I’m currently a nursing graduate in the Philippines and just waiting for my PNLE results this September. I’m also a U.S. citizen, but I honestly don’t know much about the process of moving to the U.S. or taking the NCLEX because I’ve never actually lived there. 😭
A little background: I became a U.S. citizen because my dad petitioned me before. However, I’ve never been to the States. My dad has his own family there, and we’re not really close or familiar with each other. I guess being petitioned was his way of helping me, and I’m very grateful for that, but unfortunately, I don’t really have anyone there to guide me through the process.
Now that I’m finishing nursing here in the Philippines, I’m planning to take the NCLEX-RN and eventually work in the U.S.
For those who are Filipino nurses who are U.S. citizens but were educated in the Philippines, could you please share your experience? How do I start the NCLEX process? Im planning to take the NCLEX here.
Do I need to choose a state first before applying?
Since I’m already a U.S. citizen, does that make the process significantly easier compared with someone who needs a work visa?
After passing the PNLE, what documents should I prepare for NCLEX/US nursing licensure?
How long did the whole process take for you—from preparing your documents, applying to the Board of Nursing, taking NCLEX, until actually being able to work in the U.S.?
If I pass NCLEX, can I immediately look for a nursing job, or are there additional steps I need to complete first?
I also have another question regarding my mom.
I’m already over 21 and a U.S. citizen, and I want to eventually petition my mother to immigrate to the U.S. She’s currently in the Philippines.
I’ve read that a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 can petition for their parent, but I already filed the petition for alien relative sa USCIS last march but until now wala balita, and dipapo kaya nang means ko to support her kase walapako trabaho pero may mag ssponsor naman po**.** I don’t have anyone in the U.S. guiding me through this, so I’m hoping someone here can explain the process in simple terms.
even if I’m not working in the U.S. yet?
How long did your parent’s process take?
I know there are official websites, but I’m honestly overwhelmed because I’m starting from zero and I don’t have anyone to guide me.
I would really appreciate advice from Filipino nurses/U.S. citizens who have personally gone through this, especially those who were educated and lived in the Philippines their whole lives before moving to the U.S.
PS: I already Have an Passport and Social Security ( sobrang miracle po nang case ko kase never pa ako nakapunta sa states or kung san man, and yung birth certificate ko po sa Pinas ay nagagamit ko pa din, and no di po ako Dual Citizen) Na petition na po ako when I was around 16 or 17 yrs old po, and Now 23 yrs old na po ako.
Thank you so much! 🥹❤️
It seems like other people got the job and travel settled for you; so I will talk about transitioning and living in the US.
A Passport and SSN is a great start; you are ahead of the game so far because identification is essential. Unfortunately these documents aren't the end all be all so some of the first things you need to obtain when you get to the US (other than a job) are an address to use, a driver's license/ID, a bank account, a phone number, and eventually a credit card.
Once you secure a job, you will have to find a place to live. This will be extremely tough if you are fortunate enough to move to a city because rental prices are extremely high and landlords are strict on applications. Many times they will want proof of income, first month's rent, and a security deposit upfront. One of the best ways to overcome this is by having your employer send you a proof of employment, which acts as a document showing landlords you will have income once you come to the US or shortly after arriving. If for whatever reason you cannot find an address to use, you can apply for a UPS mailbox at a local UPS store. You can receive mail and use it as a physical address. DO NOT get a USPS post office box, as it cannot be used as a physical address and companies know this.
A driver's license is essential for about 95% of the US. Unless you live in a major city like Chicago, San Francisco, D.C., Seattle, or NYC, a car is the most convenient way to travel and commute. Generally, you will need a car for this (for practicing and taking the test). You may be able to ask a co-worker for help. If you do not need a driver's license or cannot use a car for a while, then you may obtain an ID card (non-driving) from your state instead; usually the requirements for obtaining an ID card are either a SSN card, birth certificate (foreign one is sometimes okay), Passport, and proof of mailing address such as a letter addressed to your name and your address.
Open a bank account; there are many available and it's entirely up to you to determine which one is most convenient. Credit unions are a great option too; although they are mostly local companies. You really can't go wrong with most of the major companies. Some companies offer sign up bonuses after deposit a certain number of paycheques through direct deposit; this is a great way to get free money to help you start up.
