Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs For Employers
Is VSH a direct-hire agency or a staffing agency?
Visa Solutions Healthcare (VSH) is a direct-hire international nurse recruitment agency, not a staffing agency. The nurses we recruit become full-time, permanent employees of your healthcare facility from day one.
Unlike travel nursing or agency staffing models, direct hire provides long-term workforce stability, lower staffing costs over time, improved retention, and stronger team integration.
What are the benefits of hiring international nurses instead of travel nurses or agency staff?
International nurses hired through VSH become long-term members of your healthcare team under a renewable three-year employment agreement, helping create workforce stability that temporary staffing models cannot provide.
Benefits include:
- Reduced turnover and vacancy rates
- Improved continuity of patient care
- Stronger team morale and collaboration
- Lower reliance on agency staffing
- More predictable long-term workforce planning
Travel nurses are designed to fill short-term staffing gaps, while internationally educated nurses support the development of a stable, permanent workforce.
From a financial perspective, the difference can be significant. A travel nurse can cost healthcare facilities up to $70,000–$80,000 more per year than a full-time nurse due to agency fees, premium hourly rates, and other staffing costs. Direct-hire international nurses provide a more cost-effective and sustainable long-term staffing solution.
How much can healthcare facilities save compared to travel nurses?
Travel nurses often cost significantly more than permanent nursing staff due to agency fees, premium pay rates, housing stipends, and contract costs.
By hiring internationally educated nurses through VSH’s direct-hire model, healthcare facilities can reduce long-term staffing expenses while improving workforce stability and retention.
How does the international nurse hiring process work?
VSH manages the entire recruitment, immigration, licensure, and relocation process.
We handle:
- International recruitment and screening
- Candidate interviews and placement
- Credentialing and licensing
- Visa processing and immigration support
- Relocation and onboarding assistance
- Ongoing nurse and employer support
With recruiters operating across five continents and more than 100 countries, we source highly qualified nursing professionals to meet your staffing needs.
What qualifications do nurses in VSH’s program have?
All nurses in our program:
- Hold a recognized nursing degree or diploma
- Have at least two years of recent hospital experience
- Are actively working in clinical settings
- Demonstrate English proficiency
- Provide professional references
- Meet U.S. licensing and credentialing requirements
VSH also provides NCLEX preparation, credentialing assistance, and state-specific licensure support.
What nursing specialties does VSH recruit?
We recruit experienced nurses across virtually all specialties, including:
- Emergency Room (ER)
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg)
- Operating Room (OR)
- Telemetry
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Pediatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Skilled Nursing
We can also recruit nurses based on your facility’s specific staffing requirements.
What countries does VSH recruit nurses from?
VSH recruits internationally educated nurses from a wide range of countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and North America.
Our global recruitment network spans more than 100 countries, allowing us to source qualified nursing professionals based on your workforce needs.
What types of healthcare facilities does VSH work with?
We partner with:
- Large health systems
- Community hospitals
- Rural hospitals
- Academic medical centers
- Long-term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
Our recruitment solutions are customized to the unique staffing needs of each organization.
What visa pathways does VSH offer?
We offer two primary visa options:
EB-3 Green Card Visa
A permanent employment-based visa that provides lawful permanent residency (green card status) for qualified nurses and their eligible family members.
Best for:
- Long-term workforce planning
- Permanent staffing solutions
- Reducing turnover
TN Visa
A temporary work visa available to qualified Canadian and Mexican registered nurses.
Best for:
- Faster hiring timelines
- Immediate staffing needs
- Flexible workforce planning
Which visa is best for long-term nurse staffing?
The EB-3 Green Card Visa is generally the best option for long-term staffing.
Benefits include:
- Permanent residency for nurses
- No visa renewals required
- Strong workforce stability
- Improved retention
- Lower long-term staffing costs
Who can use the TN Visa to hire nurses?
Healthcare organizations can sponsor qualified Canadian and Mexican registered nurses through the TN Visa program.
This pathway offers one of the fastest routes for bringing nurses into the United States.
How long does it take to hire an international nurse?
Timelines vary by visa type.
EB-3 Green Card Visa
Typically 2–3 years.
Factors include:
- Country of origin
- Licensing requirements
- Government processing times
- Immigration policy changes
TN Visa
Typically 4–6 months.
Because the TN Visa is not subject to annual caps or lotteries, it provides a faster pathway for qualified Canadian and Mexican nurses.
Who handles the immigration paperwork?
VSH’s in-house Immigration Team manages the entire process.
We coordinate:
- Visa applications
- Credentialing
- Licensure
- Government filings
- Documentation collection
Your organization receives regular updates throughout the process.
Can we interview candidates before hiring?
Absolutely.
Your facility remains fully involved in the hiring decision. You can interview candidates, assess clinical experience, and select nurses who best fit your organization’s culture and staffing needs.
How many nurses can we hire at one time?
We support both individual placements and large-scale workforce initiatives.
Whether you need 10 nurses or an entire cohort, our team can build a customized recruitment strategy to meet your hiring goals.
What relocation assistance do nurses receive?
VSH manages nurse relocation from start to finish.
Support includes:
- International airfare
- First month’s rent and utilities
- $1,000 relocation stipend
- Banking setup assistance
- Transportation guidance
- Driver’s license support
- Community integration assistance
What happens if a nurse leaves before completing the contract?
