The United States remains one of the most attractive destinations for internationally educated nurses seeking better career opportunities, competitive salaries and the chance to build a future abroad. Hospitals, healthcare systems, nursing facilities and specialist medical centres employ registered nurses across the country, creating opportunities for qualified professionals from overseas.
For international nurses, the opportunity is especially appealing because registered nurses in the United States can earn more than $80,000 annually. Some experienced nurses and professionals working in specialist departments earn considerably more, depending on their qualifications, location, employer and work schedule.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses in May 2025. This means that half of registered nurses earned more than this amount and half earned less. Actual salaries vary considerably between states and healthcare employers.
International nurses may also be able to obtain employment-based immigration sponsorship from qualifying American healthcare employers. One important route is the EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa, under which professional nurses are included in Schedule A, Group I occupations.
However, securing a nursing job and qualifying for an immigration visa are two different processes. Applicants must meet US nursing registration requirements, pass the necessary examinations, satisfy immigration requirements and obtain a genuine employment offer from an eligible employer.
This guide explains USA nursing jobs paying $80,000 or more, the types of hospitals recruiting internationally educated nurses, visa sponsorship options, qualifications, application procedures and how nurses from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Kenya and South Africa can pursue opportunities in America.
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Why Consider Nursing Jobs in the USA?
The United States has a large healthcare system with employment opportunities in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes and home healthcare services.
Registered nurses play an essential role in providing patient care, administering medication, monitoring medical conditions and supporting doctors and other healthcare professionals.
There are several reasons internationally educated nurses consider working in America.
Competitive salaries
Nursing salaries in the United States can be attractive compared with earnings in many other countries. Registered nurses can earn more than $80,000 annually, particularly in hospitals, specialist departments and higher-paying metropolitan areas.
Experienced nurses may also receive additional compensation for night shifts, overtime, weekend work and specialist responsibilities.
Different nursing specialisations
American healthcare employers recruit nurses across many clinical departments. International applicants may find opportunities in intensive care, emergency medicine, operating rooms, oncology, mental health, paediatrics and other areas.
Career development
Working in the United States can provide opportunities to develop clinical expertise, pursue advanced nursing qualifications and move into leadership positions.
Experienced registered nurses may progress into roles such as nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator or nurse practitioner, subject to the appropriate education and licensing requirements.
Potential permanent residence pathway
Some American employers recruit internationally educated nurses through employment-based immigration arrangements. Eligible professional nurses may be sponsored through the EB-3 category using the Schedule A process.
This can provide a pathway towards lawful permanent residence, although visa availability and other immigration requirements must still be satisfied.
USA Nursing Jobs Paying $80,000 or More
The following nursing positions are worth researching if you are looking for American healthcare jobs with salaries above $80,000.
The salary ranges are indicative annual gross estimates, not guaranteed offers. Actual pay depends on experience, qualifications, location, employer, shift patterns and the type of healthcare facility.
1. Registered Nurse (RN)
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$110,000+
Registered nurses are employed in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, rehabilitation centres and other healthcare facilities.
Their duties include assessing patients, monitoring vital signs, administering medication, maintaining medical records and coordinating treatment with other healthcare professionals.
Common responsibilities include:
- Monitoring patients’ medical conditions.
- Administering prescribed medications.
- Preparing patients for medical procedures.
- Communicating with doctors and healthcare teams.
- Educating patients and their families.
- Maintaining accurate clinical records.
Internationally educated registered nurses may be eligible for employer-sponsored opportunities after satisfying the relevant US licensing and immigration requirements.
2. Intensive Care Unit Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $85,000–$125,000+
Intensive care unit nurses, commonly called ICU nurses, care for critically ill patients who require continuous monitoring and specialised medical attention.
They work in hospital intensive care departments and may care for patients recovering from major surgery, severe infections, serious injuries or life-threatening illnesses.
Employers often look for nurses with experience in:
- Critical patient monitoring.
- Ventilator management.
- Emergency interventions.
- Intravenous medication administration.
- Advanced life support.
- Post-operative intensive care.
Experience in an ICU department can strengthen an overseas applicant’s profile, particularly when applying to large hospitals and specialist healthcare centres.
Emergency Room Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$115,000+
Emergency room nurses provide immediate care to patients arriving at hospital emergency departments.
They assess patients, prioritise treatment, assist with emergency procedures and work closely with doctors and other medical professionals.
Their responsibilities may include treating accident victims, supporting patients experiencing severe medical emergencies and stabilising critically ill individuals.
