FAQs

Q: What are the requirements to be an RN?  

A: Most healthcare employers require 1-3 years of current in-patient bedside nursing experience, in addition to successfully completing the NCLEX exam and an English language exam (IELTS or TOEFL) to work as an RN in the United States. We do work with dialysis employers that will consider candidates who have not yet passed the NCLEX-RN exam as it can be completed later in the immigration process. Applicants do not need to have passed an English language exam before applying but will be needed later in the immigration process. 

Q: Do I need NCLEX to apply?  

A:  All USRNs must take the NCLEX to begin the immigration process to work in the US as an RN. We also accept applications for experienced dialysis nurses who have not yet taken their NCLEX-RN exam, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Pharmacists, and other select healthcare professionals who do not require the NCLEX. Learn more about NCLEX

Q: How do I take the NCLEX? 

A: Visit WWHS NCLEX page to find out more information on scheduling the NCLEX exam and approved test center locations. 

Q: Is the IELTS or TOEFL required to apply?  

A: You are welcome to apply now before completing an English language exam. However, you will need to complete IELTS, TOEFL, or another qualified English language exam before your VisaScreen during the application process. We offer free English language exam lessons to all of our applicants.  

Q: How do I sign up for IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, or other English language tests? 

A: Our in-house ESL Program Advisor will help you prepare for your English language exam whether it is IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson PTE, OET, etc.! If you are already an applicant with WWHS, ask your Case Manager Advisor how to enroll in our free English language exam classes. If you are not yet an applicant with WWHS, apply at https://healthstaff.org/apply-healthcare/ 

Q: What score is needed for IELTS? 

A: The required passing IELTS score for RNs is an overall band score of 6.5 which must include a score of 7.0 in the speaking section of the exam. 

Q: Do I need to pay WWHS for my placement?  

A: WWHS is not a typical nurse staffing agency. We DO NOT charge staffing fees, and we primarily offer direct hire, permanent placement full-time positions. We work with hospitals and healthcare employers that will provide nurse sponsorship for a permanent work visa (green card). 

Q: Can I bring my family with me? 

A: You are able to have your immediate family members (spouse and children up to age 21) on your petition. There will be fees that the employer will cover on your behalf that will not be covered for your family members, like the cost of airfare to the U.S. 

Q: What is Direct Hire? 

A: Direct hire, also known as permanent placement, is beneficial for nurses and employers alike. With this model, new hires become direct, permanent members of the staff upon arriving at their new position. They receive the same pay and benefits as regular staff members. Learn more at https://healthstaff.org/about-direct-hire/

Q: What visa is it? 

A: RN immigration applications are for permanent residency (EB-3, green card) and some H1B visas as well. Medical Laboratory Technologists, Therapists, and Veterinarians are eligible for both H1B and permanent resident visas. 

Q: What is the salary? 

A: Salary rates depend on several factors including your experience and the cost of living in the location where you may be assigned. A higher salary does not automatically equate to a higher standard of living. 

Q: What is the priority date for Indian Nurses? 

A: Indian-born citizens currently need a priority date of 2013 or earlier to apply to work as an RN in the United States. 

Q: Does WWHS offer rewards for referrals? 

A: Yes, WWHS offers a $250 referral bonus once the referred applicant has a petition filed. 

Q: Does WWHS have clinical opportunities outside of the USA?  

A: WWHS exclusive partner, Horizon Recruitment Pacific Corp. (HRPC), recruits Registered Nurses and Archive Clerks for healthcare employers in the United Arab Emirates. 

Q: How long will the Immigration process take? 

A: Processing times can vary, as each case is unique. The timeline depends on factors such as the visa preference category, visa availability, country of birth, and the completion of required exams, credential evaluations, and immigration requirements. 

Q: Is an active English exam required for my visa petition to be filed? 

A: We can file your visa petition even if you haven’t completed the English exam. However, you must fulfill the requirements for obtaining an immigrant visa and/or meeting the standards of the State Board of Nursing in the state where you plan to work. 

Q: Do you recapture Priority Dates? 

A: Certainly! We can assist in filing an I-140 petition to retain your original priority date when transferring from a previous employer sponsor. 

