​For many internationally educated nurses (IENs), navigating the path to becoming a United States Registered Nurse (USRN) can feel like a daunting maze of paperwork, fees, and exams. However, the State of New York remains one of the most popular and accessible destinations for obtaining RN licensure. One of the biggest reasons for this popularity? New York allows you to bypass the costly and time-consuming CGFNS Certification Program before taking the NCLEX-RN.
​Instead of relying on third-party certification bodies to dictate your eligibility, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) evaluates your educational and professional credentials directly. This direct-review process determines whether your background is comparable to U.S. standards, ultimately granting you the eligibility to sit for the NCLEX.
​This comprehensive MedOpportunities guide will walk you through the exact, step-by-step process of applying for the NCLEX through the New York Board of Nursing without utilizing CGFNS. We will cover all the strict requirements, hidden costs, realistic timelines, and insider tips to help you secure your Authorization to Test (ATT) as smoothly as possible.
​Why Many International Nurses Choose New York
​The United States has 50 different state boards of nursing, and each has its own unique set of rules for foreign-trained nurses. New York is widely considered one of the most IMG-friendly (International Medical Graduate) and IEN-friendly states for several compelling reasons:
- ​No CGFNS Certification Program Required: You do not have to take the CGFNS Qualifying Exam or pay for their expensive, full-tier certification program just to prove you are ready for the NCLEX.
- ​No Immediate English Proficiency Exam: While CGFNS requires you to pass the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE before issuing a certificate, NYSED does not require an English proficiency exam to approve your eligibility to sit for the NCLEX. (Note: You will still need an English exam later for U.S. immigration purposes, but it won't block you from taking your NCLEX now).
- ​Direct Credential Review: The NYSED handles the credential review in-house through their own designated forms.
- ​Endless Career Opportunities: New York is home to world-renowned healthcare systems and hospitals that actively sponsor and hire foreign-trained nurses to combat ongoing staffing shortages.
​Deconstructing the "No CGFNS" Pathway
​Before diving into the steps, it is vital to understand what bypassing CGFNS actually means.
​When international nurses talk about CGFNS, they are usually referring to the CGFNS Certification Program (CP), which involves an exam, an English test, and a credential review. New York absolutely does not require this.
​NYSED does offer a specific service through CGFNS called the Credential Verification Service for New York State (CVS). However, you can bypass CGFNS entirely by opting for the Direct Form Pathway (Form 2F and Form 3F). In this pathway, your nursing school and your home country's nursing council send your records directly to the New York State Education Department. This guide focuses strictly on this direct, CGFNS-free route.
​Requirements for International Nurses Applying in New York
​Before you begin paying application fees, you must ensure you meet NYSED’s baseline criteria.
​1. Nursing Education Equivalency
You must have graduated from a recognized, government-approved nursing program outside the United States. Your education must include both rigorous theoretical instruction and hands-on clinical training. Specifically, your transcripts must show coursework and clinical hours in:
- ​Medical Nursing
- ​Surgical Nursing
- ​Pediatric Nursing
- ​Obstetrical (Maternal) Nursing
- ​Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing
​If your program lacked clinical hours in any of these core areas, NYSED may require you to take a deficiency course before granting your ATT.
​2. Nursing License Verification
You must hold a valid, unencumbered nursing license in your home country or the country where you completed your nursing education. Your licensing authority (e.g., your national Nursing and Midwifery Council) must verify your status directly with NYSED.
​3. Mandatory New York State Courses
New York state law requires all healthcare professionals to complete two specific continuing education courses before a license can be issued:
- ​Infection Control Course: This course covers standard precautions, sepsis, and infection prevention. It is entirely online, takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, and typically costs between $20 and $40.
- ​Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Course: This course trains you on how to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of child abuse and outlines your legal duty as a mandated reporter. It is also online, takes about 2 hours, and costs around $20 to $40.
​Step-by-Step NCLEX Application Process for New York
​Follow these precise steps to apply for your New York RN license without using CGFNS.
​Step 1: Submit Form 1 – Application for Licensure
​Your very first official step is to open a file with the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
- ​Go to the NYSED Office of the Professions website.
