California Board of Nursing Requirements for Foreign Nursing Graduates – 2026 Guide
If you earned your nursing degree outside the United States and dream of practicing in California – one of the most dynamic healthcare markets in the world – this guide is for you.
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has specific requirements for foreign-educated nurses who want to become licensed RNs in the state. The process can feel complex, but with the right preparation, you can meet every requirement and start your California nursing career successfully.
Below is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the BRN’s official requirements, what documents to prepare, and tips to help your application move smoothly.
1. Who Qualifies as a “Foreign Nursing Graduate”?
You are considered a foreign nursing graduate if:
- You completed your nursing education outside the U.S. or its territories, and
- You are not licensed as an RN in any U.S. state or territory yet, or you wish to endorse your foreign RN license into California.
Even if you’re already working as a nurse abroad (for example, in the Philippines, India, the U.K., or Nigeria), you’ll still need to meet California’s education and credential verification requirements before you can apply for licensure.
2. Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for RN licensure in California, foreign-educated nurses must meet three core requirements:
-
Education Equivalency
Your nursing education must be substantially equivalent to a U.S. program approved by the California BRN. It must include both theory and clinical training in these four key areas:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal/Obstetric Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
Licensure in Home Country
You must hold a current and valid nursing license in the country where you were educated or practiced.
-
NCLEX-RN Examination
All nurses – U.S. or foreign-educated – must pass the NCLEX-RN to be eligible for licensure in California.
3. Education Evaluation Requirement (CGFNS or IERF)
California does not accept foreign transcripts sent directly from your school.
Instead, the BRN requires that you use an approved credential evaluation agency to review your education and send the official report to the BRN.
Approved Agencies:
-
CGFNS International – www.cgfns.org
Request the CES Professional Report (Credential Evaluation Service).
-
IERF (International Education Research Foundation) – www.ierf.org
Request the Nursing Education Report.
Why This is Required
These agencies verify that your nursing program meets California’s standards for both classroom theory and clinical practice. They also ensure your documents are authentic and comparable to U.S. education.
4. Required Documents for Application
When applying for RN licensure in California as a foreign graduate, prepare the following Documents in the table below. Make sure your name matches exactly across all documents (passport, transcripts, evaluation, license). Name discrepancies can delay processing.
| REQUIREMENT | WHO SENDS IT | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Credential Evaluation (CES or IERF) | CGFNS or IERF | Must be sent directly to the BRN |
| Verification of Nursing License | Licensing authority in your home country | Use the official verification form provided by the BRN |
| Application Form & Fee | You (via BreEZe) | Apply online through the BreEZe system and pay the current fee (around $350) |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | You | LiveScan (if in CA) or fingerprint card (if outside CA) |
| Identity Documents | You | Passport, visa, or other government-issued ID |
| NCLEX-RN Result | Pearson VUE / BRN | Required for final licensure approval |
5. The Application Process (Overview)
- Submit the RN Application through BreEZe.
- Request your credential evaluation from CGFNS or IERF.
- Send license verification from your home country’s board of nursing.
- Complete fingerprinting for background check.
- Wait for BRN review – they’ll notify you if you have deficiencies or need additional coursework.
- Take the NCLEX-RN (if you haven’t yet).
- Receive your California RN license once all requirements are met.
Common Deficiencies & Tips
Some foreign programs – particularly in the Philippines, India, or parts of the Middle East, may lack required clinical hours in certain areas.
The most common deficiencies include:
- Missing OB/GYN or Psychiatric Nursing clinical hours.
- Missing theory-to-practice ratio documentation.
- Transcripts not showing separate clinical and classroom breakdowns.
If you receive a “deficiency letter” from the BRN, you may need to complete additional coursework at a California-approved nursing school before licensure.
7. Processing Time and Tips
- Average timeline: 4-6 months (can vary depending on evaluation and completeness).
- Fast-track your application:
- Use LiveScan fingerprinting if you’re in California.
- Request your CGFNS/IERF report early – this is often the longest step.
- Keep digital copies of all forms for your records.
- Check your BreEZe account frequently for updates or deficiency notices.
