US Nursing Immigration Guide: From Application to Employment

The main ways for U.S. nurse immigration

Currently, the main way for foreign nurses to immigrate to the United States is through EB-3 professional immigration. The EB-3 category covers skilled workers, professionals and other workers, including nurses. This type of immigration requires a U.S. employer to provide a permanent job position (that is, you need to find a job first) and pass the Labor Certification review from the Department of Labor (DOL). Although the process is relatively cumbersome, EB-3 is a reliable way to obtain permanent residence in the United States (green card).

In addition to EB-3, other possible pathways include:

•  - H-1B work visa: Applicable to foreigners with professional skills, but there is a quota limit and a lottery is required. For nurses, employment is less stable due to the need for employer sponsorship and fierce competition.
•  - TN Visa: Available to professionals in Canada and Mexico, established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If you are a Canadian or Mexican nurse, this may be a faster route.

Want to know more about how to immigrate to the United States? Recommended reading article: Hong Kong Immigration to the United States Lazy Pack: Compare the 6 major immigration methods, conditions, and fees

Basic qualifications for applying for U.S. nurse immigration

To successfully apply for U.S. nurse immigration, you need to meet the following basic qualifications:

• Possess a valid nursing license

• You must have a valid nursing license in your state or region. Please note that U.S. states may have different requirements for nursing licenses, such as education, work experience, and whether additional exams are required. Therefore, before applying, be sure to carefully research the specific requirements of the state where you plan to work. You can refer to the official websites of state boards of nursing for the most accurate information.
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• CGFNS certified

• CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) is an organization that evaluates the academic qualifications and qualifications of foreign nurses. You need to pass the CGFNS eligibility review before you can take the NCLEX-RN exam. The CGFNS certification process includes academic assessment, English proficiency assessment, and nursing knowledge assessment.
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• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

• NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) is the licensing examination for registered nurses in the United States. Only by passing this exam can you be qualified to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. The NCLEX-RN exam mainly tests candidates' nursing knowledge and skills, including safe and effective care environments, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
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• English proficiency requirements

• You will need to prove your English proficiency, usually by providing IELTS (Academic Section) or TOEFL scores. Specific score requirements will vary from state to state, but generally speaking, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required, with a speaking component of 7.0.
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• Academic requirements

•  Generally, you will need a high school degree or above and at least two years of professional nursing education at an accredited nursing school. Some states may require higher education, such as a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
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Detailed application steps for U.S. nurse immigrants

The process of U.S. nurse immigration is relatively complicated and generally includes the following steps:

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2. 1. Assess your qualifications

3. First, you need to carefully evaluate whether you meet the above qualifications and confirm the specific requirements of your target state.

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5. 2. Prepare application documents

6. Prepare all necessary application documents, including academic certificates, nursing license, test scores, resume, letters of recommendation, etc.

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8. 3. Take the CGFNS exam and obtain certification

9. You can learn about exam registration, preparation resources and other information through the official website of CGFNS.

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11. 4. Apply for the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a license

12. It is recommended that you prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam in advance. You can strengthen your preparation through online resources, simulated test questions, and participation in training courses.

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14. 5. Find a U.S. employer and obtain a job offer (Job Offer)

15.  This is a critical step for EB-3 immigration. You can find U.S. employers through the following channels:

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    •  - Online job search sites (e.g. Indeed, LinkedIn, NursingJobs.com).
    •  - Attend nursing-related career fairs.
    •  - Contact a medical provider or staffing company in the United States.

    When preparing for the interview, you will need to have your resume, nursing license, and other relevant supporting documents ready. You will also need to demonstrate your professional skills, English proficiency, and ability to adapt to American culture.

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18. 6. Submit an Immigration Petition (Form I-140)

19. Your U.S. employer submits Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Worker Immigrant) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

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21. 7. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

22. After the I-140 is approved, your case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) for subsequent processing, including paying visa fees, submitting relevant documents, etc.

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24. 8. Interview and physical examination

25. You will need to go to a U.S. consulate or embassy for an interview and a physical exam.

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27. 9. Obtain an immigrant visa and travel to the United States

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Next steps after arriving in the United States

Once you arrive in the United States, you will also need to complete the following steps:

• 1. Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN)
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• 2. Register with the state nursing board and obtain formal qualifications
• The registration process and requirements may vary from state to state, and you will need to check with your state's Board of Nursing for details.
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• 3. Continuing Education and Licensure Renewal
•  Every state in the United States has relevant requirements for nurses’ continuing education and license renewal. You need to regularly attend relevant courses or activities to maintain your qualifications.
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Employment prospects and salary of nurses in the United States

The employment prospects of nurses in the United States are very optimistic. The United States has been facing a shortage of nurses due to an aging population and increasing medical needs. This provides numerous employment opportunities for foreign nurses. American nurses generally have a good working environment, and medical institutions provide complete equipment and resources.

The salary level of nurses in the United States is also quite generous, and the salary will vary in different regions and positions. For example, nurses typically earn higher salaries in areas with high living costs, such as California and New York. In addition, a nurse's experience, education, and professional field will also affect their salary level.

The Life and Culture of American Nurses

The United States is a multicultural country, and the living environment and cultural atmosphere are different from many Asian countries. In the process of adapting to the new environment, you may encounter some challenges, such as language communication, cultural differences, and differences in living habits. It is recommended that you do your homework in advance and understand the living habits and cultural differences in the United States so that you can better integrate into the local society. You can learn about American culture through online resources, social media, and participating in local events.

• Summary

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