Hospitals may prefer candidates with emergency nursing experience, strong clinical judgement and the ability to work under pressure.
Operating Room Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $85,000–$120,000+
Operating room nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, support patients before, during and after surgical procedures.
They may work as circulating nurses or scrub nurses, depending on their training and the requirements of the healthcare facility.
Typical duties include:
- Preparing operating rooms.
- Checking surgical equipment.
- Supporting surgeons during procedures.
- Maintaining sterile environments.
- Monitoring patient safety.
- Coordinating post-operative care.
Applicants with operating theatre experience and relevant professional training may be attractive to hospitals recruiting specialist nurses.
Oncology Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$115,000+
Oncology nurses care for patients receiving treatment for cancer and related medical conditions.
They work in cancer hospitals, specialist treatment centres and outpatient oncology departments.
Their responsibilities may include administering prescribed treatments, monitoring side effects, educating patients and supporting families throughout treatment.
Experience in chemotherapy administration, cancer patient monitoring and oncology care can be useful when applying for specialist nursing positions.
Travel Registered Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $85,000–$140,000+
Travel nurses accept temporary nursing assignments at healthcare facilities experiencing staffing shortages or requiring additional clinical support.
Assignments may last several weeks or months, depending on the contract.
Travel nurses may work in:
- Intensive care.
- Emergency departments.
- Medical-surgical units.
- Operating rooms.
- Rehabilitation facilities.
Some travel nursing assignments offer higher compensation packages, but pay can vary significantly according to location, demand, contract duration and benefits.
Important: Travel nursing is not automatically a visa sponsorship route. Many travel nursing positions require the applicant to already have US work authorisation and an appropriate state nursing licence. International applicants should confirm whether the agency or healthcare employer is willing and legally able to sponsor them before applying.
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$105,000+
Medical-surgical nurses care for patients who require treatment for a variety of medical conditions or are recovering from surgery.
They are employed in hospital wards and other healthcare settings.
Their duties include monitoring recovery, administering medication, managing patient care plans and preparing patients for discharge.
This nursing area can be relevant to internationally educated nurses with broad hospital experience.
Paediatric Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$115,000+
Paediatric nurses care for infants, children and adolescents.
They work in children’s hospitals, general hospitals, outpatient clinics and specialist paediatric centres.
Their responsibilities include monitoring child development, administering treatments, educating parents and supporting children experiencing illness or injury.
Experience in paediatric wards, neonatal care or children’s emergency departments can be valuable.
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$110,000+
Psychiatric nurses support patients experiencing mental health conditions and behavioural difficulties.
They may work in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centres, rehabilitation facilities and other healthcare settings.
Typical responsibilities include assessing patients, supporting treatment plans, administering prescribed medication and helping patients manage their conditions.
Specialist experience in mental health nursing may help applicants qualify for relevant vacancies.
Nurse Manager
Indicative annual salary: $95,000–$140,000+
Nurse managers supervise nursing teams and help healthcare organisations maintain effective clinical operations.
Their duties may include managing staff schedules, overseeing patient care standards, coordinating departmental activities and supporting hospital management.
Employers generally look for substantial nursing experience, leadership ability and relevant management qualifications.
Some senior nursing positions may also have more complex immigration considerations than ordinary registered nurse roles.
Home Health Registered Nurse
Indicative annual salary: $80,000–$105,000+
Home health nurses provide medical care to patients in their homes.
They may support elderly patients, individuals recovering from surgery and people living with long-term medical conditions.
Responsibilities include assessing patients, administering prescribed treatments, monitoring progress and communicating with healthcare providers.
Some home healthcare employers recruit registered nurses for community-based positions. Applicants should check whether the employer offers immigration sponsorship and whether the position meets the requirements of the intended visa pathway.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Indicative annual salary: $100,000–$145,000+
Clinical nurse specialists are advanced practice nurses who provide specialist clinical expertise in particular areas of healthcare.
They may focus on critical care, oncology, mental health, paediatrics or other clinical specialisations.
These positions generally require advanced nursing education, professional certification and relevant clinical experience.
Certain advanced nursing positions may qualify for H-1B classification where the specific position meets the specialty occupation requirements.
3. Best US States to Explore for Nursing Jobs
Nursing salaries differ considerably across the United States. Some states have higher average wages because of living costs, local healthcare demand, employer competition and other economic factors.
Here are several locations worth researching.
California
California is an important destination for nurses seeking higher-paying hospital positions.
Major healthcare centres are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and other cities.
