How to Get a Nursing Visa in the USA: 7 Easy Steps For Foreigners

Many healthcare professionals around the world, especially those in third-world countries, have a strong aspiration towards securing a nursing visa in the USA. 

But along the line, they usually find it hard to get approval even though their qualifications, experience, and skills match the visa requirements. 

Nevertheless, this article explains seven straightforward ways to secure a USA nursing visa with ease by maximizing success rate. 

How Do I Secure A Nursing Visa in the USA?

1. Know The USA Nursing Visa Requirements

As a healthcare professional who wants to work abroad, the first thing you need to know is to understand the requirements of your visa to determine whether you are eligible or not. 

The immigration authorities need to know whether you have such portfolios as a recognized degree in Nursing or a pass result of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

These requirements are compelling and they also serve as the standards for the USA nursing visa.

Additionally, ensure that your credentials are recognized and accredited by the U.S. nursing boards. 

2. Get a Job Offer from a U.S. Employer

The hard truth is that you are going nowhere without a job offer from any U.S. employer, except where the country offers job scholarships. 

On the other hand, several healthcare facilities within the country recruit foreign workers due to the shortage of health workers. 

They also ensure the job is worked by paying them competitive and irresistible salaries. When you have a job offer, the employer will serve as the petitioner who prepares your paperwork to work in the country. 

3. Apply for an Employment-Based Visa (EB-3)

Thirdly, you go through the Employment-Based Visa (EB-3) route. The aligns with your needs and preferences because it is based on skilled workers. 

If an employer is sponsoring you, he will file a petition with the country’s immigration authorities on your behalf. 

Wait for approval so that you can proceed to the next steps like applying for a visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate.  

4. Pass the VisaScreen® Certification Process

The VisaScreen® Certification Process is an AI-programmed software that evaluates the nurse’s educational background, English language proficiency, and licensure to ensure they meet the country’s healthcare standards. 

It is a process that determines whether the country’s immigration authorities should proceed with approving the nursing visa or whether healthcare institutions should retain the nurses. 

This process ensures that the nurses are capable of performing their skilled roles effectively. 

5. Demonstrate English Language Proficiency 

Since the United States is dominated by English-speaking people, nurses willing to work in this country must have good English language proficiency.

This is a stage that no applicant can skip because the immigration authorities will require proof of English proficiency as part of the nursing visa application process. 

To qualify as a Nurse in this field, you should go for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests. 

These tests aim to achieve a good score to show that they can effectively communicate in the medical workspace. 

6. Attend a U.S. Visa Interview

The Visa interview before getting the nursing visa in the USA is meant to ask you question related to your roles and qualifications. 

You are required to answer these questions correctly as it would determine your probability of entry into the country to work. 

It’s important to note that even if you are sponsored by an employer, the interviewing stage at the consulate or embassy stays the same. 

You must carry along all your supporting documents including educational certificates, the NCLEX-RN results, and the VisaScreen® certification. 

7. Prepare for Relocation to the USA

Your preparation for relocation to the USA should commence after receiving the nursing visa. 

While preparing for relocation, ensure that you implement a careful planning process like organizing travel arrangements, and housing, and understanding the work culture in American healthcare facilities. 

Be also ready to familiarize yourself with the country’s regulations to have a good rapport with people and law enforcement agencies. 

Conclusion

To sum up, there is a high chance of getting a nursing visa in the USA if you follow all these methods outlined above. Don’t overlook any of them because each seriously guarantees success and a rewarding career path. 

FAQs

What is the fastest way to become a nurse in the US?

The quickest path is becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which can take just one year. However, LPNs earn less, have limited duties, and have fewer career advancement options compared to registered nurses (RNs).

Is it easy to immigrate to the USA as a nurse?

Immigrating as a nurse can be challenging due to U.S. immigration laws. You’ll need the proper visa, paperwork from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and U.S. nurse licensing requirements.

How long does it take to get a U.S. visa for nurses?

For an EB-3 visa, you usually receive a receipt notice within 2-3 weeks of submitting form I-140. Approval can take 6 to 8 months or longer.