Which is the approximate time of the EB-3 visa process in 2026?

Since there is retrogression, the process normally consumes 18 to 36 months since your I-140 immigrant petition (that of an alien worker) is submitted, based on your country of origin.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes! EB-3 Green card route enables you to accompany your spouse and unmarried kids below 21 as your dependants and permits your spouse to work in the US in full employment capacity (EAD).

Does it require NCLEX prior to getting sponsorship?

You are now required to pass the NCLEX-RN before most "Direct Hire" hospitals and top agencies will sign a contract and start you visa filing.

USA Nurse Jobs with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Are you a Registered Nurse whose dream is to have a high-paying career and permanent future in the United States? The year 2026 is a turning point in the international healthcare recruitment. The U.S. has an estimated nursing shortage of more than 78,000 nurses, and therefore, hospitals are aggressively competing to provide USA nurse jobs with visa sponsorship.

The 2026 U.S. Nursing Market Why Now?

In 2026, the U.S. healthcare environment will be characterized by the perfect storm of high demand and aging infrastructure. According to statistics provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), almost one-fifth of the existing RN workforce is expected to retire by the year 2030.

In your case, it translates to the fact that international nurse recruitment USA direct hire programs are at an all-time. However, unlike temporary contract employment, most hospitals are now considering direct sponsorship of a Permanent Residency (Green Cards), to provide long-term staffing at a reasonable price.

Central Search Intent for 2026

Hospital sponsorship international nurses 2026.
RN jobs with EB-3 Green Card sponsorship.
Nursing jobs in USA foreigners NCLEX.

Tracing the Visa Bulletin and Immigration Ways

The most important stage of your 2026 journey is to know your Priority Date. The majority of international nurses come in through the EB-3 visa of international nurses or a professional immigration visa.

The EB-3 “Green Card” Process

As of the Visa Bulletin of February 2026, there is slight progress on the EB-3 category. In the majority of states (excepting India and China), Final Action dates have been moved to June 1, 2023. This implies that this is the time you have been working on your paper work a couple of years back.

Alternative Visa Options

TN Visa: TN visa is only open to Mexican and Canadian nurses and includes a quicker temporary work permit within the framework of the USMCA agreement.
H-1B Visa: This is mostly used in specialized positions such as H1-B visa of Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist in non-profit research hospitals.

Compulsory Qualifications and Industry Requirements

In order to practice in the U.S, you must satisfy federal and state level regulation requirements. Keep the VisaScreen requirements 2026 CGFNS, so that you do not get stuck.

NCLEX-RN: The gold standard. In order to be eligible to sponsor NCLEX-RN passers visa, you have to pass this exam.
CGFNS VisaScreen: This is an optional federal exam which assesses your education, license and English proficiency.
English Proficiency: You will have to score certain points in IELTS in order to get an USA nursing visa (you will need an average 6.5 with a speaking score of 7) or the OET (Occupational English Test) on behalf of US nurses.

Best States and Specialty Positions in Demand

Although the shortage is a national problem, there are other states that provide more direct routes via the Nursing License Compact (NLC). By the beginning of 2026, Pennsylvania and Connecticut have already implemented the NLC fully to enable nurses to practice in 40+ states under one license.

Where to Look

Nursing sponsorship jobs in Texas 2026: Texas has always been a good destination because there is no state income tax as well as the enormous healthcare industry.
Published: ” Florida hospitals sponsoring international nurses: High demand of geriatric and cardiac care.
New York RN visa sponsorship agencies: International nurse recruitment to major systems such as NewYork-Presbyterian or AdventHealth.

High-Sponsorship Specialties

In case you are experienced in these fields, your hireability is boosted by 40 percent:

ICU Nurse sponsorship USA 2026
Nurse emergency room international recruiting.
Dialysis RN visa sponsorship (Fresenius/DaVita)
Medi-Surg nurse positions including relocation.

FAQs

Which is the approximate time of the EB-3 visa process in 2026?

Since there is retrogression, the process normally consumes 18 to 36 months since your I-140 immigrant petition (that of an alien worker) is submitted, based on your country of origin.
Can I bring my family with me?

Yes! EB-3 Green card route enables you to accompany your spouse and unmarried kids below 21 as your dependants and permits your spouse to work in the US in full employment capacity (EAD).
Does it require NCLEX prior to getting sponsorship?

You are now required to pass the NCLEX-RN before most “Direct Hire” hospitals and top agencies will sign a contract and start you visa filing.

Final Thoughts

The journey towards being a U.S. nurse in 2026 is a marathon and not a sprint. With a combination of early attention to your CGFNS Visa Credentials Assessment and taking a shot at Schedule A shortage occupations, you will be able to sail through the present visa retrogression. Your skills are required in the American healthcare system- apply today!

Disclamier

This job information is provided to give education and information only, and no more. Make sure to check on the official employer or government site (uscis.gov) of the information prior to application.