EB-3 Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Jobs (Nursing and Physicians) in the USA 2026

Dreaming of relocating through a visa-sponsored healthcare job in the USA where nurses earn $65,000–$145,000 yearly and physicians sign up for roles paying $180,000–$520,000?

This guide walks you through every step, how to apply, immigration pathways, job payments, employer sponsorship, and retirement benefits.

You’ll see why thousands of foreign nurses and doctors are securing EB-3 jobs in top U.S. cities like New York, Texas, Florida, Toronto-border regions, and even competition-heavy hubs like California.

Why Choose Healthcare Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Choosing an EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare job in the USA is one of the smartest immigration moves you can make right now.

Employers are aggressively hiring because the country faces a shortage of over 1.1 million nurses by 2030 and thousands of open physician roles paying between $220,000 and $500,000.

The beauty of EB-3 is that it gives you permanent residency, stable employment, and full access to retirement payments once eligible.

Many nurses earn overtime pay that pushes annual income to $100,000+, while physicians in metro areas like Chicago and Miami exceed $450,000 with bonuses.

When you apply, employers handle the sponsorship fees, making relocation smoother and more affordable for foreign professionals.

Types of Healthcare Jobs in the USA

Healthcare jobs in the U.S. span multiple specialties you can apply for under visa sponsorship. Whether you’re a nurse seeking $35–$60 per hour earnings or a physician aiming for $200–$400 per hour roles, the opportunities are massive.

American hospitals in New York, Texas, Arizona, and Washington increasingly recruit foreign-trained staff.

Common Visa-Sponsored Healthcare Roles Include:

• Registered Nurses (RN) – $70,000–$130,000
• Nurse Practitioners – $110,000–$160,000
• General Physicians – $200,000–$350,000
• Surgeons – $350,000–$520,000
• Geriatric Nurses – $65,000–$115,000
• Emergency Medicine Doctors – $250,000–$450,000
• Pediatricians – $180,000–$280,000

Every job category offers full-time benefits, paid leave, and long-term immigration security under the EB-3 visa.

High Paying Healthcare Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the USA

If you’re searching for the highest-paying EB-3 visa healthcare jobs, the U.S. has some of the most attractive salary structures in the world.

For instance, a Nurse Anesthetist earns between $190,000 and $240,000, while Cardiologists and Neurosurgeons make as high as $520,000 yearly, sometimes more in states like California and New York due to higher patient demand.

Examples of Competitive High-Paying EB-3 Healthcare Roles:

• Nurse Anesthetists – $190,000–$240,000
• Physician Assistants – $120,000–$170,000
• Orthopedic Surgeons – $400,000–$520,000
• Emergency Room Nurses – $85,000–$130,000
• Radiologists – $300,000–$450,000
• Family Medicine Physicians – $200,000–$260,000

These roles come with sponsored relocation, sign-up bonuses of $5,000–$15,000 depending on employer, and retirement payments after a few years of service.

Salary Expectations for Nurses and Physicians

Salary expectations in the USA vary by city, experience, specialization, and hospital size. Nurses in states like Massachusetts, New York, Washington, and California regularly earn $45–$75 per hour, totaling up to $150,000 with overtime.

Physicians, especially specialists, command salaries ranging from $200,000 to $520,000, with additional benefits such as call allowances, insurance, signing payments, and housing support.

In smaller states like Ohio, Kansas, and North Dakota, cost of living is low, so even a $95,000 nursing salary stretches far.

Meanwhile, emergency physicians in California often bill up to $400 per hour, making it a top choice for foreign doctors signing up for immigrant sponsorship roles.

Eligibility Criteria for Nurses and Physicians

To apply for EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare jobs in the USA in 2026, nurses and physicians must meet specific eligibility standards set by U.S. immigration and employer regulations.

Nurses must typically hold a recognized nursing qualification, pass the NCLEX-RN (or be willing to take it), and show at least 1–2 years of clinical experience.

Physicians must hold an accredited medical degree, pass USMLE steps, and complete credential evaluations.

Salary is also influenced by eligibility. For example, nurses with specialty certifications such as ICU, ER, and OR roles often earn $90,000–$140,000, while board-certified physicians earn $250,000–$480,000 depending on the field.

