Can I immigrate to USA as a nurse?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 11, 2026
In order to legally migrate to the United States, you must meet federal requirements listed in full here. You will need to obtain a Registered Nurse Immigrant Visa (“Green Card”) or H-1B visa. U.S. law requires nurses to complete a screening program before they can receive an occupational visa.
Is it easy for nurses to immigrate to USA?
Registered nurses are classified by the US Department of Labor as a Schedule A shortage occupation which makes it easier for RNs (and Physical Therapists) to immigrate to the United States than for persons in other occupations.
Does the US accept foreign nurses?
You're eligible to work in the US if you're a Registered Nurse in your home country. Contact the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to see if you're qualified. When you know where in the US you'd like to work, you can apply to that state's Board of Nursing and take the NCLEX-RN.
Do nurses get green card in USA?
Registered nurses may enter the U.S. directly as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or Green Card status. A benefit afforded to the nursing profession is that presently, the Petition for Alien Worker and U.S. Department of Labor classifies nursing as what is referred to as a "Schedule A" occupation.
How can I go to US as a nurse?
Eight Steps for Foreign Educated Nurses to Work in America
- 1) Meet Education & Work Requirements. ...
- 2) Pass the IELTS Exam. ...
- 3) Pass the NCLEX Exam. ...
- 4) Obtain a VisaScreen Certificate. ...
- 5) Select an Agency to Find You a Job in the U.S. ...
- 6) Secure an Employment Based Work Visa. ...
- 7) Attend Immigrant Visa Interview.
How much do nurses get paid in USA?
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the BLS).
Is NCLEX hard to pass?
NCLEX Pass Rates
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, in 2017, the first-attempt NCLEX pass rate for U.S.-educated nursing students was 87%. The second-attempt pass rate for domestically-educated students taking the test was 45.56%. These results demonstrate that it is a pretty difficult test.
Does USA need nurses?
Many American hospitals are looking abroad for health care workers, saying they're facing a dire shortage of nurses amid the slogging pandemic. Feb. 3, 2022, at 4:47 p.m. With American hospitals facing a dire shortage of nurses amid a slogging pandemic, many are looking abroad for health care workers.
Can RN get H-1B visa?
The eligibility requirements state that a petition will only be granted if the position is considered to be a specialty occupation. In practice, this means nurses must have at least a bachelor's degree to qualify. This means general RN or LPN positions will not qualify for an H-1B visa, in most circumstances.
How can I sponsor a nurse in USA?
How can you get sponsorship? Contact a staffing agency, such as Velocity Healthcare and Onward Healthcare, which specializes in placing foreign-trained nurses in American hospitals and clinics. Verify that your training meets American professional standards for registered nurses.
Can US nurses work in Canada?
Nurses from other countries who want to come to Canada and start a career in healthcare can apply for a variety of immigration schemes. According to the new rule now the nurses with US NCLEX RN can work as a registered nurse in Canada.
Why do nurses go to America?
Safe patient:nurse ratios, quality patient care outcomes, advances in technology and equipment, state of the art hospital infrastructure, and interdisciplinary teams made up of highly educated and experienced staff are among the highest priorities for many healthcare organizations in the USA.
What is an American green card?
Having a Green Card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (PDF, 6.77 MB) allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. The steps you must take to apply for a Green Card will vary depending on your individual situation.
Which state is easiest to get Nclex?
NCLEX New York is a single state and it doesn't require any experience. It is less hassle and the cheapest among the three states. The processing time will only take 6 to 7 months and it has lesser requirements.
How long is opt for nurses?
As an F-1 nursing student or new graduate, you're likely to be aware of Optional Practical Training (OPT) - the 12-month employment authorization that enables you to work in the U.S. after graduation.
Do hospitals sponsor H-1B?
Universities, non-profits, and some hospitals are exempt from the annual H-1B visa cap.
Can an RN work anywhere in the US?
Nursing certification credentials are recognized nationally—which means once you train and pass your National Clinical Licensure Exam (NCLEX) in one state, you can work anywhere in the country. That's a significant freedom that many professionals lack.
Is there a shortage of nurses in the United States?
Current nursing facts and statistics
For nearly a decade, the United States has been facing a critical nursing shortage. The shortage is expected to continue for several more years. In fact, over 1 million new registered nurses (RNs) will be needed by 2030 to meet healthcare demands.
Is Cgfns required for NCLEX?
The CGFNS Certification Program® is either required or accepted by approximately two-thirds of the State Boards of Nursing as a criterion for approval to take the NCLEX-RN® exam. The NCLEX-RN® exam is a requirement for licensure in the United States and Canada.
What happens if you fail the NCLEX?
If you didn't pass the exam, you'll receive a NCLEX Candidate Performance Report (CPR). The CPR is an individualized document that shows how a candidate performed in each of the test plan content areas. Candidates who fail the exam can use the CPR as a guide to prepare them to retake the exam.
Is the NCLEX changing in 2021?
Is the NCLEX changing in 2021? No. The National Council of State boards of Nursing (NCSBN) continues to collect data on new item types it will introduce on the Next Generation NCLEX. It is also building the necessary technology to support the unique item types that will assess clinical judgment.
Is NCLEX multiple choice?
Both exams come with a five-hour time limit. The test offers questions in different formats, which you can learn how to master with our NCLEX study guide. These formats include multiple choice, fill in the blank, ordered response, and/or hot spot questions. About 80-90% are multiple choice questions.