Steps & Requirements for Travel Nursing from Canada to the U.S.
Becoming a travel nurse in the U.S. from Canada is more than just accepting a job offer and packing your bags. There are a few steps and requirements you must complete before hitting the road.
Verify Credentials through CGFNS
Before you can start travel nursing from Canada to the U.S., you’ll first need to complete a VisaScreen through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to verify all your credentials. This process takes around 3 to 6 months to complete and ensures your education and experience meet U.S. standards and requirements.
Pass the N-CLEX Exam
To work in the U.S., you’ll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required for licensure in the United States. If you’ve already taken the NCLEX-RN in Canada, this step may be complete, but you’ll need to verify that your results are accepted by the state board of nursing where you plan to take a travel nurse job.
Get a State-Specific License
Just like you need different licenses in Canada, you need to obtain a nursing license for every state you take an assignment. In the U.S., each state has its own nursing board and licensure requirements that you’ll need to complete. You might notice some states participate in a Nurse License Compact—unfortunately, Canadian nurses are not eligible for a multistate license as your primary residence needs to be in one of the compact states.
Find the Right Travel Nursing Job
Once you’ve decided what state you’d like to work in, your next step is to work with a recruiter to find the best travel nursing job for you. As a first-time travel nurse in the U.S., you’ll want to make sure you work with a travel nurse agency that you can trust. When looking for an agency, you’ll want to look at their accreditation, job opportunities, communication style, and whether their support teams will have your back like recruiters at Medical Solutions will. It’s your career, and you should work with an agency that will help you reach your professional and personal goals.
Get a Passport & Receive Your TN Visa
To work legally in the U.S. as a Canadian nurse, you’ll need to get a valid passport and appropriate visa. Many travel nurses from Canada apply for a TN visa, which allows people from Canada or Mexico to work in the United States. Once you’ve accepted a job offer, there are three different ways you can receive your TN visa: through the travel nurse agency, by mail-in/online, or at the border. The great thing is that your visa is renewable and valid for up to three years with employment.
Obtain a Social Security Card
While some states don’t require an SSN before your assignment, Canadian travel nurses will need to obtain one as soon as possible upon entering the U.S. You’re able to enter the U.S. 10 days prior to the start date of your assignment, so work with your recruiter to make sure you have all the documentation you need to apply. Once you have your SSN, you can get licensure in other states and have even more opportunities to choose from!