Easy Steps: How to Convert a Nigeria Nursing License to US License in 2025

If you’re a Nigerian nurse dreaming of practicing in the United States, you’re likely asking one critical question: How to Convert a Nigeria Nursing License to US License in 2025? You’re not alone—and you’re not without hope. Every year, thousands of dedicated and compassionate Nigerian nurses successfully make the transition to working in the U.S. healthcare system. While the process may seem overwhelming at first—filled with exams, paperwork, verifications, and waiting—it is absolutely achievable. With the right information, mindset, and preparation, converting your Nigerian nursing license to a U.S. license in 2025 can become the gateway to a thriving nursing career abroad.

This guide was written specifically for Nigerian nurses who are passionate about taking their profession to the next level in the United States, but who may not know where to begin or what steps to take. Whether you’re currently working in a hospital in Lagos, completing your NYSC, or residing abroad with a Nigerian nursing license, this guide will walk you through each necessary step to ensure your credentials align with U.S. standards. It will also answer all your pressing questions about qualifications, licensing bodies, examinations, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause delays.

Why So Many Nigerian Nurses Are Making the Move in 2025

The demand for nurses in the U.S. has reached an all-time high in 2025, with the American healthcare system facing persistent staffing shortages. Nigerian nurses are highly respected for their education, resilience, and clinical skills—making them a perfect fit for many U.S. healthcare facilities. However, no matter how skilled you are, you cannot legally work in the U.S. as a registered nurse until your foreign license is evaluated and converted according to American regulatory standards.

That’s why it’s crucial to understand how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025 step-by-step—because the earlier you start, the sooner you can begin your new life and career in the United States.

What This Guide Will Help You Accomplish

In this detailed guide, you will learn:

• The exact pathway for converting a Nigerian RN license to a U.S. RN license

• The role of organizations like CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)

• How to apply for the VisaScreen certificate and NCLEX-RN exam

• What documents to prepare (and how to get them verified from Nigerian institutions)

• The U.S. state licensure process, including how to choose a state

• Tips on finding sponsoring employers, recruitment agencies, and navigating immigration

• Common challenges Nigerian nurses face—and how to overcome them

Our goal is not just to inform you, but to empower you. We understand that you may be supporting your family, dreaming of higher pay, or simply wishing to grow your career in a world-class environment. This journey is about more than just paperwork—it’s about building a new life, fulfilling your potential, and making your mark as a global healthcare professional.

Step-by-Step: How to Convert a Nigeria Nursing License to U.S. License 2025

Now that you understand the importance of making your dream of working in the United States a reality, let’s break down the step-by-step process on how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license in 2025. This guide is built to help you navigate through the complexities of licensure, immigration, and employment as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility and Gather Required Documents

Before starting any application, it’s essential to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. In most U.S. states, you must:

• Hold a valid nursing license from Nigeria (Registered Nurse – RN)

• Have completed a recognized nursing education program

• Demonstrate English proficiency (if required)

• Be free from legal or professional restrictions

Documents you’ll need include:

• Nigerian nursing license (current and active)

• Nursing school transcripts and certificate

• Birth certificate or international passport

• Passport-sized photographs

• Secondary school results (WAEC or NECO)

• NYSC certificate (if applicable)

This initial stage is crucial in the overall process of how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025, as delays in document collection can significantly slow you down.

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Step 2: Apply for Credential Evaluation Through CGFNS

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is a U.S.-based organization that evaluates international nursing credentials. Most states require a CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Report, while some may require the CGFNS Certification Program.

To begin:

• Create an account at www.cgfns.org

• Choose the correct report (CES or Certification Program)

• Pay the required fees

• Follow instructions for sending transcripts and license verification directly from your Nigerian school and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)

This is one of the most important stages in how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025, as your U.S. Board of Nursing will rely on CGFNS to determine if your education and experience meet their standards.

Step 3: Apply for State Licensure with a U.S. Board of Nursing

Each U.S. state has its own Board of Nursing and specific licensure requirements. After receiving your CGFNS report, choose the state where you want to practice. Visit that state’s Board of Nursing website to:

• Submit your licensure application

• Pay the application fee

• Undergo background checks (fingerprinting may be required)

Your chosen state board will review your CGFNS evaluation and notify you when you’re eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 4: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is mandatory for all foreign-trained nurses seeking licensure in the U.S. You can register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE once your board of nursing authorizes you.

Preparation Tips:

• Enroll in a review course tailored for international nurses

• Use NCLEX-RN question banks and practice tests

• Focus on U.S.-style nursing practice and patient care models

Passing the NCLEX-RN is a major milestone in your journey of how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025 and qualifies you for licensure as a registered nurse.

Step 5: Apply for VisaScreen Certificate (For Immigration Purposes)

The VisaScreen certificate is a U.S. immigration requirement for nurses applying for work visas or green cards. This screening ensures that your education, license, and English proficiency meet U.S. healthcare standards.

VisaScreen is also administered by CGFNS. To apply, you will:

• Upload your documents (many are reused from CGFNS CES application)

• Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)

• Pay the VisaScreen processing fee

Once issued, your VisaScreen certificate becomes essential for job sponsorship or U.S. immigration visa processing.

Step 6: Secure a Sponsoring Employer or U.S. Recruitment Agency

To work in the U.S., most Nigerian nurses apply through sponsoring hospitals or recruitment agencies that assist with visa sponsorship and job placement.

