From Chile to your US nursing career
Chilean-trained nurses have several US visa options — EB-3 + Schedule A, H-1B1 (US-Chile FTA), H-1B, F-1 → OPT → EB-3, and EB-2 NIW.
Available US visa pathways
The six US work visa pathways most relevant to internationally-trained nurses. Status reflects eligibility for nationals of Chile, not certainty of approval.
| Pathway | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
EB-3 + Schedule A Permanent (green card) | Available | ~2yr wait (Rest of World). |
TN (USMCA) Temporary, renewable | Not applicable | Chile is not party to USMCA. |
H-1B1 (FTA) Temporary, Chile/Singapore only | Conditional | Available to Chilean nationals; subject to specialty-occupation test (BSN + specialty role typically required). |
H-1B Temporary, lottery-capped (cap-exempt employers exist) | Conditional | Requires BSN + specialty role; lottery-capped, but cap-exempt employers (universities, teaching hospitals, nonprofits) are not subject to the lottery. |
EB-2 NIW Permanent (green card), self-petition | Conditional | — |
F-1 → OPT → EB-3 Student → permanent path | Available | — |
Source: USCIS, DOL Schedule A, USMCA Annex 16-A. Last updated April 2026.
EB-3 priority date queue (May 2026)
If you file for an employment-based green card, the wait depends on your country of chargeability. Where each category stands today:
- Rest of World(yours)~2 years
- Mexico~2 years
- Philippines~3 years
- China~5 years
- India12+ years
Source: U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin for May 2026 (travel.state.gov). Refreshed monthly.
The Chile nurse diaspora in the US
The Chilean nursing community in the US is small but growing. Chile is unique among Latin American source countries in having access to the H-1B1 visa under the US-Chile Free Trade Agreement, though the specialty-occupation test limits its use for general RN roles. The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) serves as the primary professional network for Chilean nurses in the US alongside other Latin American-trained nurses.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near Chile
Chile does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Chilean candidates typically travel to São Paulo (Brazil) or the US mainland to sit for the exam.
Source: Pearson VUE / NCSBN international NCLEX testing center list. Locations may change quarterly — verify on nclex.com before scheduling.
What you'll need to clear in Chile
Superintendencia de Salud and Colegio de Enfermeras de Chile govern nursing practice.