How to Obtain a Multi-State License?

(Estimated reading time: 5 minutes)

There are 50 states in the USA, 55 state boards, and 34 compact states. When you apply for the NCLEX, it is vital to assess first as to which state you prefer. So as to check whether you are eligible or not to apply in your preferred state.

During your research, you might have read about the compact license and single-state license. However, you might not fully understand what these topics mean. Read further so you may gain knowledge and have better understanding in choosing the right state.

Having a compact license allows you to practice as a nurse in your home state and other compact states. Another term used interchangeably is the multi-state license. Meanwhile, single-state license authorizes you to practice nursing in the state where you are licensed.

After passing your NCLEX exam, your license status will remain as a single state unless you apply for a compact licensure to the Board of Nursing which is an NLC member state.

NCLEX Application: Single State vs. Compact State

Your NCLEX application must lodge in a compact state. You must also have a declaration of your primary state of residence in the state where you are applying. You can declare a particular state as your home state if you are currently residing there.

As proof of your residency, you can provide your driver’s license, voter’s registration, and federal taxes on which you designate a state as your primary state of legal residence.

Compact State license

If you are currently outside of the compact state you plan to apply, one can still push through the NCLEX application. However, your license status will be a single state license once you pass the NCLEX.

In addition, if you are currently residing in a compact state and you plan to apply for another compact state, the board will require you to apply in your original home state.

If you are currently residing in a compact state, you applied and passed the NCLEX through that state; you will then receive a multistate license. If you wish to practice nursing in another state, you can use your active compact license and be authorized to practice nursing there. As long as your primary state of residence did not change.

If you passed the NCLEX through a compact license, and you are still outside of that state, say, you are outside of the United States, and cannot provide the requirements needed for the issuance of multi-state licensure— then your license status will be a single-state status. By the time you arrive in the USA, in that particular compact state which issued your license and can already provide the requirements for the issuance of a multi-state license then, your license status can be changed to a multi-state status.

Single-state license

If you passed the NCLEX through a single state and wish to endorse your license in a compact state, that procedure is possible without the need to sit for another NCLEX examination. A single-state license only allows you to practice nursing in the state that issued your license. However, you can endorse it to another state to obtain an active license and be allowed to practice nursing there. You only need to pass the NCLEX one time then it can be endorsed to another state board. IPASS team will advise you what requirements you’ll need to comply with and we’ll proceed with your license endorsement application.

Now you might be asking yourself when I apply for the NCLEX, which should I choose given that I am eligible for both compact state and a single-state application? Well, it depends on your preference. The bottom line is, usually it is your employer who will choose which state you will be deployed. In addition, your recruitment agency will also accept your application regardless of the status of your license. May it be a single-state license, or a multi-state license.

What is a better choice between the two: state which provides a single-state license or a compact state?

As discussed above, with a compact license, you can practice nursing in other compact states with only one license. If you are eligible to apply, then proceed with the NCLEX application for a compact state. For internationally educated nurses, one consideration to think about is the validity of the application. The bulk of internationally educated applicants who are applying for the NCLEX are still currently residing outside of the USA. You might also ponder the validity of the application instead of whether it is a compact state or a single-state.

An internationally educated nurse must also consider the eligibility requirements of whether it is a compact or a single state. Sometimes, the deciding factor can be the cost of the application. Therefore, compare your choices of the state board to apply to.

With the huge experience in providing expert assistance to our clients, we advise you to do the following:

First is to apply for the NCLEX as soon as possible, sit for the NCLEX when you are confident in taking it, and PASS the NCLEX.

Second, look for a recruitment agency of your choice after passing the NCLEX so your immigrant visa application can start.

Lastly, have a VisaScreen certification. You may be doing license endorsement later if you get deployed to another state you are not initially licensed to. There is no better time to pursue your American Dream career goal than NOW! The USA priority date remains to be current, and the demand for nurses in the USA consistently increases. Leap of faith and grab this opportunity because like Jim Carrey said: “Life opens up opportunities to you, and you take them, or you stay afraid of taking them.“

Need assistance in getting NCLEX application, NCLEX online review, VisaScreen Application, USA license endorsement, CGFNS Qualifying Exam? Contact us now, and let’s start your application! Together, we’ll start making your #American dream a reality!

Disclaimer:

​IPASS Processing is not a recruitment agency. We do not hire nor deploy medical professionals abroad. IPASS Processing is a processing agency providing services on the assistance of the USA and Middle East Exam application and a service provider for online NCLEX review.