Q: I have gaps in my clinical experience. Am I still eligible to apply? 

A: Yes, you should apply! Our expert recruiters will assess your experience to determine how it aligns with the requirements of our clients, as we offer a variety of roles with different 

qualifications and expectations.  

Q: What English Exam/s are needed to apply for a license? 

A: The English exam(s) required for license application vary by state and licensing board. Generally, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are accepted. Some states may also accept other equivalent exams or have specific requirements based on the applicant's education or previous English proficiency. 

Q: How long does it take to obtain a license in the US? 

A: The time it takes to obtain a license in the US can vary by state and the specific requirements of the licensing board. In some cases, it may take approximately 3 weeks, 1 month, or even up to 6 months, depending on factors like background checks, credential evaluations, and verification processes.  

Q: What are the requirements for applying for a US RN license? 

A: The requirements vary for each state board. The basic requirements typically include a Criminal Background Check, US License Verification, Social Security Number, VisaScreen Certificate, Credential Evaluation, and/or an English Proficiency Test. 

Q: How much does it cost to apply for a license? 

A: The application fee varies, and the total cost depends on the requirements of each state board.  

Q: Can I obtain a US license if I took my NCLEX in Canada or Australia? 

A: Yes, applicants who have passed the NCLEX in Canada or Australia and have not been issued a license in another US state can obtain a US license without having to retake the test. 

Q: Is a U.S. Social Security Number required to apply for a US RN license? 

A: In some states, an SSN is required to initiate the license application and/or to issue a permanent license. 

Q: What does WWHS offer for my housing in the US? 

A: WWHS is dedicated to delivering comprehensive housing solutions, whether temporary or permanent. We offer tailored housing options designed to meet both your needs and those of your employer. Your Relocation Advisor will guide you through the process, ensuring you secure housing that aligns with your preferences. By collaborating with landlords, property managers, and community organizations, we provide quality housing options that suit your budget and support your long-term goals. 

Q: How will I be supported when I arrive in the USA?  

A: Candidates have a dedicated Relocation Advisor who will be able to provide consultation and planning to assess your related to housing, onboarding, transportation, and banking.  We connect you to trusted organizations that are experts at helping new immigrants adjust to living and working in the United States.  

https://www.advancial.org/worldwidehealthstaff 

https://go.intlauto.com/worldwide-healthstaff.html 

Q: How long does it take for me to start work as a USRN once I arrive?  

A: Depending on the employer and specialty, onboarding with your employer is based on whether you have both your Social Security Card and RN Licensure. Usually, the Social Security Card is issued at or within 3 weeks from the time of your US Arrival.  If you already have your licensure, your employer will be able to onboard you at that time. If your licensure is dependent on obtaining a Social Security Card, there will be additional time added for licensure issuance. Some hospitals onboard on specific days depending on specialty. Please check with your Relocation Advisor to determine the timeline that applies to you and your situation.  

Q: Can I bring my family and/or pets with me to the USA?  

A: Yes, please coordinate with your Relocation Advisor to determine the best way to travel with dependents and/or pets.  

Q: Will WWHS help me to secure a car in the USA?  

We can connect you to International AutoSource who are experts in helping new immigrants obtain a vehicle. 

https://go.intlauto.com/worldwide-healthstaff.html 

Q: Do I have to pay for my travel to the USA?  

A: Per your contract, your flight should be paid for by your employer. Dependents are the 

responsibility of the candidate for travel costs. 

Q: How long before my Social Security Card will be issued? 

A: It usually takes 3 weeks from US Arrival for your Social Security Card to be issued and sent to WWHS. We have a dedicated team who will scan it upon delivery, email you a soft copy, and send it to your confirmed mailing address. The Social Security Card will be mailed with a tracking number.  

Q: How long before my Green Card will be issued?  

A: It usually takes 3 months or more for the Green Card to arrive at WorldWide HealthStaff. Our dedicated team will scan it upon delivery, email you a soft copy, and confirm your mailing address. The Green Card will be mailed to you with a tracking number.  

Q: Who will pick me up at the airport? 

