The United States healthcare sector stands as one of the largest and most dynamic industries globally, offering lucrative opportunities for professionals worldwide. With an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and ongoing demand for quality care, the U.S. projects significant job growth in healthcare through the coming years. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports, healthcare occupations are expected to add millions of new positions, making it an attractive field for international applicants seeking high-earning roles.
Many of these positions offer salaries exceeding $140,000 annually, particularly in specialized medical and healthcare fields. International medical graduates (IMGs) and foreign-trained professionals can access these careers through various visa pathways, including employer-sponsored options that facilitate legal work authorization. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems often provide sponsorship to address shortages in critical areas, especially in underserved regions.
This comprehensive guide explores high-paying healthcare and medical careers in the USA that are accessible to international applicants. It details job responsibilities, required qualifications, average salaries based on 2025 data, and pathways for foreign professionals, including visa sponsorship opportunities. Whether you are a physician, nurse, therapist, or allied health expert, the U.S. offers pathways to rewarding, well-compensated roles that contribute to patient care and public health.
High-Paying Physician Specialties Open to International Applicants
Physicians represent some of the highest-earning professionals in U.S. healthcare, with average salaries often surpassing $300,000 to $700,000 depending on specialty. International medical graduates can pursue these roles after completing necessary certifications and securing visa support.
1. Neurosurgeons
Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and surgically treating disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Their work involves complex procedures such as tumor removals, spinal fusions, and trauma surgeries. These professionals manage high-risk cases requiring precision, advanced imaging technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
In 2025, neurosurgeons earn an average annual salary of around $763,000, making it one of the top-paying medical careers. Demand remains strong due to an increasing incidence of neurological conditions linked to aging and lifestyle factors.
International applicants often enter via J-1 visas for residency training, followed by Conrad 30 waivers that allow practice in underserved areas in exchange for waiving the two-year home return requirement. Many hospitals sponsor H-1B visas or EB-2/EB-3 green cards for qualified IMGs, particularly in rural or shortage designations.
2. Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, treating injuries, deformities, and diseases through surgical and non-surgical methods. Common procedures include joint replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic surgeries. They work in hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices, often specializing in areas like sports medicine or pediatrics.
Average compensation in 2025 reaches approximately $654,000, driven by procedural volume and technological advancements in implants and minimally invasive techniques.
Foreign-trained orthopedic surgeons can qualify through ECFMG certification and U.S. residency matching. Visa sponsorship is common via employer petitions for H-1B or permanent residency, especially in regions facing surgeon shortages.
3. Cardiologists
Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and vascular conditions, using tools like echocardiograms, catheterizations, and electrophysiology studies. Interventional cardiologists perform procedures such as angioplasties, while non-invasive specialists manage chronic conditions like hypertension and heart failure.
With heart disease as a leading cause of mortality, cardiologists command average salaries of about $565,000 in 2025.
International cardiologists benefit from pathways like the Conrad 30 program for primary care extensions or specialty placements in health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Major health systems frequently sponsor visas to fill cardiology gaps.
4. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia during surgeries, manage pain, and oversee critical care. They monitor vital signs, adjust medications in real-time, and handle emergencies in operating rooms or intensive care units.
This specialty offers average earnings of over $450,000 annually in 2025, reflecting the high responsibility and on-call demands.
IMGs pursuing anesthesiology complete U.S. residencies and board certification. Sponsorship opportunities arise through hospital employers offering H-1B visas or green card support.
5. Radiologists
Radiologists interpret medical images such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to diagnose diseases. Interventional radiologists perform image-guided procedures like biopsies or stent placements.
Salaries average around $500,000 in 2025, bolstered by telemedicine and AI-assisted diagnostics expanding access.
International radiologists navigate USMLE exams and residency. Visa sponsorship is available, particularly for teleradiology roles serving remote areas.
Advanced Practice and Nursing Roles for International Professionals
Advanced nursing and therapy roles provide high compensation with shorter training paths compared to physicians, often with robust sponsorship options.
1. Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia independently or under supervision, managing patient care before, during, and after procedures.
CRNAs earn average salaries exceeding $200,000 in 2025, with high demand in surgical settings.
International nurses with advanced training pursue CRNA certification and state licensure. Employers sponsor EB-3 visas, a common pathway for foreign nurses.
2. Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care, including diagnostics, prescriptions, and patient education. Specialties include family practice, acute care, and psychiatry.
Average pay reaches $120,000–$150,000, with growth projected at over 40%.
Foreign advanced practice nurses qualify via NCLEX and certification. Visa sponsorship through EB-3 is prevalent due to nursing shortages.
3. Physical Therapists
Physical Therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through exercises, manual therapy, and education.
Salaries average $95,000–$120,000, higher in outpatient or specialized settings.
International PTs pass the NPTE exam and obtain state licenses. Schedule A designation under EB-3 facilitates sponsorship without labor certification.
Visa Pathways and Requirements for International Healthcare Workers
International applicants must navigate specific immigration processes to practice in the U.S.
Common visas include J-1 for training (with Conrad 30 waivers for service in underserved areas), H-1B for specialty occupations, and EB-2/EB-3 for permanent residency. Schedule A occupations like nursing and physical therapy expedite green card processes.
Requirements typically involve ECFMG certification for physicians, NCLEX for nurses, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), and credential evaluations. Employers in shortage areas often provide full sponsorship support.
Other Lucrative Allied Health Careers
Roles like physician assistants ($130,000+ average), occupational therapists, and pharmacists also offer strong earnings and sponsorship potential for qualified internationals.
