The demand for healthcare professionals in the United States is higher than ever, and this includes essential roles such as caregivers and nursing assistants. For foreigners seeking U.S. employment with visa sponsorship, these positions offer not just financial opportunity but also a stable pathway to immigration.
You can earn up to $35,000 per year, gain valuable work experience, and start a promising long-term career in healthcare—all while making a difference in people’s lives. This blog series will show you how.
1. Why Caregiver and Nursing Assistant Jobs Are in High Demand
The U.S. has a rapidly aging population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 54 million Americans are over the age of 65, creating a national need for long-term care services. As a result, caregiver jobs in America and nursing assistant jobs in the USA are in constant demand.
These roles are:
- Incredibly stable in terms of employment
- Accessible, even for those with minimal prior experience
- Often available with visa sponsorship for qualified foreign applicants
2. Understanding the Roles: Caregiver vs. Nursing Assistant
Caregiver Jobs in the USA
Caregivers typically provide non-medical support. This includes helping with daily activities like:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming
- Preparing meals
- Light housekeeping
- Companionship and emotional support
They may work in:
- Private homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Through caregiver staffing agencies
Nursing Assistant Jobs in the USA (CNA)
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) has more direct medical responsibilities, such as:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Assisting with medical procedures under supervision
- Helping patients with mobility
- Reporting patient conditions to RNs
To become a CNA, one must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam.
3. Earnings: How Much Can You Make?
Caregiver Salaries
- Entry-level caregiver: $25,000–$28,000/year
- Experienced caregiver with live-in role: Up to $35,000/year
- States with high pay: California, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts
CNA Salaries
- Average pay: $30,000–$36,000/year
- Hospitals and government facilities may offer higher rates
- Overtime, night shifts, and weekend hours can significantly boost income
4. Visa Sponsorship: What You Need to Know
U.S. employers are allowed to sponsor foreign nationals to work legally in the U.S., especially when local labor is insufficient. If you’re outside the U.S., your best route to a caregiver or CNA job is through visa sponsorship.
Types of Work Visas Common for Caregivers and CNAs
✅ H-2B Visa
- For temporary, non-agricultural workers
- Valid for up to 1 year, with possible extensions
- Often used for seasonal or short-term caregiving positions
✅ EB-3 Visa
- Immigrant visa (Green Card)
- Available for skilled and unskilled workers
- Most common for CNA and live-in caregiver roles
- Requires employer to go through PERM Labor Certification
✅ J-1 Visa
- For cultural exchange or training programs
- Often used for au pairs or international caregiver training
- Not a long-term immigration solution, but useful for gaining experience
Eligibility Requirements for Visa Sponsorship
- Clean criminal and medical record
- Basic proficiency in English
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Willingness to undergo caregiver or CNA training
5. Top Benefits of These Jobs for Foreign Workers
✅ Free or Sponsored Training
Many healthcare employers offer paid training programs or reimburse training costs for those who commit to working for a certain period.
✅ Housing and Meals
Live-in caregiver roles often include free accommodation and meals, making your earnings go further—especially in high-cost cities.
✅ Green Card Opportunity
EB-3 sponsorship can eventually lead to a permanent U.S. resident (Green Card) status, a pathway many foreign caregivers use to build a long-term future in America.
✅ Career Progression
Many caregivers and CNAs eventually become:
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Healthcare administrators
With additional schooling and experience, your income and responsibilities can increase significantly.
6. State Focus: Ohio – A Rising Hub for Healthcare Jobs
Ohio has emerged as a top destination for foreign caregivers and CNAs, thanks to:
- Low cost of living
- Aging population
- Expanding network of senior care and healthcare facilities
Top Employers in Ohio Hiring Foreign Workers
- Cleveland Clinic
- OhioHealth
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Visiting Angels – Ohio Branch
- ProMedica Senior Care
Caregiver and CNA Pay in Ohio
- Caregivers: $27,000–$32,000/year
- CNAs: $29,000–$34,000/year
With Ohio’s affordable housing and transport costs, you can save more while earning a decent wage.
