Best Guide: Top States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025

Starting a nursing career in the United States can be both exciting and challenging, especially for internationally educated nurses who must first navigate the process of credential recognition. Understanding the States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025 is one of the most critical steps toward working legally and successfully in the U.S. healthcare system.

Each state board of nursing sets its own requirements for evaluating international qualifications, meaning that what works in one state may not necessarily apply in another. This makes it essential for foreign nurses to know exactly where their education and professional background will be acknowledged and how to align with the standards of their preferred state.

In 2025, the demand for qualified nurses across the U.S. continues to grow due to nursing shortages, aging populations, and increased healthcare needs. As a result, more states are streamlining the credentialing process to make it easier for foreign-trained nurses to join the workforce. However, navigating these requirements can feel overwhelming because of differences in application procedures, agencies recognized for credential evaluations, and additional examinations that may be needed. This guide is designed to simplify that journey by highlighting the states most welcoming to internationally educated nurses and explaining how credential evaluations fit into the overall licensure pathway.

By the end of this article, you will know not only which States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025 but also what steps you need to take to prepare your application, what agencies are commonly used for evaluations, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay approval. Whether you are planning to work in New York, Texas, California, or other leading destinations, this guide will provide the clarity and confidence you need to begin your U.S. nursing career on the right track.

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Understanding Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluation

Before diving into the list of States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025, it’s important to understand what credential evaluation means and why it is a vital step for international nurses. A credential evaluation is the process of reviewing and validating a nurse’s education, professional training, and licensure obtained outside the United States to ensure they meet U.S. nursing standards. State boards of nursing rely on these evaluations to verify that a nurse’s qualifications are equivalent to the minimum educational and licensing requirements expected in the U.S.

Typically, internationally educated nurses submit their academic transcripts, proof of nursing licensure, and other professional documents to an approved evaluation agency such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or the International Education Research Foundation (IERF). These agencies carefully analyze the coursework, clinical hours, and nursing practice background of the applicant, then provide a detailed report to the state board of nursing.

The purpose of this process is twofold:

1. Protect Patient Safety – Ensuring all nurses practicing in the U.S. meet high professional and educational standards.

2. Streamline Licensure – Helping qualified foreign nurses transition smoothly into the American healthcare system without unnecessary repetition of training.

Because each state has its own board of nursing, the recognition of credential evaluation agencies may vary. That is why some states are considered more “foreign-nurse friendly” than others, and why choosing the right state can save you time, money, and stress.

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Most Recognized Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluation Agencies in 2025

When applying for U.S. nursing licensure, choosing the right credential evaluation agency is just as important as selecting the state where you plan to practice. While requirements differ across the States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025, most boards of nursing recognize a few leading agencies that specialize in assessing international nursing qualifications. These organizations ensure that your nursing education and professional background meet U.S. standards, and they forward their evaluation reports directly to the state board.

1. Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International, Inc.)

• The most widely recognized agency in the U.S.

• Provides Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) reports used by many state boards.

• Often a requirement for nurses who must also take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam before sitting for the NCLEX.

2. International Education Research Foundation (IERF)

• Accepts nursing transcripts and licenses from many countries.

• Offers evaluation reports tailored to specific board of nursing requirements.

• Frequently used by states such as California.

3. Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JS&A)

• Specializes in evaluating foreign academic credentials, including nursing.

• Recognized by certain state boards of nursing for direct licensure evaluation.

4. Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES)

• Commonly accepted by California and a few other states.

• Provides detailed course-by-course evaluation reports.

5. World Education Services (WES)

• Although not always the first choice for nursing-specific evaluations, WES is recognized by some boards.

• Primarily useful for nurses pursuing advanced education (e.g., MSN, PhD) alongside licensure.

Key Tip: Always check the website of your target state board of nursing to confirm which credential evaluation agencies they accept. Submitting your documents to the wrong agency can delay your licensure by months.

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Top States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025

Foreign-trained nurses often wonder which states provide the smoothest path to licensure. While all U.S. states require some form of credential evaluation, certain states are known for having clearer processes, faster timelines, and broader acceptance of international qualifications.

Below are some of the top States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025 and what makes them stand out.

1. New York

• Agency Accepted: CGFNS (Credentials Verification Service for New York State – CVS).

• Why It’s Popular: New York is one of the most foreign-nurse–friendly states. Once CGFNS completes your verification, you can apply directly to the New York State Education Department. No U.S. work experience is required to start the process.

2. Texas

• Agency Accepted: CGFNS CES Professional Report.

• Why It’s Popular: Texas has one of the fastest-growing healthcare systems. The Board of Nursing welcomes internationally educated nurses, provided their education and licensure meet U.S. equivalency standards.

3. California

• Agencies Accepted: IERF and ERES.

• Why It’s Popular: California offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the country. However, it has stricter documentation requirements, including detailed transcripts of clinical and theoretical hours. Nurses aiming for California should prepare early to avoid delays.

4. Illinois

• Agency Accepted: CGFNS CES.

• Why It’s Popular: Illinois offers a balanced process for foreign-trained nurses and recognizes evaluations from major agencies. With a growing demand for healthcare workers in Chicago and surrounding areas, many international nurses choose Illinois as their entry point.

5. Florida

• Agency Accepted: CGFNS CES Professional Report.

• Why It’s Popular: Florida has a large international nurse community due to its cultural diversity. The Board of Nursing allows internationally educated nurses to apply with relatively straightforward documentation compared to stricter states.

6. New Jersey

• Agency Accepted: CGFNS CES.

