From Haiti to your US nursing career
Haitian-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 Haiti, 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 | Haiti 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 Haiti nurse diaspora in the US
The Haitian nursing diaspora in the US is concentrated in South Florida, New York, and New Jersey. The Haitian American Nurses Association International (HANA-I), incorporated in 2018, empowers nurses of Haitian descent through education, research, advocacy, and leadership. The Haitian American Nurses Association of Greater New York is also active in the Northeast.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near Haiti
Haiti does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Haitian candidates typically travel to Puerto Rico or the US mainland (Florida) 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 Haiti
Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP) governs nurse regulation; school accreditation matters for CGFNS evaluation.
US travel ban — FULL BAN
Haiti was subject to a full travel ban under Proclamation 10998, which suspended immigrant visa issuance. On June 5, 2026, a federal court struck down the USCIS policies that froze immigration benefits for nationals of affected countries, finding them unlawful. The practical effects of this ruling and timeline for visa processing normalization remain to be determined. Consult an immigration attorney for the latest guidance.
Source: Executive Order 14161 / Proclamation 10998 (December 2025, effective January 1, 2026). Consult a licensed immigration attorney for current status.