What is the EB-3 Visa and How Does it Help International Nurses?

The EB-3 visa, also known as the Employment-Based Third Preference Visa, is a pathway for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers to secure employment and permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States. For international nurses, the EB-3 visa is particularly significant because it offers an opportunity to work in the US healthcare system, which is actively seeking qualified and experienced professionals due to a persistent nursing shortage.

In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into the details of the EB-3 visa and explore how it benefits international nurses seeking career opportunities in the US.

What is the EB-3 Visa?

The EB-3 visa is one of the five employment-based immigrant visa categories established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This visa is divided into three subcategories:

• Skilled Workers: Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of job experience, training, or education that matches the requirements of the job.
• Professionals: Applicants must hold a US bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.
• Other Workers: For unskilled positions that require less than two years of experience or training.

Most international nurses qualify under the Skilled Workers subcategory because nursing generally requires a degree and licensure, alongside practical work experience.

Eligibility Requirements for Nurses under the EB-3 Visa

To qualify for the EB-3 visa as a nurse, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualifications:

• A nursing degree equivalent to a US associate or bachelor’s degree is mandatory.

Experience and Licensure:

• International nurses must hold a valid license in their home country and have passed the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses), which is required to practice as a nurse in the US.

English Proficiency:

• Nurses must demonstrate English language proficiency by taking and passing tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.

Job Offer from a US Employer:

• Nurses must secure a job offer from a US healthcare employer willing to sponsor their visa application.

VisaScreen Certification:

• The VisaScreen Certificate is a mandatory credentialing process that verifies the nurse’s educational and professional qualifications, licensure, and English proficiency. This certification is issued by organisations like CGFNS International.

How Does the EB-3 Visa Help International Nurses?

The EB-3 visa provides numerous benefits for nurses looking to advance their careers in the United States. Here are some key advantages:

Permanent Residency and Green Card Pathway:

One of the most significant benefits of the EB-3 visa is that it leads to permanent residency in the US. Upon receiving the Green Card, nurses and their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can reside, work, and study in the US indefinitely.

Career Growth Opportunities:

The US healthcare system is among the most advanced in the world, offering nurses access to cutting-edge medical technologies, research, and training. Working in such an environment enables nurses to enhance their professional skills and achieve career growth.

Competitive Salaries and Benefits:

US healthcare facilities offer highly competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for continuing education. This is particularly attractive for international nurses seeking financial stability and long-term career prospects.

Demand for Nurses:

The US is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses, exacerbated by an ageing population and an increasing demand for healthcare services. The EB-3 visa allows international nurses to fill this gap, ensuring job security and stability in a high-demand field.

Family Sponsorship:

With an EB-3 visa, nurses can bring their spouse and children to the US. Family members can also apply for work or study authorisation, ensuring the entire family benefits from the move.

Process for Obtaining an EB-3 Visa for Nurses

One of the key advantages for international nurses applying for an EB-3 visa is the ability for employers to bypass the PERM Labour Certification process. This is because nursing is classified under the “Schedule A” occupations by the US Department of Labour (DOL). The Schedule A designation pre-determines that there is a shortage of qualified US workers in specific occupations, including registered nurses. Consequently, employers are exempted from proving the unavailability of US workers for the role, significantly speeding up the visa process.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how the EB-3 visa process works for nurses:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

The first step is for the nurse to obtain a job offer from a US healthcare employer, such as a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. The employer must be willing to sponsor the nurse’s visa application.

Step 2: Bypass Labour Certification (PERM)

Since nurses fall under the Schedule A designation, the employer can skip the lengthy PERM Labour Certification process. This exemption saves months of time, allowing the employer to proceed directly to filing the I-140 Immigrant Petition.

Step 3: File the I-140 Immigrant Petition

The employer submits an I-140 petition to USCIS on behalf of the nurse. This petition confirms the nurse’s eligibility for the EB-3 visa and the employer’s intention to hire them.

Step 4: Apply for the EB-3 Visa

After the I-140 petition is approved, the nurse can apply for the EB-3 visa. This step involves submitting a visa application at their local US consulate or embassy. Nurses who are already in the US on a non-immigrant visa may file for an adjustment of status instead.

Step 5: Complete Medical Examination and Interview

The nurse must undergo a medical examination and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate. During the interview, they will need to demonstrate their qualifications and eligibility for the visa. Once approved, they will receive an immigrant visa, allowing them to travel to the US and begin their employment.

Challenges and How Bright Lead Solutions Can Help

Navigating the EB-3 visa process can be complex, but with expert guidance, it becomes manageable. Bright Lead Solutions specialises in helping international nurses achieve their dream of working in the US by providing:

Personalised Consultation: We assess your qualifications and guide you through the visa application process.

• Employer Connections: We connect nurses with reputable US healthcare employers.
• NCLEX and VisaScreen Guidance: We offer resources and tips to help you clear these essential steps.
• End-to-End Support: From securing a job offer to completing documentation, we’re with you every step of the way.

Conclusion

The EB-3 visa is a life-changing opportunity for international nurses seeking to work and settle in the United States. While the process requires preparation and adherence to specific requirements, the rewards are immense – from career advancement and financial security to the chance to build a life in one of the most dynamic healthcare environments in the world.

If you’re a nurse with aspirations of working in the US, Bright Lead Solutions is here to help you take the first step. Contact us today and let us guide you toward a successful nursing career in the United States!