For international nurses dreaming of a career in the USA, visa sponsorship offers a golden opportunity to turn that dream into reality. With an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and a persistent shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, U.S. employers are increasingly looking abroad to fill critical nursing roles. Visa sponsorship programs have emerged as a lifeline for both employers and international nurses. These programs allow U.S. healthcare institutions to recruit skilled professionals from around the globe while offering nurses a chance to work in a country known for its advanced medical infrastructure and competitive salaries.
Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship In USA
The U.S. healthcare system offers a wide array of nursing roles, many of which are eligible for visa sponsorship due to their specialized nature or high demand. Understanding these roles is crucial for international nurses to align their skills and qualifications with employer expectations.
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Registered Nurses form the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system, working in settings such as hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health centers. RNs perform patient assessments, administer medications, coordinate care plans, and educate patients on health management. Due to the chronic shortage of RNs, many healthcare facilities sponsor visas for qualified international nurses. Roles in high-demand areas like emergency care, critical care, and surgical units are particularly likely to offer sponsorship. To qualify, RNs typically need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, a U.S. nursing license, and a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized training, often holding a master’s or doctoral degree. NPs can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide primary or specialized care, making them highly sought after, especially in underserved rural areas. The demand for NPs has surged due to physician shortages, and many employers offer visa sponsorship for these roles. NPs must meet stringent educational and licensure requirements, including certification in their specialty area, but the rewards include higher salaries and greater autonomy.
Specialized Nursing Roles
Specialized nursing roles, such as those in oncology, pediatrics, intensive care, or anesthesia, are in high demand due to their complexity and the expertise required. For example, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioners often command top salaries and are prime candidates for visa sponsorship. These roles typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and sometimes additional training, but they offer unparalleled opportunities for career advancement and professional fulfillment.
Other Nursing-Related Roles
Beyond traditional nursing roles, positions like clinical nurse educators, case managers, and public health nurses may also qualify for visa sponsorship. These roles often involve leadership, education, or community outreach, appealing to nurses with diverse skill sets. For instance, clinical nurse educators train new nurses, while case managers coordinate patient care across multiple providers. These positions are particularly attractive to employers facing staffing shortages, increasing the likelihood of visa sponsorship.
Visa Options for International Nurses
Navigating the U.S. immigration system is a critical step for international nurses seeking sponsored jobs. Several visa options are available, each with unique requirements and benefits. Understanding these options will help you choose the best pathway for your career goals.
H-1B Visa: Temporary Work in Specialty Occupations
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. While not all nursing roles qualify, specialized positions like nurse practitioners or roles in states requiring a bachelor’s degree for RN licensure are eligible. The H-1B visa allows nurses to work in the USA for up to three years, with the possibility of a three-year extension. However, the annual cap of 85,000 H-1B visas and the competitive lottery system make it a challenging option. Employers must file an I-129 petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating that the role meets specialty occupation criteria.
EB-3 Visa: Pathway to Permanent Residency
The EB-3 visa is the most popular option for international nurses, as it offers a direct path to permanent residency (Green Card). Classified as an employment-based immigrant visa, the EB-3 is designed for skilled workers with at least two years of experience or professionals with a bachelor’s degree. Nursing is considered a Schedule A occupation, meaning employers do not need to prove a shortage of U.S. workers, streamlining the process. The EB-3 requires employer sponsorship, a labor certification (PERM), and a VisaScreen certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Processing times vary based on the nurse’s country of origin, but the EB-3 is ideal for those seeking long-term stability in the USA.
TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican Nurses
Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canadian and Mexican nurses can apply for the TN visa, a non-immigrant visa for professionals in specific fields, including nursing. To qualify, nurses must have a U.S. job offer, a nursing license, and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The TN visa is faster to obtain than the H-1B or EB-3, with no annual cap, but it is temporary and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, it can serve as a stepping stone while pursuing an EB-3 visa.
Other Visa Considerations
In some cases, nurses employed by universities, nonprofit research institutions, or government agencies may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B visas, bypassing the annual lottery. Additionally, nurses with extraordinary abilities or advanced degrees may explore EB-1 or EB-2 visas, though these are less common. Consulting an immigration attorney is advisable to explore all possible options and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Hospitals and Health Systems Offering Visa Sponsorship
Below is a comprehensive list of employers and organizations in the United States known for offering visa sponsorship for international nurses, particularly for roles such as Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and other specialized nursing positions. These employers include hospitals, health systems, and staffing agencies that facilitate visa sponsorship, primarily through EB-3, H-1B, or TN visas.
- AdventHealth
- Locations: Multiple states, including Florida (Tavares, Waterman), Kansas (Shawnee Mission, Ottawa), Texas (Huguley), and Georgia (Redmond).
- Visa Types: EB-3, H-1B, and TN visas for RNs and other nursing roles.
- Details: AdventHealth is a faith-based health system offering visa sponsorship for international nurses, particularly for full-time RN positions. They provide relocation assistance and support for NCLEX passers, with specific opportunities in critical care, emergency, and long-term care settings.
