California board of nursing requirements for international nurses

Relocating for a career change can be both thrilling and overwhelming. If you’re thinking about moving to California as an international nurse, it’s essential to understand the process of obtaining a nursing licence through the state board. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or newly qualified, we’ve gathered everything you need to help launch your nursing career in California with confidence.

Eligibility criteria for international nurses 

To apply for a nursing license with the California Board of Registered Nursing, you must complete a state-accredited education program that meets the standards of approved US nursing programmes. Your academic credentials should be equivalent to: 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): An undergraduate academic programme typically completed over four years at a university. 
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): A postgraduate qualification for specialised positions, typically requiring a BSN or a related health discipline for admission. 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The most advanced qualification in nursing, with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical expertise. 

Working as a nurse in the US requires in-depth medical knowledge as well as experience, and the California Board of Registered Nursing holds high standards for all applicants. This is why the regulatory body verifies all applicant credentials in line with the standards set by the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN).  

How to apply for licensure in California 

When you apply for licensure in California, you’ll be required to meet criteria and follow specific steps. Learn more about the requirements for licensure to ensure your application goes through and you can prevent any delays. 

Licensure by exam 

International nurses who are applying for licensure with the California Board of Registered Nurses and haven’t taken the NCLEX before must apply for licensure by examination. This is because the board needs to fully assess each nurses’ ability to carry out their duties.  

To get your licence by examination, you need to: 

1. Register for a BreEZe account: To send all of your documents and other information to. 
2. Verify your credentials: The California Board of Nursing directly verifies transcripts and credentials of international nurses (those in foreign languages need to be accompanied by an official translation). 
3. Complete background checks: All applicants must complete a criminal background check. If you’re outside California, you must submit two fingerprint cards (FBI Form FD-258) provided by the regulatory body or downloaded from their site. These must be submitted alongside your other documents. 
4. Complete an English language proficiency exam: Only if your training was not taught in English. 
5. Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX): Once your application has been approved, you’ll be able to take the exam at a testing centre. Nurses who have already passed the NCLEX in Canada may not need to retake it. 

Licensure by endorsement  

If you’re a Canadian nurse who has passed the NCLEX-RN and is moving to California, you can apply for licensure by endorsement, provided you meet the following requirements: 

1. Submit an endorsement application including your credentials and other documents via BreEZe. 
2. Provide fingerprints using Live Scan if you’re in California.  
3. Pay fees for your application and fingerprint processing. 
4. Submit any additional documents or information requested after your application has been reviewed (e.g. a copy of your basic nursing qualification certificate, diploma or degree; a copy of your current driving licence; a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) report). 

Californian licensure fees 

Moving to the US as an international nurse incurs various fees, and these vary between states as all boards of nursing set their own costs. California is known for its higher cost of living and salaries. Similarly, the state is also known for having higher licensure fees than others, so it’s important to understand the cost of moving to the US before you begin your relocation journey.  

When applying for a nursing licence in California, you can expect to pay for: 

• Registered nursing application: $750. 
• English language proficiency test: Typically ranges from $180 USD to $300 USD, depending on your location. 
• NCLEX registration fee: $200 USD, with an additional $150 USD scheduling fee. 
• Fingerprint service: $49. 

Making the total cost of California nursing licensure for international nurses around $1,389. 

Processing times 

Once your application is approved and all required steps are completed, the final stage is to wait for your licence to be processed. For international nurses, California RN licences typically take 10 to 12 weeks. However, as each application is reviewed individually, processing times may vary.  

You can monitor your application progress via the board’s application status and details page, as contacting them directly may cause further delays. 

Why work as an international nurse in California 

California is one of the best states for nurses to live in because it has some of the highest pay, offering a median hourly wage of $71.31. The state is known for its cultural influence of entertainment and tech innovations. Those moving there can also benefit from working in its thriving healthcare sector. With a robust network, there’s plenty of opportunities for nurses to grow their skills.  

Families moving to the state can choose from many different towns and cities like San Diego, Irvine and San Ramon, filled with varying landscapes, job opportunities whilst offering vibrant communities.  

Is California a compact state? 

California is not currently a part of the Multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, which means that nurses that register there can only live and work in the state. Additionally, the state doesn’t have any pending legislation to join the NLC. 

The NLC agreement allows nurses to work in other compact states from the one that they’re initially registered in, using a single multistate licence. At present, 41 states are part of the NLC, offering greater flexibility and mobility for nursing professionals across the United States. 

Is there a nursing shortage in California? 

Data from a 2023 study shows most hospitals in California have experienced vacancy rates of 8.8%, up from 6% before the pandemic. This rise has been attributed to several factors including an aging population and workforce, growing demand for healthcare services and ongoing challenges in nursing education and recruitment. 

California has the second-largest healthcare delivery system in the United States which means there are many opportunities for international nurses to help address the staffing gap, especially in underserved regions. 

How Espirita can help you move to the US 

Espirita’s relocation team are here to support you at every stage of your journey to the US to ensure it goes smoothly. We’ll be there from the moment you apply for a job, all the way through to your first day, helping you with: 

• Relocation, including booking accommodation and travel 
• State board applications 
• Documentation collation guidance
• Work visa application
• Compliance