Is There Any Vacancy for Nepali Nurses with a Bachelor of Nursing? Navigating the U.S. Visa and Credentialing Process

Welcome to those aspiring Nepali nurses seeking professional opportunities in the United States. This guide will outline the steps and requirements for working as a nurse in the U.S., from obtaining a visa to navigating the educational assessment, NCLEX exam, and finding a visa-eligible job.

1. Visa Requirements for International Nurses

Before aiming for employment in the U.S., international nurses such as those from Nepal must meet the stringent visa requirements:

Education: A bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited university is mandatory. Common accredited programs include BScN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), BN (Bachelor of Nursing), and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Programs that do not meet these criteria, such as diploma practical, vocational, enrolled, auxiliary, or assistant training, are not eligible.

Licensing: Possession of a valid nursing license is crucial, and ideally, you should have at least two years of recent work experience as a nurse. More experienced nurses have a higher probability of securing job opportunities.

2. Educational Assessment and Credentialing

To meet U.S. standards, you will need to undergo a detailed educational assessment and credentialing process:

CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools): This is a key organization that manages the credentialing process. CGFNS will evaluate your nursing education to ensure it is equivalent to U.S. standards. This involves a review of your academic and clinical hours, with common deficits often found in areas like pediatric, psychiatric, or obstetric/neonatal nursing. Remedial courses may be necessary to meet these requirements.

English Proficiency: If your education or studies were conducted in a language other than English, you may need to prove your English proficiency through an appropriate exam.

CGFNS Screening Exam: Many U.S. states require this exam as a pre-requisite to sit the NCLEX.

3. NCLEX and Nursing Licensing

After passing the CGFNS screening exam, you will be authorized to take the NCLEX, the national licensing exam for nurses. NCLEX pass rates for international nurses are generally under 50%, so preparation is critical. Once you have passed, you can apply for a nursing license in a U.S. state and begin your job search.

Visa-Eligible Jobs: The competition for these jobs is stiff, with many positions located in specialized areas such as nursing homes, remote areas, or prisons. Salaries for these roles are often lower than those in larger hospitals.

The key is to find a job with no U.S. citizen applicants. Employers must prove they have attempted to hire a U.S. citizen before the position can be opened to international applicants.

4. Seeking Visa-Eligible Nursing Jobs

Here are some characteristics of visa-eligible jobs:

Language Skills**: Fluency in a specific foreign language may be required to better serve the local immigrant or refugee community.

Specialized Settings**: Many jobs are in nursing homes for the elderly or disabled, remote or disadvantaged areas, or prisons, where salary levels are typically lower.

Professional Competence**: Strong English language skills and professional interviewing skills are essential to stand out in a competitive job market.