Top U.S. hospitals & hospital chains that hire international healthcare professionals (and how the process works)

Top U.S. hospitals & hospital chains that hire international healthcare professionals (and how the process works)

Countries They Recruit From, Eligibility & Complete Hiring Process

The United States healthcare system is facing a critical shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, especially nurses, physicians, and allied health workers. To bridge this gap, many top U.S. hospitals and hospital chains actively recruit international healthcare professionals and sponsor work visas and green cards.

For qualified candidates from countries like India, Philippines, Canada, the UK, and Africa, the U.S. continues to offer long-term career stability, high salaries, and global exposure.

This article explains which U.S. hospitals hire international healthcare professionals, which countries they recruit from, and the step-by-step hiring and visa process.

Why U.S. Hospitals Hire International Healthcare Professionals

Several factors drive international recruitment:

• Severe nurse and physician shortages

• Aging U.S. population and rising patient demand

• Expansion of hospital networks

• High turnover in critical care, ER, ICU, and rural hospitals

International healthcare professionals, especially Registered Nurses (RNs) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), play a vital role in sustaining U.S. healthcare delivery.

Top U.S. Hospital Chains That Hire International Healthcare Professionals

1. Cleveland Clinic

Locations: Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Texas & global centers
Roles Hired Internationally:

• Registered Nurses (International RNs)

• Specialized nursing roles

• Physicians (via residency/fellowship)

Why Cleveland Clinic?

• Dedicated international nurse hiring programs

• Structured onboarding and clinical transition support

• Recognized worldwide for quality and research

2. HCA Healthcare

Locations: 20+ U.S. states (largest hospital chain in the U.S.)
Roles Hired Internationally:

• International Registered Nurses (all specialties)

• Allied healthcare roles (case-by-case)

Highlights:

• Regularly posts “International RN” openings

• Supports EB-3 green card sponsorship for nurses

• Strong demand in ICU, Med-Surg, ER, and OR

3. AdventHealth

Locations: Florida, Texas, Colorado, Midwest
Roles Hired Internationally:

• Registered Nurses

• Select allied healthcare roles

Why AdventHealth?

• Dedicated international recruitment teams

• Faith-based, employee-focused culture

• Transition programs for overseas nurses

4. Mayo Clinic

Locations: Minnesota, Arizona, Florida
Roles Hired Internationally:

• Physicians (IMGs via residency/fellowship)

• Research clinicians

• Specialized healthcare professionals

Key Advantage:
Mayo Clinic is one of the top employers for international doctors, especially through:

• Residency (J-1 / H-1B)

• Fellowship programs

• Academic and research pathways

5. Johns Hopkins–Affiliated Hospitals

Locations: Maryland & partner hospitals
Roles Hired Internationally:

• Physicians (IMGs)

• Researchers and fellows

Important Note:
Most international doctors enter Johns Hopkins hospitals through ECFMG-sponsored residency or fellowship programs, making it a preferred destination for IMGs.

Countries U.S. Hospitals Commonly Recruit From

1. Philippines

• Largest source of internationally recruited nurses

• English-medium education

• Strong alignment with U.S. nursing standards

2. India

• High demand for Indian nurses and doctors

• Strong clinical exposure

• Increasing EB-3 nurse migration

3. Canada & Mexico

• Eligible for TN Visa (USMCA)

• Faster processing for qualified professionals

4. Caribbean Nations

• Many IMGs from Caribbean medical schools

• Strong presence in U.S. residency programs

5. Africa & UK (Selective)

• English-speaking countries with U.S.-recognized education

• Recruitment depends on licensing readiness

Visa Pathways for International Healthcare Professionals

For Nurses

Most Common Route: EB-3 Green Card

• Nurses are listed under Schedule A (Shortage Occupation)

• No labor market test required

• Employer sponsors permanent residency

• Popular with large hospital chains

For Doctors (IMGs)

Common Routes:

• J-1 Visa (Residency/Fellowship via ECFMG)

• H-1B Visa (Employment-based, specialty dependent)

Most international doctors first enter the U.S. through residency programs, then transition to long-term employment.

For Allied Healthcare Professionals

• Case-by-case basis

• Dependent on state licensing and hospital sponsorship policy

Step-by-Step Hiring Process

Step 1: Credential Evaluation

• Education verification

• Experience letters

• License eligibility assessment

Step 2: Licensing & Exams

• Nurses: NCLEX-RN + state license

• Doctors: USMLE steps (for residency)

Step 3: Apply Through Official Hospital Portals

Always apply via:

• Hospital career websites

• Authorized international recruitment programs

Avoid unverified agents promising “guaranteed jobs.”

Step 4: Interview Process

• HR screening

• Clinical or unit interview

• Final offer letter (conditional)

Step 5: Visa & Immigration Filing

• Employer files immigration petition

• Nurses: EB-3 green card processing

• Doctors: J-1 or H-1B sponsorship

Step 6: Relocation & Onboarding

• Arrival orientation

• Hospital training

• U.S. clinical and compliance education

Tips to Improve Your Selection Chances

• Be flexible with location and department

• Prepare a U.S.-style resume

• Complete licensing steps early

• Choose employers with proven international hiring history

Final Thoughts

The U.S. remains one of the best destinations for international healthcare professionals seeking career growth, financial stability, and global exposure. With structured immigration pathways and ongoing demand, hospitals continue to welcome qualified international talent.

Platforms like TabletJobs.com can play a key role in connecting international healthcare professionals with trusted U.S. hospitals, simplifying recruitment and reducing dependency on unreliable agents.