Indian nurses who want to work as Registered Nurses (RNs) in the USA — covering eligibility, licensing exams, the visa process, and how to secure a job from India: Register nurse job in US
🇺🇸 Registered Nurse Jobs in the USA for Indian Nurses (2025): Eligibility, Licensing, and Visa Process
The United States faces a persistent nursing shortage and actively recruits internationally trained nurses — especially from countries like India, where nurses are well-trained and experienced. If you’re an Indian nurse looking to live and work in the U.S., here’s everything you need to know to get started.
👩⚕️ 1. Eligibility Criteria for Indian Nurses to Work in the U.S.
To work as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the U.S., you must meet educational, licensing, and immigration requirements:
✅ Minimum Eligibility:
- Nursing qualification: GNM, B.Sc. Nursing, Post-B.Sc., or M.Sc. Nursing
- Registered Nurse license in India
- 1–2 years of recent clinical experience (preferred)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- English language proficiency: IELTS Academic or TOEFL
- Pass CGFNS or CES (credentials evaluation)
📘 2. Required Exams and Credentialing
🧾 a) CGFNS Certification (or CES)
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluates your credentials and education to ensure they meet U.S. standards.
Documents Needed:
- Nursing school transcripts
- Nursing license (from Indian Nursing Council)
- Identity documents
- Verification directly from your nursing school and licensing body
Processing Time: 4–6 months
Fee: ~$350–$500
🧪 b) NCLEX-RN Exam (National Council Licensure Examination)
This is the main licensing exam to become a registered nurse in the U.S.
- Computer-based, adaptive exam
- Topics: Health promotion, infection control, pharmacology, clinical judgment
- Conducted at Pearson VUE centers (can be taken in India or abroad)
Cost: ~$200 + additional state licensure fees
Tip: Choose a U.S. state (like New York or Texas) with smoother licensing processes for foreign nurses
📄 c) English Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL)
For U.S. immigration and licensure, Indian nurses must prove English fluency:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall, and 7.0 in speaking
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 83 total
💼 3. How to Get a Nursing Job in the U.S.
You can apply directly or work with a recruitment agency that sponsors nurses from India.
👩💼 Top U.S. Nurse Staffing Agencies:
- O’Grady Peyton International
- Avant Healthcare Professionals
- PassportUSA by Health Carousel
- Conexus MedStaff
- ADEX Medical Staffing
These agencies help with:
- NCLEX registration and training
- Visa sponsorship (Green Card)
- Pre-departure orientation and placement
🛂 4. U.S. Work Visa Options for Indian Nurses – Register nurse job in US
✅ a) EB-3 Visa (Green Card) – Most Common Route
The EB-3 Immigrant Visa is a permanent residency (Green Card) pathway for skilled workers, including nurses.
Requirements:
- U.S. employer willing to sponsor you
- NCLEX-RN passed
- CGFNS certificate or CES completed
- English language exam completed
Visa Process:
- U.S. employer files PERM labor certification
- Files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
- Wait for priority date (current for Indian nurses in most years)
- Attend medical exam and interview at U.S. embassy (Delhi/Chennai/Mumbai)
Processing Time: 12–24 months (can vary)
Visa Fee: ~$1,200–$2,000 (often covered by the agency/employer)
✅ b) H-1B Visa (Less Common for Nurses)
Only for specialized nursing roles (like Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators) that require a Bachelor’s or higher degree.
🏠 5. Life and Work Benefits in the USA
- Starting RN salary: $60,000–$90,000/year
- Overtime, night shift, and holiday pay
- Employer-sponsored Green Card (EB-3)
- Bring dependents on family visa
- Access to permanent residency and U.S. citizenship after 5 years
📦 6. Step-by-Step Roadmap from India to the USA
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Complete B.Sc. Nursing or GNM with valid INC license |
| 2️⃣ | Gain 1–2 years of clinical experience |
| 3️⃣ | Apply to CGFNS for CES or full certification |
| 4️⃣ | Pass IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency |
| 5️⃣ | Choose U.S. state & register for NCLEX-RN |
| 6️⃣ | Pass NCLEX-RN at Pearson VUE |
| 7️⃣ | Apply to U.S. agencies or hospitals |
| 8️⃣ | Get job offer + EB-3 sponsorship |
| 9️⃣ | Visa process (PERM, I-140, medical exam, embassy interview) |
| 🔟 | Fly to the U.S. and begin orientation & work |
📎 Quick Facts
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree | GNM, BSc, MSc Nursing |
| Licensing | Indian RN license + NCLEX |
| English Test | IELTS (6.5 overall, 7.0 speaking) or TOEFL (83) |
| Credentialing | CGFNS / CES |
| Visa Type | EB-3 (Green Card) |
| Processing Time | 12–24 months |
| Salary Range | $30–$45/hour (depending on state) |
📝 Final Thoughts
The U.S. offers excellent career growth, financial stability, and permanent residency for Indian nurses. With proper guidance and patience, Indian nurses can successfully transition to the U.S. healthcare system. Register nurse job in US
If you’re ready to begin your journey, start with CGFNS and IELTS, then begin your NCLEX preparation. Working with a licensed recruiter can make the entire process much smoother and faster.
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