Many employers in Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Washington sponsor relocation, sign-up bonuses, and retirement contributions, provided you meet eligibility requirements.

Requirements for Nurses and Physicians

The requirements to apply for EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare jobs vary by state, but most hospitals maintain similar standards.

As long as you meet these requirements, your chances of securing a job with payments up to $150,000 as a nurse or $500,000 as a physician are extremely high.

Common Requirements Include:

• Valid nursing or medical degree
• Active home-country license
• NCLEX-RN (for nurses)
• USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 (for physicians)
• IELTS or TOEFL with required scores
• Credential evaluation through CGFNS or ECFMG
• Background checks and medical fitness
• Updated resume showing clinical experience

U.S. employers appreciate candidates who already have exam results because hiring becomes faster. Hospitals in New York and California sometimes add a $5,000–$10,000 relocation payment for candidates who complete exams early.

Visa Options for Nurses and Physicians

While the EB-3 visa is the most popular immigration pathway for foreign nurses and doctors, other visa options exist that also provide access to competitive jobs and high salary brackets ranging from $70,000 to over $500,000.

The EB-3 is attractive because it leads to a Green Card, but temporary work visas like H-1B or TN (for Canadians/Mexicans) are also common.

Popular Visa Options Include:

• EB-3 Visa (Skilled Workers & Professionals): $70,000–$130,000
• H-1B Visa (Physicians & Specialized Nurses): $120,000–$450,000
• TN Visa (Canadian/Mexican Nurses & Physicians): $80,000–$300,000
• J-1 Visa (Physician Training & Residency): $50,000–$70,000
• O-1 Visa (Exceptional Doctors): $250,000–$500,000

Many top hospitals in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and Houston use the EB-3 program specifically because it guarantees long-term staffing and reduces turnover.

Documents Checklist for Nurses and Physicians

Preparing the right documents is essential for securing high-paying healthcare jobs in the USA.

Missing just one document can delay your application or affect your immigration timeline. Most U.S. employers require these documents before issuing a job offer or sponsorship.

Required Documents Include:

• International passport (valid 6–12 months minimum)
• Academic certificates (nursing degree, MBBS, MD, etc.)
• Professional license from home country
• English proficiency test results
• NCLEX or USMLE results
• Credential evaluation (CGFNS/ECFMG)
• Employment reference letters
• CV or resume with detailed clinical experience
• Police clearance certificate
• Vaccination and medical test records

When these documents are complete, U.S. employers can issue employment contracts quicker, often offering salary ranges such as $90,000 for nurses and $250,000–$450,000 for physicians during recruitment.

How to Apply for Healthcare Jobs in the USA

Applying for EB-3 visa-sponsored jobs is a strategy that requires preparation but delivers enormous rewards. It begins with selecting the right employer, reviewing job descriptions carefully, and understanding the salary structure.

Most nurses sign up on employer portals offering $70,000–$120,000, while physicians apply for clinical positions ranging between $220,000 and $500,000.

Steps to Apply:

• Create a professional resume tailored to U.S. standards
• Take NCLEX or USMLE exams before submitting applications
• Sign up on trusted U.S. hospital recruitment websites
• Apply for multiple openings to increase approval chances
• Prepare for virtual interviews
• Review sponsorship contract before accepting an offer
• Submit immigration documents to begin EB-3 processing

Many employers in Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Colorado offer virtual interviews with same-day decisions, especially for critical shortage specialties.

Top Employers & Companies Hiring Nurses and Physicians in the USA

Some of the highest-paying and most immigration-friendly hospitals in the USA aggressively hire foreign nurses and physicians under the EB-3 visa.

These employers offer competitive salary packages such as $80,000–$140,000 for nurses and $250,000–$500,000 for physicians.

Many even include paid relocation, bonuses, and retirement plan payments. Hospitals in New York, California, Illinois, Texas, and Washington lead the race due to heavy patient volume and workforce shortages.

Top Employers Include:

• Mayo Clinic: $90,000–$160,000 for nurses
• Kaiser Permanente: $85,000–$145,000 for nurses
• Cleveland Clinic: $200,000–$450,000 for physicians
• Mount Sinai Hospital: $220,000–$480,000 for physicians
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: $95,000–$150,000 for nurses
• HCA Healthcare: $75,000–$130,000 for nurses

Critical areas such as emergency departments, ICU, operating rooms, oncology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and internal medicine pay premium rates for foreign medical professionals.

