The U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin controls when foreign nationals waiting in the employment‑based (EB) categories can actually move forward to immigrant visa interviews or green card approvals. For registered nurses and other allied health professionals sponsored under the EB‑3 immigrant visa category, this monthly update directly impacts:
- How soon a nurse can arrive in the United States
- When a hospital or healthcare system can onboard critical staff
- Overall recruitment and staffing timelines for international nurse hiring
Because U.S. healthcare employers are relying more than ever on foreign‑trained RNs to cover persistent staffing shortages, understanding the March 2026 Visa Bulletin is essential for strategic workforce planning.
Key Takeaways for EB‑3 Nurses in March 2026
While each country and category is treated differently, several trends in the March 2026 bulletin are especially important for nurse immigration:
1. Backlogs Still Affect High‑Demand Countries
Countries with historically high demand such as the Philippines and India continue to see priority date cut‑offs in the EB‑3 category. This means many nurses must still wait for their priority date to become current before they can complete consular processing or adjust status in the U.S.
2. Steady Movement for Some EB‑3 Categories
For rest‑of‑world EB‑3 cases, there is modest forward movement, allowing some previously filed cases to finally clear the queue. Hospitals that began recruiting international nurses in recent years are starting to see more of those candidates reach the final stages of the green card process.
3. Importance of Priority Date Strategy
With visa number availability fluctuating month‑to‑month, the priority date (the date USCIS received the I‑140 petition) remains a critical planning tool. Healthcare employers and nurses need to understand where their priority date falls relative to the March 2026 Visa Bulletin chart and what that means for realistic onboarding timelines.
(Note: The Visa Bulletin is updated monthly. Employers and nurses should always refer to the official U.S. Department of State publication for exact dates.)
What This Means for U.S. Healthcare Employers
Hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and other healthcare organizations that rely on international recruitment cannot afford to treat the Visa Bulletin as an afterthought. The March 2026 guidance underscores several strategic points:
- Start the immigration process early.
Given continued EB‑3 backlogs for many countries, waiting to file an I‑140 petition can translate into significant delays in filling critical nursing vacancies.
- Align recruitment with visa availability.
Workforce planning must account for Visa Bulletin projections. A pipeline of international nurses is most effective when timed with anticipated immigrant visa availability.
- Use legal strategy to avoid avoidable delays.
Accurate job classification, strong documentation, and timely filings can prevent cases from stalling for reasons unrelated to visa number availability.
At VisaMadeEZ, we advise healthcare employers on how to interpret each monthly Visa Bulletin in the context of their broader international nurse recruitment efforts and long‑term staffing goals.
Practical Tips for International Nurses Following the March 2026 Bulletin
For international registered nurses hoping to work in the United States, the March 2026 Visa Bulletin is more than just a technical chart it’s a roadmap for your immigration journey. Here are some practical steps:
1. Know Your Priority Date
Your priority date is usually the date your employer’s I‑140 petition was filed. Compare that date to the EB‑3 section of the current Visa Bulletin to understand whether your case is “current” or still waiting.
2. Track the Bulletin Monthly
The March 2026 update is just one snapshot. Visa cut‑offs can advance, pause, or even retrogress*. Checking changes each month helps you anticipate when you may be called for a medical exam, visa interview, or adjustment of status appointment.
3. Keep Credentials and Documents Ready
To avoid last‑minute problems once your priority date becomes current, make sure you maintain:
- A valid passport
- Current nursing license and required credentials
- Updated contact details with your employer and attorney
- NCLEX and English language test results, if applicable
4. Coordinate With Your Employer and Attorney
Communication between the nurse, the sponsoring healthcare facility, and the immigration law firm is critical. A small delay in updating documents or responding to requests can push your case behind others once visa numbers are available.
How VisaMadeEZ Supports Healthcare Organizations Hiring International Nurses
VisaMadeEZ is dedicated to helping healthcare organizations legally hire international nurses through employment‑based green cards, particularly in the EB‑3 nurse category. Our services are structured around the reality of shifting Visa Bulletin dates and evolving government policies.
We assist:
- Hospitals and health systems building long‑term international nurse pipelines
- Long‑term care and skilled nursing facilities facing chronic staffing shortages
- Home health and specialty care providers seeking experienced RNs abroad
Our team:
- Monitors every monthly Visa Bulletin and alerts clients to changes affecting their nurse cohorts
- Advises on filing strategies and timelines based on projected visa availability
- Coordinates with recruiters and HR teams to align hiring, onboarding, and immigration milestones
- Provides end‑to‑end immigration support, from I‑140 filing through consular processing or adjustment of status
By combining immigration law expertise with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, we help employers use the Visa Bulletin as a strategic planning tool not just a bureaucratic hurdle.
Planning Ahead After the March 2026 Visa Bulletin
The March 2026 Visa Bulletin confirms that demand for EB‑3 nurse visas remains strong and that backlogs, particularly for certain countries, are not disappearing overnight. Yet, with informed planning and professional guidance, U.S. healthcare organizations can still successfully build and maintain an international nursing workforce.
For international nurses, understanding your priority date and tracking monthly Visa Bulletin updates is one of the most powerful ways to manage expectations and prepare for your move to the United States.
If you are:
- A healthcare organization seeking to hire international nurses, or
- An international registered nurse with a U.S. job offer or pending petition
VisaMadeEZ can help you interpret the March 2026 Visa Bulletin, design a realistic timeline, and navigate each stage of the EB‑3 nurse immigration process.
To discuss how the current Visa Bulletin affects your staffing or immigration plans, contact VisaMadeEZ today for a personalized strategy session.