A: Please consult with your Relocation Advisor to determine your employer's policy on airport 

pick-up. If you are arriving at the nearest airport from your facility state assignment, your employer and/or WWHS will make this arrangement for you. Your Relocation Advisor will give you details about this at least a week before your travel schedule.  

Q: Does WWHS offer Clinical Support in preparation for my work as a USRN?  

A: Yes, we offer Lippincott blended learning modules which will prepare you for US-based clinical practice.  

Q: How can I best prepare for work as a USRN? 

A:

•  Complete assigned Lippincott modules 
• Attend online webinars presented by WWHS about U.S.based clinical practice 
• Register for webinars which address your area of clinical expertise 

Q: Does WWHS offer clinical interview support?  

A:

• WWHS offers clinical support through pre-deployment modules during the immigration process and clinical support as needed after the start of work 
• WWHS also works closely with our employers to help support the orientation planning process for our international RNs  

Q: What will orientation at my US employer entail/be like?  

A: 

Human Resource Orientation - This consists of educating new hires on benefits such as: 

•  Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• 401k retirement savings 
• Learning and completing forms for federal and state taxes, which are deducted from your paycheck 
• Hospital CODE system 

Hospital Nursing Orientation - Structured program that prepares nurses for their clinical practice 

• Classroom instruction- Learn about hospital policies, procedures, and equipment 
• Practice- Learn about the hospital’s electronic medical record (EMR) allows time for practicing 
• Preceptor- You will be assigned to an experienced nurse who will teach you about your unit specific procedures and standards 
• Simulation- Participate in simulations to develop competency 
• Tests- Take quizzes or tests to demonstrate your understanding of the material 

Q: What are the biggest differences between working around the world and in the US?  

A: Clinical practice for Registered Nurses (RNs) can vary significantly between the United States and other countries. 

Key differences: 

• Scope of Practice: In the US, RNs have a broad scope of practice, which includes patient assessment, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.  
• Technology and Simulation: US nursing programs often incorporate advanced technologies and simulation-based training to prepare nurses for clinical practice. This includes the use of virtual reality and high-fidelity mannequins. 
• Regulation and Standards: The American Nurses Association (ANA) provides detailed standards of practice and ethical guidelines that RNs must follow. Each state has its own Board of Nursing that regulates licensure and practice. 

Q: What is a contract? 

A: A “contract” is an agreement between two or more persons that creates obligations for each party to do (or not do) certain things. Contracts are also called “agreements”, and the two words are often used interchangeably. 

Q: When is a contract created? 

A: Contracts are almost always in writing. A contract is binding on a party the moment the party signs the document. A contract can be signed by a person using an actual pen or by using an electronic signature process, like DocuSign. The parties to a contract do not have to be in the same place when the contract is signed. So, you can be in your home country at the time you sign the contract and the company contracting with you may be in the USA or GCC at the time they sign the contract. 

Q: Is a contract different from a job offer? 

A: A “job offer” signed by both is binding and should be reviewed carefully to see what obligations are being created. In some cases, the job offer will refer to a formal “contract” or “agreement” to be signed later. In other cases, the job offer will contain all the terms and conditions between the parties and will constitute a contract. 

Q: How long does a contract last? 

A: Contracts have a life span. That life span is called the “term” of the contract. Unless a term is extended, contracts expire at the end of their stated term. Some obligations may continue beyond the end of the stated term and those should be reviewed carefully. 

Q: How long are employers' contracts? 

A: Most of our employers' contracts are 36 months. 

Deciding how to handle contract issues can be very difficult. The questions and answers above have been prepared to assist you as you think about these important issues. The discussion above is not legal advice. If you are ever uncertain about your path forward, you should always consider seeking legal advice in your home country. 

If you would like some additional information to help you understand job offers and contracts, check out these videos from the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices. 

If you have any further contract questions, please contact us. 

Q: Who Has to Take the NCLEX? 

A: Every nurse who graduates from an ADN or BSN program must pass the NCLEX-RN to earn licensure and legally practice nursing in the United States. Also, every practical or vocational nurse who graduates from an LPN or LVN program must pass the NCLEX-PN to earn licensure and practice legally in the U.S. 

Eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN depends on your state’s requirements. Check with your state’s nursing board to ensure you have met all the criteria. 

