From Jamaica to your US nursing career
Jamaican-trained nurses have several US visa options — EB-3 + Schedule A, H-1B, F-1 → OPT → EB-3, and EB-2 NIW. Jamaica is a consistent top-10 CGFNS VisaScreen source country.
Available US visa pathways
The six US work visa pathways most relevant to internationally-trained nurses. Status reflects eligibility for nationals of Jamaica, 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 | Jamaica 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 Jamaica nurse diaspora in the US
Jamaican nurses have a long history of migration to the US and UK. Jamaica appeared in the top 10 source countries for CGFNS VisaScreen certificates in FY 2023, and requires a baccalaureate nursing degree for licensure — aligning well with US requirements (CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report). Before the pandemic, an estimated 85% of trained Jamaican nurses eventually sought work overseas. The Jamaica Nurses Association of Florida (founded 1983) and the Caribbean American Nurses Association provide community support in NY, FL, and NJ.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
CGFNS & NCLEX-RN
Jamaica is a consistent presence among the top 10 CGFNS VisaScreen source countries. As a baccalaureate-education country, Jamaican candidates align well with US BSN requirements (CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report). Nursing vacancy rates across the Caribbean average 40%, driven by the ongoing exodus to developed countries.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report (Bakhshi, Álvarez, Cook, Maiyer — CGFNS International, Inc.), NCSBN NCLEX examination statistics.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near Jamaica
Jamaica does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Jamaican 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 Jamaica
Nursing Council of Jamaica handles credential verification.