The United States continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international nurses seeking to build rewarding careers in healthcare. With abundant nursing careers in the USA and competitive compensation packages, it’s no surprise that many nurses worldwide are exploring international nurse jobs in America. However, navigating the visa process can feel daunting. This guide breaks down the step-by-step visa process for international nurses aiming to work in the USA.

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer The first step is to secure employment from a U.S. healthcare employer or staffing agency. Many international nurses are hired through direct hire international nurse recruitment agencies that assist with placement and paperwork. These employers often provide nursing visa sponsorship USA to facilitate the relocation process.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam Before applying for a visa, international nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). Proper NCLEX preparation for international nurses is essential, as passing this exam is a key requirement for U.S. nursing licensure.

Step 3: Credential Evaluation International nurses need to undergo a nursing credential evaluation by an accredited agency, such as CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). This process ensures that their education and experience meet U.S. standards.

Step 4: Obtain VisaScreen Certification A VisaScreen certification for nurses is required by the U.S. government to verify credentials, licensure, and English language proficiency. Without this certification, an international nurse cannot apply for a work visa.

Step 5: Apply for a Work Visa Most international nurses apply for an EB-3 visa (Employment-Based Third Preference) or an H-1B visa. The choice of visa depends on the employer and the specific job offer. Some nurses who are travel nursing from Canada to the USA may have different visa options.

Step 6: Complete the Immigration Process Once the visa is approved, nurses must complete the immigration process, including medical examinations and interviews at the U.S. embassy.

Step 7: Relocate and Begin Employment After obtaining the visa and completing the immigration requirements, nurses can relocate to the USA. Many employers offer nursing relocation assistance to help with moving costs, housing, and initial settlement.

Step 8: Start Your Nursing Career in the USA Upon arrival, nurses can officially begin their nursing employment in North America. Whether working in hospitals, clinics, or specialized healthcare settings, opportunities abound for international RN positions.

Key Takeaways Navigating the U.S. visa process requires careful planning, patience, and attention to detail. By partnering with reputable agencies specializing in healthcare staffing solutions, international nurses can streamline the process and focus on preparing for their new healthcare careers abroad for nurses.

My Healthcare Recruit supports healthcare employers in the public, private, and care sector in UK, Canada, America and Australia to find international nurses who are a great fit for their organization, by using market-leading video interviewing tools to connect them to our database of qualified candidates. Our innovative approach makes international candidates easier to find and more cost-effective to source than ever before. Find out more at www.myhealthcarerecruit.com or email us at [email protected]