The United States healthcare sector is expanding rapidly, creating a high demand for skilled nursing assistants. For international healthcare professionals, this surge presents an incredible opportunity: nursing assistant jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship.
Whether you’re a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or an experienced caregiver, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities across the U.S. are actively seeking qualified talent. This guide will help you navigate the path to a rewarding healthcare career in America—with visa support included.
Why Nursing Assistants Are in High Demand in the USA
The U.S. faces a growing shortage of healthcare workers due to an ageing population and increasing medical needs. Nursing assistants play a vital role in patient care, supporting nurses and ensuring patients’ well-being. Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
- Monitoring vital signs like blood pressure and temperature
- Supporting nurses during procedures and treatments
- Maintaining patient hygiene and emotional comfort
This high demand has led many U.S. employers to offer visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates.
Top Benefits of Working as a Nursing Assistant in the USA
Working as a CNA in the U.S. offers competitive compensation, career growth, and long-term stability. Key benefits include:
- Competitive Salaries: Earn between $28,000 and $60,000 annually; higher wages in states like New York and California
- Career Advancement: Transition to RN or LPN roles with employer-supported training
- Job Security: Healthcare jobs are recession-proof, with 20% projected growth by 2030 (BLS)
- Path to Permanent Residency: Visa programs like EB-3 allow international workers to secure green cards
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and more
- Cultural Experience: Work in diverse U.S. healthcare settings while gaining international exposure
Visa Options for Nursing Assistant Jobs in the USA
Foreign healthcare professionals have several visa options to work as CNAs in the U.S.:
H-2B Visa – Temporary Non-Agricultural Work
- Ideal for short-term employment (up to 1 year, renewable)
- Sponsors fill urgent labor gaps when U.S. workers are unavailable
- Key Requirements: Temporary job offer, intent to return home, limited annual visa caps
EB-3 Visa – Permanent Residency Through Employment
- Full-time CNA jobs can lead to permanent residency
- Employer must obtain PERM Labor Certification
- Family-friendly: Spouses and children under 21 can join
J-1 Visa – Exchange Visitor Programs
- For training and cultural exchange programs
- Typically valid for 1–2 years; may require a 2-year home residency
- Great for recent graduates or short-term U.S. experience
TN Visa – For Canadian and Mexican Citizens
- Under USMCA, CNAs can work in the U.S. with renewable 3-year terms
- Fast processing, no annual caps, and minimal employer fees
Requirements to Qualify as a Nursing Assistant in the USA
To work as a CNA in the U.S. with visa sponsorship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Education: High school diploma or GED; completion of a state-approved CNA training program
- Certification: Pass the NNAAP exam or state-specific equivalent
- Experience: 6 months to 1 year preferred; volunteering in healthcare counts
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English; TOEFL or IELTS may be required for some visas
- Background & Health: Criminal record check, drug screening, and health clearance (including vaccinations and TB tests)
How to Find Nursing Assistant Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Finding CNA jobs in the U.S. as an international candidate requires strategy:
- Use Targeted Job Portals: Search platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, MyVisaJobs, and HealthcareTraveler. Include keywords like “CNA visa sponsorship” or “nursing assistant jobs for foreigners”.
- Highlight Your Qualifications: Showcase CNA certification, experience in patient care, English proficiency, and relevant soft skills.
- Network in Healthcare Circles: Join associations like NAHCA and ANA; attend virtual career fairs and LinkedIn groups for international nurses.
- Partner with Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like O’Grady Peyton International and PassportUSA specialize in placing international CNAs in U.S. facilities.
- Prepare for Interviews & Visa Processes: Clarify visa type, timelines, relocation support, and document requirements.
Average Salary of Nursing Assistants in the USA
Salary varies based on experience, location, and workplace:
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | $14.44 | $28,000 – $34,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 yrs) | $18.36 | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Experienced (6+ yrs) | $21.41 | $46,000 – $55,000 |
Highest Paying States:
- Florida: $30,000 – $40,000 | High demand for long-term care
- Texas: $32,000 – $42,000 | Rapid population growth
- Arizona: $34,000 – $44,000 | Aging population
- New York: $40,000 – $50,000 | High living costs, competitive hospitals
Top Nursing Homes & Healthcare Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
With over 15,000 nursing homes and 30,000 assisted living facilities nationwide, the demand for CNAs is high. Key employers offering sponsorship include:
- Genesis Healthcare: 250+ facilities; sponsorship in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania
- Life Care Centers of America: 200+ facilities; focus on long-term care in Arizona, Tennessee
- Brookdale Senior Living: 700+ communities; hires CNAs for dementia and rehabilitation care
- HCR ManorCare: Specializes in post-acute care; supports CNA training and relocation
Tips to Stand Out as an International CNA
- Focus on Senior Care: Highlight experience with elderly, dementia, or chronic illness patients
- Research High-Demand States: Target Florida, California, Texas, and New York
- Use Staffing Agencies: PassportUSA and Avant Healthcare handle visa logistics and placement
- Emphasize Soft Skills: Empathy, teamwork, and adaptability are highly valued
Conclusion
Nursing assistant jobs in the USA offer more than a paycheck—they provide career stability, professional growth, and a pathway to permanent residency. For international candidates, visa-sponsored roles in high-demand states or reputable hospitals maximize earnings and open doors to long-term opportunities in one of America’s most vital industries.