AdminThe United States healthcare system is one of the largest employers of international professionals. With a growing nursing shortage and aging population, hospitals and medical facilities across the country are turning to foreign-trained nurses to fill critical staffing gaps. The EB-3 employment-based visa provides a legal and permanent pathway for qualified international nurses to work and live in the U.S. with their families.
If you are a registered nurse looking for a long-term nursing career in the United States, this guide will help you understand everything about EB-3 sponsorship — including job requirements, salary expectations, top employers, and how to apply successfully in 2025.
What Is the EB-3 Visa for Nurses?
The EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) Visa is a U.S. immigrant visa that allows employers to sponsor skilled, professional, and unskilled foreign workers for permanent residency. For nurses, it serves as a direct green card sponsorship program, meaning once approved, you and your family can live and work permanently in the United States.
Unlike temporary work visas such as the H-1B or TN, the EB-3 visa grants long-term security. Nurses sponsored under EB-3 can enjoy permanent resident benefits, work anywhere after a few years, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
Key Highlights of the EB-3 Visa for Nurses
- Provides a U.S. Green Card (Permanent Residency)
- Allows you to live, work, and study in the United States
- Covers spouse and unmarried children under 21
- No need for a U.S. degree if you meet NCLEX and licensing requirements
- Employers cover most sponsorship and immigration costs
In 2025, the EB-3 route remains one of the most reliable and in-demand options for foreign nurses.
Why the U.S. Needs International Nurses
The United States has been facing a severe nursing shortage for years. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this gap, and as senior nurses retire, hospitals are struggling to fill thousands of positions.
According to the American Nurses Association, the U.S. needs more than 200,000 new registered nurses every year to meet national healthcare demands. Many states — including Texas, California, Florida, and New York — have open vacancies for foreign nurses under EB-3 sponsorship.
For international applicants, this shortage creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity: a chance to move legally to the U.S., earn competitive pay, and build a stable life with your family.
Benefits of Working in the U.S. as an EB-3 Nurse
- Green Card and Permanent Residency for you and your family
- High earning potential with average salaries above $75,000 per year
- Free or subsidized housing and relocation assistance
- Comprehensive health insurance and pension plans
- Career growth in advanced nursing and management roles
- Access to U.S. education for your dependents
- Pathway to U.S. citizenship after several years of residency
These benefits make the EB-3 visa one of the most attractive immigration options for international nurses in 2025.
Eligibility Requirements for EB-3 Nursing Sponsorship
Before applying, you must meet both U.S. immigration and nursing licensing requirements.
Basic Eligibility
- Must be a Registered Nurse (RN) in your home country
- Hold a Nursing Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Have at least 2 years of work experience (recommended)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination
- Obtain a VisaScreen Certificate (issued by CGFNS)
- Prove English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL required)
- Receive a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer
Once these requirements are met, your U.S. employer can file the EB-3 petition on your behalf.
Step-by-Step Process for EB-3 Visa Application
The EB-3 process involves several stages. It can take 12–24 months from start to finish, depending on processing times and document readiness.
Step 1: Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship
A U.S. hospital or recruitment agency must offer you a full-time nursing position. They act as your official sponsor and file the required forms with U.S. immigration authorities.
Step 2: Labor Certification (PERM)
Your employer must file a PERM Labor Certification to prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for your position. This step ensures compliance with Department of Labor rules.
Step 3: I-140 Petition Filing
After PERM approval, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). Once accepted, you will receive a priority date confirming your place in the EB-3 queue.
Step 4: Visa Processing
If you are outside the U.S., your documents are sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). You will then complete your medical exam, interview, and consular processing at a U.S. embassy.
Step 5: Receive Your Immigrant Visa
After approval, you receive your immigrant visa and Green Card. You can travel to the U.S., begin work with your sponsoring employer, and settle permanently.
Step 6: Family Sponsorship
Your spouse and children under 21 can also receive dependent Green Cards, allowing them to live, work, and study in the U.S.
Documents Required for EB-3 Nursing Jobs
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Nursing license and degree certificates
- Proof of passing the NCLEX-RN
- CGFNS VisaScreen certificate
- Police clearance and medical records
- Job offer letter and signed contract
- English test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Proof of experience and references
Having all documents ready helps prevent visa delays and ensures faster approval.
Average Salary for Nurses under EB-3 Sponsorship
Salaries for nurses in the United States vary based on location, specialty, and experience. However, EB-3-sponsored nurses receive the same pay as U.S. citizens — ensuring equal treatment under U.S. labour laws.
