Graduate Nurse Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Graduate nurses transitioning from F-1 OPT to H-1B visa sponsorship face unique challenges, as nursing typically requires state-specific licensing rather than a specialized degree in a narrow field. However, roles in specialized areas like informatics, case management, or clinical research often qualify for H-1B sponsorship when paired with relevant education. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsHourly Pay Range
$36.00 - $55.80 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights
Position: RN New graduate Residency Program
Location: Highland Park Hospital, 777 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035
Full Time: 40 hours week
Hours: Days/Nights Rotating weekends and holidays
Highland Park Hospital RN Residency Program - Starting September 2026
What You Will Need
Required Education, Skills and/or Experience:
Bachelor Degree or higher in Nursing
On rare occasions an internal candidate with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing may be considered. The RN must obtain a Baccalaureate Degree or higher in Nursing within five years of date of transfer to RN position. Only candidates strongly recommended by their Director, approved by the Chief Nursing Officer and who have been evaluated as a top performer will be considered for this position.
* External candidates with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing may be considered after approval by the Chief Nursing Officer. The RN must obtain a Baccalaureate Degree or higher in Nursing within five years of the start date into RN position.
Required Certification And/or License
Current CPR issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
Current State of Illinois Registered Nurse license
+ If State of Illinois Registered Nurse license is not obtained before hire, candidate can obtain employment as a license-pending registered nurse and practice under the direction of a registered professional nurse until license to practice is received or until license is denied if the following criteria is met.
+ Official written notification of passing NCLEX and Illinois RN license application, including payment of required fees upon position start date.
State of Illinois RN license must be obtained within 90 days from the official date of passing the licensure exam as inscribed on the formal written notification.
+ The 3-month license pending period may be extended if more time is needed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to process the licensure application.
If the State of Illinois RN license is not obtained within 90 days of the position’s start date, employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
What You Will Do
Participates in clinical orientation with a rotation through multiple clinical settings: Medical, Surgical, Oncology, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular services which provides experiential learning at the bedside, supervised acquisition of skills, training and practice in the use of clinical equipment, documentation and other information systems.
Actively participates in classroom activities with peers including didactic lecture, group discussion, and reflective learning exercises.
Recognizes and acts upon changes in patient condition, exercise critical thinking and effectively intervene to move through the “task-based” phase of transitioning into nursing practice towards anticipation of needs.
Consults with patient, families and ancillary team members on ethical issues including end of life, palliative care, and hospice transitions.
Demonstrates effective use of communication and conflict management strategies for safe and timely patient care.
Participates in evidenced-based practice or quality improvement project in their home units.
Summary
The Nurse Resident is a new graduate registered nurse who is in the Nurse Residency Program. The New Graduate Residency Program supports the graduate nurse to make a successful transition to competent practice by providing a safe, nurturing, learning environment during the first year of practice using a two-phase approach. Focused curriculum concepts include disease-specific care, evidence-based practice, communication and teamwork, person-centered care and quality improvement. Critical thinking, professional accountability and responsibility are threaded throughout the curriculum. The residency program fosters peer support, nurse mentorship, and clinical guidance during this time of transition in practice. Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital is proud to offer its semi-annual Nurse Residency Program. Our program is accredited with distinction as a practice transition program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs (ANCC, COA-PTAP). As an ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP), Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital's Nurse Residency Program sets the global standard, demonstrating excellence in transitioning new graduate nurses to clinical practice settings. Accreditation with Distinction is the highest recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Accreditation Program. Current accredited workplace settings at Elmhurst Hospital include: Ortho/Neuro/Spine, Surgical Oncology, Cardiovascular and Telemetry Services, General Medical, Family Birthing: Labor/Delivery & Mother/Baby, and Progressive Critical Care. The Residency Program is trialing expansion into new procedural areas such as Operating Room, Endoscopy, Prep Recovery, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Specialty locations are limited in availability and are dependent upon need.
Benefits (For Full Time Or Part Time Positions)
Eligibility for our Annual Incentive Plan, which offers the potential to earn a certain percentage amount of your base salary based on organizational performance. (For AIP eligible positions)
Premium pay such as shift, on call, holiday and more based on an employee’s job (For eligible positions)
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
Tuition Reimbursement
Free Parking
Wellness Program Savings Plan
Health Savings Account Options
Retirement Options with Company Match
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
* Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential. Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.
Hourly Pay Range
$36.00 - $55.80 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Position Highlights
Position: RN New graduate Residency Program
Location: Highland Park Hospital, 777 Park Ave W, Highland Park, IL 60035
Full Time: 40 hours week
Hours: Days/Nights Rotating weekends and holidays
Highland Park Hospital RN Residency Program - Starting September 2026
What You Will Need
Required Education, Skills and/or Experience:
Bachelor Degree or higher in Nursing
On rare occasions an internal candidate with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing may be considered. The RN must obtain a Baccalaureate Degree or higher in Nursing within five years of date of transfer to RN position. Only candidates strongly recommended by their Director, approved by the Chief Nursing Officer and who have been evaluated as a top performer will be considered for this position.
* External candidates with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing may be considered after approval by the Chief Nursing Officer. The RN must obtain a Baccalaureate Degree or higher in Nursing within five years of the start date into RN position.
Required Certification And/or License
Current CPR issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
Current State of Illinois Registered Nurse license
+ If State of Illinois Registered Nurse license is not obtained before hire, candidate can obtain employment as a license-pending registered nurse and practice under the direction of a registered professional nurse until license to practice is received or until license is denied if the following criteria is met.
