Healthcare Jobs in the USA for Foreign Nurses & Doctors (2024 Guide)

The United States faces a growing shortage of healthcare professionals, creating excellent opportunities for foreign-trained nurses and doctors to work in the U.S. with visa sponsorship. However, navigating the U.S. healthcare job market requires understanding licensing, visa options, and employer demand.

This guide covers:
✅ Highest-demand healthcare jobs for foreign workers
✅ Licensing & certification requirements (USMLE, NCLEX, CGFNS)
✅ Top U.S. employers hiring internationally
✅ Work visa options (H-1B, EB-3, J-1, TN)
✅ Step-by-step process to secure a healthcare job

Why the U.S. Hires Foreign Medical Professionals

Specialized skills: Int’l doctors often fill niche specialties

Critical shortages: The U.S. will need 1.2 million new nurses by 2030 (BLS)

Aging population: Increased demand for doctors in geriatrics, primary care

Rural healthcare gaps: Many areas rely on foreign-trained staff

Top Healthcare Jobs for Foreign Workers

1. Registered Nurses (RNs)

• Avg. Salary: 75,000–75,000–120,000
• Visa Options: H-1B, EB-3, TN (for Canadians)
• Requirements:
  • Pass NCLEX-RN exam
  • CGFNS evaluation for foreign-educated nurses
  • State nursing license

Hot Specialties:

• ICU/ER nurses
• OR nurses
• Travel nurses

2. Physicians

• Avg. Salary: 200,000–200,000–400,000+
• Visa Options: J-1 (waiver available), H-1B, O-1
• Requirements:
  • Pass USMLE Steps 1–3
  • Complete U.S. residency (3–7 years)
  • ECFMG certification

Highest-Demand Specialties:

• Family Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Internal Medicine
• Neurology

3. Medical Technologists

• Avg. Salary: 60,000–60,000–90,000
• Visa Options: H-1B
• Requirements:
  • ASCP certification
  • Bachelor’s in medical technology

4. Physical Therapists

• Avg. Salary: 85,000–85,000–110,000
• Visa Options: H-1B, EB-3
• Requirements:
  • Pass NPTE exam
  • State licensure

Top U.S. Employers Hiring Foreign Healthcare Workers

Hospitals & Health Systems:

• Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic
• HCA Healthcare
• Kaiser Permanente

Recruitment Agencies:

• AMN Healthcare
• Conexus MedStaff
• O’Grady Peyton International

Government Programs:

• VA Hospitals
• National Health Service Corps (J-1 waiver jobs)

Work Visa Options for Healthcare Professionals

Visa Type	Who Qualifies	Key Features
H-1B	RNs with BSN+, Doctors, PTs	3-year renewable, cap-subject
J-1	Doctors, researchers	Requires 2-yr home return or waiver
EB-3	RNs, PTs, Med Techs	Green card option
TN	Canadian/Mexican RNs	Fast processing under USMCA

5-Step Process to Get Hired

1. Get Credentials Evaluated
   • Nurses: CGFNS VisaScreen
   • Doctors: ECFMG certification
2. Pass Required Exams
   • NCLEX (nurses) / USMLE (doctors)
3. Apply for State Licensure
   • Each state has different requirements
4. Find a Sponsor
   • Direct hospital hires vs. staffing agencies
5. File Visa Petition
   • H-1B (April lottery) / J-1 (year-round)

Pro Tips for Success

✔ Specialize: OR nurses earn 20%+ more than general RNs
✔ Target Rural Areas: Higher visa approval rates
✔ Use Social Media: LinkedIn groups like “International Nurses in USA”
✔ Consider Canada First: Easier licensing, then transfer to U.S. via TN visa