The H-1B visa, the most popular work visa in the United States, which allows foreign specialists to work for local companies. Although nurses (RNs) are in great demand in the U.S., obtaining an H-1B visa for nurses is more difficult than for other professions because of the strict eligibility requirements.
This guide will go over everything you need to know about H-1B visas for nurses, including:
✔ H-1B visa eligibility for nurses
✔ Where to look for U.S. employers who will sponsor H-1B visas for nurses
✔ Complete guide for nurses filing an H-1B application
✔ Other visa options for nurses (if H-1B is unavailable)
✔ Typical problems and their solutions
Let’s dive in! 🚀
Can Nurses Apply for an H-1B Visa?
Yes, but only if they satisfy specific conditions.
Unlike the case for other health care professions (doctors, physical therapists, medical researchers, etc.), the vast majority of registered nurse (RN) jobs do NOT qualify as “speciality occupations” for the H-1B program.
What is a Speciality Occupation?
The H-1B visa is most suited for employers looking for workers for jobs that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in a specialised field.
The majority of general RN positions do not fulfil this requirement, as:
✔ Most U.S. nurses only have an associate degree or diploma.
✔ Many RN jobs do not require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum qualification.
Check Out – H-1B Visa Requirements
Which Nurses Are Eligible for an H-1B Visa?
The job must meet at least one of the following criteria to qualify for an H-1B visa for nurses:
1. The Position Requires a Bachelor’s Degree (BSN) as a Minimum Qualification
✔ The employer must have mandated that all applicants for the position shall possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
✔ This applies mostly to nurses in very specialised positions.
📌 For example, a nurse researcher or a nurse educator at a U.S. hospital might need a BSN or higher degree, which qualifies them to apply for an H-1B visa.
2. H-1B Eligibility for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Specialised roles are eligible for an H-1B visa, so it stands to reason that nurses with advanced training fall into that bucket. These include:
✔ Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
✔ Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
✔ Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
✔ Nurse Midwives
📌 Note: An NP focusing on cardiology with an MSN degree will probably qualify for an H-1B, while a general RN without specialised training may not.
3. The Employer Must Prove the Role is a Speciality Occupation
✔ The employer needs to file an H-1B petition that establishes that the position requires a BSN or above.
✔ Specifically, if an employer generally hires nurses with only an associate degree, he or she cannot say that, in their job, the job is a speciality occupation for H-1B eligibility.”
📌 Example: A hospital that hires nurse researchers with an MSN degree can file an H-1B petition because the position requires specialised education and training.
Step-by-Step Process for Nurses Applying for an H-1B Visa
If you are eligible for an H-1B as a nurse, apply for an H-1B visa by following these instructions:
Step 1: Find an H-1B Sponsoring Employer
✔ Look for hospitals, research institutions, or healthcare companies that sponsor H-1B visas for nursing.
✔ Find your way through job portals like H1BGrader, MyVisaJobs, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
✔ Reach out to nurse recruiters and staffing agencies that focus on international placements.
📌 Top Employers Sponsoring H-1B Visas for Nurses:
- Large hospitals and research centres
- Colleges/Universities hiring nurse educators
- Private research organisations in medicine
Step 2: Employer Files an H-1B Petition
If a U.S. employer has offered you a job that’s approved for an H-1B, they must submit an H-1B petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
✔ The employer must file:
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- A Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL)
✔ Important Documents Required:
- Documentation that the position requires a BSN or higher
- Your nursing degree (BSN or MSN)
- Your state nursing license
- Proof of fulfilling NCLEX-RN licensing qualifications
📌 H-1B Filing Timeline:
✔ Registration for H-1B starts every March.
✔ If USCIS selects you in the H-1B lottery, your application is processed between April and September.
✔ Successful applicants will be able to commence work on October 1.
Related – How to Get an H-1B Visa
Step 3: Check Your H-1B Application Status
✔ You can check the status of your H-1 B case through the USCIS Case Status Tracker.
✔ Once your petition is approved, schedule an H-1B visa stamping appointment at a U.S. consulate.
📌 Processing Time for H-1B Petitions:
- Regular Processing: 3-6 months
- Premium Processing: 15 days (costs an additional $2,500)
Alternative Work Visas for Nurses (If H-1B is Not Available)
If you do not qualify for an H-1B visa, consider these alternative visa options for nurses:
1. H-1C Visa for Nurses (Limited Availability)
✔The H-1C visa is for nurses who will work in medically underserved areas.