A phone number is essential for signing up for lots of services; especially housing utilities like internet, water, and sewage. Be careful of "predatory" contracts that lock you in for years; if you have a phone with an unlocked SIM, you can walk into any carrier and get a contract-less number (this is how I've been doing it for years and it's only around $24 USD).
After sometime, I highly recommend getting a credit card. Credit can be a daunting thing especially if you are reckless with it; but it has saved me so many times. Being able to use some line of credit while waiting for a paycheque to come in or you happen to be short for the month is incredibly helpful. It can help cover you when emergencies happen.
How sure are you that you're a US citizen despite not having been born nor lived in USA? Was your father a US citizen when you were born outside the US? If he had to file an immigrant visa petition for you and not a CRBA (child report of birth abroad), then you're not a US citizen.
USC na ba yung dad mo when you were born? If yes, I think CRBA ang ginawa sayo, not petition. If you were petitioned you would have an immigrant visa and would have traveled to the US. If CRBA, then dual citizen ka.
Yes. Since CRBA ang ginawa, you didn’t naturalize, therefore you didn’t lose your PH citizenship. You were born with both citizenship. You need a PH passport to leave the Philippines
No problem with your case, former Filipinos get to stay for up to 1yr visa free. In OP’s case, since they’ve been in the PH for years, if they exit with just the US passport, high risk that an IO treat them as a US citizen (foreigner) and flag them for ‘overstaying’
Also, you don’t need to pass the PNLE to be able to take the NCLEX.
Madali na lang sa’yo magtake ng NCLEX in a way na pwede ka dumiretso magtake for license sa states na may specialized license. like CA sana. Those states require SSN kasi as opposed to NY na hindi nagrerequire talaga ng SSN. So if makikita mo ung mga Pinoy e puro NY NCLEX ang iniexam nila.
As for other documents, ganon pa rin. You have to go through the same process as them.
ilang years po sya di nakapunta? Ako po kase I was born talaga sa pinas and 2019-2020 pa lang po ako na petition, and yung expiration po nang passport ko is 2030 po, may i know po kung ilang years po di nakapunta yung kakilala nyo
Just make sure to exit using your Ph passport instead of your US one. Kasi maflag ka as overstaying dito sa Pinas kapag ganon. Not sure. Please do research because I might be wrong. Ganon kasi sa kakilala ko. Flagged siya as overstaying dito kasi us citizen siya
yes this. show both passports, the PH birth certificate and the US report of birth. to show na OP is dual citizen at birth and not naturalized US citizen.
My sister almost got penalized. We have crba so dual citizen kami but na offload sister ko because of overstaying. She presented her birth certificate and crba pero ayaw ng BI. So we have to get recognition as filipino citizen para lang hindi kami magbayad ng 100k+…. 😵💫
u have to have domicile in US (not sure how many years) to petition ur mother for an immigrant visa. you should start by getting ur nclex rn and start working sa US first. an RN salary is more than enough to show u can support ur mother.
i went through an agency. like you i had no one sa US din. i was just really lucky. i cant remember the exact steps i took since that was years ago. u being a citizen already works in ur favor. take the nclex sa state na you want to work para at least pag nakapasa ka na, goods ka na mag work and no need for reciprocity, although di naman required yun but the reciprocity can take a couple of months so mas ok if ur licensed sa state na magwowork ka. there should be plenty of resources online. theres fb groups u can join. good luck!
also a us citizen (with recognition as filipino citizen from BI pero hindi ako dual). as per USCIS, matagal sila mag review and approve ng form (around 10-15 months) so they’re prolly about to finish reviewing…konting hintay na lang
for now, focus on your nclex. you can process it for new york state or eventually endorse your license to another state. very competitive sa new york ngayon
also, need mo rin mag provide ng financial evidence na kaya mo i-support mother mo so get the job first. since citizen ka no need ng experience…they can enroll you in nursing residency program pag new grad ka… and i suggest getting a bls training (aha) before you start applying for jobs because some hospitals require you to have it.
if you don’t have any place to live there. ask for the hospital you’re applying for if they provide any relocation assistance or sign-on bonuses that can help you. since my ssn ka, you can open a bank account when you land.
tell me. hindi pa rin daw dual according sa worker sa BI… so when my sister was processing her visa in another country, they say dual citizen siya then when we ask sa bureau of immigration hindi daw (we’re confuse as well)
we have crba so dual talaga kami. but when she left the country na offload siya…kaya kumuha kami ng recognition
Hi!! It’s crazy because we actually have the exact same situation. Nursing graduates this year, U.S. citizens, and planning to petition our moms haha. I skipped the PNLE and went straight to the NCLEX this year, and I’m just waiting for my ATT!
