Nigeria → United StatesWork as a nurse in United States from Nigeria.
Step-by-step pathway for Nigerian-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 Nigerian-trained-trained nurses.
- CGFNS accepts NMCN-issued documentation directly when sent sealed from your school.
- Texas, Vermont, and Iowa state boards issue Authorisation-to-Test (ATT) without an SSN — useful if you’re still on a visa.
- NCLEX-RN testing in Africa is currently Nairobi or Johannesburg only — Nigerian candidates either travel within Africa or fly to a US centre.
- CGFNS CES takes 12–16 weeks once your school responds — start it before exam prep.
- State-board choice matters: Texas BON differs from California BRN on English evidence and visa rules.
- Most US employer-sponsored RNs need VisaScreen ($740) before their occupational visa (EB-3).
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 Nigerian-trained nurses based on accept rate and turnaround.
IELTS Academic 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 83 (per CGFNS / state board)
Confirm the exact band requirements with State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) + CGFNS before booking — rules occasionally tighten.
CGFNS Credential Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report
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 Nigerian-trained nurses should know early.
Documents
Your nursing school must send the official transcript sealed and direct to CGFNS — phone photos and PDF emails are rejected.
Timeline
Realistic 12–24 months end-to-end. Visa retrogression can extend the wait, especially for EB-3 applicants.
The full origin and destination guides.
This page covers the bridge between Nigeria 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 Nigerian-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 Nigeria
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 Nigeria → United States pathway in 2 minutes.
Free personalised plan: documents, exams, credential service, costs, and your next action — matched to your training in Nigeria and your goal of working in United States.
- Takes 2 minutes
- No agents
- Pay official sites directly