Nursing Assistant Jobs In USA For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship

I know why you’re here.

You’ve been working in healthcare back home, perhaps as a nurse or caregiver, and you’ve heard stories. Stories about better pay, modern hospitals, and the chance to build a life in America. You want that for yourself and your family.

But here’s where it gets confusing. Everyone tells you that getting a job in the USA with visa sponsorship is nearly impossible. They say you need special skills or connections. They make it sound like only doctors or engineers can make it.

Here’s the truth: It’s hard, but it’s not impossible.

Nursing assistants from countries like the Philippines, Nigeria, India, Ghana, and Jamaica DO get jobs in America with visa sponsorship. It happens every year. But you need to understand exactly how the system works, what visa you’ll actually use, and how to avoid the scams that prey on people like you.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything. The visa types that actually work for CNAs. The requirements you need to meet. The step-by-step process to get hired. And most importantly, how to spot the red flags that signal a scam.

Let’s get started.

The Hard Truth: Understanding the Visa Types

Here’s where most people get confused.

You’ve probably heard about the H-1B visa. That’s the one tech workers and engineers use. Bad news: CNAs almost never qualify for H-1B visas. The H-1B is for “specialty occupations” that require at least a bachelor’s degree. Nursing assistant work doesn’t meet that standard in the eyes of US immigration law.

So what DO you use?

The EB-3 Visa: Your Actual Path to America

The visa that works for nursing assistants is called the EB-3 “Other Worker” visa (sometimes called the EB-3 Unskilled visa). Don’t let the word “unskilled” offend you. It’s just a legal category. It doesn’t mean your work isn’t valuable.

Here’s what you need to know about the EB-3:

It’s an employment-based green card. This isn’t a temporary work visa. When you come to the US on an EB-3, you’re coming as a permanent resident. That’s actually better than a temporary visa in the long run.

Your employer sponsors you. A US healthcare facility (like a nursing home or assisted living center) has to prove they couldn’t find an American worker to do the job. Then they petition for you specifically.

It takes time. I’m not going to sugarcoat this. The EB-3 process typically takes 1 to 2 years, sometimes longer depending on your country. If you’re from the Philippines or India, it might take even longer because of visa backlogs. You need patience.

There’s a cap. Only about 10,000 EB-3 “Other Worker” visas are available each year for the entire world. This is why the process is slow and why having the right employer matters so much.

The key thing to understand: You’re not looking for just any job. You’re looking for an employer willing to go through this long legal process for you.

Essential Requirements (Before You Even Apply)

Before you start sending out applications, make sure you actually qualify. Here’s what you need:

1. Education Background

You need at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. If you went to school outside the US, you’ll need to prove your education is equal to an American high school education.

Interestingly, many people who apply for CNA positions in the US are actually trained nurses (RNs or LPNs) in their home countries. They take CNA jobs as a stepping stone to get into the US, then work on getting their nursing license recognized later. This is a smart strategy.

2. CNA Training or Healthcare Experience

Most US states require CNAs to complete a training program and pass a certification exam. If you’re applying from abroad, employers want to see that you have:

• A nursing background (RN, LPN, or enrolled nurse certification)
• Or previous CNA training
• Or several years of hands-on caregiving experience

Your foreign nursing credentials can often substitute for CNA training. Each state has different rules, but having a nursing background makes you much more attractive to sponsors.

3. English Language Skills

You need to prove you can communicate in English. Most employers and the visa process will require:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Usually the General Training version, not Academic. Aim for a score of at least 6.0 overall.
• Or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Some employers might accept that you studied in English or worked in an English-speaking environment, but it’s safer to have a test score ready.

4. Credential Evaluation

You’ll need your foreign education credentials evaluated by a US-recognized agency. The two most common are:

• CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
• WES (World Education Services)

These organizations review your transcripts and certificates and issue a report that says, “Yes, this person’s education equals what Americans have.” This costs money (usually $200-400) but it’s essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired & Sponsored

Now for the practical stuff. How do you actually land one of these jobs?

Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready

Before you apply anywhere, organize these documents:

• Your passport (valid for at least 2 years)
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Nursing or healthcare training certificates
• English test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
• Credential evaluation report
• Resume (formatted American-style—keep it simple and clear)
• Reference letters from previous employers

Having everything ready shows employers you’re serious and organized.

Step 2: Find the Right Employer

This is the hardest part. Not every healthcare facility sponsors foreign workers. It’s expensive and time-consuming for them.

