New York Nursing License Application for Foreign Nurses – Complete Guide 2025
Are you an internationally educated nurse dreaming of working in the United States? If New York is your destination, understanding the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses 2025 is the key to starting your career in one of America’s most dynamic states.
The New York State Board of Nursing has specific requirements for overseas nurses, including credential evaluation, English language proficiency, NCLEX-RN registration, and immigration paperwork. Missing even one step can delay your approval—but with the right guidance, you can streamline the process and secure your RN license faster.
In this complete step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: eligibility requirements, documents you’ll need, how to register with CGFNS, fees, timelines, and expert tips to avoid common mistakes foreign-trained nurses make. Whether you’re applying from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, or any other country, this guide will give you the clear roadmap you need to navigate the New York RN license process confidently.
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New York Nursing License Application for Foreign Nurses – Complete Guide 2025
Are you an internationally educated nurse dreaming of working in the United States? If New York is your destination, understanding the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is the key to starting your career in one of America’s most dynamic states. The New York State Board of Nursing has specific requirements for overseas nurses, including credential evaluation, English language proficiency, NCLEX-RN registration, and immigration paperwork. Missing even one step can delay your approval—but with the right guidance, you can streamline the process and secure your RN license faster.
In this complete step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: eligibility requirements, documents you’ll need, how to register with CGFNS, fees, timelines, and expert tips to avoid common mistakes foreign-trained nurses make. Whether you’re applying from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, or any other country, this guide will give you the clear roadmap you need to navigate the New York RN license process confidently.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Credential Evaluation
One of the most crucial parts of the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is completing a credential evaluation. This process verifies that your nursing education and professional qualifications are equivalent to U.S. standards. Without it, you cannot move forward with licensure in New York.
Who Conducts the Evaluation?
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Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International): The most widely accepted agency for foreign nurse credential evaluations.
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Other NYSED-Approved Agencies: In some cases, New York may accept evaluations from other credentialing bodies, but CGFNS remains the standard choice.
Documents You’ll Need for Credential Evaluation
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Official Nursing School Transcripts – Must be sent directly from your school to CGFNS/NYSED.
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Proof of Nursing Degree/Diploma – Certified copies of your graduation certificate.
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Breakdown of Clinical Hours – Detailing your training in pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and community health.
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Professional License Verification – If you hold a valid nursing license in your home country, your licensing board must send official verification.
Processing Time & Fees
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Processing Time: Usually 3–6 months, depending on how quickly your school and licensing authority respond.
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Fees: Around $350–$450 for CGFNS credential evaluation services (paid separately from your New York application).
Why This Step Matters
The NYSED relies on your credential evaluation to decide if you’re eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Any errors, missing documents, or delays in school responses can significantly slow down your application.
Contact your nursing school early and let them know you’ll need transcripts and documents sent directly to CGFNS or NYSED. This can save months of waiting.
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Step 3: Submit Your New York Nursing License Application to NYSED
Once your credential evaluation is underway, the next step in the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is to officially apply to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions.
How to Apply
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Complete Form 1 – Application for Licensure
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Available on the NYSED Office of the Professions website.
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This form captures your personal details, nursing education, and professional background.
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Pay the Application Fee
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As of 2025, the licensure application fee for registered nurses is $143 (non-refundable).
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Payment is made online through the NYSED portal or via check/money order.
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Submit Supporting Documents
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Proof of identity (e.g., passport or government-issued ID).
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Your credential evaluation report (sent directly from CGFNS or another approved agency).
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Verification of any nursing licenses held outside the U.S.
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What Happens Next?
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NYSED reviews your application alongside your credential evaluation.
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If everything is complete and meets U.S. standards, you’ll be declared eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
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If there are gaps in your education, NYSED may request additional documentation or recommend completing a nursing bridge program before proceeding.
Why This Step Matters
This is the stage where your application becomes official. Without submitting Form 1 and the required fee, NYSED cannot move forward with evaluating your eligibility for licensure.
Double-check your application before submitting. Even small errors—like mismatched names between documents—can cause costly delays.
Step 4: Register and Prepare for the NCLEX-RN Exam
After NYSED approves your eligibility, the next step in the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is registering for the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam is mandatory for all nurses who want to practice as registered nurses in the U.S.
