EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA 2025/2026

The demand for EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare jobs in the USA has surged as hospitals and medical centers continue to face a national shortage of qualified nurses and physicians.

As the U.S. healthcare industry expands, foreign-educated medical professionals are finding unprecedented opportunities to immigrate legally and work in high-paying healthcare roles under the EB-3 employment-based immigrant visa category.

This visa allows skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified employees to obtain permanent residency (Green Card) through employment sponsorship, offering stability and long-term career prospects.

In 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor and various healthcare agencies continue to identify critical shortages in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physicians in specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatrics are especially in demand.

The EB-3 visa program serves as a legal bridge between skilled foreign medical talent and American healthcare employers seeking qualified workers.

Average salaries for EB-3 healthcare professionals are highly competitive. Registered nurses earn between $65,000 and $125,000 annually, depending on experience and location, while physicians under EB-3 sponsorship can make $150,000 to over $300,000 per year.

These figures, combined with benefits such as relocation assistance, housing stipends, and visa processing support, make EB-3 healthcare sponsorship one of the most lucrative immigration pathways for foreign professionals in 2025/2026.

The U.S. healthcare industry’s openness to international talent makes this visa category an ideal choice for medical professionals seeking job stability and a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

From rural hospitals in Texas to specialized clinics in California, EB-3 visa employers are actively recruiting qualified nurses and doctors to fill essential care gaps across the nation.

What are the EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA?

EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare jobs refer to employment opportunities in the United States offered by accredited employers willing to sponsor foreign medical professionals for permanent residency.

Under the EB-3 category, these jobs fall into the “Skilled Worker” and “Professional” classifications. Nurses and physicians typically qualify under these two segments, depending on education and licensing credentials.

For nurses, the EB-3 visa is often categorized as Schedule A, a pre-certified classification by the U.S. Department of Labor recognizing that there is an ongoing shortage of nurses in the United States.

This means employers can bypass the lengthy labor certification process (PERM) when sponsoring foreign nurses, significantly speeding up the visa process. This makes the EB-3 visa for nurses one of the fastest and most reliable paths to a Green Card in the healthcare field.

Physicians, on the other hand, are typically required to complete U.S. licensing and residency requirements before obtaining full sponsorship. However, certain employers, particularly rural hospitals and underserved clinics, may extend EB-3 sponsorship to foreign-trained doctors who have completed the USMLE exams and are eligible for medical licensure.

Physicians sponsored under EB-3 often fill critical care roles where local recruitment has proven challenging. The core benefit of EB-3 visa sponsorship for healthcare professionals lies in its dual advantage: job security and lawful permanent residency.

Unlike temporary visas such as the H-1B, the EB-3 visa leads directly to a Green Card for both the worker and eligible dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21). Once approved, EB-3 workers can freely change employers, apply for citizenship after five years, and enjoy the same labor protections as U.S. citizens.

In 2025, healthcare employers are increasingly turning to the EB-3 route to address staffing shortages in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, over 195,000 new nursing positions and 40,000 physician roles will open annually through 2030.

These labor gaps make the EB-3 visa a key mechanism in sustaining America’s healthcare infrastructure while creating life-changing opportunities for international professionals.

Types of EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA

The EB-3 visa program covers multiple roles within the U.S. healthcare sector, providing opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Nurses and physicians can find various job types under this sponsorship, each with distinct qualification requirements and salary expectations.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Registered nurses form the largest category under EB-3 visa sponsorship. These professionals are typically employed in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. RNs under EB-3 earn an average of $85,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

States such as California, New York, and Texas offer some of the highest compensation packages, often coupled with relocation bonuses and immigration assistance.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Vocational Nurses

LPNs also qualify for EB-3 sponsorship under the “Skilled Worker” category. They typically earn $55,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on the healthcare setting.

Many nursing homes and rehabilitation centers actively sponsor LPNs to fill positions in patient care, medication administration, and daily health management.

Physicians and Specialists

Physicians, including general practitioners and specialists, are in constant demand. Hospitals sponsoring under the EB-3 visa category typically offer $150,000 to $300,000+ per year based on specialty, region, and experience.

High-demand areas include family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. Some states also offer loan repayment or incentive programs for foreign doctors who serve in medically underserved regions.

Healthcare Technicians and Allied Professionals

While the EB-3 primarily targets nurses and physicians, some allied health roles, like radiologic technologists, laboratory technicians, and physical therapists, also qualify under certain conditions. These positions may require degree equivalency and U.S. professional certification.

The diversity of EB-3 healthcare job types ensures that both entry-level and senior medical practitioners can find sponsorship opportunities suited to their qualifications.

Employers benefit from filling critical positions, while foreign workers gain the opportunity for U.S. Green Cards, stable income, and professional advancement in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.

