Understanding Your U.S. Visa Options

Moving to the U.S. to work as a healthcare professional is an exciting step and understanding your visa options is one of the first things to get clear on. There are several pathways available depending on where you are from, your qualifications, and your long-term goals.

your immigration pathway

Below is a simple overview of the most common visa types we work with at Conexus MedStaff, so you can start to get a sense of which route might be right for you. Our team will always help guide you to the best option for your individual situation.

EB-3 Permanent Residency Visa

What it is: The EB-3 is an employment-based visa that leads to permanent residency in the United States, commonly known as a Green Card. This means you can live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis, with a clear path to building your long-term future there.

Who it's for: The EB-3 is available to healthcare professionals from most countries around the world. It is one of the most popular pathways for internationally educated nurses coming to the U.S.

What to know: Because this visa leads to permanent residency, the process takes time and timelines vary by country of origin, though most healthcare professionals find the long-term stability well worth it. A helpful tool to track your progress is the monthly Visa Bulletin, published by the U.S. Department of State, which shows how quickly applications are moving via a priority date system. We publish every update on our blog so you never miss one.

H-1B Temporary Work Visa

What it is: The H-1B is a temporary work visa that allows healthcare professionals to live and work in the United States for an initial period, with the possibility of extending your stay or transitioning to permanent residency over time.

Who it's for: The H-1B is open to internationally educated healthcare professionals in specialty occupations. Eligibility is based on qualifications and the specific role offered.

What to know: H-1B visas are issued through an annual lottery system, which means availability is limited each year. If you are selected, this can provide a quick route into the U.S. healthcare system, with the potential to build toward a permanent future there. Our team can help you understand whether this pathway is a realistic option for you and what steps to take.

TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Nurses

What it is: The TN visa is a work visa created under the trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico (USMCA). It allows eligible professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. in specific roles, including nursing.

Who it's for: The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals only. It is a straightforward and fast pathway for nurses from these two countries.

What to know: The TN visa is a flexible, renewable option that can get you into the U.S. healthcare system quickly, without the longer wait times associated with some other pathways. While the TN does not lead directly to a Green Card, it is a popular choice for nurses who want to get started in the U.S. and keep their options open. If you decide you want to put down roots long-term, it is possible to transition to the EB-3 permanent residency pathway while you are already living and working in the U.S. Our team can help you work out what makes sense for you and your future.

E-3 Visa for Australian Nurses

What it is: The E-3 is a work visa exclusively available to Australian nationals. It allows Australians to work in the United States in specialty occupations, including healthcare roles.

Who it's for: The E-3 is only available to citizens of Australia. It is a popular and accessible route for Australian nurses looking to take their career to the U.S.

What to know: The E-3 is a temporary visa but can be renewed, giving you flexibility over how long you stay and how you plan your future. Up to 10,500 E-3 visas are available each year, and historically this cap has not been reached, making it a relatively accessible option for eligible Australians. The E-3 is a great way to get into the U.S. and start building your career, with the option to transition to the EB-3 permanent residency pathway down the line if you decide to make the U.S. your long-term home.

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for students

F-1 Student Visa (OPT to EB-3)

The F-1 is a student visa for international students studying in the U.S. While Conexus MedStaff does not sponsor F-1 visas directly, we can support nurses already here on one who are thinking about making the U.S. their permanent home.

Through Adjustment of Status (AOS), it may be possible for us to sponsor you for the EB-3 permanent residency pathway during your Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, meaning your Green Card process can begin without needing to return home first. Submit an application and we'll walk you through eligibility and next steps.

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Let's Find the Right Path for You

Every healthcare professional's situation is different, and the right visa pathway depends on a number of factors including where you're from, your qualifications, and what you're hoping to achieve in the long term. You don't need to figure this out alone.

Our immigration specialists work with nurses and healthcare professionals from all over the world, and we're here to help you find the clearest, most straightforward route to a U.S. healthcare career. Apply today and we'll help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence.

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