The United States remains one of the top destinations for international nurses due to its competitive salaries, advanced healthcare system, and high demand for skilled healthcare workers. Many hospitals and recruitment agencies actively sponsor foreign-trained nurses through various visa programs. If you’re a registered nurse looking to build a career in the U.S., this guide explains how to find nursing jobs with visa sponsorship and how to apply in 2025.
Why the USA Is Hiring Foreign Nurses
The U.S. healthcare system is currently experiencing a critical nursing shortage caused by an aging population, retiring nurses, and increasing healthcare needs. This has led many healthcare employers to turn to international recruitment, offering visa sponsorship, relocation assistance, and long-term career opportunities to qualified nurses from abroad.
Visa Sponsorship Overview
Foreign nurses typically move to the U.S. through one of the following visa categories:
- EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based, Third Preference): Permanent residency (Green Card) for professional nurses
- H-1B Visa: Limited availability, mostly used for specialized nursing roles (e.g., Nurse Practitioners)
- TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican nurses under NAFTA (now USMCA)
Most nurses are sponsored under the EB-3 category, which includes employer support for Green Card processing.
Job Responsibilities
- Providing direct patient care and monitoring vital signs
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed
- Collaborating with doctors and other healthcare staff
- Maintaining patient records and documentation
- Educating patients and families on care plans and recovery
Requirements and Qualifications
- Recognized nursing degree (Associate or Bachelor’s in Nursing)
- Registered Nurse (RN) license in your home country
- Pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam
- English language proficiency test (IELTS Academic or TOEFL)
- Credential evaluation by CGFNS or equivalent
Salary and Benefits
- Average salary: USD $65,000 to $110,000/year (varies by state and experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Retirement plans and continuing education opportunities
- Green Card processing (EB-3 visa)
Top States Hiring Foreign Nurses
- California – high salaries, large immigrant communities
- Texas – growing population and demand in hospitals and elderly care
- Florida – large senior population, many long-term care facilities
- New York – urban healthcare centers and teaching hospitals
- Illinois, Michigan, and Nevada – ongoing foreign nurse recruitment programs
Where to Find Jobs
- Nurse recruitment agencies (e.g., O’Grady Peyton, PassportUSA, Avant Healthcare)
- Hospital career portals (e.g., Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, HCA Healthcare)
- Indeed.com – search “nursing jobs visa sponsorship USA”
- USAJobs.gov – for federal healthcare roles
- LinkedIn – connect with recruiters and HR managers in U.S. hospitals
How to Apply
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam (must be taken in an authorized testing country)
- Get your credentials evaluated by CGFNS or another approved body
- Find a sponsoring employer through job portals or agencies
- Submit your application and attend interviews
- Employer begins the EB-3 or H-1B visa sponsorship process
- Once approved, attend your U.S. embassy interview and relocate
Latest Openings
- Registered Nurse – Texas Medical Center, USD $85,000/year + EB-3 Sponsorship [Apply Now]
- ICU Nurse – California Hospital Group, USD $95,000/year + Relocation Assistance [Apply Now]
Final Tips
- Choose a reputable recruitment agency with a proven track record
- Start the NCLEX and credentialing process early (may take months)
- Look for employers who cover visa fees and provide relocation support
- Improve your English communication skills for licensing and interviews
FAQs
Q: Do I need experience to apply?
A: Most employers require at least 1–2 years of recent clinical experience, though new graduates may find entry-level opportunities.
Q: Is NCLEX required for all nurses?
A: Yes. Passing the NCLEX-RN is mandatory to practice nursing in the U.S.
Q: Can I bring my family with me?
A: Yes. The EB-3 visa allows you to bring your spouse and children under 21 as dependents.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs in the USA offer excellent pay, job security, and a clear path to permanent residency. With visa sponsorship widely available through the EB-3 program and high demand across the country, now is the perfect time for qualified international nurses to take the next step in their careers by applying for nursing opportunities in the United States.