CA Board of Registered Nursing now strictly asking for proof of passing the local NLE

Although, the policy has been in place since Janauary of 2008 some are still unaware of the new changes simply because CA BRN has not made any changes on their website explicitly saying so.

Yes, it would have been better if they would have just posted at least a small memo saying so but notice that on their application form, they already said that they will accept a letter of explanation but never mentions what exactly the explanation they consider valid or not. By doing so, they reserve the right to change their policy anytime and can approve or deny an application if the explanation was not deemed valid.

At present, what is happening is that they are now strictly enforcing the NLE requirement and only waives it if the applicant is really not allowed to take NLE such as not being a Filipino Citizen.  Previosuly, a simple general explanation of "no intention to practice nursing in the Philippines" was enough but this is not anymore the case since January 2008. There are now only a few instances where they waive that requirement such as not being allowed by the PRC to take the Boards by being not a Filipino Citizen. In short, if you are a Filipino Citizen (sole citizenship, dual-citizenship or immigrant), you are eligible to take the Boards and anyone eligible to take it must do so and present proof of passing it as far as applying in CA for licensure is concern.  There was also one instance where it was waived from another reason that was deemed valid by the Boards, so it could still be a case-to-case basis but generally, those who are eligible to take the NLE must take it and provide proof of passing it as far as applying to CA BRN is concerned.

Foreign students who studied in the Philippines has always not been allowed to take the local NLE per Philippine Law and has always been accepted by the CA BRN as a valid reason of not having a licensure in the Philippines, so no problems with foreign students who studied in the Philippines.  However, before leaving the Philippines, you should ask PRC (Philippine Regulatory Commision) to issue a Certificate of Ineligibilty to take the local nursing licesure exam. PRC will then mail that themselves to the CA BRN or any organization that may need it and they also give the applicant a copy for his own as well for a very small fee. All PRC is asking is a copy of some documentations and your transcript of record from your school. Also, keep a copy of your Philippine student visa as further proof, just in case.

Hope this clarifies everything.