The United States is facing a nationwide nursing shortage, leading to a surge in demand for qualified international registered nurses (RNs). If you’re a trained nurse looking to live and work in the U.S., this is the perfect time to apply for nurse sponsorship jobs that offer green card sponsorship and annual salaries exceeding $90,000. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for US nurse visa opportunities, the requirements, and how to transition to permanent residency through your profession.
Why Choose a Nursing Career in the U.S.?
- High demand across all 50 states — especially in hospitals and elderly care facilities
- Average salary for RNs: $75,000 – $110,000 annually
- Employers provide direct green card for nurses (EB-3 visa)
- Opportunity to bring family members under permanent residency
- Clear path to U.S. citizenship within 5 years
Top States Hiring International Nurses
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Illinois
- North Carolina
These states offer some of the highest USA nurse salary packages and have streamlined recruitment processes for foreign-trained nurses.
How Green Card Sponsorship Works for Nurses
Most U.S. hospitals and healthcare agencies use the EB-3 visa category to hire international nurses. This employment-based immigrant visa allows direct application for permanent residency.
- Employer files an I-140 petition on your behalf
- You receive a green card once approved and visa is available
- Spouse and children under 21 also receive green cards
- No lottery system – processing is based on priority date and country quota
Basic Requirements for Foreign Nurses
- Completed nursing degree (equivalent to U.S. RN education)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Obtain a VisaScreen certificate (CGFNS or equivalent)
- Have English proficiency (IELTS Academic – 6.5 overall, 7.0 in speaking)
- Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor a green card
Average Salaries for RNs in the U.S. (2025)
- California: $115,000+
- New York: $100,000+
- Texas: $90,000+
- Florida: $85,000+
- Illinois: $92,000+
These figures highlight the high sponsor nurse salary potential across different U.S. regions.
How to Apply for RN Jobs in the U.S. with Sponsorship
- Prepare your credentials (degree, transcript, license verification)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Apply for VisaScreen (CGFNS certification)
- Apply for green card nurse job openings via recruitment agencies or directly to hospitals
- Attend interviews (online or through global recruiters)
- Once offered, the employer will begin green card processing
Top Nurse Recruitment Agencies in the U.S.
- O’Grady Peyton International
- Avant Healthcare Professionals
- WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions
- Interstaff
- CareerKnacks International
These agencies specialize in assisting foreign nurses with healthcare immigration to the U.S.
Benefits of Nurse Immigration to the USA
- Green card sponsorship from Day 1
- Long-term career growth and specialization options
- Access to U.S. healthcare benefits
- Spouse can work and children can study in the U.S.
- Option to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does green card processing take for nurses?
A: Processing time can vary from 6 months to 2 years depending on your country of origin and the employer’s processing speed.
Q: Do I need U.S. work experience to apply?
A: No. Foreign experience is acceptable, provided you pass the NCLEX and meet other credentialing requirements.
Q: Can I bring my family with me?
A: Yes. Spouse and unmarried children under 21 qualify for green cards under your EB-3 petition.
Conclusion
If you’re a qualified nurse looking to move abroad, now is the perfect time to explore RN jobs USA with green card sponsorship. With strong salaries, high demand, and a clear path to residency, the U.S. offers unmatched opportunities in the healthcare sector. Start your journey today by preparing your credentials and applying to nurse sponsorship jobs across top U.S. hospitals and agencies.