Nursing Assistant Jobs in the USA for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship

  • 13 views
  • 8 minute read

The United States’ healthcare industry is grappling with a critical staffing crisis, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a need for 194,500 nursing assistants annually through 2032 to meet growing demand and replace retiring workers.

Nursing assistants, often called Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), play a vital role in providing frontline care in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, supporting patients with daily activities and assisting medical staff.

For foreign workers, the shortage has opened doors to visa-sponsored opportunities, particularly through programs like the H-2B and EB-3 visas, enabling legal employment in the USA.

This comprehensive guide, explores nursing assistant jobs in the USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship in 2025, detailing the job market, visa processes, requirements, application strategies, benefits, responsibilities, and challenges.

Drawing on data from the BLS, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and industry sources, it offers a roadmap for international healthcare workers to build rewarding careers in the U.S. healthcare system.

Nursing assistant jobs are in high demand due to an aging population, with 16% of Americans over 65, and increased healthcare needs post-COVID-19. Employers, including major providers like Fresenius Medical Care and Salinas Valley Health, are actively recruiting foreign CNAs, offering visa sponsorship to address shortages.

With median wages of $38,200 annually (BLS, 2024) and opportunities in states like California, Texas, and Florida, these roles provide financial stability and professional growth.

This guide equips aspiring foreign workers with the tools to navigate the job market, secure sponsorship, and thrive in the USA, whether assisting patients in Miami or supporting rehabilitation in Chicago.

The Nursing Assistant Job Market in the USA 2025

The U.S. healthcare sector is a $4.7 trillion industry, with nursing assistants forming a critical backbone. The BLS reports 1.4 million nursing assistant jobs in 2024, projected to grow 4% by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Key drivers include:

  • Aging Population: 56 million Americans over 65 by 2030, increasing demand for long-term care.
  • Healthcare Expansion: $1 trillion in hospital infrastructure investments, requiring more staff.
  • Staff Shortages: 30% of healthcare facilities report CNA vacancies, with turnover rates at 24% (American Health Care Association, 2024).
  • Post-Pandemic Needs: Higher demand for rehabilitation and chronic disease management.

High-Demand Roles and Locations

Nursing assistants work in:

  • Hospitals: Assisting with patient mobility, vital signs, and hygiene (e.g., Mayo Clinic).
  • Nursing Homes: Supporting elderly residents with daily activities (e.g., PruittHealth).
  • Assisted Living: Providing care in residential settings (e.g., The Palace Group).
  • Home Healthcare: Delivering in-home support (e.g., Salinas Valley Health).

Top states for CNA jobs with visa sponsorship include:

  • California: 12,500 H-2B certifications in 2023, with roles in Salinas and Los Angeles.
  • Texas: 10,800 certifications, centered in Houston and Dallas.
  • Florida: 9,200 certifications, with demand in Miami and Tampa.
  • New York: High wages ($40,000-$50,000) in New York City.

Wages and Employers

  • Median Wage: $38,200/year ($18.37/hour), with entry-level roles at $28,000-$32,000 and experienced CNAs earning $38,000-$50,000 (BLS, 2024).
  • Specialized Roles: Rehabilitation or memory care CNAs earn $40,000-$55,000.
  • Major Employers:
  • Fresenius Medical Care: Offers H-2B sponsorship for CNAs in dialysis clinics.
  • Salinas Valley Health: Sponsors wellbeing care assistants in California.
  • PruittHealth: Filed 266 green card certifications for CNAs in 2024.
  • The Palace Group: Provides visa sponsorship and training in Florida.
  • Conexus MedStaff: Recruits international CNAs with EB-3 sponsorship.

Job boards like Indeed (96 visa-sponsored CNA jobs) and SimplyHired (46 jobs) list opportunities, with peaks in spring (March-May) due to hiring cycles. English proficiency is required for patient interaction, though basic skills suffice for entry-level roles. The next section details visa options for nursing assistants.

Visa Options for Nursing Assistants

Foreign nursing assistants primarily rely on two visa types for sponsored jobs: the H-2B for temporary roles and the EB-3 for permanent positions. Below is an overview of each, based on USCIS and DOL guidelines.