- ​Create an online account and fill out Form 1: Application for Licensure.
- ​Pay the non-refundable application and first-registration fee of $143 via credit card.
- ​Crucial Detail: Once submitted, you will receive an email containing your Applicant ID or File Number. Save this number immediately. You will need to provide this number to your nursing school and your nursing council so they can include it on their documents.
​Step 2: Submit Form 2F – Certification of Professional Education
​This step verifies your nursing degree. You cannot fill this form out yourself.
- ​Download Form 2F from the NYSED website. Fill out Section 1 only.
- ​Send the form to the Registrar or Principal of your nursing school.
- ​Your school must fill out Section 2, attach your official academic transcripts (showing all theoretical and clinical hours), and place them in an official sealed envelope.
- ​The Golden Rule: The school must mail this envelope directly to NYSED. If the documents pass through your hands or are mailed by you, NYSED will reject them.
- ​Note on Translations: If your transcripts are not in English, they must be translated by a qualified, independent translator before being sent to NYSED.
​Step 3: Submit Form 3F – Verification of Foreign Licensure
​This step proves you are legally allowed to practice nursing in your home country.
- ​Download Form 3F from the NYSED website and complete Section 1.
- ​Send the form to the licensing authority/nursing council in your home country.
- ​The council must complete Section 2, verifying that your license is active and in good standing.
- ​Just like Form 2F, the council must mail Form 3F directly to NYSED.
​Step 4: Complete the Required New York Courses
​While you are waiting for your documents to travel across the world to New York, use your time to complete the mandatory courses.
- ​Find a NYSED-approved provider online.
- ​Complete the Infection Control and Child Abuse Identification courses.
- ​Most approved providers will electronically submit your certificates of completion directly to NYSED on your behalf. Always verify this with the provider!
​Step 5: Register for the NCLEX Exam with Pearson VUE
​NYSED determines your eligibility, but Pearson VUE administers the actual exam.
- ​Go to the Pearson VUE NCLEX website and create an account.
- ​Register for the NCLEX-RN exam and pay the $200 registration fee.
- ​Do this shortly after your school and council have mailed your documents. If you register with Pearson VUE before applying to NYSED, your registration will eventually expire, and you will lose the $200 fee.
​Step 6: Wait for Eligibility Approval
​Now begins the waiting game. NYSED will review your Form 1, Form 2F (with transcripts), Form 3F, and your course certificates.
- ​Because NYSED processes thousands of applications, the evaluation phase typically takes 3 to 6 months from the date they receive all your documents.
- ​Once NYSED approves your education, they will notify Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE will then email you your Authorization to Test (ATT).
​Step 7: Schedule and Take the NCLEX Exam
​Your ATT is usually valid for 90 days. As soon as you receive it, log back into Pearson VUE to schedule your exam date.
- ​You do not have to travel to New York to take the exam. The NCLEX is administered globally.
- ​You can take it at Pearson VUE testing centers in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, India, the Philippines, Kenya, South Africa, and many other international locations.
- ​Note: Testing outside the United States incurs an additional international scheduling fee of $150.
​Understanding the NCLEX Exam Structure (Next Generation NCLEX)
​When you sit for your exam, you will be taking the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). The NGN uses a Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your previous answers.
- ​Minimum Questions: 85 items.
- ​Maximum Questions: 150 items.
- ​Exam Duration: Up to 5 hours.
- ​Question Types: Traditional multiple-choice, multiple-response (Select All That Apply), fill-in-the-blank, and NGN-specific case studies.
- ​Focus: The exam rigorously evaluates your clinical judgment—your ability to recognize subtle cues, analyze patient data, prioritize actions, and make safe patient care decisions.
