From South Korea to your US nursing career
Korean-trained nurses have several US visa options — EB-3 + Schedule A, H-1B, F-1 → OPT → EB-3, and EB-2 NIW. South Korea 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 South Korea, 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 South Korea nurse diaspora in the US
Korean-trained nurses are a recognized group in the US healthcare workforce. South Korea 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). The Korean American Nurses Association operates regional chapters in New York, Greater Washington, and Greater Chicago, with strong professional development pipelines and scholarship programs.
Sources: CGFNS 2023 Nurse Migration Report, HRSA NSSRN, NCSBN National Nursing Workforce Study, Migration Policy Institute.
NCLEX-RN testing centers near South Korea
South Korea does not currently have an NCLEX testing center. Korean candidates typically travel to Japan (Tokyo) or Taiwan 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 South Korea
Korean Nurses Association and the Ministry of Health and Welfare handle credential and licensing verification.