Nursing Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Registered nurses are among the most actively sponsored international hires in the U.S., with most sponsorship going through the EB-3 green card pathway for permanent residence. Some employers also use H-1B for specialty nursing roles, with requirements varying by state licensing boards. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsPurpose of Job
This position is responsible for assisting nursing staff in direct and non-direct patient care functions at the direction of the professional nursing staff.
Job Functions
- Assists nursing staff in direct and non-direct patient care functions.
- Obtains and articulates pertinent data in an objective manner.
- Communicates pertinent patient information to the RN or LPN to assure continuum of care.
- Documents the various aspects of care on appropriate forms according to RMC policies and procedures.
- Performs Patient Safety Attendant functions as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Nursing Assistants under the age of 18 are not permitted to operate patient lifts.
Minimum Education/Work Experience
- Possession of a nursing assistant certificate or completion of a Nursing Assistant or EMT course
- OR
- One year of experience as a nursing assistant (six months of which must have been in one facility)
- OR
- Enrollment in a school of professional nursing (LPN, RN, or NP programs)
- OR
- An approved equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Ability to meet and maintain the necessary background checks as aligned with position functions
- Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence in order to complete job functions as mentioned above
- Knowledge of basic computer functions
- Ability to respond appropriately to unpredictable situation and diverse patient populations
- Ability to work autonomously and as a team
- Capable of making independent decisions with the use of good critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Ability to work and multi-task in a high stress and fast paced environment
License/Certifications
- BLS Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous Nursing Assistant experience
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Nursing
Pass the NCLEX before starting any visa process
No U.S. employer can hire you as a nurse without NCLEX certification. Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN first - this is the non-negotiable prerequisite before any visa petition or job placement can move forward.
Get your VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) issues the VisaScreen certificate required for most occupational visas for healthcare workers entering the U.S. Start this process early because it includes credential evaluation, English proficiency testing, and license verification.
Understand that EB-3 is the most common path
Most internationally educated nurses come to the U.S. through the EB-3 green card category, where an employer files a PERM labor certification on your behalf. This is a direct path to permanent residency, but the timeline from start to employment can take 2-4 years depending on your country of origin.
Work with healthcare staffing agencies that recruit internationally
AMN Healthcare, Aya Healthcare, and Cross Country Healthcare actively recruit nurses from abroad and handle the visa sponsorship process. These agencies partner with hospitals nationwide and can place you in facilities with immediate staffing needs.
Consider the TN visa if you're Canadian or Mexican
Registered nurses from Canada and Mexico can use TN visa status, which doesn't require a labor certification or lottery. TN visas can be renewed indefinitely, offering a faster and more predictable entry path than the EB-3 process.
Prepare for country-specific visa backlogs
Nurses from the Philippines and India may face longer wait times due to per-country visa limits in the EB-3 category. Check the current visa bulletin on travel.state.gov to understand where your priority date falls and plan your timeline accordingly.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pass the NCLEX before getting a nursing job with visa sponsorship?
Yes. The NCLEX-RN is required for U.S. nursing licensure and most employers will not begin the sponsorship process until you've passed it. Some recruitment agencies cover the cost of NCLEX preparation and exam fees as part of their sponsorship programs, so it's worth exploring those options before paying out of pocket.
What visa do most international nurses get sponsored for?
Most international nurses are sponsored through the EB-3 green card pathway under the Schedule A shortage occupation designation, which skips the standard labor certification process and leads directly to permanent residence. Some specialty nursing roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs) may qualify for H-1B, and Canadian/Mexican nurses may be eligible for TN visas.
What credentials do I need besides NCLEX to work as a nurse in the U.S.?
You'll typically need a VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS International, which verifies your nursing education, licensing, and English proficiency. Most states also require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL, and your foreign nursing degree must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Requirements vary by state, so check the Board of Nursing for the state you're applying in.
How long does the nursing visa sponsorship process take?
From start to arrival, expect 6 months to 4+ years depending on your visa type and country of origin. The EB-3 pathway involves I-140 petition filing and waiting for your priority date to become current, which can add significant time for applicants from countries with high demand. Preparing your NCLEX and VisaScreen credentials early can prevent unnecessary delays.
Can I bring my family when I come to the U.S. as a sponsored nurse?
Yes. If you're sponsored through the EB-3 green card pathway, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards as your dependents. Many nurse recruitment agencies handle the family visa paperwork as part of their sponsorship programs, and your spouse will be eligible to work in the U.S. upon arrival.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Nursing jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage", the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level. For example, a nursing in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search Page.
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