Where can a US nurse work abroad?

#1 EASIEST

1. Canada

• $55K–$80K per year (USD)
• British Columbia registers US RNs in days, with no credential assessment
• Canada uses the same NCLEX-RN, so your license carries over
• Express Entry immigration has draws just for healthcare workers

#2 EASIEST

2. Australia

• $50K–$72K per year (USD)
• Streamlined pathway since 2025: no NCLEX or OSCE to redo
• Needs 1,800+ hours of recent practice and a degree finished after Jan 2017
• Nurses are on the skilled-visa shortage lists

#3 EASIEST

3. New Zealand

• $45K–$65K per year (USD)
• US RNs skip the Competence Assessment Programme
• Registered nurses are on the Green List, a direct path to residence

#4 EASIEST

4. United Kingdom

• $40K–$63K per year (USD), NHS Band 5–6
• No English test for US-trained nurses
• Pass a computer test and a practical exam (OSCE)
• NHS hospitals sponsor your visa, often with relocation help

#5 EASIEST

5. Ireland

• $40K–$58K per year (USD)
• The nursing board (NMBI) recognizes US training
• Nurses qualify for the Critical Skills work permit
• English-speaking, and inside the EU

#6 EASIEST

6. UAE

• $36K–$70K per year (USD), tax-free + housing
• Pass the licensing exam (DHA, DOH or MOH)
• Your employer arranges the visa
• Most hospitals want a BSN and 2 years' experience

#7 EASIEST

7. Saudi Arabia & Qatar

• $40K–$80K per year (USD), tax-free
• Hospitals actively recruit US-trained nurses
• Your employer handles the license and the visa
• Housing, flights and long annual leave are often included

BEFORE YOU PACK

8. Know this first

• Most countries pay less than the US average of about $93K
• The Gulf comes closest: tax-free pay plus free housing
• Elsewhere you get universal healthcare, pensions and 4–6 weeks of paid leave
• You'll need an active US license. A BSN and 1–2 years of acute care make it easier
• Rules change. Confirm with that country's nursing regulator before you apply

Pay: approximate 2025–26 ranges, converted to USD. Sources: BCCNM, AHPRA/NMBA, NMC, NCNZ.