Nursing Jobs in the USA for Foreigners – Visa Sponsorship Available

The United States is facing an unprecedented shortage of healthcare workers, especially in the nursing sector. As hospitals and clinics across the country scramble to fill thousands of open positions, international nurses have become vital to supporting the American healthcare system.

This demand has created a golden opportunity for qualified foreign nurses to live and work in the U.S. with high paying jobs starting from $70,000/year and visa sponsorship included. Whether you are an experienced nurse from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, or another country, there are clear pathways for you to secure employment in the U.S. through reputable recruitment agencies or direct hospital hiring.

The best part? Many of these jobs also come with:

• Relocation support
• Free visa processing
• Green card sponsorship (EB-3 visa)
• Family migration options

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know from eligibility and application processes to salary expectations and top hospitals hiring nurses internationally. If you are a licensed nurse dreaming of a better future in the USA, now is the time to act.

Why Nurses Are in High Demand in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry has been under intense pressure in recent years. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging population, and burnout among local healthcare workers, hospitals and care facilities are struggling to maintain enough staff particularly registered nurses (RNs).

Key reasons for the nursing shortage:

• Retirement Boom: A large percentage of U.S. nurses are approaching retirement age, leaving gaps in the workforce.
• Aging Population: As the American population grows older, there’s an increased need for long-term care, home health services, and hospital-based care.
• Burnout and Attrition: Many nurses are leaving the profession due to stress and overwork, creating more job openings.
• Insufficient Local Graduates: U.S. nursing schools aren’t producing enough graduates to meet growing demand.

This has led many hospitals to turn to international recruitment, offering visa sponsorship and high salaries to attract foreign nurses.

If you are licensed, experienced, and willing to relocate, your chances of landing a nursing job in the U.S. are extremely high, especially in specialties like ICU, emergency, geriatric, and psychiatric care.

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nurses

To qualify for a nursing job in the United States as a foreign-trained nurse, there are specific educational, licensing, and immigration requirements you must meet. U.S. healthcare employers want to ensure that international nurses meet the same high standards expected of American trained professionals.

Basic Requirements:

• Registered Nurse (RN) License in your home country
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or diploma (varies by employer)
• Minimum of 2 years clinical experience (some accept 1 year)
• Proficiency in English – typically proven by IELTS Academic (minimum score: 6.5–7.0) or TOEFL iBT

Additional Credentialing Steps:

CGFNS Certification: The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) verifies your academic and professional credentials. Some U.S. states require you to pass the CGFNS Qualifying Exam before applying for licensure.

NCLEX-RN Exam: This is the licensing exam for nurses in the U.S. You must pass the NCLEX-RN to legally work as a registered nurse. Most international nurses complete this after credential evaluation.

State Board of Nursing Approval: Each U.S. state has its own nursing board. You’ll need to apply to a state board to get authorization to take the NCLEX and eventually receive your RN license.

Documents Typically Required:

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of RN license
• Curriculum details from your nursing school
• Clinical experience records
• English test results (if applicable)
• Police clearance and medical screening (for visa)

Visa Sponsorship Options for Nurses

The U.S. government recognizes the importance of foreign-trained nurses and offers immigration pathways specifically tailored for healthcare professionals.

EB-3 Immigrant Visa (Green Card)

This is the most common and preferred route for international nurses. It allows you to:

• Live and work permanently in the U.S.
• Bring your spouse and children under 21
• Apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Requirements:

• Full-time permanent job offer from a U.S. employer
• Approved labor certification (handled by your employer)
• Credential verification and NCLEX success

Benefits: Green card, permanent residency, full employee benefits, and family sponsorship.

H-1B Work Visa

The H-1B is for specialty occupations, and it is less commonly used for general nursing. However, nurses with advanced training or specialty certification (e.g., nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists) may be eligible.

Limitations:

• Limited availability and lottery-based selection
• Employer must prove you are highly specialized

TN Visa (For Canadians & Mexicans Only)

Under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement, Canadian and Mexican nurses can apply for TN visas to work in the U.S. without going through the lengthy green card process.

Important Note: In most cases, your U.S.-based employer or recruitment agency will handle the visa paperwork and pay associated legal fees. You must still meet all licensing and medical screening requirements.

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Top Nursing Specialties with the Highest Pay

Not all nursing jobs in the U.S. pay the samesame, some specialties offer significantly higher salaries due to their complexity, skill requirements, or high demand. If you have specialized training or are willing to upskill, you could increase your earning potential dramatically.

Here are some of the top-paying nursing roles in the U.S.:

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Average Salary: $180,000+ per year
• Administer anesthesia, monitor patient vitals, and assist in surgeries.
• Requires advanced education (MSN or DNP) and board certification.

2. ICU/Critical Care Nurse

• Average Salary: $80,000 – $120,000/year
• Works in intensive care units, managing critically ill patients.
• High stress environment but highly respected and in demand.

3. Emergency Room (ER) Nurse

• Average Salary: $75,000 – $100,000/year
• Handles urgent care for accident and trauma cases.
• Fast paced and requires quick decision-making skills.

4. Operating Room (OR) Nurse / Surgical Nurse

• Average Salary: $85,000 – $110,000/year
• Prepares patients for surgery, assists during operations, and monitors recovery.

5. Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse

• Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year
• Provides care for patients with mental health conditions.
• Demand is rising sharply post-COVID.

6. Geriatric Nurse

• Average Salary: $65,000 – $90,000/year
• Works with elderly patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or private care.
• Even if you are currently working as a general RN, you can earn certifications in these specialties and apply for higher-paying roles.

6. Best U.S. States for Nursing Jobs

The state you work in can significantly affect your salary, job availability, and cost of living. Some states pay nurses much higher wages due to demand, licensing laws, or union agreements.

