What Is a Green Card for Registered Nurses?
A green card grants foreign nationals permanent residency in the U.S., allowing them to live and work indefinitely. For registered nurses, the EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) visa is the most common pathway, targeting skilled workers in shortage occupations like nursing. The Schedule A designation eliminates the PERM labor certification, streamlining the process compared to other professions.
This pathway requires a U.S. employer to sponsor the nurse, who must meet specific educational, licensure, and language proficiency standards. USA Visa Now has extensive experience helping nurses secure green cards, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the U.S.
Eligibility for a Green Card as a Registered Nurse
*Please note this category consists of registered nurses only. A licensed practical nurse is not considered a Professional Nurse under this category.
Nurse Requirements
Nursing Degree or Diploma
A nursing degree or diploma from an accredited program in your home country is required, though standards vary - some countries offer a full bachelor’s degree, while others provide a diploma after 2–3 years of study.
NCLEX-RN Passing Score
A passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is mandatory to obtain a U.S. nursing license and qualify for the green card process.
U.S. Nursing License or CGFNS Certificate
You need a full, unrestricted license to practice nursing in the state of intended employment, or a Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certificate, or proof of passing the NCLEX-RN.
VisaScreen Certificate
A VisaScreen certificate is required to verify your educational credentials, licensure, and English proficiency, unless you’re exempt (e.g., if educated in an English-speaking country like Australia or the UK).
English Language Proficiency
Demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL (Paper-Based 540, Computer-Based 207), IELTS (6.5 overall, 7.0 spoken), or TOEIC (725, plus additional speaking/writing scores), with exemptions for graduates from certain English-speaking countries.
Employer Requirements
Permanent Full-Time Job Offer
The employer must provide a job offer for a permanent, full-time RN position at a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or clinic.
Ability to Pay Prevailing Wage
The employer must demonstrate the ability to pay the nurse’s prevailing wage, as determined by the Department of Labor for the job’s geographic location.
Schedule A Compliance
The employer must comply with Schedule A requirements, including posting a Notice of Filing at the workplace for 10 consecutive business days to inform U.S. workers of the position.
Application Process
The green card application for nurses requires documentation to prove eligibility for both the nurse and the employer. Below are the key documents:
Obtain NCLEX-RN Certification and VisaScreen Certificate
You must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which assesses your nursing knowledge and ability to practice safely and effectively. In addition, you must secure a VisaScreen Certificate through an approved credentialing organization like CGFNS International. This certificate verifies your nursing credentials and English proficiency.
Secure a Permanent Job Offer
A U.S. healthcare employer must offer you a permanent, full-time RN position. Unlike other employment-based green cards, nurses do not require a labor certification (PERM) because RNs are on the Schedule A list.
Employer Files Form I-140 Petition
Your employer will submit Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, on your behalf. They must also submit a completed ETA Form 9089 to show your occupation falls under Schedule A (no separate PERM filing required).
Wait for Priority Date to Become Current
Once the I-140 is filed, you will receive a priority date. You must monitor the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin to see when your priority date becomes current, meaning a green card number is available for your category and country of birth.
Consular Processing (if Outside the U.S.)
Apply for an immigrant visa through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate, submitting Form DS-260 and attending an interview. This process also requires the VisaScreen certificate.
Apply for Adjustment of Status (if Inside the U.S.)
File Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to obtain a green card without leaving the country. This step requires the VisaScreen certificate and typically takes 6–12 months.
Receive Green Card and Begin Work
Once approved, the nurse and their dependents receive green cards, granting permanent residency and the right to work in the U.S.
Attorney Fees
At USA Visa Now, we offer flat-rate pricing for Registered Nurse (RN) I-140 petitions to help healthcare professionals and employers navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Attorney Fee: $5,000
Premium Processing (optional): $2,805 (USCIS fee) + $300 (attorney fee)
Get Started in 3 Simple Steps
Request a Retainer
Complete our brief form to request your retainer agreement.
Request Retainer AgreementSubmit Documents & Forms
Once your agreement is signed and deposit is received, we’ll provide a secure client portal, online questionnaire, and a checklist of required documents.We Prepare & File
We’ll handle the ETA 9089, obtain the prevailing wage, complete the petition package, and file your I-140 with USCIS – then monitor it until approval.
Filing Fees
NCLEX Exam Fee: Around $200
VisaScreen Certification Fee: $540–$600
USCIS Filing Fees (I-140, I-485, etc.): Approximately $1,000–$2,500
Your employer often covers part or all of the filing fees – but this varies by agreement.
