2025 Guide: Earn $85,000/Year in the USA as a Foreign Nurse with Visa Sponsorship

In this blog, we’re going to walk you through a clear, step-by-step guide on how to earn up to $85,000 per year working as a foreign nurse in the United States with visa sponsorship.

A lot of qualified nurses across Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world want to move to the U.S. for better pay and opportunities. But the big question is how do I start? That’s exactly why we created this guide with the aim of making things simple for you.

So if you’re a foreign-trained nurse dreaming of relocating to the U.S. in 2025, grab a cup of tea or coffee and read on…

 

 

Why the USA Needs Foreign Nurses in 2025

The United States is currently facing a serious nursing shortage because a large number of their nurses are retiring, and the population is aging rapidly. Hospitals, clinics, and care homes are in urgent need of fresh hands.

As of 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 200,000 new nursing positions will open up every year — and many of these roles can’t be filled locally. That’s where foreign nurses come in.

The U.S. healthcare system relies on international talent more than ever, especially in states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

 

 

 

How Much Do Foreign Nurses Earn in the U.S.?

As a foreign-trained nurse working in the U.S. under a visa sponsorship program, you can earn anywhere from $70,000 to over $110,000 annually, depending on your experience, location, and specialization.

However, the average salary sits around $85,000 per year.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Entry-level RN in Midwest or South: $68,000 – $75,000
• Experienced ICU Nurse in California or NY: $95,000 – $120,000
• Overtime & shift differentials: Can add $5,000–$10,000 yearly

That means with the right agency and experience, you could even earn above $100K as time goes on.

 

 

 

What Is Visa Sponsorship for Nurses?

Visa sponsorship means that a U.S. employer usually a hospital, care facility, or staffing agency is ready to sponsor your U.S. work visa and handle most of the paperwork.

There are two main visa options:

• EB-3 Visa (Green Card Pathway) – Best for RNs with a degree and experience.
• H-1B Visa – For highly specialized nurses (not common, but possible).

Most foreign nurses use the EB-3 Visa, which also gives you the chance to bring your spouse and children under 21.

 

 

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Work as a Foreign Nurse in the U.S. (2025)

Here’s the complete process from start to finish:

1. Get a Recognized Nursing Degree

You must have a nursing degree or diploma equivalent to a U.S. Registered Nurse (RN). Your qualification must be from an accredited institution in your home country.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN is the licensing exam for nurses in the U.S. You must pass this exam before you can work as an RN.

How to prepare:

• Enroll in NCLEX prep classes online (Kaplan, UWorld, etc.)
• Practice with mock tests regularly
• Register through Pearson VUE

Once you pass, your license will be valid for U.S. nursing jobs.

3. Credential Evaluation (CGFNS or CES Report)

Next, you’ll need to get your nursing credentials verified by an organization like CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or through a CES Report.

This proves that your education and license are legit and up to U.S. standards.

4. English Language Proficiency Test

If you’re from a country where English is not the official language, you’ll need to take either:

• IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall, 7.0 in speaking)
• TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 83)

Some countries are exempt (like the UK, Ireland, and parts of the Caribbean), but most African and Asian nurses need this.

5. Secure a Job with a U.S. Employer or Agency

This is the part where many people give up — but don’t. You just need to apply to U.S.-based healthcare recruitment agencies that offer visa sponsorship.

Trusted agencies include:

• Conexus MedStaff
• Avant Healthcare Professionals
• O’Grady Peyton International
• PassportUSA (by Health Carousel)
• MedPro International

These agencies help you with NCLEX registration, relocation, and immigration processing some of them even provide housing support and cultural orientation.

6. Employer Files Your Visa Petition (I-140)

Once you secure a job, your employer or agency will file a Form I-140 for your EB-3 visa. Once it’s approved, you’ll be invited for an interview at the U.S. embassy in your country.

7. Travel to the U.S. and Start Work

Once your visa is approved, you’ll travel to the U.S. and begin your nursing career. Most agencies will help you settle in, find accommodation, and integrate smoothly.

 

 

 

Top U.S. States Hiring Foreign Nurses in 2025

Here are some hot states with high demand and competitive salaries:

State	Avg. Nurse Salary	Demand Level
California	$110,000	Very High
Texas	$85,000	High
Florida	$82,000	High
New York	$95,000	Very High
Illinois	$80,000	Moderate

Tip: Rural areas and smaller towns often process visas faster due to higher shortage.

 

 

 

Documents You’ll Need as a Foreign Nurse

Here’s a checklist to stay on track:

• Valid international passport
• Nursing degree/diploma
• NCLEX-RN exam pass result
• Credential evaluation certificate (CGFNS or CES)
• English proficiency result (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Job offer from U.S. hospital, clinic or agency
• Medical exam and police clearance
• Visa interview documents

 

 

 

Tips to Increase Your Chances in 2025

•  Create a professional U.S.-style resume
• Apply to multiple agencies and hospitals
• Join free NCLEX study groups online
•  Connect with foreign nurses on LinkedIn & Facebook
•  Avoid agents who ask for upfront money — stick to verified recruitment firms.

 

 

 

FAQs on Working as a Foreign Nurse in the USA

Here are some few frequently asked questions and answers about foreign nurses in the USA.

Can I work in the U.S. as a nurse without NCLEX-RN?

No. The NCLEX-RN is required for you to be licensed and eligible to work legally as a nurse in the USA.

 

How long does it take to process the EB-3 visa in 2025?

It typically takes 12 to 18 months, but could be faster if you already passed NCLEX and have all your documents ready.

 

Is there an age limit to work as a nurse in the USA?

No strict age limit, but most agencies prefer applicants below 50 for long-term employability.

 

Can I bring my family with the EB-3 visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can also move to the U.S. with you.

 

Can nurses from Nigeria, India, or the Philippines apply?

Yes, absolutely. Nurses from these countries are highly sought after due to their quality training and English proficiency.

 

 

 

Conclusion

The USA is unarguably one of the best place to work as an healthcare practitioner especially nurses.

The American healthcare system rewards highly qualified healthcare professionals with good salaries or renumeration, and as such most trained nurses from Nigeria, India, Philippines, and some other parts of the world would always want to move there.

This article outlined everything you need to know or do so you can be on your way to start working and earning around $85, 000 or more per annum as a registered nurse.