H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker)

  • Purpose: For temporary, non-agricultural roles when U.S. workers are unavailable, including CNAs in seasonal or peak-load settings (e.g., summer hospital staffing).
  • Cap: 66,000 visas annually, with a 64,716 supplemental allocation in FY 2025, including 20,000 for nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
  • Duration: Up to 9 months, extendable to 3 years, with a 3-month return home required.
  • Eligibility: Job offer from a DOL-approved employer, country eligibility, and intent to return.
  • Process:
    1) Employer secures PWD and Temporary Labor Certification, proving no U.S. workers are available.
    2) Employer files Form I-129 ($1,500 fee, employer-paid).
    3) Worker applies for an H-2B visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
  • Processing Time: 3-6 months (I-4 weeks for visa, 60-90 days for I-129).
  • Benefits: $195 visa fee and travel costs are employer-reimbursed. Portability allows employer switches in FY 2025.
  • Limitations: Temporary; no direct path to permanent residency.

EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Permanent)

  • Purpose: For skilled workers, professionals, or “other workers” (e.g., CNAs) with a job offer for permanent residency.
  • Eligibility: Job offer, high school diploma or equivalent, and 1-3 years of experience or CNA training.
  • Process:
    1) Employer obtains labor certification (ETA-9089A) via a PERM test, proving no U.S. workers qualify.
    2) Employer files Form I-140 ($700 fee).
    3) Worker files Form I-485 for adjustment of status or consular processing for a green card.
  • Processing Time: 12-24 months, depending on priority date and country backlog.
  • Benefits: Leads to permanent residency, allowing family reunification and long-term employment. Employers like PruittHealth sponsor green cards.
  • Limitations: Lengthy process; requires employer commitment.

Other Considerations

  • Job Seeker Visa: Not available; a job offer is mandatory.
  • H-1B Visa: Rarely used for CNAs, as it requires a bachelor’s degree.

The H-2B is ideal for short-term roles, while the EB-3 suits those seeking permanent residency. The next section outlines worker requirements.

Requirements for Foreign Nursing Assistants

To secure visa-sponsored nursing assistant jobs, foreign workers must meet USCIS, DOL, and employer criteria, ensuring they are qualified and compliant.

  1. Country Eligibility: For H-2B, applicants must be from eligible countries (e.g., Mexico, Philippines, Jamaica, or the 20,000-visa allocation countries). EB-3 has no country restrictions but faces backlogs for countries like India and China.
  2. Job Offer: A formal offer from a U.S. employer with approved labor certification is required. The role must align with CNA duties (e.g., patient care, vital signs monitoring).
  3. Education and Certification:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • CNA certification or equivalent training (e.g., 75-120-hour programs in home country). Some employers, like The Palace Group, offer training.
  • State-specific licensure (e.g., California requires CNA certification via Prometric exams, $100-$150).
  • Recognition of foreign credentials by bodies like CGFNS ($300-$500) for EB-3.
  1. Experience:
  • H-2B: 0-1 year for entry-level roles; 1-3 years for skilled positions.
  • EB-3: 1-3 years of healthcare experience, verified by references.
  1. English Proficiency: Functional English (IELTS 4.5 equivalent) for patient interaction and safety. Employers assess this during interviews; consular officers verify it. Exemptions apply for some H-2B roles.
  2. Intent to Return (H-2B): Proof of home country ties (e.g., family, property) to ensure return after visa expiration.
  3. Health and Background:
  • Clean criminal record (police certificate).
  • Health exams, including TB testing and vaccinations (e.g., MMR, COVID-19), costing $100-$300.
  • Physical ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for long shifts.
  1. Returning Worker Status (H-2B): Prior H-2B status in FY 2022-2024 for supplemental visas, except for the 20,000-visa allocation.

Additional requirements include a valid passport and initial financial stability, though employers reimburse costs like travel ($500-$2,000) and visa fees ($375-$395). Preparing certifications and references early ensures competitiveness.

The Job Search and Visa Application Process

Securing a visa-sponsored nursing assistant job involves job hunting, application preparation, and visa processing. Below is a detailed roadmap for 2025.

