Skip to content
CompactStates

Can I work in American Samoa with a compact license?

A compact (multistate) license does not currently authorize American Samoa practice. Here is why, and the route you actually need.

Can I work in American Samoa with a compact nursing license?

No. American Samoa is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so compact privilege does not reach it — a multistate license from another state does not authorize practice in American Samoa. To work in American Samoa you generally need an American Samoa license, usually by endorsement.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

What compact privilege is

A multistate license from your primary state of residence carries compact privilege — the authority to practice in other compact states without licensing separately in each. It only exists between states that are live in the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Why privilege does not reach American Samoa

Since American Samoa is not part of the compact, there is no American Samoa compact privilege to grant. See non-compact states and working in a non-compact state with a compact license.

Confirm before you rely on it

License status changes and the compact evolves. Confirm your own license type on Nursys and check American Samoa’s current rules with the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board. CompactStates.com is an independent guide, not a licensing authority.

Next-step checklist

  • Do not rely on a multistate license to practice in American Samoa.
  • Open the American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board to apply for an American Samoa license.
  • Plan for endorsement processing time before you start work.
  • Verify your current license status on Nursys.

Frequently asked questions

No. American Samoa is not a compact state, so a multistate license does not authorize practice in American Samoa. You generally need an American Samoa license by endorsement.

Related pages