Compact status
Not a Nurse Licensure Compact member
NY · Internationally educated nurses
New York RN license requirements
A researched starting point for applying to New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, including education review, English rules, identification requirements, background checks, and the NCLEX sequence.
Credential evaluation
Either TruMerit Credential Verification Service for New York State, or direct school verification using Form 2F plus transcript and acceptable translation. TruMerit is encouraged but not mandatory.
English requirement
NYSED’s RN foreign-graduate pathway does not list a separate English-proficiency examination as a general licensure requirement; translated records are required where documents are not English.
SSN requirement
Online Form 1 uses SSN in access/identity workflows; the reviewed pathway does not state that lack of SSN bars issuance. Confirm with NYSED if none.
Background check
NYSED evaluates moral character case-by-case; the pathway does not list universal fingerprinting for RN applicants.
Education review
NYSED must find a foreign general nursing course of at least two academic years satisfactory. NYSED—not the credential verifier—makes the equivalency decision.
Application sequence
How to apply in New York
- 1
Complete required child-abuse reporting and infection-control coursework or qualify for exemptions.
- 2
Submit Online Form 1 and fee.
- 3
Choose TruMerit CVS-NY or direct Form 2F education verification; submit Form 3F foreign-license verification if licensed.
- 4
Wait for NYSED education approval, then register with Pearson VUE; foreign graduates may not apply for NCLEX until NYSED’s approval letter.
Documents to prepare
- Online Form 1
- TruMerit CVS-NY or Form 2F and transcript
- Form 3F if foreign-licensed
- Acceptable translations
- Child-abuse and infection-control course/exemption records
Verify before paying
- • New York uses credential verification, not a generic CES equivalency report.
- • New York is not an NLC member.
- • NYSED may reject education it finds unsatisfactory even after document verification.
Apply through the official board
This guide helps you compare requirements; it is not the application. Check the current instructions from New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions 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.