How to Become a Nurse in America
A Clear, Step-by-Step Path
The dream of working as a registered nurse in the United States is a powerful one—it represents professional achievement, financial security for your family, and a world of new opportunities. But we know the journey can seem like a complex maze of applications, exams, and legal requirements. At MedMatch Solutions, our mission is to turn that maze into a clear, step-by-step path.
From your initial application to your first day in your new American community, we clarify the process so you can focus on what you do best: preparing for a successful and rewarding nursing career.
MedMatch is your dedicated guide, and this is the journey we will take together.
Phase 1: Building Your Foundation (Pre-NCLEX)
This initial phase is all about preparing you for the most critical clinical milestone: the NCLEX exam. Success here is the key that unlocks everything else.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Eligibility Verification
Your journey begins with a conversation. We’ll connect with you to understand your background, experience, and career goals. Our team will review your credentials—including your BSN degree and PRC license—to confirm your eligibility for the U.S. nursing pathway. This step ensures we start on a solid foundation.Step 2: NCLEX Application & Authorization to Test (ATT)
Navigating the NCLEX application can be confusing. You must apply to a specific U.S. State Board of Nursing (BON) to be eligible to take the exam. We provide expert guidance on choosing the right state based on processing times and requirements. We then assist you in meticulously preparing and submitting your application to secure your Authorization to Test (ATT).Step 3: World-Class NCLEX Review & Preparation We connect you with leading NCLEX review centers in the Philippines, assisting you with proven strategies and comprehensive study materials. Our goal is to empower you with the clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills needed to pass the exam with confidence. We track your progress and encourage you, because we’re invested in your success.
Phase 2: Credentialing & Professional Verification
With a passed NCLEX exam, you are now a U.S. Registered Nurse (USRN)! This phase focuses on getting your qualifications officially verified and recognized for U.S. immigration.
Step 1: The TruMerit VisaScreen® Certificate
A VisaScreen® Certificate is a mandatory requirement for healthcare professionals seeking a U.S. occupational visa. This process, administered by TruMerit (formerly CGFNS), verifies that your education, training, licensure, and English proficiency are comparable to American standards. We guide you through every document request and application detail to secure your certificate efficiently.Step 2: English Language Proficiency
All applicants need to take an English proficiency exam with a score of 6.5 in written and 7 in speaking.
Phase 3: Your U.S. Career Match
This is the exciting part where your dream starts to take shape. We don’t just find you a job; we find you the right career and community.
Step 1: Building Your Professional Profile
We collaborate with you to craft a professional resume and profile that showcases your skills and experience to American healthcare employers.Step 2: Interview Preparation & Coaching
Our team provides one-on-one coaching to prepare you for interviews with U.S. hospital hiring managers. We conduct mock interviews and provide feedback on how to communicate your clinical expertise and cultural adaptability best.Step 3: Receiving Your Official Job Offer
After a successful interview, you will receive a formal job offer from a U.S. healthcare facility. We review the offer with you to ensure it meets your expectations. This offer is the basis for the next crucial step: your visa sponsorship. Crucially, our partner employers cover all recruitment and most visa-sponsorship fees under our strict "employer pays" model.
Phase 4: The Immigration Journey (EB-3 Visa)
Navigating U.S. immigration is our specialty. We manage the legal complexities of the EB-3 visa for nurses from the Philippines so you can have peace of mind.
Step 1: Filing the I-140 Immigrant Petition
Once you accept a job offer, your employer’s immigration attorney will file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, on your behalf. This petition establishes that you have a permanent job offer in the U.S.Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
After the I-140 is approved, your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC). Here, we assist you in submitting all required financial and civil documents for you and your eligible family members (spouse and children under 21).Step 3: U.S. Embassy Interview
The final step is the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. We prepare you thoroughly for this interview, ensuring you have all the correct documentation and know exactly what to expect. Upon approval, your passport is stamped with your immigrant visa.
Phase 5: Your New Beginning in America
Your journey doesn’t end when you get your visa. We support you throughout your transition to life in the U.S. is as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Pre-Departure & Relocation Plan
We assist with booking your flight, provide a detailed relocation checklist, and offer guidance on what to pack and how to prepare for your move.Step 2: Arrival & Settling In Upon your arrival, a member of our team or the hospital community will be there to greet you. We assist with securing initial housing, transportation, setting up a bank account, and getting a Social Security number.
Step 3: Community & Cultural Integration We connect you with the local Filipino nurse community and provide resources for cultural integration. Our support continues well beyond your first day, ensuring you feel welcomed and confident in your new home and workplace.