OET Registration Guide · US Nurses

CGFNS OET Requirements for US VisaScreen

To obtain a **VisaScreen® certificate** through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) for US immigration, international nurses must clear the **Occupational English Test (OET)** under specific score and sitting guidelines.

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In short: What OET score is required for CGFNS?

CGFNS accepts the OET for VisaScreen® certification. International nurses must score at least **350 (Grade B) in Speaking**, and at least **300 (Grade C+) in Listening, Reading, and Writing** in a single sitting.

Key takeaways

  • Speaking: Grade B (350+) is required.
  • Listening, Reading, Writing: Grade C+ (300+) is required.
  • Single Sitting Only: Score clubbing or combining from multiple sittings is not allowed.
  • In-Person Testing: Remote OET@Home results are not accepted for VisaScreen.

CGFNS OET requirement by sub-test

Nurses preparing for US VisaScreen certification must achieve the following minimum standard in each section:

Sub-test Required grade Required score
SpeakingGrade B350
ListeningGrade C+300
ReadingGrade C+300
WritingGrade C+300

Sitting and testing policies

To meet CGFNS standards, you must achieve all required scores in a **single test administration**. If you fail to hit 350 in Speaking or 300 in Writing, Reading, or Listening, you cannot combine a passing sub-score from a prior test. You must re-take the entire examination.

Additionally, CGFNS has strict criteria regarding remote testing. All OET sittings must be completed **in-person at a physical test venue**. OET@Home results are not accepted.

VisaScreen vs. State Boards of Nursing

It is vital to distinguish between federal immigration requirements and state licensure requirements:

  • VisaScreen (Federal): The CGFNS VisaScreen® is required by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for your occupational visa (Green Card / H-1B). For this certificate, the OET scores above are universally accepted.
  • State Boards of Nursing (State): To work as an RN, you must also be licensed by a specific US state board. While major states like Texas, Florida, and California accept OET, some states may require different minimum sub-scores, or may require a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report which has separate criteria. Always verify with your target state board.

Writing is often the most challenging section for international nurses because OET tasks require specific clinical formatting and case note selection. Even though the CGFNS writing requirement is 300 (Grade C+), some state boards may require a 350 (Grade B) for local licensure. Practice letters and expert reviews can prevent retake costs.

Related: All regulators compared · OET for nurses · UK NMC Requirements · How writing is scored

Frequently Asked Questions

What OET score is required for CGFNS VisaScreen?
To meet the English language requirement for a CGFNS VisaScreen® certificate, international nurses must achieve a minimum score of 350 (Grade B) in Speaking, and a minimum of 300 (Grade C+) in Listening, Reading, and Writing.
Can I combine OET scores for CGFNS registration?
No. CGFNS requires candidates to achieve the minimum scores across all four sub-tests in a single test sitting. Score combining or 'clubbing' from multiple test dates is not accepted.
Does CGFNS accept OET@Home?
No. CGFNS requires all English proficiency tests to be taken in person at an official physical test center. Computer-based or paper-based tests taken at a physical center are accepted, but remote proctored versions like OET@Home are not accepted for VisaScreen certification.
How long are OET scores valid for CGFNS?
OET scores are valid for two years from the test date. The results must be valid at the time your VisaScreen application is evaluated and processed by CGFNS.
Do all US state boards of nursing accept OET for licensing?
While CGFNS accepts OET federally for the VisaScreen immigration certificate, individual US State Boards of Nursing set their own licensure rules. Most major states (such as Florida, Texas, and California) accept OET, but you must verify the specific requirements of your target state board.

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