Compact status
Not a Nurse Licensure Compact member
MI · Internationally educated nurses
Michigan RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to Michigan Board of Nursing, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
For an internationally educated RN, current rules accept evidence such as a TruMerit/CGFNS CES Professional Report, CGFNS Certification Program certification, or Josef Silny Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials for Boards of Nursing, as applicable.
English requirement
English evidence may be embedded in the selected CGFNS route; the Board’s older immigrant guide says TOEFL is required by CGFNS when the program was not taught entirely in English. Verify current rule/application treatment.
SSN requirement
Not reliably stated in the reviewed current Board page; confirm in MiPLUS.
Background check
Michigan health-profession initial licensure includes a criminal background/fingerprint process when directed after application.
Education review
Education must be substantially equivalent to a Michigan-approved RN program. The evaluator/Board may identify coursework or clinical deficiencies.
Application sequence
How to apply in Michigan
- 1
Apply through MiPLUS.
- 2
Order an accepted foreign-education credential document directly to LARA.
- 3
Complete any directed fingerprint/background check.
- 4
Register with Pearson VUE after applying; LARA approves eligibility and Pearson sends the ATT.
Documents to prepare
- Accepted credential report/certification
- All foreign and domestic license disclosures/verifications
- Identity and name-change documents
- Fingerprint submission when directed
Verify before paying
- • The downloadable skilled-immigrant guide is older; current administrative rules and MiPLUS checklist control.
- • Michigan is not an NLC member as of the research date.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from Michigan Board of Nursing before ordering reports or submitting documents.
Official sources reviewed
Research checked 2026-07-22. Requirements can change.
General educational information only. The state board is the authority on licensure eligibility; immigration authorization is a separate process.