How to Find EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA

Finding legitimate EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare jobs in the USA requires a combination of research, verification, and networking. With the growing number of recruitment agencies and healthcare employers seeking international talent, professionals must focus on credible sources and verified employers to avoid fraudulent offers.

Use Certified Recruitment Agencies

One of the safest ways to find EB-3 nursing or physician jobs is through U.S.-accredited recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare immigration.

Agencies like Avant Healthcare Professionals, O’Grady Peyton International, and ADEX Medical Staffing have long-standing partnerships with American hospitals and assist foreign workers throughout the visa process. These firms handle everything from job placement to credential evaluation and immigration paperwork.

Explore Hospital and Healthcare Networks

Major U.S. healthcare systems frequently list EB-3 sponsorship opportunities directly on their career portals. Networks such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Ascension Health regularly recruit foreign-trained nurses and doctors under permanent residency sponsorship.

Prospective candidates can apply through these official websites, ensuring their applications reach verified HR departments.

Utilize Government and Professional Platforms

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification Data Center, Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent platforms for finding verified EB-3 healthcare job listings.

Searching for keywords like “EB-3 nurse sponsorship USA” or “EB-3 physician jobs 2025” will yield relevant results. Candidates should verify that job offers explicitly mention EB-3 visa sponsorship to avoid confusion with temporary work visas.

Direct Employer Sponsorship

Many smaller healthcare facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas, prefer to directly sponsor foreign workers due to ongoing staffing shortages. These employers often provide full immigration sponsorship, including legal and relocation support.

Annual salaries can range from $70,000 to $120,000 for nurses and up to $250,000 for physicians, depending on specialization and region.

For healthcare professionals outside the United States, the process often begins with passing required U.S. exams such as the NCLEX-RN for nurses or USMLE Steps 1–3 for physicians. Once qualified, applicants can register with certified agencies or apply directly to employers offering EB-3 sponsorship.

With a proactive approach, transparent communication, and verified recruitment channels, foreign nurses and doctors can confidently navigate the U.S. job market and secure EB-3 visa sponsorships in 2025/2026, turning career ambitions into lasting immigration success.

General Requirements for EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA

To qualify for EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare jobs in the USA, foreign nurses and physicians must meet both immigration and professional licensing requirements. These criteria ensure that every applicant possesses the educational, clinical, and ethical standards expected within the American healthcare system.

Educational and Licensing Requirements

Nurses applying for EB-3 visa sponsorship must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or its international equivalent. Some U.S. employers accept Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) holders, provided they have relevant clinical experience.

Before filing an EB-3 petition, candidates must successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam, a mandatory test for U.S. nurse licensure. Physicians, on the other hand, must hold an MD or MBBS degree from an accredited institution and have completed or be eligible for a U.S. medical residency program.

Passing the USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 is essential before an employer can proceed with the EB-3 visa petition. Many hospitals sponsor foreign doctors through the J-1 waiver or EB-3 Green Card route, especially in underserved regions.

Credential Evaluation

Applicants must undergo credential verification through organizations like the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates). These bodies authenticate foreign transcripts and validate them for equivalence with U.S. standards.

Work Experience and Background Checks

A minimum of two to three years of professional experience is often required for EB-3 healthcare sponsorship. Employers prefer candidates who have worked in clinical, hospital, or long-term care settings. Applicants must also pass background and medical clearance procedures before final visa approval.

Immigration and Sponsorship Requirements

Under the EB-3 employment-based category, the U.S. employer must first obtain a PERM Labor Certification, except for nurses classified under Schedule A, where this step is waived due to national labor shortages.

Once approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), followed by the foreign worker’s Form DS-260 or I-485, depending on whether they are abroad or already in the U.S.

Key documents required include:

• Valid passport and academic credentials
• Professional licensing proof (NCLEX, USMLE)
• Credential verification report (CGFNS or ECFMG)
• Offer of employment and EB-3 sponsorship letter
• Medical and police clearance certificates

Meeting these general requirements ensures a smoother and faster transition into the U.S. healthcare system. By 2025/2026, more than 60% of American hospitals hiring foreign nurses and doctors require CGFNS/ECFMG verification before sponsorship is confirmed.

Application Guide for EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA

Applying for EB-3 visa-sponsored nursing and physician jobs involves several structured stages, beginning with credential evaluation and ending with Green Card issuance. Candidates who understand and follow this process systematically have higher approval rates and faster job placements.

Step 1: Obtain Credential Evaluation and U.S. Licensing

Nurses must first apply to CGFNS International for educational verification, followed by scheduling the NCLEX-RN exam. Physicians should register with ECFMG and pass the USMLE exams. These steps confirm that your training meets U.S. medical standards.

