The H-1C Nurse Visa Is No Longer Available — Here's What Replaced It.
The H-1C visa category is closed. It expired on December 20, 2009, with the last H-1C visas issued in fiscal year 2012. There is no current way to apply for an H-1C visa. The good news: foreign nurses and healthcare professionals still have strong, well-established routes to the United States.
Important: The H-1C visa category is closed. If you've seen the H-1C referenced as a live option, that information is out of date.
Current Alternatives for Nurses and Healthcare Workers
- EB-3 (Skilled Worker) — the primary green-card route for registered nurses.
- H-1B — for specialized or advanced-practice roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
- EB-2 / National Interest Waiver — for advanced-degree or exceptional-ability professionals.
Why These Routes Matter
- EB-3 leads to a green card for the nurse and family.
- H-1B supports specialized clinical and educator roles.
- EB-2/NIW offers a self-petition path for qualifying professionals.
- All routes are active and well-established today.
Route Considerations
- EB-3 requires a U.S. employer, permanent job offer, and labor certification.
- H-1B is cap-limited and subject to current cost and rule changes.
- EB-2/NIW requires advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
- Credential evaluation and licensing are critical for all routes.
How We Guide You
- Assess your credentials and career goals.
- Identify the most realistic current route.
- Prepare licensing and qualification documentation.
- Coordinate with U.S. counsel for legal assessment and filing.
Documentation Focus
- Nursing credentials and license evaluations.
- Employment history and qualifications.
- Employer sponsorship materials (for EB-3).
- Advanced-degree evidence (for H-1B or EB-2/NIW).
Common Misconceptions
- Believing the H-1C category is still open.
- Assuming all RN positions qualify for H-1B.
- Underestimating credential evaluation timelines.
- Not planning for immigrant-visa backlogs.
How USA Immigration Partners Helps
We help you understand which route realistically fits your credentials and goals, prepare your licensing and qualification documentation, and coordinate with our U.S. partner law firm for the legal assessment.
How Our US Partner Law Firm Supports the Legal Process
Our U.S. partner law firm determines eligibility under the current categories, develops strategy, and prepares and files the appropriate petitions and applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The category is closed and has been for years.
Most often EB-3, which leads to a green card. We assess your specifics with U.S. counsel.
Sometimes — typically for specialized or advanced-practice roles requiring a degree, not general staff RN positions.