The United States remains an attractive destination for qualified international nurses looking for better career opportunities, professional development and the possibility of permanent residence. Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres and other healthcare facilities recruit nurses from different countries to address staffing needs.
For foreign-trained nurses, one of the most important opportunities is employer-sponsored employment through the EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa pathway. Under this route, a qualifying US healthcare employer can sponsor an eligible foreign nurse for permanent employment and, subject to immigration approval and visa availability, permanent residence.
However, there is an important clarification about the advertised $150,000 visa sponsorship grant. The US government does not operate a general $150,000 grant that automatically pays international nurses to relocate to America. The amount should not be treated as a guaranteed cash award, salary or relocation allowance. It may be used in misleading advertisements to attract applicants.
What legitimate employers may offer includes visa sponsorship, assistance with immigration paperwork, recruitment support, relocation benefits, temporary accommodation or a sign-on bonus. These benefits vary by employer and must be confirmed in a written employment offer.
This guide explains the actual requirements, documents, application steps and ways to find legitimate nursing jobs in the United States in 2026.
Can Foreign Nurses Get Visa Sponsorship in the USA?
Yes. Qualified foreign nurses can obtain employment-based immigration sponsorship from eligible US healthcare employers.
A common pathway is the EB-3 immigrant visa, which covers skilled workers and professionals. Registered nursing positions can qualify under the professional nurse category, depending on the job and the applicant's qualifications.
Professional nurses are also included in Schedule A, Group I occupations. This is significant because the employer can submit the required Schedule A labour-certification documentation directly with the immigrant petition rather than following the ordinary PERM recruitment process.
The employer generally files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, on behalf of the nurse. The applicant must still meet the immigration, education, licensing and healthcare-worker certification requirements.
A successful application may lead to lawful permanent residence rather than merely a short-term work permit. However, approval is not automatic, and visa availability can affect how long the process takes.
What Does the $150,000 Visa Sponsorship Grant Cover?
Applicants should understand the difference between a grant, a salary and an employer-sponsored immigration package.
| Advertised benefit | What it actually means |
|---|---|
| $150,000 grant | Not a standard US government nursing immigration grant |
| Visa sponsorship | An employer supports the worker's qualifying immigration application |
| Annual salary | Money paid by the employer for nursing work, according to the employment contract |
| Relocation assistance | Employer contribution towards eligible moving or travel expenses |
| Sign-on bonus | A recruitment incentive that may have conditions or repayment clauses |
| Immigration support | Assistance with petitions, documentation and other immigration procedures |
A nurse should not assume that an employer will pay $150,000 simply because an advert uses that figure.
Before accepting an offer, request a written breakdown of the salary, working hours, benefits, immigration costs, relocation assistance and any contractual obligations.
Eligibility Requirements for Nursing Jobs in the USA
Foreign-trained nurses must satisfy professional and immigration requirements before they can work legally in the United States.
The exact requirements depend on the state where the nurse intends to practise and the employer's recruitment conditions.
Educational qualifications
Applicants generally need to have completed an accredited or recognised nursing education programme.
Common qualifications include:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Registered Nursing diploma or equivalent professional nursing qualification.
Other nursing qualifications accepted by the relevant state nursing board.
A nursing certificate alone does not automatically qualify someone for a US registered nurse position. The state board will assess whether the applicant's education meets its requirements.
Professional nursing registration
Applicants should have a valid nursing registration or licence in their country of training or practice.
For Nigerian applicants, this normally means providing evidence of registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), where applicable.
Employers and credential evaluation organisations may request verification of registration, professional standing and previous employment.
Work experience
Some employers accept newly qualified nurses who meet their licensing requirements, while others prefer candidates with one or more years of clinical experience.
Experience in areas such as the following may be useful:
Medical-surgical nursing.
Intensive care.
Emergency nursing.
Theatre and perioperative nursing.
Paediatrics.
Geriatric nursing.
Oncology.
Mental health nursing.
Specialist experience can improve an application, but it does not replace the required US licensing examinations.
English-language proficiency
International applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an approved examination.
Depending on the state board and the healthcare-worker certification route, accepted examinations and score requirements may differ. IELTS and TOEFL are among the examinations that applicants may encounter.
Do not book an examination before checking the requirements of your intended state and credentialing organisation.
