As we move into the second half of 2025, recent immigration developments are shaping the path for International nurses planning their U.S. journey. Immigrating to the United States as a nurse can be complex, with evolving rules and timelines. At Interstaff, we aim to provide clear direction and consistent support to help you confidently advance your U.S. career and life goals.
Understanding U.S. Immigration in 2025: Changes and Opportunities
Visa Bulletin Movement & Priority Dates:
The Visa Bulletin determines when green card applicants can move forward based on their priority date, the date USCIS or the Department of Labor received their petition.
Priority Date Current: You can file or continue your green card process.
Retrogression: Dates move backward to control visa availability, causing delays.
While waiting can be frustrating, the U.S. continues to face a strong demand for nurses, and your skills remain highly valued. Staying prepared and keeping your documents ready ensures you can move forward quickly when priority dates advance. Your opportunity is coming—patience and readiness are key.
Tip: Check the Visa Bulletin monthly and be ready to act when your date becomes current.
Ongoing demand for Nurses in the United States
We know the journey to becoming a nurse in the United States can feel long and uncertain. From immigration processes to licensing requirements, one thing remains constant: The U.S. continues to face a strong demand for skilled and compassionate nurses.
National & Regional Nursing Crisis
The U.S. faces a massive RN shortage—with 1 million vacant positions in 2020 projected to rise to over 1.2 million by 2030—while nursing school capacity remains stagnant.12 Studies consistently show that each additional patient per nurse raises mortality risk by 7 percent and nurse burnout by 23 percent.34 The COVID‑19 pandemic amplified an already severe situation, leading to bed closures, reduced services, and instances of rationed care—including patient deaths when critically ill individuals were denied ICU access.
Role of Internationally Educated Nurses
In 2022, 32 percent of U.S. hospitals reported hiring foreign-educated RN staff—double the share from 2010—and international nurses now represent roughly 15 percent of the U.S. RN workforce. More than 300,000 such nurses are active in U.S. patient care, helping stabilize units facing acute shortages and ensuring continuity of service in rural and safety-net hospitals.
I-140 Filing: Does Premium Processing Help Solve Retrogression?
The short answer is: No it doesn’t.
In the past, Interstaff often filed EB‑3 I‑140 petitions with premium processing to speed up approval. While premium processing still accelerates the I‑140 decision to 15 calendar days, it no longer shortens the overall green card wait, because there is a backlog of nurses waiting for a Green Card. Every nurse waiting in line for a Green Card has a priority date, and that is what determines how far back in the line they are. For that reason, unless there’s a specific urgency, premium processing no longer speeds up the Green Card process—what matters most now is getting your place in line secured as early as possible.
What determines your “place in the line”?
When you file your I-140, you will get a receipt notice within a few weeks after filing. On that receipt notice, there will be a “received date” (indicating the date USCIS received the I-140 petition). That is your priority date, and that is what determines your place in line for the Green Card process. Not the I-140 approval date.
A practical example: Even if your I‑140 petition takes 12–19 months to be approved through regular processing, you still won’t be able to schedule a green card interview at the U.S. embassy because your priority date won’t be “current” still (meaning you won’t be at the front of the line)—and right now, that wait in line is typically 2–3 years or more. As long as the priority date line is longer than the I‑140 processing time for an approval, premium processing offers no real advantage.
Best Practices During Visa Retrogression – How to Improve Your Journey
While USCIS processing times are beyond our control, you can help prevent delays from our side by:
- Providing all required documents promptly when requested.
- Reviewing and signing contracts on time to keep your case moving.
- Informing us immediately of any changes in your status that could affect your case.
- Prepare financially for visa-related fees and relocation expenses. It’s never too early to start saving for relocation to the U.S.!
- Study for and complete your English proficiency exams.
While waiting for your priority date to become “current,” Interstaff will take proactive steps to assist you in your immigration journey. These include:
- Providing Interstapp APP courses and education + clinical webinars, and learning opportunities. (keep an eye out for these!)
- Responding to feedback! We have launched regular surveys in the immigration journey for our nurses around the world, so tell us more about how you’re doing, what you are needing in terms of support, and more!
- Ensure you’re always updated on your case status and notify you as soon as your priority date moves!
- Offer continuous support and clear guidance to help you navigate every step of your journey!
During the retrogression waiting period after my I-140 filing, can I gain work experience in a different country?
Yes, many nurses continue their careers in different countries after I-140 filing (often seen in the Middle East) while waiting for their U.S. immigration process to move forward. This is completely acceptable as long as you:
- Continue working in direct patient care within your nursing specialty.
- Maintain relevant nursing experience to keep your nursing practice sharp.
- Keep Interstaff updated before making any major employment or location changes.
Have an Approved I-140? You Might Be Eligible to Recapture Your Priority Date
If you’ve had a previously approved I-140 petition, you may be able to recapture your old priority date, giving you a head start and helping you avoid the current backlog. At Interstaff, we offer a fast-track recapture program designed to help eligible nurses take advantage of this opportunity and move forward in their green card process more quickly.
In Closing: Your Future as a U.S. Nurse Starts with Preparation and Partnership
The U.S. immigration landscape for nurses in 2025 continues to evolve—with ongoing demand, shifting visa bulletin dates, and complex timelines that require careful navigation. At Interstaff, we recognize that this process can be overwhelming, which is why we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already have an approved I-140, success comes from staying informed, organized, and ready to act when opportunity strikes. Our experienced team monitors your case closely, provides strategic filing guidance, and ensures that you’re well-positioned to move forward as soon as your priority date becomes current.
Now more than ever, international nurses play a vital role in strengthening the U.S. healthcare system—and your skills, compassion, and perseverance are needed! With Interstaff’s support, you don’t have to navigate this path alone. We look forward to partnering with you in your immigration journey and helping you achieve your career goals with confidence, clarity, and care.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at support@interstaffinc.com.