I was a RN in Romania, how can I get a license in the USA?

Question

I live legally in Fl .

Answer 1

It is VERY easy (MUCH easier than any other profession anyway). I am an international student here in US getting an RN/BSN degree from a US school, and have a little left and I've spoken with a few lawyers and here is what you need to do.

Because of the US's need for RN's, you do not need to get US labor certification, as most employment based visas do. That takes the most time. You also need 4 things to be able to file your application for a green card in BSCIS (it used to be called INS, but now they changed it to Dept of Homeland security).

1) You have to take an exam (sort of equivalent to the US exam that US nurses take which is called the NCLEX, but for you it's a different exam of similar content). Basically what they are going to want is for the US board of nursing (not state based) is to have permanent, unlimited license to practice in any state of the US (all 50).
2) I am not sure about this one, but one lawyer told me you would need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a second language) and one lawyer told me no, that it depends on the hospital and current immigration requirements (they change). So you should find out that.
3) You need to find a sponsoring institution. Your most safe bet is a hospital/health care system for which you will be working that is willing to sponsor you for the employment-based green card/permanent residence.
4) You need to pass the visa screening exam (I think it's sort of like a physical to make sure you don't have TB, AIDS, etc). If you do, I don't know what they would do, but I have a friend who tested positive for TB and his green card process is stalled for 9 months until he finishes the prophylactic treatment... So, that's something you need to do.

Your hardest part will be finding a sponsor. Although I know there are some agencies that will place you, guaranteeing you a green card, relocation expenses and etc. I can tell you right now that you will less likely be placed in a nice place. Meaning, they will place you where US citizens will not work/where there is a need basically. I know they place people in New Orleans, LA or now they are doing stuff in San Diego, CA because those are natural disaster areas and there is a need. So, if choice of location is important and your status does not allow you time to search for a more optimal place, these agencies are your way to go. They don't cost you anything, but the hospital will pay them once you sign the contract.

Other than that, what you can do is call hospitals and ask if they sponsor. Some state institutions and those affiliated with medical schools (especially federally funded state medical schools) will outwardly tell you that they do NOT have a need and they do not sponsor. I don't want to be rude and say they are lying, they are and they aren't, but what I can tell you is that they will sponsor as they (like all institutions) have a quota to fill and depending on what time of the year you call and how nice you are, they will or will not tell you that. Places like that tend to be nice, offer good benefits, health insurance and 401K plans, they will also probably want you to pay for your attorney expenses as the only thing they need to you do is sign a piece of paper agreeing to sponsor you.

Thus, if location is important to you and you don't want to move, your best bet is to call around. I believe other than a hospital, a nursing home can sponsor you, and I think you have to be at least more than part time, and not casual or seasonal or a position like that. It all depends on the area you choose. Otherwise, per federal regulations, your salary SHOULD be and by law HAS to be the same as that of a US citizen, everything has to be offered on an equal level. And DON'T let any place tell you otherwise.

I hope this helps a little.

Answer 2

You need to contact either the Department of Health (state) or the licensing branch of a department that should be called something like "commerce and consumer affairs." You will need to produce your transcripts, work history, and any licensing you had in Romania. There may be extra classes or a test to take, but since the US is desperate for nurses, you should have less problem.

I would also contact the nurses' union in Florida and see if they can direct you to the proper departments.

Answer 3

Super simple.. A foreign pilot licence of a visitor whose residence is outside Canada may be validated for private recreational purposes. The foreign pilot licence must be valid under the law of the issuing state and valid for the privileges appropriate to the specific purpose. An applicant may apply for a Foreign licence Validation Certificate (FLVC) before arriving in Canada. The FLVC will be issued for a period of one year at which time the applicant may choose to renew it, or apply for a permanent Canadian Pilot Licence. The applicant may fax a copy of their pilot licence and their valid Medical Certificate to one of Transport Canada’s Regional offices. There is a licensing fee of $45 Cdn.