| LEGAL DISCLAIMER This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. US immigration law is complex, subject to change, and carries serious consequences for errors. Always consult a qualified, licensed US immigration attorney and work with a reputable registered recruitment agency before making decisions about visa sponsorship or employment. |
The United States is facing one of the most significant nursing shortages in its history. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing projects a shortage of over 1.1 million registered nurses by 2030, driven by an ageing population, increased healthcare demand, and the wave of experienced nurses retiring from the profession. This shortage has transformed international nurse recruitment from a supplementary pipeline into a core workforce strategy for hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and health systems across the country.
For internationally trained nurses, this demand translates into genuine, well-documented, and well-supported pathways to legal US employment — including visa sponsorship, credential evaluation assistance, NCLEX preparation support, and comprehensive relocation packages. The combination of a pressing employer need and a mature international recruitment infrastructure makes nursing one of the most accessible professions for foreign-born professionals seeking sponsored employment in the United States.
This guide provides a comprehensive directory of the top hospital employers and recruitment agencies offering nursing visa sponsorship in 2026, along with a clear breakdown of the visa pathways available, the credential requirements international nurses must meet, the countries with the strongest recruitment pipelines, and a practical step-by-step guide to navigating the process from application to arrival.
International nurses are not filling gaps in the US healthcare system — they are a structural and permanent part of it. The demand is real, the pathways are established, and the employers are actively competing for qualified international candidates.
Why US Employers Sponsor Nursing Visas
Nursing visa sponsorship is a significant investment for employers — covering attorney fees, USCIS filing fees, credential evaluation costs, and often relocation packages, housing assistance, and NCLEX preparation support. The total cost of sponsoring a single international nurse can range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more before the nurse’s first shift. So why do employers do it?
The answer is simple: the domestic nursing pipeline is insufficient to meet current and projected demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 200,000 new registered nursing positions will need to be filled annually through 2031. Domestic nursing schools are not producing enough graduates — limited faculty, clinical placement sites, and programme capacity constrain supply. Travel nurses provide a temporary solution but at premium cost and without retention. International nurse recruitment, by contrast, provides a pathway to permanent, stable employment — nurses who come through the EB-3 Green Card process are typically committed, long-term employees who represent significant value to the sponsoring institution.
| NURSING SHORTAGE BY THE NUMBERS The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth in registered nursing employment through 2032, adding approximately 177,400 new positions annually. States with the most acute shortages — California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Georgia — are among the most active markets for international nurse recruitment. The Philippines alone has supplied over 25% of all internationally trained nurses working in the United States. |
Visa Pathways for International Nurses: Overview
Several visa and immigration pathways are available to international nurses seeking employment in the United States. The right pathway depends on your nationality, education level, nursing specialisation, and the employer’s preference and capability:
| Visa / Status | Who It Suits | Timeline | Key Notes |
| EB-3 Green Card | Most international RNs | 1–10+ years (country-dependent) | Permanent residency from the start; most used pathway for nurses from Philippines, India, Nigeria, UK, and other countries |
| H-1B Visa | BSN + specialty nurses; APRNs | 3–6 years + extensions | Requires bachelor’s degree; subject to annual lottery; often used for APRNs and specialty RNs; can lead to Green Card |
| TN Visa | Canadian / Mexican RNs only | 3 years, renewable | Fast and cost-effective for qualifying Canadian and Mexican nurses; no cap; no lottery; renewable indefinitely |
| H-2B Visa | Limited nursing use | Up to 1 year | Rarely used for nurses; intended for seasonal/temporary non-agricultural workers; very limited applicability |
| O-1 Visa | Highly distinguished nurses | 3 years + extensions | For nurses with extraordinary ability or achievement; rare but possible for researchers, educators, or award-winning clinical nurses |
| VisaScreen Certificate | All foreign-educated nurses | Required for all pathways | Not a visa — a credential verification from CGFNS International required for all foreign-educated nurses seeking US employment |
The EB-3 skilled worker Green Card is by far the most commonly used pathway for international nurses from countries outside Canada and Mexico. It provides permanent residency directly — meaning the nurse does not need to transition between visa types over time — but involves lengthy processing times that vary significantly by the nurse’s country of birth. Canadian and Mexican nurses have access to the TN visa, which is faster and simpler, though it does not provide a direct path to permanent residency without additional steps.