NCLEX-RN examination
Foreign-trained applicants seeking US registered nurse licensure generally need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
The examination assesses whether candidates have the knowledge and clinical judgment needed to practise safely as registered nurses.
Each state has its own nursing board and application requirements. Passing the examination is an important step, but it does not automatically issue a licence in every state.
Documents Needed to Apply for US Nursing Jobs
Preparing your documents early can make the recruitment and credential evaluation process easier.
Most international nursing applicants should prepare the following:
International passport.
Updated nursing CV or résumé.
Nursing degree, diploma or certificate.
Academic transcripts.
Nursing registration certificate.
Current professional licence or evidence of good standing.
Employment reference letters.
Evidence of clinical work experience.
English-language test results, where required.
NCLEX-RN examination results, when available.
Credential evaluation or VisaScreen documentation, as applicable.
Birth certificate and other civil documents required for immigration processing.
Your CV should clearly identify your nursing qualification, registration status, clinical experience, specialist skills, previous employers and professional training.
Avoid submitting false employment letters, altered academic records or fabricated licences. Immigration fraud can result in serious consequences, including visa refusal and future ineligibility.
Full Steps to Apply for Nursing Jobs in the USA With Visa Sponsorship
The following process provides a practical route for international nurses who want to work in America.
Step 1: Confirm Your Nursing Qualification
Start by checking whether your nursing education and professional registration can meet the requirements of a US state nursing board.
Your qualification may need to undergo an international credentials evaluation. This process helps establish whether your nursing education is comparable to the required US standard.
Do not assume that every foreign nursing diploma or degree will automatically be accepted.
Step 2: Choose the State Where You Want to Work
Nursing licences in the United States are regulated at state level. Each state has its own board of nursing, application fees, documentation requirements and procedures for internationally educated nurses.
For example, an applicant interested in working in Texas should check the Texas Board of Nursing's requirements, while someone targeting New York should consult the New York State Education Department.
Consider the following before selecting a state:
Whether your nursing qualification is acceptable.
Whether an English test is required.
Whether you need a Social Security Number before receiving your licence.
The state's NCLEX application procedure.
The cost and time involved in obtaining a licence.
Whether employers in the state recruit internationally educated nurses.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides a useful starting point for understanding state-specific requirements.
Step 3: Apply for NCLEX-RN Eligibility
After selecting your state, contact its nursing board and follow the application process for internationally educated nurses.
You may be asked to submit academic transcripts, nursing registration details, proof of identity and other educational documents.
If the board determines that you are eligible, you can proceed with the NCLEX registration process.
The NCLEX is not an examination that applicants should register for blindly. First, obtain the relevant state's instructions and approval.
Step 4: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN
The NCLEX-RN is one of the most important professional requirements for foreign nurses pursuing US registered nurse positions.
Prepare using recognised study materials and practise questions covering areas such as:
Safe and effective care.
Health promotion and maintenance.
Psychosocial integrity.
Physiological integrity.
Clinical decision-making.
Patient safety and infection control.
Once you pass the examination, retain your official result and follow the state board's instructions for completing the licensing process.
Some states may allow applicants to take the examination before satisfying every requirement for the final licence. This is why checking the relevant board's rules is essential.
Step 5: Complete VisaScreen or the Required Healthcare-Worker Certification
Foreign nurses seeking US immigration must also pay attention to healthcare-worker certification requirements.
VisaScreen is a credential assessment service historically provided by CGFNS International, now operating under the TruMerit name. It evaluates relevant education, professional registration, English proficiency and examination requirements for qualifying healthcare workers.
For most foreign nurses, this certification is an important part of the immigration process.
There are specific alternative certification provisions for some nurses who meet conditions involving an unrestricted licence, NCLEX passage, state verification and qualifying English-language nursing education.
Check the current requirements with the approved credentialing organisation before applying. Do not assume that passing NCLEX alone removes every certification requirement.
Step 6: Prepare Your Nursing CV and Apply for Sponsored Vacancies
Once your professional documents are ready, begin applying to US healthcare employers that recruit internationally educated nurses.
Your CV should be professional, concise and tailored to each vacancy.
Include:
Full name and contact information.
Nursing qualification and institution.
Professional registration details.
Clinical work experience.
Nursing specialisations.
