New Mexico Board of Nursing Licensure Application Guide for International Nurses

Author: Shincy George | NursingManthra

If you are an internationally educated nurse aiming to become licensed in New Mexico as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), this guide will walk you through the complete process. All application fees are non-refundable, so it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully.

📝 RN/LPN Initial Exam Application – International Nurse

📌 Important Notes:

• Applications are valid for 1 year from the date they are received.
• You can take the NCLEX a maximum of five times within 3 years from your initial New Mexico application date.
• All licenses issued by exam/endorsement are initially valid for one year plus the months up to your birth month, then they follow a 2-year cycle.

✅ Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Education Evaluation

You must have your nursing education evaluated course-by-course by one of the following approved services:

• Josef & Silny Associates – www.jsilny.org
• CGFNS International – www.cgfns.org
• Educational Records Evaluation Service (ERES) – www.eres.com

Send your evaluation directly to: [email protected]

2. English Proficiency (if applicable)

If your nursing education wasn’t in English, you must pass one of the following tests:

• TOEFL PBT: Minimum 540
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 84 overall (speaking 26)
• TOEIC: Minimum 725
• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall (7.0 in speaking)
• MET: Minimum 59

3. Submit Application

Apply online through the New Mexico Nurse Portal. Incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications are non-refundable.

4. Criminal Background Check & Fingerprinting

Register for your background check via IdentoGo at https://nm.state.identogo.com.

🔍 Additional Fingerprinting Details:

• The criminal history check includes arrests, indictments, formal charges, convictions, dismissals, acquittals, sentencing, and supervision from national databases (FBI, NLETS, DPS, and other state repositories).
• Purpose for fingerprinting: Nurse Licensing
• ORI# Codes:
  • Registered Nurses: ORI#: NM920190Z
  • Licensed Practical Nurses: ORI#: NM920269Z
  • Lactation Care Providers: ORI#: NM920275Z

✈️ For Out-of-State and International Applicants:

1. Register online at IdentoGO
2. Get fingerprinted
3. Write your Registration ID on the back of each fingerprint card
4. Mail to: with all forms.

IdentoGO
Cardscan Department – New Mexico Program
340 Seven Springs Way, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027

5. Register with Pearson VUE

Register for the NCLEX exam:

• Website: www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
• Phone: 1-866-496-2539

🔁 RN/LPN Re-Examination (Domestic & International)

• Re-exam application is valid if your Initial Exam application is still active.
• You can take the NCLEX up to five times within 3 years.

Steps:

1. Submit Re-Exam Application via Nurse Portal.
2. Register with Pearson VUE again.

🧾 Permit to Practice

• Employer must submit an Intent to Hire letter here
• Valid for 6 months or until exam results are out
• Not available if you declare residency in another compact state
• Takes ~3 weeks to process once a complete file is received

🔄 RN/LPN Endorsement (For Licensed Nurses in Another U.S. State)

1. Submit Endorsement Application and fee through Nurse Portal
2. Submit license verification through NURSYS
3. Register for criminal background check (same steps as above)

♻️ RN/LPN Renewal

• Application opens 60 days before license expiry
• Complete Continuing Education and upload to CE Broker before renewing

Steps:

1. Submit Renewal Application through Nurse Portal
2. If eligible, your license will be auto-renewed

🔁 RN/LPN Reinstatement

If your license has expired/lapsed:

1. Submit Reinstatement Application
2. Complete and upload the Expired/Lapsed Attestation (ELA) form within 5 days
3. Finish Continuing Education (refresher counts if required)

Failure to submit ELA on time may result in disciplinary action.

If you’re planning to apply for licensure in New Mexico and need personalized guidance or help with documentation, NursingManthra is here to support you!

👉 Need assistance? Drop your queries in the comments or message me directly.Whatsapp-+971502515717

Stay tuned for more licensure guidance blogs, only on NursingManthra! 💙

Written by: Shincy George | Nurse Educator | NursingManthra