You’ve done the hard work. You passed the NCLEX-RN. You’ve landed an amazing job in the U.S. through IntelliStaff Medical. Your suitcase is (almost) packed. But before you grab your passport and head for the border, here’s one last tip that can make your transition into your American nursing career way smoother:
Get a U.S. state nursing license before you cross the border. Any state license. Really.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In the past, you might have been able to sort things out after landing in the U.S., but recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been extra cautious. We’ve seen more questions, more document checks, and more stress at the border for nurses who don’t already have a state license in hand.
Having a state license—even if it’s not the one you plan to work in—shows that you’re a qualified professional ready to work. It can help eliminate delays, reduce red flags, and give CBP officers confidence that your trip has a clear, legal purpose.
But What About Social Security Numbers?
Great question. Some U.S. states require a Social Security Number (SSN) before they’ll issue a license. But here’s the catch: you can’t get a Social Security Number until after you’ve entered the U.S. and started the onboarding process.
So it becomes a frustrating catch-22: you can’t get your license without an SSN, but you can’t get your SSN until you get into the U.S. with your license.
Luckily, some smart planning can help you dodge this problem completely.
Get Licensed in a State That Doesn’t Require an SSN
Several states allow Canadian and Mexican nurses to obtain a license before entering the U.S.—even without a Social Security Number.
We’ve put together a handy list of those states in this blog post:
👉 Getting a U.S. Nursing License Without a Social Security Number
One standout option? New York.
Why New York Is a Great Choice
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Doesn’t require an SSN to issue your license
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Recognized and respected across the country
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Fast and straightforward application process
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Helps reduce issues at U.S. customs and immigration
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You can always endorse your license to another state later
Even if you don’t plan to work in New York, having an active license from any U.S. state makes everything easier—from getting your TN visa approved at the border to starting your job with confidence.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a Canadian or Mexican registered nurse about to start a new job in the U.S., get a nursing license from any state that doesn’t require a Social Security Number. It’s a small extra step that can save you major stress, delays, and paperwork headaches later.
At IntelliStaff Medical, we’ll guide you every step of the way—from choosing the best license option to helping you prepare for your move. Questions? Just ask—we’re here to help.
