Which US state should I apply to first as an international nurse?

There is no single "best" state — there is the state that fits your specific profile. Three filters do most of the work:

1) **SSN status.** Some boards historically accepted NCLEX registration without a US SSN; some now require one. If you don't have an SSN, prioritise boards with no-SSN routes (Illinois and New York have been historic options — confirm current policy).

2) **Prior credential evaluator.** If you already paid CGFNS, look for boards that accept CGFNS without a re-evaluation. If you have a WES or ECE report, check whether the board takes it (most don't — you'll pay CGFNS too).

3) **English-evidence rules.** Some boards waive English if your nursing programme was English-taught; others always require IELTS / OET. The board's "International Applicants" page is the source of truth.

Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, and Texas are common first-state picks for African candidates. Florida and California are popular but slower; California is one of the strictest reviewers.