The United States of America has more than 50 State Boards of Nursing (SBON), which have different sets of NCLEX exam requirements, qualifications, processing, and fees. State Boards of Nursing’s decentralized NCLEX application process makes it hard to determine the best state to apply for foreign-trained nurses. But don’t worry, we got you. We compiled the list of the three best states with the most lenient NCLEX exam requirements and best suitable for foreign-trained nurses.

1. Illinois

Foreign-trained nurses licensed in their country of education and meeting the State of Illinois requirements can take the NCLEX. Illinois is a single-state license. After passing the NCLEX, you must apply for a license application to issue an active license by the Illinois Board of Nursing. The estimated application fee is $1,450 – $1,500, with an overall processing time of 4 – 6 months.

2. Texas

The State of Texas, without a doubt, is one of the well-known states for taking the NCLEX. Wondering why? Because Social Security Number (SSN) is not required, foreign-trained nurses will receive their license after passing the NCLEX. The estimated application fee is $1,300 – $1,400, with an overall processing time of 6 – 8 months.

3. New York

Like the State of Illinois, New York is a single-state license and does not require the Social Security Number (SSN) like the State of Texas. The State of New York is known by nurses globally for issuing licenses to qualified foreign-trained nurses after passing the NCLEX. However, the overall NCLEX processing time for the State of New York is 6 – 9 months, with an estimated application fee of $800-$900.