Work Visa and Green Card options for nurses
A new guide released by U.S. immigration law firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC outlines the official visa and green card options available to internationally trained nurses seeking employment in the United States. The update aims to help healthcare professionals and employers navigate complex immigration requirements amid the country’s ongoing nursing shortage.
According to the guide, only certain nursing positions qualify for the H-1B specialty occupation visa, which requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Advanced roles such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists are more likely to meet H-1B eligibility criteria, while standard registered nurse (RN) roles generally do not, as many states allow RN licensure with an associate degree.
For most foreign nurses, the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) Green Card under Schedule A remains the primary immigration route. Schedule A designates nurses and physical therapists as shortage occupations, allowing employers to sponsor candidates directly without going through the standard labour market test (PERM).
Canadian and Mexican citizens may also apply for a TN visa under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), provided they hold valid nursing credentials and state licensure.
The firm emphasizes that all foreign nurses must obtain VisaScreen certification, pass the NCLEX licensing exam, and hold a U.S. state nursing license before filing for either a work visa or a green card.
Immigration experts note that the United States continues to face a critical shortage of qualified nurses, particularly in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The streamlined EB-3 process under Schedule A offers an efficient route for healthcare institutions to address staffing needs while giving international nurses a clear path to permanent residency.
The guidance underscores the importance of early preparation, accurate documentation, and professional legal support for both applicants and employers to avoid delays or denials during the immigration process.