Illinois
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Nursing
Illinois is a popular first-state for internationally-educated RNs. The state does not currently require an SSN for initial NCLEX eligibility, which has historically made it accessible to African candidates — but confirm the current policy before applying. Illinois joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in 2024.
Requirements, fees, and forms change frequently. Always confirm directly with the official Illinois board before applying or paying fees.
We do not collect fees. Use official sites.
Pathway does not handle regulator payments. Do not pay agents who ask you to transfer fees into personal bank accounts. Submit applications, credential evaluations, and payments only on the official regulator website. If an agent cannot demonstrate access to your actual regulator portal, walk away.
- Regulator payments only go to the regulator — never a "representative".
- Real regulators publish fees and forms openly on their own sites.
- No official body "guarantees" visas, jobs, or licences.
What the Illinois board typically asks for.
Credential evaluation required — typically via CGFNS CES — Confirm directly with the board — policies vary and change.
Confirm directly with the board — policies vary and change.
Illinois has historically allowed NCLEX registration without an SSN (ITIN or no-SSN route) — policy may change, Confirm directly with the board — policies vary and change.
How the Illinois NCLEX path usually runs.
Board-specific details vary — this is the general order most internationally-educated nurses follow.
- 1
Confirm board acceptance of your credentials
Read the Illinois board's page on international applicants. Decide whether CGFNS or a state-specific evaluation applies to you.
- 2
Order credential evaluation
If required, open your CGFNS CES (or state-specific) account. Documents flow directly from your nursing school and board to the evaluator.
- 3
Submit Illinois board application + fee
Apply through the board's official portal. Pay the state licensure fee. Do not pay agents on behalf of the board.
- 4
Register for NCLEX with Pearson VUE
After the board approves you, register with Pearson VUE and pay the NCLEX fee. Wait for the Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
- 5
Sit NCLEX
NCLEX testing in Africa is currently in Nairobi (Kenya) and Johannesburg (South Africa) — confirm the current list on NCSBN before booking. Your ATT window is typically 90 days.
- 6
Receive licence + start VisaScreen
The Illinois board issues the RN licence after you pass. VisaScreen (separate from NCLEX) is required for most US work visas.
Common mistakes specific to Illinois.
- Assuming Illinois rules are final — they have shifted multiple times in recent years.
- Relying on agent advice rather than IDFPR portal.
Illinois official source
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Nursing is the sole authority for RN licensure in Illinois. Any third-party directory (including this one) should be verified against their website before you pay.
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.
Other state boards nurses compare against Illinois.
Check if Illinois is right for you.
Answer a few questions about your training and destination. We map the exact Illinois board steps and flag the common traps before you pay.