DIY VisaScreen

VisaScreen® : Visa Credentials Assessment Service is a comprehensive screening service for healthcare professionals seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States. Applicants who successfully complete VisaScreen® receive an official ICHP Certificate for the VisaScreen®: Visa Credentials Assessment Service. This certificate satisfies the United States Federal screening requirements.

*** I already have a CGFNS account in 2017 because I used it for my CVS which was a requirement by the NY-BON before I could take the NCLEX-RN. I paid for an agency (NEAC) to process this but I won't recommend them since they weren't so helpful and accommodating that time. 

***The CGFNS website has a new portal and I had to edit my personal data first before I can proceed with the order. 

 

https://applicants.cgfns.org/portal/view/login

November 2, 2020: I started my DIY VisaScreen and the procedure is as follows:

1. Complete data in "My Profile" 

I answered all of the questions related to my personal data, working experience, licenses and school credentials. 

2. Payment

I paid 540 USD via credit card and I was redirected back to the portal to view and download the forms which were required to be sent to the licensing bodies and schools.

3. Upload a passport size photo

It should be a good picture because it will reflect in your VisaScreen certificate once it's done. 

4. Submit forms to your licensing agencies and schools. 

5. Wait for the requirements to change its status from RED to GREEN ("waiting for initial documentation" to "meets all requirements") 

Requirements:

A. Secondary School Documents

Since I graduated in 2003, which was more than 10 years ago, CGFNS waived this requirement for me. 

B. Higher Tertiary School Documents 

 I graduated in 2 differrent schools so I had to include them both. First was in Southern Luzon Polytechnic College where I graduated in a 2-year associate degree course. Second was in Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Inc where I finished my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. 

I only sent the forms to where I graduated and they waived my first school since almost all major subjects were taken in the latter school. My sister sent the forms via DHL and it was delivered (no signature) on December 4, 2020, so after a month, I sent an email to CGFNS to follow up on the case. 

CGFNS replied to my email and said that it will take 25-30 working days for them to verify a document. 

C. Licenses

I only declared my Ph and US license because I didn't have my Oman license with me up until now and according to other people whom I asked, they told me that it's easier and more convenient not to declare other licenses since verification will take time. 

    1. Philippine License

My previous VOL for CVS was expired so I had to send another form to PRC. 

I asked for help from this agency, Kabayan Errand Runner (I only saw them in Facebook) I paid 4680 php for the prc verification + courier fee (DHL) which took about 3 weeks to process because PRC is sending the VOL by batches. It was received by a person named Parker on November 25, 2020 and it was verified and posted on my account on January 7, 2021 (30 working days) 

2. NY license

This is probably the easisest verification since I didn't have to print and send the forms to NY-BON. CGFNS now utilizes NURSYS to verify if a person has the license. As for me, I only waited for 8 days for it to change status as "meets all requirements". 

However, the portion "Passed CP/NCLEX" has not been changed so I sent an email to CGFNS to ask how to change its status. I attached a PDF form of my NY-BON Passed letter and after 5 days, the status has changed to "meets all requirements". 

D. Passing English score

There are two ways to get the passing English score, via TOEFL or IELTS exam and I opted for the latter. 

I took the exam on November 21, 2020 and after 2 weeks, the result was released and sadly, I failed to get a 7 in the Speaking module. I was upset but I didn't give up. I opted for an EOR or Enquiry on Remark. I paid 46 OMR (120USD) and after more than 1 month, the new TRF was issued and the result was successful. The speaking module increased from 6.5 to 7. (I'll post another blog for my IELTS journey) 

I encoded my new TRF in the English Proficiency Column, it didn't change at once so after 4 days, I sent an email to CGFNS to update the IELTS result and after 1 week, it was verified. 

Timeline:

Nov 2, 2020 Application 

Nov 10, 2020 NY License verified

Nov 19, 2020 Passed CP or NCLEX changed status

Nov 25, 2020 PRC received

Dec 3, 2020 IELTS electronic result forwarded by IDP 

Dec 4, 2020 College TOR received

Jan 7, 2021 PRC verified

Jan 7, 2021 IELTS score encoded

Jan 10, 2021 Email sent to cgfns re: IELTS updated score 

Jan 14, 2021 IELTS score verified

Jan 20, 2021 College TOR changed status to under review

Jan 21, 2021 Final review

Jan 22, 2021 Certified 

Jan 26, 2021 VisaScreen certificate received in Ph address via FedEx 

Fees 

540USD CGFNS fee

3480PhP School fees + courier fee

4680PhP PRC verification + courier fee

*I was able to save about 110 USD with this DIY compared to the fees of some agency. It would have been more if I asked my sister to do the PRC verification but she isn't a PRC license holder and I am afraid she will encounter some problem along the way. 

*For those of you who are still hesitant to try the DIY VisaScreen because you think that it's complicated, it is not and it is actually pretty easy especially if you have an account already. You just have to do some research and if you are still unsure of what to do next, CGFNS is just an email away. They are very responsive. I hope this blog has been helpful. 😊