According to USCIS data, I-140 petitions — a key step in the EB-3 process — had a 98% approval rate in 2022. For nurses, who qualify under Schedule A shortage occupations, this pathway is generally more streamlined than other EB-3 roles, which contributes to strong approval outcomes once a qualified employer sponsorship is in place.

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Source: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/immigration-and-citizenship-data

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For nurses—who fall under Schedule A shortage occupations—this pathway is generally more streamlined than other EB-3 roles, which contributes to stronger approval outcomes once a qualified employer sponsorship is in place.

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For healthcare workers already in the U.S. on temporary status, this is what makes EB-3 one of the more reliable long-term options—not because it’s guaranteed, but because it aligns with both immigration structure and real employer demand.

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Unlike visa options that depend on lotteries or short-term renewals, EB-3 is tied to permanent, full-time roles. And in healthcare, those roles are consistently needed. Many candidates first encounter EB-3 through job searches—not immigration research.

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Why EB-3 stands out for nurses:

• High approval rates at the petition stage (I-140)
• No lottery system (unlike H-1B)
• Direct path to permanent residency
• Ongoing demand from U.S. healthcare employers

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For nurses specifically, the commitment period through a Flint-supported role is three years — reflecting the government’s typical processing time of two to four years for Schedule A roles. For other healthcare roles that require the PERM process, the commitment period is four years, with processing typically taking three and a half to five years.

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One thing worth clarifying for candidates considering this through Flint: there is no cost to participate. Immigration lawyer fees, filing fees, and license transfer costs are all covered by the facility. Candidates receive a relocation assistance payment before they start working. Nothing is deducted from salary.

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Important distinction:

• General fact: Nurses qualify under Schedule A, which removes the standard PERM recruitment requirement and simplifies the process.
• Flint-specific: Flint coordinates the immigration process on behalf of the facility — including lawyer fees, filing fees, and license transfers — and provides $3,000 in relocation assistance to the candidate. The facility is the actual employer and sponsor; Flint supports the process so candidates aren’t navigating it alone.

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For most nurses, the real question isn’t:

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“Is EB-3 a good option?”

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It’s:

“Do I actually qualify for a sponsored role right now?”

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Many candidates first encounter EB-3 through job searches, not immigration research.

Where Sponsored Roles Actually Come From

In practice, most nurses do not start with immigration programs. They start by trying to find hospitals that sponsor.

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But these opportunities are not always clearly labeled. Many hospitals that sponsor green cards for nurses do not explicitly mention EB-3 in their job postings, even when they are open to it.

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If you want to see how this works in real hiring environments, including examples of hospital systems and where to find them, this guide breaks it down clearly:
👉 Hospitals That Sponsor Green Card for Nurses (https://withflint.com/blog/hospitals-that-sponsor-green-card-for-nurses-in-2026

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Next Step: Understand the Full EB-3 Process

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If this is your first time seriously exploring EB-3, the most helpful next step is to see the full picture—from eligibility to timeline to real job pathways.

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👉 Read the complete guide: Complete Guide to Nurse Green Card Sponsorship via EB-3 Visa in 2026