NCLEX status.
English-language test results, if applicable.
Certifications and relevant training.
References, where requested.
When applying, look for vacancy descriptions that specifically mention international nurse recruitment, EB-3 sponsorship, immigrant visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.
Do not assume that every US hospital advertising a registered nurse vacancy sponsors overseas applicants. Confirm this before spending money on an application.
Step 7: Attend Interviews and Receive a Written Job Offer
Employers may conduct telephone, video or in-person interviews.
During the interview, expect questions about clinical experience, patient care, medication administration, infection prevention, teamwork and emergency situations.
You may also be asked about your NCLEX progress, state licensing status and readiness to relocate.
If selected, request a written employment offer containing:
Job title and work location.
Annual salary or hourly rate.
Expected working hours and shifts.
Overtime arrangements.
Health insurance and other benefits.
Visa sponsorship arrangements.
Relocation or accommodation assistance.
Contract length and termination provisions.
Any repayment obligations for recruitment or relocation expenses.
Never rely entirely on promises made through WhatsApp, social media or an informal telephone conversation.
Step 8: Allow the Employer to Begin the Immigration Sponsorship Process
For a qualifying professional nursing position, the employer may use the Schedule A, Group I process.
The employer generally prepares the relevant labour-certification documentation and submits the required petition to USCIS.
Form I-140 is the key immigrant petition filed by the employer on behalf of the prospective employee.
The employer must provide evidence that the job and the applicant meet the relevant requirements. USCIS also examines the employer's ability to pay the offered wage.
Remember that an employer's promise to sponsor you is not the same as an approved immigration petition.
Step 9: Complete the National Visa Center Process
After approval of the immigrant petition, the case may be forwarded to the US Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC).
When instructed, the applicant completes the required immigrant visa application, usually Form DS-260 for consular processing.
The NVC may request documents such as:
Valid international passport.
Birth certificate.
Police certificates.
Marriage certificate, if applicable.
Academic and professional records, where requested.
Other civil documents required for the case.
Applicants must follow the instructions issued for their individual cases rather than relying on generic online checklists.
Step 10: Attend Your US Embassy Visa Interview
When your application is documentarily complete and an immigrant visa is available, the relevant US embassy or consulate can schedule an interview.
For applicants living in Nigeria, follow the instructions provided for the US Embassy or Consulate handling the case.
You may be required to complete a medical examination with an authorised panel physician before the interview.
Take your original documents and any additional evidence requested by the embassy.
The consular officer will assess whether you qualify for the immigrant visa. Having an approved employer petition does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Step 11: Travel to the USA and Begin Employment
If your immigrant visa is approved, follow the instructions concerning visa validity, the USCIS immigrant fee and travel.
After admission to the United States as a permanent resident, you can complete the employer's onboarding requirements and begin working in accordance with your professional licence and employment agreement.
Before travelling, confirm your reporting date, accommodation arrangements, transportation and any remaining employment conditions.
Where to Find Nursing Jobs in the USA With Visa Sponsorship
Applicants should prioritise official hospital career pages and established healthcare recruitment organisations.
The following are useful places to begin your search:
1. Major hospital career websites
Check the career pages of healthcare systems such as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, HCA Healthcare and other major hospital employers. Search for registered nurse vacancies and check whether each individual position accepts international applicants.
2. Healthcare recruitment agencies
Some specialist nursing recruitment agencies work with US healthcare employers and recruit nurses internationally. Before signing an agreement, investigate the agency's registration, reputation, employer relationships and contract terms.
3. General job platforms
You can also search for vacancies on Indeed and LinkedIn using phrases such as:
International Registered Nurse Sponsorship USA.
EB-3 Nurse Sponsorship.
Registered Nurse Visa Sponsorship.
Foreign-Trained Nurse Recruitment.
US Hospital International Nurse Jobs.
A search result containing the words "visa sponsorship" does not establish that the employer is genuine or that the position qualifies for an immigrant visa. Verify every vacancy directly with the healthcare employer.
What Salary Can International Nurses Earn in the USA?
Nursing salaries in the United States vary considerably. The amount depends on the employer, state, city, experience, speciality, qualifications, shift pattern and working hours.
Registered nurses working in high-cost metropolitan areas may receive higher nominal salaries than those in smaller towns, but living expenses can also be substantially higher.