- Mayo Clinic
- Locations: Rochester, MN; Phoenix, AZ; Jacksonville, FL, and other sites.
- Visa Types: TN and EB-3 visas.
- Details: A world-renowned medical center, Mayo Clinic encourages nurses eligible for TN sponsorship (Canadian and Mexican nationals) and offers green card sponsorship for qualified RNs. They focus on innovative, patient-centered care and provide professional support for new hires.
- Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)
- Location: Pennsylvania (Allentown, Bethlehem, and other sites).
- Visa Types: H-1B and EB-3 visas.
- Details: A Magnet-recognized health network, LVHN sponsors experienced RNs for acute care roles. They emphasize teamwork and advanced care, offering a supportive environment for international nurses.
- Cleveland Clinic
- Locations: Ohio, Florida, and Nevada.
- Visa Types: H-1B and J1/H1-B visa sponsorship for 2025.
- Details: Cleveland Clinic is recognized for sponsoring H-1B visas for specialized nursing roles, such as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and nurse managers requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. They offer competitive benefits and a focus on cutting-edge medical care.
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Location: New York, NY.
- Visa Types: H-1B visas.
- Details: This leading cancer treatment center sponsors H-1B visas for specialized nursing roles, particularly for RNs and NPs with advanced certifications. They focus on oncology nursing and offer robust support for visa processes.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- Location: Memphis, TN.
- Visa Types: H-1B visas.
- Details: Known for pediatric care and research, St. Jude sponsors H-1B visas for specialized nursing roles, such as pediatric oncology nurses and APRNs. They provide a supportive work environment and professional development opportunities.
- Prospect Medical Holdings
- Location: Tustin, CA.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and H-1B visas.
- Details: This healthcare system offers visa sponsorship for RNs, focusing on full-time positions with a three-year commitment. They provide green card sponsorship and support for relocation.
- Los Angeles Community Hospital at Bellflower
- Location: Bellflower, CA.
- Visa Types: EB-3 visas.
- Details: This hospital files applications under the U.S. Department of Labor’s PERM program for RNs, offering visa sponsorship for permanent positions. They focus on community healthcare and support international nurses with licensing and relocation.
- Contact: Check ziprecruiter.com or hospital career pages.
- NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital
- Location: New York, NY.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and H-1B visas.
- Details: A leading orthopedic and rheumatologic hospital, NYU Langone sponsors visas for RNs and specialized nurses. They emphasize professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Pike County Memorial Hospital
- Location: Louisiana, MO.
- Visa Types: EB-3 visas.
- Details: This hospital seeks RNs for emergency department roles, offering visa sponsorship and a collaborative team environment. They focus on rural healthcare needs.
Staffing Agencies Offering Visa Sponsorship
- Wayne Staffing USA
- Location: Primarily New York City, NY, with placements nationwide.
- Visa Types: EB-3 visas.
- Details: Wayne Staffing offers free EB-3 visa sponsorship for international RNs, focusing on permanent placements in NYC hospitals. They cover legal fees and provide relocation support, emphasizing a smooth immigration process.
- Contact: Visit waynestaffingusa.com for application details.
- Health Carousel International
- Location: Nationwide placements, headquartered in Cincinnati, OH.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and TN visas.
- Details: Specializing in international nurse recruitment, Health Carousel files I-140 petitions for EB-3 visas, supporting nurses and their families with green card applications. They offer comprehensive assistance, including document gathering, licensing, and relocation support.
- Contact: Apply at passportusa.com.
- Westways Staffing Services
- Location: Nationwide, with a focus on California and Texas.
- Visa Types: EB-3 visas.
- Details: Westways sponsors hundreds of nurses annually from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, filing I-140 petitions for permanent positions. They offer a Pre-NCLEX Program for nurses lacking certain qualifications, ensuring accessibility.
- Contact: Visit westwaysstaffing.com for program details.
- White Glove Placement
- Location: New York, with nationwide opportunities.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and CPT programs for international students.
- Details: White Glove specializes in sponsoring RNs with at least one year of bedside experience, offering visa assistance, job placement, and cultural adjustment support. They focus on prestigious facilities in New York and permanent residency sponsorship.
- Contact: Check whiteglovecare.com for openings.
- WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions
- Location: Nationwide, headquartered in Charlotte, NC.
- Visa Types: EB-3 visas.
- Details: This agency provides direct-hire, permanent positions with green card sponsorship, covering legal fees and supporting nurses through the NCLEX and VisaScreen processes. They work with hospitals nationwide and emphasize ethical recruitment.
- Contact: Visit healthstaff.org for more information.
- Dynamic HealthStaff
- Location: Nationwide, with a focus on California, Texas, New York, and Florida.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and H-1B visas.
- Details: Dynamic HealthStaff connects international nurses with visa-sponsored jobs in high-demand states. They offer language and cultural training, relocation assistance (flight tickets, temporary housing), and professional growth programs to ensure long-term success.
- Contact: Apply at dynamichealthstaff.com.
- Flint Allied Health
- Location: Nationwide.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and green card sponsorship for Asylum, TPS, and DACA candidates.
