$128,000 Registered Nurse Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Are you a qualified nurse in Africa dreaming of a rewarding healthcare career in the United States? The demand for nurses in the U.S. is rising, and $128,000 Registered Nurse jobs USA visa sponsorship offers a promising path for international nurses looking for a better future.
The U.S. healthcare system is one of the largest and most advanced in the world. With a growing shortage of nursing professionals, particularly in aging populations and rural regions, hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly turning to international talent to fill critical roles. This article is your go-to guide to everything you need to know about Registered Nurse jobs USA visa sponsorship, including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and success tips — all tailored to you, our African audience.
🇺🇸 Why the U.S. is Hiring International Nurses
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, with over 193,000 job openings projected annually on average during the decade.
To meet this demand, many U.S. healthcare employers actively recruit overseas nurses and offer visa sponsorship, including Green Cards (permanent residency). For qualified African nurses, this opens the door to Registered Nurse jobs USA visa sponsorship, providing high income, job security, and a future for your family.
💰 Salary Overview: Why This is a Life-Changing Opportunity
A registered nurse in the U.S. can earn anywhere from $65,000 to over $128,000 annually, depending on location, specialty, and years of experience. Let’s break it down:
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $85,000 – $110,000 |
| Senior/Specialized | $110,000 – $128,000+ |
Nurses working in high-demand areas such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and in critical specialties like ICU, ER, or Operating Room, often earn on the higher end of the scale.
🎁 Benefits of Registered Nurse Jobs USA Visa Sponsorship
✅ High Salary and Overtime Pay
In addition to base salary, nurses in the U.S. often receive overtime compensation, night shift differentials, and bonuses.
✅ Permanent Residency Through EB-3 Visa
Qualified foreign nurses are eligible for EB-3 Green Card sponsorship, which grants lawful permanent residency for you and your family.
✅ Full Relocation Assistance
Most sponsoring employers offer:
- Paid airfare
- Temporary housing
- NCLEX-RN exam reimbursement
- Licensing support
- Onboarding training
✅ Family Inclusion
Spouses and children under 21 are eligible to accompany you under the same visa and can live, study, and eventually work in the U.S.
👩🏾⚕️ Real-Life Example: Nurse Thandi from Ghana
Thandi, a registered nurse from Accra, had four years of hospital experience but struggled with limited career growth. After connecting with a U.S. staffing agency, she prepared for and passed the NCLEX-RN, secured a job in Texas, and relocated with full visa sponsorship.
Today, she earns over $9,000 per month, owns a car, and is planning to buy a home. Her children are enrolled in quality schools, and her husband has started working as a medical assistant.
Her story shows that Registered Nurse jobs USA visa sponsorship isn’t just a job — it’s a life transformation.
📋 Eligibility Requirements for Registered Nurse Jobs USA Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for visa-sponsored nursing jobs in the U.S., you must meet the following requirements:
1. Valid Nursing Degree or Diploma
You must hold a recognized qualification in general nursing from an accredited institution in your country.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is mandatory for all RNs in the U.S.
- The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.
- Some African candidates take the test in nearby countries like South Africa or India.
- More info: https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex
3. English Language Proficiency
You must pass an English proficiency test:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, minimum 7.0 in speaking
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 84
Some employers may waive this requirement if your nursing program was taught in English.
4. CGFNS Credential Evaluation
Before taking the NCLEX, you must have your educational credentials evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
- Website: https://www.cgfns.org
5. U.S. Job Offer with Sponsorship
You must be hired by a U.S. employer or agency willing to sponsor your visa under the EB-3 or TN program (for Canadian/Mexican citizens).
🧳 Types of Visas Available for Registered Nurses
🔹 EB-3 Green Card (Most Common)
- For skilled workers
- Offers permanent residency
- Includes dependents
🔹 H-1B Visa (Less Common for Nurses)
- For specialized roles with higher degrees
- Temporary (up to 6 years)
🔹 TN Visa (For Canadian/Mexican Nurses)
- Only available under NAFTA
- Not applicable to African nurses
🧠 Where to Apply for Registered Nurse Jobs USA Visa Sponsorship
1. Direct Hire Hospitals
Large hospital networks like:
- AdventHealth
- Mount Sinai Health System
- Cedars-Sinai
These often recruit internationally.
2. International Nurse Recruitment Agencies
Agencies help handle licensing, visa processing, and relocation. Some top options:
- O’Grady Peyton International – www.ogradypeyton.com
- Avant Healthcare Professionals – www.avanthealthcare.com
- Conexus MedStaff – www.conexusmedstaff.com
Always ensure the agency is licensed and has a good reputation.
📅 Step-by-Step Process to Secure a Registered Nurse Job with Visa Sponsorship
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Credential Evaluation (CGFNS) | 2–3 months |
| 2 | Pass English Exam | 1–2 months |
| 3 | Apply for NCLEX Authorization | 1 month |
| 4 | Take and Pass NCLEX-RN | Varies |
| 5 | Secure Job Offer from Sponsor | 1–6 months |
| 6 | Visa Processing (EB-3) | 6–12 months |
| 7 | Travel and Begin Work in USA | Anytime post-visa |
🌎 High-Demand States for Nurses in the U.S.
- California – Highest salaries, strictest requirements
- Texas – Growing population, friendly licensing
- New York – High demand in urban hospitals
- Florida – Aging population, many healthcare openings
- Illinois, Georgia, and Arizona – Rising demand for skilled RNs
❓ FAQs About Registered Nurse Jobs USA Visa Sponsorship
Q: Can I apply without taking the NCLEX?
No. Passing the NCLEX-RN is mandatory to practice as a registered nurse in the U.S.
Q: What if I already passed IELTS?
That’s a plus! Most agencies will require recent test scores, so ensure your IELTS results are valid (within 2 years).
Q: Is my nursing diploma accepted?
Diploma holders are considered if the CGFNS deems the training equivalent to a U.S. RN qualification. Degree holders are preferred.
Q: How long does the entire process take?
From start to finish, it can take 12–24 months. However, agencies help speed up the process with structured guidance.
🔐 Tips for African Nurses
💡 Start Credentialing Early
CGFNS and NCLEX processes take time. Begin credential evaluation as soon as possible to avoid delays.
💡 Join Facebook and WhatsApp Groups
Communities like “African Nurses in the USA” and “NCLEX Prep for Nigerians” are great for support, resources, and referrals.
💡 Avoid Scams
Never pay for a job upfront. Genuine recruiters and agencies don’t charge candidates for visa processing.
💡 Stay Focused
Prepare thoroughly for the NCLEX and English exams — they’re your biggest hurdles.
🧭 Other U.S. Healthcare Opportunities
If you’re not yet qualified for RN jobs, consider these options:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) roles
- Nursing student pathways with F-1 visa
- Public Health scholarships for MPH programs
Explore opportunities with:
🔗 Useful Links
- U.S. Nursing Board (NCSBN)
- CGFNS International
- Avant Healthcare Professionals
- U.S. Department of Labor – EB-3 Visa Info
🌟 Final Thoughts: A Golden Opportunity Awaits
Registered Nurse jobs USA visa sponsorship is more than just a job — it’s a pathway to a better life. For nurses across Africa seeking professional growth, international exposure, and financial empowerment, this opportunity is unmatched.
Whether you’re in Lagos, Nairobi, Kigali, or Johannesburg, the American dream is within reach. Get your documents ready, prepare for your exams, and take that first step toward transforming your nursing career.
