VisaScreen English scores from 12 May 2026
VisaScreen applicants must show oral and written English competency as required by federal law, and the score depends on the profession (TruMerit). These are HRSA's scores for registered nurses and other bachelor's-level health care workers (HRSA). HRSA lists identical scores for occupational and physical therapists.
| Test | Minimum for registered nurses |
|---|---|
| IELTS (TruMerit lists Academic IELTS) | 6.5 overall, 7 speaking |
| PTE Academic | 55 overall, 76 speaking, 62 reading, writing and listening |
| OET | 320 listening, 340 reading, 350 writing, 360 speaking |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 overall, 4.5 speaking, 3.5 reading, listening and writing |
| Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 | 169 overall, 194 speaking |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 58 overall, 59 speaking |
Tests taken before 12 May 2026
TruMerit certifies exams taken before 12 May 2026 against the previous criteria (previous scores). Under HRSA's earlier list (24 May 2022 to 12 May 2026), registered nurses needed IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 7 in speaking. For PTE Academic, TruMerit required 63 in speaking from 1 December 2024, with 55 overall and 50 in the other sections unchanged. TruMerit also says it no longer accepts TOEIC for exams after 12 May 2026.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →At-home tests, exemptions and state boards
TruMerit does not accept at-home versions of any English test. You may be exempt if you completed your entry-level professional education in English in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland or the US. For renewals only, at least 27 months of US employment, including 9 months before renewal, can also exempt you.
VisaScreen is separate from nursing licensure. We have not checked NCLEX or individual state board English rules for this page, so ask your state board of nursing directly. Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the TruMerit VisaScreen page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do nurses need for the USA?+
For VisaScreen, tests taken on or after 12 May 2026 need IELTS 6.5 overall with 7 in speaking.
Is PTE accepted for VisaScreen?+
Yes. From 12 May 2026 registered nurses need 55 overall, 76 speaking and 62 in reading, writing and listening.
Is OET accepted for VisaScreen?+
Yes: 320 listening, 340 reading, 350 writing and 360 speaking for tests from 12 May 2026.
Can I take IELTS Online for VisaScreen?+
No. TruMerit does not accept at-home versions of English tests.
Is CGFNS the same as TruMerit?+
VisaScreen is now run under the TruMerit name; the cgfns.org VisaScreen page redirects to trumerit.org.
Keep reading
Related
- OET vs IELTS for nurses
- IELTS for the USA
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 30 September 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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