The Advantages of Sponsorship

"When I first considered nursing in the United States, I called an immigration lawyer. They said don't even try it on your own--the paperwork is impossible. With a company sponsoring you, it is so much easier. All the paperwork is done, you just sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and they take care of the rest. I'd recommend having a sponsor to anyone even considering coming to the U.S."
Melinda Davey, RN

Anyone who has come to the United States to work understands that the process to obtain a visa, proper certification and a job offer can be time consuming and frustrating-especially if you attempt the process on your own. Sponsoring agencies will do the work for you; they set you up with a knowledgeable representative to assist you throughout the process and match you with the right nursing position.

O'Grady Peyton International (OGP)-a staffing agency that specializes in placing nurses from countries around the world on long-term nursing assignments in the United Stateshas helped thousands of nurses just like you. Their comprehensive U.S.A. program helps nurses obtain their visas, prepare for and pass the licensing exams, find jobs in their specialties, and handle all of the paperwork and other requirements to work in some of America's top hospitals.

Contact O'Grady Peyton International today to be connected with a personal representative who will help you begin the process of working as a nurse in America.

Immigration FAQs for International Nurses

Do you have questions about nursing in the United States? ind answers to the questions that we hear most from nurses around the world, below.

These questions and answers have been provided courtesy of NurseZone's international staffing partner, O'Grady Peyton International (OGP).

What type of visas or licenses do I need to work in America?

You will need a permanent residency visa (also known as a Green Card) and a U.S. RN license.

Why do I need a permanent residency visa?

A permanent residency visa allows you to legally live and work in America on a permanent basis. Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 will also qualify for permanent residency visas.

How do I get a permanent residency visa or an RN license?

Once you have been accepted into O'Grady Peyton International's USA Nursing Program, they will help you study for and obtain your U.S. RN license, and will handle all the requirements for your permanent residency visa (Green Card.)

What type of training do I need for the RN license?

In order to get your RN license, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. OGP International has a comprehensive training program and study materials to help prepare you for the exam.

Where do I take the NCLEX-RN exam?

Once you are ready to take the exam, OGP International will pay to fly you to the United States or one of its territories, or to London, Hong Kong or Seoul to take the NCLEX-RN exam. They will also pay for your hotel accommodations. Your visit will last approximately two to four days.

What kind of questions will the NCLEX-RN exam have?

The multiple-choice is taken on a computer and covers medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry and obstetrics. The exam is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing. The exam takes about five hours, and you will know your results within three weeks of taking the exam.

Who pays for the NCLEX-RN exam?

OGP International will handle your airfare and accommodations expenses associated with the NCLEX-RN exam, but you will be responsible for the cost of the exam.

How does the visa process work?

When you take the NCLEX-RN exam, we will meet with you to discuss the process of applying for your permanent residency visa, including the VisaScreen certificate. OGP International will pay for the initial filing fee for your visa and will help you with the necessary visa requirements and paperwork throughout the process.

Can I bring my family? How can they get permanent residency visas?

If you are married, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can legally relocate to the United States with you. When you apply for a permanent residency visa through OGP International, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 will be able to apply at the same time.

Are there costs for the permanent residency visa?

Yes. OGP International will pay the filing fee for your permanent residency visa. However, once your application is approved, you (and any family members who will be relocating to the U.S. with you) will be responsible for any national Visa Center (NVC) fees. In addition, you will be responsible for any embassy and medical charges

What is VisaScreen^SM certification?

VisaScreen certification is a process to ensure you have the necessary qualifications to work in America. During the screening, your skills will be compared to the minimal skills required in education, licensing and English language. Nurses who have graduated from a college or university in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, don't have to meet the English language requirement. Once you have passed the VisaScreen, you will be given a certificate which we will submit to the American embassy or consular office as part of your permanent residency application.

Is there a cost for the Visa Screen certificate?

OGP International will pay the cost for your VisaScreen application. If you require any additional training from your school of nursing or English language training to meet the minimum standards for the VisaScreen, the costs will be your responsibility.

Can I choose where I work and live?

Absolutely. There are a wide variety of options for you to choose from in America. You decide where you'd like to live, and OGP International will help match your skills and expertise with the job that fits your needs.

When would my assignment in America begin?

Once you are accepted into OGP's program, it takes about 12 to 24 months before you can begin your assignment in America.

Read more about O'Grady Peyton International's U.S.A. Program for international nurses.

Employment Opportunities for Canadian Nurses

Canadian nurses have several options for working in the United States, including short-term travel assignments that are 8-26 weeks in length. O'Grady Peyton International (OGP) offers a Canadian Concierge Program that is tailored to guide you through the process and fit your unique needs.

Canadian nurses can also opt for OGP's long-term program which offers all the benefits of travel nursing-great pay, generous benefits and excellent experience at top hospitals-with a longer-term assignment of approximately 18-20 months.

Read more about O'Grady Peyton International's U.S.A. program for Canadian nurses.

Employment Opportunities for United Kingdom Nurses

Learn about all of the exciting nursing opportunities available to European healthcare professionals in the U.S. As a nurse from the UK, you have the exciting opportunity to work at the nation’s best hospitals, earn great pay and experience life in America.

UK nurses have several options for working in the United States, including short-term travel assignments that are 8-26 weeks in length and longer term assignments of approximately 18-20 months. O'Grady Peyton International (OGP) offers several programs that are tailored to guide UK nurses through the process and fit your unique needs.

Read more about O'Grady Peyton International's U.S.A. program for European nurses.