VisaKey
VisaKey
VisaKey is our USCIS Healthcare Worker Certificate for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) applying for a U.S. occupational visa. We’re one of only four organizations USCIS authorizes to issue it.
What Is VisaKey?
Nurses seeking a U.S. occupational visa need a Healthcare Worker Certificate under Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Some employers and licensing boards request it too. The certificate is a federal requirement, so it serves the same purpose no matter which authorized organization issues it. VisaKey is built for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs).
VisaKey brings the whole process into one online application. We review your nursing education against U.S. standards, verify your nursing licenses, and confirm your NCLEX results and English proficiency. You can upload documents and check your status in real time.
VisaKey is built exclusively for:
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
How VisaKey Works for Nurses
Start your application
Create an account and begin an application designed around healthcare worker certificate requirements.
Upload nursing documents
Submit transcripts, licenses, NCLEX and English language proficiency test results, and other available records.
Track required verifications
The VisaKey status checker clearly shows which nursing documents must be verified directly by schools or licensing boards.
Credential review
The Evaluation Company reviews your nursing education, licensure, and test results.
Monitor your status
Stay informed through a real-time dashboard built for transparency.
Move forward with confidence
The TEC team will email your completed Visa Key directly to your inbox once it is ready.
What We Require for VisaKey
Education
Your academic credentials must demonstrate that your nursing education is comparable to U.S. standards.
License Verification
All nursing licenses held by an applicant must be verified and confirmed as being in good standing.
Direct-Source Document Verification
Certain documents must be sent directly from issuing institutions, such as schools or licensing boards.
Nursing Knowledge Examination History
You will need to provide proof of passing a recognized nursing examination (NCLEX).
English Language Proficiency
Most applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through approved exams. You may be exempt if your nursing education was in certain countries.
What Documents Nurses Typically Need
While requirements vary by case, most RN and LPN applicants should expect to prepare:
The TEC team will communicate your specific document requirements based on your country of education and your country of licensure.
Why TEC?
Trusted Authority
Decades of experience in credential evaluation for international professionals.
Streamlined Process
Modern digital infrastructure designed for speed and transparency.
Dedicated Support
Expert guidance specifically for nurses navigating U.S. requirements.
FAQ for Nurses
Answers to common questions about the VisaKey process
To process your VisaKey, TEC requires the submission of your passport, secondary school credentials, official nursing program transcript, verified clinical hours, all nursing licenses held, NCLEX or TruMerit NQE, and a passing score on an approved English Language Proficiency exam.
English Language Proficiency scores are required for most applicants, with a few exceptions. You are required to submit a passing score for an exam that was taken within two years of when your VisaKey certificate is issued. TEC also accepts score clubbing (super scoring) for 2 administrations of the same test taken within 6 months. In general, you are exempt if your nursing education was in English in the Australia, Canada, Ireland, UK, U.S., or New Zealand.
If you are applying for an occupational visa within the U.S. as a foreign nurse, USCIS will still require you to obtain a VisaKey.
Most foreign nurses will need both services to work in the U.S., but not necessarily at the same time. VisaKey is used to apply to USCIS for occupational visas, while the Nursing Course Analysis (NCA) is used by state boards of nursing to determine nursing competency. A foreign nurse educated in the U.S. but seeking an occupational visa will need a VisaKey but not an NCA. Conversely, a foreign educated nurse who is a U.S. citizen or has another visa (like a family visa) will need an NCA for state licensure but not a VisaKey.
Yes, VisaKey has an expiration date of 5 years from the issuance date.
To renew your VisaKey, please reach out to your team 6 months before or after your expiration date and we will assist you with the renewal process.
Yes, we accept completed credential evaluations from TruMerit (CGFNS), International Education Evaluations, and Josef Silny & Associates.