The recognition of the shortage of nurses in America has encouraged the US government to open more visa options so that foreign nurses can come into the country. The government gives preferences to certain professions and allow them to obtain permanent residence in the United States.
For this course, the US government has established different procedures to aid nurses’ ability to move into the country and live permanently. However, one of the best visa options (H-1C) for nurses is no longer available, but there are other options for nurses who want to find their way into the country.
How to move into the USA as a Nurse
You can apply for the H-1B visa as a foreign national who wants to work on a temporary basis. This visa is for nationals who have a job offer from employers in the US for a special occupation.
The employer has to file an I-129 petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for foreign nurses to be able to get the H-1B.
In most cases, the USCIS check out if you have a bachelor’s degree. Not having a bachelor’s degree can pose a hindrance to obtaining your H-1B.
Most states prefer the certification process for the nursing position. This is why you should find out the requirements of your employer in any state you will work in.
If you are applying as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse and you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, it might be difficult to get an H-1B visa as a registered nurse.
Make sure you find out the state’s requirement for a specialty occupation. Sometimes, the requirement of the job might not match your qualification.
How to obtain permanent residence status as a Nurse
In the real context, your employer is in the pole position to sponsor your green card. First, you have to be employed in a full-time position as a permanent nurse.
The next step is for your employer to complete a process known as PERM (labor certification process) on your behalf. This process is completely different when it comes to the nursing profession.
As mentioned earlier, the government wants to fill out more positions. This is why the nursing position falls under the “Schedule A” position. The government is aware of the shortage of workers in these positions.
To start this process of filing a PERM, your employer has to complete the ETA Form 9089 and I-140 petition and submit the USCIS.
Once USCIS approved both applications, you will be able to apply for the permanent residency (U.S green card) by filing the I-1485 (adjustment of status application) with USCIS.
Eligibility and Requirements of a foreign nurse
- Must have graduated from an accredited program in nursing education in your home country.
- Must be licensed and registered as a nurse in their home country.
- Must have practiced for at least 2 years as a registered nurse.
- Must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking exams like TOIEC, TOEFL, or IELTS in your county of origin.
- Must obtain a Registered Nurse Immigrant Visa (“Green Card”) or an H-1B visa.
- Must be certified by the CGFNS (Commission on graduates of foreign nursing schools).
- Must have an unrestricted and valid license in the USA where he or she will work
- Must be a graduate of an English language nursing program acceptable for medical training.
For each petition filed by your U.S employer, whether it is for visa or green card; your CGFNS certificate must always be included.

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Please everyone, a friend of mine, need advise. he has been told to fill the DS-260 e-forms, he is based in uk now, and he has resigned from his job in Nigeria 6months ago, currently not working as a nurse in uk but the Agent is not aware he is not in Nigeria and that he has also resigned. Please what should he do

Just like u said, applicants must be degree holder in nursing. My wife applied through Avant Healthcare but got a feed back telling she isn't eligible because of that and she isn't having experience in a facility of 100 hundred plus bed space.
My question now is, where/how can she locate an agent or state with certification in nursing with practicing licence