Helpful Hints

CGFNS International provides services for international healthcare workers seeking to work or migrate to the United States. The Certification Program (CP), Credentials Evaluation Service (CES), and Credential Verification Service (CVS) for New York State are for state licensure purposes. The VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment is for immigration to the United States.

The helpful hints below are essential to all CGFNS programs in order to ensure an application moves through the process as quickly as possible.

• Licensure in the United States is established by each state:

  • An applicant must know what is required by the state or territory for which they are seeking admission. Applicants should contact the Board of Nursing for the state they wish to practice in to verify the licensure requirements for that state.
  • Once you have determined the CGFNS program to which you need to apply, apply for that program online or download the appropriate handbook and application form from this website. Read all instructions carefully before filling out the required forms. Applicants will be issued a CGFNS/ICHP Identification number upon receipt of application.
• After reading all instructions, an applicant will know what documentation is needed in order to complete the application:

  • Applicants are encouraged to request all documentation as soon as they know what is required and CGFNS will compile their file as the necessary documents reach CGFNS.
  • Applicants can check the status of their documentation on CGFNS' website so they know what has been received and what is still needed in order for their file to be reviewed.
• Include all names an applicant has ever used:

  • Include maiden names, married names and any name changes on all documentation submitted to CGFNS.
  • Documentation verifying name changes, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses are to be included. The inclusion of such documents helps to avoid confusion if questions arise.
• Fill out dates correctly:

  • All dates, including dates of birth, dates of education, and completion dates must be accurate and valid.
  • If there is an extended lapse in dates, include a statement of explanation.
  • Different countries have variations on how the date is written. If the month is spelled out, it greatly reduces the chance of an error in recording dates.
• Provide exact and full name of all schools:

  • Do not use abbreviations or initials. Shortening the name of a school may cause confusion.
• Include CGFNS/ICHP ID number on every document:

  • The CGFNS/ICHP ID number assists in accurately filing documentation that arrives at CGFNS at different times.
  • The CGFNS ID number can help clear up confusion if names and dates come into question.
• Do not alter any information on any document:

  • Take the attestation statement seriously when signing.
  • Tampering or falsification of any document or information on an application will result in the closure of your CGFNS file indefinitely.
• Educational Transcripts:

  • Full transcripts with an official school stamp/seal must be supplied directly from the applicant's school. All transcripts must be sent by mail or courier to CGFNS International. Emails and faxes are not acceptable.
  • Please note: while all CGFNS International programs require the submission of academic records, the level of detail differs per program. For example, if an applicant previously applied for CP, and now needs a CES report, the transcripts previously sent to meet CP requirements may not be sufficient for CES. Further, documents received from the Credential Verification Service for New York State may be used for other CGFNS International services, however documents received for other CGFNS International services cannot be used for the Credential Verification Service for New York State.
  • If you are unsure about documentation sent to CGFNS International, then contact CGFNS International Customer Service for clarification.
• License/Registration Verifications:

  • All License/Registration verifications must be supplied directly from the licensing authority. All license/registration verifications must be sent by mail or courier to CGFNS International. Emails and faxes are not acceptable.
  • Please note: requirements differ between programs so it is important to read all directions and know what is required. For example, VisaScreen requires an applicant to submit all licenses/registrations they have ever held whether they are current, expired, or inactive. The Certification Program only requires initial license/registration from the first county where an applicant was licensed and current licenses. The Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) requires all licenses/registrations with the exception of those obtained in the U.S. The Credential Verification Service for New York State (CVS) will verify the appropriate licenses upon receipt.
• English Exam Scores:

  • English Proficiency Exams are requirements for CP, VisaScreen and CES for certain states.

    • The Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which includes a Test of Written English (TWE) and a Test of Spoken English (TSE); Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (internet Based Test); or Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).
    • The International English Language Testing Service offers IELTS International:

      • There is a general module and academic module of this exam.
      • All registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and audiologists, physician assistants and medical technologists must take the academic module.
      • Licensed practical nurses and medical laboratory technicians may take the general module.
  • Certification Program (CP):

    • For registered nurses only.
    • To successfully complete the CP program, passing scores must be achieved on both the CGFNS Qualifying Exam and an approved English proficiency exam
    • The scores from the Qualifying Exam and the English exam must be attained within two years of each other to be valid.
    • Applicants can choose from TOEFL, TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS.
    • Applicants must apply to take the English test directly with ETS or IELTS.
    • Scores must be forwarded to CGFNS by the examining institution to be valid.
  • VisaScreen:

    • Applicants must pass an English proficiency exam administered by ETS or IELTS International.
    • Applicants can choose from TOEFL or TOEIC with TWE and TSE; or TOEFL iBT (total and speaking sections); or IELTS (academic or general depending on profession and spoken band) as their english proficiency exams.
    • Applicants must apply to take the test directly with ETS or IELTS.
    • Scores must be forwarded to CGFNS by the examining institution to be valid.
  • Credentails Evaluation Service (CES):

    • Certain states may require english proficiency verification as a part of a complete CES Report. Please check with the state board of nursing regarding this requirement.
• Timing of Tests:

  • English exams are not given as often as applicants would like, therefore CGFNS urges applicants to apply for exams early so that it is more likely they will be able to sit for the exam of their choice.
  • English proficiency exam results are only valid for two years.
• Translations:

  • All documents must be submitted to CGFNS in English.
  • Only the issuing authority of the document is qualified to translate the document.
  • If the issuing authority cannot translate the document, CGFNS will translate it for a fee.
  • No other sources of translation will be accepted.
• If something is unclear, contact CGFNS Customer Service for clarification.

To Avoid Delay:

CGFNS International has identified the most common applicant mistakes, which result in a delay of their application. Below are the major reasons for delay:

• Incomplete information:

  • It is important to fill out the application in its entirety and to submit all required documentation.
  • An application cannot be processed until all information is collected.
• Photos:

  • The use of photos on Certification Program and VisaScreen certificates began in January 2004. New applicants are required to submit photos, but certificates issued prior to January 2004 are still valid regardless of photo.
• Matching Information between documents:

  • The same information, such as name, dates of birth, and dates of education, and CGFNS/ICHP applicant ID number must match on documents submitted by the same applicant.
  • Any discrepancies will need clarification before the file can move further into the process.