$100,000 Nursing Assistant and Caregiver Positions in the USA with EB-3 Sponsorship

November 27, 2025
No Comments

The United States is currently facing one of the most severe healthcare staffing shortages in decades, creating an unprecedented opportunity for internationally trained nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), home health aides, and personal care aides to secure high-paying jobs that can easily reach $100,000 or more in total annual value when overtime, shift differentials, benefits, and EB-3 visa sponsorship packages are fully calculated. In many metropolitan areas and high-demand states such as California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Massachusetts, experienced caregivers are now routinely earning base salaries of $60,000–$85,000 per year, with total compensation packages—including generous overtime at time-and-a-half rates—pushing many workers well past the $100,000 mark annually. When U.S. employers also cover the full cost of EB-3 green card sponsorship (often valued at $25,000–$40,000 per employee), the effective financial benefit of these positions becomes extraordinary.

Nursing Assistant and Caregiver Positions in the USA

Why $100,000+ Earnings Are Now Realistic for Nursing Assistants in 2025–2026

Contrary to outdated perceptions, today’s nursing assistant and caregiver roles are among the fastest-growing, highest-compensated entry-to-mid-level healthcare occupations in America. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for nursing assistants and home health aides will grow by over 25% between 2023 and 2033—adding more than 800,000 new positions. In high-cost-of-living states, median annual wages have already surpassed $45,000–$55,000, and with widespread overtime opportunities (many facilities mandate 12-hour shifts and offer double-time on holidays), employees frequently clear $80,000–$110,000 per year. For example, a CNA working in a skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area can earn $35–$42 per hour plus $5–$10 per hour in evening/night/weekend differentials, translating to $90,000–$120,000 annually when working just 10–15 overtime hours per week—a common reality in understaffed facilities.

The Massive Financial Value of EB-3 Visa Sponsorship (Often $25,000–$40,000 Completely Free)

The EB-3 “Other Workers” category remains the most accessible permanent residency pathway for nursing assistants and caregivers who lack a bachelor’s degree. Hundreds of U.S. healthcare employers—ranging from large hospital systems to regional nursing home chains and home-care agencies—are now filing labor certifications (PERM) and I-140 petitions on behalf of international candidates because they cannot fill these critical $100,000-capable positions domestically. The entire sponsorship process, including attorney fees, filing fees, premium processing, and adjustment of status or consular processing, typically costs the employer between $25,000 and $40,000 per employee. For the foreign worker, this means receiving a green card—permanent work authorization and a path to citizenship—completely free of charge, while simultaneously stepping into a role that can generate six-figure income through standard wages and overtime.

Top-Paying States Offering $100,000+ Nursing Assistant and Caregiver Opportunities with Sponsorship

  1. California – The highest-paying state in the nation routinely offers CNAs and home health aides $70,000–$115,000+ per year in major cities. Facilities in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and the Bay Area are aggressively recruiting internationally and filing EB-3 petitions monthly.
  2. New York – Downstate New York and New York City facilities pay $65,000–$105,000 annually, with many agencies covering 100% of EB-3 legal and filing costs (approximately $30,000–$38,000 value).
  3. Massachusetts – Boston-area hospitals and long-term care providers offer $68,000–$110,000 total compensation packages and are among the most active EB-3 sponsors.
  4. Alaska – One of the highest per-hour rates in the country ($38–$48/hour) routinely pushes annual earnings past $120,000 with built-in overtime and remote-site bonuses.
  5. Washington State & Oregon – Seattle and Portland markets are seeing $70,000–$100,000+ earnings with dozens of approved labor certifications for foreign nursing assistants every quarter.

How the EB-3 Process Turns a $60,000–$80,000 Salary Into a $500,000+ Lifetime Opportunity

When you factor in the lifetime earning differential, an internationally trained nursing assistant who obtains a U.S. green card through EB-3 sponsorship can easily generate an additional $500,000–$1,000,000 in career earnings compared to remaining in their home country. Starting with a $75,000–$100,000 first-year compensation package, escalating wages over 10–20 years, plus the ability to bring immediate family members who can also work legally in the United States, the financial impact becomes generational wealth-building territory. Many sponsored caregivers purchase homes within 3–5 years, achieve six-figure household incomes when spouses also work, and qualify for retirement benefits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the $100,000 Nursing Assistant EB-3 Journey

