The United States is currently facing one of the most significant healthcare labor shortages in its history. As the “Baby Boomer” generation retires, the demand for healthcare services has skyrocketed, creating a massive vacuum that domestic workers alone cannot fill. This has opened the floodgates for employment in USA for foreign nationals, specifically in the healthcare sector.

While much of the media focuses on Registered Nurses (RNs), there is a critical, high-demand market for Nursing Assistants (often called CNAs, PCAs, or Caregivers). For many, securing jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship is the ultimate goal—a pathway not just to a job, but to permanent residency and a new life in America.

If you are looking for jobs for foreigners in USA, specifically in the care sector, this guide is your definitive roadmap. We will decode the complex world of US sponsorship, explain the difference between a work visa and a permanent residency visa, and provide you with actionable steps to land a job offer in America.

The Visa Landscape: Understanding US Sponsorship for CNAs

Before you start applying, you must understand the legal framework. Unlike travel and work USA programs (like the J-1) which are temporary, most nursing assistant roles for foreigners are processed under an immigrant visa category that leads to a Green Card.

The EB-3 “Other Workers” Visa

The primary vehicle for visa sponsorship jobs in the US for Nursing Assistants is the EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) Visa.

Sub-Category: “Other Workers” (Unskilled Workers).
Definition: This category is for jobs that require less than two years of training or experience. Since the CNA role is entry-level, it falls here.
The Benefit: This is a permanent residency visa. If approved, you (and your spouse and unmarried children under 21) receive Green Cards. You are not just a temporary guest; you are a permanent resident from day one of entering the US.

The Visa Bulletin & Retrogression

This is the most critical concept to understand. Because there is a cap on how many visa types are issued annually, there is often a waiting list.

Priority Date: The date your employer files your initial application (Labor Certification).
Retrogression: If there are more applicants than visas, the State Department creates a backlog. Currently, for many countries, the wait time for the EB-3 “Other Workers” category can be several years. You must check the “Visa Bulletin” published monthly by the immigration office (Department of State) to see current wait times.

H-1B vs. EB-3 for CNAs

Many applicants ask about the H-1B (Specialty Occupation) visa.

Reality Check: The H-1B is generally NOT applicable for Nursing Assistants. The H-1B requires the job to require a Bachelor’s degree. CNA jobs usually require a certificate, not a degree. Therefore, you should focus your energy on EB-3 visa USA sponsorship, not H-1B.

Requirements: What You Need Before You Apply

To secure employment in USA for foreigners in the nursing field, you must meet specific standards. US employers who sponsor work visas will rarely look at an application that is incomplete.

A. English Proficiency

Even if you are from an English-speaking country, you will likely need to pass an English test for visa immigration USA purposes (specifically for the VisaScreen certificate).

Accepted Tests: IELTS (Academic) or TOEFL iBT.
Score Targets: Aim for an IELTS band score of 6.0 overall, with specific minimums in speaking (often 7.0 for nurses, though sometimes lower for assistants depending on state rules).

B. Credentials Evaluation (CGFNS)

The US immigration system requires proof that your education is valid.

You will likely need a “Healthcare Worker Certificate” (often called a VisaScreen) issued by CGFNS International or a similar body. This verifies that your foreign education is comparable to US standards and that you have no adverse history on your license.

C. Clean Background Check

You will need a police clearance certificate from every country you have lived in for more than 6 months since age 16. A criminal record can permanently bar you from entry to the US.

D. The “Catch-22” of State Certification

In the USA, CNAs are certified by the state (e.g., Texas, Florida, New York), not the federal government.

The Challenge: Most states require you to complete a training course in the state to get certified.
The Solution: Most sponsorship jobs in USA for foreigners hire you based on your foreign experience, bring you to the US on the visa, and then pay for your brief US-based training and certification exam upon arrival.

The “Green Card” Process: Step-by-Step Guide to the EB-3 Visa

This process is complex. It is almost always handled by the employer or a recruitment agency. You cannot self-petition for this visa; you must have a job offer USA.