+ Official written notification of passing NCLEX and Illinois RN license application, including payment of required fees upon position start date.
State of Illinois RN license must be obtained within 90 days from the official date of passing the licensure exam as inscribed on the formal written notification.
+ The 3-month license pending period may be extended if more time is needed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to process the licensure application.
If the State of Illinois RN license is not obtained within 90 days of the position’s start date, employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
What You Will Do
Participates in clinical orientation with a rotation through multiple clinical settings: Medical, Surgical, Oncology, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular services which provides experiential learning at the bedside, supervised acquisition of skills, training and practice in the use of clinical equipment, documentation and other information systems.
Actively participates in classroom activities with peers including didactic lecture, group discussion, and reflective learning exercises.
Recognizes and acts upon changes in patient condition, exercise critical thinking and effectively intervene to move through the “task-based” phase of transitioning into nursing practice towards anticipation of needs.
Consults with patient, families and ancillary team members on ethical issues including end of life, palliative care, and hospice transitions.
Demonstrates effective use of communication and conflict management strategies for safe and timely patient care.
Participates in evidenced-based practice or quality improvement project in their home units.
Summary
The Nurse Resident is a new graduate registered nurse who is in the Nurse Residency Program. The New Graduate Residency Program supports the graduate nurse to make a successful transition to competent practice by providing a safe, nurturing, learning environment during the first year of practice using a two-phase approach. Focused curriculum concepts include disease-specific care, evidence-based practice, communication and teamwork, person-centered care and quality improvement. Critical thinking, professional accountability and responsibility are threaded throughout the curriculum. The residency program fosters peer support, nurse mentorship, and clinical guidance during this time of transition in practice. Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital is proud to offer its semi-annual Nurse Residency Program. Our program is accredited with distinction as a practice transition program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs (ANCC, COA-PTAP). As an ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP), Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital's Nurse Residency Program sets the global standard, demonstrating excellence in transitioning new graduate nurses to clinical practice settings. Accreditation with Distinction is the highest recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Accreditation Program. Current accredited workplace settings at Elmhurst Hospital include: Ortho/Neuro/Spine, Surgical Oncology, Cardiovascular and Telemetry Services, General Medical, Family Birthing: Labor/Delivery & Mother/Baby, and Progressive Critical Care. The Residency Program is trialing expansion into new procedural areas such as Operating Room, Endoscopy, Prep Recovery, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Specialty locations are limited in availability and are dependent upon need.
Benefits (For Full Time Or Part Time Positions)
Eligibility for our Annual Incentive Plan, which offers the potential to earn a certain percentage amount of your base salary based on organizational performance. (For AIP eligible positions)
Premium pay such as shift, on call, holiday and more based on an employee’s job (For eligible positions)
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
Tuition Reimbursement
Free Parking
Wellness Program Savings Plan
Health Savings Account Options
Retirement Options with Company Match
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
* Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential. Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Graduate Nurse
Target specialized nursing roles that clearly require your degree
Focus on positions like clinical research coordinator, nurse informaticist, or quality improvement specialist. These roles demonstrate the specialized knowledge requirement better than general bedside nursing positions.
Emphasize your BSN and any specialized training or certifications
Document how your Bachelor of Science in Nursing directly relates to the role. Include certifications like CCRN, CEN, or informatics training that strengthen the specialty occupation argument.
Look for employers with existing H-1B programs and immigration support
Large health systems, academic medical centers, and research hospitals are more likely to sponsor visas. They often have established processes and understand the specialty occupation requirements.
Consider alternative visa pathways like O-1 for exceptional ability
If you have research publications, awards, or leadership in nursing organizations, the O-1 visa may be easier than proving nursing is a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes.
Network with international nurse recruitment agencies and consultants
Specialized healthcare recruiters often work with employers familiar with visa sponsorship. They understand which roles and employers are most likely to successfully petition for foreign nurses.
Prepare documentation showing your role requires nursing-specific knowledge
Gather evidence that your position requires nursing judgment, clinical assessment skills, and specialized training that only a nursing degree provides. Generic patient care won't qualify for H-1B.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do graduate nurses qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Graduate nurses can qualify for H-1B sponsorship, but general bedside nursing roles face challenges proving specialty occupation status. Specialized positions like clinical research, informatics, case management, or quality improvement have better approval odds because they clearly require nursing-specific knowledge and typically mandate a BSN degree.
What degree requirements apply to nursing roles seeking H-1B sponsorship?
Most sponsored nursing positions require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program. Associate degree nurses may qualify if they have additional relevant education or extensive specialized experience. The role must demonstrate that it specifically requires nursing education, not just healthcare experience.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor graduate nurses?
Academic medical centers, research hospitals, large health systems, and healthcare technology companies have the highest sponsorship rates for nurses. These employers often have specialized roles requiring nursing expertise in areas like clinical research, quality improvement, or health informatics that clearly justify H-1B petitions.
How do nursing license requirements affect H-1B visa applications?
You don't need a nursing license before filing the H-1B petition, but you must obtain state licensure before beginning work. Many employers will sponsor your visa while you complete licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary permits for foreign-educated nurses during the licensing process.
What are common denial reasons for nursing H-1B petitions?
The most common denial reason is failing to establish that the role requires specialized nursing knowledge beyond general patient care. USCIS may question whether positions like staff nurse or patient care coordinator truly need a nursing degree versus general healthcare training. Specialized roles with clear BSN requirements have higher approval rates.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Graduate Nurse jobs?
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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