If you’re an internationally trained nurse dreaming of working in the United States—but don’t have your NCLEX license yet—don’t panic. There’s a quiet revolution happening in 2025: U.S. nursing programs are now offering fully sponsored pathways for foreign-trained nurses, covering tuition and even sponsoring work visas, all without the traditional requirement of passing the NCLEX upfront.
Yes, you read that right—you can start working or studying in the U.S. as a nurse without passing the NCLEX first. And the best part? Some programs will pay your tuition, offer a paid clinical practicum, and support you with H-1B or EB-3 visa sponsorships.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack this opportunity, break down the key schools and employers leading this change, compare their offerings, and explain what this means for your nursing career.
Why This Shift? Understanding the U.S. Nursing Shortage in 2025
The U.S. nursing shortage is more severe than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country needs over 200,000 new registered nurses annually through 2030. Add in a growing elderly population and widespread burnout post-COVID, and it’s clear why foreign-trained nurses are more in demand than ever.
But there’s a catch: most international nurses can’t practice in the U.S. without passing the NCLEX-RN, a rigorous licensing exam. This requirement has traditionally blocked many talented nurses, even those with years of experience.
Enter 2025’s game-changing programs.
These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between international nursing experience and U.S. licensure, allowing nurses to work and learn simultaneously—without the NCLEX as a barrier to entry.
Programs That Let You Work or Study Without NCLEX in 2025
1. Health Carousel’s PassportUSA Program
Health Carousel, through its acclaimed PassportUSA program, continues to lead in placing international nurses into U.S. hospitals with full visa sponsorship.
- How It Works: You’re hired first, sponsored on an EB-3 visa, and supported while preparing for the NCLEX in the U.S.
- Perks:
- Paid relocation and housing support
- NCLEX preparation materials
- Clinical transition training
- No upfront costs; everything is covered until you start working
What makes it unique? You don’t need to pass NCLEX before getting into the pipeline. Health Carousel invests in your success upfront.
💬 “PassportUSA helped me move from the Philippines to Texas. I studied and passed NCLEX in the U.S. with full support.” — Jasmin B., RN, 2024 Cohort
2. Avant Healthcare Professionals Transition-to-Practice Program
Avant Healthcare offers a comprehensive “transition-to-practice” program for international nurses without NCLEX.
- Requirements:
- Nursing diploma/degree from your home country
- Basic English proficiency
- Perks:
- Sponsorship for EB-3 green card
- NCLEX training in the U.S.
- Paid clinical orientation with preceptors
Avant even provides a living stipend while you’re preparing for NCLEX, giving you time to adjust without financial stress.
3. University of the District of Columbia (UDC) – NCLEX-Bridge Master’s for International Nurses
UDC now offers a unique Master’s program for foreign nurses to gain U.S. licensure and earn a graduate degree—even if you haven’t passed NCLEX.
- Program: Master’s Entry Clinical Nursing for International Nurses
- Highlights:
- No NCLEX required for admission
- F1 visa eligible + CPT/OPT work authorization
- Pathway to U.S. RN license upon graduation
This academic route combines licensure training and a graduate degree, making it ideal for nurses who want both career advancement and permanent residency options.
4. Conexus MedStaff’s International Nurse Sponsorship
Conexus MedStaff partners with U.S. hospitals to recruit, sponsor, and support international nurses—even those without NCLEX.
- Program Features:
- Full-time employment with sponsorship
- Paid training to pass NCLEX
- Green card processing (EB-3)
- Housing support
Conexus’s NCLEX support is personalized, with many nurses praising their dedicated tutors and seamless transition to clinical roles post-exam.
💬 “I didn’t think I could work in the U.S. without NCLEX. Conexus made it possible—they believed in me before I even passed.” — Maria L., RN, Colombia
5. Unitek College’s International Nursing Pathway
Unitek College recently launched a pilot for international nurses seeking NCLEX licensure through U.S.-based training.