Our team carefully screens candidates for long-term success and commitment.
We encourage healthcare organizations to discuss specific replacement policies and program details with a VSH representative during the consultation process.
Do international nurses stay permanently with their employer?
Nurses hired through our program sign a renewable three-year employment agreement.
Many choose to continue their careers with the same healthcare organization well beyond their initial contract period.
How do international nurses adapt to the U.S. healthcare system?
VSH provides extensive preparation through:
- Clinical readiness training
- Cultural orientation
- Communication training
- Ongoing mentorship and support
Our Learning Management System (LMS) helps nurses develop the skills needed for a successful transition into U.S. healthcare environments.
How do international nurses improve patient outcomes?
International nurses help healthcare organizations:
- Reduce staffing shortages
- Improve nurse-to-patient ratios
- Lower staff burnout
- Enhance continuity of care
- Improve patient satisfaction
Their clinical expertise and commitment contribute to stronger healthcare teams and better patient experiences.
How can my facility get started?
Getting started is simple.
Schedule a consultation with Visa Solutions Healthcare, and our team will guide you through every step of the recruitment, immigration, and onboarding process.
FAQs For Registered Nurses
Is VSH a direct-hire agency or a staffing agency?
VSH is a direct-hire international nurse recruitment agency. If you receive a U.S. job offer through our program, you will be employed directly by a U.S. healthcare facility—not by VSH.
This means:
- Full-time employment
- Employee benefits from your employer
- Greater job stability
- Long-term career opportunities
- Integration into the healthcare team from day one
Does VSH charge nurses any fees?
No.
VSH never charges nurses for recruitment services.
We also cover most costs related to licensing, immigration, and relocation.
What are the requirements to join VSH's program?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a registered nurse
- Hold a nursing degree or diploma
- Have at least two years of recent experience in your specialty
- Meet eligibility requirements for U.S. licensure and immigration
Can I apply if I already passed the NCLEX?
Yes.
Nurses who have already passed the NCLEX are encouraged to apply. Having your NCLEX completed may help streamline portions of the licensing process.
Can I apply if I already have a U.S. nursing license?
Absolutely.
If you already hold an active U.S. nursing license, our team can evaluate your profile and determine the fastest pathway toward employment.
What type of visa will I receive?
VSH offers two primary pathways:
EB-3 Green Card Visa
A permanent residency pathway that allows qualified nurses and eligible family members to live and work permanently in the United States.
TN Visa
A temporary work visa available to qualified Canadian and Mexican registered nurses.
What are the benefits of the EB-3 Green Card Visa?
The EB-3 program provides:
- U.S. permanent residency
- Green cards for eligible family members
- Long-term career opportunities
- Pathway to U.S. citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements
What are the benefits of the TN Visa?
Benefits include:
- Faster processing times
- No annual visa cap
- Renewable status
- Faster access to U.S. employment opportunities
Can I bring my spouse and children with me?
Yes.
Both the EB-3 and TN Visa pathways allow eligible applicants to bring their legal spouse and unmarried children under 21.
VSH assists with dependent applications, although dependent visa fees are not covered.
How long does it take to move to the U.S.?
EB-3 Green Card Visa
Typically 2–3 years.
TN Visa
Typically 4–6 months.
Processing times vary based on licensing requirements, country of citizenship, and government processing times.
How much do registered nurses earn in the United States?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for registered nurses in the United States is approximately $93,600 USD.
Actual earnings vary depending on:
- State
- Employer
- Specialty
- Experience level
What is a CES Report?
The Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Report verifies that your nursing education meets U.S. nursing standards.
Most State Boards of Nursing require a CES Report before licensing.
VSH covers the cost of the CES Report.
What is the NCLEX?
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the licensing exam required to practice nursing in the United States.
VSH covers:
- NCLEX registration fees
- Preparation resources
- NCLEX training support
What happens if I fail the NCLEX?
Our team will help you understand your next steps and create a plan for retesting.
We provide ongoing support and resources to help candidates successfully pass the exam.
Will I need to prove English proficiency?
For the EB-3 program, English testing is generally required.
Accepted exams may include:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- OET
- PTE
For TN applicants, English testing is typically not required unless additional credentialing requirements apply.
VSH covers testing costs and preparation support.
Can I choose where I work in the United States?
We work closely with nurses to understand their preferences and career goals.
While placement depends on employer demand and visa eligibility, we strive to match nurses with opportunities that align with their professional objectives.
How will VSH support me with licensing, immigration, and relocation?
We provide comprehensive support throughout the process.
Benefits include:
- Licensing assistance
- Visa processing support
- Paid international flight
- First month’s accommodation
- First month’s utilities
- $1,000 USD arrival bonus
- Driver’s license assistance
- Social Security guidance
- Banking setup support
How long is my employment contract?
Most nurses receive a renewable three-year employment agreement with their U.S. employer.
How does VSH support nurses after arrival?
Our support continues after you arrive in the United States.
Our Relocation Team provides:
- Regular check-ins
- Settlement assistance
- Professional guidance
- Community resources
- Ongoing support throughout your transition
Start your nursing career in the United States with full licensing, immigration, and relocation support.