READ ALSO: USA Hospitality & Hotel Management Jobs Paying $90,000 with Visa Support
FAQs
What Visa Options Are Available for International Physicians Entering the U.S.?
International physicians have several visa pathways depending on their career stage and long-term goals. The most common route begins with the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, which allows international medical graduates (IMGs) to complete U.S. residency or fellowship training. After training, J-1 holders are typically subject to a two-year home-country residence requirement.
To avoid returning home, many physicians apply for a Conrad 30 Waiver, which requires a three-year service commitment in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Medically Underserved Area (MUA), or facility serving underserved populations.
Other visa options include:
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H-1B visa for specialty physician roles (often used after residency or fellowship)
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EB-2 immigrant visa for physicians with advanced degrees
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EB-3 immigrant visa for professional healthcare workers
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National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows physicians serving underserved areas to bypass labor certification
These immigrant visas lead directly to U.S. permanent residency (green cards).
Do U.S. Hospitals Sponsor Visas for Foreign Nurses?
Yes, foreign nurses are among the most heavily sponsored healthcare professionals in the U.S. Due to long-standing nursing shortages, many hospitals, healthcare systems, and staffing agencies sponsor EB-3 immigrant visas for registered nurses.
This pathway:
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Leads directly to permanent residency
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Allows spouses and children to immigrate together
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Often includes employer-paid costs such as VisaScreen certification, NCLEX preparation, immigration legal fees, and relocation expenses
Major hospital networks and international staffing agencies actively recruit nurses from abroad.
What Is the Conrad 30 Waiver Program?
The Conrad 30 Waiver Program permits each U.S. state to sponsor up to 30 J-1 visa waivers per year for international physicians. In exchange, physicians must agree to:
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Work full-time for at least three years
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Practice in a designated HPSA or MUA
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Serve Medicaid, Medicare, and underserved populations
The program removes the two-year home return requirement, allowing physicians to remain in the U.S. and transition to H-1B status or permanent residency.
How Much Do Neurosurgeons Earn in the USA in 2025?
Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid physicians in the United States. In 2025, average annual compensation is approximately $763,000, with many earning significantly more.
Earnings vary based on:
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Geographic location
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Years of experience
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Subspecialty (spine, vascular, oncology)
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Call schedules and surgical volume
Demand for complex brain and spinal procedures continues to drive high salaries.
Are Physical Therapy Jobs Open to International Applicants With Sponsorship?
Yes, physical therapists (PTs) are in high demand and qualify under Schedule A, which allows for expedited EB-2 or EB-3 green card processing without labor certification.
International PTs are frequently sponsored by:
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Hospitals
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Rehabilitation centers
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Skilled nursing facilities
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Home healthcare providers
The aging U.S. population and rehabilitation needs sustain long-term demand.
What Exams Must International Medical Graduates Pass?
International healthcare professionals must complete specific licensing exams:
Physicians (IMGs):
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USMLE Step 1
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USMLE Step 2 CK
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USMLE Step 3
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ECFMG certification (required for residency)
Registered Nurses:
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NCLEX-RN
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VisaScreen certification
Physical Therapists:
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NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination)
Meeting licensing requirements is essential for both employment and visa sponsorship.
Can International Applicants Become Nurse Practitioners in the U.S.?
Yes, foreign-trained nurses can become Nurse Practitioners (NPs), but the process typically requires:
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Passing the NCLEX-RN
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Completing a U.S.-accredited NP program or credential evaluation
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Obtaining state licensure
Visa sponsorship is possible, most commonly through EB-3 immigrant visas, especially in states facing severe provider shortages.
What Are the Highest-Paying States for Physicians?
Interestingly, the highest-paying states are often rural or underserved regions, where physician demand is highest. States such as:
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South Dakota
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Alabama
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Wisconsin
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Mississippi
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Arkansas
often offer average physician salaries exceeding $385,000, along with signing bonuses, loan repayment, and immigration sponsorship incentives.
Is There a Shortage of Healthcare Workers Allowing Easier Sponsorship?
Yes, the U.S. faces critical shortages across nearly all healthcare professions, including:
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Physicians
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Registered nurses
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Physical and occupational therapists
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Behavioral health specialists
These shortages significantly increase employer willingness to sponsor visas, particularly in rural hospitals, community health centers, and long-term care facilities.
How Long Does the Visa Sponsorship Process Take for Healthcare Roles?
Timelines vary by visa type:
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EB-3 (nurses and therapists): Approximately 1–3 years, depending on priority dates
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H-1B: Several months but subject to annual caps
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Conrad 30 waivers: Typically processed within a single fiscal year
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NIW cases: Often faster than traditional EB-2 routes
Healthcare roles generally enjoy faster processing compared to many other professions.
Do International Dentists or Pharmacists Have Sponsorship Opportunities?
Yes, but opportunities are more limited than for physicians or nurses. Sponsorship is most common for:
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Dentists serving in underserved or rural areas
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Pharmacists with specialized clinical or research expertise
Visa options may include H-1B, EB-2, or NIW, depending on qualifications and job location.
What Support Do Employers Provide for Sponsored International Healthcare Workers?
Many employers offer comprehensive support packages, which may include:
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Immigration and legal fees
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Licensing and exam costs
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Relocation and housing assistance
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Transportation allowances
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Family immigration support
Specialized agencies such as Health Carousel and similar international recruitment firms often manage the entire process, from licensing to settlement.