You have two main paths:

Direct Hire: You apply directly to hospitals, nursing homes, or care facilities. You can find job postings on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized healthcare job boards. Look for phrases like “visa sponsorship available” or “open to international candidates.”

The challenge? Most facilities won’t respond to foreign applicants. You might send 50 applications and hear back from 2.

Staffing Agencies: There are international recruitment agencies that specialize in placing foreign healthcare workers in the US. These agencies have relationships with employers who regularly sponsor workers.

Examples of legitimate agencies include:

• O’Grady Peyton International
• Avant Healthcare Professionals
• Medstaff National Medical Staffing

These agencies handle much of the paperwork and guide you through the process. But be careful—some agencies are scams (more on that later).

Step 3: The Interview Process

If an employer is interested, you’ll usually have a phone or video interview. They want to assess:

• Your English communication skills
• Your healthcare experience
• Your understanding of CNA duties
• Your willingness to relocate

Be honest about your experience. Don’t exaggerate. American employers value reliability over perfection.

Step 4: The Visa Application Process

Once an employer decides to hire you, the legal process begins. Here’s the simplified version:

Labor Certification (PERM): Your employer files paperwork with the US Department of Labor proving they tried to hire Americans first but couldn’t find anyone qualified. This takes several months.

I-140 Petition: After labor certification is approved, your employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS. This officially requests your green card.

Wait for Your Priority Date: Each I-140 gets a “priority date.” You have to wait until your priority date becomes “current” based on visa availability. This is where the 1-2 year wait happens.

Consular Processing: When your date is current, you go to the US embassy in your country for an interview and medical exam. If approved, you get your immigrant visa.

Travel to the USA: You fly to America and become a permanent resident when you enter.

Your employer usually pays for the attorney fees for the PERM and I-140. You typically pay for your own visa interview fees, medical exam, and travel costs.

Where to Find These Jobs (Actionable Tips)

Let me be specific about where to look:

Types of Employers That Sponsor CNAs

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: These are your best bet. They have constant staffing shortages and are more likely to sponsor foreign workers. Chains like Genesis Healthcare and Kindred Healthcare have sponsored workers in the past.

Assisted Living Communities: Similar to nursing homes but for seniors who need less intensive care.

Home Health Agencies: Some larger agencies sponsor workers, though this is less common.

Rural Hospitals: Small hospitals in rural areas struggle to find staff and may be more open to sponsorship.

Search Strategies

• Use Google searches like: “EB-3 visa sponsorship nursing assistant”
• Join Facebook groups for foreign nurses and healthcare workers in the USA
• Connect with people from your country who already made it to the US—ask for referrals
• Check the US Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification Data Center website to see which companies have filed PERM applications for CNAs

Be persistent. This is a numbers game. The more applications you send, the better your chances.

Warning Signs of Scams

Unfortunately, there are people who will try to take advantage of your dream.

Watch out for these red flags:

1. Asking for large upfront fees: No legitimate employer will ask you to pay $5,000 or $10,000 before you even have a job offer. Some agencies charge modest recruitment fees ($500-1,000), but be very suspicious of anything higher.
2. Guaranteed job offers: Nobody can guarantee you a US job. Any agency that promises “100% placement” is lying.
3. Too good to be true salaries: If they promise you $50,000+ per year as a CNA with no experience, be skeptical. Real CNA salaries range from $25,000 to $35,000 depending on location.
4. Poor communication: Legitimate agencies have professional websites, clear contact information, and respond to your questions thoroughly. If communication is vague or pressuring, walk away.
5. No physical address: Check if the company has a real office. Google the address. Look for reviews from other workers.
6. General rule: Your employer should pay for most legal fees. You should only pay for things like your credential evaluation, English tests, medical exam, and visa interview fees. That’s normal. Anything beyond that deserves scrutiny.

Conclusion: Be Patient and Stay Smart

Getting a nursing assistant job in the USA with visa sponsorship isn’t easy. I won’t pretend it is.

But it happens. Real people from your country are doing this right now. They went through the same confusion and anxiety you’re feeling. They sent dozens of applications. They waited through the long visa process. And now they’re living and working in America.

The key is to be strategic and patient. Understand that this is a marathon, not a sprint. The EB-3 process takes time, but it leads to a green card—permanent residency. That’s worth waiting for.

Start preparing your documents now. Research legitimate agencies. Join online communities of foreign healthcare workers. Learn from people who’ve already done it.

And most importantly, don’t give up when you face rejection. Every “no” brings you closer to the “yes” that changes your life.

Your American dream is possible. Now you know exactly how to chase it.

Good luck. You’ve got this.