Every year, tens of thousands of internationally educated nurses (IENs) begin the process of earning a U.S. nursing license. One of the first questions they face: which credential evaluation does my state/territory board of nursing (BON) require?
Get your nursing credential evaluation started with IEE and receive your report in as few as 5 business days.
The answer depends on where you plan to practice. International Education Evaluations (IEE) has been approved by nineteen (19) states/territories to submit credential evaluation reports on behalf of IENs. Many BONs have their own unique requirements entirely.
This guide breaks down what each BON requires and helps you figure out the fastest, most affordable route to your nursing license.
Why Nursing Credential Evaluations Matter for IENs
A nursing credential evaluation translates your international nursing education into U.S. comparability. Boards of Nursing (BON) use these reports to confirm that your credentials meet their minimum standards before allowing you to take the NCLEX exam and earn your license.
Without a credential evaluation, you cannot apply for nursing licensure. The evaluation verifies your secondary education, nursing program curriculum, clinical and theory hours, professional licensure status in your home country, and English language proficiency.
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), 58,995 internationally educated candidates took the NCLEX-RN for the first time in 2024. That number has grown steadily as the U.S. nursing shortage deepens and hospitals expand their international recruiting efforts.
IENs by the Numbers: The Scale of International Nursing in the U.S.
Roughly 500,000 immigrant nurses work in the United States today, making up about 15% of all practicing registered nurses. Between 2010 and 2022, the proportion of U.S. hospitals hiring foreign-educated RNs doubled, rising from 16% to 32%.
The demand is not slowing down. The U.S. healthcare system needs approximately 203,200 new nursing positions filled each year, but domestic nursing schools graduate only about 170,000 students annually. Projections from Nurse.org show that 42 of 50 states could fall short of nurse demand by 2030, with a national shortfall of more than 200,000 registered nurses.
States with the most severe projected shortages include:
- North Dakota (projected to meet only 84% of demand by 2030)
- Colorado (86%)
- Texas (86%)
- Nevada (88%)
- Florida (88%)
For IENs, these numbers represent real opportunity. But first, you need to clear the credentialing hurdle, and that starts with understanding what your target location requires.
Compare IEE evaluation report types to find the right one for your nursing licensure pathway.
Explore IEE’s nursing pathways, including Board of Nursing reports, education reports, and the GlobalBridge HCW Certificate.
How Does the Nurse Licensure Compact Affect IENs?
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to hold one multistate license that is valid in all compact member states. As of 2026, 40 states are active NLC members, with 4 additional states (Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York) having enacted legislation but not yet completed implementation.
For IENs, the compact offers a significant advantage: once you earn a multistate license in one compact state, you can practice in all 40 member states without applying for additional licenses.
However, there are requirements you need to meet:
- Primary state of residence must be an NLC member state
- Social Security Number required
- FBI fingerprint-based background check completed
- NCLEX passed (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN)
- Graduation from an approved nursing program (or evaluated international equivalent)
- Clean disciplinary record (no active discipline, felony convictions, or substance abuse monitoring)
The SSN requirement is the biggest barrier for many IENs, especially those who have not yet received work authorization. If you do not have an SSN, you will need to apply for a single-state license in a state that does not require one (such as New York or Montana) while your immigration paperwork is processed.
Two major states remain outside the compact: California and Illinois. If you plan to practice in either state, you will need a separate state license regardless of any compact license you hold.
Current NLC Compact States (2026)
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Pending implementation: Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York.
How Does IEE Compare to Other Evaluation Services?
When choosing a credential evaluation service, IENs typically weigh processing speed, cost, and board acceptance. Here is how IEE compares to the other major providers:
| Feature | IEE | CGFNS | ERES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Processing Time | 5 business days | 8 to 12 weeks | 5 to 8 weeks |
| Rush Processing | Three-day available for fee | 4 to 6 weeks (expedited) | Available for added fee |
| BON Report Cost | $395 | $425 to $475 (CES only) | $300 to $400 |
| NACES Member | Yes (since 2018) | Separate organization | Yes |
| VisaScreen/HCW Certificate | Yes (GlobalBridge, from $695) | Yes ($740) | No |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Yes (phone, chat, email) | No | No |
| Fully Online Process | Yes | Partial | Partial |
IEE’s 5-day standard processing for nursing credential evaluations is the fastest in the industry. For IENs facing job offer deadlines or application windows, that speed difference can be the deciding factor.
