Psychiatric Nurse Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois psychiatric nurse roles span major health systems like Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medicine, with strong hiring across Chicago, Rockford, and Springfield. The state's large public mental health system and academic medical centers actively recruit internationally, making Illinois one of the more active markets for psychiatric nurse visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsWho We Are
At ERC Pathlight, we’re on a mission to change lives—and we’re looking for people who feel called to do the same.
As one of the nation’s leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery.
Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.
Why Join Us
When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You’ll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always.
Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. You matter.
If you’re energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here.
Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us.
What you'll be doing:
Under the supervision of a credentialed physician the Psychiatric Physician Assistant is responsible for delivering psychiatric healthcare to patients. Operates with latitude and collaborates with other health professionals to provide high quality, cost effective psychiatric health care to patients, manage health care systems, and influence health care decision-making through expert clinical reasoning research and theory-based practice.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Direct Patient Care:
- Evaluates and monitors the psychiatric condition of patients in collaboration with physicians and other care providers. Adhering to established standards of care or applying appropriate protocols, makes decisions regarding treatment.
- Determines and assesses the health status of new or existing patients by reviewing records, taking comprehensive psychiatric and medical histories, and performing patient examinations.
- Analyzes present patient care and the responses to the present care and helps to develop the patient care plan and treatment.
- Completes required documentation thoroughly and in a timely manner. Prepares and maintains complete and accurate charts, case files and records.
- Orders appropriate medications within the limits of the appropriate statutory limitations.
- Collaborates on care delivery by 1) including staff, physicians, other providers and management in both service and patient care improvements; 2) treating all teammates with respect; 3) demonstrating the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct; and 4) behaving in a manner consistent with company mission and values 5) establishing and maintaining contact with referring providers both within that outside of the system 6) establishing and maintaining contact with family members and patient’s support persons when appropriate.
- Advocates for patients including providing consistent and timely documentation regarding the patients need for level of care and participating in insurance peer reviews to optimize optimal length of stay for treatment.
Other Responsibilities and Expectations:
- May be assigned to perform leadwork and/or involvement in clinical coordination, responsibility for special projects which may encompass protocol development, management planning, scheduling and other tasks as necessary to support practice environment in the different levels of care.
- Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. Attends staff meetings to present and discuss clinical concerns. Utilizes the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communication to elicit information, contribute psychiatric expertise, problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
- Achieves quality metrics by 1) focusing on clinically relevant outcome measures; 2) adapting company innovations to continuously improve patient care, program, and organizational efficiency.
- Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
- Promotes positive interpersonal relationships with fellow employees, physicians, patients and visitors. Treats these individuals with courtesy, dignity, empathy and respect; consistently displays courteous and respectful verbal and non-verbal communications.
- Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, receiving current literature, and attending in-service meetings, staff meetings and workshops. Attends, participates in, and contributes to in-services, education, and staff training sessions to maintain/increase skills and teach others.
- Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients to whom care, service and treatment is being provided.
- Receives individual and group supervision from physician and non-physician leaders.
- Evaluates own performance and recognizes opportunities for growth.
- Provides community education and engages in marketing efforts when requested.
Education & Certification:
- Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
- For NPs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) focus from an accredited college or university.
- For PAs: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program; Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Psychiatry preferred.
- National board certification required:
- PMHNP-BC for Nurse Practitioners.
- NCCPA Certification for Physician Assistants.
Licensure:
- Active and unrestricted Illinois license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant (PA).
- Active DEA license.
- State of Illinois Controlled Substance Registration (CSR), or eligibility to obtain.
- Handle with Care and BLS Certification Required.
MUST HAVES:
- Knowledge of community resources for appropriate procedures.
- Skill in applying clinical psychiatric service practices.
- Skill in utilizing the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communication to elicit information, negotiate problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
- Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in selecting proper treatment.
- Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
- Ability to prepare accurate reports and documentation.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
Work Location:
- Primarily at Huron, with possibility for occasional coverage at Erie and Michigan buildings (walking distance).
- Huron Address: 150 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Erie Address: 1 E Erie St Suite 400
- Michigan Address: 333 Michigan Ave Suite 1900
Illinois Pay Range
The compensation range for this position is based upon candidate experience and market expectations.
- $116,000—$125,000 USD
What We Offer
At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life.
We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career.
We also recognize that mental health is part of every person’s experience. That’s why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home.
When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.
Who We Are
At ERC Pathlight, we’re on a mission to change lives—and we’re looking for people who feel called to do the same.
As one of the nation’s leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery.
Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.
Why Join Us
When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You’ll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always.
Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. You matter.
If you’re energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here.
Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us.
What you'll be doing:
Under the supervision of a credentialed physician the Psychiatric Physician Assistant is responsible for delivering psychiatric healthcare to patients. Operates with latitude and collaborates with other health professionals to provide high quality, cost effective psychiatric health care to patients, manage health care systems, and influence health care decision-making through expert clinical reasoning research and theory-based practice.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
Direct Patient Care:
- Evaluates and monitors the psychiatric condition of patients in collaboration with physicians and other care providers. Adhering to established standards of care or applying appropriate protocols, makes decisions regarding treatment.
- Determines and assesses the health status of new or existing patients by reviewing records, taking comprehensive psychiatric and medical histories, and performing patient examinations.
- Analyzes present patient care and the responses to the present care and helps to develop the patient care plan and treatment.
