The United States is facing one of the most severe nursing shortages in its history. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and travel-nurse agencies actively recruit internationally, offering $110,000+ packages with employer-sponsored visas.
The Demand Is Real
The American Nurses Association projects a shortage of more than 200,000 RNs through 2030. To fill the gap, healthcare systems sponsor foreign-trained nurses under EB-3 immigrant visas and H-1B/H-1C nonimmigrant categories.
Salary Overview
Registered Nurses earn an average of $90K–$110K nationally, while ICU, ER, and OR specialists earn $120K–$150K. Travel nurses can exceed $180K annually with stipends and contract bonuses.
Requirements for International Nurses
You must pass the NCLEX-RN, achieve English proficiency (IELTS/OET), obtain a CGFNS VisaScreen certificate, and secure a job offer from a sponsoring employer.
Top Sponsoring Employers
HCA Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Tenet, AdventHealth, and Ascension regularly sponsor foreign RNs. Staffing firms like O’Grady Peyton and Avant Healthcare specialize in international recruitment.
Steps to Apply
Begin with NCLEX preparation, register with CGFNS, build a U.S.-style nursing resume, and apply directly to hospital career portals. Many sponsors also cover relocation, housing for the first 30 days, and licensing fees.
Conclusion
Few professions offer the same combination of demand, salary, and immigration access as U.S. nursing. For qualified international RNs, 2026 is one of the best years to begin the journey.