Fast-Tracking Your U.S. Visa Screen: Choosing the right English Test
If you're an international nurse or healthcare professional looking to work in the United States, you’ll need to pass an English proficiency test as part of the VisaScreen® certification. Choosing the right test can make a big difference in how quickly you move through the process. In this guide, we’ll break down the visa screen requirements and recommend the easiest test to fast-track your application.
Visa Screen English Test Requirements
The VisaScreen® certificate, issued by CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools), is mandatory for healthcare professionals seeking a U.S. work visa, including the EB-3 and TN visas. To qualify, you must pass an approved English proficiency test, which can be one of the following:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Required score: Overall 6.5, Speaking 7.0
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-based Test)
Required scores: Speaking 26, Writing 20, Reading 21, Listening 18
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
Required scores: Listening 400, Reading 385, Speaking 160, Writing 150
OET (Occupational English Test - for healthcare professionals)
Required score: Grade C+ in all four sections
Each of these tests evaluates your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, but some are significantly easier than others depending on your background.
Which English Test is the Easiest?
The easiest test depends on your profession and familiarity with English in professional settings. Here's a breakdown of the best choices:
Easiest for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals: OET
✅ Uses real-world medical scenarios relevant to nurses and doctors
✅ Vocabulary and case studies are healthcare-related, making it more familiar
✅ Less emphasis on academic English, making it easier than IELTS or TOEFL
⛔ Not accepted in all U.S. states (check employer/state board requirements)
Easiest for General English: TOEIC
✅ Multiple-choice format makes it simpler
✅ No essay writing in the listening & reading sections
✅ Speaking & writing sections are optional in some cases
⛔ Less widely accepted than IELTS or TOEFL for visa purposes
Moderate Difficulty: IELTS
✅ More widely accepted than TOEIC or OET
✅ Can take the paper-based test if you prefer writing over typing
⛔ Requires strong speaking and writing skills to score well
⛔ Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner
Most Difficult: TOEFL iBT
⛔ High speaking score requirement (26/30) makes it challenging
⛔ Completely computer-based, which can be difficult for some
⛔ Writing and listening sections are long and require strong comprehension
Best Test to Fast-Track Your Visa Screen
To get your VisaScreen certification quickly, choose the test that matches your strengths:
If you work in healthcare: Take the OET (if accepted by your employer/state board)
If you prefer multiple-choice tests: Go for the TOEIC
If you need a widely accepted test: IELTS is the best balance between difficulty and recognition
Avoid TOEFL iBT unless absolutely required, as its high speaking score makes it harder to pass
Final Tips for Fast-Tracking Your Visa
Confirm which tests your employer and state board accept before booking
Practice with official materials to familiarize yourself with the format
Take the test as soon as possible to avoid delays in your visa process
By choosing the easiest test that meets your VisaScreen requirements, you can speed up your journey to working in the U.S. and start your healthcare career sooner!