7. Where to Find Visa-Sponsored Jobs in the U.S.
Job Boards
- MyCNAJobs.com
- Care.com
- Indeed
- Jooble
- LinkedIn Jobs
Recruitment Agencies
- ADEX Medical Staffing
- MedPro International
- GreenStaff Medical USA
- InterStaff USA
These agencies work directly with U.S. employers and help navigate visa paperwork, housing, and training.
8. A Day in the Life: What to Expect as a Caregiver or CNA
Working as a caregiver or Certified Nursing Assistant in the U.S. isn’t just about tasks—it’s about connection and compassion. Here's what a typical day might look like.
For Caregivers:
- 7:00 AM: Help client get out of bed, assist with hygiene and dressing
- 8:00 AM: Prepare and serve breakfast, give medication reminders
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Light housekeeping, laundry, companionship activities (reading, walks)
- 12:00 PM: Prepare lunch
- Afternoon: Assist with errands or doctor visits, help with exercises
- Evening: Prepare dinner, wind-down routine, overnight support if live-in
For CNAs:
- Pre-shift meeting with nurses
- Checking vital signs for patients
- Helping with feeding, toileting, mobility
- Charting patient progress in health records
- Supporting RNs during minor procedures
These jobs are physically active but emotionally rewarding, especially when patients respond with appreciation.
9. Green Card Pathways Through Caregiving Jobs
One of the most attractive benefits of working in healthcare is the ability to transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency through employment.
EB-3 Visa for Caregivers and CNAs
- Category: Employment-based Green Card for unskilled workers
- Requirements:
- A valid job offer from a U.S. employer
- Labor certification (PERM)
- Employer-sponsored I-140 petition
- Timeline: 12–30 months (can vary)
With the EB-3 visa, your spouse and children under 21 can also receive green cards and legally reside in the U.S.
10. Pros and Cons of Each Visa Type
| Visa Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| H-2B | Quick approval; temporary needs | Seasonal/temporary only |
| EB-3 | Leads to green card; permanent | Longer process |
| J-1 | Cultural exchange; short-term training | Not for long-term immigration |
Tip: If you're serious about long-term relocation, aim for EB-3 sponsorship.
11. FAQs About Working as a Caregiver or CNA in the USA
Q: Do I need previous caregiving experience?
Not always. Many entry-level jobs offer on-the-job training, but experience will improve your chances—especially with sponsorship.
Q: Can I apply for a caregiver job in the U.S. from my home country?
Yes. Many employers and agencies recruit internationally and offer remote interviews and visa support.
Q: Will employers cover my visa costs?
Reputable sponsors often cover legal and processing fees or deduct them over time. Always read contracts carefully.
Q: Is English fluency required?
Basic proficiency is necessary for safety and communication. You may be required to take a test or undergo an interview.
Q: Are there age restrictions?
Generally, applicants must be 18 or older. Some agencies may set limits, but many focus on skills, attitude, and commitment.
12. Resources to Help You Succeed
Here are trusted sources and tools to boost your caregiver or CNA job search:
Training Platforms
- American Caregiver Association – Online caregiver certification
- Red Cross – CNA and caregiver courses
- Coursera & edX – Healthcare basics and nursing preparation
Resume & Interview Help
- JobHero – Resume templates for caregivers
- Zety.com – U.S.-style resume builder
- YouTube – Mock CNA interviews and caregiver scenario training
13. Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here
Whether you’re in the Philippines, Nigeria, India, Kenya, Jamaica, or anywhere around the world, the United States healthcare industry is calling for committed individuals who want to build a better life.
These jobs aren’t just about earnings—they're about:
- Helping vulnerable people
- Earning respect and job stability
- Building a permanent life in the U.S. through legal immigration pathways
If you’ve ever dreamed of working in America, becoming a caregiver or nursing assistant could be your best opportunity.
Your Action Plan Today:
- Get a caregiver or CNA resume ready
- Apply on trusted job boards and agency sites
- Look for “visa sponsorship available” tags
- Prepare for virtual interviews
- Ask detailed questions before signing any contract