If you are a qualified nurse living in Africa and dreaming of relocating to the United States with a secure, well-paying job and a free work visa, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of skilled healthcare workers from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and across the continent are recruited to fill urgent nursing shortages in the U.S. health system.
In 2025, this opportunity is bigger than ever. The U.S. healthcare sector is actively hiring foreign-trained nurses through various work visa programs – and many hospitals and healthcare staffing agencies are even offering to sponsor your visa, pay your relocation costs, and provide free housing for the first few months. But how do you find these U.S. nursing jobs with visa sponsorship? What qualifications do you need? How do you apply from Africa and avoid scams?
In this in-depth guide from WorkVisaAfrica, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to land a nursing job in the U.S. with a free work visa.
Why the U.S. Is Hiring Foreign Nurses in 2025
There is a severe shortage of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and other healthcare support staff across many states in the U.S. due to an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. As American healthcare systems scramble to fill these roles, international recruitment has become the go-to solution.
African nurses with the right qualifications, English proficiency, and work ethic are increasingly being recruited because they are known to be well-trained, compassionate, and committed.
The good news? U.S. employers are not only offering jobs but also free visa sponsorship (often through the EB-3 visa), relocation support, housing assistance, and sometimes even a sign-on bonus.
What Nursing Roles Are in High Demand in the U.S. for Africans?
Here are some of the top nursing positions open to international applicants from Africa in 2025:
These roles are in hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private practices across multiple U.S. states including Texas, Florida, California, New York, and Illinois.
Which U.S. Visa Types Allow Nurses from Africa to Work in the U.S.?
If you’re applying for a nursing job in the U.S. from Africa, these are the most common work visas offered by U.S. employers:
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EB-3 Visa (Green Card) – Employment-based immigrant visa. This is a permanent residency option that many hospitals sponsor directly.
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H-1B Visa – Temporary skilled worker visa, though not common for nurses unless in advanced specialties.
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TN Visa – For Canadian or Mexican nurses under NAFTA (not available to Africans).
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J-1 Visa – Exchange visitor program. Often used for training, but not a permanent job solution.
Most African nurses are hired under the EB-3 Green Card program which allows you to bring your spouse and children with you.
What Are the Requirements for African Nurses to Work in the U.S.?
To be eligible for U.S. nursing jobs with visa sponsorship, African applicants must meet certain criteria:
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Must hold a nursing diploma or degree (RN or LPN equivalent)
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Must have valid nursing license in your home country
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Pass the NCLEX-RN exam (mandatory for U.S. nursing licensure)
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English proficiency – IELTS or TOEFL (some employers may waive this if your training was in English)
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Complete the CGFNS Certification (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools)
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Have a clean criminal background and health clearance
Even if you haven’t taken the NCLEX yet, many employers are willing to sponsor your preparation and cover exam fees if you meet other qualifications.
Top U.S. Employers Hiring African Nurses in 2025
Several healthcare organizations and staffing agencies are actively recruiting nurses from Africa. Some of them include:
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Avant Healthcare Professionals – Known for sponsoring EB-3 visas for international nurses
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O’Grady Peyton International – Long-standing agency recruiting nurses globally
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Conexus MedStaff – Offers full immigration and relocation support
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Interstaff Inc.
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WorldWide HealthStaff Solutions
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Alliant International University (for training and job placement)
These employers often offer:
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Free visa sponsorship (Green Card processing)
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NCLEX and CGFNS support
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Paid relocation (flights + accommodation)
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U.S. licensure guidance
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Family relocation options
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for U.S. Nursing Jobs with Free Visa from Africa
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Get Your Credentials in Order
Ensure your nursing license is valid and your transcripts are accessible. -
Register with CGFNS
Start the verification process so you can apply for NCLEX. -
Take English Proficiency Test
IELTS Academic with a band score of 6.5–7.0 is widely accepted. -
Search for Reputable Recruiters
Use trusted websites or go directly to hospital careers pages. Stick with licensed recruiters. -
Apply for Sponsorship-Based Roles
Target roles that explicitly mention “visa sponsorship available” or “EB-3 positions”. -
Prepare for Interviews
Practice common questions like “Why do you want to work in the U.S.?” and “What are your strengths as a nurse?” -
Sign Contract & Begin Visa Process
Once selected, your employer will file a petition with USCIS for your visa. -
Relocate
After your visa is approved, the employer will provide tickets and initial housing.
Warning: Avoid Nursing Job Scams Targeting Africans
With the high interest in U.S. jobs, scammers are creating fake job offers promising free visas and asking for money upfront.
Never pay any agent upfront fees. Real recruiters are paid by the hospital, not by you. Always verify the company’s website, email domain, and registration status with U.S. government portals.
Genuine recruiters will:
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Never ask for upfront payment
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Use official email addresses (not Gmail/Yahoo)
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Provide a signed contract and U.S. company registration number
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Be open to video interviews and documentation
If in doubt, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website or contact your country’s labor ministry for advice.
How Much Can African Nurses Earn in the U.S.?
Nurses in the U.S. earn competitive salaries, even more when compared to local African pay.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Registered Nurse (RN): $65,000 – $95,000/year depending on state
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): $45,000 – $60,000/year
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Critical Care Nurse: $90,000 – $120,000/year
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Nurse Practitioners or Advanced Roles: $110,000+
Plus, with the EB-3 visa, you’re eligible for permanent residency and can access benefits like:
Why U.S. Nursing Jobs Are a Smart Move for Africans in 2025
Choosing to work as a nurse in the U.S. isn’t just about the money—it’s about long-term career growth, access to world-class facilities, and the opportunity to give your family a better life.
Many African nurses who relocated over the last five years have now bought homes, helped family members relocate, or even started their own healthcare consulting services.
With the U.S. facing nursing shortages until 2030 and beyond, now is the best time to secure a future in American healthcare as an African nurse.
Final Tips Before You Apply
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Update your resume in U.S. format – include clinical hours, work history, skills
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Create a LinkedIn profile and join nursing groups
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Start studying for NCLEX early – lots of free and paid resources online
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Don’t limit yourself to just hospitals – nursing homes and clinics also recruit
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Be patient. Visa processing takes time but is worth the wait
Conclusion
If you are an African nurse looking to move abroad in 2025, the United States offers a golden opportunity — jobs with free visa sponsorship, high salaries, family relocation support, and a real path to citizenship.
At WorkVisaAfrica, we help you find trusted resources and verified jobs that will change your life. Start your journey today, because the opportunity is real, and thousands have already made the move successfully.
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Your dream of working in the U.S. as a nurse is closer than you think.