Average Annual Salaries by Role
- Registered Nurse (General Care): $70,000 – $90,000
- ICU or ER Nurse: $85,000 – $110,000
- Operating Room Nurse: $80,000 – $100,000
- Geriatric or Long-Term Care Nurse: $65,000 – $85,000
- Nurse Supervisor or Charge Nurse: $95,000 – $120,000
Salaries by State (Approximate Averages)
- California: $105,000
- Texas: $85,000
- Florida: $78,000
- New York: $95,000
- Illinois: $82,000
- North Carolina: $76,000
Most employers provide additional benefits such as overtime pay, housing assistance, and signing bonuses for new international recruits.
Top U.S. Employers Hiring Nurses with EB-3 Sponsorship
Many reputable hospitals and healthcare organizations in the U.S. actively recruit and sponsor international nurses each year. Below are examples of top employers known to offer EB-3 sponsorship:
Hospital and Healthcare Systems
- AdventHealth (Florida, Texas, and Midwest regions)
- HCA Healthcare (nationwide network of hospitals)
- Mayo Clinic (Minnesota and Arizona)
- Cleveland Clinic (Ohio and Florida)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (Maryland)
- Baylor Scott & White Health (Texas)
- Kaiser Permanente (California)
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
- Ascension Health (various states)
- Northwell Health (New York)
Nursing Recruitment Agencies
Some authorized agencies partner directly with hospitals to handle the EB-3 sponsorship process for foreign nurses. They provide document assistance, licensing support, and relocation help.
Specialties in High Demand
Certain nursing specialties are more in demand across the U.S. These roles often receive faster sponsorship and placement:
- Critical Care and ICU Nursing
- Emergency Room Nursing
- Surgical and Operating Theatre Nursing
- Geriatric and Long-Term Care
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Rehabilitation Nursing
Having experience or certification in one of these areas can greatly improve your job prospects.
Cost of EB-3 Sponsorship
Most U.S. employers cover the cost of the EB-3 sponsorship process, including immigration fees, recruitment expenses, and legal support.
However, you may need to pay for:
- English language testing (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Credential verification by CGFNS
- Medical exams and personal document costs
Always confirm with your employer or recruitment agency what expenses they cover.
Life of an EB-3 Nurse in the U.S.
Once you arrive in the United States, your employer will help with relocation, accommodation, and orientation. You’ll undergo training to adjust to the U.S. healthcare system and work culture.
Nurses typically work 36 to 40 hours per week on rotating shifts. Most hospitals provide structured schedules and overtime pay. You’ll also receive paid annual leave, sick days, and opportunities for advanced study or specialization.
Outside of work, you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle — with access to modern housing, public transport, and diverse communities. As a permanent resident, you can travel freely, buy property, and plan your long-term future.
Advantages of EB-3 Over Other U.S. Visa Options
- Permanent Residency: Unlike temporary visas, EB-3 offers Green Card status.
- Family Sponsorship: Your spouse and children receive dependent Green Cards.
- No Renewal Needed: Permanent residence removes the stress of visa renewals.
- Equal Pay: You earn the same as U.S. citizens in your role.
- Mobility: After a few years, you can change employers or move states freely.
These factors make the EB-3 visa the preferred choice for nurses seeking long-term stability in the United States.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam early to speed up sponsorship offers.
- Keep your documents organized and professionally translated if necessary.
- Choose only verified recruitment agencies or direct hospital offers.
- Prepare well for visa and employment interviews.
- Maintain a positive professional reputation; employers value reliability.
- Stay patient — EB-3 processing can take over a year, but the outcome is permanent residency.
Being well-prepared, responsive, and compliant with licensing rules increases your success rate significantly.
Future Outlook for International Nurses in the USA
The U.S. healthcare industry will continue to face a nurse shortage through 2030. Federal and state governments support international recruitment to ensure consistent patient care.
Technological advancements, aging demographics, and healthcare expansion are driving this demand. As a result, EB-3 visa availability for nurses remains stable and highly prioritized. For qualified international applicants, 2025 is an ideal year to apply.
Conclusion
USA nursing jobs with EB-3 sponsorship in 2025 present one of the best opportunities for foreign healthcare professionals seeking a permanent career abroad. Through this program, nurses can secure Green Cards, earn competitive salaries, and enjoy a high standard of living with their families.
If you have the right qualifications, experience, and determination, the EB-3 visa is your pathway to a lifelong nursing career in the United States. Begin your preparation today — pass the NCLEX, gather your documents, and connect with certified employers ready to sponsor your American dream.
Admin