Nursing opportunities include emergency care, intensive care, medical-surgical nursing and specialist hospital services.
California can offer attractive salaries, but living expenses are also high in many metropolitan areas.
New York
New York has a large healthcare industry, with major hospitals and specialist medical centres in New York City and other parts of the state.
Nurses may find opportunities in emergency medicine, oncology, surgery, paediatrics and intensive care.
Applicants should compare salaries with housing and transportation expenses before accepting an offer.
Texas
Texas has major healthcare centres in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio.
The state offers opportunities across hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities and long-term care services.
Nurses may find positions in medical-surgical nursing, critical care, emergency departments and community healthcare.
Florida
Florida has a large healthcare sector serving residents, older adults and visitors.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville recruit nurses across different specialisations.
The state is worth researching for applicants interested in hospital nursing, elderly care and outpatient services.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has well-known academic medical centres and specialist hospitals.
Boston and other cities offer opportunities in research hospitals, oncology, intensive care, surgery and specialist nursing.
Employers may seek candidates with strong clinical experience and relevant professional qualifications.
Washington
Washington State has hospitals and healthcare systems in Seattle, Tacoma and other locations.
Nursing opportunities include emergency medicine, critical care, community healthcare and specialist hospital services.
Applicants should check state licensing requirements before applying.
Important: A state with high average nursing wages does not necessarily have the most vacancies or the easiest immigration process. Always compare the actual job offer, benefits, cost of living and licensing requirements.
4. US Hospitals and Healthcare Employers to Research
Internationally educated nurses can investigate major healthcare organisations that operate hospitals and medical facilities across the United States.
Examples include:
HCA Healthcare
HCA Healthcare operates hospitals and other healthcare facilities across several American states.
Potential nursing opportunities may include medical-surgical nursing, emergency care, intensive care and operating room positions.
Official careers website: https://careers.hcahealthcare.com/
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a major healthcare organisation with hospitals and medical facilities in the United States.
Nursing opportunities may be available across specialist medical departments, critical care, surgery and other clinical areas.
Official careers website: https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic operates major medical centres and specialist healthcare services.
Its nursing opportunities may include clinical nursing, specialist care, research-related positions and advanced nursing roles.
Official careers website: https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine is a major academic healthcare organisation.
It employs nurses across hospitals, specialist medical centres and other healthcare facilities.
Official careers website: https://jobs.hopkinsmedicine.org/
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente operates hospitals, medical offices and healthcare services in several states.
Potential opportunities include registered nursing, outpatient care, emergency nursing and specialist clinical positions.
Official careers website: https://www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/
Tenet Healthcare
Tenet Healthcare operates hospitals and other healthcare services in different parts of the United States.
Nurses can research opportunities in hospital departments, surgical services and specialist clinical units.
Official careers website: https://jobs.tenethealth.com/
CommonSpirit Health
CommonSpirit Health operates hospitals and healthcare facilities across multiple states.
Applicants can investigate registered nurse vacancies and specialist nursing positions through its recruitment portal.
Official careers website: https://www.commonspirit.careers/
These organisations are examples to research, not confirmation of current vacancies or guaranteed visa sponsorship. Their immigration policies may differ between facilities and positions. Applicants should contact the relevant recruitment team and ask specifically about international nurse sponsorship.
5. Understanding US Visa Sponsorship for International Nurses
One of the most important parts of planning a move to America is understanding the difference between a nursing job offer, professional licensing and immigration approval.
A hospital can offer you a job, but you cannot automatically begin working simply because you have received an employment contract.
You must meet the immigration requirements and obtain the appropriate authorisation.
EB-3 Employment-Based Immigrant Visa
The EB-3 category is an important employment-based immigration pathway for professional nurses.
It covers three broad groups:
- Professionals with qualifying bachelor’s degrees.
- Skilled workers whose jobs require at least two years of training or experience.
- Certain other workers.
Professional nurses are included in Schedule A, Group I. This means the US Department of Labor has already designated certain occupations, including professional nursing, as occupations for which there is a recognised shortage of available US workers.
This creates a special labour certification process for eligible nursing positions.
An employer seeking to sponsor a professional nurse under Schedule A generally submits the required labour certification documentation with an immigrant petition to USCIS rather than completing the ordinary PERM recruitment process.
The employer typically files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, and provides the required Schedule A documentation.
If the petition is approved, the applicant must still complete the immigrant visa process and wait for a visa number to become available where the category is subject to a priority-date backlog.
Does EB-3 lead to permanent residence?