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer from an EB-3 Sponsoring Employer

Applicants should apply to healthcare organizations known for EB-3 visa sponsorship, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or healthcare staffing agencies. Upon receiving a conditional job offer, the employer begins the immigration paperwork.

Step 3: Employer Files the EB-3 Petition

The sponsoring employer files Form I-140 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For nurses classified under Schedule A, the PERM Labor Certification is automatically waived, making the process significantly faster. Physicians, however, must still undergo a PERM approval unless working in designated shortage areas.

Step 4: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

Once the petition is approved, the NVC processes your case. Applicants outside the United States will attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, while those already in the U.S. can file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).

Step 5: Immigrant Visa Issuance or Green Card Approval

Successful applicants are granted immigrant visas or Green Cards, allowing them to live and work permanently in the United States. Most EB-3 sponsored healthcare workers relocate with their families, as dependents are also eligible for Green Cards under the same petition.

Average EB-3 processing time for nurses is 8 to 14 months, while for physicians, it may extend to 16–24 months, depending on state and employer workload. With an increasing demand for healthcare workers nationwide, the EB-3 route remains one of the most reliable and financially rewarding immigration paths in 2025/2026.

Top Companies Hiring Foreign Workers in the USA

The U.S. healthcare sector has a wide range of employers offering EB-3 visa sponsorship for nurses and physicians. These organizations recognize the global shortage of medical professionals and are eager to sponsor qualified foreign workers for permanent residency.

Major Healthcare Networks

HCA Healthcare is one of the largest employers of foreign nurses under EB-3 sponsorship, offering annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $115,000, plus full relocation support.

Similarly, AdventHealth, Ascension Health, and CommonSpirit Health have structured programs for foreign medical professionals, including residency assistance for physicians.

Specialized Medical Centers

Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital frequently hire international doctors and nurses, especially in high-demand specialties like oncology, cardiology, and emergency medicine. Salaries for physicians in these institutions average $220,000 to $300,000 per year, while registered nurses earn between $85,000 and $120,000 annually.

Recruitment and Staffing Agencies

Several professional staffing agencies bridge the gap between U.S. employers and foreign healthcare talent. Reputable agencies such as:

• O’Grady Peyton International
• Avant Healthcare Professionals
• ADEX Medical Staffing
• Worldwide HealthStaff Solutions

These agencies manage the full immigration process, from credential evaluation to Green Card issuance, and often provide temporary housing, airfare, and relocation stipends.

Rural and Underserved Healthcare Employers

Hospitals located in shortage-designated areas under the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) program also recruit foreign professionals through EB-3 sponsorship. These roles often come with loan forgiveness, housing benefits, and higher starting salaries due to location challenges.

By 2025, the top hiring states for EB-3 sponsored nurses and doctors include Texas, California, New York, Florida, and Illinois. Employers across these states have ongoing federal approvals to sponsor international healthcare workers under the EB-3 category, reflecting both job stability and long-term immigration benefits.

Steps to Secure EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA

Securing EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare employment in the USA requires careful preparation, compliance with U.S. immigration laws, and proactive engagement with employers. Each phase of this process strengthens your candidacy and increases the chances of successful sponsorship.

Step 1: Verify Your Qualifications

Ensure that your nursing or medical degree is accredited and aligns with U.S. standards. Complete all necessary exams, NCLEX-RN for nurses or USMLE for physicians, and obtain your CGFNS/ECFMG certification.

Step 2: Build a Professional Resume and Apply Strategically

Prepare a detailed resume emphasizing your clinical experience, certifications, and specialties. Apply through verified channels such as hospital career pages, government healthcare boards, and licensed recruiters. Include a clear statement that you seek “EB-3 visa sponsorship for healthcare employment.”

Step 3: Attend Interviews and Receive Conditional Offer

Employers may conduct virtual or in-person interviews to assess your medical knowledge and communication skills. Once selected, the employer issues a conditional job offer pending immigration approval.

Step 4: Begin the EB-3 Visa Petition

Your employer will file Form I-140 with USCIS. Nurses benefit from expedited processing under Schedule A, while physicians in designated shortage areas may receive National Interest Waivers (NIWs) to accelerate approval.

Step 5: Complete the Visa Interview and Immigration Process

Attend your embassy interview and submit supporting documents such as credentials, job offer, and medical clearance. Upon approval, your EB-3 visa grants you permanent resident status, allowing you to live and work indefinitely in the U.S.

Step 6: Relocate and Begin Work

Once in the U.S., complete employer orientation and state licensing requirements. Employers typically assist with relocation expenses, accommodation, and work integration.

Salaries for newly arrived EB-3 nurses average $90,000 annually, while physicians start around $200,000–$250,000 per year depending on specialty.

With proper documentation and guidance, foreign healthcare professionals can successfully transition to U.S. employment under the EB-3 visa, enjoying both financial stability and a path toward permanent residency.