The global nursing shortage has created unprecedented opportunities for qualified international professionals seeking long-term careers abroad. Across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, healthcare systems are actively recruiting overseas nurses—and many are partnering with nursing agencies that offer sponsorship to streamline visa processing and relocation. For internationally educated nurses, the right agency can mean the difference between years of uncertainty and a clear, structured pathway to lawful employment and permanent residency.
Key Takeaways
- Nursing agencies that offer sponsorship help international nurses secure work visas and employer-backed immigration support.
- The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia remain top destinations for sponsored nursing roles.
- Agencies often assist with credential evaluation, licensing exams, relocation, and housing guidance.
- Sponsorship pathways commonly include EB-3 (US), Health and Care Worker visa (UK), and provincial nominee programs (Canada).
- Choosing reputable agencies with transparent contracts is critical to long-term career success.
Why Nursing Agencies Are Sponsoring International Nurses
Healthcare systems worldwide are under staffing pressure due to aging populations, rising chronic illnesses, and workforce burnout. Domestic training pipelines are not producing enough registered nurses to meet demand.
As a result, hospitals increasingly collaborate with specialized international recruitment firms—commonly referred to as nursing agencies that offer sponsorship—to attract qualified foreign-trained nurses. These agencies manage immigration compliance, credential recognition, licensing support, and onboarding logistics.
Unlike general staffing companies, sponsorship-focused nursing agencies invest in long-term placements, often supporting candidates through multi-year visa and residency processes.
Leading Nursing Agencies That Offer Sponsorship in the United States
The U.S. remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international nurses due to competitive salaries and permanent residency opportunities under the EB-3 category.
1. O’Grady Peyton International
A division of AMN Healthcare, O’Grady Peyton specializes in placing international nurses in American hospitals.
What they offer:
- EB-3 immigrant visa sponsorship
- NCLEX exam preparation support
- Credential evaluation guidance
- Relocation assistance
They have decades of experience in international nurse deployment and maintain partnerships with major U.S. healthcare systems.
2. Avant Healthcare Professionals
Avant Healthcare is known for structured immigration sponsorship programs.
Key benefits:
- Direct-hire hospital placements
- Green card sponsorship under EB-3
- English exam and NCLEX support
- Transparent employment agreements
Avant works extensively with hospitals experiencing critical staffing shortages.
3. PassportUSA
PassportUSA focuses exclusively on international nurse recruitment.
Why nurses choose PassportUSA:
- Employer-sponsored immigrant visas
- U.S. licensing support
- Dedicated case managers
- Comprehensive relocation assistance
The agency emphasizes long-term retention through permanent residency pathways.
Nursing Agencies That Offer Sponsorship in the United Kingdom
The UK’s National Health Service continues to recruit internationally under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
4. NHS Professionals
While directly linked to NHS trusts, NHS Professionals facilitates international recruitment.
Support includes:
- Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
- OSCE training support
- Relocation packages
- Pastoral care programs
Many NHS trusts provide structured onboarding for overseas nurses.
5. HCL Workforce Solutions
HCL recruits nurses globally for NHS and private healthcare roles.
What they provide:
- Visa sponsorship coordination
- Licensing and registration support
- Relocation logistics
- Ongoing employment support
The UK pathway is often faster compared to U.S. green card timelines.
Nursing Agencies That Offer Sponsorship in Canada
Canada actively welcomes internationally educated nurses through provincial nominee programs and employer-sponsored work permits.
6. HealthMatch BC
HealthMatch BC supports nurses seeking roles in British Columbia.
Highlights:
- Employer-sponsored work permits
- Provincial Nominee Program pathways
- Licensing assistance
- Settlement guidance
Canada’s immigration framework often provides permanent residency within a shorter timeframe compared to other countries.
7. Carecor Health Services
Carecor recruits internationally for hospital and long-term care placements.
Support includes:
- Work permit sponsorship
- Licensing navigation
- Job placement services
Nursing Agencies That Offer Sponsorship in Australia
Australia’s healthcare system relies on skilled migration programs to address nursing shortages.
8. Healthcare Australia
Healthcare Australia recruits nurses globally for permanent and temporary placements.
Benefits:
- Employer-sponsored visa options
- AHPRA registration support
- Relocation services
What Sponsorship Typically Covers
Nursing agencies that offer sponsorship may provide:
- Visa filing and legal processing
- Licensing exam preparation
- Credential evaluation
- Relocation allowance
- Initial housing support
- Contract placement in partner hospitals
However, benefits vary by agency and destination country.
Immigration Pathways for Sponsored Nurses
United States
- EB-3 Skilled Worker immigrant visa
- H-1B (limited use for nurses)
United Kingdom
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Skilled Worker visa
Canada
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Express Entry (healthcare category draws)
Australia
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa
- Employer Nomination Scheme
Understanding eligibility requirements is essential before committing to any agency contract.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Agency That Offers Sponsorship
Not all agencies provide equal support. Consider the following before signing:
- Verify licensing and accreditation
- Request detailed contract terms
- Confirm visa type and timeline
- Ask about repayment clauses
- Research independent nurse reviews
A reputable agency should offer full transparency regarding salary deductions, relocation costs, and minimum service periods.
Salary Expectations for Sponsored Nurses
Sponsored nurses often receive salaries aligned with domestic staff. However, compensation depends on:
- Country of employment
- Specialty (ICU, ER, Med-Surg)
- Years of experience
- Urban versus rural placement
In the U.S., registered nurses may earn significantly higher wages compared to UK NHS pay bands, though cost of living varies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
International nurses should avoid:
- Signing contracts without legal review
- Paying large upfront fees to agencies
- Ignoring credential requirements
- Overlooking licensing exam timelines
- Assuming sponsorship guarantees permanent residency
Careful planning ensures long-term professional stability.
Industry Outlook for International Nurses
The World Health Organization projects continued global nursing shortages over the next decade. Countries facing demographic shifts are expanding international recruitment programs.
Healthcare policymakers increasingly rely on nursing agencies that offer sponsorship as a strategic workforce solution. For qualified candidates, this trend creates expanded mobility and career growth opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Nursing agencies that offer sponsorship provide structured pathways for international nurses seeking global careers. Whether targeting the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, working with reputable agencies can simplify immigration processes and reduce administrative stress.
However, due diligence is essential. Review contracts carefully, understand visa categories, and confirm employer partnerships before committing.
International nursing careers require dedication, adaptability, and regulatory compliance—but the rewards can include higher earnings, professional development, and long-term residency opportunities.
For nurses ready to take the next step, sponsorship-focused agencies remain one of the most practical entry points into competitive global healthcare markets.
FAQs
Do nursing agencies that offer sponsorship charge fees?
Reputable agencies typically do not charge large upfront recruitment fees. Always verify contract terms.
Which country offers the fastest sponsorship process for nurses?
The UK and certain Canadian provinces often have faster processing timelines compared to U.S. immigrant visa routes.
Is NCLEX required for U.S. sponsorship?
Yes. International nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN to work in the United States.
Can sponsorship lead to permanent residency?
In many cases, yes. U.S. EB-3, Canadian PR programs, and UK settlement routes offer long-term residency pathways.
Are contracts binding with nursing agencies?
Yes. Most sponsorship agreements include minimum employment periods, often two to three years. Review all terms before signing.