4 Stage 4 of 5
Visa & immigration for Kenyan nurses
Most Kenyan nurses move on an employment-based immigrant visa (usually EB-3), sponsored by a US employer or agency. Your place in the queue depends on your priority date.
- Your employer files for you. Then your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and an interview at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
- Check the Visa Bulletin monthly. It shows which priority dates can move forward. Official US Visa Bulletin.
- Queues can stall ("retrogression"). One hospital program, Adventist HealthCare, has suspended international nurse interviews indefinitely because of it (checked 14 Nov 2026).
Information and guidance only, not legal or immigration advice. For your own case, speak to your employer's immigration attorney or a licensed US immigration lawyer.
An honest timeline
Nurses and agencies often report around 2 to 4 years from passing the NCLEX to arriving in the USA. Some move faster, some slower. Most of the wait is the visa queue, which depends on your priority date and the monthly Visa Bulletin, not on how hard you work.
- Be careful with anyone promising a fixed short timeline, such as "USRN in 6 months".
- Keep working and keep your licence and certifications current while you wait.
- Plan your savings for a long wait. The calculators help.
The visa steps, in plain words
- Employer petition. Your US employer or agency files an immigrant petition for you. Your priority date is set around here.
- Wait for your date. When the Visa Bulletin shows your priority date is current, your case can move.
- National Visa Center (NVC). You pay fees, submit the online visa application (DS-260) and upload documents.
- Medical exam and interview. A panel physician does your medical, then you're interviewed at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
- Visa approved. You travel and become a permanent resident when you enter the USA.
Who pays visa costs?
- The immigrant visa application fee (employment-based) is US$345 per person (US State Department).
- O'Grady Peyton says the nurse pays NVC fees, green-card printing, embassy and medical fees for the nurse and their family.
- AdventHealth says the nurse pays National Visa Center fees and fees for dependents.
- CoxHealth says it does not cover costs for dependents.
Last checked 14 Nov 2026. Ask your employer for a written list of what you'll pay. Compare in Stage 2
Preparing for the Nairobi interview Coming soon
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Bringing your spouse and children Coming soon
Many programs don't cover family costs. Check each one in Stage 2.