The VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment process
Step to obtain an ICHP VisaScreen® certificate
| STEPS YOU TAKE | CGFNS/ICHP RESPONSE | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register to create your online account. Go to https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/register.jsp, and fill out the information fields. This account will help keep you informed about the status of your application, and help us inform you about documents we need from you, even if you choose to apply through postal mail rather than online. | |
| 2 | EITHER: Apply online after creating your user account – OR – Complete the application downloaded from www.cgfns.org//files/pdf/apps/VSHandbook.pdf and send it to 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 USA, with full payment (payment instructions are located at www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/fees.shtml). |
We send you a welcome letter and, after we receive your payment, your CGFNS ID number* through the method you chose on your application for receiving correspondence from us. |
| 3a | Prepare and send the Request for Validation of License/ Registration/Diploma form to each licensing authority who has issued you a license/registration/diploma in your health care field, including the U.S. state board of nursing where you passed the NCLEX-RN® or SBTPE (if applicable), requesting that they complete the form and directly send it to us with validation**. | |
| 3b | Prepare and send the Request for Academic Records/ Transcripts form to your schools, asking them to complete the form and send your records** directly to us. | After receiving all required documents from you, your schools and your licensing authorities, we review them. We will notify you if required information or documents for your application are missing. Check your online account at https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/login.jsp to view the status of your application. |
| 4 | Register for and take the required English language proficiency exams. See http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs/vs-english.shtml for information. Request that the testing organization send CGFNS your scores. | We review the results for passing score. If you passed, move on to step 5. If you did not pass, register and take the exam again. |
| 5 | You, your schools and licensing authorities have responded to any correspondence from CGFNS regarding missing information or documents, you have passed the English exam and successfully completed the credentials evaluation. | We send you your ICHP VisaScreen® certificate. |
*Please note: If you applied for another CGFNS service in the past, the CGFNS ID number you were issued at that time remains your permanent ID number. The CGFNS ID number helps us help you keep track of your status and complete your application successfully.
**IMPORTANT: Documents that must come directly from your school’s officials, licensing authorities or other source agencies can be translated by them and sent directly to us in the signed, stamped and sealed envelope.
Documents that you are permitted to send (such as marriage certificates, secondary school diplomas) can be translated by you or anyone you choose. These translations must contain the following, called the Certificate of Accuracy, typed or written at the end of the translation. The translator must sign the translation.
“Certificate of Accuracy
This is to certify that this is a true and correct English translation of the attached photocopy of the original [insert name of document] of [insert applicant name]”
CGFNS can also provide translations for the fee listed at http://www.cgfns.org/sections/apply/fees.shtml#5.
