CGFNS VisaScreen: What It Is, What It Costs, and When You Need It
VisaScreen is a CGFNS product required by the US government for nurses applying for permanent residence (EB-3 visa) or certain H-1B positions. Apply after passing NCLEX. Cost: $740 standard (30-60 days) or $1,390 with priority processing. VisaScreen is separate from the CES credential evaluation — you need both.
What VisaScreen verifies
USCIS requires CGFNS to confirm three things before a foreign-educated nurse can receive an immigration visa:
- Your home country nursing license is valid and in good standing — CGFNS contacts your licensing authority directly.
- Your nursing education meets US standards — CGFNS uses your existing CES report for this; you do not submit a new credential evaluation.
- You meet English language proficiency requirements — either through test scores or an exemption based on where you were educated.
Source: CGFNS VisaScreen program requirements
Cost and processing time
| Option | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VisaScreen | $740 | 30-60 days after all documents received |
| Priority VisaScreen | $1,390 ($740 + $650 priority add-on) | ~30 days |
Source: CGFNS/TruMerit fee schedule 2026. Fees subject to change — verify at cgfns.org before applying.
When to apply
Do not apply before passing NCLEX.
USCIS requires a valid US nursing license or eligibility confirmation. VisaScreen cannot be completed without it.
- 1.Apply for VisaScreen at the same time as, or immediately after, receiving your NCLEX results. Do not wait.
- 2.VisaScreen must be in hand before your employer files the immigration petition for EB-3 consular processing.
- 3.If using a staffing agency, most coordinate VisaScreen as part of their service. Verify this in your contract and confirm who pays the fee.
English language requirement
VisaScreen has its own English proficiency requirement, separate from any state board English requirements. The standard is:
- IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in each band), or
- TOEFL iBT 83, or
- OET grade B in all sections
Who is exempt
Nurses educated in English-medium programs in the following countries typically qualify for the exemption:
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
- Philippines: CGFNS considers Philippine nursing education to be English-medium. Most Filipino nurses qualify for the exemption.
- Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana: Similar English-medium exemption applies for most nurses from these countries.
- India: Does NOT automatically qualify. English-medium status must be verified by CGFNS on a case-by-case basis.
The exemption is not automatic.
You must apply for it, and your nursing school must submit a letter to CGFNS confirming that instruction was conducted in English. CGFNS has a specific form for this. Do not register for IELTS until you have confirmed your exemption status with CGFNS.
If you need IELTS
- IELTS Academic is required — not IELTS General Training.
- Both IDP IELTS and British Council administer the exam.
- IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Documents required
- Completed VisaScreen application form
- Copy of your home country nursing license (current and in good standing)
- Copy of your US nursing license or NCLEX eligibility confirmation
- Your existing CGFNS CES report — CGFNS will use this; no new evaluation is needed
- English language test scores, or documentation to claim the exemption
- Application fee
VisaScreen vs. CES vs. CGFNS Certification Program
These three CGFNS products serve different purposes. Many nurses pay for one when they needed another.
| Product | Purpose | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| CES Professional Report | Credential evaluation for state board application | $485 | Before NCLEX |
| CGFNS Certification Program | Additional credential required by some states | $495 | State-dependent; not always needed |
| VisaScreen Certificate | Immigration verification for USCIS | $740 | After NCLEX |
You need the CES and the VisaScreen. Whether you need the Certification Program depends on which state issued your US nursing license.
VisaScreen and agency relationships
Most recruitment agencies include VisaScreen coordination as part of their placement services. Before signing anything, verify:
- Get in writing whether the agency or the nurse pays the $740 (or $1,390) VisaScreen fee.
- VisaScreen is filed by the nurse, not the employer. Even if an agency coordinates it, your name and credentials are on the application.
- VisaScreen is non-transferable. It is tied to you, not to a specific employer or agency. If you change employers, your VisaScreen follows you.
Watch for contract red flags.
Documented cases from a 2023 investigation found agencies charging $8,000+ upfront and $30,000 breach-of-contract penalties. Any contract with a liquidated damages clause above $5,000 warrants independent legal review before signing.
By the numbers
Sources: CGFNS/TruMerit fee schedule 2026; NCSBN 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics
Questions nurses actually search
When should I apply for VisaScreen?
After passing NCLEX and before your employer files the immigration petition. The safest approach is to start the VisaScreen application the same week you receive your NCLEX results, so processing runs in parallel with the early immigration steps.
Do Filipino nurses need IELTS for VisaScreen?
Most qualify for the English-medium exemption because CGFNS recognizes Philippine nursing education as conducted in English. Confirm your specific school's status with CGFNS before spending money on IELTS registration.
Is VisaScreen the same as CGFNS CES?
No. They are separate CGFNS products serving different purposes. The CES (Credentials Evaluation Service) is filed before NCLEX and evaluates your education for state board eligibility. The VisaScreen is filed after NCLEX and verifies your credentials for USCIS immigration purposes. You need both.
How long does VisaScreen take?
30-60 days standard, measured from the date CGFNS receives all required documents. Add $650 for priority processing and CGFNS targets approximately 30 days.
Does my agency pay for VisaScreen?
It depends on your contract. Some agencies cover it, others deduct it from your first paycheck, and others require you to pay upfront. Get this in writing before you sign. Because VisaScreen is non-transferable, it stays with you regardless of who paid for it.
Next steps
If IELTS is required for your VisaScreen, start prep early. IELTS Academic scores are valid for 2 years, so testing before you finish NCLEX prep is an option if your timeline is long.
Related guides
Last updated: June 2026 · Source: CGFNS International (cgfns.org), USCIS immigration visa requirements, NCSBN 2024 NCLEX Statistics