Yes. An approved EB-3 immigrant visa can lead to lawful permanent residence, commonly known as a Green Card, after the applicant completes the required immigration process.
This is one reason the EB-3 route is attractive to nurses who want to establish a long-term future in America.
However, approval of the employer’s petition does not automatically mean the applicant can travel immediately. The applicant must also satisfy the remaining visa requirements and wait for visa availability.
H-1B Visa for Advanced Nursing Roles
The H-1B visa is designed for specialty occupations requiring specialised knowledge and a qualifying degree.
Most ordinary registered nurse positions do not automatically qualify because the job may not normally require a bachelor’s degree in nursing as the minimum entry requirement.
However, certain advanced nursing positions may qualify where the specific job requires the relevant specialised degree and credentials.
Examples can include:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist.
- Certified nurse-midwife.
- Nurse practitioner.
- Clinical nurse specialist.
- Certain advanced nursing leadership positions.
An employer must establish that the particular position meets the H-1B specialty occupation requirements. Holding a nursing degree alone is not sufficient.
Other employment-based options
Some nurses may qualify for other immigration categories depending on their qualifications, achievements, employment circumstances and the role offered.
For example, a nurse with advanced qualifications and exceptional achievements may investigate other employment-based classifications with qualified immigration advice.
For most internationally educated registered nurses seeking employer-sponsored permanent residence, however, EB-3 Schedule A is a particularly important pathway to understand.
6. Qualifications Required for International Nurses
Before applying for nursing jobs in the United States, internationally educated applicants should understand the professional licensing process.
US nursing regulation is handled at state level. Each state has a Board of Nursing responsible for issuing licences and determining eligibility to practise.
Requirements differ between states, so applicants should select their intended state before beginning the process.
Nursing qualification
Applicants generally need to have completed an approved nursing education programme and hold the relevant professional nursing credentials.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may be useful for many positions, although the precise education requirements depend on the state, employer and nursing role.
Active nursing registration
Internationally educated applicants may need to provide evidence of their nursing registration and professional standing from their home country.
For example, applicants trained in Nigeria may need to obtain the appropriate documentation and verification from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Other applicants should obtain professional registration evidence from the relevant nursing authority in their country.
NCLEX-RN examination
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, known as NCLEX-RN, is the examination used by US state boards to assess whether candidates have the knowledge and skills required for entry-level registered nursing practice.
Internationally educated nurses generally need to apply through the Board of Nursing in the state where they intend to practise.
The state board determines eligibility to sit the examination.
Passing NCLEX-RN is an important step towards obtaining a US registered nurse licence, but it does not by itself grant an immigration visa.
English-language proficiency
International nurses may need to demonstrate English-language proficiency for credential evaluation, immigration screening or professional licensing.
Depending on the relevant organisation and pathway, accepted tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, OET or other approved examinations.
The exact score requirements should be checked with the relevant credential evaluation organisation and state board.
VisaScreen certification
Many internationally educated healthcare professionals seeking certain US occupational visas must obtain a VisaScreen certificate.
The VisaScreen process evaluates aspects of an applicant’s education, professional credentials, registration and English-language ability.
TruMerit, formerly known as CGFNS International, provides VisaScreen services.
Applicants should confirm the current certificate requirements and accepted documents before beginning the process.
Guide to Applying for USA Nursing Jobs With Sponsorship
If you are an internationally educated nurse planning to relocate to the United States, follow a structured approach.
1: Confirm your nursing qualifications
Review your nursing degree, diploma, professional registration and employment history.
Make sure your qualifications and nursing experience are properly documented.
You should have copies of your academic certificates, transcripts, professional licence and employment references.
2: Choose your preferred US state
Research the nursing licensing requirements of the state where you want to work.
Different states may have different procedures for internationally educated nurses.
Use the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) resources to identify the appropriate Board of Nursing and its requirements.
3: Apply for credential evaluation
Some state boards require internationally educated applicants to complete a credential evaluation.
This process may involve verification of nursing education, professional registration and other qualifications.
Check whether your intended state accepts a particular credential evaluation provider before paying for an assessment.
4: Apply for NCLEX-RN eligibility
Submit the required documents to the state Board of Nursing.
If the board determines that you meet its eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the examination registration process.
5: Prepare for and pass NCLEX-RN
Study the NCLEX examination content and practise using relevant nursing questions.
The examination assesses clinical judgement, patient safety, nursing care and other essential competencies.
Passing the examination can help you move towards obtaining your US nursing licence.