• Why It’s Popular: Close to New York, New Jersey offers opportunities for nurses seeking flexible work options in hospitals and community healthcare settings.

7. Pennsylvania

• Agency Accepted: CGFNS CES.

• Why It’s Popular: Pennsylvania has many educational hospitals and accepts credential evaluations smoothly, making it a good choice for nurses planning advanced studies while working.

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Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluation in 2025

Once you identify the States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025, the next step is to begin the application process. While specific requirements vary by state, most boards of nursing follow a similar framework. Here’s a clear breakdown of what international nurses can expect:

Step 1: Choose Your State Board of Nursing

• Visit the official website of your target state board of nursing.

• Review eligibility requirements, accepted credential evaluation agencies, and application fees.

• Make sure your education and licensure align with that state’s minimum requirements.

Step 2: Select an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency

• Confirm which agencies are accepted (CGFNS, IERF, ERES, JS&A, etc.).

• Create an account on the agency’s website and review the list of required documents.

• Be careful: sending documents to the wrong agency can waste time and money.

Step 3: Gather and Submit Your Documents

Typical documents include:

• Nursing school transcripts (with clinical and theoretical breakdowns).

• Proof of nursing license(s) from your home country.

• Verification forms completed by your nursing school and licensing authority.

• Identification documents (passport, government-issued ID).

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees

• Fees vary depending on the agency and the state board of nursing.

• Expect to pay anywhere between $200 – $500 for credential evaluation services.

Step 5: Wait for the Evaluation Report

• The agency reviews your documents, validates authenticity, and prepares a detailed report.

• The report is sent directly to your state board of nursing.

• Processing times range from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on agency workload and completeness of documents.

Step 6: Apply for State Licensure and NCLEX

• Once your credentials are accepted, the board will guide you to the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses) or NCLEX-PN (for practical nurses).

• After passing, you’ll receive your license and can begin your nursing career in the U.S.

Always send certified, sealed, and directly mailed documents from your nursing school or licensing authority to avoid delays.

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Common Challenges in Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations (and How to Overcome Them)

Even with careful planning, many internationally educated nurses experience delays or setbacks during the credential evaluation process. Understanding these challenges in advance can save you time, money, and frustration as you navigate the requirements of the States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025.

1. Missing or Incomplete Transcripts

• Challenge: Some nursing schools abroad may not keep detailed records of theoretical and clinical hours. Without these, the evaluation agency may reject your application.

• Solution: Contact your school early to request an official transcript. If clinical hours aren’t included, ask the registrar or dean to provide a separate letter outlining them.

2. Delayed Responses from Nursing Schools or Licensing Authorities

• Challenge: Evaluation agencies often require sealed documents to be sent directly by your school or regulatory body. Delays can stall the entire process.

• Solution: Stay in regular communication with your school/licensing body, provide them with clear instructions, and follow up until documents are mailed.

3. Choosing the Wrong Evaluation Agency

• Challenge: Each state board accepts specific agencies. Submitting to the wrong one means wasted time and fees.

• Solution: Always verify the accepted agencies on your state board’s official website before paying for services.

4. Language Barriers

• Challenge: If your documents are not in English, you’ll need certified translations. Poor translations can lead to misinterpretation.

• Solution: Use professional translation services recommended by your evaluation agency to ensure accuracy.

5. Long Processing Times

• Challenge: Some agencies, especially CGFNS, may take several months to complete evaluations.

• Solution: Apply as early as possible and keep your documents organized. Submitting everything correctly the first time speeds up processing.

6. Additional State-Specific Requirements

• Challenge: Beyond credential evaluation, some states require additional steps such as English proficiency exams (IELTS, TOEFL) or the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.

• Solution: Read the full licensure requirements of your chosen state before applying. Preparing for these exams early can prevent delays.

By being proactive and organized, you can overcome these common barriers and ensure your credential evaluation is accepted smoothly.

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Conclusion: Your Pathway to U.S. Nursing Success in 2025

Securing a nursing license in the United States as an internationally educated nurse may seem complex, but with the right information, the process becomes far more manageable.

Knowing the States That Accept Foreign Nurse Credential Evaluations 2025 gives you a clear starting point for planning your career, choosing the right evaluation agency, and preparing your documents without unnecessary stress.

States such as New York, Texas, California, Florida, and Illinois continue to lead the way in welcoming foreign-trained nurses, while others like New Jersey and Pennsylvania provide additional opportunities. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls such as delays, missing transcripts, or choosing the wrong agency, and instead move confidently toward NCLEX registration and eventual licensure.

The demand for skilled nurses in the U.S. has never been higher, and internationally educated professionals play an essential role in filling critical healthcare gaps. With proper preparation, persistence, and awareness of each state’s requirements, you can achieve your goal of becoming a licensed nurse in America.

If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing journey, start today by confirming your target state’s requirements, contacting your nursing school for transcripts, and selecting the correct credential evaluation agency. The earlier you begin, the sooner you will be on your way to making a meaningful impact in the U.S. healthcare system.

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Resources & References

For accurate, up-to-date information on credential evaluations and state nursing licensure requirements, always consult official sources. Below are key references that can guide your application process:

• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International, Inc.)
  https://www.cgfns.org

• International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
  https://www.ierf.org

• Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES)
  https://www.eres.com

• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JS&A)
  https://www.jsilny.org

• World Education Services (WES)
  https://www.wes.org

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) – Information about NCLEX and U.S. licensure requirements.
  https://www.ncsbn.org

• State Boards of Nursing (U.S.) – Each state has its own requirements. Find your state board here:
  https://www.ncsbn.org/public-regulation/member-boards