Nursing Assistant Jobs In The USA For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship

What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?

• Helping patients with personal care tasks such as eating, bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Taking and recording vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and respiration levels.
• Assisting with patient mobility, including moving them safely between beds, wheelchairs, and therapy areas.
• Providing emotional support and companionship to patients, especially those in long-term care facilities.
• Observing patients’ health conditions and promptly reporting changes to supervising nurses or doctors.
• Keeping patient rooms clean, comfortable, and safe.

Benefits of Working as a Nursing Assistant in the USA

• Competitive Salaries
  • • On average, CNAs earn between $28,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on their level of experience and the state they work in.
    • Some facilities pay higher wages for night shifts, weekends, or overtime hours, giving workers the chance to significantly increase their income.
• Comprehensive Benefits Packages
  • • Beyond salary, most U.S. healthcare employers provide benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings plans (401k), paid holidays, and sick leave.
    • Some employers also provide education benefits, covering part of the cost for further nursing studies.
• Strong Job Security
  • • With the demand for healthcare professionals increasing every year, CNAs enjoy strong job stability. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in nursing assistant roles well into the next decade.
• Career Advancement Opportunities
  • • Many CNAs use their role as a stepping stone to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) by pursuing additional education and certifications while working.
• Cultural Exchange and Networking
  • • Working in the U.S. provides international professionals with the opportunity to experience American culture, meet diverse colleagues, and learn advanced healthcare practices.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency
  • • Many visa sponsorships can lead to long-term residency opportunities, allowing foreign CNAs to eventually secure a Green Card and settle permanently in the U.S.

Visa Options for Nursing Assistant Jobs

• H-2B Visa: For temporary, non-agricultural roles. Some healthcare facilities use this option to hire CNAs for short-term contracts.
• EB-3 Green Card (Employment-Based Visa): The most common route for foreign healthcare workers. It allows skilled professionals, including nursing assistants, to secure permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
• J-1 Visa: Available for training programs and cultural exchange in healthcare, though it may be temporary and sometimes requires returning home after the program.
• TN Visa: Specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA agreement.

Eligibility Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a state-approved CNA training program. Training programs usually last between 4 to 12 weeks.
• Passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) or a state-specific certification exam.
• English language proficiency, since communication with patients and healthcare staff is critical. Tests such as TOEFL or IELTS may be required.
• A clean background check and medical clearance, including proof of immunizations.

• Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, SimplyHired, and Monster often list CNA positions that offer visa sponsorship.
• Look for keywords such as “visa sponsorship,” “foreign nurse aide,” or “international CNA jobs.”

• Major hospital networks and nursing homes often sponsor international candidates. Examples include HCA Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Ascension Health.

• Specialized recruitment agencies connect international healthcare workers with U.S. employers. These agencies often assist with paperwork, visa processing, and relocation support.

• Your resume should highlight caregiving experience, relevant certifications, and language skills.
• A well-written cover letter showing your willingness to relocate and your passion for patient care can help you stand out.

• Many employers conduct video interviews to evaluate candidates before sponsorship. Practice answering questions about patient care, communication skills, and adaptability.

Average Salary of Nursing Assistants in the USA

• Entry-Level (0 to 2 years): $28,000 to $34,000 per year.
• Mid-Level (3 to 5 years): $35,000 to $45,000 per year.
• Experienced (6+ years): $46,000 to $55,000+ per year.

• California, New York, and Massachusetts: Often pay above $50,000 annually.
• Texas and Florida: Offer salaries between $35,000 – $45,000, with a lower cost of living.

• HCA Healthcare: With over 180 hospitals and thousands of facilities, HCA is one of the largest U.S. healthcare employers.
• Mayo Clinic: A globally recognized hospital system offering excellent training and career development.
• Cleveland Clinic: Known for innovation in healthcare and strong international recruitment.
• Ascension Health: One of the largest nonprofit health systems with facilities across the U.S.
• Genesis Healthcare: Specializes in rehabilitation and long-term care, often hiring CNAs from abroad.