The healthcare industry in the United States continues to face workforce shortages in 2025, making it one of the most promising sectors for foreign workers seeking employment with visa sponsorship. For qualified international candidates, many U.S. healthcare institutions and staffing agencies are offering opportunities to fill these gaps through visa sponsorship programs. If you are considering a career in healthcare in the U.S., here are the top 8 healthcare jobs that commonly provide sponsorship for foreign workers in 2025.
1. Registered Nurses (RNs)
Why in Demand
Registered Nurses remain the backbone of the American healthcare system. With ongoing shortages, especially in rural hospitals, long-term care centers, and large metropolitan hospitals, the demand for RNs is consistently high.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Many hospitals, nursing homes, and recruitment agencies sponsor foreign-trained nurses under the H-1B visa, H-1C (historically), and most commonly the EB-3 immigrant visa for skilled workers. The U.S. government has recognized nursing as a shortage occupation, making it easier for foreign-trained nurses to get employment-based visas.
Requirements
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A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent.
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NCLEX-RN examination must be passed to obtain a U.S. license.
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Good English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required).
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Foreign credentials must be evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
Average Salary
The average annual salary for Registered Nurses in 2025 is around $85,000 – $100,000, depending on location and specialization.
States Hiring the Most
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Texas
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California
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New York
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Florida
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Illinois.
2. Physicians and Medical Doctors
Why in Demand
Physicians remain highly sought after, particularly in underserved areas such as rural communities and inner cities. The demand is especially strong for general practitioners, family medicine doctors, and specialists in fields like psychiatry, anesthesiology, and internal medicine.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Physicians can be sponsored under the H-1B visa, J-1 waiver programs, or EB-2 visas for advanced degree professionals. The Conrad 30 Waiver program is a popular route, allowing international medical graduates who trained in the U.S. on J-1 visas to remain and work in medically underserved areas.
Requirements
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Medical degree recognized in the U.S.
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Completion of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
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Residency training in the U.S. (international graduates often apply for residencies in the U.S. to meet licensing requirements).
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State medical board licensure.
Average Salary
Physicians in 2025 earn between $180,000 – $300,000+ annually, depending on specialty. Specialists such as anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and orthopedic surgeons often earn well above this range.
States Hiring the Most
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California
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Texas
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New York
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Pennsylvania
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Florida.
3. Physical Therapists
Why in Demand
The U.S. population is aging, and physical therapists play a key role in rehabilitation, recovery from surgery, and mobility improvement. With more seniors needing care, the demand for licensed physical therapists continues to rise.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Many hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics sponsor foreign physical therapists under the H-1B and EB-2 visa categories. Physical therapists are recognized as a shortage occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor, making sponsorship easier.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy.
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U.S. state licensure (requires passing the National Physical Therapy Examination – NPTE).
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Credential evaluation from approved agencies.
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Proof of English proficiency.
Average Salary
The average salary for physical therapists in 2025 is $95,000 – $110,000 per year, with higher pay in major metropolitan areas.
States Hiring the Most
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California
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Texas
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Florida
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Ohio
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New Jersey.
4. Occupational Therapists
Why in Demand
Occupational therapists help patients regain independence after injury, illness, or developmental issues. The aging population and increased need for rehabilitation services drive strong demand in this profession.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognized as a skilled field under the H-1B and EB-2 visa categories, and many healthcare employers in rehabilitation facilities, schools, and hospitals sponsor foreign-trained occupational therapists.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
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National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.
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State licensure.
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English proficiency and credential verification.
Average Salary
Occupational therapists earn about $90,000 – $105,000 per year in 2025.
States Hiring the Most
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California
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New York
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Texas
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Illinois
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Pennsylvania.
5. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Why in Demand
Laboratory technologists are critical in diagnosing diseases, running tests, and supporting doctors with accurate lab results. With the rise in demand for diagnostic services, foreign-trained technologists are being sponsored by U.S. labs and hospitals.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Hospitals, diagnostic centers, and private labs sponsor under the H-1B and EB-3 visa categories. Medical technologists are often on shortage occupation lists in several states.
Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related fields.
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Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required.
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State licensure in some states.
Average Salary
The average salary for medical technologists in 2025 is $65,000 – $85,000 per year.
States Hiring the Most
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Florida
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California
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New York
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Texas
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Michigan.
6. Radiologic Technologists
Why in Demand
Radiologic technologists are in demand to perform imaging services such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Hospitals, urgent care centers, and diagnostic facilities rely heavily on them, and the growing population increases demand.
Sponsorship Opportunities
U.S. employers sponsor radiologic technologists through H-1B and EB-3 visas. Some large hospitals also work with staffing agencies to recruit foreign-trained candidates.
Requirements
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Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology.
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Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
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State licensure (varies by state).
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Clinical experience is an advantage.
Average Salary
Radiologic technologists earn around $65,000 – $80,000 annually in 2025.
States Hiring the Most
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California
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Texas
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Florida
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Ohio
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New York.
7. Respiratory Therapists
Why in Demand
Respiratory therapists are vital in caring for patients with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, and those recovering from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Demand has risen steadily due to increased respiratory health issues.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Respiratory therapists are sponsored under H-1B and EB-3 categories. Hospitals and critical care facilities frequently sponsor foreign workers in this role due to shortages.
Requirements
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Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy.
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National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification.
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State licensure.
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Clinical training and English proficiency.
Average Salary
In 2025, respiratory therapists earn about $70,000 – $85,000 per year.
States Hiring the Most
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Texas
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Florida
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California
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New York
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Illinois.
8. Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
Why in Demand
The U.S. has a rapidly growing elderly population, and home health aides provide essential care for seniors and patients with disabilities. Although traditionally less likely to offer sponsorship, demand has grown so significantly that many agencies now sponsor foreign workers in these roles.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Home health agencies, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes sometimes sponsor foreign workers under EB-3 “other workers” visas. Demand is strongest in states with high senior populations.
Requirements
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High school diploma or equivalent (some states require certification).
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Short training or certification programs for home health aides.
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English proficiency and willingness to undergo background checks.
Average Salary
Home health aides earn around $30,000 – $38,000 annually in 2025. While lower than other healthcare jobs, it is one of the fastest-growing fields with easier entry requirements.
States Hiring the Most
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New York
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Florida
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California
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Texas
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Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
Healthcare remains one of the strongest career paths in the United States for foreign workers in 2025. From registered nurses to specialized therapists, and even home health aides, the demand for healthcare professionals is outpacing supply. This shortage opens opportunities for foreign-trained candidates to find jobs that include visa sponsorship.
If you are trained in nursing, medicine, therapy, or allied health fields, now is the time to explore U.S. visa options and apply to institutions actively recruiting international talent. With competitive salaries, sponsorship support, and long-term career prospects, healthcare jobs are among the most reliable paths for foreign workers to build a future in the United States.