Visa Sponsorship for International Registered Nurses

October 25, 2022

Nurse Sponsorship USA: International Registered Nurses

At Health Carousel International, we’re determined to enrich the lives of global healthcare professionals by providing life-changing opportunities at leading U.S. healthcare organizations. But in order to successfully immigrate and work in the US, international nursing professionals will need an employment-based visa.

The team at Health Carousel International is here to help maximize your chances of visa petition approval with our proven EB-3 visa process. 

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The EB-3 (Green Card) Visa

The EB-3 visa, or green card, is used by most international nurses working in the US. This type of visa is intended for employment-based immigrants coming to the US for a wide variety of work opportunities. The EB-3 green card is meant for workers with at least two years of training or experience, professionals with college degrees, and is not meant for work that is seasonal or temporary. About 40,000 EB-3 visas are awarded in the US each year. 

EB-3 type visas require the applicant to have a visa sponsorship from an employer in the US, which Health Carousel International can fulfill. While there are other types of employment-based visas for permanent residency, the process of applying for and obtaining an EB-3 visa is usually faster for foreign nurses. 

This is because the U.S. government has recognized a domestic nurse shortage and classifies nursing as a Schedule A Occupation, giving it priority.  

How to Apply for an EB-3 Visa

With the help of Health Carousel International, the EB-3 visa application process is simple. Our legal team will file a Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) on your behalf. This form allows you, your spouse, and minor children to hold green cards that allow you to work and study in the United States as Legal Permanent Residents. 

When the Form I-140 is approved, the next step is immigration and relocation to the US. We are here to help you through every step of the process. 

How Long Does Visa Application Processing Take?

The shortage of qualified healthcare professionals is growing in the United States, and there’s a growing demand for experienced nurses. As a result, American healthcare providers are highly motivated to recruit international talent, and employment-based visas for nursing professionals are generally processed faster than those for other occupations.

Under perfect circumstances, the entire visa process can take between 9 to 18 months. This timeline includes the date of your first application with Health Carousel International to your final arrival as a nurse in the US. 

However, your country of origin may dictate how long your green card application process will take. Since only so many visas are awarded each year, some countries may be backed up with visa applications and may take longer than others. 

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Am I Eligible for an EB-2 or EB-1 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is recommended and used by most international nursing professionals working in the United States. But other types of employment-based visas are available. Those visas include:

  • The EB-2 permanent work visa is available for professionals holding advanced degrees or demonstrating exceptional abilities in their field. 
  • The EB-1 permanent work visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities or accolades in their field, such as award-winning scientists or artists. 

If you happen to hold a degree as an advanced practice nurse, you may very well qualify for an EB-2 or even an EB-1 visa. But the nursing position you’re applying for must require an advanced degree. 

The best employment-based visa for a foreign-trained nurse is the EB-3. But depending on your unique situation, Health Carousel International may file petitions for other types of visas to get you legally working as a nurse in the US in the shortest amount of time.

Can Health Carousel International Recapture My Abandoned Petition?

If for some reason your visa petition is abandoned, Health Carousel International can help to recapture the abandoned petition if you meet visa application and US immigration requirements. Keeping an extra copy of your petition can help to avoid visa application headaches such as this in your nursing career. 

What Should I Do to Become a US Registered Nurse?

Becoming a registered nurse in the US can be a highly rewarding career. You’ll not only have a chance to improve your life but also make a difference in the lives of patients in need of your care. 

In addition to obtaining your EB-3 visa, there are a few other requirements you’ll need to meet in order to become a registered nurse in the States. 

  • Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam to earn nursing licensure
  • Pass an English proficiency test (TOEFL or Academic IELTS)
  • Have at least 2 years of hospital nurse experience under direct supervision

All the requirements to become a registered nurse in the United States can seem overwhelming. But when you work with Health Carousel International, we’ll make sure job seekers like you have the guidance and support you need to succeed. 

Why Choose Health Carousel International?

At Health Carousel International, we take pride in connecting talented international nurses with fulfilling nursing careers in the United States. Our staffing agency will support you through every step of the immigration and relocation process, including:

  • Help gathering required documents for passports and visas
  • Legal and immigration fees
  • Assistance with travel, housing, transportation, and family arrangements
  • Pre-arrival training program and paid orientation

We’ll make sure that you arrive in the US with the confidence to excel in your new nursing job. And we’ll provide you with all the resources you need for your professional, personal, and social wellbeing. Whatever your version of the American Dream is, Health Carousel International can help make it a reality.

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