When evaluating job offers:

• Ensure they are licensed and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor

• Confirm they provide assistance with immigration, licensing, and relocation

• Avoid scams—verify all offers through reputable channels

A credible employer will initiate your H-1B or EB-3 visa process once you’ve completed licensing and VisaScreen.

Step 7: Complete Immigration Process and Relocate to the U.S.

Once your employer files your immigration petition and it is approved, you will:

• Attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy

• Complete medical examinations

• Receive your immigrant or non-immigrant visa

With everything in place, you’re finally ready to relocate and start working as a nurse in the United States.

Step 8: Begin Your U.S. Nursing Career with Confidence

Once in the U.S., your employer or facility may provide:

• Orientation and onboarding programs

• Housing assistance or relocation support

• Cultural adaptation training

• Continued education opportunities

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed the process of how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025 and are now positioned to grow professionally and financially in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Converting a Nigerian License to US License

A Vital Guide as You Learn How to Convert a Nigeria Nursing License to U.S. License 2025

For many Nigerian nurses, the dream of practicing in the United States is about more than just career advancement — it’s about building a better life, supporting loved ones back home, and working in a healthcare system that values and compensates nursing professionals fairly. But amidst the excitement of pursuing this dream, there are critical mistakes that many nurses unknowingly make in the process of figuring out how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license in 2025.

These mistakes can cause unnecessary delays, emotional stress, wasted money, and even rejection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common pitfalls — and more importantly, how to avoid them — so you can confidently navigate the licensing journey and secure your future in U.S. nursing.

1. Starting the Process Without Understanding the U.S. Licensure Pathway

One of the biggest mistakes is diving in without truly understanding the full pathway for how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025. Each U.S. state has its own Board of Nursing (BON) with slightly different requirements. Some require a CES (Credential Evaluation Service) report, others a VisaScreen, and all require NCLEX-RN passage.

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Solution: Before spending money or applying to random agencies, pick the U.S. state where you want to practice. Study that state’s Board of Nursing requirements in full. Visit the official BON website and read their guidelines thoroughly.

2. Submitting Incomplete or Inaccurate Documents to CGFNS

The CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) is a key body in evaluating your credentials. Many applicants rush to submit documents that are either incomplete or not correctly verified by their Nigerian institutions — which can lead to months-long delays or outright rejection.

Solution: Be meticulous. Ensure your school of nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and any other required institution submit documents directly to CGFNS in the correct format. Confirm receipt and status regularly on your CGFNS portal.

3. Choosing the Wrong Type of Credential Evaluation

Not all CGFNS services are the same. Some nurses mistakenly pay for the wrong type of evaluation — for example, a CES Professional Report instead of a CGFNS Certification Program — and only realize their mistake when the BON rejects it.

Solution: Check with the BON first. Most states specify the exact CGFNS report they accept. Align your choice accordingly to avoid wasting time and money.

4. Underestimating the Importance of NCLEX-RN Preparation

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is non-negotiable. Some Nigerian nurses rely solely on their past experience, thinking it will carry them through. But the U.S. exam system is vastly different — it tests clinical judgment, patient safety, prioritization, and evidence-based practice in a computerized format many are unfamiliar with.

Solution: Invest in quality NCLEX-RN prep programs (UWorld, Kaplan, or Archer). Give yourself 3–6 months of dedicated study. Join NCLEX study groups and simulate real exam conditions.

5. Ignoring the VisaScreen Requirement for Immigration

Another easily overlooked but critical step in how to convert a Nigeria nursing license to US license 2025 is the VisaScreen certificate. Even after passing NCLEX, you cannot get a U.S. visa to work as a nurse without this certificate, which involves document evaluation, English proficiency testing, and nursing license verification.

Solution: Apply for VisaScreen early through CGFNS. If you’re serious about relocation, don’t wait until after passing NCLEX to start this — it runs in parallel with your licensure efforts.

6. Neglecting English Proficiency Tests

Even if you’re fluent in English, failing to prepare for the IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT — which are required for the VisaScreen — is a costly oversight. Many nurses assume their nursing education in English exempts them, but only certain countries get that waiver.

Solution: Nigerians are typically not exempt. Prepare for and pass the English language test. CGFNS only accepts certain score ranges, so verify those before sitting for the test.

7. Not Keeping Track of Deadlines and Application Validity

Licensing applications, exam eligibility, and documentation verifications all come with expiration periods. Some applicants find themselves reapplying because they missed a renewal or deadline while waiting for a document to be processed.

Solution: Keep a spreadsheet or digital tracker for each step of the process — from application dates to renewal reminders and follow-up deadlines. Treat this like a professional project.

8. Falling for Fraudulent Recruitment Agencies

In the desperation to relocate quickly, some Nigerian nurses fall prey to fake recruiters promising job placements in the U.S. for exorbitant fees. Others sign unfair contracts without understanding the long-term consequences.

Solution: Only work with licensed recruitment agencies. Confirm legitimacy through official BON or CGFNS resources. Read all contracts thoroughly and never pay large sums upfront for a “job offer.”

9. Not Asking for Help When Overwhelmed

Let’s be honest — this journey is emotionally demanding. It’s okay to feel frustrated, confused, or even defeated at times. Many nurses give up halfway because they try to go it alone.

Solution: Join support groups of Nigerian nurses who’ve successfully relocated. Use social media groups, forums, or even mentorship platforms. There’s power in community — don’t isolate yourself.

https://www.cgfns.org/

https://www.nmcn.gov.ng/