From Nepal to your US nursing career
Nepali-trained nurses have several US visa options — EB-3 + Schedule A, H-1B, F-1 → OPT → EB-3, and EB-2 NIW. Nepal appeared in the top 10 CGFNS VisaScreen source countries in FY 2023.
Available US visa pathways
The six US work visa pathways most relevant to internationally-trained nurses. Status reflects eligibility for nationals of Nepal, 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 | Nepal 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 Nepal nurse diaspora in the US
Nepali nurses are one of the faster-growing groups in the US healthcare workforce. Nepal appeared in the top 10 source countries for CGFNS VisaScreen certificates in FY 2023, showing considerable growth from prior years (CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report). The community is concentrated in the Northeast and Texas.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
CGFNS & NCLEX-RN
Nepal ranked among the top 10 source countries for VisaScreen certificates in FY 2023, representing a notable increase over prior years. The South-East Asia Region has only 16.5 nurses per 10,000 population — well below the global average (CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report).
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report (Bakhshi, Álvarez, Cook, Maiyer — CGFNS International, Inc.), NCSBN NCLEX examination statistics.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near Nepal
Nepal does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Nepali candidates typically travel to India (New Delhi is the most common choice) 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 Nepal
Nepal Nursing Council handles credentials; Department of Foreign Employment governs overseas labor.