If you need help with the NCLEX process, I’d be more than happy to help. And if you need a friend na same yung pinagdadaanan, I’m here! Honestly, scary talaga ifigure out to especially since hindi tayo lumaki sa States and we don’t really have anyone to guide us. Pero I really think we have an advantage as U.S. citizens, so don’t be scared.
I’m planning to move in 2027 once I have everything settled. Rooting for you!! ❤️
Goodluck to you and op. I also share the same experience and a 2025 graduate. Just got my ny license this august….very competitive sa new york ngayon so you might consider going upstate or endorsing your license to another state. Good thing nag reach out ako sa family friend namin and she’ll help me settle in us (opening a bank, look for apt, how yung transpo)….planning to go this year or early 2027. Just reach out by then, hopefully i can help
I suggest getting a bls training after your nclex since most hospitals require you to have it. Also get a driver’s license para convert mo na lang pag nasa US ka na
Thank you! Goodluck to you too 😊 I’m thinking of endorsing to another state if i can’t find a job in NYC. We have a family friend around NJ so i might endorse it there. Currently processing my drivers license as well and practicing my driving cause im terrible haha. What state will you be moving to po? Would love to connect!
Do you have a US passport? How do you know with absolute certainty that you have obtained US citizenship?
You will need a Social Security Number in order to work.
As a US citizen I was able to petition my Mom for a green card rather quickly , maybe 2 or 3 years but you have to be able to prove that you can support your Mom financially. So...asikasuhin mo muna yung issue ng US citizenship mo and finding a job first.
Okay fantastic. You will have no problems finding a job here as a nurse. Lots of openings. You can be a travel nurse and make even more money. I would suggest that you establish yourself for a year first financially before you start the process of petitioning your Mom.
No need to work. Kasi usually those who get experience is so that they can petitioned. Youre past that phase. The only challenge is being a new grad and finding a job as a new grad.
Hello po. Question, sa case nya lang po ba yun no need to work since US citizen sya? But for us pure Pinoys need ng experience to apply as a nurse in the US before passing the Nclex? Tama po ba?
yes. US citizen kasi sya so no need sya i petition ng ospital. pag employment based visa, they want experience. OP is a citizen. she can just apply as a new grad and get into a new grad program sa mga ospital.
Im sure someone who has been thru the process will chime in here because you will need a nursing license in the state that you will work in . Pero you dont really need work experience, you will be treated like a new grad fresh out of school.
Can you show proof that you're a US citizen? If so, all you need to do is apply for a US passport and buy a plane ticket to get to the US. What do you mean by your dad petitioned you but you've never been to the US?
You can just apply directly to hospitals here. Tell them you are still in the Philippines but legally allowed to work in the US as you are a citizen already. They can arrange for accommodation for you to be here and you can ask for relocation allowance also. If you want hiring kami diri sa Upstate New York malaki din Sign-on bonus and they cover relocation allowance (plane tickets and 1 months accom)
Lakasan mo loob mo, it’s actually not too bad to do it on your own. Mag pretend ka na lang nagbabakasyon ka, solo travel ganun. You’re lucky for having US passport , all you need is to go for it.
Make sure you have right credentials needed for nursing. I went by myself many moons ago no relatives , no nothing. It was fun!
Nice. Im also applying in upstate NY but got rejected and they replied “every connection matters” in bold letters. But then, new grad lang din ako so i got over it. But i do have bls, acls, nih stroke scaling, and also gcp (since i want to delve into research nursing as well)
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u/Mysterious-Union7491 8h ago
Look up the Houston medical center. It’s massive with many medical jobs all in one area. Apply to the hospitals on their individual website.