The aging American population has created an urgent demand for caregivers in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care centers across the United States. With over 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, facilities can no longer fill positions with domestic workers alone. This shortage has opened a real, legal pathway for foreign caregivers to live and work in the US — and many sponsoring employers now cover the entire visa process, including relocation.
This guide gives you a working list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026 along with the agencies that connect international workers to these opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver from the Philippines, Nigeria, India, Kenya, Ghana, or anywhere else, this article shows you exactly where to look and how to qualify.
Why US Nursing Homes Sponsor Foreign Caregivers
The caregiving crisis in America is severe and worsening. Nursing homes face annual staff turnover rates above 50%, and rural facilities often struggle to fill even basic positions. To survive, employers have turned to international recruitment through legal visa pathways — primarily the EB-3 visa for unskilled workers (also called the EB-3 “Other Workers” category).
Sponsoring foreign caregivers makes business sense because:
- International hires typically commit to 2–3 year contracts
- Foreign caregivers reduce dependence on costly travel agencies
- Many bring strong cultural respect for elders and proven caregiving experience
- The EB-3 pathway delivers permanent green card holders, not temporary workers
What Visa Type Covers Foreign Caregivers?
The list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026 almost exclusively uses the EB-3 “Other Workers” subcategory. Key features:
- Permanent green card on arrival (not a temporary visa)
- Spouse receives work authorization
- Children under 21 receive derivative green cards
- Direct path to US citizenship after 5 years
- No bachelor’s degree required
- 2 years of caregiving experience usually sufficient
Some facilities also use the H-2B seasonal visa for short-term staffing, but EB-3 remains the dominant permanent pathway.
Requirements to Qualify as a Sponsored Caregiver
Before exploring the list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of paid caregiving experience (home care, hospital aide, or nursing home work)
- Basic English communication skills
- Clean criminal background and medical clearance
- Willingness to commit to a 2–3 year contract
- Caregiving certification from your home country (CNA equivalent preferred)
How Sponsorship Actually Works
Most foreign caregivers don’t apply directly to nursing homes. Instead, they apply through licensed staffing agencies that hold the EB-3 petition and place workers across multiple partner facilities. This is the dominant model in the US caregiving market.
The two routes you can take:
Direct facility sponsorship — A nursing home files Form I-140 directly on your behalf. Less common, but more stable.
Agency sponsorship — A staffing firm files the petition and contracts you out to partner nursing homes for 2–3 years. Faster process, but contractual obligations.
Verified Agencies Connecting Foreign Caregivers to US Nursing Homes
Rather than naming specific nursing homes (whose hiring needs change monthly), the most reliable path is through licensed agencies with established EB-3 programs:
Conexus MedStaff — Recruits internationally trained caregivers and nurses for partner facilities across the US.
PassportUSA (a division of Health Carousel) — One of the largest international healthcare staffing firms, placing caregivers in long-term care facilities.
MedPro International — Sponsors foreign healthcare workers for clinical and caregiver roles.
O’Grady Peyton International — Long-established firm specializing in international healthcare placements.
Avant Healthcare Professionals — Focuses on long-term placements for foreign-educated caregivers and nurses.
International Health Care Recruitment — Smaller agencies that work directly with regional nursing home chains.
Expedient MedStaff — Recently expanded into the EB-3 caregiver category for assisted living facilities.
Always verify any agency through the US Department of State’s certified recruiter list and the Better Business Bureau before signing anything.
Major Nursing Home Chains Known to Hire Foreign Caregivers
The following nursing home and long-term care companies operate hundreds of facilities and have historically hired internationally through agency partnerships. Verify current openings directly with their HR departments or through licensed agencies.
1. Genesis Healthcare
One of the largest skilled nursing providers in the US, with hundreds of facilities across multiple states.
2. Brookdale Senior Living
The largest operator of senior living communities in America, including assisted living and memory care.
3. Sunrise Senior Living
A premium assisted living chain that staffs through international recruitment partners.
4. Atria Senior Living
Operates assisted living and independent living communities nationwide.
5. Life Care Centers of America
A major operator of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers.
6. Consulate Health Care
Operates skilled nursing facilities primarily across the Southeast.
7. Five Star Senior Living
Manages senior living and skilled nursing communities across the US.
8. Ensign Group
A growing operator of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
9. The Pavilion Senior Living
Operates skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, often in Southern states.
10. ProMedica Senior Care (formerly HCR ManorCare)
One of the largest non-profit operators of long-term care facilities.
11. Holiday Retirement
Manages independent and assisted living communities nationwide.
