Are you a registered nurse looking for a stable and well-paying career in the United States? The 2025 EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Program can be your great opportunity to begin a new life. With a rising demand for healthcare professionals in the U.S., the EB-3 visa opens the door for foreign nurses to work legally and eventually gain permanent residency.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about nursing jobs with EB-3 visa sponsorship in 2025, including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and top employers currently hiring.
What is the EB-3 Visa?
EB-3 Visa is the type of visa available for Professionals, skilled workers, and other workers based on employment who are eligible for the U.S. visa. Nurses fall under the “skilled workers” category because the job requires at least two years of experience or training. What makes this visa especially attractive is that it offers a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States.
Why the U.S. Needs Foreign Nurses in 2025
America is facing a nursing shortage due to an aging population, retiring staff, and growing healthcare demands. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that through 2031, the nation will require over 200,000 new registered nurses year. Hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics are increasingly turning to foreign-trained nurses to fill this gap.
Benefits of EB-3 Visa Sponsorship for Nurses
For overseas nurses, EB-3 visa sponsorship offers a transformative potential for the following reasons:
1. Green Card Opportunity
EB-3 is an immigrant visa, which means you and your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can get U.S. Green Cards.
2. Job Security
Once you are sponsored and accepted, your employer will provide a full-time, permanent nursing position, ensuring stability.
3. Attractive Salary
Registered nurses in the U.S. earn an average of $75,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
4. Family Benefits
Your spouse can apply for a work permit, and your children can study in the U.S. without needing a student visa.
5. Path to Citizenship
You can apply to become a citizen of the United States after five years of having a Green Card.
Important Requirements for Nurse Sponsorship on an EB-3 Visa
To be eligible for an EB-3 visa in 2025 as a registered nurse, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Valid Nursing License in your home country
- Nursing Degree (minimum: diploma or associate degree in nursing)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam (U.S. nursing licensure exam)
- At least 2 years of nursing experience
- English proficiency (IELTS Academic with a minimum score if required)
- Credentials evaluation by a recognized agency (e.g., CGFNS)
How to Apply for Nursing Jobs with EB-3 Visa Sponsorship in 2025
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
Step 1: Prepare Your Credentials
Get your nursing credentials evaluated by CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). This is often the first requirement for licensure.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
To become a registered nurse in the United States, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This test is available at authorized foreign locations.
Step 3: Find an EB-3 Sponsor
You’ll need a U.S. employer willing to sponsor your EB-3 visa. You can apply directly or use international recruitment agencies specializing in nurse placements.
Step 4: Submit a Green Card application (DS-260 or Adjustment of Status).
Once your priority date is up to date and the I-140 has been granted, you can apply for a U.S. Green Card by:
- Consular processing (DS-260) if outside the U.S.
Top Countries Sending Nurses to the U.S.
Nurses from the following countries have high success rates in securing EB-3 visa sponsorships:
- Philippines
- India
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Jamaica
Top U.S. Employers Sponsoring Nurses in 2025
Many hospitals and agencies offer visa sponsorship for nurses. These include:
Hospitals:
- Mayo Clinic
- Cleveland Clinic
- Kaiser Permanente
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- NewYork-Presbyterian
International Nursing Recruitment Agencies:
- O’Grady Peyton International
- Avant Healthcare Professionals
- MedPro International
- PassportUSA
- Shearwater Health
Ways to Improve Your Prospects of Being Sponsored
- Improve English Skills – Consider taking IELTS Academic or TOEFL.
- Build Experience – The more experience you have, the more attractive you are to U.S. employers.
- Employ Credible Recruiters – Working with reputable international nurse recruitment services will help you avoid scams.
- Stay Updated – Visa bulletin updates monthly. Follow it To keep track of your priority date.
- Have Patience – The EB-3 process can take 12–24 months, so plan ahead.
FAQS
1. What is the EB-3 visa for nurses?
The EB-3 visa is a U.S. employment-based immigrant visa that allows foreign-trained nurses to work and live permanently in the United States.
2. What are the minimum qualifications for a nurse to apply under the EB-3 category?
A candidate must have a valid nursing license, a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and usually have at least two years of professional experience.
3. Can a new graduate nurse apply for an EB-3 visa?
While new graduates may be eligible, most employers prefer candidates with at least one to two years of experience.
4. NCLEX-RN Exam what does it means?
The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam for registered nurses in the United States.
5. Do I have to speak English well?
Yes, proficiency in English is necessary. You may be required to take the IELTS Academic or TOEFL exam as part of the application.
6. How long does the EB-3 visa process take for nurses?
The process can take between 12 to 24 months, depending on factors like your country of origin, employer sponsorship, and USCIS processing times.
7. Can my family accompany me to the U.S. under the EB-3 visa?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you and receive Green Cards as dependents.
8. Can my spouse work in the U.S. if I get an EB-3 visa?
Yes, your spouse can apply for a work permit.
9. Do I need to find a job before applying for an EB-3 visa?
Yes, an EB-3 visa requires a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you.
Final Thoughts
Nursing jobs with EB-3 visa sponsorship in 2025 offer a promising opportunity for foreign-trained nurses to live and work in the United States legally. With high salaries, job security, and a path to a Green Card, this route could completely transform your future and that of your family.
If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about caring for others, start your journey today. The American dream is within your reach.
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