Addressing staffing shortages with skilled international nursing talent is a strategic, long-term solution. However, the complexities of US immigration and licensure can present significant hurdles.
With over two decades of experience, Espirita offers a holistic approach, guiding you and our nursing professionals through every step of the immigration, licensure and visa processes. We don’t just fill positions; we build lasting partnerships by equipping you with the understanding and resources required for success.
Understanding US visa pathways for international nurses
Understanding the intent and nuances of various visa categories is essential for effective international recruitment. The complexities of the immigration process can be daunting, but with Espirita, you’re never alone. Our expert recruitment consultants and immigration specialists provide clear, detailed guidance at each stage, setting your future nurses up for a successful US career.
TN (Trade NAFTA):
Streamlined recruitment from Canada and Mexico
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa for citizens of Canada and Mexico, facilitating temporary employment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Key benefits:
- Fast processing time, often approved at the border or port of entry
- Allows recruitment of qualified healthcare professionals from Canada and Mexico
- Lower processing costs compared to other visa types
Considerations and requirements:
- Limited to citizens of Canada and Mexico
- Temporary visa (up to three years, renewable), not leading to permanent residency
- Nurse must possess the required educational qualifications
- Employer must provide a job offer for a USMCA-listed role
Schedule A I-140 (EB-3):
Streamlined path to permanent residency
The EB-3 visa is an immigrant visa category that allows for permanent residency (Green Card) through employment sponsorship in the US. Schedule A identifies occupations with a demonstrated shortage of workers, enabling expedited EB-3 processing. The I-140 is the petition filed by the employer to sponsor the worker.
Key benefits:
- Accelerated processing times for healthcare professionals
- Reduced need to demonstrate local recruitment efforts due to recognised skills shortage
- Secures a permanent workforce for hard-to-fill positions
Considerations and requirements:
- Only applicable for specific healthcare roles listed under Schedule A
- Process can still take between several months and up to several years, depending on the Visa Bulletin status
- Worker must be qualified for one of the Schedule A occupations (e.g. registered nurse)
- Employer must file an I-140 petition to sponsor the worker
H-1B:
Addressing temporary staffing needs with specialised skills
The H-1B visa is a temporary work visa for international healthcare professionals in specialised occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Key benefits:
- Enables healthcare facilities to recruit qualified and specialised healthcare professionals from abroad for temporary assignments
- Suitable for nurses, doctors, and medical practitioners with specialised skills
- Provides flexibility to address shorter-term staffing needs
Considerations and requirements:
- Subject to an annual cap (unless your facility meets the cap exemption eligibility criteria), so competition can be high
- Employees are in the US temporarily (up to 6 years), offering less stability than permanent visa options
- Role must require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field
- Employer must file a petition demonstrating the need for a specialist
- Worker must possess the necessary qualifications
We’ll collaborate closely with your facility and our nurses to identify the most suitable visa option for your specific needs. Our dedicated team manages the entire process, from recruitment to placement, freeing up your valuable time and resources.
Navigating licensure requirements with confidence
Licensure requirements can vary significantly by state. Espirita’s expert team possesses in-depth knowledge of these requirements. We manage all necessary documentation and assessments, ensuring your nurses are fully prepared for their US careers.
NCLEX
International nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and obtain state licensure to practise in the US. Each state’s Board of Nursing (BON) has specific requirements, including credential evaluation (e.g. CGFNS VisaScreen®) and English language proficiency.
Licensure can be obtained through:
- Examination – For first-time applicants who must pass the NCLEX and meet all state-specific requirements.
- Endorsement – For nurses already licensed in another US state, allowing them to transfer their credentials without retaking the NCLEX.
Espirita ensures that international nursing professionals are well-prepared and fully supported throughout this process, helping them meet the specific licensure requirements of their target state and facilitating their transition into the US healthcare workforce.
Credential evaluation and VisaScreen®
International healthcare professionals must undergo credential evaluation to meet US standards. We guide nurses through this process, ensuring their education and experience align with state BON requirements and assist with obtaining VisaScreen® certification.
English language proficiency
Being able to communicate effectively in English is important for all healthcare workers in the United States. We have partnered with Specialist Language Courses (SLC) to offer our international nurses tailored courses and lessons to help them achieve the scores they need for the IELTS or OET exams. With over 50 hours of self-study resources, weekly tutor sessions, mock testing and specialist medical terminology content, you can trust our nurses will operate effectively as valued member of your team from day one.
Partner with Espirita today
Let’s discuss how we can support your recruitment needs and provide comprehensive immigration and licensure support for your international workforce.