The United States offers attractive career opportunities for qualified nurses from different parts of the world. With hospitals, nursing homes and healthcare organisations requiring skilled medical professionals, international nurses can explore employment opportunities that may include visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.
For nurses who want to develop their careers abroad, working in the United States can provide access to modern healthcare facilities, professional training and competitive salaries.
However, getting a nursing job in America as a foreign applicant requires more than submitting a CV. Applicants must meet educational, licensing and immigration requirements before they can legally practise nursing.
This guide explains how to find nursing jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship and relocation assistance, the employers to research, expected salaries and the application process.
Why Are US Hospitals Hiring International Nurses?
Healthcare organisations in the United States recruit internationally educated nurses to help meet staffing requirements and maintain quality patient care.
International nurses may be employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes, specialist clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Some employers offer additional benefits to attract qualified foreign professionals, including:
- Employment-based visa sponsorship.
- Relocation assistance.
- Temporary accommodation.
- Support with professional licensing.
- Health insurance.
- Paid annual leave.
- Professional development opportunities.
These benefits vary by employer and should be confirmed before accepting a job offer.
7 Employers to Research for Nursing Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
The following healthcare organisations are useful starting points for international nurses searching for employment opportunities. Sponsorship and relocation benefits are not guaranteed for every vacancy.
1. Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a recognised healthcare organisation with hospitals and medical facilities across the United States.
It recruits registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in different medical departments.
International applicants can explore nursing vacancies and check whether individual positions accept candidates requiring immigration support.
2. Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is known for specialised medical treatment, research and patient care.
Nursing opportunities may be available in critical care, emergency medicine, surgical departments and other healthcare specialities.
Applicants should review the official careers portal for current eligibility requirements.
3. HCA Healthcare
HCA Healthcare operates hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the United States.
It recruits registered nurses, nursing supervisors, clinical specialists and other medical professionals.
International nurses should check whether specific facilities and vacancies provide immigration assistance.
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine is a major healthcare and medical research institution.
It offers nursing opportunities across various clinical departments, including intensive care, oncology, surgery and emergency medicine.
Experienced nurses with specialised clinical skills can explore suitable vacancies.
5. Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente provides healthcare services through hospitals, medical offices and other facilities.
Its employment opportunities include registered nursing, clinical coordination and specialist healthcare positions.
Applicants should review its recruitment policies to determine whether international applications are accepted.
6. Providence
Providence operates hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Nursing professionals may find opportunities in medical-surgical care, emergency services, intensive care and other specialities.
7. Tenet Healthcare
Tenet Healthcare operates hospitals and outpatient facilities across several US states.
It recruits nurses and other medical professionals for different healthcare settings. International candidates can investigate available vacancies and sponsorship eligibility.
How Much Do Nurses Earn in the USA?
Nursing salaries vary depending on experience, qualifications, location and medical specialisation.
Approximate annual salary ranges include:
| Nursing position | Estimated annual salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $65,000–$105,000 |
| ICU Nurse | $75,000–$120,000 |
| Emergency Room Nurse | $70,000–$115,000 |
| Operating Room Nurse | $75,000–$120,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $100,000–$150,000 |
| Travel Nurse | $75,000–$130,000 |
These are indicative ranges, not guaranteed salaries. Actual earnings depend on the employer, state and employment arrangement.
Requirements for Foreign Nurses to Work in America
International nurses must satisfy professional licensing and immigration requirements.
Common requirements include:
- A recognised nursing qualification.
- Valid nursing registration in the country of training or practice, where required.
- Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination.
- State nursing board approval and licensure.
- VisaScreen certification or an accepted equivalent.
- Relevant clinical experience.
- English-language proficiency where applicable.
The NCLEX-RN is the examination used to assess whether candidates meet the required standard for registered nursing practice. VisaScreen involves an assessment of professional credentials and other requirements.
Importantly, professional licensing and immigration approval are separate processes. ANA+1
Visa Options for International Nurses
The EB-3 employment-based immigration category is one important pathway for eligible foreign registered nurses.
Other possibilities depend on nationality, employer and individual circumstances.
For example, certain Canadian and Mexican professionals may qualify for TN status under specific conditions. Nurses should not assume that this option applies to applicants from other countries.
Applicants should consult official immigration guidance before choosing a visa pathway.
How to Find Nursing Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Here are useful platforms and resources:
- AdventHealth International Nursing Opportunities – Provides an international nursing programme with employer-paid immigrant visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.
- Fresenius Medical Care International RN Programme – Offers immigration, relocation and housing assistance for eligible nurses.
- Cleveland Clinic Careers – Explore international and registered nursing opportunities.
- Mayo Clinic Careers – Search for registered nursing vacancies and review sponsorship eligibility.
- LinkedIn Jobs – Find nursing vacancies and connect with healthcare recruiters.
AdventHealth specifically describes employer-paid sponsorship and initial housing and transportation assistance for eligible international nurses. Fresenius also advertises immigration and relocation support. International Opportunities+1
Tips for Getting a Nursing Job in the USA
To improve your chances:
- Complete your nursing education and obtain the necessary professional registration.
- Research the licensing requirements of your preferred US state.
- Prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Obtain the required credential evaluation and VisaScreen certification.
- Prepare a professional nursing résumé.
- Apply through legitimate hospital recruitment websites.
- Confirm sponsorship, relocation benefits and employment conditions before signing a contract.
Avoid agencies that promise guaranteed American visas or demand questionable payments.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship and relocation assistance offer valuable opportunities for qualified international healthcare professionals. Employers such as AdventHealth and Fresenius Medical Care provide specific international recruitment programmes worth investigating.
Although the application process requires preparation, nurses who meet the licensing, experience and immigration requirements can pursue rewarding careers in the American healthcare system.