If you want to advance in your international nursing career and work in the United States, an H-1B visa is an ideal option. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
The H-1B work visa is very appealing for nurses who seek competitive pay and exceptional benefits. Many also like this pathway that can serve as a stepping stone if you’re also applying for an EB-3 visa and Green Card (permanent residency) in the United States. Although you may get a get nurse job in America with your H-1B visa, it's worth noting that your dependent spouse can’t work in the U.S. until your EB-3 visa is processed.
Some nurses may not be eligible for the fast-track H-1B visa if they only have a Nursing Diploma equivalent to an Associate Degree in the USA. But a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) makes it possible for you to qualify for the visa.
In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), NCLEX passers must be working in an inpatient role, or willing to return to an inpatient role within 90 days of signing a contract with Conexus MedStaff. We ask nurses to commit to working at least 5,000 hours with us in the USA.
H-1B visas are granted to nurses who work in specialized fields like nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists.
Nurses like the H-1B visa pathway that could allow them to work in the USA for at least three years and possibly up to six years even if they don’t apply for a Green Card.
It’s not surprising that the demand for H-1B visas exceeds the number that are issued for a variety of fields, including medical, engineering and finance. The H-1B involves a lottery so it’s best to get started sooner than later to improve your odds.
The process - from petition to lottery
Employer sponsorship: To begin the H-1B visa process, a U.S. employer must sponsor you as a nurse. Conexus MedStaff will act as your sponsor. We will work with you to gather all necessary documentation.
Random selection: Once all employees have been registered United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) randomly selects a predetermined number of petitions to meet the visa cap of 85,000 available visas.
Notification of selection: If your petition is selected in the lottery, it is "chosen" and enters the next phase of processing. If your petition is not selected, you will not be eligible for an H-1B visa for that fiscal year.
USCIS filing: For “chosen” nurses, once the petition is ready, it is submitted to USCIS. Typically, all petitions need to be filed by the end of June.
Petition processing: After being chosen in the lottery, your H-1B petition undergoes further scrutiny and review by the USCIS. Once your petition is filed, USCIS will review your eligibility, the authenticity of the documentation submitted, and verify that the offered salary meets all requirements.
Approval or denial: Based on the USCIS review, your H-1B petition will be approved or denied. If approved, we can proceed and apply for your visa screen and prepare you for your Embassy Interview.
Embassy interview: This is the final stage of the H-1B visa process before you deploy to the U.S. To ensure your success, Conexus will best prepare you for your embassy interview. Once your visa is issued, you can enter the U.S. and you begin working as a nurse in the USA.
While you start working in the United States on an H-1B visa, Conexus will continue to process your EB-3 to grant permanent residency. Read more about obtaining your Green Card through nursing with Conexus.
Timelines and outcomes
The H-1B filing period typically opens on March 1 each year, and if the cap is reached within the first five business days, a lottery is conducted.
We recommend applying to Conexus MedStaff as early as possible before the lottery opens, so that we have plenty of time to gather the documents required to register you in time.
Once selected, it may take several months for the USCIS to process and approve chosen H-1B petitions.
If your petition is approved, it may only take a matter of months for you to move to the U.S.
What if you’re not selected?
We simultaneously sponsor nurses through the EB-3 visa, which can lead to Green Card permanent residency. Typically, the timeline is longer for an EB-3 visa, but we’re happy to sponsor you and help you fulfill your dream of working in the USA as a nurse.
Priority Dates are a critical aspect of the United States immigration system. They are assigned based on various factors including the type of immigration petition filed, the applicant’s country of origin, and their employment category. International registered nurses match the EB-3 visa category for skilled workers, professionals, or other workers. Learn more.
Navigating the H-1B visa application process can be complex and daunting. Our agency provides expert guidance you need, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted on time to increase your chances for success.
Whether you arrive in the United States with an H-1B visa or EB-3 visa, we will match you with the right hospital or other healthcare facility best suited for your personal and professional goals.
Are you an international registered nurse looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Apply now to find out how we can help!
