Hi everyone! I'm currently a nursing student in Ontario, Canada, completing an accelerated BScN program at Western University. I'm expected to graduate in 2028, and my goal is to move directly to California to begin my nursing career, ideally through a new-grad RN residency in cardiac telemetry or progressive care. I've been researching this process extensively, but I'm running into a few obstacles and would really appreciate advice from Canadian nurses who have successfully made the move, especially those who went directly to the U.S. without working in Canada first. My biggest questions are: SSN/ITIN: California BRN confirmed that I cannot submit an RN license application without a U.S. SSN or ITIN. For Canadian nurses who didn't previously live or work in the U.S., how did you legally obtain one? Did you secure a conditional job offer first? Licensure by endorsement: I'm considering obtaining my Ontario RN license first and applying to California through endorsement. Has anyone done this successfully without previous RN work experience? Did California require additional theory courses or clinical hours? Accelerated nursing education: Has anyone graduated from Western University's CTF BScN program or another Canadian accelerated nursing program and obtained California licensure? Were there any deficiencies in your education? TN status: Did you secure a California hospital job offer before obtaining your California RN license? If so, how did the hospital coordinate licensing, immigration paperwork, and your SSN? EB-3 sponsorship: Has anyone entered the U.S. on TN status and later obtained employer-sponsored EB-3 permanent residency? Did you discuss sponsorship before accepting your job, or only after starting? How did you manage the immigration process while maintaining TN status? Hospitals and recruiters: Are there any California hospitals, new-grad residency programs, or international nursing recruiters that have experience hiring Canadian-educated new graduates? I'm willing to complete additional coursework or take the necessary steps to meet California's requirements. I'm just trying to understand the correct sequence and avoid spending money on unnecessary applications or courses. My goal is to be living and working in California by the end of 2028, so I'm trying to prepare as early as possible. If you've personally made this transition, I would be incredibly grateful to hear about your experience, timeline, and any advice you have. Thank you so much!   submitted by   /u/Prestigious_Jello_53 [link]   [comments]