Global Nursing Review Program (GNRP)

AFTER THE PROGRAM

What if I wish to continue working in an American hospital after my one year of OPT? Can my OPT be renewed?
No, it cannot. If you wish to continue to stay in the U.S., you need to follow immigration requirements and obtain a work visa. Sometimes an employer will assist you in the process, and sometimes you should hire a lawyer. It is not advisable to do it yourself.

What is the CGNFS Visa Screen?
If you wish to work in the U.S. as a nurse, after OPT, you must apply for a work visa. Part of this process is completion of the CGNFS Visa Screen. You must submit your documents to the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFSA).  The Visa Screen process includes the following:

• An assessment of an applicant’s education to ensure that it is comparable to that of a U.S. graduate in the same profession
• Verification that all professional healthcare licenses that the applicant ever held are valid and unencumbered
• English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT)
• Verification that the nurse has passed the NCLEX-RN examination

Applicants who successfully complete VisaScreen® receive a CGFNS/ICHP VisaScreen® Certificate, which satisfies all Federal screening requirements. The CGFNS/ICHP VisaScreen® Certificate can be presented at a consular office or, in the case of adjustment of status, to the Attorney General as part of the visa application process. The Certificate must be received before the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue an occupational visa or Trade NAFTA status to applicants to work as a professional in their respective fields in the United States. Application to CGFNS does not guarantee a job or a work visa.
(This information can be found on http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs/)

Is the Visa Screen different from the CGNFS exam?
Yes, it is different. You do not need to take the CGNFS exam since the California Board of Registered Nursing does not require applicants to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination in order to be licensed in California.

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