Your Path Forward: Visas, Apps & MSN Programs
This update highlights visa changes, free AI study tools and apps, and upcoming MSN programs with grant funding.
The past few months have brought a whirlwind of changes, both in U.S. visa policy and here at Florence. Despite these challenges, we’re moving forward with optimism.
At Florence, we've been working nonstop to open more doors for you: launching new tools, expanding academic pathways, and doubling down on our promise to support international nurses like yourself.
In this update, you’ll find key visa changes that affect your journey, free access to our AI-powered study platform across all devices, and a first look at new MSN programs and grant funding launching soon.
Visa Policy Update: Big Shifts Since May
On May 27, the Trump administration froze all new international student visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates. For many of you, this added more uncertainty to an already complex process.
However, just a few weeks later, on June 18, the U.S. State Department announced it would resume scheduling visa interview appointments — with stricter screening requirements.
Alongside this reopening, the State introduced an enhanced screening requirement: all student visa applicants must now make their social media accounts public for review.
The silver lining? Despite the visa policy turbulence, visa wait times in key cities have dropped dramatically, especially across Africa:
- Abuja: 188 days → 0 months
- Accra: 156 days → 0 months
- Nairobi: 32 days → 0 months
- Abidjan: 93 days → 1 month
- Lagos: 222 days → 2 months
If accurate, this is a significant improvement — and we believe it opens new doors for many of our African nursing students and applicants.
Mahoney: Your AI-Powered Study Tutor
Mahoney is one of Florence’s most impactful tools — a smart, 24/7 study companion designed specifically for nursing students.
Named in honor of Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African American to earn a professional nursing license in the U.S., it carries forward her legacy of resilience, compassion, and excellence.
Whether you’re studying to become a nurse, preparing for the NCLEX, or reviewing clinical concepts, Mahoney delivers free, personalized support across every platform.
Mahoney is trained on the Florence Field Guide to RN — a comprehensive textbook created by PhD professors and our clinical education team at Florence.
Built to make studying smarter, Mahoney can generate full video lessons, study guides, and quiz-packed content from just a few words.
From brushing up on pharmacology terms to reviewing NCLEX practice questions, Mahoney delivers tailored, high-quality resources in seconds.
Florence App: Available Across All Platforms
As the borders reopen, we’ve been working hard to meet you wherever you are — on any device, at any stage of your journey.
Here’s what we’ve launched recently:
- Florence iOS App → Now live in the App Store
- Florence Android App → Available in the Google Play Store
- Florence Web App → Prep for the NCLEX with 5k test questions
- Florence Chat App → Create study materials with our AI assistant
- Florence Tutor Bot → Generate study content on Telegram
New Programs: Starting Fall 2025
Although border closures caused delays for our Summer cohort, we’re now moving forward with exciting new opportunities in the Fall.
In a few weeks, we’ll officially launch MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) programs in key states including California, Florida, and Georgia, designed to create new clinical and career pathways for nurses.
We’re also introducing over $1 million in new grant funding to support international students like you. These programs will open for enrollment in Fall 2025 and again in Winter 2025. More details coming soon!
If you have questions or want to learn more about Florence, email us anytime at support@florenceedu.com. To get started, you can simply Apply for Grants and a Florence representative will reach out to you.
We deeply appreciate your ongoing commitment to the nursing profession. It remains one of the most vital and impactful careers in the world, and we’re proud to stand with you on your journey.