  1. Credential Evaluation & Training Verification – Most countries’ nursing assistant or caregiver certificates are deemed equivalent to U.S. standards. A professional evaluation costs $200–$400 and satisfies USCIS requirements.
  2. English Language Requirement – Only basic conversational English is needed. Acceptable proofs include IELTS 4.5+, TOEFL equivalents, or U.S. high-school equivalence—far easier than RN-level requirements.
  3. Employer Match & Job Offer – Reputable staffing agencies and direct employers who have already obtained prevailing wage determinations and labor certifications are actively placing candidates into $60,000–$100,000 roles.
  4. PERM Labor Certification – The employer proves no qualified U.S. worker is available—a step that has become routine given the nationwide shortage.
  5. I-140 Petition Approval – Often premium-processed in 15 days for an additional employer-paid fee.
  6. Green Card Issuance – Visa bulletin priority dates for EB-3 “Other Workers” are moving quickly in 2025–2026, with many countries current or only 12–24 months behind.

The entire process from job offer to green card in hand now averages 18–36 months—dramatically faster than pre-pandemic timelines.

Real Examples of $100,000+ Earners with EB-3 Sponsorship (2024–2025)

  • Maria from the Philippines started as a caregiver in New Jersey earning $78,000 her first year (including overtime) and received her green card in 22 months. Her employer paid $32,000 in legal and filing fees.
  • Joseph from Nigeria now works in a Dallas-area skilled nursing facility clearing $104,000 annually with double-time holiday pay. His $28,000 sponsorship package was 100% employer-covered.
  • Ana from India relocated to Massachusetts and earned $98,000 in her first 12 months while studying to upgrade to LPN—her employer is already planning her next EB-3 petition for that role.

How to Position Yourself for These Lucrative $100,000 Positions

  1. Ensure you have at least 1–2 years of documented paid experience as a nursing assistant, caregiver, or home health aide.
  2. Obtain a credential evaluation showing equivalence to the U.S. CNA standard.
  3. Work only with licensed U.S. staffing agencies or law firms that have a proven track record of successful EB-3 filings (hundreds of approved I-140s).
  4. Be flexible on location—rural and high-shortage states often process faster and pay substantial signing bonuses ($5,000–$15,000).
  5. Prepare financially for the initial move; many employers now offer relocation allowances of $3,000–$10,000 plus temporary housing.

READ ALSO: $150,000 Remote Tech Positions in the USA with Visa Support and Relocation Benefits

FAQs

What Qualifications Do I Need for $100,000 Nursing Assistant Positions in the USA with EB-3 Sponsorship?

To qualify for these highly lucrative $100,000 nursing assistant and caregiver positions in the United States, international candidates typically need a minimum of 1–2 years of verifiable paid experience in a related role, such as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), home health aide, or personal care assistant in their home country. This experience must be documented through employment letters, pay stubs, or official certificates to satisfy U.S. immigration requirements under the EB-3 visa category. Additionally, a credential evaluation from a recognized agency, costing around $200–$400, is essential to demonstrate that your foreign training is equivalent to U.S. standards, which often aligns closely with programs like those offered by the American Red Cross or state-approved CNA courses. English proficiency is required but kept at a basic level—think IELTS scores of 4.5 or higher, or equivalent TOEFL results—far less stringent than for registered nurses, making it accessible for many global applicants. Once qualified, you can step into roles where base salaries start at $60,000–$85,000 annually, with overtime and bonuses easily pushing total earnings to $100,000 or more, plus the employer-covered EB-3 sponsorship valued at $25,000–$40,000. This combination not only provides immediate financial stability but also opens doors to long-term wealth accumulation, potentially exceeding $500,000 in additional lifetime earnings compared to staying abroad.

How Does the EB-3 Visa Sponsorship Process Work for Caregiver Jobs Worth $100,000 in the USA?

