The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially announced that the H-1B cap for Fiscal Year 2026 has been reached. For hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations seeking to hire international nurses, this development carries significant implications. At VisaMadeEZ, our immigration attorneys are dedicated to guiding healthcare employers through the complexities of the H-1B visa process and identifying alternative pathways for bringing top international nursing talent to the U.S.
Understanding the FY2026 H-1B Cap
Every fiscal year, USCIS issues a limited number of H-1B visas commonly known as the H-1B cap. For FY2026, the regular cap of 65,000 visas and an additional 20,000 visas for holders of advanced U.S. degrees (the master’s cap) were swiftly claimed in the initial registration period. With the cap now met, USCIS will no longer accept new H-1B cap-subject petitions for the current fiscal year.
For healthcare providers with urgent staffing shortages, this cap presents challenges when hiring international nurses under the H-1B visa category. However, understanding your options is critical to adapting your staffing strategy moving forward.
Options for Healthcare Organizations: Beyond the H-1B Visa
While many employers default to the H-1B program for sponsoring international nurses, there are alternative U.S. visa pathways specifically suited for the healthcare industry:
1. H-1B Cap-Exempt Petitions
- Healthcare organizations affiliated with nonprofit entities, research institutions, or universities may qualify to file H-1B petitions year-round under the cap-exempt category. If your facility is part of or affiliated with such institutions, you may not be limited by the annual cap.
2. Schedule A, Group I – Registered Nurse Green Cards
- The Schedule A process allows employers to bypass the lengthy PERM labor certification for registered nurses. This streamlined pathway could lead to employer-sponsored permanent residence for qualified foreign RNs.
3. TN Visas for Canadian and Mexican Nurses
- Under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nurses may qualify for the TN visa an excellent short- and long-term solution for hiring critical nursing staff.
4. Other Visa Categories
- Some nurses may qualify for O-1 (extraordinary ability), E-3 (Australian citizens), or other specialty visas depending on their credentials and individual circumstances.
Planning Ahead: How VisaMadeEZ Can Help Healthcare Employers
With the H-1B cap reached for FY2026, healthcare employers must proactively plan for next year’s cap season and consider cap-exempt sponsorship opportunities. At VisaMadeEZ, our immigration lawyers specialize in supporting hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics in hiring international nurses through every available visa option.
Our services for healthcare organizations include:
- Strategic analysis of your facility’s H-1B cap-exempt eligibility
- Guidance on the Schedule A nurse green card process
- Preparation of robust TN visa petitions for Canadian and Mexican registered nurses
- Comprehensive immigration solutions tailored to the healthcare sector
Why Partner with VisaMadeEZ?
Navigating U.S. immigration law, especially for healthcare recruitment, requires industry-focused knowledge and a personalized approach. VisaMadeEZ stands out as a leader in helping healthcare employers secure international nursing staff quickly and compliantly. Our experienced team stays abreast of every USCIS update affecting healthcare immigration, including annual H-1B cap announcements.
Stay Updated on Visa Options for International Nursing Staff
The FY2026 H-1B cap closure underscores the importance of timely immigration planning and exploring every available visa option for healthcare organizations. If you need to sponsor international nurses after the H-1B cap deadline or seek alternatives for ongoing staffing shortages, contact VisaMadeEZ today. We’re here to help you navigate the immigration landscape so you can focus on delivering exceptional patient care.
Contact VisaMadeEZ to Discuss Strategies for Hiring International Nurses Now and Into the Future.
