International Nursing Graduate Information
- The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) receives applications from persons seeking RN licensure per BPC 2736(b) who have completed their nursing education in a nursing program located in countries other than the United States. Due to not meeting required or equivalent curriculum, per CCR 1426, applicants may be found not eligible for RN licensure.
- This guideline provides information for graduates of international nursing programs seeking California RN licensure and addresses questions related to the most common applicant situations. There may be specific situations that other laws and rules may apply and requires individual consultation by Licensing staff.
Undocumented Students
What can I accomplish without a Social Security Number (SSN) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
Yes, you do not need an SSN or EAD to get a background check.
Criminal background checks do not require an SSN. They are searched by name, date of birth, and address. Fingerprints may also be used for background checks.
To sit for NCLEX the following documentation is required:
All forms of identification must be valid and meet the following requirements. If the ID does not meet these requirements, you will be turned away and required to reregister and pay another examination fee:
- Government-issued
- Non-expired
- Name (in Roman characters)
- Recent photograph
- Signature
Examples of acceptable forms of identification for domestic test centers are:
- Passport books and cards
- Driver's license
- Provincial/Territorial or state identification card
- Permanent residence card
- Military identification card
The only identifications acceptable for international test centers, including Puerto Rico, are:
- Passport books and cards
Without an SSN or EAD, you are not able to be an employee.
However, individuals without employment authorization can become sole proprietors and start their own businesses as health professionals. Besides being a regular employee, there are many other income-generating options, such as:
- freelance work
- independent contracting
- entrepreneurship