The U.S. healthcare system is in crisis: nursing shortages, specialist vacancy spikes, and unfilled roles across rural and urban hospitals.
To fill this widening gap, many institutions are quietly offering attractive sponsorship packages, some topping $150,000 annually; to attract foreign-trained medical workers. But parsing the maze of visas, certifications, and quotas can be daunting.
In this deep-dive, we explore H‑1B and EB‑3 visas; the two main pathways for international healthcare professionals.
We’ll break down their eligibility criteria, highlight real-world hurdles, and explain how specialized immigration firms help hospitals navigate the process. Let’s jump in.
What are the H‑1B and EB‑3 visas for medical professionals?
H‑1B (Specialty Occupations): A non-immigrant work visa for roles requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specialized profession. It’s widely known in tech but is also applicable to specialized healthcare practitioners.
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EB‑3 (Skilled/Unskilled Workers): An employment-based green card pathway aimed at both skilled and unskilled workers, including registered nurses and allied health professionals.
Who qualifies for an H‑1B visa in healthcare?
To qualify for H‑1B:
- Specialized Occupation: Requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Degree Match: The candidate’s qualifications must align with job requirements.
- Labor Condition Application (LCA): Employers must prove that hiring a foreign worker won’t harm American workers’ wages or conditions.
Can nurses get H‑1B visas?
Highly specialized nurses can qualify:
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS)
- Physical Therapists (PTs)
General RNs typically do not qualify unless the position demands a bachelor’s degree and specialized responsibilities.
What are the challenges of getting an H‑1B visa?
- Annual Cap & Lottery: Only 65,000 basic slots and 20,000 for U.S.-educated advanced-degree holders, chosen via lottery.
- Time-Intensive Process: Filings begin in April, with approvals stretching several months.
- Employer Responsibilities: Must file LCA and Form I‑129, and justify wage and benefit standards.
- Dependents’ Limitations: H‑4 spouses can’t work unless they secure separate work authorization.
What is the EB‑3 visa and who is eligible?
The EB‑3 is a permanent, employment-based green card category with three subgroups:
- Skilled Workers: At least 2 years of training or experience.
- Professionals: Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
- Other Workers: Low-skilled workers in positions needing <2 years of training.
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Who among medical professionals qualifies?
- Registered Nurses (RNs); On Schedule A (occupations with proven national shortages).
- Medical Technologists & Lab Scientists.
- Allied Health Professionals (e.g. radiologic techs).
What are the advantages of EB‑3 over H‑1B?
- Direct Green Card: Leads straight to permanent residency.
- No Lottery: Visas available throughout the year.
- Suitable for Non-Degreed Roles: Schedule A covers nursing even without a bachelor’s.
What are the downsides of the EB‑3 visa?
- Lengthy Processing: Can take anywhere from several months up to several years depending on the applicant’s country of origin.
- Employer Sponsorship: Requires Form PERM labor certification proving no qualified U.S. workers were available.
- Country Caps: Backlogs may vary by nationality, applicants from high-demand nations may face longer waits.
How much salary can sponsored foreign medical workers earn?
Hospitals typically offer packages over $150,000 annually, especially in high-cost locations or for niche skill sets. These packages often include:
- Health insurance coverage
- Relocation assistance
- Licensing exam support (e.g. NCLEX, CBT labs)
- Onboarding bonuses
- Continuing Education provisions
How can foreign nurses get U.S. sponsorship?
- Credential Evaluation: Use services like CGFNS to verify international nursing qualifications and pass NCLEX.
- Employer Connection: Apply with hospitals offering visa sponsorship.
- Visa Petition: Employer files PERM (for EB‑3) or LCA + I‑129 (for H‑1B).
- Consular Process: Fill FORM DS‑260, attend interview, and receive visa.
- Relocation Support: Employers often assist with travel, housing, and language orientation.
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People Also Ask – FAQs
1. How much can foreign doctors earn in the U.S.?
Licensed foreign physicians (often J‑1 or H‑1B) can earn $200K–$300K+ depending on specialty, location, and fellowship prestige.
2. Can foreign nurses get permanent U.S. residency?
Yes, via the EB‑3 visa (Schedule A nursing), foreign nurses can directly pursue a green card, avoiding the lottery route.
3. What are the H‑1B visa limits?
The cap is 65,000 general visas + 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders, making competition fierce each April.
4. How long does an EB‑3 green card take?
Typically 6 months to 2+ years, depending on PERM approval and country-specific visa bulletin delays.
5. Can H‑4 spouses work?
Only if the H‑1B holder has certain green card statuses. Otherwise, H‑4 spouses are not work-authorized.
6. Which medical roles get H‑1B easily?
Specialty positions like CRNAs, NPs, MLS, PTs, and specialized tech roles often qualify more easily than general nursing.
7. What is Schedule A for nurses?
Schedule A is a DHS designation listing nursing as having a shortage in the U.S., enabling green-card-speed PERM exemptions.
8. How to find hospitals offering sponsorship?
Use job boards like VisaJobs.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn with filters like “visa sponsorship registered nurse.”
9. Do hospitals pay for visa fees?
Many employers cover H‑1B or EB‑3 filing costs, including labor certification, petition filing, attorney fees, and consulate expenses.
10. What if the visa is delayed?
Consultants escalate cases, liaise with USCIS, and may expedite by paying extra (up to $2,500 for H‑1B premium processing).
Final Thoughts
Yes; U.S. states are quietly offering $150K+ sponsorships to foreign medical workers, especially nurses, allied health professionals, and specialist practitioners. The H‑1B and EB‑3 visas present compelling pathways, but come with strict eligibility rules, caps, and timelines.
With professional help (think PRS Global) guiding credential evaluations, employer petitions, and visa navigation, this opportunity becomes more attainable.
Whether you’re an RN eyeing Schedule A EB‑3 or a CRNA aiming for H‑1B, the American dream is within reach.