With over one million registered nurses projected to leave the workforce by 2030 due to retirement, and demand for healthcare services growing faster than the country can train local graduates, America is actively recruiting skilled nurses from around the world. If you are a trained nurse looking to build a career in the USA, this article covers everything including which visa applies to you, how much you will earn, what you need to qualify, and exactly how to apply.
Why the USA Is the Best Country for Foreign Nurses in 2026
- The BLS projects a 6 percent employment growth for RNs from 2023 to 2033, and an even higher growth rate for nurse practitioners, making nursing one of the most stable career paths in America
- In 2026, registered nurses earn a median of $93,600 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- States facing severe nurse shortages often increase wages or provide incentives such as signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and loan forgiveness programmes to attract nurses
- Foreign nurses are classified under Schedule A, a shortage occupation designation that makes visa processing faster than most other professions
How Much Do Nurses Earn in the USA?
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average Registered Nurse salary is about $98,430 annually, with a median of $93,600. Nurse salaries can vary by over $100,000 between states, influenced by cost of living, demand, and healthcare infrastructure. Here is a breakdown by role and experience:
- Entry Level RN: $72,000 – $80,000/year
- Experienced RN (national median): $93,600/year
- California RN (highest paying state): up to $183,000/year for experienced nurses
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): $126,200/year national median
- ICU / ER Specialist Nurses: $100,000 – $130,000/year
- Travel Nurses: short-term 13-week contracts that often pay significantly above standard rates
An RN earning $93,600 base in a hospital can take home $100,000 to $110,000 or more when shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays are included.
The Three Main Visa Routes for Foreign Nurses
1. EB-3 Visa: The Most Popular Route (Permanent Green Card)
The EB-3 immigrant visa is the most popular and stable pathway for international nurses. It is an employment-based immigrant visa that provides a direct path to a Green Card.
Why it is the best option for most nurses:
- Registered nurses are classified as Schedule A shortage occupations by the U.S. Department of Labor, this means no PERM labour certification recruitment process is required, making the EB-3 faster for nurses than for most other professions
- Once approved, the nurse and eligible family members receive Green Cards, permanent residency in the USA
- Under EB-3, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may immigrate with you
- From start to arrival, expect 6 months to 4 years depending on your country of origin, nurses from the Philippines and India may face longer wait times due to per-country visa limits
EB-3 Visa (Official USCIS Page)
2. H-1B Visa: For Nurse Practitioners and Specialty Roles
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including certain healthcare roles.
- Issued for 1 to 3 years with the option to renew for the same amount of time
- Best suited for Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists), and clinical nurse specialists
- Some employers choose to adjust H-1B visas to EB-3 visas after the candidate begins work in the US
- H-1B holders can bring their spouse and children under 21 to the U.S. under the H-4 visa
H-1B Visa (Official USCIS Page)
3. TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican Nurses Only
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens who are professionals in certain fields, including nursing. This visa allows qualified professionals to work in the US for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.
- TN visas can be renewed indefinitely, offering a faster and more predictable entry path than the EB-3 process
- No labour certification or lottery required
- The TN visa typically has faster processing times than the EB-3, making it a quicker option to start working in the US
TN Visa (Official USCIS Page)
Eligibility Requirements
For the Job:
- A valid nursing degree, BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is the standard. Associate degrees may qualify for some LPN/LVN roles
- Active nursing licence from your home country
- At least 1 to 2 years of clinical nursing experience most sponsoring hospitals require this
- Good clinical skills and a verifiable professional record
For the Visa:
- A VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS International, this verifies your nursing education, licensing, and English proficiency and is required for most nurse visa applications
- Pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination), the US nursing licensing exam
- English proficiency proof, IELTS or TOEFL scores are required by most states
- Your foreign nursing degree must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency
- Clean police clearance and medical examination
Benefits of Nursing in the USA
- Competitive salaries: Median $93,600/year with top earners making over $183,000 in high-demand states
- Signing bonuses: Many hospitals offer $5,000 to $20,000 signing bonuses to attract international nurses
- Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness programmes: Especially in rural and underserved areas
- Health, dental, and vision insurance: Comprehensive benefits packages for full-time employees
- Green Card pathway: The EB-3 leads directly to permanent residence for you and your family
- Sustained salary growth: Nurse salaries have risen by 48 percent over the past 14 years and continue to climb
- Shift differentials: Night, weekend, and holiday shifts add significantly to your base pay
- Career advancement: The BLS projects 34 percent growth for nurse practitioners and CRNAs between 2024 and 2034
How to Apply
Step 1: Get Your Credentials Evaluated
- Have your nursing degree assessed for U.S. equivalency through CGFNS International, the body that issues the VisaScreen certificate required for your visa application.
