You are among excellent people. The prospect of greater possibilities, job progression, and the opportunity to live the American dream attracts thousands of nurses from around the world to the United States each year. This might be your route to a fulfilling job with high pay, substantial benefits, and life-changing events if you’re a registered Registered Nurse (RN).
Why Registered Nurses Are in High Demand in the USA
One of the biggest and busiest healthcare systems in the world is the one in the United States.
Hospitals and care facilities are looking to foreign talent due to an aging population, rising healthcare demands, and a growing scarcity of domestic nurses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that through 2031, more than 200,000 additional registered nurse jobs will become available each year. In an effort to recruit international nurses, hospitals, assisted living homes, and home health organizations are now providing visa sponsorships.
Salary
In the United States, registered nurses typically make $30 per hour.
Depending on your region, level of experience, and company, that amounts to roughly $5,000 to $6,000 each month. Nurses can make up to $45 per hour or more in some states, such as California and New York.
Read Also: Latest Packing Jobs in USA
Benefits
When you’re hired as a foreign nurse with visa sponsorship, here’s what you can typically look forward to:
- Competitive Salary
Depending on experience and region, make at least $30 per hour. - Visa Sponsorship
sponsored by the EB-3 or H-1B visa programs, with many businesses covering the cost of legal fees and paperwork. - Free or Subsidized Housing (in some cases)
During your transfer, some businesses offer temporary housing or assist with rent. - Comprehensive Health Coverage
includes dental and health insurance for you and your family, if applicable. - 401(k) Retirement Plan
Employer-matched contributions can help you save for the future. - Paid Time Off
Get compensated sick days, vacation time, and occasionally holiday bonuses. - Relocation Allowance
Financial support for travel, luggage, and settling-in costs. - Pathway to U.S. Permanent Residency (Green Card)
Many EB-3 RN positions offer you and your qualified dependents a clear route to a Green Card.
Requirements
Here are the prerequisites that foreign-trained nurses must fulfill in order to work in the United States:
1. Educational Qualification
- A nursing bachelor’s degree or diploma from a recognized university
- You have to have finished your clinical and theoretical training.
- Education must meet U.S. nursing standards, as determined by the state board or CGFNS.
2. Professional License
- In your own nation, you have to be a Registered Nurse (RN).
- It is necessary to have a current, legal nursing license.
3. NCLEX-RN Exam
- To be able to practice in the United States, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN.
4. English Language Proficiency
- Required if your education was not in English
- You need to pass one of the following:
- IELTS Academic (minimum scores vary by state)
- TOEFL iBT
- Test results are required by CGFNS or the U.S. state board of nursing
5. Work Experience
- It is preferred to have at least one to two years of recent clinical experience.
- Experience in acute care, specialty units, or hospitals is advantageous.
6. Credential Evaluation (CGFNS or State Board)
- The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certification is required in the majority of states.
- Some states might permit their nursing board to do direct evaluations.
7. Immigration Eligibility
- Must be eligible for an employment-based visa:
- EB-3 visa (most common for RNs)
- H-1B visa (limited, for specialized nurses with higher education)
- Employer or recruitment agency must sponsor your visa
Who Can Apply?
Education & License
- own a nursing bachelor’s degree or diploma.
- You must be an RN in your nation of origin.
- To work as a nurse in the United States, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
English Language Proficiency
- Must pass an English language test such as:
- IELTS Academic or
- TOEFL iBT
- Required by CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or U.S. state boards
Work Experience
- Preferably, you have 1-2 years of practical nursing experience.
- It is beneficial to have experience working in clinics, hospitals, or long-term care facilities.
Documents You’ll Need
- Valid passport
- Nursing license from your home country
- Academic transcripts (translated, if necessary)
- Work experience certificates
- Proof of NCLEX-RN exam pass
- CGFNS certification or state board approval
Visa Types
Most employers sponsor under:
- H-1B Visa—Temporary work visa (valid for 3–6 years)
- EB-3 Visa—Employment-based Green Card (for skilled workers, including nurses)
Where to Find These Jobs
Conclusion
The United States remains a top destination for international nurses because to its top-notch healthcare system, competitive pay, and easy immigration procedures.
The American healthcare sector is ready for you if you’re a registered nurse with a good clinical background and a strong desire to succeed. It offers relocation assistance, visa sponsorship, and the possibility of permanent residency. In 2025, have your paperwork ready, pass the NCLEX-RN, and advance your nursing career internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average salary for RNs in the USA?
$30–$45 per hour, depending on state and experience
That’s about $5,000–$6,000 per month
Nurses in California and New York can earn even moreDo I need work experience?
Yes, 1–2 years of recent clinical experience is strongly preferred, especially in hospitals, clinics, or acute care settings.
