New York Board of Nursing application process for international nurses

With the vibrant energy of New York City and other scenic parts of the state, it’s no surprise that New York state is attractive to international nurses. Nearly 50,000 nursing licenses were issued in New York state last year alone, highlighting the drive for new nurses to register in the state. But the process of relocating to the United States can bring a lot of uncertainty, that’s why we have gathered everything you need to know about the New York Board of Nursing application for international nurses.  

Eligibility criteria for international nurses

To be eligible for a nursing licence in New York, you must have completed a nursing education programme that is recognised by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This programme must be equivalent to an approved nursing qualification in the United States. Your qualifications may be similar to one of the following: 

• Diploma in Nursing: Typically offered by hospitals, these programmes usually take between two and three years to complete. 
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Commonly provided by community colleges, this qualification also takes around two to three years. 
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year undergraduate degree offered by universities. 
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): A postgraduate course designed for specialised roles, generally requiring a BSN or a related health degree for entry. 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The highest level of nursing education in the US, with a focus on clinical practice.  

Working as a nurse in the United States demands a high standard of clinical practice. To ensure consistency across states, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has established standardised criteria for newly qualified nurses applying for registration. These standards also apply to those already qualified and seeking licensure in New York.  

How to apply for licensure in New York

Applying for licensure as a nurse in New York involves several steps. By familiarising yourself with the requirements set by the New York Board of Nursing and the NYSED, you can streamline the process and help prevent unnecessary delays.

Licence by examination

Nurses applying for a nursing licence in New York don’t need to take an English language proficiency test.

Most nurses applying for registration with the New York Board of Nursing are required to apply for licensure by examination as this is the best method for the state to assess nurses’ credentials and skills. When registering with the board, you’ll have to carry out the following steps: 

1. Complete the relevant coursework: You’re required to complete an NYSED Approved Infection Control Course and a Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Course from an approved provider, unless you meet the criteria for exemption. 
2. Submit Online Form 1: This is the application for licensure which requires a fee upon submission. 
3. Obtain and submit a Credential Evaluation Service report (CES):  
   1. Use the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to verify your nursing credentials to the NYSED using CGFNS’ Credential Verification Service (CVS) for New York State. 
   2. Arrange for your overseas nursing school to verify your qualifications by completing a Certification of Professional Education form (Form 2F), including an official transcript and any other required documents, and sending it directly to the NYSED. 
      • If your transcript is not in English, you must have it translated by a certified translation service that meets the NYSED’s standards. 
      • If you hold a nursing licence from another country, the relevant licensing authority must send confirmation of your registration directly to the NYSED using the Verification of Foreign Professional Licensure/Certification form (Form 3F). 
4. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX): This is taken in a testing centre on a computer. You cannot take the exam until NYSED has completed a review of your licensure application and education credentials. 
5. Complete background checks: Nurses are required to obtain fingerprint cards from the NYSED, have their fingerprints taken at a local police station or authorised fingerprinting service, and then return the completed cards to the NYSED along with a fee. This process ensures a comprehensive background check is carried out prior to the granting of registration.  

Licensure by endorsement 

Canadian-educated nurses who are already licensed in Canada and wish to practise in New York can apply for licensure by endorsement through the NYSED. Here are the basic steps: 

1. Complete NYSED-approved coursework in Infection Control and Child Abuse Reporting. 
2. Submit Online Form 1 (Application for Licensure) with the required fee. 
3. Request your nursing school to send Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education) directly to NYSED. 
4. Provide verification of your Canadian nursing licence using Form 3F or Nursys (if applicable). 
5. Submit fingerprint cards to NYSED for a background check. 
6. If you haven’t passed the NCLEX-RN, register and pass the exam. 

If you earned a BN, BSN or BScN from a Canadian university (excluding Quebec) after January 1, 2015, and your course is accredited and listed with a Canadian Program Code, you may qualify for NYSED’s streamlined application process. This route skips the need for CGFNS evaluation, saving nurses time and money.  

New York licensure fees

The cost of relocating to the United States can differ significantly depending on the state. While some areas may involve lower living expenses, states like New York often offer more attractive salary packages for nurses, making it a popular state for international nurses.  

The fees involved in securing nursing registration in New York are as follows: 

• CGFNS CES Professional Report: $485 USD, with an expedited review costing an additional $425 USD 
• VisaScreen® application: $740 USD, with an expedited review costing an additional $650 USD. 
• English language proficiency tests: Typically ranges from $180 USD to $300 USD, depending on the location 
• NCLEX registration fee: $200 USD, with an additional $150 USD scheduling fee 

In New York, the total cost of a nursing licence is $244.25, which covers: 

• Application fee: $70 USD 
• Registration fee: $73 USD 
• Fingerprint processing fee: $101.25 USD 

Processing times

Getting a nursing licence in New York can be a lengthy process, especially for international nurses. Usually, it takes six to eight weeks once all required materials are submitted but timeframes can vary.  

If you want an update on your application, the New York Board of Nursing advises applicants to submit their request using their contact form once six weeks have passed as they don’t offer updates via telephone.  

Why work as an international nurse in New York 

New York is one of the best states for international nurses to move to in the US, because of its: 

• High earning potential: According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, nurses in New York can expect to earn a mean hourly wage of $53.12, making it one of the highest paying states for nurses in the country.  
• Growth opportunities: With one of the first established healthcare systems in the United States, New York has over 200 hospitals and many healthcare organisations offering a wide range of jobs and areas for career progression.  
• Diverse lifestyle and communities: New York City is known as a ‘melting pot’ of cultures from around the world, offering you the opportunity to explore different communities.  

Is New York a compact state?

New York is not part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, meaning only nurses licensed with the New York Board of Nursing can practice in the state. There are currently multiple hurdles preventing New York from joining the NLC agreement. Some of the hurdles include: 

• Legislative approval 
• Funding required to make changes and technical adjustments 
• Stakeholder buy-in across healthcare and government sectors 

The NLC is an agreement that permits nurses registered in participating states to hold a single multi-state licence. This allows them to practise across all member states without the need to obtain separate licences. At present, 43 states are actively part of the NLC, offering nurses greater flexibility to work across the different states. 

Is there a nursing shortage in New York? 

New York has a demand for nurses that has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused a gap in clinical experience for younger nurses whilst accelerating the retirement of older nurses, leaving mentoring and support gaps. New York state is expecting a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030. Because of the lack of nurses, more localised shortages have been witnessed in rural areas for hospitals both big and small.