Your US visa — the honest truth
EB-3 Schedule A is the primary pathway for international nurses. Here's how it works, real wait times, and the requirements to qualify.
EB-3 Schedule A — the standard path
- Secure job offer from US employer
- Employer files I-140 petition
- Wait for priority date to become current (Visa Bulletin)
- Consular processing or Adjustment of Status
- Arrive in USA as Green Card holder
Schedule A advantage: Nurses qualify under Schedule A, Group I — this means the employer skips the PERM labor certification process entirely. That saves 10–18 months compared to standard EB-3.
Country-specific wait times
| Country | Priority Date (July 2026) | Estimated Total Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | CURRENT | 12–18 months total |
| India | March 2014 backlog | 12–15+ years (EB-2 may be faster for MSN holders) |
| Nigeria | CURRENT | 12–18 months |
| Ghana | CURRENT | 12–18 months |
| Kenya | CURRENT | 12–18 months |
| All Other Countries | CURRENT | 12–18 months |
Priority dates from the U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin (July 2026). Dates change monthly. Bookmark: travel.state.gov
Requirements checklist
- Valid nursing license in home country OR US state
- Nursing degree equivalent to US ADN or BSN
- Passed NCLEX-RN (or scheduled to take)
- VisaScreen Certificate (CGFNS International)
- English proficiency: IELTS (overall 6.5+) or OET (B grade+) or TOEFL 83+
- Job offer from US employer willing to file I-140
Legislative watch — February 2026
NURSE Visa Act 2026
The NURSE Visa Act (introduced February 2026) proposes 20,000 new nonimmigrant nursing visas annually for shortage areas. If passed, this creates an additional non-immigrant pathway faster than EB-3. Status: under review in Congress.
Source: SG Legal Group · VisaMadeEZ
California AB 692 (effective January 1, 2026): California employers can no longer include "stay-or-pay" provisions in nurse employment contracts. Employers cannot charge nurses for immigration costs if they leave before a specified period. Penalties: up to $5,000 per violation.
Ready to find a sponsor?
Browse our verified directory of EB-3 sponsoring agencies with zero fees to nurses.
This page is informational. For legal advice, consult a licensed US immigration attorney.