You'll also want to check up on the latest NCLEX requirements. There is a new version of the NCLEX called the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) that is slated to begin in 2023 and will have some changes to the current format. 

Q: NCLEX Eligibility  

A: NCLEX-RN candidates must have graduated from an accredited ADN or BSN program, and NCLEX-PN candidates must have graduated from an accredited LVN program. 

Q: How to Register for the NCLEX 

A: There is a two-step process to register for the NCLEX: 

1. Submit an application for licensure and registration to the nursing regulatory body (NRB) where you want to practice. 
2. Register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee. 

Candidates may register online or over the phone (although it is much quicker to do so online). There is a 365-day time limit for your NCLEX registration. If the NRB denies you eligibility, you forfeit your exam fee and NCLEX registration. However, you can re-register again at a later date. 

Q: Do you provide NCLEX sponsorship? 

A: Our NCLEX scholarship program is currently open to international RNs with at least 1 year of current dialysis experience who have not yet passed the NCLEX-RN exam. 

Q: NCLEX RN vs NCLEX PN 

A: The NCLEX-RN has anywhere from 75 to 265 questions on the exam. The exam continues until the test taker has demonstrated competency as an RN. In short, the more answers you get right, the faster you will finish the exam. 

If you are not performing as well at the beginning of the exam, the test will take longer to give you more opportunities to answer more questions correctly. But if you answer more questions at the beginning of the exam correctly, your test will take less time, and you will need to answer fewer questions. 

The NCLEX-PN is similar to the NCLEX-RN. However, it has anywhere between 85 and 205 test questions on the exam. This exam will also continue until the test-taker has demonstrated competency as an LPN. The more questions answered correctly, the faster you finish the exam. But the fewer questions you answer correctly, the more questions you will have to answer. 

Exam takers will stop receiving questions when the program determines they will pass with 95% certainty of competency. The exam can take anywhere from two to five hours. A longer exam may not necessarily mean that the candidate will not pass. 

Q: How is the NCLEX Administered 

A: Exam takers have up to five hours to complete NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. However, candidates may complete the test in a shorter time frame depending on how quickly they answer questions and how many correct or incorrect answers they have. 

It is essential to take your time to answer as accurately as you can because once you submit an answer, you cannot go back and change it. 

Q: How to Prepare for the NCLEX 

A: It is a good idea to start preparing for the NCLEX during your nursing program. Here are a few tips for success: 

• Understand how the test works and how much time you have so you are not caught off guard during the exam 
• Work in study groups and practice explaining your studies out loud to help you remember 
• Take practice exams 
• Take study breaks 
• Use online or in-person NCLEX review course 
• Establish an NCLEX study routine 

Q: How is the NCLEX Scored 

A: The NCLEX CAT program determines if you passed or failed based on the following rules: 95% Confidence Interval Rule 

This rule is the most common. The computer stops giving a candidate questions after it determines with 95% certainty that you have a safe and competent level of knowledge. In this scenario, you have answered enough questions correctly and clearly above a passing nursing knowledge level. 

Maximum-Length Exam Rule 

At this point, the computer disregards the 95% Confidence Rule. When you are close but not exceeding the passing standard, the computer continues asking more questions and determines whether you pass or fail based on the final ability estimate. If the candidate’s final ability meets or is below the passing standard, they do not pass. 

Run Out-of-Time (R.O.O.T) Rule 

This happens when a candidate runs out of time before the program can decide whether the candidate passed or failed with 95% certainty. Without answering the minimum number of questions needed, the candidate will have a failed exam. 

Q: How to Find Out if You Passed the NCLEX 

A: Students can get their “unofficial results” and see if they passed the exam within two business days if their NRB uses the Quick Results Service. However, candidates must wait until they receive their final results before they can begin practicing. 

Official results are given through your NRB and take approximately six weeks to be delivered by mail. 

Q: What Happens if You Don’t Pass the NCLEX 

A: If you don’t pass the NCLEX, you will get an NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). 

This report will give you more information about how you performed and what you need to work on to pass the exam later. 

If you don’t pass the NCLEX on the first try, don’t fret. You can retake the exam within 45 days from your first test date. Graduates must pass the NCLEX within three years of graduation.