Step 1: Labor Certification (PERM)

The employer must prove to the US Department of Labor that there are no qualified US workers available for the job.

They will place ads in newspapers and online (e.g., “hiring in the us,” “companies hiring in usa”).
If no qualified American applies, the government certifies the position. This establishes your Priority Date.

Step 2: Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)

Once the PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). This form proves the employer has the financial ability to pay your salary.

Step 3: NVC and DS-260

Once the I-140 is approved and your Priority Date is “current” (meaning a visa is available for you):

Your file moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).
You fill out the DS-260 (online immigrant visa application).
You submit civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police records).

Step 4: Consular Interview

You will be invited to the US Embassy in your home country for an interview. The officer will check work history, verify your documents, and ensure you are not inadmissible (medical or criminal issues).

Step 5: Arrival

Upon approval, you receive a visa stamp in your passport. You must enter the US within 6 months. Upon entry, you trigger the production of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

How to Find Companies Hiring in USA with Sponsorship

Finding the employer is the hardest part. Most hospitals do not sponsor CNAs directly because the legal paperwork is too expensive for a single entry-level hire. Instead, they use staffing agencies.

Strategy 1: Target “Direct Hire” Agencies

These agencies are paid by US hospitals to find you. They handle the visa application for US visa and the legal fees. You should never pay a recruitment fee for a job (it is illegal for EB-3 unskilled roles for the employee to pay the legal costs related to the labor certification).

Strategy 2: Use Specific Search Terms

When using job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Google Jobs, use these exact Boolean search strings to filter out the noise:

“Visa sponsorship available” + “Nursing Assistant”
“EB-3 sponsorship” + “CNA”
“International recruitment” + “Healthcare”
“Relocation assistance” + “Caregiver”

Strategy 3: Check State Hospital Associations

Some rural states are desperate for staff. Look for “rural health” job boards in states like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maine.

Top Recruitment Agencies & Staffing Firms

Based on industry reputation and current activity, these are the types of hiring companies in USA and agencies that frequently manage foreign recruitment for healthcare support roles. (Note: Always verify current agency status as it changes rapidly).

MedPro International: Known for their “Emerge” program which often recruits for nursing support roles and guides them through the credentialing and visa process.
O’Grady Peyton / AMN Healthcare: While they focus heavily on RNs, they are the largest player and occasionally have pathways for allied health and support.
Interstaff: A well-regarded agency that specializes in placing foreign healthcare workers in US facilities.
Avant Healthcare Professionals: Generally focuses on RNs, PTs, and OTs, but worth monitoring for expanded support programs.
Direct Care Staffing Agencies: Look for agencies specifically servicing nursing homes (Long Term Care facilities) rather than acute care hospitals. Nursing homes have the highest demand for unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in USA.

Warning on Scams: Legitimate it staffing agencies in USA or healthcare recruiters will NEVER ask you to wire money via Western Union for a “visa fee” before an interview. The employer pays the major immigration costs.

Salary, Cost of Living, and Benefits

Salary Expectations

Wages for Nursing Assistants vary wildly by state.

Average Hourly Pay: $15.00 – $22.00 per hour.
High-Cost States (CA, NY, MA): Can reach $25.00+ per hour.
Low-Cost States (AL, MS, TX): Closer to $14.00 – $17.00 per hour.

Cost of Living Calculation

When you receive a job offer in America, do not just look at the dollar amount.

$18/hour in rural Iowa goes much further than $25/hour in New York City.
Housing: In rural areas, a 1-bedroom apartment might be $800/month. In cities, it can be $2,500+.

Benefits

Full-time employment in USA usually comes with:

Health Insurance: Partially paid by the employer.
Overtime Pay: 1.5x your hourly rate for hours worked over 40 per week.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Usually 2 weeks per year to start.

Alternative Pathways & Comparisons

If the wait time for the EB-3 Unskilled visa is too long (currently 3-5+ years for some countries), consider these alternatives.

A. Skilled Worker Visa USA (RNs)

If you have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), do not apply as a CNA. Apply as an RN.

