From Guyana to your US nursing career
Guyanese-trained nurses have several US visa options — EB-3 + Schedule A, 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 Guyana, 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 | Country is not party to USMCA. |
H-1B1 (FTA) Temporary, Chile/Singapore only | Not applicable | Reserved for Chilean and Singaporean nationals only. |
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 Guyana nurse diaspora in the US
The Guyanese diaspora in the US is substantial relative to Guyana's population, with over 250,000 people concentrated in New York (particularly Queens and Brooklyn), New Jersey, and Florida. Guyanese nurses benefit from English-language training and CARICOM regional standards. The Caribbean American Nurses Association provides professional community support.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near Guyana
Guyana does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Guyanese candidates typically travel to Puerto Rico or the US mainland (Florida or New York) 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 Guyana
Guyana Nursing Council handles credential verification.