Your complete roadmap to securing an EB-3 visa and working as a registered nurse in the United States
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based, third-preference immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. For nurses, this pathway allows qualified international RNs to obtain a U.S. green card through employer sponsorship.
This checklist provides a comprehensive overview of the EB-3 process for nurses. While timelines and requirements may vary, these steps represent the typical journey from initial credentialing to permanent residence in the United States.
| Step | Estimated Time | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Credential Evaluation | 3–6 months | CGFNS or equivalent evaluation |
| NCLEX-RN Exam | 2–6 months | Study, register, pass exam |
| State Licensure | 1–3 months | Apply to state nursing board |
| VisaScreen Certificate | 2–4 months | CGFNS certification process |
| Employer Sponsorship | Varies widely | Job offer + labor certification |
| I-140 Petition | 6–12 months | USCIS processing |
| Priority Date Wait | Varies by country | Monitor Visa Bulletin |
| Adjustment/Consular Process | 6–18 months | Final visa processing |
Total Estimated Time: 2–5+ years (varies significantly by country and individual circumstances)
Estimated Time: 3–6 months
Your international nursing education must be evaluated to ensure it meets U.S. standards.
Key Resource: CGFNS.org
Estimated Time: 2–6 months
The NCLEX-RN is the U.S. licensing exam for registered nurses.
Key Resource: NCSBN NCLEX Page
Estimated Time: 1–3 months
After passing the NCLEX, you must apply for an RN license in the state where you plan to work.
Tip: Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows multi-state practice. Check NCSBN's NLC page for details.
Estimated Time: 2–4 months
The VisaScreen Certificate is required by USCIS for healthcare workers seeking an immigrant visa.
Key Resource: CGFNS VisaScreen
Estimated Time: Varies widely
An EB-3 visa requires a U.S. employer to sponsor you and obtain labor certification from the Department of Labor.
Key Resource: DOL PERM Program
Estimated Time: Varies by country (months to years)
After I-140 approval, you must wait for your priority date to become current before filing for adjustment of status or consular processing.
Key Resources:
Visa Bulletin
USCIS Adjustment of Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Forms, processing times, and official guidance
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools – Credentials and VisaScreen
National Council of State Boards of Nursing – NCLEX and licensing information
U.S. Department of State – Monthly priority date updates for EB-3 category
PERM Labor Certification and foreign labor programs
Stay current with policy changes, visa bulletin movements, and regulatory updates
This checklist is for educational purposes only. Ameri Nurse USA LLC does not provide legal advice, and immigration outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Timelines vary significantly based on your country of origin, individual circumstances, USCIS processing times, and Visa Bulletin movement.
We work with licensed immigration attorneys to coordinate visa sponsorship processes. All legal matters are handled by qualified legal professionals.
Requirements and regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult with licensed professionals.
Last updated: January 2026
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