage your application and license. They also play a protective role by issuing alerts about scams or fraudulent activities targeting nurses. For example, they might warn about individuals impersonating board members to request money or personal information, helping you stay safe as you get established in your new career.
The National Framework for Nursing Regulation
While each state board operates independently, they don’t work in a vacuum. A national framework exists to create consistency and collaboration across the country. This is primarily managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), a nonprofit organization composed of the nursing boards from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories. The NCSBN provides the infrastructure that helps streamline standards, develop essential tools like the licensure exam, and facilitate practice across state lines. This national coordination is what makes the U.S. nursing profession cohesive and allows for greater mobility and opportunity for nurses.
The Role of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
The NCSBN is the backbone of nursing regulation in the U.S. Its most famous contribution is the development and administration of the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX®, which all nursing candidates must pass to become licensed. This standardized exam ensures that every new nurse, regardless of where they were educated, meets the same minimum competency standards. The NCSBN also manages Nursys.com, the only national database for verifying nurse licensure, discipline, and practice privileges. This tool is invaluable for boards, employers, and the public, providing a quick and reliable way to check a nurse’s credentials and history from any member board.
Multi-State Practice: The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
One of the most significant developments in U.S. nursing regulation is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC is an agreement between states that allows a nurse to have one multi-state license with the ability to practice in their home state and other participating compact states. If you obtain a multi-state license in an NLC state, you can work in any other NLC state without having to go through the process of getting a new license. This provides incredible flexibility and mobility, making it easier to take on travel nursing assignments or relocate for new opportunities. As you plan your career, checking which states are part of the NLC can be a strategic move.
U.S. State Board of Nursing Licensure
Nursing in the U.S. is regulated at the state level by governmental agencies called Boards of Nursing (BON). These boards were established to protect the public’s health and welfare by ensuring safe nursing practice. Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) use the IEE Board of Nursing report to facilitate licensure in their chosen state. Board of Nursing reports include an evaluation of both secondary and nursing education programs as well as a thorough review of professional licensure and English language proficiency. When submitting your IEE application, please select the U.S. state where you plan to practice since the requirements for each BON are unique.
Nursing Education Report
Continuing one’s education in nursing has been shown to improve the quality of care to patients, strengthen knowledge and skills, provide higher earning potential and allow for additional professional opportunities. As of 2022, 71.7% of the registered nurses (RNs) entered the U.S. workforce with a bachelor’s degree. Only 17.4% of RNs hold a master’s degree and 2.7% have a doctoral degree (AACN, 2024). The demand for nurses with these graduate degrees far outweighs the current supply. This statistic may encourage IENs to consider graduate nursing education.
IEE’s Nursing Education report provides a brief evaluation of secondary education and a detailed course-by-course analysis of postsecondary education completed by Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). The comprehensive course analysis will include the equivalent credit hours and grades earned by the applicant. This report is utilized by U.S. colleges and universities to determine admission eligibility when applying to undergraduate ASN and BSN programs as transfer students, when applying to RN to BSN programs, and when applying to graduate-level nurse programs such as advanced practitioner certifications and master’s degrees.
With IEE GlobalBridge™, internationally educated nurses have a trusted partner to simplify the complexities of the credentialing process and unlock a fulfilling nursing career in the United States. With the U.S. healthcare system urgently seeking skilled nurses, the opportunities are immense and IEE’s expertise and tailored support make them accessible. Whether you’re pursuing a work visa, licensure, or advanced education, IEE GlobalBridge™ equips you with the guidance and tools needed to achieve your career goals.
Have questions? Our dedicated customer service team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Step confidently into your future, contact IEE today and start your journey toward success.
References:
AACN Nursing Workforce Fact Sheet (April 2024). Retrieved: https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce-fact-sheet
Buchan, J., & Shaffer, F. (2022). Sustain and retain in 2022 and beyond. In ICNM – International Centre on Nurse Migration. ICNM – International Centre on Nurse Migration. https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/2023-04/Sustain%20and%20Retain%20in%20202 2%20and%20Beyond-%20The%20global%20nursing%20workforce%20and%20the%20C OVID-19%20pandemic.pdf
Pressley, C., Newton, D., Garside, J., Simkhada, P., & Simkhada, B. (2022). Global migration and factors that support acculturation and retention of international nurses: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 4, 100083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100083
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the Health Care Worker Certificate and the Board of Nursing report? Think of it this way: the Health Care Worker (HCW) Certificate is for your U.S. visa, while the Board of Nursing report is for your state license. The HCW Certificate is a federal requirement from USCIS for non-U.S. citizens to prove you meet national standards for education and licensure. The Board of Nursing report is a detailed evaluation that you submit to the specific state where you want to work, helping them determine if you qualify for a nursing license there.
Why do I need a credential evaluation for the Board of Nursing? Each country has its own system for nursing education, and a U.S. State Board of Nursing needs a reliable way to understand how your training compares to American standards. A credential evaluation serves as a professional analysis, translating your academic and professional history into terms the board can easily assess. This ensures they have a clear picture of your qualifications and can confidently determine your eligibility to practice safely.
How do I choose which state’s Board of Nursing to apply to? Your choice of state often comes down to personal preference, career opportunities, and where you plan to live. It’s also smart to consider states that are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you get a multi-state license in an NLC state, you gain the flexibility to practice in any other participating state without having to apply for a new license, which can be a huge advantage for your career mobility.
What makes the IEE GlobalBridge™ service different from other options? Our main focus is on providing a faster, more supportive experience. We can deliver your Health Care Worker Certificate in just 10 days after your documents are verified, which is a significant time-saver. Plus, our nursing division is managed by a Registered Nurse with a deep understanding of international credentials. This means your application is reviewed by an expert who knows exactly what the boards are looking for.
Should I get the Board of Nursing report or the Nursing Education report? The right report depends entirely on your goal. If your immediate objective is to get licensed and start working as a nurse, you will need the Board of Nursing report. If you plan to continue your studies at a U.S. college or university, for example, to enroll in an RN-to-BSN or a master’s program, you will need the Nursing Education report for your school application.
Key Takeaways
- Start with your target state’s Board of Nursing: Since nursing is regulated at the state level, your first step is to identify the specific requirements of the board in the state where you want to practice.
- Secure your Health Care Worker Certificate for immigration: This certificate is a mandatory requirement from USCIS for non-U.S. citizens, verifying that your education, license, and experience meet U.S. standards.
- Use a specialized evaluation service to streamline the process: Partnering with an expert service like IEE GlobalBridge™ provides faster turnarounds and nurse-led guidance, helping you efficiently meet all requirements for your visa, licensure, or further education.