International Nursing Opportunities: Are They Right for You?
Love the idea of traveling the world without hitting pause on your paycheck? International nursing is a great opportunity to take your nursing skills beyond the borders of your home country.
Whether you’re a U.S. nurse craving an international adventure or an international nurse dreaming of working in the U.S., this guide covers everything you need to take your nursing career global. Plus, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details that often get overlooked — like licensing and visa requirements — to help you decide if this path is the right fit for you.
What Is International Nursing?
International nursing involves working as a nurse outside of your home country, offering a unique opportunity to apply your skills in diverse healthcare settings around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global healthcare sector faces an estimated shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030, making international nursing a critical and in-demand field.
There are several pathways for nurses interested in taking their careers global:
- International travel nursing allows nurses to take on temporary assignments in different countries, gaining valuable experience in diverse healthcare systems while exploring new places.
- Working for international organizations includes joining global agencies like the WHO, Doctors Without Borders, or the Red Cross, where you can contribute to public health initiatives, emergency response, and humanitarian aid efforts.
- Military nursing may require nurses to serve at overseas military bases or be deployed to conflict zones, disaster-stricken areas, or locations requiring peacekeeping operations to provide essential medical care.
- Private duty nursing includes the opportunity to care for specific clients, which may sometimes involve accompanying them on international travel for personal or healthcare reasons.
- Long-term relocation allows nurses to pursue long-term career opportunities abroad. For those coming to the U.S., this often involves applying for an EB-3 work visa.
How to Become an International Nurse
Before diving into international nursing, make sure you’ve built a strong foundation with the right education, experience, and a valid, up-to-date license. Here’s your to-do list before planning an overseas nursing adventure.
1. Pick a Country
Where would you like to go? Would you rather hike in Melbourne, Australia, during your off-work hours or stroll through the beautiful rural landscapes of Scotland? Consider the cost of living, how much taxes you’ll pay, and other important factors to make an informed decision.
If you have a destination in mind, look into which nursing specialties are in demand there. Australia, for example, needs more mental health nurses, while the UK is experiencing a shortage of home care professionals.
Here’s a list of popular international nursing destinations:
- Australia
- Canada
- Germany
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
Each destination will have its own set of rules for obtaining the necessary licensing and work visas.
2. Choose Between Working With an Agency or Going Solo
Your next move is to decide if you want to work with an agency or go the independent route. These choices will take you down different paths. Agencies often take care of things like licensing, visas, and relocation support. Without an agency, you’ll have to handle all of this on your own. Let’s explore both options:
| International Nursing Agency | Independent Route |
|---|---|
| Pros: Agencies provide help with licensing, visas, and other paperwork, making the process smoother.
Cons: You may have less control over job placement and location, and some agencies take a commission, reducing your earnings. |
Pros: You have the freedom to choose your job, location, and schedule.
Cons: You are responsible for managing all logistics, including licensing, visas, accommodation, and travel, which is challenging and time-consuming. |
If you decide to go the agency route, your path to international nursing is straightforward. Apply to an agency in your desired country, and they’ll guide you through the process. If you want to work in multiple countries, look for agencies in your home country that specialize in international travel nursing, though they’re rare. You might need to work with separate agencies for each country you want to visit.
If you’re a nurse wanting to work in the U.S., here are some international nursing recruitment agencies agencies you might want to explore:
If you’re a U.S. nurse wanting to travel internationally, here are several international nurse recruitment agencies you might find interesting:
- HCA Healthcare, Australia
- Horizon Health Network, Canada
- Medacs Global Group, United Kingdom
- Monarch, Germany
- Nordic Cooperation, Norway
- Stafford Recruitment, New Zealand
3. Apply for a Visa and a Job
If you’re not using agency services, you’ll need to research the licensing transfer requirements in your desired country and apply. This information can be found on the website of the country’s organization that deals with licensing healthcare professionals. This process may take several months, but once your license has been transferred, you can start sending out your nursing resume to secure an international job.
With a job offer in hand, the next step is to apply for the relevant visa, as most countries require it for eligibility. Here are some other documents you may be required to collect when applying:
- Valid passport
- Nursing license, certifications, and proof of education
- Employment offer
- Background check
- Proof of language proficiency
- Proof of financial means
- Medical examination and immunization record
Once approved, finalize your relocation by booking flights and finding travel accommodations.
To simplify your process, here are a few resources for the most popular countries you may want to work in:
| Country | Nursing License Information | Visa Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia | Australia working and skilled visas |
| Canada | National Nursing Assessment Service | Canada work permit |
| Germany | German Government Portal for the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications | Germany working visa |
| New Zealand | Nursing Council of New Zealand | New Zealand workforce visa |
| Norway | Norwegian Directorate of Health | Norway residence permit |
| Switzerland | Federal Office of Public Health | Switzerland permit to work |
| Singapore | Singapore Nursing Board | Singapore work pass |
| United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention | UAE residence visa for working |
| United Kingdom | The Nursing and Midwifery Council | UK health and care worker visa |
| United States of America | National Council of State Boards of Nursing | U.S. work visa |
FAQs: International Nursing
How do I relocate to the U.S. as a nurse?
To relocate to the U.S. as an international nurse, you’ll need to secure a job offer from a U.S. healthcare facility that can sponsor your visa, typically an H-1C or EB-3 visa. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, meet state-specific licensing requirements, and have your nursing credentials evaluated by an approved agency. After securing a job and completing the necessary paperwork, you can apply for a visa.
What is the salary for international nurses?
The typical nursing salary in the U.S. is about $94,480 per year. However, your international salary as a nurse will largely depend on the country you choose to work in. Here are some examples:
- Australia: $123,630 (AUD) per year
- Canada: $106,079 (CAD) per year
- United Kingdom: £55,881 (GBP) per year
Which organizations can I work in as an international nurse?
You might have international assignments if you work for an organization that has locations in multiple countries, such as the following:
- American Red Cross
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- International Health Organization (IHO)
- International Medical Corps (IMC)
- Nurses Beyond Borders (NBB)
- United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
How long are international assignments?
Compared to local travel nursing, international assignments usually last longer due to the time-consuming visa and license transfer requirements.
What are living arrangements like during assignments?
Living arrangements during international assignments can vary. You might need to find and rent your own place, just like you would in your home country. However, some agencies may cover your housing costs for part or even the entire duration of your assignment.
How do I handle taxes when working as an international nurse?
As a U.S. nurse working abroad, you still need to file a U.S. tax return, even if you earn income overseas. However, you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which can exclude up to a certain amount of your foreign income from U.S. taxes.
Will I be responsible for visa and license transfer fees?
Yes, in most cases, you will be responsible for covering visa and license transfer fees. However, some agencies or employers may offer reimbursement or partial coverage as part of your contract.
Ready for a New Nursing Career Adventure?
As you learn more about international nursing, you may want to gain more experience stateside. Explore nursing jobs around the U.S. on IntelyCare. Find out how we can connect you with open positions in your specialty and location.