How to become a nurse in the U.S. from the Philippines

The USA is one of the top destinations for Filipino nurses who are looking for better career opportunities in other countries. Nursing in the USA offers competitive salaries, a wider range of benefits and more opportunities for professional growth. But moving to the U.S. as a nurse educated in the Philippines is a process that requires careful planning and preparation. With Espirita, this journey can be smooth.  

In this article, we will guide you through each step, from getting your U.S. nursing license to making the final move and understanding cost of living and expenses: 

• How to apply as a nurse from the Philippines in the USA
• Why are Filipino nurses moving to the USA?
• What salary do Filipino nurses earn in the USA?
• Is the U.S. hiring Filipino nurses?
• How long does it take for a Filipino nurse to start working in the USA?
• Become a nurse in the U.S. from the Philippines with Espirita

How to apply as a nurse from the Philippines in the USA 

To become a nurse from the Philippines in the USA, you will have to meet specific requirements to practice and immigrate into the country. The process can seem overwhelming and complicated but managing the journey one step at a time can make applying less daunting.  

Here’s what to expect: 

1. Get a U.S. nursing license
2. Find a U.S.-based employer or recruitment agency
3. Secure a U.S. work visa
4. Move from the Philippines (or somewhere else) to the U.S.

1. Get a U.S. nursing license 

The professional requirements for getting a U.S. nursing license vary depending on the state you apply to work in. Every state has its own board of nursing that follows different processes, but generally, getting a U.S. nursing licence works as follows: 

• CGFNS evaluation and exam: The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) checks if your nursing education meets U.S. standards. This usually involves an evaluation of your transcripts and possibly taking the CGFNS Qualifying Exam.
• Language test: For your role, you will need to communicate effectively in English, most states require a language proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS. This helps to show that you have the language skills needed to practice your job safely.
• NCLEX-RN exam: The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is a comprehensive exam that assesses your knowledge and readiness to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S.

These are the general steps involved in getting a U.S. nursing license. It’s always best to double-check the specific requirements for the state where you plan to apply for licensure. 

2. Find a U.S.-based employer or recruitment agency  

An essential requirement for your U.S. visa application is a job offer from a U.S. employer or sponsorship from a recruitment agency like Espirita. Without this, you will not be able to successfully apply for a work visa. 

Getting a US nursing job offer or sponsorship is generally easier with the help of a recruitment agency. They have established relationships with healthcare providers and are familiar with the processes involved, making relocation easier for you.  

Alternatively, you can try to find and confirm a job offer directly with an U.S.-based employer. This would involve reaching out to employers, confirming that they accept international applicants and managing the rest of the relocation process on your own. 

3. Secure a U.S. work visa 

To work as a nurse in the U.S., you will need to obtain a visa. The type of visa you can apply to will depend on your qualifications, citizenship and work goals.  

A VisaScreen® with CGFNS is the first step in the process. It ensures your credentials and education meet U.S. nursing standards. Popular visa options for nurses wanting to work in the U.S. are the TN visa and EB-3 visa: 

• TN visa – This is a a non-immigrant work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens that allows qualified professionals, including nurses, to work in the USA on a temporary basis. Applicants must have an offer of employment from a healthcare facility and meet specific licensing or credentialing requirements.
• EB-3 visa – The EB-3 visa, often referred to as Green Card, grants you permanent residency. It allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely and gives you the freedom to change employers after an initial period.

The visa you apply for will depend on your personal and professional goals and having a recruitment agency like Espirita by your side can help make the process clear and manageable. 

4. Move from the Philippines (or somewhere else) to the U.S. 

Once you have decided to move from the Philippines to the U.S., it is important to consider the logistics and practical aspects of relocation, such as moving costs, housing and visa fees.  

With Espirita, this exciting time does not have to be overshadowed by stress. We’re here to support you every step of the way. We help you to plan the logistics of your move and assist with understanding relocation costs, so you can focus on your new role and familiarise yourself with the U.S. healthcare system.  

If you’re a Filipino nurse that already lives abroad, in places such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia, and apply to work in the U.S., State Boards of Nursing and immigration will consider your Filipino education to assess your suitability. The assessment will not be based on the place that you currently live and work in. 

Why are Filipino nurses moving to the USA? 

Filipino nurses are moving to the USA to advance their careers and to secure a better future for themselves and for their families. As a nurse in the USA, there are plenty of opportunities for career growth, with access to advanced healthcare technology, training and specialised roles. On top of the pathways for growth, competitive nursing salaries offer an attractive lifestyle and excellent financial stability for nurses in the U.S.  

What salary do Filipino nurses earn in the USA? 

When you become a nurse in the U.S. from the Philippines, you can expect to earn a salary between $60,000 to $140,000. This is an average range and pay can fall outside of this estimate, depending on your specific role, working arrangements and experience. For visa purposes, your minimum hourly rate will be around $38 per hour and you’ll have to work a minimum of 38 hours per week. 

Salaries for nurses in the USA are some of the highest for healthcare professionals in the world. Working in the US as a Filipino nurse, you enjoy the same competitive pay as U.S.-educated nurses.  

Your salary as a Filipino nurse will depend on different factors, such as location, specialism and the type of organisation you work for. States with a higher cost-of-living like California, New York and Massachusetts pay some of the highest annual nursing salaries in the U.S. Meanwhile, states with a lower cost of living, such as in Michigan and Illinois, are reflective of the cost-of-living expenses.  

Is the U.S. hiring Filipino nurses? 

Healthcare facilities across the U.S. are actively hiring skilled Filipino nurses to meet demand, making it an excellent time to explore nursing opportunities in the USA. Filipino nurses make up 4% of the nursing workforce in the USA and California has the highest percentage of Filipino nurses with more than 18%. 

This demand for skilled nurses in the U.S is expected to grow. An ageing population and a need for more healthcare facilities and services predicts that there will be a significant shortage of nurses in the U.S. by 2030. It is expected that the healthcare sector will continue to look to international nurses from places like the Philippines to close this gap.  . The healthcare sector will continue to look to international nurses from places like the Philippines to close this gap.   

How long does it take for a Filipino nurse to start working in the USA?  

It can take anywhere between 12 to 24 months to start working in the USA as a nurse. This is an estimated timeline and the length of time depends on several factors such as: 

• Processing times for licensure and visa applications
• Delays caused by errors or missing information
• Failing and repeating language tests or the NCLEX exam

Partnering with a recruitment agency that specialises in Filipino nurse relocation will help you start working in the U.S. more quickly. At Espirita, our credentialing specialists and immigration lawyers guide you through the complex process of visa and licensure application to avoid unnecessary delays. 

Become a nurse in the US from the Philippines with Espirita 

Ready to make your dream of working as a nurse in the USA a reality? Search and apply for jobs tailored for Filipino nurses looking to relocate or register with us to receive personalised guidance throughout the process.