US Nursing Shortage 2026: Filipino Nurses Guide to being a USRN
The United States needs nurses. In fact, it needs more than 263,000 of them right now. As a result, hospitals across the country are actively recruiting internationally trained professionals to fill critical gaps. For Filipino nurses, this creates one of the strongest career opportunities available today.
Here is why the timing matters. The Philippines already leads the world in NCLEX exam takers, with 28,258 Filipino nurses sitting the US licensure exam in 2024 alone. Meanwhile, more than one million American nurses will retire by 2030. Because of this growing demand, healthcare employers are turning to countries like the Philippines to build their workforce.
However, the path from Manila to a US hospital floor involves several steps. You need to pass the NCLEX. You need a VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS. And you need to navigate the EB-3 visa process, which currently takes 18 to 36 months for Filipino applicants.
Why the US Nursing Shortage Matters for Filipino Nurses
The numbers paint a clear picture. According to Nightingale College, the projected supply of all nursing staff in 2026 accounts for only 91.94% of demand. This leaves a national shortage rate of 8.06%, which translates to hundreds of thousands of unfilled positions.
Furthermore, more than 50% of registered nurses in the US are now aged 50 or older. The average RN age sits at 52. Consequently, retirements will accelerate over the next five years, pushing the shortage even deeper.
States with the Biggest Nursing Gaps
Some states face shortages far worse than the national average. Below is a breakdown of where the need is greatest:
State | RN Deficit | Shortage Rate | What This Means for You |
California | -42,590 | -13% | Highest absolute need. Also the highest-paying state for RNs. |
Virginia | -25,670 | -30% | Severe shortage rate. Strong demand in Northern Virginia hospitals. |
Pennsylvania | -22,760 | -16% | Major hospital networks actively hiring international nurses. |
North Carolina | -17,490 | -16% | Growing healthcare sector with lower cost of living. |
Michigan | -17,120 | -16% | Large health system network. Moderate living costs. |
Idaho | -6,300 | -35% | Highest percentage shortage in the country. Rural areas especially affected. |
Oklahoma | -11,530 | -28% | Critical shortage. Affordable living with strong recruitment incentives. |
Louisiana | -12,340 | -25% | High demand in both urban and rural facilities. |
These shortages create real job security. In particular, states like Idaho and Virginia have shortage rates above 30%. As a result, hospitals in these areas often offer relocation bonuses, housing support, and sign-on packages to attract international nurses.
NCLEX-RN: The First Step for Filipino Nurses
Before you can work as a registered nurse in the US, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the National Council Licensure Examination, and it is the same test that American nursing graduates take. In other words, passing NCLEX proves you meet US nursing standards.
NCLEX Pass Rates for Filipino Nurses
In 2024, the Philippines sent the most NCLEX test-takers of any country. A total of 28,258 Filipino nursing graduates sat the exam. For comparison, India sent 5,869, Kenya sent 3,740, and Nepal sent 2,662.
The first-time pass rate for Filipino nurses stood at 54%. Meanwhile, repeat test-takers passed at 36%. Although these numbers trail the US graduate average, they show that thousands of Filipino nurses successfully earn their USRN license every year.
VisaScreen: Why PTE Academic Matters
Every internationally trained nurse who wants to work in the US needs a VisaScreen certificate from TruMerit. This certificate verifies three things: your nursing education meets US standards, your license is valid, and your English proficiency is sufficient.
Why PTE Academic Has the Advantage
PTE Academic offers several practical advantages over other tests:
- Faster results. You receive your PTE scores within 48 hours. IELTS takes 13 days.
- Computer-based format. No face-to-face speaking interview. You speak into a microphone, which reduces anxiety.
- More test dates. PTE test centers in the Philippines offer daily availability. IELTS slots fill up weeks in advance.
US States That Accept PTE Academic for Nursing Boards
Currently, the following US states accept PTE Academic for nursing board licensure: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
This list continues to grow. Consequently, choosing PTE Academic now positions you for both VisaScreen certification and state-level nursing licensure in one exam.
EB-3 Visa and Schedule A: Your Green Card Pathway
The EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference) visa is the main immigration pathway for Filipino nurses heading to the US. It leads directly to a green card, which grants permanent residency. Here is how the process works and what to expect in 2026.
What Is Schedule A and Why Does It Matter?
Schedule A is a US Department of Labor list of occupations with chronic worker shortages. Registered nurses and physical therapists are on this list. As a result, Schedule A nurses skip the PERM labor certification process entirely.
In a standard EB-3 application, employers must prove that no qualified American worker is available for the role. This PERM process takes 6 to 12 months. However, Schedule A nurses bypass this step. Instead, the employer files an uncertified ETA-9089 form directly with the I-140 petition to USCIS. This saves significant time.
Smart Moves to Make While You Wait
The visa bulletin wait can stretch beyond two years. However, this waiting period is not wasted time. Here are strategic steps you should take right now:
Build Your Clinical Experience
US hospitals prioritize recent bedside experience. Keep working in a clinical setting during your wait. Focus on specialties that US facilities need most, such as medical-surgical nursing, ICU, emergency, and labor and delivery.
Strengthen Your English Early
Strong English communication is your competitive advantage. In addition to helping you pass PTE Academic and NCLEX, it prepares you for daily patient interactions, charting, and doctor-nurse collaboration on the hospital floor. Start preparing with PTE Magic now so your scores are ready when you need them.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your civil documents early. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, NBI clearances, and school transcripts all take time to process. Similarly, request your transcript of records from your nursing school through CGFNS electronic submission to avoid postal delays.
Stay Flexible on Location
States with severe shortages often offer the best packages. Although California pays the most, states like Idaho, Oklahoma, and Virginia provide strong salaries combined with lower living costs and faster hiring. Being open to different locations expands your options significantly.
Why PTE Magic Matters for Your USRN Dream
Your PTE score is more than a test result. It is your ticket to VisaScreen certification, state nursing board approval, and ultimately, your career in the United States. PTE Magic gives you the preparation to clear every English proficiency hurdle on your first attempt.