Advantage: RNs are “Schedule A,” meaning they skip the lengthy Labor Certification recruitment process. The visa sponsorship jobs for RNs are faster to secure.

B. Teaching in the USA

If you have a background in education, teaching in the usa is another major sponsorship category (J-1 Visa for cultural exchange or H-1B). This is often faster than the unskilled Green Card process but may not offer immediate permanent residency like the EB-3 does.

C. Visa Sponsorship Canada

If the US immigration office backlog is too discouraging, consider Canada.

Care Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship: Canada has the “Home Support Worker Pilot” which offers a direct path to permanent residence.
Comparison: Canada’s process is often faster and has a lower rejection rate, though salaries may be slightly lower than in the US after taxes.

D. Study to Stay (F-1 Visa)

You can enter on a student visa to study nursing. While studying, you can work limited hours (CPT/OPT). After graduating as an RN, you are highly eligible for usa visa sponsorship jobs and a Green Card.

The Definitive Guide to US Visa Types for Healthcare Workers

Navigating the alphabet soup of visa types is the most confusing part of the United States of America immigration process. For a foreign Nursing Assistant, choosing the wrong visa category can lead to immediate rejection. Here is the technical breakdown of every relevant employment visa USA.

The EB-3 Visa: The “Gold Standard” for CNAs

The EB visa (Employment-Based) is the primary route for permanent residency. Specifically, the EB-3 Other Workers category is the legal mechanism that allows unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in USA to exist.

Why it is superior: Unlike a temporary work permit, this is a permanent residency visa. Once you enter the US, you are a Green Card holder. You have the same rights as a US worker (except voting).
The “Schedule A” Distinction: Registered Nurses (RNs) fall under “Schedule A,” which fast-tracks their process. Nursing Assistants do not. This means your employer must complete the PERM Labor Certification process to prove no American worker could be found. This adds about 6–12 months to the timeline compared to RNs.
Family Inclusion: Your spouse and children (under 21) are included in this visa application United States. Your spouse gets an unrestricted work permit USA, meaning they can work in any field (e.g., IT, engineering, retail) once they arrive.

The H-1B Visa: Why it Fails for CNAs

You will often see H-1B mentioned in IT staffing agencies in USA discussions. It is crucial to understand that H-1B is rarely an option for Nursing Assistants.

The Degree Rule: H-1B requires the job to be a “specialty occupation” requiring a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Since a CNA role typically requires a certificate, it does not qualify. Do not waste money paying consultants who promise an H-1B for a caregiver role; it is likely a scam.

The J-1 Visa: The “Au Pair” or “Intern” Trap

Some agencies market travel and work USA programs under the J-1 visa.

The Reality: The J-1 is for cultural exchange (like Au Pairs or Camp Counselors). While you can work as a caregiver for a family under an Au Pair program, it is not a long-term career in USA for foreigners. It is a temporary non-immigrant visa (usually 12-24 months) with a strict requirement to return home. It does not lead to a US residency or Green Card directly.

The TN Visa (Canada & Mexico Only)

If you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico, you might look at the TN Visa. However, “Nursing Assistant” is not on the NAFTA/USMCA professional list. Only Registered Nurses (RNs) qualify. Therefore, even Canadian CNAs must usually go the EB-3 visa USA route.

The Step-by-Step Application Roadmap (2025/2026)

Moving from “wanting a job” to actually stepping off the plane involves a rigid legal process. Here is the timeline you must follow to get a visa successfully.

Phase 1: The “Sponsor Hunting” (Months 1-3)

You cannot apply for a visa yourself. You need a job offer in America first.

Action: You apply to companies hiring in USA (see our agency list below).
Interview: You will likely interview via Zoom. If successful, you receive a conditional job offer USA.
Contract: You sign a contract. Warning: Read the “breach fee” clause. If you quit early, some agencies charge thousands of dollars.

Phase 2: Department of Labor (Months 4-12)

Your employer files the ETA Form 9089 (Labor Certification).

The Test: The employer advertises the job locally to check work availability among Americans.
Approval: If no US worker is found, the DOL certifies the application. This is your “Priority Date.”

