U.S. visa requirements for foreign-educated nurses
With Espirita, you will have a reliable partner by your side as you navigate the process of relocating to the United States of America. We will advise you on the most suitable visa for your circumstances, helping you to make your move seamlessly and in a way that works for you and any dependents you may have.
Types of U.S. visas for healthcare professionals
Most overseas nurses and other healthcare professionals we help to relocate typically apply for one of two U.S. visas:
EB-3 visa
The Employment-Based Third Preference or EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa that allows skilled workers and professionals including nurses to immigrate to the USA. Nurses fall under the list of Schedule A pre-certified professions, allowing employers to expediting the hiring process.
Already in the USA on another visa? Healthcare professionals on an F-1 student visa, H-1B or E-3 Specialty Occupancy visa, or a spouse visa can apply for an adjustment of status to obtain the EB-3.
Eligibility criteria:
Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an U.S. employer. In addition, they must have the required qualifications, pass the NCLEX exam, complete the CGFNS VisaScreen® and obtain a U.S. State Board of Nursing license.
Benefits:
- Offers a visa pathway to permanent residency (Green Card)
- Family members (spouse and children under 21) can accompany and be included in the visa application
Disadvantages:
- Processing times can be long and are dependent on U.S. consulates and immigration
- Requires a U.S. employer sponsor willing to undertake the process
TN visa
The Treaty NAFTA (TN) visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for skilled professionals, including registered nurses.
Eligibility criteria:
Only Canadian and Mexican nurses and healthcare workers can apply. Applicants need a job offer in the U.S. and must meet specific criteria, including passing the NCLEX exam, completing the CGFNS VisaScreen® and obtaining a U.S. State Board of Nursing license.
Benefits:
- No annual cap or lottery
- Can be renewed indefinitely
- Fast processing times
Disadvantages:
- Only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens
- Does not offer a direct path to permanent residency
- Spouse or children do not have permission to work, but they can study in the U.S.
How do I choose the right visa?
Don’t worry, we will recommend a visa depending on your circumstances, qualifications and long-term goals. When applying for a healthcare job in the USA with Espirita, our experienced team of recruitment consultants and immigration lawyers will guide you through the entire process.
Factors we will consider before applying for a visa include:
- Your profession/qualifications
- Planned length of stay
- Licensure/professional registration
- Visa processing times
- Language tests
- Desire for permanent residency (Green Card) or citizenship in the future
- Dependents like a spouse or children
A U.S. visa must – licensure and professional registration
U.S. State Boards of Nursing require foreign-educated nurses to evaluate their academic and professional credentials with CFGNS International. You will have to complete and pass this evaluation before you can apply for a U.S. visa.
Start your U.S. visa journey with Espirita
If you’re an international nurse or healthcare professional dreaming of making the move to the USA, partnering with Espirita gives you invaluable guidance from our relocation experts and access to career transforming healthcare roles. From visa application and licensure to booking flight and meeting you at the airport, our team will support you throughout the entire relocation process.
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