✔ There are very few hospitals that are eligible for this visa.
📌 Note: The H-1C program was discontinued in 2009, though similar programs may be approved in the future.
2. EB-3 Green Card (Best Option for Nurses)
The EB-3 Green Card is the alternative path for nurses who don’t qualify for the H-1B.
✔ Nurses could be sponsored by employers through EB-3 (Skilled Worker Category)
✔ No lottery system – There is no lottery system. If approved, nurses receive permanent residency (Green Card).
📌 EB-3 Processing Time: 1-3 years (varies by country of birth).
3. TN Visa for Canadian & Mexican Nurses
✔ The USMCA (NAFTA) Agreement allows Canadian and Mexican nurses to apply for the TN visa.
✔ Processing is faster than H-1B, and renewals are unlimited.
📌 TN Visa Processing Time: 1-2 months.
Challenges in Getting an H-1B Visa for Nurses & How to Overcome Them
The H-1B can be a difficult process for nurses, given that a bachelor’s degree in a specific area is required for the visa, and most RN jobs don’t qualify. Addressing this requires developing advanced practice positions, guaranteeing rigorous employer sponsorship, and considering alternative visa avenues such as EB-3.
1. Limited H-1B Sponsorship for Nurses
✔ Solution: Seek out speciality nursing roles (NP, CNS, CRNA) eligible for H-1B.
2. High Competition in the H-1B Lottery
✔ Solution: File for EB-3 sponsorship as it does not require the lottery system.
3. Long Processing Times
✔ Solution: File for Premium to expedite H-1B petition approvals.
H-1B Visa for Nurses: Advanced Strategies, Alternative Options, and FAQs
The first part of this guide covered the eligibility requirements, application process, and other visa options for nurses looking to obtain an H-1B visa to be able to work in the U.S. Now, let’s explore:
✔ Tips to maximise your chances of H-1B approval
✔ H-1B denial reasons for nurses & solutions
✔ Step-by-step guide to EB-3 Green Card sponsorship for nurses
✔ How licensing exams (NCLEX-RN) and state requirements fit in
✔ Major hospitals in the U.S. that are employing foreign nurses
✔ Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about H-1B visas for nurses
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting an H-1B Visa as a Nurse
It’s also worth noting that general RN jobs are not eligible for an H-1B visa; therefore, nurses should look to take positions that qualify as speciality occupations for H-1B purposes. Here’s how to boost your odds:
1. Obtain a BSN or Higher Degree (MSN, DNP, PhD)
✔ Most general nursing roles aren’t eligible for H-1B, as they don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
✔ To be eligible for an H-1B, Nurses must have a BSN or higher degree, like MSN, DNP, or PhD.
📌 Tip: If you have an associate degree, you should use RN-to-BSN bridge programs before applying for H-1B.
2. Specialise in High-Demand Nursing Roles
Some advanced practice roles are much more likely to be approved for H-1B status. These include:
✔ Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
✔ CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists)
✔ Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
✔ Nurse Midwives
✔ Educators & Professors of Nursing
📌 If you’re a general RN, consider getting an MSN degree in one of these specialities before you apply for an H-1B visa.
3. Find U.S. Hospitals That Regularly Sponsor H-1B Visas
✔ Some hospitals may not file H-1B petitions for nurses. Check out major teaching hospitals, academic medical centres and private health care organisations.
Top Hospitals Sponsoring H-1B Visas for Nurses:
🏥 Mayo Clinic
🏥 Cleveland Clinic
🏥 Johns Hopkins Hospital
🏥 Massachusetts General Hospital
🏥 NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
🏥 University Hospitals & Medical Centers
📌 Tip: Leverage the USCIS H-1B Database or H1BGrader. com for employers that have sponsored nurses in the past.
4. Work with a Nurse Staffing Agency Specialising in H-1B Sponsorship
✔ Some healthcare staffing agencies specialise in placing international nurses in the U.S. through H-1B and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship
Top Nurse Staffing Agencies Hiring Foreign Nurses:
✔ Avant Healthcare Professionals
✔ O’Grady Peyton International
✔ PassportUSA
✔ Global Healthcare Resources
📌 Tip: The entire H-1B application process is more straightforward for nurses because the agency handles legal paperwork and sponsors the nurse.