6: Complete VisaScreen requirements
Determine whether VisaScreen is required for your immigration pathway.
Prepare the required education records, professional registration verification and English-language evidence.
Start early because obtaining documents from schools and nursing regulators can take time.
7: Find employers offering international nurse sponsorship
Search for healthcare organisations that recruit internationally educated nurses.
Look for advertisements that specifically mention:
- International nurse recruitment.
- EB-3 sponsorship.
- Green Card sponsorship for registered nurses.
- Foreign-educated nurse recruitment.
- Visa assistance for registered nurses.
Do not assume that every hospital vacancy offers immigration sponsorship.
8: Submit your application
Prepare a professional nursing résumé and apply through the employer’s official careers portal.
Highlight your nursing qualifications, clinical experience, specialisations, professional registration and examination progress.
9: Attend interviews
Employers may conduct online interviews to assess your clinical knowledge, communication skills and suitability for the position.
Prepare to discuss your previous nursing responsibilities, patient care experience and reasons for wanting to work in the United States.
10: Confirm the immigration arrangement
If you receive an offer, ask the employer to explain the proposed visa category, sponsorship responsibilities, expected processing stages and employment conditions.
For an EB-3 nursing case, clarify who will prepare and file the Schedule A and I-140 documents.
Read the employment contract carefully before signing.
Can Nigerian, Ghanaian, Indian and Kenyan Nurses Apply?
Yes. Internationally educated nurses from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa and other countries can pursue eligible US nursing opportunities.
Nationality alone does not prevent someone from applying for an employment-based nursing position.
However, applicants must meet the relevant professional licensing, credential evaluation and immigration requirements.
Nigerian nurses
Nurses educated in Nigeria can investigate US nursing registration and employer-sponsored immigration options.
They should prepare their nursing certificates, academic transcripts, professional registration evidence and employment references.
Applicants should also confirm how their nursing education will be evaluated by the relevant US state board or credentialing organisation.
Ghanaian nurses
Ghanaian nurses can research the US licensing process and international recruitment programmes.
They should obtain the necessary academic and professional documents and check whether additional examinations or credential evaluations are required.
Indian and Pakistani nurses
Nurses educated in India and Pakistan can investigate US nursing employment opportunities through hospitals and international healthcare recruitment organisations.
They should confirm that their education and professional registration meet the requirements of their intended US state.
Kenyan and South African nurses
Nurses from Kenya and South Africa can also pursue US employment opportunities.
Applicants should check the current licensing and immigration requirements rather than assuming that professional registration in their home country automatically transfers to the United States.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Having your documents ready can make the recruitment and immigration process easier.
Commonly requested documents include:
- Valid international passport.
- Nursing degree or diploma.
- Academic transcripts.
- Professional nursing registration certificate.
- Current nursing licence or registration verification.
- Employment reference letters.
- Detailed nursing résumé.
- NCLEX-RN examination results, where applicable.
- English-language examination results, where required.
- Credential evaluation documents.
- VisaScreen certificate, where required.
- Additional documents requested by the employer or immigration authorities.
The exact list depends on the state licensing authority, employer and immigration category.
Always provide accurate information. False qualifications, altered certificates and fabricated employment records can lead to serious licensing and immigration consequences.
How to Identify Genuine Nursing Sponsorship Opportunities
International nursing recruitment attracts genuine employers, but it can also attract fraudulent agents and misleading job advertisements.
Before accepting an offer, investigate the organisation carefully.
A genuine employer should be able to provide:
- Its full legal business name.
- An official recruitment website.
- A clear job description.
- The work location.
- Salary and employment conditions.
- The name of the sponsoring healthcare organisation.
- Information about the proposed immigration pathway.
- Written details of any recruitment or relocation arrangements.
Be particularly careful if an agent promises guaranteed US employment or a guaranteed Green Card in exchange for a large upfront payment.
Ask whether the employer itself is sponsoring you or whether the recruiter is simply introducing candidates to hospitals.
You should also check whether any fees being requested are lawful and properly explained. Employers have specific legal obligations in employment-based immigration cases, and certain employer-related expenses cannot lawfully be shifted to workers.
Never hand over your passport or original professional certificates to an unverified recruiter.
What Should Nurses Consider Before Relocating?
Receiving an American nursing job offer is an important achievement, but applicants should look beyond the headline salary.
Cost of living
A nurse earning $90,000 in a high-cost city may have less disposable income than someone earning a lower salary in a more affordable location.
Compare housing, transportation, healthcare expenses, taxes and other living costs.
