New US Nursing Pathway for Pakistani Nurses Explained
For a nurse in Lahore, Karachi or Rawalpindi, moving to the United States has never been a single step. It means separate rounds of testing, credential checks and paperwork.
A proposed partnership involving the American Pakistan Public Affairs Committee and Pakistan’s education sector wants to link these stages together. The focus is NCLEX preparation, documentation and connections with US healthcare employers.
Why Pakistan Has a Strong Base for This Pathway
Pakistan already has a large registered nursing workforce. The Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council lists 121,063 registered nurses in its active records.
That is a solid base for international recruitment. But moving from a Pakistani license to a US job still involves several separate systems, and this sits alongside Pakistan’s ongoing nursing brain drain to countries offering higher salaries.
Lahore Now Has Its Own NCLEX Testing Center
In 2025, Pearson VUE opened a Pearson Professional Center in Lahore. It runs the NCLEX RN exam on behalf of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, or NCSBN.
The center has 15 testing stations built for at least 24,000 candidates a year. Nurses no longer need to plan overseas travel just to sit this exam.
PEEF’s Existing NCLEX Program
The Pakistan Education Endowment Fund already runs an NCLEX initiative. It reports an initial group of 50 certified nurses, with 500 more working toward international licensure.
Larger figures shared elsewhere, including claims of over 2,700 registered nurses in the program, could not be independently confirmed through an official public source.
How the US Licensing Process Actually Works
A Pakistani nursing degree does not create a US license on its own. The NCSBN confirms that every state board sets its own rules for internationally educated nurses.
Nurses typically need to pick a target state early, complete credential evaluation through CGFNS, meet English requirements if needed, register for the NCLEX, and later pass CGFNS VisaScreen for immigration purposes. A confirmed US employer is required before any visa petition moves forward.
This licensing puzzle is one part of Pakistan’s broader healthcare workforce reforms now under discussion, alongside infrastructure projects like Rawalpindi’s new Rs50 billion hospital project.
What Has Changed Compared With Earlier Routes
| Earlier Situation | Current Development |
|---|---|
| NCLEX access often meant overseas travel | Pearson VUE now runs an NCLEX center in Lahore |
| Nurses managed many separate stages alone | Pakistan based programs offer structured support |
| State licensing stayed separate from prep | State specific rules still apply, but guidance is clearer |
| Employer access was not part of NCLEX prep | New initiatives focus more on employer linkages |
US Demand for Registered Nurses Remains High
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 5 percent between 2024 and 2034, with about 189,100 openings a year on average.
The median annual wage for US registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024. Pay varies by state, employer, experience and specialty, so this figure is not a guaranteed salary for any individual nurse.
Risks Nurses Should Keep in Mind
There is no single nationwide nursing license. State rules differ, and passing NCLEX does not guarantee a job or visa approval.
Credential evaluation through CGFNS takes time and depends on accurate academic records. Recruitment terms, including sponsorship, salary and repayment clauses, need careful review before signing anything.
Checklist Before Applying
Nurses should confirm their qualification is recognized, keep PNMC registration active, choose a target state early, and check that state’s board requirements directly. Credential evaluation, English testing, official NCLEX registration and written employer terms should all be verified before committing to any program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does passing NCLEX guarantee a US nursing job?
No. NCLEX is a licensing exam. Nurses must also meet state board rules and find an employer separately.
Can Pakistani nurses take the NCLEX in Pakistan?
Yes. Pearson VUE’s professional center in Lahore now administers the NCLEX RN exam locally.
Is PNMC registration still required?
Yes. Valid registration with the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council supports international credential checks.
Is NCLEX enough for a US immigration application?
No. Immigration needs extra steps, including CGFNS VisaScreen certification for occupational visas.
Can a Pakistani nurse pick any US state?
Nurses can apply to any state board, but each state sets its own rules for internationally educated nurses.
Does a structured Pakistan based program guarantee sponsorship?
No. Sponsorship must come from an eligible US employer. A training program is not a job guarantee.