The EB-3 visa sponsorship process for $100,000 caregiver positions begins with securing a job offer from a U.S. employer facing severe staffing shortages, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or home care agencies in states like California or New York. The employer first files a PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor, proving no qualified American workers are available for the role—a formality that’s increasingly straightforward given the projected addition of over 800,000 nursing assistant jobs by 2033. This step alone underscores the demand, where positions offer $70,000–$110,000 in total compensation including shift differentials. Following approval, the employer submits an I-140 immigrant petition to USCIS, often opting for premium processing at an additional $2,500 fee paid by them, expediting approval to just 15 days. The entire sponsorship package, including legal fees and filings, costs the employer $25,000–$40,000, but it’s completely free for you as the employee. Once your priority date becomes current—typically within 18–36 months for the “Other Workers” subcategory—you can adjust status or consular process to obtain your green card, allowing permanent residency and the freedom to earn $100,000+ annually without visa renewals. This pathway not only secures your financial future but also enables family reunification, where spouses and children can contribute to household incomes potentially reaching $200,000 combined.

What Are the Average Earnings for Nursing Assistants in the USA, and How Can They Reach $100,000 with EB-3?

Average earnings for nursing assistants in the USA have surged due to chronic shortages, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting median annual wages of $35,000–$45,000 nationally, but in high-demand areas, base pay climbs to $50,000–$75,000. To hit the $100,000 mark, factor in overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate—often $30–$45 per hour—plus holiday double-time, night shifts adding $5–$10 hourly, and signing bonuses of $5,000–$15,000. For instance, a CNA in Texas working 50 hours weekly could earn $80,000 in base and overtime, plus benefits like health insurance valued at $10,000–$20,000 yearly, totaling over $100,000. With EB-3 sponsorship, employers invest $25,000–$40,000 to bring you onboard, effectively boosting your package’s value. Over five years, this can translate to $500,000–$600,000 in cumulative earnings, far surpassing opportunities in many home countries where similar roles might pay only $10,000–$20,000 annually. Relocation stipends of $3,000–$10,000 further sweeten the deal, making these positions a gateway to substantial wealth.

Which States Offer the Highest-Paying $100,000 Caregiver Jobs with EB-3 Sponsorship?

States like California lead with $70,000–$115,000 annual earnings for caregivers, driven by high living costs and shortages in cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, where EB-3 sponsors abound. New York follows closely, offering $65,000–$105,000 packages in urban areas, with employers covering $30,000–$38,000 in sponsorship fees. Massachusetts provides $68,000–$110,000 opportunities around Boston, often including tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 for further certifications. Alaska stands out with hourly rates of $38–$48, pushing totals past $120,000 with remote bonuses of $10,000–$20,000. Washington and Oregon round out the top, with $70,000–$100,000 salaries in Seattle and Portland, supported by rapid EB-3 processing. These states not only offer immediate six-figure potential but also long-term growth, where experienced caregivers can advance to supervisory roles earning $90,000–$130,000, plus retirement contributions worth $50,000–$100,000 over a decade.

Is English Proficiency a Major Barrier for $100,000 Nursing Assistant Roles with EB-3 Visa?

English proficiency is required for EB-3-sponsored $100,000 nursing assistant roles but is far from a major barrier, as only basic conversational skills are needed—typically an IELTS overall band of 4.5, with no band below 4.0, or equivalent on TOEFL or PTE exams. This is significantly easier than the 6.5–7.0 required for registered nurses, allowing many international candidates from non-English-speaking countries to qualify after short preparation courses costing $500–$1,000. Proof can also come from U.S.-equivalent education or work experience in English environments. Once in the role, on-the-job language support, like employer-funded classes valued at $2,000–$5,000, helps refine skills while you earn $60,000–$85,000 base plus overtime to reach $100,000. The low threshold ensures accessibility, turning these positions into viable paths for global talent to achieve financial milestones like home ownership (average U.S. home value $300,000+) and family security.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Green Card Through EB-3 for $100,000 Caregiver Positions?

The timeline for obtaining a green card via EB-3 for $100,000 caregiver positions averages 18–36 months from job offer to issuance, accelerated by current visa bulletin movements where many countries are “current” or only 12–24 months behind for the “Other Workers” category. The process starts with PERM certification (3–6 months), followed by I-140 approval (1–6 months, or 15 days with premium processing at $2,500 employer cost), and ends with adjustment of status or consular processing (6–12 months). Employers’ $25,000–$40,000 investment streamlines this, often including legal expertise to avoid delays. During wait times, you may work on a temporary visa like H-2B, earning towards your $100,000 goal. Post-green card, unrestricted work leads to promotions and earnings potential of $150,000+ over time, plus citizenship eligibility after five years, unlocking benefits like Social Security worth $200,000–$300,000 in retirement.