Total Cost to Become a US Nurse: Fee Calculator for International Nurses
Last updated: June 2026 · Sources: CGFNS, Pearson VUE, individual state nursing boards
The mandatory credentialing fees for an internationally educated nurse applying to work in the US run between $1,700 and $3,100, depending on your target state and whether you need expedited processing. This does not include recruitment agency fees, which some agencies charge at $8,000+ upfront. Select your target state below to get an itemized estimate.
Every internationally educated nurse applying for US licensure pays a set of mandatory fees: credential evaluation (CGFNS CES), a VisaScreen certificate required by USCIS, the state board application, and NCLEX registration. Some states add requirements on top of those. The calculator below tallies all applicable fees based on your target state and testing preferences.
Your Situation
15 top destination states covered. If your state is not listed, use Texas as a baseline and check your board's site for the exact fee.
Processing options
Prep courses are optional but Philippine nurses pass at 51.7% — targeted prep is the main lever available to you.
Your Estimated Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| CGFNS CES Professional Report | $485 |
| VisaScreen Certificate | $740 |
| State Board Application (Texas) | $186 |
| NCLEX Registration | $200 |
| NCLEX International Testing Surcharge | $150 |
| NCLEX Prep Course (Kaplan NCLEX-RN) | $449 |
| Total | $2,210 |
Agency fees are not included above. Most recruitment agencies do not disclose their fees publicly. Documented cases from Type Investigations (2023) show agencies charging $8,000+ upfront and breach-of-contract penalties up to $30,000. See the Agency Comparison for what we know.
What Each Fee Covers
CGFNS CES Professional Report ($485)
CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) evaluates your nursing education and licenses for equivalency to US standards. Most states require the CES Professional Report before they will process your license application. Processing takes 10-12 weeks standard. Source: CGFNS fee schedule, verified June 2026.
VisaScreen Certificate ($740)
Required by USCIS for all foreign-born health care workers applying for an employment-based visa (EB-3). CGFNS administers the VisaScreen program. Without it, your visa petition cannot be approved. Standard processing is 30-60 days. Priority processing adds $650 and cuts that to ~30 days. Source: CGFNS VisaScreen fee schedule.
NCLEX Registration ($200 + $150 surcharge)
Pearson VUE charges $200 to register for the NCLEX-RN. An additional $150 international surcharge applies if you test outside the US. Testing internationally adds cost but allows you to take the exam before relocating. Source: Pearson VUE NCLEX candidate bulletin.
State Board Application (varies)
Each state board of nursing charges its own application fee. Colorado is the lowest at $43. California is the highest common destination at $300. These fees do not include the cost of a nursing license renewal once granted.
Context
Excludes agency fees and living expenses during the 27-48 month credentialing window.
Cut your prep cost without cutting your pass odds.
Philippine nurses pass at 51.7% on the first attempt. Prep course choice is one of the few variables you control. Kaplan ($449), UWorld ($399), and Archer ($149) each have a different approach to the NGN format.
Compare NCLEX prep courses →Frequently Asked Questions
Does my employer or recruitment agency pay these fees?
It depends on the employer. Hospital systems that directly recruit internationally often cover CGFNS and VisaScreen costs. Staffing agencies vary widely. Some advertise "no cost to nurses" but recover fees through wage offsets or contract breach penalties. Always ask for a written breakdown of what the agency pays and what comes out of your wages.
Can I apply to multiple states to save money?
Your CGFNS CES report can be sent to multiple state boards. You pay per additional board, but the credential evaluation itself does not need to be repeated. Once you hold a license in one compact state, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows you to practice in 40+ member states without a separate application.
How long does the full credentialing process take?
Most internationally educated nurses report 27-48 months from submitting their CGFNS application to receiving a US work visa. CGFNS CES takes 10-12 weeks. VisaScreen takes 30-60 days (after CES is complete). State board review adds 4-8 weeks. Then the EB-3 visa queue for Philippine nationals is currently backlogged to August 2023 (as of June 2026). See the Visa Bulletin tracker for current priority dates.
Do I need the CGFNS Certification Program or just the CES report?
Most states accept the CES Professional Report. California and New York require the full CGFNS Certification Program ($495 extra), which includes an exam administered by CGFNS in addition to the document evaluation. Check your target state board's website to confirm which version they require before applying.
What is the NCLEX international surcharge and can I avoid it?
Pearson VUE charges $150 extra for testing at international test centers (outside the US and Canada). You can avoid it by scheduling your NCLEX at a US or Canadian test center, which some nurses do if they have relatives there or can arrange a short trip. Testing internationally is more convenient but costs $150 more.
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