Importing International Nurses: A Guide for U.S. Healthcare Executives
The U.S. healthcare system continues to face a significant nursing shortage. Domestic recruitment and retention strategies can only go so far—which is why more and more hospitals and healthcare systems are looking internationally for nursing talent.
Bringing in international registered nurses is not only feasible, but in many cases, highly cost-efficient and stable compared to relying solely on travel nurse contracts. However, the process requires understanding the visa pathways available, each with its own requirements, timelines, and benefits. Below is an overview of the main visa categories to consider when evaluating international nurse staffing solutions.
The Main Pathways to Import International Nurses
TN Visa (USMCA; formerly NAFTA)
- Available only to Canadian and Mexican citizens.
- Fast processing and relatively low cost.
- Nonimmigrant status (temporary), but many later transition to a green card.
- Spouses and children may accompany on TD status and attend school; spouses cannot work.
EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Green Card)
- One of the most common long-term solutions for international nurses.
- Provides permanent residency (for the nurse and eligible family members).
- More complex and longer timelines than TN, but delivers retention and stability.
H-1B Visa
- Designed for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Less common for general RN roles; used for advanced practice (e.g., NP, CRNA).
H-1C Visa (Discontinued)
- Expired in 2009 and is no longer available.
EB-3 vs TN Visa: Pros and Cons for International Nurse Staffing
| Category | EB-3 Green Card Sponsorship | TN Visa (Canada & Mexico Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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Key Takeaways for Healthcare Leaders
- Immediate needs: TN visas are the fastest way to bring in Canadian and Mexican nurses.
- Long-term strategy: EB-3 sponsorship builds workforce stability and retention.
- Specialized roles: H-1B is typically limited to advanced practice nursing.
- Family considerations: Both TN and EB-3 allow family accompaniment; EB-3 is the only path to permanent residency.
The Business Case for International Nurse Recruitment
The demand for qualified nurses will only continue to grow. Hiring Canadian nurses and hiring Mexican nurses on TN visas offers hospitals a fast, cost-efficient way to meet immediate staffing shortages. For executives looking at the bigger picture, EB-3 sponsorship provides long-term stability and retention.
Working with experienced international nurse staffing firms ensures compliance with visa regulations, efficient onboarding, and ongoing support for both nurses and employers. With the right visa mix, leaders can stabilize staffing, reduce dependency on costly travel contracts, and deliver consistent, high-quality care.
Why Canadian and Mexican RNs Are the Smart Choice
Canadian and Mexican RNs are a fast and reliable way to staff hospitals because the TN visa process is straightforward and efficient. This pathway also lets hospitals “try before they buy”—evaluating skills, cultural fit, and commitment before investing the time, money, and energy required for permanent residency sponsorship. Since sponsorship can be expensive and lengthy, confirming the right fit first is a prudent financial and strategic move.
How IntelliStaff Medical Can Help
At IntelliStaff Medical, we have a pipeline of more than 1,100 TN visa–ready nurses from Canada and Mexico who can cross the border and start assignments in the U.S. immediately. These nurses are fully credentialed, qualified, and simply waiting for an offer letter and the right facility fit. That means your hospital can secure top-tier international talent quickly—helping you stabilize staffing and deliver exceptional patient care without delay.