| EB-3 WAIT TIME REALITY CHECK The EB-3 Green Card process for nurses from the Philippines can take 5–10+ years due to per-country annual quotas. Nurses from India face similarly long waits. Nurses from most African nations, the UK, Jamaica, South Korea, and other countries face substantially shorter wait times — often 1–3 years for the full process. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the US State Department (travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin) for current EB-3 priority dates by country. |
Top Hospital Systems Offering Nursing Visa Sponsorship
The following hospital systems are among the most established and active sponsors of international nurses in the United States. All have dedicated international recruitment programmes or work consistently with specialist international staffing agencies to manage the visa sponsorship process:
| Hospital System | Location | Visa Types | Notes |
| HCA Healthcare | Nashville, TN (180+ hospitals) | H-1B, EB-3, TN | One of the largest hospital operators in the US; active international nurse recruitment programmes |
| CommonSpirit Health | Nationwide (140+ hospitals) | H-1B, EB-3 | Catholic health system; dedicated international recruitment team with visa support |
| Ascension Health | Nationwide (140+ hospitals) | H-1B, EB-3 | Major non-profit system; sponsors internationally recruited nurses across multiple specialties |
| Tenet Healthcare | Nationwide (60+ hospitals) | EB-3, H-1B | Active in international nurse recruitment; partners with staffing agencies for visa processing |
| Kaiser Permanente | CA, CO, GA, HI, MD, OR, VA, WA | EB-3, H-1B | Large integrated health system; selective international recruitment in shortage specialties |
| Mayo Clinic | MN, AZ, FL | H-1B, EB-3 | World-renowned academic medical centre; sponsors highly skilled international nurses and APRNs |
| Cleveland Clinic | OH, FL, and international | H-1B, EB-3 | Top-ranked academic medical centre; international nurse recruitment in specialty areas |
| NYU Langone Health | New York, NY | H-1B, EB-3 | Leading academic medical centre; significant international nursing workforce |
| Johns Hopkins Health System | Baltimore, MD | H-1B, EB-3 | Prestigious academic medical system; international RN recruitment in critical care and specialty areas |
| AdventHealth | Nationwide (50+ hospitals) | EB-3, H-1B | Faith-based system; active international nurse recruitment with dedicated immigration support |
In addition to these national systems, hundreds of regional health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities sponsor international nurses — particularly in states with the most acute shortages. Not all sponsoring employers advertise their international recruitment programmes publicly; many work exclusively through recruitment agencies listed in the next section.