Where to Find Healthcare Jobs in the USA

Visa-sponsored healthcare jobs in the USA can be found on reputable hospital websites, government-approved immigration job boards, and private staffing agency platforms.

Many employers publish openings with clearly stated salary ranges so applicants can apply confidently.

For example, RN positions in California list $120,000 on average while internal medicine doctors in New York list $280,000–$420,000.

Best Places to Find Jobs:

• Indeed Healthcare
• Glassdoor Medical Jobs
• USAJOBS.gov (Federal hospitals)
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Hospital recruitment portals
• EB-3 Staffing Agencies (O’Grady Peyton, Avant Healthcare)

Several agencies also help you sign up for NCLEX review, relocation guidance, and employer matching based on your expected salary.

Working in the USA as Nurses and Physicians

Working in the USA offers stability, high income, and long-term immigration security. Nurses enjoy structured shifts, overtime payments, and retirement benefits, while physicians gain access to advanced medical technology and academic career tracks.

In major states like California, Washington, and New York, nurses often earn $50–$70 per hour, and physicians routinely exceed $300,000, especially in specialist units.

Work-life balance is highly prioritized. Nurses typically work 36–40 hours weekly, and physicians receive protected leave, malpractice insurance, and paid CME programs worth $3,000–$10,000 yearly.

Why Employers in the USA Want to Sponsor Nurses and Physicians

U.S. employers sponsor immigrant healthcare workers because the country faces an intense workforce shortage. Over 1.1 million nursing vacancies and over 100,000 physician shortages are projected by 2030.

Employers cannot meet healthcare demands without international workers, which is why they provide visa sponsorship, high salaries, relocation payments, exam reimbursements, and housing assistance.

Sponsoring a foreign nurse earning $85,000–$130,000 or a physician earning $250,000–$450,000 is often more cost-effective for employers than operating understaffed departments.

Hospitals prefer EB-3 applicants because it ensures long-term employment, reducing turnover and improving patient care quality.

FAQ about Healthcare Jobs in the USA

What is the EB-3 visa for nurses and physicians?

The EB-3 visa is an employment-based immigrant visa category that allows nurses and physicians to live and work permanently in the USA.

It includes employer sponsorship, Green Card processing, and full-time jobs with salaries ranging from $70,000 to $500,000 depending on your specialty.

Do nurses need NCLEX to apply?

Yes. All foreign nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN examination before receiving a license to work in the USA. Some employers allow you to sign up for a job offer first but expect you to complete NCLEX before deployment.

How much do sponsored nurses earn in the USA?

Sponsored nurses typically earn between $65,000 and $140,000 annually depending on experience, state, and specialty. Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle offer the highest pay rates.

How much do sponsored physicians earn in the USA?

Sponsored physicians earn between $200,000 and $520,000 yearly. Specialties like cardiology, neurosurgery, emergency medicine, and orthopedics are the highest-paid.

Which states pay the highest salaries for healthcare workers?

California, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, and New Jersey pay the highest salaries. Nurses in these states earn up to $150,000, and physicians exceed $400,000.

Can foreign-trained doctors work in the USA without USMLE?

No. Physicians must pass USMLE Steps 1–3 before obtaining licensure. Some may work under supervised or training programs first, but full practice requires USMLE.

What benefits come with EB-3 healthcare jobs?

Benefits include employer-paid visa sponsorship, relocation payments, health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and long-term job security through a Green Card.

Is experience required for EB-3 healthcare jobs?

Most employers prefer 1–2 years of clinical experience for nurses and at least one internship/residency year for physicians. However, shortages mean some hospitals accept new graduates.

How long does EB-3 processing take in 2026?

Depending on the employer and country of origin, processing can take 8–14 months on average. Countries with high immigration traffic may experience slightly longer timelines.

What is the best job site for applying?

Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and specialized agencies like Avant Healthcare and Conexus MedStaff are the most reliable for EB-3 visa-sponsored healthcare job postings.