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United States · Nursing (visa screening)

OET score for a US nursing visa: HRSA and CGFNS VisaScreen (2026)

For a US VisaScreen certificate, HRSA's table from 12 May 2026 needs OET scores of at least 320 in Listening, 340 in Reading, 350 in Writing and 360 in Speaking.

Last checked 21 Oct 2026Lines from 12 May 2026Official source ↗

Minimum OET scores

0–500 per sub-test
320Listening
340Reading
350Writing
360Speaking

VisaScreen is for the visa. Each state board of nursing sets its own English rule for a licence; OET says more than 40 states recognise it.

The rules around the lines

Lines apply
HRSA's numeric table from 12 May 2026.
Combining sittings
Not confirmed. We couldn't find a CGFNS or HRSA statement on combining sittings: ask CGFNS.
OET@Home
Reported not accepted (second-hand summary of the CGFNS FAQ): check with CGFNS before booking OET@Home.
Validity
Not confirmed: check with CGFNS.
Single sub-test resit
Not confirmed: check with CGFNS.
Version
Take the Nursing version.
Check with the regulator: we couldn't confirm whether sittings can be combined; whether OET@Home is accepted; how long results stay valid from an official source.

What changed

  • 12 May 2026

    HRSA moved to numeric OET lines: Listening 320, Reading 340, Writing 350, Speaking 360. Writing went up from C+ (300) to 350 and Speaking from 350 to 360; Listening and Reading stay in the C+ range. Source

  • Earlier rule

    Older rule. 24 May 2022 to 11 May 2026: C+ in Listening, Reading and Writing, B in Speaking. Source

Questions candidates ask

What changed for US nurses on 12 May 2026?

HRSA replaced letter grades with numbers. Writing now needs 350 instead of C+ (300), Speaking 360 instead of 350, Reading 340 and Listening 320.

Which lines apply to a test I took before 12 May 2026?

The older table asked for C+ in Listening, Reading and Writing and B in Speaking. Whether CGFNS applies the old or new table depends on your test and application dates, so ask CGFNS.

Can I combine two OET sittings for VisaScreen?

We couldn't confirm this from an official source. Ask CGFNS before you plan around it.

Is VisaScreen the same as a state nursing licence?

No. VisaScreen is for the visa. Each state board of nursing sets its own English requirement, so check the board for the state you'll work in.

Sources

Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.