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:

  1. Begin gathering documents early – some may take months to obtain
  2. All documents not in English require certified translations
  3. Make multiple copies of everything (suggest 3-4 sets)
  4. Keep digital copies of all documents
  5. Some documents have expiration dates – check validity periods
  6. Create a filing system to organize documents by category
  7. We will review specific state requirements once placement location is confirmed