The demand for nursing assistants in the USA has grown rapidly due to an aging population and increased healthcare needs. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play an essential role in patient care—assisting nurses, supporting daily activities, and ensuring comfort and safety in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers.
Because of the ongoing labor shortage in healthcare, many U.S. employers are now offering visa sponsorship for foreign nursing assistants, opening doors for international workers seeking stable, rewarding careers in America.
This guide covers everything you need to know about nursing assistant jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship—including job duties, visa options, qualifications, top employers, salaries, and how to apply successfully.
1. What Does a Nursing Assistant Do?
Nursing assistants are the backbone of healthcare support services. They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and handle both patient care and administrative tasks.
Common CNA Duties:
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Daily Living Assistance: Helping patients with bathing, dressing, eating, and hygiene.
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Monitoring Vital Signs: Recording temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.
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Patient Mobility: Assisting patients in moving safely between beds and wheelchairs.
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Housekeeping: Keeping rooms clean, changing bed linens, and disposing of medical waste.
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Observation and Reporting: Noting changes in a patient’s condition and informing the care team.
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Emotional Support: Providing companionship and reassurance to patients in distress.
To excel in this role, CNAs must demonstrate patience, compassion, communication skills, and physical stamina.
2. Why Work as a Nursing Assistant in the USA?
Working as a nursing assistant in the United States offers numerous personal and professional benefits:
Competitive Pay
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Average salary ranges between $28,000 and $60,000+ per year, depending on experience and location.
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CNAs working nights or weekends often receive shift differentials that boost earnings.
High Job Demand
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The U.S. healthcare sector faces a nationwide shortage of CNAs, ensuring strong job security and opportunities for overtime.
Career Growth
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Many CNAs advance to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs) with additional education and training.
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Some employers even help fund nursing school or certification programs.
Visa Sponsorship and Green Card Opportunities
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The EB-3 visa allows foreign CNAs to work in the U.S. permanently and eventually apply for green cards.
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Temporary visas like H-2B and J-1 also provide legal work pathways.
Cultural Exchange and Experience
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International CNAs gain exposure to advanced medical technology and diverse patient care systems while improving their English proficiency and cultural adaptability.
3. Visa Options for Foreign Nursing Assistants
There are several visa categories that can help foreign healthcare workers secure employment in the U.S.:
EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Green Card)
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Ideal for unskilled or skilled workers with a permanent job offer.
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Employers handle the labor certification and petition process.
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Offers a pathway to permanent residency.
H-2B Visa
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Designed for temporary non-agricultural workers, including some healthcare support roles.
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Valid for up to 10 months and can be extended.
J-1 Visa
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Suitable for training and exchange programs in healthcare.
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May include a two-year home residency requirement after completion.
Other Visa Types
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TN Visa: For Canadian or Mexican citizens (under USMCA agreement), typically for advanced healthcare roles.
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H-1B Visa: For specialized positions requiring a degree—less common for entry-level CNAs.
4. Requirements for Nursing Assistant Jobs in the USA
While state requirements vary, the following are typically needed for CNA roles:
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High School Diploma or GED
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Completion of a State-Approved CNA Training Program
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Passing the CNA Competency Exam (such as NNAAP)
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English Language Proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL may be required for visa purposes)
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Health and Background Checks (TB test, vaccinations, criminal record check)
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Job Offer from a Sponsoring Employer
5. Nursing Assistant Salary and Benefits in the USA
Average Pay
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Hourly: $14–$28 per hour
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Annual: $28,000–$60,000+ depending on region and experience
Additional Benefits
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Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
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401(k) retirement plan
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Paid vacation and sick leave
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Relocation bonuses and overtime pay
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Professional development programs
6. How to Find Nursing Assistant Jobs in the USA with Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Target the Right Employers
Some healthcare institutions regularly sponsor foreign workers:
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HCA Healthcare
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Mayo Clinic
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Cleveland Clinic
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Genesis Healthcare
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Ascension Health
Check their official career websites for listings marked “visa sponsorship available.”
Step 2: Use Job Boards
Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and SimplyHired often feature CNA listings.
Use search terms such as “CNA jobs USA visa sponsorship” or “foreign nursing assistant jobs USA.”
Step 3: Prepare a Strong Application
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Highlight your CNA certification, patient care skills, and relevant experience.
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Write a customized cover letter explaining your interest in working in U.S. healthcare.
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Include references from supervisors or healthcare instructors.
Step 4: Ace the Interview
Be ready for virtual interviews via Zoom or Skype. Employers may ask about your:
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Experience handling patients
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Familiarity with medical equipment
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Adaptability to different work shifts
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Understanding of patient confidentiality and U.S. care standards
Once hired, your employer will file the visa petition on your behalf.
7. Challenges and Tips for Success
Working as a foreign CNA can be demanding, but preparation helps ensure success:
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Certification Transfer: Each state has its own CNA registry; you may need to requalify.
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Language Barriers: Take medical English courses to improve communication.
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Shift Work: Adapt your schedule and maintain a healthy sleep routine.
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Physical Demands: Practice safe patient lifting techniques to prevent injuries.
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Cultural Adjustment: Learn about HIPAA regulations, patient privacy, and U.S. workplace etiquette.
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Immigration Delays: Plan ahead for visa processing times and maintain contact with your employer.
Conclusion
Pursuing nursing assistant jobs in the USA for foreigners with visa sponsorship is an excellent way to begin a long-term healthcare career in America. From competitive pay and job stability to clear immigration pathways, CNAs enjoy both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
With the right training, certification, and employer sponsorship, you can transform your passion for caregiving into a thriving career in the U.S.—helping patients while securing a future full of opportunities.