The U.S. Nursing Licensure & EB-3 Immigration Pathway

Educational Credential Evaluation (CES)

Your Philippine Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and collegiate transcripts are evaluated by an authorized credentialing body such as CGFNS International (Credentials Evaluation Service) or directly by your target U.S. State Board of Nursing.

The NCLEX-RN Examination

You apply for Authorization to Test (ATT) through a U.S. State Board of Nursing (e.g., Texas, Illinois, New York, or Florida) and sit for the NCLEX-RN examination at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center (available locally in Manila).

English Language Proficiency Certification

Federal healthcare worker certification requires proof of English language proficiency. You must complete one of the approved standardized examinations:

• IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 6.5, with minimum 7.0 in Speaking.
• OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum grade of B in all sub-tests.
• TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic: Equivalent passing scores designated by CGFNS.

Multi-Stage Clinical Evaluation & Hospital Matching

To ensure you represent the Top 10% standard, Centouch coordinates a tailored, multi-stage evaluation calibrated to your current schooling, clinical experience, and credentialing phase:

• Preliminary Review (Digital Intake): Initial review of your university background, PRC license status, and clinical timeline.
• Conversational Screening (Zoom or Informal Meeting): An easygoing conversation via Zoom, video, or in-person informal chat focused on bedside empathy, spoken English fluency, and career aspirations.
• Formal Clinical Evaluation: A structured technical review covering acute care case scenarios, department protocols (ICU, ER, Med-Surg, OR), and patient advocacy.
• Hospital Executive Interview: Direct interview with sponsoring U.S. hospital clinical leadership (CNOs and Unit Directors).

Immigration Petition Filing (USCIS Form I-140)

Under Schedule A, Group I, the sponsoring hospital files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), accompanied by a certified Form ETA 9089 and proof of your NCLEX passage or state license.

CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate (Section 343)

Federal law (Section 343 of IIRIRA) requires all foreign healthcare professionals to obtain a VisaScreen Certificate issued by CGFNS International or Josef Silny & Associates before an immigrant visa can be granted.

National Visa Center (NVC) & Consular Processing

When your Priority Date becomes current under the U.S. Department of State monthly Visa Bulletin for the Philippines EB-3 category, the National Visa Center processes your DS-260 immigrant visa application and schedules your medical examination (St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic in Manila) and consular interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Philippine DMW Clearances & U.S. Deployment

In Manila, your Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) clearances are processed compliantly through our licensed Philippine agency partner and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). You travel to the U.S., receive your Social Security Number, and begin hospital unit orientation.