What is the VisaScreen Certificate?

VisaScreen is a certificate issued by CGFNS International that confirms an internationally educated healthcare worker meets U.S. federal Section 343 requirements for an immigrant visa. It verifies credentials, English language proficiency, and licensure in good standing. U.S. consular officers and USCIS require it for the immigrant visa application.

Do I need VisaScreen?

Yes if you are pursuing the EB-3 Schedule A pathway (immigrant visa for U.S. permanent residency) or Change of Status to permanent residency. The TN visa (Canadian RNs) generally does not require VisaScreen because it is a non-immigrant visa. Always confirm with your sponsoring hospital's immigration counsel.

How much does VisaScreen cost?

USD $540 paid to CGFNS International. This covers credential verification, English language assessment, and the certificate issuance. There are no Global Nurse Force fees for VisaScreen coordination — included in our zero-cost candidate model.

How long does VisaScreen take?

Typically 4-8 months from application submission to certificate issuance. The main timeline variable is how quickly CGFNS receives responses from your nursing school and registration authority. Filipino PRC verification is generally fastest; Indian state council verification can be slower.

Can I get the English language waiver?

Yes if you meet specific criteria: graduate of an accredited nursing program where all instruction was in English (typically Filipino BSN from a CHED-accredited program qualifies; some Indian BSc Nursing programs qualify). If not eligible for the waiver, accepted exams include OET (most common for nurses), IELTS Academic (7.0 each section), or TOEFL.

What happens after I get VisaScreen?

The certificate is sent directly to the U.S. consulate where you will have your immigrant visa interview, and a copy to USCIS. You bring a copy to the consular interview. The certificate is valid for 5 years from issuance.

Required for U.S. immigrant visa

VisaScreen Certificate guide for nurses

What VisaScreen is, who needs it, how to apply, fees and timeline, and the English-language waiver eligibility for internationally educated nurses applying for U.S. permanent residency.

Key facts — VisaScreen
• Issued by CGFNS International under U.S. federal Section 343
• Required for EB-3 Schedule A immigrant visa applicants
• Fee: USD $540
• Typical processing: 4-8 months
• Certificate valid for 5 years from issuance
• English language waiver available for English-medium graduates

What VisaScreen verifies

The three verifications

1. Credential verification

Your nursing education is comparable to a U.S. RN program. CGFNS contacts your school directly.

2. License verification

You hold a current nursing license in your country of education AND in any country where you have practiced.

3. English language proficiency

OET grade B (each subtest), IELTS Academic 7.0 (each section), or TOEFL — OR an English-medium education waiver.

Frequently asked

About VisaScreen

What is the VisaScreen Certificate?: VisaScreen is a certificate issued by CGFNS International that confirms an internationally educated healthcare worker meets U.S. federal Section 343 requirements for an immigrant visa. It verifies credentials, English language proficiency, and licensure in good standing. U.S. consular officers and USCIS require it for the immigrant visa application.
Do I need VisaScreen?: Yes if you are pursuing the EB-3 Schedule A pathway (immigrant visa for U.S. permanent residency) or Change of Status to permanent residency. The TN visa (Canadian RNs) generally does not require VisaScreen because it is a non-immigrant visa. Always confirm with your sponsoring hospital's immigration counsel.
How much does VisaScreen cost?: USD $540 paid to CGFNS International. This covers credential verification, English language assessment, and the certificate issuance. There are no Global Nurse Force fees for VisaScreen coordination — included in our zero-cost candidate model.
How long does VisaScreen take?: Typically 4-8 months from application submission to certificate issuance. The main timeline variable is how quickly CGFNS receives responses from your nursing school and registration authority. Filipino PRC verification is generally fastest; Indian state council verification can be slower.
Can I get the English language waiver?: Yes if you meet specific criteria: graduate of an accredited nursing program where all instruction was in English (typically Filipino BSN from a CHED-accredited program qualifies; some Indian BSc Nursing programs qualify). If not eligible for the waiver, accepted exams include OET (most common for nurses), IELTS Academic (7.0 each section), or TOEFL.
What happens after I get VisaScreen?: The certificate is sent directly to the U.S. consulate where you will have your immigrant visa interview, and a copy to USCIS. You bring a copy to the consular interview. The certificate is valid for 5 years from issuance.

Let GNF coordinate VisaScreen as part of EB-3

We manage the verification chain end-to-end — school, registration authority, English assessment — and integrate with NCLEX and consular interview timing.

Get a free credential review