5. Use Premium Processing for Faster Approval
✔ The H-1B visa takes at least 6+ months to approve, but can take 15 days with Premium Processing ($2,500).
✔ Helps nurses who already have job offers and want to get the approvals quicker.
📌 Tip: Inquire with your employer if they would be able to pay for Premium Processing to expedite your case.
Common Reasons for H-1B Visa Denial for Nurses & Solutions
H-1B visa denials for nurses are typically for failure to prove the “speciality occupation” requirement, lack of employer documentation or prevailing wage challenges. Nurses can assume higher roles for better approval chances, submit detailed paperwork and work in qualifying healthcare facilities.
1. The Job Does Not Require a Bachelor’s Degree
🚫 Problem: The employer doesn’t need a BSN for the position, so it cannot sponsor an H-1B visa.
✔ Solution: Apply to jobs in specialised nursing fields that require a BSN/MSN.
2. Employer Did Not Provide Proper Justification
🚫 Problem: The employer never established that the position is a speciality occupation in the H-1B petition.
✔ Solution: Consult an immigration attorney to get the documentation right.
3. Nurse Did Not Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
🚫 Problem: Many U.S. states require foreign nurses to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam before working.
✔ Solution: Apply for and get a license after passing the NCLEX-RN in your home country.
Alternative Path: EB-3 Green Card Sponsorship for Nurses
Since H-1B visas for nurses are not easy to get, most nurses prefer the EB-3 Green Card.
Why EB-3 is a Better Option for Nurses:
✔ Permanent Residency: EB-3 gives Green Card directly, in contrast to H-1B which is temporary.
✔ No Lottery: EB-3 is not a lottery like H-1B.
✔ Nurses are Eligible: Registered Nurses (RNs) fall under the EB-3 (Skilled Worker Category).
Step-by-Step Guide for EB-3 Green Card for Nurses
Step 1: Find an EB-3 Sponsoring Employer
✔ Hospitals, staffing agencies, and nursing homes can file EB-3 Green Card petitions for nurses.
Step 2: Employer Files PERM Labour Certification
✔ The employer has to demonstrate that there aren’t enough U.S. nurses available to do the job.
Step 3: Employer Files I-140 Petition
✔ After PERM gets approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
✔ Get a priority date in the Green Card queue, if approved.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status (I-485) or Consular Processing
✔ If you are already present in the United States, you can file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status).
✔ You must have an interview at a U.S. consulate if you are outside the U.S.
📌 Processing Time for EB-3: 12-24 months (Country-dependent)
7 FAQs About H-1B Visas for Nurses
Q1: Can an RN Get an H-1B Visa?
Ans:- Yes, provided that the position requires a BSN or higher and meets the H-1B speciality occupation requirements.
Q2. What Nursing Roles Qualify for H-1B?
Ans:- These are some of the roles that qualify for H-1B:
✔ Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
✔ Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
✔ Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
✔ Nurse Educators
✔ Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
Q3. Is an EB-3 Green Card Better Than an H-1B for Nurses?
Ans:- Yes, as it leads to permanent residency and does not require H-1B lottery selection.
Q4. Do I Need to Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam?
Ans:- Yes! Foreign nurses are also required to pass the NCLEX-RN in most U.S. states to be licensed to work.
Q5. Can I Apply for an H-1B While on an F-1 Student Visa?
Ans:- Yes! If you finish with a BSN or MSN in the U.S., your employer can offer you an H-1B.
Q6. What If My H-1B Visa is Denied?
Ans:- Yes, you can apply for EB-3 & consider TN visas (for Canadian & Mexican nurses).
Q7. How Can I Find an H-1B Sponsoring Employer?
Ans:- Search H1BGrader. com, MyVisaJobs, and LinkedIn to find hospitals that sponsor nurses.
Final Thoughts: Best Pathway for Nurses to Work in the U.S.
For most nurses, the EB-3 visa or TN visa (for Canadians and Mexicans) is the best way to obtain a work visa in the U.S. as those say fit typical nursing roles. A good partner in sourcing your healthcare recruiters and licensure (such as NCLEX and state board) can ease the way.
✔ H-1B available for advanced practice nursing positions (Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs, etc.)
✔ The EB-3 Green Card IS the BEST choice for most nurses.
✔ The NCLEX-RN exam is passed before applying for jobs in the U.S.
✔ Partner with staffing agencies who have worked with employers willing to sponsor you.