Essential Documentation Guide for South African Nurses
Document Preparation Guide
Personal Documentation:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Birth certificate (original and English translation if not in English)
- Marriage certificate/divorce decree (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificates from South Africa and any country lived in for 6+ months
- Professional passport-style photos (6-8 copies) Note: All personal documents should be certified copies
Educational Documents:
- Nursing degree/diploma (original and certified copies)
- Full academic transcripts
- Course descriptions/syllabi from nursing program
- Clinical hours documentation
- South African Nursing Council (SANC) registration certificate
Professional Documentation:
- Current SANC license
- Complete employment history/resume
- Reference letters from current and previous employers
- Detailed job descriptions from current/previous nursing positions
- Continuing education certificates
- Note: Employment letters should detail specific duties, dates, and hours worked
Immigration Related:
- VisaScreen certificate
- IELTS or TOEFL test scores
- Completed I-140 petition documents
- Financial documents (bank statements, tax returns)
- Proof of assets/properties owned
Medical Documentation:
- Medical examination results (from approved panel physician)
- Vaccination records
- TB test results
- Note: Medical exams must be completed within specific timeframes of visa application
Family-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Spouse’s passport and birth certificate
- Children’s birth certificates and passports
- Marriage certificate
- School records for children
- Custody documents (if applicable)
- Note: All family members require medical exams and police clearances
Professional Licensing Preparation:
- NCLEX registration
- State Board of Nursing application materials
- Criminal background check authorization
- Note: Each state has specific requirements; we’ll provide state-specific details
Additional Practical Documents:
- International driver’s license
- Credit history documentation
- Professional certifications
- Professional insurance documentation
Important Context:
- Begin gathering documents early – some may take months to obtain
- All documents not in English require certified translations
- Make multiple copies of everything (suggest 3-4 sets)
- Keep digital copies of all documents
- Some documents have expiration dates – check validity periods
- Create a filing system to organize documents by category
- We will review specific state requirements once placement location is confirmed