Vermont RN License for International Nurses (IENs) – 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

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Author: Shincy George | Nursing Manthra

Are you an internationally educated nurse dreaming of building a career in the United States? Vermont is an excellent choice for applying for your Registered Nurse (RN) license — especially because you can begin the process even without a Social Security Number (SSN).

In this blog, I will explain the complete Vermont RN licensure process, step-by-step, including credential evaluation, required documents, fees, language and SSN requirements, fingerprinting, and license options — both single-state and multi-state. Let’s get started!

📞 Vermont State Board of Nursing – Contact Information

If you need to reach out directly for any licensure-related queries, here are the official contact details:

Office of Governor Phil Scott
📍 109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609

📞 Phone: 802-828-3333
📠 Fax: 802-828-3339
🔈 TTY (for hearing impaired): 800-649-6825

Website login:

https://secure.professionals.vermont.gov/prweb/PRServlet/app/default/ybVBleIGIHMlPa8qpM9BaiNEZfDPENuF*/!STANDARD

✅ Why Choose Vermont for RN Licensure?

✔ SSN not required to start application
✔ Accepts internationally educated nurses
✔ English proficiency proof not needed if education was in English
✔ Compact State (NLC) – eligible for multi-state license if resident
✔ Early license planning possible before moving to USA
✔ Streamlined process under Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation

🏢 Important Note: Who Regulates Vermont Nursing Licensure?

Vermont nursing licenses are not issued directly by a “Board of Nursing” as in many other states. Instead, licensure is regulated by the:

👉 Vermont Secretary of State

Office of Professional Regulation (OPR)
Nursing Division (Registered Nurse Licensure)

This means all applications are submitted through the Secretary of State’s online portal, not a separate board website.

📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Vermont RN Licensure for IENs

Documents required:

🔹 Step 1: CGFNS CES Report – Vermont Specific

Before applying, you must request a CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES Professional Report) — Vermont-specific.

✅ Required documents:

Nursing transcripts
Nursing license verification from home country
Proof of secondary school education
Medium of instruction in English (to waive English tests)

🌐 Apply for CES Report – CGFNS.org

Your home country license must be valid, and you must have:

400 hours of experience in the last 2 years, or

960 hours within the last 5 years

🔹 Step 2: Application to Vermont Secretary of State (OPR)

After CGFNS sends your CES report to the Vermont OPR, you can apply online.

🔗 Application Portal – Vermont Secretary of State

📌 Application requirements:

Valid CES Report
Two government-issued IDs
Valid U.S. address
Employer & supervisor contact details
License, education & work history
Select Single State License or Multi-State License
- For multi-state license, you must legally reside in Vermont
Application Fee:
- $75 – Licensure fee
- $12 – FBI background check
- Total: $87 USD

🔹 Step 3: FBI Background Check & Fingerprinting

Once your application is reviewed, you’ll receive:

Email with fingerprint authorization form
List of approved fingerprinting centers (U.S. only)

👉 Fingerprinting is required only after you are in the USA.

Your fingerprints and FBI background check will be processed once you physically visit the fingerprinting center listed by Vermont OPR.

💬 Is Social Security Number (SSN) Required?

❌ SSN is NOT required to start the process.
✅ If you don’t have one, you can submit a SSN waiver form.
✅ SSN must be submitted before final license issuance.

If you don’t have an SSN yet:

You can complete CES, apply, and even pass NCLEX
Your application will remain “pending” until SSN is submitted

🗣️ English Language Proficiency Requirement

Vermont waives English exams (IELTS/TOEFL) if:

Your nursing education was in English, and
Your transcript mentions English as the medium of instruction

If not, you’ll be required to submit English language proficiency scores:

IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall

🧠 Step 4: NCLEX-RN Exam

Once your application is approved, you will receive the Authorization to Test (ATT) from Pearson VUE.

📌 NCLEX Registration: https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex
📍 Test centers available worldwide
💵 Exam Fee: $200 USD + 177 USD

Once you pass:

You become eligible for license issuance
If SSN is missing, the license will remain “pending

🪪 Step 5: License Issuance & Maintenance

Once all requirements are met:

Vermont Secretary of State will issue your license
You can verify your license on https://www.nursys.com

You can apply for:

Single State License (default)
Multi-State Compact License (if Vermont is your primary legal residence)

🌀 Your license must be renewed every two years to remain active.

💰 Total Estimated Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (USD)
CGFNS CES Vermont-specific Report	$365
NCLEX Exam	$200+ $170
Vermont Licensure Application	$87 (75 + 12 FBI fee)
Fingerprinting (U.S. center)	$25–$50

💵 Estimated Total: $800–$950

🌟 Motivation from Nursing Manthra

Hi nurse! If you’re dreaming of a successful nursing career in the USA, Nursing Manthra is always here with you.

From CGFNS to the final licensing step, we take care of all your documentation. We also provide study materials that help you pass the English exam and NCLEX on your first attempt.

Once you hold a USA RN license, you get:

Exemption from nursing license exams in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi, Qatar)
Easier job migration pathways
Long-term career security

🎓 Start the licensing process right after graduation – even if you’re not moving to the U.S. immediately, having an active license helps you stay ready for global opportunities.