CGFNS International for Credential Evaluation
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN
- Register and pass the NCLEX, America’s national nursing licensing exam. Without it, you cannot be licensed to practise in the USA regardless of your visa status.
NCLEX Registration (Official NCSBN Page)
Step 3: Take Your English Language Test
- Most states require IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall) or TOEFL iBT. Check your target state’s Board of Nursing for the exact requirement.
Step 4: Apply Through a Recruiting Agency or Directly to a Hospital
- Apply through one of the verified international nursing agencies listed above, or apply directly to US hospital systems. Look specifically for listings that state “EB-3 sponsorship available” or “visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.”
Step 5: Employer Files Your Petition
For the EB-3 visa:
- Your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) with USCIS
- Because nursing is a Schedule A occupation, this step is faster than for most other professions
- Once approved, your case moves to the National Visa Center for processing
Form I-140 (Official USCIS Page)
Step 6: Attend Your Visa Interview
- Once your visa number becomes available, attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Bring all your documents including passport, NCLEX results, CGFNS VisaScreen certificate, English test results, and employment contract.
Step 7: Travel to the USA and Begin Work
- Once your visa is approved, travel to the USA and begin your role. Your employer will typically provide a relocation package, accommodation support, and onboarding for your first weeks.
Where to Find Sponsoring Employers
1. AMN Healthcare: One of the largest international nurse recruiters in the USA. Handles the full EB-3 process including credential evaluation and visa applications.
2. Aya Healthcare: Actively recruits nurses from abroad and handles the visa sponsorship process. Partners with hospitals nationwide and can place you in facilities with immediate staffing needs.
3. O’Grady Peyton International: An industry leader with decades of experience connecting international nurses with top healthcare facilities in the U.S. Services include credential evaluations, exam preparation support, visa application assistance, and relocation help.
4. Cross Country Healthcare: Actively recruits nurses from abroad and handles the full visa sponsorship process.
5. Indeed USA: Sponsored Nursing Jobs
6. LinkedIn USA: Nursing Sponsorship Jobs
Tips to Get Hired and Sponsored Successfully
- Pass the NCLEX before applying: Nurses with an NCLEX pass have a dramatically faster time getting hired and processed
- Get your VisaScreen certificate early: NCLEX is a major requirement to prove that you are able to practise, and VisaScreen certification is required before final visa issuance in most states
- Target states with the highest shortage: Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Arizona are currently experiencing acute nurse shortages and major hospital systems are competing aggressively for international staff
- Work with a reputable recruitment agency: Partnering with a reputable international nurse staffing agency ensures legal and ethical compliance, safeguarding both nurses and employers
- Check agency ethics: Look for agencies certified by the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices, they are committed to protecting the rights of internationally educated health professionals
- Never pay an agency for a job offer: Ethical recruiters are paid by the employer, not by you
Conclusion
Nursing is one of the clearest, most structured paths for a foreign professional to enter the United States, earn a high salary, and build permanent residency for their entire family. The shortage is real, the demand is urgent, and the system is designed to bring skilled international nurses in.