Iowa RN License Process for International Nurses

✅ Eligibility Checklist for Foreign-Educated Nurses

To apply for licensure by examination in Iowa, you must meet the following criteria:

• ✅ Hold licensure/registration as a nurse in your country of education, current residence, or country of origin
• ✅ Legal presence in the U.S. (such as a Social Security Number, visa, or green card)
• ✅ Submit one of the following directly from CGFNS:
  • CES Professional Report
  • CGFNS Certification Program certificate
  • VisaScreen certificate or verification letter
• ✅ Complete an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS), unless exempted
• ✅ Submit a completed online or paper application with required fee ($143)
• ✅ Provide two completed fingerprint cards and a signed criminal history waiver form

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process

✅ Step 1: Credential Evaluation via CGFNS

You must request one of the following to be submitted directly from CGFNS to IBON:

• Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Report
• Certification Program (CP) certificate
• VisaScreen certificate or verification letter

🔗 www.cgfns.org

🛑 Do not request your school to send transcripts to the Board—CGFNS handles that.

✅ Step 2: English Language Proficiency:

You must submit scores from:

• TOEFL (iBT)
• IELTS (Academic)

You are exempt if all the following apply:

• English is your native language
• You studied in Australia, UK, Canada (except Quebec), South Africa, Ireland, NZ, etc.
• Language of instruction and textbooks was English

✅ Step 3: Apply for Licensure by Examination

Your application must include:

• Mailing address and physical residential address
• Fee of $143 (non-refundable; U.S. dollars only)

🕒 Applications must be completed within 12 months or they will be archived.

✅ Step 4: Submit Fingerprint Cards and Waiver

After submitting your application:

1. Request a fingerprinting packet from IBON
2. Submit:
   • Two completed IBON-issued fingerprint cards
   • Signed criminal background waiver form
   • Any court records if you have a criminal history

📝 Deferred judgments, expunged, or sealed records must be reported. OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) convictions must also be disclosed.

✅ Step 5: Register for the NCLEX

• Register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
• Pay the $200 exam fee
• Use the exact same name, email, and address on both your NCLEX and IBON applications

✅ Step 6: Authorization to Test (ATT) & Exam

Once IBON receives all documentation and approves your application:

• You will receive your Authorization to Test (ATT)
• Schedule your NCLEX exam
• You must pass the NCLEX to qualify for licensure

🛑 If your ATT expires, both the NCLEX and Board applications must be re-submitted.

✅ Step 7: Issuance of License & Verification

• If you pass, your Iowa RN or LPN license certificate will be mailed to you
• You can verify your license status via NURSYS QuickConfirm
  🔗 www.nursys.com

📌 Summary Table

Step	Details
Step 1	Apply for CGFNS CES or VisaScreen
Step 2	Take TOEFL/IELTS if required
Step 3	Apply to IBON and pay $143
Step 4	Submit fingerprint cards + waiver
Step 5	Register for NCLEX at Pearson VUE
Step 6	Take & pass the NCLEX exam
Step 7	Receive your Iowa license & verify on NURSYS

📋 Required Documents Checklist

• ✅ Passport copy
• ✅ CGFNS CES/VisaScreen certificate
• ✅ Nursing diploma & transcripts (via CGFNS)
• ✅ English test score (unless exempt)
• ✅ Fingerprint cards & waiver form
• ✅ Criminal record disclosure (if applicable)
• ✅ NCLEX registration
• ✅ Social Security Number or legal U.S. presence documents

📞 Contact Information – Iowa Board of Nursing

💬 Final Thoughts from Shincy George

The Iowa Board of Nursing provides a transparent and efficient process for internationally educated nurses. With the right steps and complete documentation, you can make your American nursing dream a reality.

💡 At NursingManthra, we offer:

• CGFNS guidance
• NCLEX preparation support
• Licensing documentation assistance

📲 Reach out to us at www.nursingmanthra.com or WhatsApp for personalized help.