12. Erickson Senior Living
Operates large continuing care retirement communities.
13. Capital Senior Living
A senior living operator with facilities across multiple states.
14. Senior Lifestyle Corporation
Manages senior living communities with international staffing partnerships.
15. Watermark Retirement Communities
Operates premium senior living communities across the US.
How to Find Verified Sponsorship Opportunities
Building your own list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026 requires using reliable verification channels:
- MyVisaJobs.com — Search PERM and I-140 filings by employer
- USCIS H-1B/EB-3 Employer Data Hub — Official sponsorship records
- Indeed and LinkedIn — Filter by “visa sponsorship” in caregiver job listings
- Direct HR contact — Email nursing home HR departments asking about EB-3 sponsorship
- State health department directories — Find licensed long-term care facilities in your target state
Average Pay for Sponsored Foreign Caregivers
Foreign caregivers arriving through EB-3 sponsorship typically earn:
- $14–$20 per hour in most states
- $35,000–$45,000 annual salary
- Higher in California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington
- Lower in Southern and Midwestern states, but offset by lower living costs
- Overtime, weekend, and night-shift differentials common
Many facilities also provide free or subsidized housing during the first 6–12 months, helping new arrivals settle in.
Best States for Sponsored Foreign Caregivers
Some states dominate the list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026 due to severe shortages:
- Texas — Highest demand, no state income tax, large immigrant communities
- Florida — Massive senior population, growing caregiver demand
- California — Highest pay, but expensive housing
- Pennsylvania — Strong network of skilled nursing facilities
- Ohio — Affordable cost of living, growing demand
- North Carolina — Expanding senior care market
- Illinois — Large urban and suburban facility network
- Arizona — Rapid retiree population growth
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Get certified caregiving experience documented in your home country
- Take a basic English test (some agencies require IELTS or equivalent)
- Apply to a licensed US recruiting agency
- Pass the agency’s screening interview
- Receive a job offer and signed contract
- Employer or agency files Form I-140 with USCIS
- Wait for priority date to become current
- Complete consular processing at the US Embassy
- Travel to the US and begin work
- Receive physical green card by mail within 90 days
Avoiding Foreign Caregiver Sponsorship Scams
Sadly, the list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026 has attracted fraudulent recruiters preying on hopeful applicants. Red flags include:
- Upfront fees for “visa processing” or “guaranteed placement”
- Generic email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo) instead of corporate domains
- Vague job descriptions and unnamed employers
- Pressure to sign without legal review
- Promises of fast-track sponsorship in under 6 months
- Requests for personal documents before any verified job offer
Legitimate employers and agencies never charge candidates for the EB-3 petition, the visa filing, or the job placement itself. The employer pays these costs by law.
What Sets Strong Candidates Apart
When applying to anyone on the list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026, candidates who get hired fastest usually have:
- Documented dementia or Alzheimer’s care experience
- CPR and first-aid certification
- Strong references from previous caregiving roles
- Flexibility on US location
- Comfort with night shifts and weekend schedules
- Clear, conversational English
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the EB-3 caregiver process take? Currently 18–36 months depending on your country of birth. Some categories move faster than others.
Do nursing homes pay all sponsorship costs? Yes — by law, the sponsoring employer covers the I-140 petition, attorney fees, and most processing costs. Candidates typically only pay personal travel, medical exams, and consular fees.
Can I bring my family on EB-3 caregiver sponsorship? Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive derivative green cards and can live and work in the US.
Do I need a college degree to qualify? No. The EB-3 “Other Workers” category requires only 2 years of caregiving experience and a high school diploma.
Can I switch employers after arriving? Most contracts require 2–3 years with the sponsoring employer. Leaving early may trigger contract penalties or affect your green card status.
Which countries dominate foreign caregiver recruitment? The Philippines, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico, Jamaica, and Ghana send the most foreign caregivers to US nursing homes.
Is housing usually included? Many agencies and rural facilities offer subsidized or shared housing for the first 6–12 months. Always confirm in writing before signing.
Can I become a US citizen through this pathway? Yes. EB-3 green card holders qualify for US citizenship after 5 years of lawful permanent residence.
Final Thoughts
The list of nursing homes sponsoring foreign caregivers in 2026 represents one of the most accessible legal pathways into the United States today. With high demand, government-approved sponsorship channels, and permanent green card status from day one, this option remains life-changing for families across the developing world.
Success depends on preparation, patience, and working only with verified agencies. Avoid shortcuts, document your caregiving experience thoroughly, and consult a licensed US immigration attorney before signing any contract.
The American long-term care industry needs you — but it needs you to enter through the right door.