Top Recruitment Agencies Specialising in Nursing Visa Sponsorship
Specialist international nurse recruitment agencies play a crucial role in the sponsorship process — managing the relationship between the international nurse and the sponsoring employer, coordinating credential evaluation, supporting NCLEX preparation, managing immigration attorney relationships, and providing relocation and onboarding support. For most international nurses, working with a reputable agency is the most reliable path to a sponsored US nursing role:
| Agency | HQ Location | Visa Focus | Notes |
| Avant Healthcare Professionals | Maitland, FL | EB-3 (primary) | One of the most established international nurse recruiters in the US; full visa and relocation support |
| Silversheet / NuWest Group | Nationwide | EB-3, H-1B | Healthcare staffing with dedicated international division; travel and permanent placement |
| Aya Healthcare | San Diego, CA | EB-3, H-1B | Large travel nursing firm expanding into international recruitment; strong nurse support services |
| Medplex Global / AMN Healthcare | Dallas, TX | EB-3, H-1B | AMN is one of the largest healthcare staffing companies; international division with EB-3 focus |
| ConnectRN / Cross Country Healthcare | Boca Raton, FL | EB-3 | Cross Country has a dedicated international nurse division; EB-3 green card-based placements |
| O’Grady Peyton International | Nationwide | EB-3 | Specialises exclusively in international nurse recruitment; one of the longest-established agencies |
| Favorite Healthcare Staffing | Overland Park, KS | EB-3, H-1B | Full-service healthcare staffing with international nurse placement capability |
| IntelliSource Healthcare | Nationwide | EB-3 | Boutique international nurse recruiter with strong support through the EB-3 process |
| Global Nurses Network | Nationwide | EB-3, H-1B | Dedicated international nursing placement firm; sources from Philippines, India, UK, and Africa |
| Greenstaff Medical US | Nationwide | EB-3, H-1B | UK-headquartered international healthcare staffing firm with strong US international nurse division |
| HOW TO EVALUATE A RECRUITMENT AGENCY Before signing any contract with a nurse recruitment agency: (1) Verify they are registered and in good standing in their state of operation. (2) Confirm they use licensed US immigration attorneys — not general paralegals — for visa filing. (3) Ask specifically which hospital systems they currently have active contracts with. (4) Understand exactly what fees (if any) they charge to the nurse — reputable agencies are employer-funded. (5) Check reviews on Glassdoor, Google, and nursing forums like Allnurses.com and the Nurse Migration Facebook groups. (6) Ask for references from nurses they have successfully placed. |
Credential Requirements for International Nurses
All internationally educated nurses seeking to work in the United States must meet a specific set of credential and licensing requirements, regardless of their visa pathway. Meeting these requirements is typically a prerequisite for visa sponsorship:
1. NCLEX-RN: The US Nursing Licensing Examination
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standardised licensing examination that all nurses — domestic and international — must pass to obtain a US nursing licence. International nurses must pass the NCLEX before receiving a state nursing licence, which is required for employment as an RN in any US healthcare setting. The NCLEX is offered at Pearson VUE testing centres worldwide, allowing international nurses to complete the examination before leaving their home country.
Preparation resources include the NCSBN Learning Extension (nclex.com), UWorld NCLEX, Kaplan NCLEX, and many agency-sponsored preparation programmes. The pass rate for international nurses varies by country of training and preparation method — many reputable sponsoring agencies include NCLEX preparation support as part of their recruitment package.
2. VisaScreen Certificate (CGFNS International)
The VisaScreen certificate, issued by CGFNS International (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools), is a federal requirement for all internationally educated nurses applying for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa to work as a nurse in the United States. It verifies that the nurse’s education and licensing in their home country is comparable to US nursing standards. The VisaScreen process includes credential evaluation, English proficiency verification, and licence validation. Allow four to six months for VisaScreen processing. Beginning this process early is critical — visa petitions cannot proceed without it.
3. English Proficiency
International nurses must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of the VisaScreen certification. Accepted tests include the IELTS Academic (minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0), the TOEFL iBT (minimum scores vary by CGFNS requirements), and the OET (Occupational English Test — specifically designed for healthcare professionals and increasingly preferred by both CGFNS and US employers). Nurses whose nursing education was conducted entirely in English in a designated English-speaking country may be exempt from the English test requirement.
4. State Nursing Board Licence Application
International nurses must apply for a nursing licence from the state board of nursing in the state where they intend to work. Many international nurses apply for licensure in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which allows them to practice in all other NLC member states with a single multistate licence — significantly expanding their employment options. The licensing application process requires submission of credential evaluation results, proof of NCLEX passage, and payment of state licensing fees. Some states have additional requirements — English proficiency minimums, criminal background checks, or specific document notarisation requirements.
5. CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES)
Separate from the VisaScreen, the CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) evaluates whether the international nurse’s nursing education meets the academic and clinical requirements for US nursing practice. Many employers and state boards require a CES report as part of the licensing and sponsorship process. Processing can take several months — beginning this evaluation simultaneously with NCLEX preparation is advisable.
| CREDENTIAL TIMELINE PLANNING The full credential evaluation, VisaScreen, NCLEX, and state licensing process typically takes 6–18 months from initial application to a valid US nursing licence — before the immigration petition process even begins. International nurses who plan to seek US employment sponsorship should begin the credential evaluation and NCLEX preparation process as early as possible, ideally 18–24 months before their target US start date. Your sponsoring agency or employer should provide a detailed timeline and milestone plan. |
Top Source Countries for International Nurse Recruitment
International nurse recruitment to the United States draws from a diverse global pipeline. Here is an overview of the major source countries and key considerations for nurses from each:
| Country / Region | Volume | Key Considerations |
| Philippines | Largest source globally | Long-established pipeline; CGFNS and NCLEX preparation well understood; English proficiency strong; EB-3 wait times long due to per-country caps |
| India | Large and growing | Strong BSN and MSN output; English proficiency strong; long EB-3 and EB-2 wait times due to per-country backlog; H-1B a common alternative |
| Nigeria / Ghana / Kenya | Rapidly growing | Strong English proficiency; growing number of NCLEX-prepared nurses; EB-3 wait times shorter than Philippines/India due to lower application volume |
| United Kingdom / Ireland | Consistent pipeline | Common-law training system; English native; NCLEX completion required; credential evaluation typically straightforward; TN not available |
| Canada | TN-eligible | TN visa available; fastest and simplest pathway to US nursing employment; no cap or lottery; direct border processing for Canadians |
| Mexico | TN-eligible | TN visa available via US consulate; nursing on qualifying profession list; growing pipeline of NCLEX-prepared Mexican nurses |
| Jamaica / Caribbean | Growing | English proficiency; UK-influenced nursing education system; NCLEX completion required; EB-3 primary pathway |
| South Korea / Taiwan | Specialty focused | Strong nursing education systems; NCLEX preparation growing; shorter EB-3 wait times; often placed in specialty areas |
The per-country cap structure of US immigration law means that wait times for EB-3 Green Cards vary dramatically by country of birth — not nationality, but birth country. Nurses born in the Philippines or India face the longest waits; nurses born in most other countries face significantly shorter timelines. This is a critical factor to understand and discuss with an immigration attorney when evaluating your sponsorship timeline.
What to Expect from a Nursing Visa Sponsorship Package
Reputable employer and agency sponsorship packages for international nurses typically include a combination of the following:
Immigration and Legal Support
- Full coverage of USCIS filing fees and attorney fees for the visa petition
- Dedicated immigration attorney assigned to manage the nurse’s case
- Regular case status updates and milestone communications
- Support for dependent family members’ visa applications (spouses and children)
Credential and Licensing Support
- Financial assistance or full coverage of CGFNS VisaScreen and CES fees
- NCLEX preparation resources — study materials, prep courses, and practice examinations
- State nursing board licence application guidance and fee support
- English proficiency test preparation support where needed
Relocation and Onboarding
- Relocation allowance or direct arrangement of travel and moving costs
- Temporary housing for the first 30–90 days after arrival
- Orientation to the US healthcare system, the specific facility, and local community
- Mentorship programme pairing the newly arrived nurse with an experienced colleague
Employment Terms
- Competitive base salary aligned with prevailing wage requirements for the role and location
- Standard US benefits package: health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k)
- Shift differentials for nights, weekends, and holiday working
- Annual performance reviews and merit increase eligibility
- Professional development budget and continuing education support
| CONTRACT OBLIGATION WARNING Many nursing visa sponsorship packages include a service obligation period — typically two to three years — during which the nurse is required to remain employed with the sponsoring facility. Breaking the contract early may result in financial penalties including repayment of some or all visa and relocation costs. Always have a qualified attorney review any sponsorship contract before signing, and ensure you fully understand the repayment terms before committing. |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Secure a Sponsored US Nursing Role
- Begin NCLEX and credential preparation immediately. The NCLEX and VisaScreen process is the longest lead-time element of the sponsorship pathway. Register with CGFNS International and begin the VisaScreen application process, including your credentials evaluation and English proficiency test, as early as possible. Simultaneously, begin structured NCLEX preparation — most agencies recommend a minimum of three to six months of focused study. The NCLEX can be sat at Pearson VUE centres in most countries, so there is no need to wait until you arrive in the US.
