Visa Options for European Nurses to Work in Texas (USA)

European nurses can work in Texas with these visa options:

H-1B Visa: Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Limited to specialized workers, including nurses with advanced qualifications.
EB-3 Visa: Employment-based visa for skilled workers, leading to permanent residency. Requires employer sponsorship.

Nurses must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain a Texas nursing license.

As of 2024, European nurses applying for a work visa to work in Texas (USA) primarily apply for an H-1B or EB-3 visa, depending on their qualifications and job offer. The costs associated with obtaining these visas can vary, but here is a general breakdown:

1. H-1B Visa (Non-Immigrant Visa)

Filing Fee (Form I-129): $460
H-1B Registration Fee: $10 (usually paid by the employer)
Anti-Fraud Fee: $500 (paid by the employer)
ACWIA Fee: $750 or $1,500 (depending on the size of the employer; usually paid by the employer)
Premium Processing Fee (Optional): $2,500 (if the employer opts for faster processing)

Note: The H-1B visa process is highly competitive and subject to an annual cap. Employers usually bear most of these costs, but some costs may be passed on to the employee.

2. EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Immigrant Visa)

Form I-140 Filing Fee: $700 (usually paid by the employer)
Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application Fee): $325
USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
Medical Examination: $200 - $500 (varies by country and doctor)
Attorney Fees: $2,000 - $5,000 (optional, but often used for the complex process)
Other Costs: Document translation, travel, etc.

Note: The EB-3 visa leads to a Green Card (permanent residency), making it more desirable but often more expensive and time-consuming. Employers usually cover most of these costs, but again, some may be passed on to the employee.

3. Additional Costs

English Language Proficiency Tests (if required): $200 - $300
Credential Evaluation: $200 - $500 (for verifying educational and professional qualifications)
Nursing License Application in Texas: $100 - $150, plus other related costs (e.g., exams, fingerprinting)

Summary

The cost to apply for a work visa in Texas for European nurses in 2024 can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the visa type and whether additional services like legal assistance are used. Most of the visa-related fees are typically covered by the employer, but personal costs like medical exams, language tests, and licensing are often the nurse's responsibility.