The United States is experiencing a nursing shortage, as thousands of nurses retire and the US population grows older, placing more demands on the healthcare system.
It is estimated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics that around 193,000 nursing jobs in the USA will need to be filled every year during this decade and beyond.
The average salary for a registered nurse (RN) working in the US is $89,010 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but many different specialized nursing jobs in the USA pay much higher salaries.
Thus, foreign nurses have great opportunities to find good-paying jobs in the US, but they will need to receive the relevant visa and get licensed to legally work in America.
This article will discuss one of the most popular work visas, the H1B for nurses, including the basic requirements and fees, so keep reading to learn the essential information!
Table of Contents
Can Nurses Get an H-1B Visa?
Foreign nurses who satisfy the eligibility requirements can apply to get a nurse H1B Visa to live and work in the USA for a limited amount of time.
The nurse H1B Visa is initially valid for up to three years and can be renewed for up to three additional years (for a maximum of six years) if the foreign nurse qualifies.
Family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of an H1B Visa holder may apply for the H4 Visa for family members to live in the USA.
The H1B Visa has ‘dual intent’ which basically means it is a temporary non-immigrant US work visa that has an option for the skilled foreign worker and his or her family members to apply for a Permanent Resident Green Card if they qualify.
For example, during the sixth year of possessing an H1B Visa for nurses, the foreign nurse might seek a US employer (such as a hospital or doctor’s office) to sponsor him or her for an employment-based (EB) Green Card and if the petition is approved by USCIS, the foreign nurse may be able to apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status.
H-1B Work Visa Eligibility Requirements for Nurses
- Educational Qualification – Bachelor’s Degree or higher educational credential related to nursing is required.
- Credential Verification – Most US states require foreign nurses to have their nursing education credentials verified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
- State License – The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) will need to be passed and the foreign nurse will need to get licensed in the state where he or she wants to work in the USA.
- Sponsorship – Foreign nurses who want to apply for the H1B Visa for nurses will need to get a qualifying job offer from a US employer (such as a hospital) and the sponsoring employer will need to apply for a Labor Certification with the US Department of Labor and file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Specialty Occupation – The H1B Work Visa is for skilled foreign workers with specialty occupations that generally require at least a Bachelor’s Degree and highly specialized knowledge. It is important to note that not all nursing occupations in the US qualify for the Nurse H1B Visa, because they do not require a Bachelor’s Degree and/or highly specialized knowledge. Each of the 50 US states has its own requirements for the different types of nurses. The Nurse H1B Visa is generally for specialized nursing occupations that require at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
H-1B Work Visa Application Process for Nurses
The nurse H1B Visa application process generally involves the following steps:
- Verification of education credentials by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
- Getting licensed in the state where the foreign nurse wants to work in the USA
- Receiving a qualifying job offer by an employer in the US (such as a hospital or doctor’s office)
- The employer will need to file the Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor
- After the Labor Certification is approved, the employer will file the Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS
- Once USCIS approves the Petition, the foreign nurse will apply for the H1B Work Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate
- The foreign nurse will attend a scheduled consular interview, bring the required documents and pay the governmental fee(s)
- If approved for the Nurse H1B Visa, the US work visa will be placed on a page of the foreign nurse’s passport
- The Nurse H1B Visa is initially valid for up to three years and has an option to be renewed for up to three additional years
Please note that this is an overview, the requirements and process are subject to change, and further details can be provided.
How Much Does the H-1B Visa Cost?
The basic fees for an H-1B for nurses can include the following:
- Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker Filing Fee – $460 (paid by the US employer)Anti-Fraud Fee – $500 (paid by the US employer)Public Law 114-113 Fee – $4,000 (paid by the US employer)
- Form DS-160 (H1B Visa) Application Fee – $205 (paid by the foreign nurse)
- Attorney Fees – These vary from firm to firm (could be paid by the US employer and/or the foreign nurse)
Alternatives to the H-1B Visa for Nurses
Some of the alternatives to the H1B Visa for Nurses include the:
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- TN Visa for Nurses from Canada or Mexico
- EB-2 Immigrant Visa and Permanent Resident Green Card
- EB-3 Immigrant Visa and Permanent Resident Green Card
Conclusion
There is a strong demand for foreign nurses and other healthcare professionals in the United States which is expected to continue for many years to come.
Nurses who work in the USA generally earn high salaries (for example, registered nurses earn an average yearly salary of $89,010 and specialized nurses can earn even more!).
Of course, a nursing H1B or other US visa will be needed in order to legally live and work in America as a foreign nurse.
You might be wondering whether you qualify to apply for a nurse H1B or other US visa and what the process involves.
After all, each US visa has its own eligibility requirements and application procedure.
Since 2001, USAFIS has been helping thousands of people around the world to explore their options to live and work in America.
USAFIS can provide you with a US Visa Assessment that will let you know which visa pathway best matches your personal profile.
You can also receive guidance related to gathering the supporting documents required for the application procedure.
Are you ready to take the first step to receive your US Visa Assessment?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can nurses apply for H-1B visas?
Yes, foreign nurses who have at least a Bachelor’s Degree, possess highly specialized skills related to the nursing position and satisfy other criteria can apply for the H1B Visa for Nurses.
Are there specific requirements for nurses to obtain an H-1B visa?
In order to obtain an H1B Visa for Nurses, a foreign nurse will generally need to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree; possess highly specialized skills related to the nursing position; receive verification of educational credentials by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS); pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX); get licensed in the state where he or she wants to work in the USA; receive a job offer from a US employer; be approved for a Labor Certification and Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers; apply for the nurse H1B Visa (file the Form DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application); provide the required documents; pay the governmental fee(s); and pass the consular interview at the American Embassy or Consulate.
How long does it take to process an H-1B visa for nurses?
It generally takes approximately 4-12 months to process an H-1B visa for nurses, but this can vary depending on the country of one’s citizenship, annual H1B Visa caps/limits and whether someone pays for premium processing.
Can H-1B visa holders bring their families to the US?
Yes, someone with an H1B Visa for nurses can bring their legally married spouse (opposite sex or same sex) and dependent children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) to live in the USA. The family members of H1B Visa holders can apply for the H4 Visa for family members.
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