Visa and Green Card Guide
Green Card for Nurses: The Complete 2026 Guide
The complete guide to getting a U.S. green card as an international nurse in 2026: EB-3 and Schedule A, eligibility, costs, timeline, and sponsored nursing jobs.
International nurses have one of the clearest paths to a U.S. green card of any profession, thanks to EB-3 and Schedule A. This guide walks through who qualifies, what it costs, how long it takes, and where to find employers that sponsor.
Why nurses have an easier path
Registered nurses sit on the Department of Labor's Schedule A list, a short list of occupations the government recognizes as having a national shortage. That removes the PERM labor-certification step that slows most employment green cards, letting hospitals petition directly under the EB-3 category.
Are you eligible?
- A nursing degree or foreign equivalent and an active or attainable U.S. RN license.
- Ability to pass the NCLEX-RN.
- A VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS for credentials and English proficiency.
- A full-time, permanent offer from a sponsoring U.S. employer.
The process, in 6 steps
Pass NCLEX-RN and get licensed
Secure a U.S. RN license in your target state or a compact state.
Complete VisaScreen
CGFNS verifies your education, license, and English proficiency before the visa stage.
Land a sponsoring employer
Apply to hospitals that file EB-3. Rural and high-need systems often sponsor most readily.
Employer files Form I-140
The petition under EB-3 and Schedule A sets your priority date, which is your place in line.
Wait for your priority date
Visa availability depends on country of birth. Track it in our monthly visa-bulletin update.
Consular processing or adjustment
The final step to permanent residency happens abroad through consular processing or in the U.S. through adjustment of status.
How long does it take?
| Country of birth | Typical EB-3 wait |
|---|---|
| Most countries | Roughly 1-2 years when visa numbers are available |
| Philippines | Longer when priority-date backlogs apply |
| India | Longest among common nurse-sponsorship markets |
Indicative only. The visa bulletin moves monthly, so check the latest priority dates.
What does it cost?
Most sponsoring employers cover the I-140 petition and attorney fees, and many add relocation support. Applicants typically cover immigrant-visa or adjustment fees and personal costs such as exams or travel. Always get the cost split in writing before accepting.
Find green-card-sponsored nursing jobs
Live EB-3 and visa-sponsored roles from hospitals that sponsor, updated daily.
Browse sponsored jobsFrequently asked questions
Is EB-3 or EB-2 better for nurses?
Most nurses go EB-3, since standard RN roles do not meet EB-2's advanced-degree threshold. APRNs and NPs with a master's may qualify for EB-2 in some cases.
Do I need a job offer before I start?
Yes. Employment-based green cards require a sponsoring employer's petition.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are generally included as derivative beneficiaries.