- Research and apply to reputable sponsoring agencies. Do not apply to every agency you can find — quality of agency matters far more than quantity of applications. Research the agencies listed in this guide, verify their credentials and placement track record, and apply to three to five agencies whose focus matches your nursing specialisation and your target US state. Bring your VisaScreen status, NCLEX result (or study timeline), and your current nursing licence documentation to every initial conversation.
- Understand your visa pathway and country-specific wait times. Before committing to a sponsorship arrangement, fully understand the expected timeline for your specific visa pathway given your country of birth. Ask the agency and your immigration attorney explicitly: How long is the current EB-3 wait for my country? What is the priority date backlog? Is H-1B a viable alternative given my qualifications? Can I work on H-1B or EAD while the Green Card is pending? These are not hypothetical questions — the answers directly affect your planning and your family’s circumstances for years.
- Evaluate sponsorship offers carefully. When you receive a sponsorship offer, compare it across several dimensions: total compensation and benefits; geographic location and cost of living; service obligation period and financial penalties for early departure; quality and responsiveness of immigration attorney support; availability and quality of housing assistance; and the facility’s reputation as an employer. Online nursing communities — Allnurses.com, International Nurse Facebook groups, Reddit’s r/nursingworld — are valuable sources of candid employer reviews from nurses who have gone through the process with specific agencies and hospitals.
- Obtain your state nursing licence. Once your NCLEX is passed and your CGFNS evaluations are complete, apply for your nursing licence in your target state — ideally an NLC compact state to maximise your employment flexibility. Track your application status through the state board’s online portal and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation. Your licence number is required before your employer can finalise your employment paperwork.
- Prepare thoroughly for the transition to US healthcare practice. The US healthcare system has specific documentation practices, patient-to-nurse ratios, charting systems (typically Epic or Cerner), and clinical protocols that differ from nursing practice in most other countries. Familiarise yourself with the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, HIPAA privacy requirements, and the documentation practices common in your specialisation. Many sponsoring facilities provide structured orientation programmes — engage with these fully and ask questions proactively.
- Build your support network before you arrive. Connect with other internationally recruited nurses at your target facility through professional networks and social media groups before you travel. Understanding what to expect from the local community, housing market, and workplace culture in advance reduces the adjustment period significantly. Many internationally recruited nurses report that building community connections with fellow international nurses is the single most important factor in long-term job satisfaction after relocation.
| RED FLAGS TO AVOID Avoid any agency or employer that: (1) Charges fees directly to the nurse for visa processing — legitimate sponsorship costs are borne by the employer. (2) Cannot name the specific immigration attorney who will handle your case. (3) Provides vague or inconsistent answers about your expected visa timeline. (4) Pressures you to sign contracts without giving you adequate time to have them independently reviewed. (5) Has significant negative reviews from international nurses in online nursing communities. (6) Cannot provide direct references from nurses they have successfully placed in the last 12 months. |
Final Thoughts
The pathway from international nursing to a sponsored US nursing career is well-established, well-supported, and genuinely achievable for qualified nurses from around the world. The demand for internationally educated nurses is not a short-term phenomenon — it is a structural feature of the US healthcare system for the foreseeable future, and the employers and agencies listed in this guide have built permanent infrastructure to support international nurse recruitment at scale.
The keys to success are starting early — particularly with NCLEX preparation and credential evaluation — working with reputable agencies and licensed immigration attorneys, understanding the specific timeline implications of your country of birth, and approaching the transition to US practice with thorough preparation and realistic expectations about the adjustment period.
For qualified international nurses committed to the process, a sponsored US nursing career offers not just legal employment but a clear pathway to permanent residency, competitive compensation, and the professional rewards of working in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.
Browse current international nursing and visa-sponsorship job listings at EasyJobsFinder.com — updated daily across all US states and nursing specialisations.
