US Visa for Nurses

Guide to Applying for a US Visa for Nursing Professionals

US Visa for Nurses Application Manual

Overview of US Work Visa for Nursing Professionals: The category of US visas for registered nurses has evolved considerably over the past two decades. Initially, the H-1A Visa, established by the Nursing Relief Act of 1989, was used for this purpose but was discontinued as of September 1, 1995. Subsequently, in response to a growing shortage of nurses, the United States introduced the H-1C Nurse Visa Classification starting in 1999.

Contents of the US Nurse Visa Guide:

Additional Information for the US Nurse Visa

Get the Nurse Work Visa Guide for Additional Details

H-1B Visa Requirements for Nurses:

For registered nurses (RNs), standard positions may not usually align with H-1B Visa standards. However, specialized nursing roles demanding a bachelor’s degree or higher as a basic entry requirement may be more likely to meet H-1B Visa criteria.

Additional prerequisites include a valid nursing license in the state of practice, completion of a pertinent degree program, and relevant experience and specialization in the field. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis, and it’s advised to seek guidance from immigration experts or legal advisors to assess H-1B Visa eligibility for registered nurses.

TN Visa Requirements for Nurses:

Registered nurses are recognized in the NAFTA-approved professions list, qualifying them for the TN Visa. This visa is exclusive to Canadian and Mexican citizens, offering a pathway for qualified nurses from these countries to work in the U.S.

For those not from Canada or Mexico, the TN Visa is not an option. They may consider the H-1B Work Visa, which is available to skilled workers of various nationalities.

It’s important to note that the H-1C Nurse Work Visa program, initiated by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Area Act of 1999, expired on June 13, 2005, and is no longer available.

Currently, there isn’t a specific visa category solely for nurses. Foreign nationals looking to work as registered nurses in the U.S. may opt for the H-1B Work Visa for specialized occupations or the TN NAFTA Work Visa if they are Canadian or Mexican citizens.