Factors that influence earnings include:
Years of professional experience.
Specialist nursing qualifications.
Hospital or healthcare facility.
State and local labour market.
Day, night, weekend or holiday shifts.
Overtime and additional responsibilities.
A $150,000 annual salary is not guaranteed for every registered nurse. It should not be confused with a government grant or an automatic relocation payment.
Before accepting an offer, compare the base salary with the cost of housing, transportation, insurance, taxes and other living expenses in the proposed work location.
Do US Hospitals Provide Free Accommodation and Relocation Assistance?
Some employers provide relocation assistance, temporary accommodation, travel support or sign-on bonuses to attract qualified nurses. Others provide only immigration sponsorship and a standard employment package.
These benefits are not universal.
Ask the employer whether the package includes:
Flight assistance from your home country.
Temporary accommodation after arrival.
Relocation allowance.
Support with professional registration.
Immigration legal assistance.
Assistance with settling into the new location.
A sign-on or retention bonus.
Check whether the benefits are paid upfront or reimbursed after arrival. Also read any agreement requiring you to repay relocation expenses if you leave the employer before a specified period.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Immigration processing can take time
An approved employer petition does not always mean an immediate visa appointment. Employment-based immigrant visas are subject to annual numerical limits and priority-date rules.
Applicants should monitor the monthly US Department of State Visa Bulletin to understand when their category and priority date become eligible for further processing.
Professional licensing and immigration are separate processes
An employer may be willing to sponsor you, but you must still meet the nursing board's professional requirements. Similarly, passing NCLEX does not automatically grant an immigrant visa.
Not every recruitment agency is legitimate
Be cautious of recruiters who guarantee a visa, promise an automatic $150,000 grant or demand large upfront payments for a job offer.
Verify the employer, obtain a written contract and consult a qualified immigration attorney if you are uncertain about an agreement.
Understand the employment contract
Some recruitment agreements contain repayment clauses, minimum service periods or other restrictions. Understand the consequences of resigning, changing employers or failing to meet the contract conditions before signing.
Related Article: Affordable Co-Living Spaces in the USA Under $500 for New Immigrants: Budget-Friendly Housing Options
Conclusion
Getting a nursing job in the United States with employer visa sponsorship is possible for qualified international nurses, but the process involves more than submitting a CV or paying a recruitment agency.
Applicants should first confirm their nursing qualifications, choose a state, complete the relevant licensing requirements, prepare for NCLEX-RN, obtain the necessary healthcare-worker certification and apply to employers that genuinely sponsor international nurses.
The EB-3 pathway, particularly Schedule A for professional nurses, can provide a route to permanent employment and residence when all requirements are met.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone because they promise an automatic $150,000 visa sponsorship grant. Focus on genuine employment offers, verifiable employers and official immigration procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there really a $150,000 visa sponsorship grant for nurses in the USA?
There is no general US government programme that automatically awards foreign nurses a $150,000 grant to relocate. The figure may appear in promotional advertisements, but applicants should verify whether an offer refers to salary, relocation benefits, a recruitment incentive or something else.
Can a Nigerian nurse apply for US nursing jobs with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Nigerian-trained nurses can pursue US nursing opportunities if they meet the relevant education, professional registration, state licensing, examination, healthcare-worker certification and immigration requirements. They should apply to employers that accept internationally educated nurses and offer genuine sponsorship.
Do I need to pass NCLEX-RN before applying for nursing jobs in the USA?
Not necessarily for every initial recruitment application. Some employers recruit candidates who are still preparing for NCLEX, while others require a passed examination or an active state licence before making an offer. However, NCLEX-RN is a central requirement for US registered nurse licensure.
Does EB-3 nursing sponsorship lead to a Green Card?
A successful EB-3 immigrant visa application can lead to lawful permanent residence in the United States. However, the applicant must satisfy all relevant immigration requirements, and an immigrant visa number must be available before the visa can be issued.
How long does it take to get a US nursing job and visa sponsorship?
There is no guaranteed processing period. The timeline depends on credential evaluation, state licensing, NCLEX preparation, employer recruitment, petition processing, visa availability and embassy scheduling. Applicants should monitor the Visa Bulletin and avoid making major travel or employment decisions before their visas are issued.