Step 1: Research and Find Jobs

  • Job Portals:
  • Indeed: 96 visa-sponsored CNA jobs, with filters for “visa sponsorship.”
  • SimplyHired: 46 jobs, including roles at Fresenius and PruittHealth.
  • LinkedIn: 35 visa-sponsored CNA jobs, with alerts for new postings.
  • Healthcare Jobsite: Lists international opportunities.
  • GCLExperts: Focuses on sponsorship roles.
  • Recruitment Agencies:
  • Conexus MedStaff: Places CNAs with EB-3 sponsorship.
  • PassportUSA: Covers visa and relocation costs.
  • O’Grady Peyton International: Specializes in healthcare staffing.
  • WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions: Recruits for hospitals.
  • Fees range from $500-$2,000, often employer-paid.
  • Employer Websites: Fresenius Medical Care, Salinas Valley Health, and The Palace Group post sponsored roles.
  • Networking: Join LinkedIn groups (“Healthcare Jobs USA”) and expat forums (Reddit’s r/immigration). Virtual job fairs by GCLExperts connect candidates with employers.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

  • Resume: Highlight CNA experience, certifications, and patient care skills. Include visa eligibility.
  • Cover Letter: Tailor to the employer, emphasizing compassion and teamwork (e.g., “I am a certified nursing assistant with 2 years of experience, seeking H-2B sponsorship”).
  • Documents: Translate certifications, references, and diplomas ($50-$100/document). Obtain CGFNS evaluation for EB-3.

Step 3: Apply and Interview

  • Applications: Submit via portals or employer websites. Follow up within 7-10 days.
  • Interviews: Expect questions on patient care (e.g., “How do you handle a distressed patient?”) and visa knowledge. Practice English responses. Remote interviews require stable internet; in-person interviews need professional attire.
  • Job Offer: The employer provides a contract, initiating the visa process.

Step 4: Apply for Visa

  • H-2B: 1) Employer secures PWD and labor certification. 2) Employer files Form I-129. 3) Worker submits Form DS-160, paying $195 visa fee and $185-$205 processing costs. 4) Provide:
    • Passport and photos
    • Form I-797 (I-129 approval)
    • Job offer letter
    • Proof of home ties
    • Criminal record certificate
      5) Attend consular interview (2-4 weeks processing).
  • EB-3:
    1) Employer files labor certification and Form I-140.
    2) Worker files Form I-485 or consular processing, providing CGFNS evaluation and health records.
    3) Processing takes 12-24 months.
  • Entry: Enter the U.S. within 10 days of job start (H-2B) or upon green card approval (EB-3).

Step 5: Start Employment

  • Employers provide training (e.g., HIPAA, infection control) and orientation. Begin work within 10 days.

An immigration attorney ($1,500-$3,000) can streamline the process, though agencies like Conexus MedStaff offer support.

Benefits and Responsibilities

Visa-sponsored nursing assistant jobs offer significant benefits, balanced by responsibilities.

Benefits

  • Wages: $28,000-$55,000/year, with overtime adding $5,000-$10,000.
  • Visa Sponsorship: H-2B covers temporary roles; EB-3 leads to green cards.
  • Employer Support: Reimbursed travel ($500-$2,000), visa fees ($375-$395), and sometimes housing ($500-$1,000/month).
  • Benefits: Health insurance ($100-$200/month, employer-shared), paid leave, and wellness programs (e.g., The Palace Group).
  • Career Growth: Training (e.g., CPR, dementia care) and pathways to Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) roles ($50,000-$70,000).
  • Permanent Residency: EB-3 offers green cards, with 358 sponsored by National Healthcare in 2024.
  • Lifestyle: Work in vibrant cities like Miami or serene towns like Salinas.

Responsibilities

  • Visa Compliance: Work only for the sponsor; overstaying risks a 3-10-year ban.
  • Performance: Meet patient care standards, per CMS guidelines.
  • Taxes: Pay federal/state taxes (10-30%, $3,000-$10,000 on $35,000 salary). File Form 1040NR.
  • Safety: Adhere to infection control (e.g., PPE use) and report issues.
  • Reporting Abuse: Contact DOL’s Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243) for violations.

Challenges and Strategies

  • Visa Cap (H-2B): Apply early (October/April) for 130,716 visas.
  • Certification: Obtain state licensure ($100-$150) and CGFNS evaluation ($300-$500).
  • Language: Improve English via Duolingo or IELTS prep ($50-$200).
  • Living Costs: Budget $2,500-$4,000/month in cities like Los Angeles. Seek housing support.
  • Scams: Verify employers via DOL’s H-2B database; avoid upfront payments.

Conclusion

Nursing assistant jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship offer foreigners a gateway to a stable, rewarding career in 2025. With 194,500 annual openings, competitive wages, and H-2B/EB-3 pathways, roles at providers like Fresenius and PruittHealth are within reach.

Start by exploring Indeed, leveraging agencies like Conexus MedStaff, and preparing certifications. Navigate the visa process, excel in patient care, and build a future in cities like Miami or Salinas. Act now—apply early and join America’s healthcare workforce.

You May Also Like