Ghana → United StatesWork as a nurse in United States from Ghana.
Step-by-step pathway for Ghanaian-trained nurses planning to license and work in United States. Exams, documents, credential verification, costs, and timeline — without agents.
- No agents
- Pay official sites directly
- Built for African nurses
What this pathway looks like for you.
The United States pathway is the same for every applicant — but the specific friction differs by origin. These are the things that matter most for Ghanaian-trained-trained nurses.
- CGFNS accepts Nursing & Midwifery Council Ghana documentation when sent sealed.
- Pearson VUE Accra hosts NCLEX-RN — no overseas exam travel required.
- Some US states (Texas, Iowa) issue ATT without SSN, useful while waiting on visa.
- CGFNS CES typically runs 12–16 weeks; prep NCLEX in parallel to save calendar time.
- Some Ghanaian nursing programmes need transcript clarification — confirm credit hours upfront.
- VisaScreen costs $740 and is required for most occupational visa classes.
Pick the right exam and credential service first.
United States accepts a few different English exams and credential services. These are the ones we recommend for Ghanaian-trained nurses based on accept rate and turnaround.
IELTS Academic 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 83
Confirm the exact band requirements with State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) + CGFNS before booking — rules occasionally tighten.
CGFNS Credential Evaluation Service (CES)
Pay only after you confirm this service applies to your target destination. The wrong credential service is the most common money-loss for African nurses.
What Ghanaian-trained nurses should know early.
Timeline
Plan 12–24 months end-to-end including visa processing.
The full origin and destination guides.
This page covers the bridge between Ghana and United States. The two pages below cover each side in depth.
Documents, regulator + destination options
Full origin guide: home regulator details, common documents, and destinations beyond United States that Ghanaian-trained nurses commonly choose.
Steps, exams + cost breakdown
Full destination guide: pathway steps, English + licensure exams, document checklist, itemised cost breakdown, and common mistakes.
Other destinations from Ghana
Other origins to United States
Pathway provides guidance only. We are not an immigration lawyer, a nursing regulator, or a visa agent. Outcomes depend on regulators and authorities, not on us.
Start your Ghana → United States pathway in 2 minutes.
Free personalised plan: documents, exams, credential service, costs, and your next action — matched to your training in Ghana and your goal of working in United States.
- Takes 2 minutes
- No agents
- Pay official sites directly