It is not really unexpected why more people choose to work abroad than here in the Philippines. People have always found it better to work in other countries not only because of the better salary packages offered but also with the experience of visiting another country. When we say people working abroad, the first profession that comes into mind is the nursing practitioners. Indeed, nursing is a very popular undergraduate degree program. In the Philippines, it is one of the preferred choices of college or university students since its demand abroad has always been high and almost never ending. However, it is important for individuals to know that there are processes one must undergo before they can get a visa and even work overseas especially in the United States of America.
The Visa Screening for Nurses from CGFNS or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is one process one must undergo. The Visa Credentials Assessment is made up of an education analysis, licensure validation, English language proficiency assessment and an examination of nursing knowledge.
1. Educational analysis
This is to validate that the individual has acquired education in nursing that is comparable with the US graduates in the same field – nursing. Students should have completed secondary education, graduated from a government-approved institution and has received theoretical instruction hours and clinical practice hours in nursing care for child and adults, maternity and infant care, and psychiatric or mental health nursing.
2. Licensure validation
This is conducted to evaluate the individual’s licenses, certificates, diplomas that have been issued to the applicant. This is to ensure that all licenses are still valid and have not been revoked.
3. An Exam of Nursing Knowledge
The individual applying for occupational visa must reach the target score on either CGFNS Exam or the NCLEX-RN to provide their vast knowledge in the nursing field.
4. Eligibility review
4. Eligibility review
This is to verify the successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or state board test pool exam. In addition, candidates are asked to have one passport-size photograph signed on the front and certified English translation of documents which are not in English.
5. English language proficiency assessment
5. English language proficiency assessment
Nurses are required to take the IELTS Academic format and is expected to get an overall band score (OBS) of 6.5 with a score of 7 in the IELTS speaking section.
These are the requirements one must be able to present when having the visa screen application. Documents and English proficiency exam are needed and should be completed to process the application.
These are the requirements one must be able to present when having the visa screen application. Documents and English proficiency exam are needed and should be completed to process the application.