- Completes required documentation thoroughly and in a timely manner. Prepares and maintains complete and accurate charts, case files and records.
- Orders appropriate medications within the limits of the appropriate statutory limitations.
- Collaborates on care delivery by 1) including staff, physicians, other providers and management in both service and patient care improvements; 2) treating all teammates with respect; 3) demonstrating the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct; and 4) behaving in a manner consistent with company mission and values 5) establishing and maintaining contact with referring providers both within that outside of the system 6) establishing and maintaining contact with family members and patient’s support persons when appropriate.
- Advocates for patients including providing consistent and timely documentation regarding the patients need for level of care and participating in insurance peer reviews to optimize optimal length of stay for treatment.
Other Responsibilities and Expectations:
- May be assigned to perform leadwork and/or involvement in clinical coordination, responsibility for special projects which may encompass protocol development, management planning, scheduling and other tasks as necessary to support practice environment in the different levels of care.
- Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team. Attends staff meetings to present and discuss clinical concerns. Utilizes the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communication to elicit information, contribute psychiatric expertise, problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
- Achieves quality metrics by 1) focusing on clinically relevant outcome measures; 2) adapting company innovations to continuously improve patient care, program, and organizational efficiency.
- Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, quality improvement, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
- Promotes positive interpersonal relationships with fellow employees, physicians, patients and visitors. Treats these individuals with courtesy, dignity, empathy and respect; consistently displays courteous and respectful verbal and non-verbal communications.
- Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, receiving current literature, and attending in-service meetings, staff meetings and workshops. Attends, participates in, and contributes to in-services, education, and staff training sessions to maintain/increase skills and teach others.
- Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients to whom care, service and treatment is being provided.
- Receives individual and group supervision from physician and non-physician leaders.
- Evaluates own performance and recognizes opportunities for growth.
- Provides community education and engages in marketing efforts when requested.
Education & Certification:
- Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
- For NPs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) focus from an accredited college or university.
- For PAs: Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program; Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Psychiatry preferred.
- National board certification required:
- PMHNP-BC for Nurse Practitioners.
- NCCPA Certification for Physician Assistants.
Licensure:
- Active and unrestricted Illinois license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or Physician Assistant (PA).
- Active DEA license.
- State of Illinois Controlled Substance Registration (CSR), or eligibility to obtain.
- Handle with Care and BLS Certification Required.
MUST HAVES:
- Knowledge of community resources for appropriate procedures.
- Skill in applying clinical psychiatric service practices.
- Skill in utilizing the principles and practices of effective and persuasive communication to elicit information, negotiate problem resolution, and/or garner support for various programs or policies.
- Ability to exercise initiative and judgment in selecting proper treatment.
- Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
- Ability to prepare accurate reports and documentation.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time.
Work Location:
- Primarily at Huron, with possibility for occasional coverage at Erie and Michigan buildings (walking distance).
- Huron Address: 150 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Erie Address: 1 E Erie St Suite 400
- Michigan Address: 333 Michigan Ave Suite 1900
Illinois Pay Range
The compensation range for this position is based upon candidate experience and market expectations.
- $116,000—$125,000 USD
What We Offer
At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life.
We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career.
We also recognize that mental health is part of every person’s experience. That’s why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home.
When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.
Psychiatric Nurse Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Psychiatric Nurse Jobs in IllinoisPsychiatric Nurse Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for psychiatric nurses in Illinois?
Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medicine, and Advocate Aurora Health are among the larger Illinois health systems with documented histories of sponsoring international nurses. Cook County Health, which operates the public hospital system, and the University of Illinois Hospital also hire psychiatric nurses and have sponsored work visas. Sponsorship availability varies by facility, unit, and staffing needs at the time of hiring.
Which visa types are most common for psychiatric nurse roles in Illinois?
The H-1B and EB-3 are the two most common pathways for internationally trained psychiatric nurses in Illinois. The H-1B applies when the role meets specialty occupation criteria, which psychiatric nursing generally satisfies given the required degree and clinical specialization. The EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa frequently used when employers are willing to sponsor permanent residence. Some facilities also use the TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nurses who hold qualifying credentials.
Which cities in Illinois have the most psychiatric nurse sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the large majority of psychiatric nurse sponsorship opportunities in Illinois, driven by its concentration of academic medical centers, large hospital systems, and publicly funded behavioral health facilities. Rockford and Springfield have regional hospital systems and state psychiatric facilities that periodically hire internationally trained nurses. Suburban areas around Chicago, particularly in Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties, also have psychiatric units within community health systems that have sponsored nurses.
How to find psychiatric nurse visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can search psychiatric nurse roles in Illinois without sorting through employers who don't sponsor. Illinois has a concentrated hiring base in Chicago's major health systems, so filtering by city alongside sponsorship status helps narrow results quickly. Migrate Mate's listings cover both H-1B and permanent residence sponsoring employers, which is relevant for psychiatric nurses weighing short-term and long-term immigration pathways.
Are there state-specific considerations for psychiatric nurses seeking sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois requires psychiatric nurses to hold an active RN license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and internationally trained nurses must have their credentials evaluated for equivalency before licensure. The state's large public mental health infrastructure, including facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Human Services, creates demand for psychiatric nurses but public employers have different sponsorship processes than private health systems. Illinois also has several nursing school partnerships with health systems that can influence which facilities prioritize international hiring.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored psychiatric nurse jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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