The path to a US nursing career — broken down.

The ten steps

1. 1

   Educational qualification

   Ensure your nursing education is equivalent to US standards (typically a minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing).

2. 2

   Credential evaluation

   Submit transcripts and proof of licensure to an authorized agency (such as CGFNS or ERES) for validation and equivalency review.

3. 3

   English language proficiency

   Take and pass an approved English language test (TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC), unless exempt due to instruction in English in a recognized country.

4. 4

   Pass the CGFNS qualifying exam (if required)

   Some employers or states require candidates to pass the CGFNS exam before sitting for the NCLEX.

5. 5

   Apply for state licensure and NCLEX authorization

   Apply to a State Board of Nursing for permission to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Each state has its own requirements.

6. 6

   Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

   This is the national licensing examination for Registered Nurses in the US.

7. 7

   Obtain a VisaScreen certificate

   Required by US immigration authorities to confirm that the candidate meets the minimum standards for training, licensure, and English proficiency.

8. 8

   Secure employer sponsorship

   Find a healthcare employer willing to sponsor you for a work visa (typically H-1B or EB-3).

9. 9

   Apply for the appropriate visa

   Depending on your qualifications and employer, apply for the H-1B, EB-3 green card, or a cap-exempt H-1B if working at a qualifying institution.

10. 10

    Relocate and begin employment

    Once your visa is approved and licensure is complete, you may begin working in the US as an RN.

Visa pathways

Seven pathways are relevant to internationally-trained nurses. The right one depends on your country of training and chargeability.

• EB-3 + Schedule A
  Permanent green-card path. Schedule A waives the labor-market test for RNs. ~2-12 year wait depending on country of chargeability.
• TN visa (USMCA)
  Mexican and Canadian RNs only. No annual cap, three-year renewable. Apply at port of entry (Canada) or US consulate (Mexico).
• H-1B1 (FTA)
  Chilean and Singaporean nationals only. Specialty-occupation test — typically requires BSN.
• H-1B
  Specialty-occupation, lottery-capped. Hard for general RN roles; works for specialty + BSN.
• EB-2 NIW
  Self-petition for advanced-practice nurses with documented national-interest impact.
• F-1 → OPT → EB-3
  Get a US-based ABSN/MSN, work on OPT, then transition to EB-3. Common for nurses from countries with long EB-3 waits.
• J-1 (exchange)
  Exchange visitor. Limited employment applicability for nurses. Home-residency requirement may apply.

Source: USCIS, DOL Schedule A, USMCA Annex 16-A. Eligibility is country-dependent — consult an immigration attorney for your case.

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