Phase 3: USCIS Petition (Months 13-18)

The employer files the I-140 Petition with the immigration office (USCIS).

Premium Processing: Employers can pay an extra fee to get this approved in 15 days. Ask your recruiter if they use Premium Processing.

Phase 4: The “Retrogression” Wait (Varies Wildly)

This is the hardest part. You must wait for your Priority Date to become “current” in the Visa Bulletin.

Current Status: As of late 2025, the wait for “Other Workers” is roughly 3–5 years for most countries, and longer for India/China.
Strategy: While waiting, keep working in your home country to build experience. Gaps in employment can hurt your final interview.

Phase 5: NVC & The Embassy (The Final Stretch)

Once your date is current:

DS-260: You fill out this visa application United States of America form online.
Medical Exam: You must visit a panel physician to prove you don’t have communicable diseases.
The Interview: You visit the US Embassy. The officer will ask: “Is this a real job offer in USA for foreigners?” and “Do you intend to work?”
Visa Issuance: You surrender your passport and receive it back with the visa United States stamp.

Finding the Right Employer & Avoiding Scams

To secure employment in USA, you must know where to look. The market is split between direct hires and staffing agencies.

Top Recruitment Agencies for CNAs (2025 Updated)

These are hiring companies in USA known for managing the complex sponsorship process.

MedPro International (The “Emerge” Program):
- MedPro is a giant in hiring overseas. Their Emerge program is specifically designed to take foreign graduates, train them, and place them. They are one of the few large agencies in USA that actively sponsor CNAs, not just RNs.
Mercan Group:
- Specializes in EB-3 visa USA recruitment for unskilled workers. They often recruit for large nursing home chains in the Midwest and South.
WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions:
- They work with “Direct Hire” models. This means you become an employee of the hospital, not the agency. This is often better for long-term employment in USA stability.
Interstaff:
- Known for a very supportive relocation package, including housing and visa application assistance.

How to Use Job Search Engines effectively

Do not just search “jobs”. You must use “Boolean Search Strings” to find companies hiring in USA that actually sponsor.

Go to Indeed.com or LinkedIn Jobs and type:
- "Visa Sponsorship" AND "Nursing Assistant"
- "EB-3" AND "Caregiver"
- "International Recruitment" AND "CNA"
Filter by Location: Look for states with critical shortages: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, West Virginia, Maine. These states have fewer local workers and are more willing to sponsor jobs for foreigners in USA.

The “Agency vs. Direct Hire” Debate

Staffing Agency: You work for the agency, but work at the hospital.
- Pros: They handle all immigration requirements and logistics.
- Cons: They take a cut of your hourly rate. You might be moved to different locations.
Direct Hire: You are employed directly by the hospital.
- Pros: Better benefits, higher salary, more stability.
- Cons: Harder to find. Most hospitals don’t have their own legal teams for visa sponsorship usa for CNAs.

State-Specific Guide & “Hidden Gem” Locations

When looking for jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, you must stop looking at New York and Los Angeles. These cities have plenty of local workers. The high demand jobs in USA for foreigners are in the “Flyover States.”

The “Goldilocks” States for Foreign CNAs

These states offer the perfect balance: High wages, low cost of living, and high willingness to sponsor.

1. North Dakota & South Dakota

Why: Extreme weather scares away locals, creating massive shortages.
Pay: Surprisingly high. CNAs can start at $20-$22/hour.
Sponsorship: Local hospital systems (like Sanford Health) are very familiar with hiring overseas.

2. Iowa & Nebraska

Why: An aging population requires more nursing homes.
Lifestyle: Very safe, family-friendly, and affordable housing. A 2-bedroom apartment might cost $900.
Visa Types: Strong presence of EB visa sponsors in the long-term care sector.

3. Maine & Vermont

Why: The oldest population demographic in the US means a booming need for caregivers.
Opportunity: Many facilities offer work travel USA incentives and relocation bonuses.

Avoiding “Trap” Locations

Be careful accepting jobs in America with visa sponsorship in places like the Bay Area (California) or Miami (Florida) unless the pay is over $25/hour.

