1. What tests do I have to clear? After I clear the tests how long will it take me to reach the US?
To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in USA, the candidate should clear the following exams.
A. CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing
Schools). In 2007 CGFNS will be conducted on the following dates (July 11th, Sept 19th and Nov 14th). Test centers are in Bangalore, Cochin, Delhi and Mumbai. Sept19th exam is limited to Cochin only. For more info refer to (http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/cp/cp-qe.shtml )
B. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL & TSE (You have to take TSE and TOEFL if you planning on not taking IELTS). IELTS is conducted every month in India.( www.ielts.org)
C. NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN Exam. These exams are conducted in India in 5 different places (Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore). This Certification is a must to work as a RN in USA. You can take this exam in India or in USA. We recommend taking this exam in India because you can start working as a beginner RN once you enter USA on a visa and don't have to waste time in preparing for the certification
D.Once you've finished the CGFNS and IELTS you can apply for CGFNS Visa Screen program. Once you pass the Visa Screen program you are an eligible candidate for a foreign company to recruit you
E.If you have Bachelors Degree and at least 2-3 years of experience as a nurse, Ancha Staffing Agency will process your H1-B Visa Immediately. You can be in USA within 6 months after completing all the 3 exams (CGFNS, IELTS and NCLEX). Once you are in USA Ancha Staffing agency will start your green card process immediately
F.If you don't have the bachelors degree and experience, Ancha Staffing agency will start your immigration process (Green card process) while you are in India and it'll take around 12-18 months to get the green card.
2. On what visa will I reach the US?
If you have bachelor's degree and 2-3 years of experience as a nurse in India, we recommend you the H-1B Visa. If you don't have experience we recommend you clear the exams and enter USA with Green Card
3. How soon will I get my green card?
If you enter USA with H-1B visa, we start the Green Card Processing Immediately. It takes around 8-12 months to get a green card. If you are not an experienced candidate, we apply employment based green card to you and it'll take around 12-18 months
4. Who will train me for my NCLEX-RN exam?
We will train you for the IELTS, the CGFNS and the NCLEX at our training facility in Hyderabad.
5. What arrangements will be made for my boarding and lodging in the US?
Ancha Staffing Agency will handle the initial boarding and lodging. You'll be placed in a very decent house
with the fellow nurse practitioners. This allows you to mingle with them and get to know the American culture.
6. Who will pay for my stay and other expenses until I start earning?
Ancha Staffing Agency will handle the expenses until you start earning. Basic lodging and boarding facilities will be provisioned. Ancha doesn't supply/handle your other expenses like shopping for a computer/electronics etc
7. How soon after reaching the US will I receive my first pay check?
We will arrange Interviews with potential employers (Health care providers) within 2 weeks. Based on your performance in the interview you'll start earning first paycheck within a month.
8. Do I have a choice as to the states I can be placed in?
Yes. While taking the NCLEX you have a choice of mentioning the state you want to practice. Ancha Staffing Agency recommends California. If you decide to live in another state, you have to take the NCLEX for that state and it'll cost you $200.You can always change from one state to another state once you are in USA
9. What are the terms of my employment contract with the hospital there? Can my employment contract be
terminated for any reason? If yes, will I be placed again or will I have to leave the country?
A.You'll negotiate the Employment contract with the hospital. Ancha Staffing agency assists you in negotiating the terms and conditions. Your employment can be terminated if you don't follow the hospital rules and principles.
B.If your employment is terminated, You can find another job with another hospital. Ancha Staffing Agency will help you as long as you are in good conduct. If your conduct is not good, Ancha Staffing Agency will not provide any of its services.
C.Once you have the Green Card, you don't have to leave the country even if you don't have a job. You will be permanent resident of USA, and you are entitled to the benefits provisioned by the US government even if you loose your job. These are called Social Security benefits and these benefits will be sufficient until you find a new job. So you are covered even if you don't have a Job.
10. What are Ancha consultancy's credentials in this field? Can I get references?
Ancha Staffing Agency is currently in partnership with San Diego Health care providers. We are continually expanding our relationship with other healthcare providers throughout USA. References can be provided if required.
11. What qualifications do I need to have?
A.Bachelors degree in nursing
B.Very good communication and interpersonal skills ( English )
C.Friendly attitude to the patients
D.Clearing the CGFNS, IELTS,NCLEX
12. What minimum score must I get on the IELTS/TOEFL?
IELTS ( 6.5 Academic and 7.0 Spoken band). If you plan on taking TOEFL & TSE (207,4.0,50 respectively )
13. Why do I need to write both CGFNS and NCLEX?
Some states in the US require you to have both CGFNS and NCLEX certification. When you are planning to go to the US, it makes sense to complete all required certification from India so you can go from one state to another freely in the US.
14. What is the duration of the contract?
The duration of the contract is 1-11/2 years in which period you would have already obtained your green card. Once you get your green card your stay in the US is secure.
