The United States is experiencing a nationwide nursing shortage, making it one of the most immigration-friendly countries for qualified nurses. For Nepali students, studying nursing in the USA combines world-class clinical training with a clear pathway to a Green Card through the EB-3 visa category.
The United States is experiencing a nationwide nursing shortage, making it one of the most immigration-friendly countries for qualified nurses. For Nepali students, studying nursing in the USA combines world-class clinical training with a clear pathway to a Green Card through the EB-3 visa category.
Why Study Nursing in the USA?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 177,000 new nursing jobs per year through 2032. As a foreign-trained or US-educated nurse, you benefit from:
- Among the highest nursing salaries in the world (USD 75,000–120,000+/year)
- EB-3 (skilled worker) Green Card pathway for nurses — one of the fastest employment-based immigration routes
- OPT after graduation (12 months) and STEM OPT if eligible
- Strong professional growth — NP, DNP, CRNA pathways for advanced practice
BSN Programs in the USA
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the standard entry-level degree for Registered Nurses in the USA. It is a 4-year program combining nursing science, clinical rotations, and liberal arts education. Increasingly, hospitals prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses over Associate Degree Nurses (ADN).
Top Nursing Schools in the USA
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Consistently ranked #1 in the USA. Located in Baltimore, MD. Strong research focus and exceptional clinical placements. Tuition: USD 50,000–60,000/year. Highly selective — requires excellent GPA and competitive SAT scores.
New York University (NYU) Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Top-ranked nursing school in New York City with access to world-class hospital networks including NYU Langone and NYC Health + Hospitals. Tuition: USD 45,000–55,000/year.
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Part of one of the USA’s top research universities (Wharton’s neighbor). Strong research opportunities. Tuition: USD 55,000–65,000/year. Located in Philadelphia.
University of Michigan School of Nursing
Strong public university with lower costs than private schools. Tuition: USD 30,000–40,000/year for international students. Excellent clinical placements in the Michigan Medical System.
NCLEX-RN: The Licensing Exam
After completing a US BSN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). Key details:
- Administered by NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing)
- Computer-adaptive: 75–145 questions
- Tests clinical judgment, patient safety, pharmacology, and nursing care
- Pass rates for first-time test takers from ACEN/CCNE-accredited US programs: ~90%
- Exam fee: USD 200 + state application fee (~USD 100–200)
CGFNS Credential Evaluation for Foreign-Trained Nurses
If you completed nursing training in Nepal (PCL Nursing or B.Sc. Nursing) and want to work as a nurse in the USA without completing a full US BSN, you must have your credentials evaluated by CGFNS International (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools). CGFNS verifies:
- Your nursing education (school accreditation, clinical hours)
- Your nursing registration/license in Nepal
- English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 83)
The CGFNS CES (Credentials Evaluation Service) report is required by most state boards of nursing before approving foreign-trained nurses to sit for NCLEX-RN.
Nursing Salaries by State
| State | Avg RN Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| California | $120,000–$145,000 |
| New York | $95,000–$115,000 |
| Massachusetts | $95,000–$110,000 |
| Texas | $75,000–$90,000 |
| Florida | $70,000–$85,000 |
Green Card (EB-3) Pathway for Nurses
Nursing is one of the few professions on the US Department of Labor’s Schedule A list — meaning employers can sponsor nurses for permanent residency without a PERM labor certification (a time-consuming step required for most employment-based Green Cards). This makes the EB-3 pathway for nurses significantly faster:
- Employer files I-140 (Immigrant Petition) directly without PERM
- Nepal falls under the “rest of the world” EB-3 category — wait times vary, check the Visa Bulletin
- Many US hospital systems offer Green Card sponsorship as a recruitment benefit for foreign nurses
Can I work as a nurse in the USA with a Nepal nursing degree?
Yes, but you must go through CGFNS credential evaluation, have your English proficiency assessed, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. State boards of nursing approve applications — requirements vary slightly by state (California has stricter requirements than most).
What is the fastest way to become a nurse in the USA from Nepal?
The fastest pathway is: (1) get CGFNS evaluation of your Nepal nursing degree, (2) pass NCLEX-RN, (3) apply for an H-1B or TN-type visa or use EB-3 sponsorship. Alternatively, study a BSN directly in the USA on an F-1 visa — this takes 4 years but gives you OPT and a US-accredited degree.
Is the EB-3 Green Card easy for nurses in the USA?
Nursing's Schedule A designation means no PERM labor certification is required, making EB-3 significantly faster than most employment-based green cards. However, current priority date backlogs for Nepal mean processing can still take several years. Many nurses use H-1B while waiting for their priority date to become current.
What IELTS/TOEFL score do I need for US nursing programs?
BSN programs at US universities typically require IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80–100. For CGFNS evaluation (foreign-trained nurses), IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 83 is the standard. State boards of nursing may have additional English requirements.
- NCLEX official (NCSBN) (www.ncsbn.org)
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (www.aacnnursing.org)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse in the USA with a Nepal nursing degree?
Yes, but you must go through CGFNS credential evaluation, have your English proficiency assessed, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. State boards of nursing approve applications — requirements vary slightly by state (California has stricter requirements than most).
What is the fastest way to become a nurse in the USA from Nepal?
The fastest pathway is: (1) get CGFNS evaluation of your Nepal nursing degree, (2) pass NCLEX-RN, (3) apply for an H-1B or TN-type visa or use EB-3 sponsorship. Alternatively, study a BSN directly in the USA on an F-1 visa — this takes 4 years but gives you OPT and a US-accredited degree.
Is the EB-3 Green Card easy for nurses in the USA?
Nursing's Schedule A designation means no PERM labor certification is required, making EB-3 significantly faster than most employment-based green cards. However, current priority date backlogs for Nepal mean processing can still take several years. Many nurses use H-1B while waiting for their priority date to become current.
What IELTS/TOEFL score do I need for US nursing programs?
BSN programs at US universities typically require IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL iBT 80–100. For CGFNS evaluation (foreign-trained nurses), IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 83 is the standard. State boards of nursing may have additional English requirements.
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