The Trap: You might earn $18/hour, but rent is $2,500/month. You will struggle to survive. Always calculate the “Rent-to-Income Ratio” before accepting a job offer in USA for foreigners.

Life in the USA as a Foreign CNA

Once you get a visa and arrive, what is life actually like?

Understanding “at-will” Employment

Employment in USA is “at-will.” This means you can be fired at any time, for any reason (as long as it’s not discrimination). However, under a sponsorship contract, you usually have more protection because the employer has invested money in you.

The Cost of Living Reality

Let’s break down a typical monthly budget for a CNA earning $3,200/month (after taxes) in a mid-sized US city:

Rent: $1,000 (1-bedroom apartment)
Car/Insurance: $500 (Public transport is poor in the US; you will need a car).
Food: $400
Utilities/Phone: $200
Savings: $1,100
Verdict: You can save money and send remittances home, but you must be budget-conscious.

Building Credit

As a new immigrant, you have no credit history. You cannot buy a house or get a good car loan.

Action: Immediately apply for a “Secured Credit Card” upon arrival. This is vital for your long-term US residency financial health.

Alternatives & Backup Plans

If the visa rules USA or the 5-year wait for the EB-3 seems too daunting, consider these parallel paths.

Option A: The “Canada Route” (Visa Sponsorship Canada)

Sponsorship visa Canada is often easier than the US.

Program: The “Home Support Worker Pilot” allows you to work in Canada and apply for permanent residence after gaining 12 months of work experience.
Pros: Faster processing than the United States travel visa application.
Cons: Lower wages than the US, higher taxes, and colder weather.
Strategy: Many foreigners work in Canada, get Canadian citizenship (3-4 years), and then use the TN Visa (if they become RNs) to move to the US later.

Option B: The Student Pathway (F-1 Visa)

Instead of waiting for a job offer usa, apply to a US community college for a Nursing degree.

Process: Apply visa as a student (F-1).
Work: You can work part-time on campus.
After Grad: You get “OPT” (Optional Practical Training), which is a 1-year work permit USA. During this year, your employer can sponsor you for the Green Card as an RN (Schedule A), which is much faster than the CNA process.

Option C: The Au Pair Program (J-1)

If you are under 26, you can apply for a J-1 Au Pair visa.

Pros: Immediate travel usa. You live with a host family (free rent/food).
Cons: It is not a permanent employment visa USA. You must return home. However, it gives you 1-2 years to network, improve English, and potentially find an employer willing to file an EB-3 for you while you are in the country (Adjustment of Status).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a business visa to look for jobs? A: A business visa (B-1/B-2) allows you to enter the US for meetings or conferences. You cannot work on this visa. You can attend job interviews, but you must return home to process your employment visa USA before starting work.

Q: How do I check work permit status? A: If you are already in the US and applied for an adjustment of status, you can check your case status on the USCIS website using your receipt number.

Q: Are there jobs in USA for foreigners without experience? A: Yes, the EB-3 “Other Workers” category is specifically for roles requiring less than 2 years of experience. However, having at least 6 months of caregiving experience makes you much more attractive to companies hiring in USA.

Q: Does the employer pay for my flight? A: Many reputable agencies offering work travel USA packages will pay for your flight to the US as part of their relocation package, but this varies by contract. Always read the fine print.

Q: Can I bring my family? A: Yes. Under the EB-3 program, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you. They also receive Green Cards (Permanent Residency) and your spouse can work anywhere in the US (United States work visa rights).

Conclusion

The journey to securing nursing assistant jobs in USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, organization, and resilience.

Your Action Plan:

Assess: Do you have the necessary caregiving experience and clean background?
Prepare: Study for and pass your IELTS/TOEFL English exam.
Search: Use the agency list above and start networking on LinkedIn with recruiters from hiring companies in USA.
Apply: Submit your formatted resume to agencies specializing in usa sponsorship.

The United States of America immigration system is difficult, but thousands of healthcare workers navigate it successfully every year. With the current staffing crisis, your skills are in high demand. Start your journey today.