Shift patterns
Many hospital nurses work rotating shifts, nights, weekends and public holidays.
Ask about the expected working schedule and how additional shifts are compensated.
Health insurance and benefits
Review the employer’s medical insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and other benefits.
A competitive salary package should be assessed as a whole.
Relocation assistance
Some healthcare employers may provide relocation assistance, immigration support or other benefits to international recruits.
Confirm exactly what is included in writing.
Professional development
Consider whether the employer provides opportunities for additional clinical training, specialist certification and career advancement.
A role that supports long-term professional growth may be more valuable than an offer with a slightly higher starting salary.
Conclusion:
USA nursing jobs paying $80,000 or more can offer attractive opportunities for qualified international nurses who want to develop their careers overseas.
Registered nurses, ICU nurses, emergency nurses, operating room nurses, oncology nurses and other specialist professionals may find opportunities across American hospitals and healthcare organisations.
The EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa, through Schedule A, Group I, is an important sponsorship pathway for eligible professional nurses. It can provide a route towards permanent residence, although professional licensing, immigration approval and visa availability are separate requirements.
For applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa and other countries, preparation is essential.
Start by checking your nursing qualifications, selecting a US state, understanding its licensing requirements and preparing for NCLEX-RN. Then research genuine healthcare employers that recruit internationally and confirm whether they offer EB-3 sponsorship.
Avoid recruiters promising guaranteed visas, verify every employment offer and use official government and professional licensing resources.
With the right qualifications, clinical experience and a genuine employer-sponsored opportunity, working as a registered nurse in the United States can become a realistic career goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can foreign nurses get jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship?
Yes. Eligible internationally educated nurses can obtain employment with US healthcare employers that are willing to sponsor qualifying immigration petitions. EB-3 through Schedule A, Group I, is an important pathway for professional nurses.
2. How much do registered nurses earn in the USA?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual registered nurse wage of $97,550 in May 2025. Salaries vary by state, employer, experience and nursing specialisation. Some nurses earn less than $80,000, while experienced and specialist nurses can earn considerably more.
3. Can Nigerian nurses work in the USA?
Yes. Nigerian nurses can apply for eligible US nursing positions if they meet the relevant education, professional registration, licensing, examination and immigration requirements.
4. Do I need IELTS to work as a nurse in the USA?
You may need to demonstrate English-language proficiency for credential evaluation, immigration screening or other requirements. IELTS is one possible examination, but accepted tests and score requirements depend on the relevant organisation and pathway.
5. Is NCLEX-RN compulsory for foreign nurses?
US state boards use NCLEX-RN for registered nurse licensure. Internationally educated nurses generally need to satisfy the requirements of their chosen state board before they can take the examination and obtain a licence.
6. What is the EB-3 visa for nurses?
EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa category for qualifying professionals, skilled workers and certain other workers. Professional nurses are included in Schedule A, Group I, which provides a special labour certification procedure for eligible employer-sponsored nursing positions.
7. Can I get a Green Card through a US nursing job?
Potentially, yes. An eligible nurse may be sponsored by a US employer through the EB-3 immigrant visa process. The applicant must satisfy the requirements, and an immigrant visa must be available before the process can be completed.
8. Can ordinary registered nurses apply for an H-1B visa?
Most ordinary registered nurse positions do not automatically qualify for H-1B classification. Certain advanced-practice nursing positions may qualify if the employer demonstrates that the specific role meets the specialty occupation requirements.
9. Which US states pay nurses the most?
California is among the states with particularly high registered nurse wage levels. Other states and metropolitan areas may also offer attractive salaries. Applicants should compare actual job offers and living costs rather than relying only on national salary rankings.
10. Can I apply for US nursing jobs before passing NCLEX?
You may be able to begin researching employers and some recruitment processes before passing NCLEX. However, your ability to obtain a nursing licence, satisfy immigration requirements and start clinical employment depends on the relevant state and employer requirements. Confirm the required examination stage before accepting an offer.
11. Do US hospitals pay for relocation?
Some employers offer relocation assistance or other benefits to international recruits, while others do not. Ask for a written breakdown of relocation support, immigration-related costs and any repayment conditions.
12. Where can I find USA nursing jobs with visa sponsorship?
Start with official hospital career websites, major healthcare recruitment portals and reputable international nursing recruitment organisations. Search for terms such as “EB-3 nurse sponsorship”, “international registered nurse recruitment” and “Green Card sponsorship for nurses”. Always verify the employer and vacancy before submitting documents or paying fees.