How to Register for the NCLEX-RN
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Register with Pearson VUE
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Visit Pearson VUE NCLEX and create an account.
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Pay the exam registration fee ($200 USD as of 2025).
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Wait for Authorization to Test (ATT)
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Once NYSED confirms your eligibility, Pearson VUE will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) by email.
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The ATT is valid for a limited time (usually 90 days), so schedule your exam promptly.
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Schedule Your Exam
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Choose a test center near you (Pearson VUE has centers worldwide).
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Book your preferred date and time through the Pearson VUE portal.
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Preparing for the NCLEX-RN
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Study Resources: Use NCLEX prep books, online courses, and question banks. Popular choices include Kaplan, UWorld, and Saunders.
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Focus Areas: Medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, obstetrics, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals.
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Practice Tests: Simulate test conditions with timed exams to build confidence.
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Study Timeline: Most foreign-trained nurses prepare for 8–12 weeks before sitting the exam.
Why This Step Is Critical
The NCLEX-RN is the ultimate test of your readiness to practice safely as a nurse in the U.S. Without passing, you cannot receive your New York RN license.
Register for the NCLEX as soon as your eligibility is confirmed—testing slots can fill quickly, especially in major cities.
Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
Another crucial requirement in the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is completing the fingerprinting and criminal background check.
This ensures you meet professional and ethical standards to practice safely as a nurse in New York.
Fingerprinting Process
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For Applicants in the U.S.:
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NYSED uses IdentoGO (by Idemia) for fingerprinting services.
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Schedule an appointment online, bring valid ID, and provide digital fingerprints.
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Fee: Around $100, paid directly to the fingerprinting vendor.
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For Applicants Outside the U.S.:
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Request a fingerprint card from NYSED.
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Have your fingerprints taken at an authorized police or fingerprinting agency in your country.
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Mail the completed fingerprint card to NYSED following their instructions.
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Background Check
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Fingerprints are submitted to both the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the FBI.
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Any past convictions or disciplinary actions must be disclosed.
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Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but failure to disclose information may result in denial of your license.
Processing Time
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Background checks typically take 2–8 weeks, depending on whether fingerprints were submitted electronically (faster) or by mail (longer).
Why This Step Matters
Your New York RN license cannot be issued until your background check clears. This step protects patient safety and ensures only qualified, trustworthy professionals are licensed.
Complete your fingerprinting early—even while waiting for your NCLEX results—to prevent delays in final license issuance.
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Step 6: Pass the NCLEX-RN and Receive Your Results
Once you’ve taken the NCLEX-RN exam, the next part of the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is waiting for and reviewing your results.
How Results Are Delivered
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Quick Results (Optional): Pearson VUE offers unofficial results within 48 hours for a small fee (about $8).
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Official Results: Sent directly to the New York State Education Department (NYSED). You’ll receive confirmation by mail or email once NYSED processes them.
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Result Timeline: Official processing can take 2–4 weeks depending on test volume.
If You Pass
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Congratulations 🎉 — you’ve met one of the biggest requirements.
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NYSED will complete your application review (including background check) and issue your RN license number.
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Your name will appear on the New York State Office of the Professions online registry, where employers can verify your status.
If You Do Not Pass
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Don’t worry—many nurses succeed on their second attempt.
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You’ll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR), showing areas where improvement is needed.
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You may reapply and retake the NCLEX-RN after 45 days.
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There is no limit to the number of times you can retake the exam, but each attempt requires a new registration and fee.
Why This Step Is Important
The NCLEX-RN is the final academic and clinical competency exam. Passing confirms you are fully prepared to provide safe, effective care as a registered nurse in New York.
Even after passing, keep copies of your ATT, exam receipts, and CPR (if applicable). These records can be useful for future license transfers to other U.S. states.
Step 7: Receive Your New York RN License and Start Practicing
After passing the NCLEX-RN and completing your background check, the final stage of the New York nursing license application for foreign nurses in 2025 is receiving your official license.
How Your License Is Issued
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Official Notification: NYSED will mail your physical RN license to the address on your application.
