CGFNS Guide for Canadian Nurses
For any Canadian Registered Nurse planning to work in the United States, the CGFNS VisaScreen® Certificate (or equivalent) is not just a piece of paper—it’s a mandatory key that unlocks your U.S. career. It’s a critical requirement for obtaining your TN Visa, and navigating the process correctly is essential.
This guide provides an up-to-date, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire VisaScreen® process. We’ll demystify the requirements and show you how, as a Canadian-educated nurse, you have a significant head start.
What is the CGFNS VisaScreen®?
The VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment is a program administered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or equivalent credentialing bodies. It verifies that your education, training, licensure, and English proficiency are comparable to the standards required for a healthcare professional in the United States.
While CGFNS is the most widely recognized credentialing body, other organizations like Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES), Josef Silny & Associates, and SpanTran also offer credential evaluation services. However, for immigration purposes, the CGFNS VisaScreen® Certificate (or equivalent) remains the standard requirement for obtaining your TN Visa.
Once you successfully complete the process, you are issued a VisaScreen® Certificate (or equivalent), which is required by U.S. immigration authorities. This certificate is valid for five years.
The Unmistakable Canadian Advantage
Compared to nurses from many other countries, Canadian RNs have several powerful advantages that streamline the VisaScreen® process significantly.
1. The English Language Test Exemption (The Big One)
If your entry-level nursing education was completed in Canada (excluding Quebec, with some exceptions) and the language of instruction and textbooks was English, you are exempt from taking an English language proficiency test (like IELTS or TOEFL). This saves you hundreds of dollars, weeks of study, and unnecessary stress.
- Crucial Note for Quebec Graduates: While the general rule applies to Quebec, graduates from specific English-language nursing programs—including McGill University, Dawson College, Vanier College, John Abbott College, and Heritage College—are also typically exempt, provided English instruction can be verified.
2. Your NCLEX-RN® Head Start
If you passed the NCLEX-RN® for your Canadian license (the standard since 2015), you have already met the nursing knowledge exam requirement for the VisaScreen®. You do not need to take another exam.
3. The 212(r) “Certified Statement” Shortcut
For some Canadian nurses who meet the English language exemption criteria and have passed the NCLEX-RN®, a simplified CGFNS process called the 212(r) “Certified Statement” may be an option. This can be a faster alternative to the full VisaScreen®, and our experts can help determine if you are eligible.
The VisaScreen® Application: A Simplified 4-Step Walkthrough
Forget juggling dozens of small tasks. The process can be broken down into four clear stages.
Step 1: Start Your Application & Submit Your Documents
This is the part you control directly.
- Create an account on the CGFNS Connect portal.
- Select the “VisaScreen®” service application.
- Fill out all personal, educational, and licensure information accurately.
- Upload your initial documents, such as a copy of your passport and high school diploma.
Step 2: Request Third-Party Verifications
CGFNS requires official verification sent directly from your institutions. You will need to request that:
- Your Nursing School(s) send your official academic transcripts to CGFNS.
- Your Provincial Licensing Authority (e.g., CNO, BCCNM) sends verification of your nursing license to CGFNS.
This is often the step that causes the most delays. Starting these requests early is critical.
Step 3: CGFNS Review
Once CGFNS has received all your documents and third-party verifications, your file is placed in a queue for review by a case manager. They will evaluate your entire file to ensure it meets all U.S. immigration requirements.
Step 4: Receive Your VisaScreen® Certificate
Upon successful review and approval, CGFNS will issue your official VisaScreen® Certificate. You will be notified electronically, and the certificate is made available for verification by U.S. immigration officials.
Timeline, Costs, and Planning
- Total Timeline: The entire process typically takes 3 to 6 months. The biggest variables are the response times from your nursing school and licensing board.
- Cost: As of early 2025, the standard VisaScreen® application fee is $740 USD. An expedited review service is available for an additional $650 USD (fees are subject to change and should be verified on the CGFNS website).
- Pro Tip: Start the VisaScreen® process 6-8 months before your target move date. This creates a comfortable buffer to handle any potential delays without derailing your plans.
Common Hurdles & Expert Solutions
| Challenge | Our Expert Solution |
|---|---|
| Document Delays | We proactively manage the process. We know who to contact and how to follow up with schools and licensing bodies to keep your application moving forward, saving you the headache of chasing documents. |
| Incorrect or Incomplete Paperwork | We pre-vet everything. Before anything is submitted, our team meticulously reviews your documents to catch common errors (like name discrepancies or missing information) that can cause weeks or months of delays. |
| Navigating the Quebec Exemption | We provide clarity. If you’re a Quebec graduate, we’ll help you determine if you qualify for the English test exemption and guide you on obtaining the correct verification from your school, or help you schedule your test if needed. |
After CGFNS: What’s Next?
Receiving your VisaScreen® Certificate is a huge milestone! It unlocks the final steps of your journey:
- Obtain U.S. State Licensure (in a strategic NLC state).
- Secure Your U.S. Job Offer (with our dedicated placement specialists).
- Apply for Your TN Visa (with your flawless, legally-reviewed application package).
How True North Transforms the CGFNS Process
Navigating CGFNS alone can be frustrating and time-consuming. With True North, it’s a streamlined, managed process.
- We Quarterback the Entire Application: You provide the documents; we handle the complex submissions, follow-ups, and communication with CGFNS.
- Expert Document Review: Our specialists ensure every part of your application is perfect before it’s submitted, preventing costly errors and delays.
- Strategic Guidance: We help you leverage every Canadian advantage, from the English exemption to the 212(r) shortcut, ensuring the fastest and most efficient path.
- The Financial Advantage: Best of all, when you secure your U.S. job through us, we reimburse your CGFNS and visa fees on your first day of work. We invest in your success.
The CGFNS process is a mandatory step, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. With the right strategy and expert support, it’s just one part of your exciting journey to a rewarding career in the United States.