Here are the top U.S. states for foreign nurses:

1. California

• Average RN Salary: $124,000/year (highest in the U.S.)
• Huge demand in hospitals, aged care, and home health services.
• Licensing process may take longer but worth the effort.

2. New York

• Average RN Salary: $98,000/year
• High cost of living but strong demand in city and upstate regions.
• Diverse communities, ideal for international professionals.

3. Texas

• Average RN Salary: $78,000/year
• One of the fastest growing states with many job openings.
• Lower cost of living and employer-sponsored benefits.

4. Florida

• Average RN Salary: $75,000/year
• High demand in elderly care due to large retired population.
• Popular for nurses from Latin America and the Caribbean.

5. Illinois

• Average RN Salary: $80,000/year
• Chicago based hospitals regularly sponsor international nurses.
• Strong healthcare infrastructure and diversity.

When applying, research state-specific licensing boards to understand local requirements. Some states also offer expedited licensing for nurses with prior NCLEX results and CGFNS evaluation.

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Top Hospitals and Agencies Sponsoring Foreign Nurses

Many U.S. hospitals and recruitment agencies are actively partnering with international nurses, offering full-time employment contracts, visa sponsorship, and even relocation support. These institutions understand the value foreign-trained nurses bring and are ready to help with immigration paperwork, licensing, and job placement.

Top U.S. Hospitals Hiring International Nurses:

1. Cleveland Clinic (Ohio)

• World-renowned medical center with global partnerships.
• Offers visa sponsorship and career development programs.

2. Johns Hopkins Hospital (Maryland)

• Highly rated for quality care and nursing innovation.
• Sponsors foreign nurses, especially in ICU and OR units.

3. Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, Arizona, Florida)

• Regularly recruits international talent.
• Strong support system for relocation and visa processing.

4. Mount Sinai Health System (New York)

• Known for diversity and multicultural hiring.
• Sponsors nurses for long-term employment in city hospitals.

5. Texas Health Resources (Texas)

• Operates multiple hospitals across Texas.
• Frequently works with agencies to hire nurses from the Philippines, India, and Africa.

Trusted Nursing Recruitment Agencies

These agencies help streamline the job search and visa sponsorship process:

Avant Healthcare Professionals
Offers EB-3 visa sponsorship, training, relocation, and job placement across multiple states.

O’Grady Peyton International
Has over 40 years of experience placing international nurses in the U.S. healthcare system.

MedPro International
One of the largest healthcare staffing agencies offering full visa assistance and cultural training.

PassportUSA (by Health Carousel)
Provides U.S. nursing jobs with green card sponsorship, English prep, and relocation aid.

Working through an agency is ideal if you’re new to the U.S. process, as they guide you through exams, licensing, and immigration.

Step by Step Application Process for Foreign Nurses

If you’re serious about pursuing a nursing career in the United States, here’s a simplified roadmap to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Credential Evaluation

Apply through CGFNS to evaluate your transcripts, nursing license, and education.

Submit all required documents (in English) from your nursing school and employer.

Step 2: Take the English Proficiency Test

Required unless you’re from an English-speaking country.

Most employers accept IELTS Academic (6.5+ overall) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 83).

Step 3: Apply to State Board of Nursing

Choose a state where you want to work.

Submit your credential verification and apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

This is a computer-based exam that tests your nursing knowledge.

Once passed, you are eligible to be licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S.

Step 5: Find an Employer or Agency

Apply directly to hospitals or work with a recruiting agency.

Once accepted, they will file for your EB-3 green card or H-1B visa.

Step 6: Visa Processing

Submit required immigration forms (I-140, DS-260, etc.)

Attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy in your country.

Step 7: Travel and Start Work

Once your visa is approved, your employer or agency will help you relocate.

Some offer free flights, temporary housing, and transition support.

Benefits of Working as a Nurse in the U.S.

Beyond the high salary and job security, nursing in the United States offers a wealth of personal and professional benefits for international healthcare workers. Once hired, you’ll enjoy opportunities not available in many other countries.

Competitive Salaries

• Entry-level nurses start at $70,000 – $90,000/year depending on the state.
• Specialized nurses can earn up to $180,000+ annually.

Permanent Residency (Green Card)

• EB-3 visa allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S.
• You can sponsor your spouse and children for green cards too.

Family-Friendly Immigration

• Spouse can apply for a work permit.
• Children can attend U.S. public schools and later access university at in-state rates.

Career Growth

• Access to advanced education programs, certifications, and leadership roles.
• Transfer easily between hospitals and states once licensed.

Quality of Life

• Live in safe communities with access to high-quality healthcare and education.
• Enjoy modern infrastructure, freedom, and opportunity.

How to Get Started Today

Thousands of nurses like you have already made their American dream come true and so can you. If you’re serious about working as a nurse in the United States, the best time to start is now.

Here is what you can do today:

1. Check your qualifications: Ensure you have a valid nursing license and 2+ years of experience.

2. Begin credential evaluation: Register with CGFNS or the state board of your choice.

3. Start NCLEX preparation: Use online courses or prep programs designed for international nurses.

4. Apply to hospitals or agencies: Focus on those offering visa sponsorship (EB-3 preferred).

5. Gather your documents: Academic records, employment letters, English test scores, passport, etc.

6. Stay persistent and informed: Visa processing may take months, but it’s worth the wait.

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Recommended First Step:

If you want professional help, sign up with a trusted agency like Avant Healthcare or O’Grady Peyton to guide you from start to finish.

Conclusion

With the right credentials and preparation, working as a nurse in the United States can be your path to financial freedom, career growth, and a better life for your family. With jobs paying over $70,000/year and visa sponsorship included, this is one of the most rewarding healthcare opportunities globally.