- Details: Flint Allied Health provides visa sponsorship for RNs, focusing on permanent roles. They offer comprehensive support for immigration and relocation, targeting nurses with diverse immigration statuses.
- Contact: Check indeed.com for their listings.
- AristaCare Health Services
- Locations: New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
- Visa Types: EB-3 and TN visas.
- Details: AristaCare sponsors RNs for fast and free visa sponsorship, focusing on high-quality patient care roles. They provide relocation support, including 90 days of free housing, and comprehensive benefits like medical, dental, and 401k plans.
- Contact: Visit aristacare.com or jooble.org for job postings.
Eligibility Requirements for Visa-Sponsored Nursing Jobs
Securing a visa-sponsored nursing job requires meeting specific educational, professional, and legal criteria. These requirements ensure that international nurses are prepared to practice safely and effectively in the U.S. healthcare system.
Educational Qualifications
Most visa-sponsored nursing jobs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an equivalent diploma from an accredited program. For H-1B visas, a bachelor’s degree is mandatory unless the nurse can demonstrate equivalent experience (typically three years of work experience per year of education). The EB-3 visa is more flexible, accepting nurses with two years of training or experience. Nurses with associate degrees may need to pursue additional education or certifications to qualify.
Licensure and Certification
To practice in the USA, international nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a standardized test assessing clinical competency. Additionally, nurses need a state-specific nursing license from the state where they intend to work. The CGFNS VisaScreen certificate is mandatory for most visa types, verifying education, licensure, and English proficiency. English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS are often required, with specific score thresholds varying by state.
Work Experience
Employers typically prefer nurses with at least two years of recent experience in a hospital or clinical setting. Specialized roles may require additional years of experience or certifications in areas like critical care or oncology. For example, Adventist HealthCare requires two years of RN experience and a passing NCLEX score before interviewing for visa-sponsored positions.
Employer Sponsorship
A U.S.-based employer, such as a hospital or staffing agency, must sponsor the nurse’s visa application. This involves filing petitions with USCIS, obtaining labor certifications (for EB-3), and demonstrating the need for the nurse’s skills. Employers like Wayne Staffing USA and Health Carousel International offer comprehensive support, covering legal fees and guiding nurses through the process.
The Application Process for Visa-Sponsored Nursing Jobs
Applying for a visa-sponsored nursing job involves multiple steps, from securing a job offer to navigating the immigration process. While complex, the process is manageable with proper preparation and guidance.
Step 1: Obtain Necessary Credentials
Begin by ensuring your credentials meet U.S. standards. Have your academic and professional documents evaluated by CGFNS to confirm they are equivalent to U.S. nursing qualifications. Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and apply for a nursing license in your target state. If required, take an English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) and obtain a VisaScreen certificate. These steps can take several months, so start early.
Step 2: Find a Sponsoring Employer
Research healthcare facilities and staffing agencies that offer visa sponsorship. Websites like Indeed, USponsorMe, and hospital career pages (e.g., Mayo Clinic, Lehigh Valley Health Network) list visa-sponsored nursing jobs. Recruitment agencies like Health Carousel International and Westways Staffing specialize in placing international nurses, often covering visa fees and providing relocation support. Contact employers directly to confirm sponsorship availability, as not all job postings explicitly mention it.
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
Once you identify potential employers, apply with a tailored resume highlighting your qualifications, experience, and certifications. Many employers conduct virtual interviews, making it possible to apply from your home country. If selected, you’ll receive a job offer contingent on visa approval. Ensure the offer specifies visa sponsorship (H-1B, EB-3, or TN) and clarifies the employer’s role in the process.
Step 4: Navigate the Visa Process
For H-1B visas, your employer files an I-129 petition with USCIS, entering you into the annual lottery. For EB-3 visas, the employer submits a PERM labor certification to the Department of Labor, followed by an I-140 petition to USCIS. TN visa applications are simpler, requiring a job offer and proof of qualifications at a U.S. port of entry. Processing times vary—H-1B petitions take months, while EB-3 timelines depend on visa availability and country-specific backlogs. An immigration attorney can streamline this process and address any complications.
Step 5: Relocate and Begin Work
Once your visa is approved, prepare for relocation. Employers or agencies may assist with travel arrangements, housing, and orientation. Upon arrival, complete any state-specific licensure requirements and begin your role. For EB-3 visa holders, you can apply for a Green Card (I-485 adjustment of status) once your priority date is current, securing permanent residency.
Benefits of Nursing in the USA
Working as a nurse in the USA offers numerous advantages beyond competitive salaries, which range from $38 to $76 per hour for RNs. Nurses gain access to advanced medical technology, continuous education opportunities, and diverse work environments. EB-3 visa holders can pursue permanent residency, enabling family sponsorship and eventual citizenship. The U.S. healthcare system values innovation and teamwork, fostering professional growth and job satisfaction. Additionally, living in the USA offers cultural diversity, recreational opportunities, and a high quality of life, particularly in vibrant regions like Maryland or Washington, D.C.