Required Documents for a Green Card
The green card application for nurses requires documentation to prove eligibility for both the nurse and the employer. Below are the key documents:
- Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, filed by the employer with USCIS.
- Form ETA 9089 (Schedule A): Filed with the I-140 to confirm the nurse’s occupation qualifies for Schedule A.
- Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): Issued by the Department of Labor, specifying the minimum wage for the position.
- Notice of Filing: Proof of the 10-day posting at the employer’s workplace.
- Nurse Documents: Nursing degree/diploma, NCLEX-RN passing score, state nursing license or CGFNS certificate, VisaScreen certificate, English proficiency test scores (if required), valid passport, 2 passport photos, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and medical examination results.
- Employer Documents: Job offer letter, financial statements proving ability to pay the nurse’s wage, and evidence of business operations (e.g., tax filings, facility licenses).
- Form I-485 (if adjusting status): Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Form DS-260 (if consular processing): Online immigrant visa application.
USA Visa Now can assist in compiling and reviewing these documents to ensure a complete and accurate application.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Although the process for nurses is streamlined, there are common issues that can cause delays:
Visa Bulletin Retrogression
High demand for EB-3 visas can lead to backlogs, especially for nurses from countries like the Philippines or India. Retrogression may delay the ability to file for adjustment of status or consular processing.
VisaScreen Delays
Obtaining the VisaScreen certificate can take time, as it requires verification of credentials, licensure, and English proficiency. Incomplete documentation can cause further delays.
Licensure Requirements:
Each state has different requirements for nursing licensure. Some states may require a CGFNS certificate before allowing the nurse to take the NCLEX-RN. Research and ensure you meet the specific state's Board of Nursing requirements.
Requests for Evidence (RFE)
USCIS may issue an RFE if documentation is insufficient, such as proof of the employer’s ability to pay or the nurse’s qualifications. A timely response is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a nursing graduates apply for a green card?
Nurses can apply for a Green Card or Consular Processing only once they have passed the NCLEX, secured a permanent, full-time job offer, obtained an Approved I-140 petition, obtained a VisaScreen Certificate, and their I-140 priority date is current.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card as a Nurse?
Obtaining the I-140 EB3 approval from USCIS takes about 7-9 months, but due to the NVC visa bulletin retrogression, the EB3 is not current, and it takes 2-3 years to be able to file for the green card or consular processing for most countries.
Can My Family Join Me in the U.S.?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join as dependents on E-34 or E-35 visas. Spouses can apply for work authorization.
Do I Need a Bachelor’s Degree to Qualify?
No, a bachelor’s degree is not required. All you need is a nursing degree, which could be an Associate two year degree, and a passing NCLEX-RN score.
Can I apply for a green card as a nurse without passing the NCLEX?
No. Passing the NCLEX-RN is a mandatory requirement for foreign nurses seeking a green card. You must also meet state licensing requirements and obtain a VisaScreen certificate.
What is the VisaScreen certificate, and why is it important?
The VisaScreen Certificate is required for foreign-educated nurses who want to get a green card or work visa in the U.S. It verifies that:
1. Your nursing education, license, and training are equal to U.S. standards
2. You meet the English language requirements to work as a nurse in the U.S.
To qualify, you must:
1. Show your credentials are equivalent to U.S. nursing standards
2. Pass an English test (TOEFL or MELAB) unless you were educated in an English-speaking country like the U.S., U.K., Canada (except Quebec), Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland
The only organization authorized to issue VisaScreen Certificates is CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools).
Can nurses use premium processing for their green card?
Yes. Premium processing is available for Form I-140, which can speed up the petition decision to 15 calendar days. However, this does not affect overall green card wait times tied to visa availability.
How long is the green card valid for once issued?
A green card is typically valid for 10 years and is renewable. It also grants you the right to apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of continuous permanent residence.
Can I work for another employer after getting my green card?
Yes. After satisfying any contractual obligations with your sponsoring employer (usually for a reasonable period), you are free to work for any healthcare provider in the U.S.
What are the documents required for the Consular processing interview?
At this interview, the nurse must present various documents including the following:
a. Application for Immigrant Visa
b. Police Clearance
c. Birth Certificate
d. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
e. Divorce or Death Certificate of Spouse, (if applicable)
f. Valid Passport
g. Medical Examination
h. USCIS Photographs
i. Recent job offer letter (or employment contract)
j. Financial information regarding employer
k. Government filing fee
l. VisaScreen Certificate
- What Is a Green Card for Nurses?
- Eligibility
- Steps to File Green Card
- Fees & Documents
- Common Challenges
- FAQs
Overview
Application Process
More Information