2025 Guide: Earn $85,000+/Year in the USA as a Foreign Nurse with Visa Support

If you’re a trained nurse living outside the United States, there’s never been a better time to take your career global. With a growing nursing shortage across America, hospitals and healthcare systems are actively recruiting foreign nurses and offering full visa sponsorship and relocation support.

In 2025, qualified nurses can earn $85,000 or more per year, along with housing assistance, paid vacation, and a clear pathway to permanent residency. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to make it happen.

Why the U.S. Needs Foreign Nurses in 2025

The demand for nurses in the U.S. has reached critical levels. Aging populations, rising healthcare needs, and burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic have left many hospitals short-staffed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 200,000 new nurses are needed each year through 2030.

Many U.S. employers now turn to internationally trained nurses, offering full support to bring them to the country legally, train them, and help them settle. This includes generous pay, visa sponsorship, and even permanent green card options.

What Is Visa Sponsorship and How Does It Work for Nurses?

Visa sponsorship means a U.S. healthcare employer (hospital, nursing home, or staffing agency) agrees to hire you and apply for a work visa on your behalf. They handle most of the paperwork and often cover costs like legal fees and even flights.

For nurses, the most common route is the EB-3 Visa, which is an employment-based immigrant visa that leads to a U.S. Green Card. Some nurses also enter the U.S. temporarily using the H-1B Visa or the TN Visa (for citizens of Canada and Mexico).

Once approved, you’ll work legally in the U.S., earn a full salary, and enjoy benefits just like U.S. staff.

Types of U.S. Work Visas for Foreign Nurses

EB-3 Visa (Skilled Worker/Green Card)
This is the most common visa for foreign nurses. It gives you permanent residency and work rights. To qualify, you must pass the NCLEX exam and have your nursing credentials evaluated.

H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)
Less common but available for nurses in specialized fields like critical care or advanced practice. Usually requires a bachelor’s degree.

TN Visa (Canada and Mexico Only)
For Canadian and Mexican nurses under NAFTA (now USMCA). This is a quicker, easier option but only applies to those nationalities.

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa)
Some nurses enter the U.S. for training or internships under this visa, but it’s temporary and requires returning home after the program ends.

Who Can Apply?

To work as a nurse in the U.S. with visa sponsorship, you must meet a few standard requirements:

• Registered Nurse (RN) license in your home country
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam (U.S. licensing exam)
• English language proficiency (usually via IELTS or TOEFL)
• Credential evaluation by CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
• No major health or criminal issues

Experience of at least 1–2 years in a hospital setting is often preferred but not always required.

Nursing Roles in High Demand in the USA

Foreign nurses are welcomed across many specialties. Here are the most sought-after roles:

1. Medical-Surgical Nurses
Handle general care in hospitals. High demand in nearly every U.S. state.

2. ICU/Critical Care Nurses
Work in intensive care units managing life-threatening conditions.

3. Geriatric Nurses
Care for elderly patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

4. Pediatric Nurses
Focus on the care of children in hospitals and outpatient clinics.

5. Operating Room Nurses (OR)
Support surgeons in operation theaters and post-surgical care.

6. Mental Health Nurses
Support patients in psychiatric hospitals and behavioral centers.

Salary Expectations and Job Benefits

Foreign nurses in the U.S. can expect to earn $85,000–$110,000 per year, depending on their role, experience, and location.

Key Benefits Include:

• Paid relocation (flight and initial housing)
• Visa and Green Card sponsorship
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans (401k)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Sign-on bonuses and shift differentials
• Pathway to bring your spouse and children to the U.S.

States like California, New York, and Texas often pay the highest.

Top U.S. Employers That Sponsor Foreign Nurses

1. AdventHealth
A major hospital network across multiple states, regularly hiring international nurses with relocation and training programs.

2. HCA Healthcare
One of the largest hospital systems in the U.S., offering sponsorship and a structured onboarding process for foreign nurses.

3. Cleveland Clinic
A globally respected hospital that sponsors nurses in specialized roles like cardiac and critical care.

4. Mayo Clinic
A top-ranked institution that hires international nurses for research and patient care.

5. MedPro International
A staffing agency that specifically helps international nurses enter the U.S. with training and licensing support.

6. O’Grady Peyton International
Specialized in international nurse recruitment, offering visa help, training, and job placement.

How to Apply for Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the U.S.

Step 1: Get Credentialed
Start with CGFNS certification and verify your nursing education. Then prepare for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 2: Search for Employers
Use platforms like:

• MedPro International
• O’Grady Peyton
• Indeed (filter for “visa sponsorship”)
• LinkedIn
  Also, visit hospital career pages directly.

Step 3: Submit Your Resume and Documentation
Include your credentials, test scores, and license information. Ensure your resume is U.S.-formatted.

Step 4: Attend Interviews and Get Sponsorship
Most interviews happen online. If selected, your employer will start the visa paperwork.

Step 5: Prepare to Relocate
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive orientation, relocation assistance, and housing support to help you start your life in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. degree to work as a nurse?
No. As long as your foreign degree is equivalent and verified by CGFNS, you can apply.

How long does the visa process take?
Typically 6–12 months from the time you pass NCLEX and get a job offer.

Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. The EB-3 visa allows your spouse and children under 21 to join you in the U.S.

Is the NCLEX hard to pass?
It can be challenging, but many agencies offer prep courses to help international nurses succeed.

Conclusions

The nursing profession is one of the most respected and in-demand fields in the United States. If you’re a foreign-trained nurse ready to take the next step in your career, 2025 offers incredible opportunities to earn $85,000 or more per year, relocate with full support, and build a better future in the U.S.

With a clear visa path, generous benefits, and long-term job stability, now is the perfect time to apply. Start preparing your credentials today, and take your nursing career to the world’s biggest healthcare market.