How Filipinos Can Work in Healthcare in the U.S.

Filipino Workers: Backbone of U.S. Healthcare

Filipino Americans make up only about 1% of the U.S. population, but they account for 4% of the nursing workforce, one nurse in every 20 is Filipino. Filipinos have formed a critical part of the U.S. healthcare system for decades, especially during crises like the HIV/AIDS epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, Filipino nurses represented nearly 24% of all U.S. nurses who died from COVID-19, even though they make up a much smaller share of the workforce.

Photo credit: Asam news

How Filipinos Can Work as Nurses in the U.S.

Here are the key steps for Filipino-trained nurses aiming to work in the U.S.:

Get a U.S. Nursing License

First, you’ll need an evaluation of your education credentials, typically through CGFNS, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You may also need to pass an English test like TOEFL or IELTS, depending on the state.

Find a U.S. Employer or Agency

Many Filipino nurses use a recruitment agency to connect with U.S. hospitals or healthcare providers. These employers often need to sponsor a work visa for you.

Apply for a Work Visa

Common pathways include:

H-1B visa for specialty professions including nursing with a bachelor’s degree — temporary, generally valid for up to six years.

EB-3 visa (Green Card) for skilled or trained workers — this path can lead to permanent residency in the U.S.

A Long and Proud Legacy from the Philippines to the U.S.

The connection between Filipino nurses and U.S. healthcare started during U.S. colonial rule of the Philippines. Early programs like the Pensionado Act and the creation of U.S.-style nursing schools in the Philippines paved the way. After 1965 reforms, thousands of Filipino nurses immigrated to the U.S. to fill growing healthcare needs.

Why It Matters

Filipino nurses continue to power U.S. healthcare. Despite facing challenges like discrimination and unfair contracts, their contributions are unmatched. For many Filipinos, nursing is both a calling and a path to a new life in America.

Send Money to the Philippines Soon with Smiles Mobile Remittance 

Smiles Mobile Remittance, Japan’s No. 1 mobile remittance app, is launching soon in the United States to support hardworking Filipinos, including nurses, in sending money and love back home. Smiles Mobile Remittance is committed to being a trusted partner for the community, offering support during challenging times and helping Filipinos stay connected with their families even when far away.