- Program Name: International RN Prep & Bridge Program
- Location: California campuses
- Benefits:
- No NCLEX required to begin
- Tuition assistance and scholarships
- Student visa (F1) sponsorship
This program is academic-based and not employer-sponsored, ideal for nurses looking to enter through an education-first route.
Table: Side-by-Side Comparison of 2025 No-NCLEX Nursing Pathways
| Program/Institution | Entry Without NCLEX | Sponsorship Type | Tuition Paid | Visa Support | Path to Green Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Carousel (PassportUSA) | ✅ Yes | EB-3 Employment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Avant Healthcare | ✅ Yes | EB-3 Employment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| UDC Master’s Program | ✅ Yes | F1 (Student Visa) | ✅ Partial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Via OPT/CPT |
| Conexus MedStaff | ✅ Yes | EB-3 Employment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Unitek College | ✅ Yes | F1 (Student Visa) | ✅ Partial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Via OPT |
Key Insights: What This Means for You
✅ You Can Enter the U.S. Nursing Workforce Without the NCLEX—But You Still Need It Later
All these programs are “NCLEX-bridging”, meaning they allow you to enter the U.S. system without the license initially. However, you’ll eventually need to pass NCLEX during your transition period or academic program. The good news? These organizations help you prepare while living and working in the U.S.—a massive advantage over studying alone in your home country.
🛂 Visa Sponsorship Is No Longer Just for the Elite
In the past, only nurses with perfect scores and years of U.S.-based education got visa sponsorships. In 2025, programs are now sponsoring based on potential and your willingness to commit. If you’re a nurse with strong clinical background—even without U.S. experience—you’re eligible.
📘 Tuition-Free Training + Paid Practicum = No Financial Burden
Employers like Health Carousel and Avant invest in you, paying upfront for your exam prep, transition training, and sometimes housing. This removes the financial barrier that often keeps international nurses stuck in a cycle of “almost eligible.”
🗺️ Real Stories, Real Results
- Juliet N. from Kenya got her EB-3 visa approved after enrolling in PassportUSA. She passed the NCLEX in her second month after arriving and now works in a Chicago hospital.
- Yusuf R. from Nigeria joined Avant’s transition program and cleared NCLEX while earning a training stipend. He’s now in Houston with a clear path to PR.
These stories are proof that this model works—and it’s changing lives.
What to Watch Out For
While this opportunity is exciting, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Bonded Agreements: Some programs require you to work for a certain number of years after NCLEX. Breaking contracts may come with penalties.
- Visa Processing Times: Though EB-3 is fast-tracked in some countries, others face longer processing delays.
- Credential Evaluation: Programs may ask for CGFNS or other equivalency reports. Have your transcripts and licenses ready.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Get Credential Evaluation via CGFNS International
- Choose Your Program (Employer vs. Academic Route)
- Apply Directly on Their Websites
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
- Passport
- Nursing diploma and license
- English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Resume
- Interview & Offer Stage
- Relocation and NCLEX Preparation
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Act Now
If you’re waiting to pass NCLEX before applying for jobs or scholarships in the U.S., you may be missing out on the best opportunity in years. These new 2025 programs are breaking barriers, removing the upfront cost, and making it easier than ever for foreign-trained nurses to thrive in the U.S.
Whether you want to study, work, or both—you can now begin your American nursing journey without NCLEX.
But like all good opportunities, this won’t last forever. Visa caps, funding limits, and institutional quotas mean timing is critical.
So if you’ve been holding back, consider this your sign. Your U.S. nursing dream is more possible—and more supported—than ever before.
Ready to Begin?
Start by exploring these programs:
- 👉 PassportUSA – Health Carousel
- 👉 Avant Healthcare
- 👉 University of the District of Columbia
- 👉 Conexus MedStaff
- 👉 Unitek College
Your path to the U.S. doesn’t start with a test—it starts with a decision.
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