With 4.3 million Registered nurses, the US has a robust nursing workforce and is one of the most in-demand professions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 194,500 average annual job openings for registered nurses between 2020 to 2030, and employment is estimated to grow by 9%.
As per LinkedIn, registered nursing was the fifth most in-demand job in the US as of February 2021.
These statistics are enough to showcase the growing demand for qualified and talented nurses in the US. The US has always remained an attractive destination for nurses from across the globe to further their careers.
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses earned an average salary of $75,330 in 2020.
The average salary of registered nurses in the US stood at $82,750 per year or $39.78 per hour for 2021-2022.
Several factors, such as the economic stability and the compensation parity the US offers, makes it a potential marketplace—a career hub for qualified nurses. Since the nursing profession falls under the “Schedule A” occupation in the US, registered nurses may enter the country as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or Green Card.
Career stability and a good wage are driving factors for nurses to apply for the Green Card and start working for their dream job in the US.
Let’s look further at how nurses can apply for the job in the US and get the coveted ‘Green Card.’
What Is A Green Card?
The EB-3 visa or Green Card is a golden ticket for nurses to the US and comes with a validity of 10 years. The EB stands for employment-based and is a permanent residence card that allows certain skilled or unskilled workers, such as nurses, to obtain a green card and enjoy various benefits, including health, education, and career. Additionally, nurses may be eligible to apply for citizenship after residing in the US for five years.
The EB3 is a category created for nurses and physiotherapists but requires labor certification clearance. The employer must complete the candidate’s labor certification and application process.
In Labor certification, the employer hires and advertises for the position per the US immigration law guidelines and finds that no qualified workers in the US are willing and available to take the job.
Steps To Follow For Green Card
Let’s look at the steps foreign-born registered nurses need to follow to obtain a Green Card.
EB-3 Visa Requirement For Nurses
- Must have a registered nursing license in the country.
- Minimum two years of experience.
- A permanent and full-time job offer from a US employer.
- Nurses must obtain a Visa Screen certificate, which only the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is authorized to issue.
- Pass the English proficiency test (IELTS/OET).
- Pass the NCLEX examination.
Application Process
- The employer must file Form I-140, ETA 9089, and the other supporting documents with the USCIS.
- USCIS needs to approve the I-140 Petition (3-6 months), then send the I-140 Petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
- NVC sends a list of documents needed to be presented during the visa interview along with the biographical information forms that the foreign nurse needs to complete.
- The registered nurse forwards the signed and completed forms to the US consulate, where her visa interview is conducted.
- After completing the interview, the USCIS officer will start ordering a Green Card for you.
- The EB-3 visa processing time for nurses is typically between 90 – 120 days after filing the petition.
The Green Card is a dream come true for every nurse across the world and it starts with a solid step taken in the direction of working towards a career in the US.
But how can you as a nurse accomplish it?
The answer is through the right recruitment assistance.
If you dream of working and making it big in the US, then IFANglobal can assist you.
At IFANglobal, we have helped numerous nurses and healthcare professionals achieve their American dream.
With our specialized services, your dream of starting a career in the US becomes a reality which is half battle won.
So choose wisely, connect with us today, and let IFANglobal help you in your journey ahead.