For nurses who also need a U.S. Healthcare Worker (HCW) Certificate for immigration purposes, IEE’s GlobalBridge program bundles the credential evaluation with HCW certification. The HCW Certificate is required by USCIS for non-citizen nurses seeking admission to work in the United States, and IEE’s version includes a digital certificate with QR code verification.
What Documents Do You Need for a Nursing Credential Evaluation?
Before starting your application, gather these documents. Requirements can vary by state/territory, but most nursing credential evaluations require:
- Nursing diploma or degree certificate (issued directly from the institution)
- Official academic transcripts (issued directly from the institution) with course titles, grades, and credit hours
- Secondary school completion certificate
- Current nursing license or registration from your home country
- English proficiency scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, MET, OET, PTE Academic, depending on board requirements)
- Passport or government-issued ID
- Translations of any documents not in English (IEE offers certified translation services starting at $60 per page)
IEE accepts legible scanned copies for translation, so you do not need to mail original documents. All submissions happen through a secure online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire process from evaluation to licensure take?
The timeline depends on your board and evaluation provider. With IEE, the credential evaluation takes about 5 business days. After that, NCLEX scheduling typically takes 2 to 6 weeks, and board processing adds another 2 to 8 weeks. Total timeline: roughly 2 to 4 months from start to license, depending on the board.
Can international nurses get a compact nursing license?
Yes. IENs can obtain a multistate compact license if they establish primary residence in an NLC member state, hold a Social Security Number, pass the NCLEX, and meet all other compact requirements. The compact license then allows practice in all 40 member states.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for internationally educated nurses?
According to NCSBN data from 2024, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for internationally educated candidates was 53.8% (31,762 out of 58,995 candidates). This compares to approximately 89% for U.S.-educated first-time candidates. Filipino nurses, the largest IEN group, had a 54% first-time pass rate.
Do I need a visa screening certificate?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen nurse seeking admission to work in the United States, yes. The screen (or equivalent HCW Certificate) is required by USCIS. It verifies your education, licensure, English proficiency, and NCLEX completion. IEE offers the HCW Certificate through its GlobalBridge program.
Which states are easiest for international nurses to get licensed in?
States that accept multiple evaluation agencies, and have streamlined processing tend to be the most accessible. New York, Montana, Texas, Florida, and New Mexico are commonly cited as states with more straightforward pathways for IENs. Montana and New York do not require an SSN to begin the application process.
What is the difference between a CES report and a Board of Nursing Licensure report?
A Board of Nursing Licensure (BON) report, such as the one offered by IEE, is specifically designed for state/territory nursing licensure and includes evaluation of nursing education, professional licensure, English proficiency, and clinical experience. BON reports are tailored to meet the specific requirements of each state’s board.
Your Next Steps
Getting licensed as a nurse in the United States is a multi-step process, but it does not have to be overwhelming. Here is a clear path forward:
- Choose your target BON.
- Gather your documents, including nursing transcripts, degree certificates, and English proficiency scores.
- Order your credential evaluation. IEE delivers nursing credential evaluation reports in 5 business days, with three-day rush options available.
- Register for the NCLEX once your evaluation is complete and your board has approved your eligibility.
- If you need immigration support, consider IEE’s GlobalBridge HCW Certificate program, which bundles credential evaluation with the healthcare worker certificate required by USCIS.
Start your nursing credential evaluation with IEE today. With 5-day processing, 24/7 support, and reports accepted by Boards of Nursing in 19 states, IEE helps you move from application to licensure faster.
