VisaScreen® renewal:

VisaScreen® certificate holders who have not obtained a permanent U.S. visa are required to renew their certificates within five years of the issue date. VisaScreen® renewal certificate applicants should begin the process six months before their current certificate expires. The renewal fee is
$250 USD. The renewal application is available for download at www.cgfns.org/files/pdf/apps/VisaScreenReApp.pdf or applicants may apply online through CGFNS Connect.

Expedited Review Service:

Service for VisaScreen® to include applicants who have an offer for employment, in addition to those who have a Request for Evidence or a deportation deadline regarding their U.S. visa application.

VisaScreen® applicants are eligible for this Expedited Review Service only I they have met the criteria of Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform Immigrant Responsibility Act; we have received all required documents and we have received a copy of their Request for Evidence, deportation deadline or offer for employment accompanied by a completed CGFNS Expedited Review Service form.

To apply for the Expedited Review Service, eligible VisaScreen® applicants will need to call CGFNS Customer Service between the hours of 8am and Noon, U.S. Eastern Time, to receive instructions. (see contact info below)

We will need the items requested above with an online credit card payment of $500. CGFNS will then perform the necessary review within five business days and, if all requirements have been successfully met, issue a VisaScreen® certificate via UPS next day air. Applicants who are ineligible for a VisaScreen® certificate based on the review will be notified. Fees for the Expedited Review Service are not refundable.

CGNS increases prices on its services:

CGFNS International announced on 21 December 2009 a new pricing structure for core services and several ancillary services.  Applications for the Certification Program, the Credentials Evaluation Service, the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment program, the Credential Verification Service for New York State and ancillary services received on or after 1 January 2010 will be charged according to the new fee schedule.

The updated 2010 fees can be found here.

Contact Information:

CGFNS Customer Service* +1 (215) 349 8767
Automated Voice Response Telephone System +1 (215) 599 6200
Appointments* +1 (215) 222 8454
Mailing address Suite 400, 3600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651
CGFNS Web site http://www.cgfns.org
CGFNS Connect https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp
Apply/Check Status https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp
Email https://www.cgfns.org/cerpassweb/processContactUs.do

CGFNS International and AHED Global Healthcare, Inc., a global continuing education provider, recently announced the rollout of a pilot project in India for the CGFNS Assessment of General Knowledge (CGFNS-AGNK) Examination.

The CGFNS-AGNK test is an internationally validated exam developed to determine nurses’ capacity to apply their knowledge in the delivery of effective patient care. The test will be used by schools of nursing and healthcare systems in India as a screening mechanism for measuring fundamental nursing knowledge and predicting work success for pre or post-licensed nurses.

The CGFNS-AGNK is a new global program that can be customized to meet the specific requirements by various user groups. The pilot rollout in India focuses on enhancing the employability of nurses within India and in other non-US countries. The test does NOT substitute for the State Nursing Council Examination required for licensure in India.

For more information about the new pilot project:
Read this press release from CGFNS International

UPDATE: VisaScreen Renewal Application Updated

The VisaScreen Certificate holders who have not adjusted their status or obtained a permanent US visa are required to renew their certificates within five years of the date it was issued.  Applicants need to begin processing their application six months prior to the expiration of their VisaScreen Certificate.  The cost for renewal is $250 USD.

To download an updated application:
Click here & read the updated Qualifying Exam dates here

Update in Congress

Over the next few weeks, there are several immigration bills up for consideration in Congress, including the recapture of 500,000 unused family and employment visa numbers.

With Congress adjourning, the next two weeks are key in pending matters, including the recent markup of HR 5924, the Emergency Nursing Supply Relief Act. Also, several other measures will be marked up, including HR 5882, Congresswoman Lofgren’s recapture legislation, HR 6020 (military), and HR 5950, which will provide medical care for immigration detainees.  If the House Judiciary Committee passes the measure, it will allow the full House to act on HR 5924, possibly allowing this measure to pass in 2008.

Contact Your Senator Today!