​👉🏻 Read More: Top 7 U.S. States Where International Nurses Can Take the NCLEX Without CGFNS
​Cost Breakdown of the New York NCLEX Pathway
​Applying directly to New York is significantly cheaper than pathways that require the CGFNS Certification Program (which can easily add $400 to $500 to your expenses). Here is a realistic look at what you will spend:
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| NYSED Application Fee (Form 1) | $143 |
| NCLEX Registration (Pearson VUE) | $200 |
| International Testing Fee (If outside the US) | $150 |
| Infection Control Course | $20 - $40 |
| Child Abuse Identification Course | $20 - $40 |
| Courier Fees (Mailing Form 2F & 3F via DHL/FedEx) | $50 - $150 |
| Study Materials & Question Banks | $100 - $400 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $683 – $1,123 |
Processing Timeline: What to Expect
​Patience is key during the NYSED licensure process. Missing information or mail delays can extend these timeframes. Here is a typical timeline if you stay proactive:
| Application Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Submitting NYSED Form 1 & Online Courses | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Step 2: School & Council Processing (Forms 2F & 3F) | 2 - 8 weeks |
| Step 3: Courier Delivery to New York | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Step 4: NYSED Credential Evaluation & Review | 8 - 16 weeks |
| Step 5: Issuance of Authorization to Test (ATT) | 1 - 3 weeks |
| Total Estimated Process Time | 4 to 7 months |
Pro Tip to Avoid Delays: Always use a trackable courier service (like DHL, FedEx, or UPS) when your school and council mail your documents to NYSED. Knowing exactly when your documents land on NYSED's desk will give you peace of mind and an accurate starting point for the 8-16 week evaluation wait.
​Pros and Cons of the Direct New York Pathway
​While the NYSED direct pathway is highly favorable, it is important to look at the complete picture.
​The Advantages:
- ​Massive Cost Savings: Skipping the CGFNS credential review and exams keeps hundreds of dollars in your pocket.
- ​Faster Exam Access: You aren't delayed by waiting to sit for the CGFNS Qualifying Exam or an English proficiency test just to get your ATT. You can focus 100% of your energy purely on studying for the NCLEX.
​The "Catch" (What You Need to Know for Immigration):
- ​VisaScreen Requirements: While you do not need CGFNS to take the NCLEX in New York, if you plan to immigrate to the U.S. on an EB-3 Employment-Based Visa, U.S. federal immigration law requires a VisaScreen Certificate. The VisaScreen is issued by CGFNS. Therefore, after you pass the NCLEX, you will eventually have to pay CGFNS to evaluate your documents and prove your English proficiency for immigration purposes. However, passing the NCLEX first via NYSED secures your U.S. license, making you immediately employable and ready to be sponsored by a hospital, which can often help you cover those subsequent immigration costs.
​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
​1. Can international nurses apply to New York without utilizing CGFNS?
Yes. New York does not require the CGFNS Certification Program. You can have your nursing school and local nursing council verify your credentials by filling out Form 2F and Form 3F and mailing them directly to NYSED.
​2. Does New York require IELTS or TOEFL to take the NCLEX?
No. NYSED does not require proof of English proficiency to grant you eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN. However, you will need to pass an approved English exam later in your journey for immigration (VisaScreen) purposes.
​3. Can I take the NCLEX outside the United States?
Yes. You do not need a U.S. visa to take the test. The NCLEX can be taken at international Pearson VUE testing centers in various countries. An international scheduling fee of $150 applies.
​4. Can I work in another state after getting a New York RN license?
Absolutely. The NCLEX is a national exam. Once you pass it and receive your New York RN license, you can apply for "License by Endorsement" to transfer or hold concurrent RN licenses in other states like Texas, Florida, or California, provided you meet those specific states' requirements (which may include a background check or an SSN).
​5. What happens if NYSED finds my education "deficient"?
If NYSED determines your nursing program lacked sufficient theoretical or clinical hours in a core subject (like Psychiatric Nursing), they will notify you. You will then need to complete a standalone course in that specific subject at an approved institution before they issue your ATT.
​Official Resources & Links
​To ensure you are accessing the most up-to-date forms and policies, always refer directly to the official regulatory bodies:
- ​New York State Education Department (Nursing Licensure Home): Visit NYSED Nursing Professions
- ​NYSED Online Application (Form 1): Access Online Portal
- ​NYSED Approved Child Abuse & Infection Control Providers: View Approved Providers
- ​NCSBN NCLEX Candidate Information: Visit Official NCLEX Site
- ​Pearson VUE NCLEX Registration: See More on Pearson VUE
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