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License Number: Your unique RN license number will also be listed on the New York State Office of the Professions online verification portal, which employers can use to confirm your credentials.
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Timing: Most applicants receive their official license 2–4 weeks after all requirements are cleared.
License Validity and Renewal
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New York RN licenses are valid for every three years.
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Renewal requirements include:
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Maintaining current contact information with NYSED.
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Completing continuing education (if applicable).
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Paying the renewal fee (varies by year).
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Why This Step Matters
Receiving your RN license officially allows you to begin working legally as a registered nurse in New York. This milestone is the culmination of careful planning, credential verification, NCLEX success, and compliance with U.S. licensing standards.
Keep both your physical license and online verification details readily accessible. Some employers may request proof of licensure during onboarding.
Final Summary & Key Takeaways
Applying for a New York RN license as a foreign nurse may seem complex, but with careful planning, you can navigate the process smoothly.
This complete guide for 2025 breaks down the steps clearly:
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Check Eligibility Requirements – Confirm your nursing education, credential evaluation, and English proficiency meet NYSED standards.
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Prepare and Submit Credential Evaluation – Send your transcripts and verification to CGFNS or another approved agency.
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Submit Your Application to NYSED – Complete Form 1, pay the application fee, and provide supporting documents.
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Register and Prepare for the NCLEX-RN Exam – Apply through Pearson VUE and study using prep resources.
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Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check – Submit fingerprints via IdentoGO or fingerprint cards for DCJS/FBI review.
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Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam and Receive Results – Official results are sent to NYSED, confirming your competency.
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Receive Your New York RN License – Your license number is issued, and you’re legally authorized to practice.
By following these steps carefully, foreign-educated nurses can avoid delays, meet all regulatory requirements, and start their careers as registered nurses in New York confidently.
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Start early with credential evaluation and document requests to reduce waiting time.
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Keep copies of all submissions and receipts for future reference.
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Check the NYSED Office of the Professions website regularly for updates, as requirements and fees may change in 2025.
Now that you know exactly how to apply for a New York nursing license as a foreign nurse in 2025, you’re ready to take actionable steps toward building your nursing career in one of the most dynamic states in the U.S.
External Resources for New York Nursing License Application for Foreign Nurses
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New York State Education Department (NYSED) – Office of the Professions
👉https://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse-
Official site for New York RN licensure, application forms, and requirements.
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NYSED Online License Application Portal
👉https://eservices.nysed.gov/OPSearchOnline-
Submit and track your RN license application online.
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CGFNS International – Credential Evaluation Services
👉 https://www.cgfns.org-
For foreign nurses needing credential evaluation to meet NYSED standards.
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Pearson VUE – NCLEX Registration
👉 https://home.pearsonvue.com/nclex-
Register for the NCLEX-RN exam and schedule your test.
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IdentoGO Fingerprinting Services
👉https://uenroll.identogo.com/-
Used by NYSED for digital fingerprint submission and background checks.
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National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
👉https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm-
Official NCLEX resources, exam format, and preparation information.
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New York RN License Verification Portal
👉 https://mylicense.nysed.gov/-
Verify your New York RN license status once issued.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Foreign nurses must submit an application to NYSED, complete a credential evaluation through CGFNS or another approved agency, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and complete a fingerprint-based background check.
Required documents include: official transcripts, proof of nursing degree, license verification from your home country, credential evaluation report, identification, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
Estimated costs in 2025 include:
Application fee: $143
NCLEX-RN exam fee: $200
Credential evaluation (CGFNS): $350–$450
Fingerprinting/background check: $100+
The entire process—from credential evaluation to receiving your license—can take 6–12 months, depending on document processing times, NCLEX scheduling, and background check completion.
Yes, if your nursing education was not in English, you must provide valid IELTS or TOEFL scores to demonstrate proficiency, as required by NYSED.
No. You must have an official New York RN license issued by NYSED before practicing as a registered nurse in the state.
New York RN licenses are valid for three years. Renewal requires keeping contact information updated, completing continuing education (if applicable), and paying the renewal fee.
Yes. New York offers competitive nursing salaries, diverse work settings, and high demand for registered nurses, making it one of the top choices for internationally trained nurses.
