Nursing Jobs in the USA for Kenyan Nurses: NCLEX and Visa
Updated 2026-11-10
The United States is the largest destination for Kenyans abroad, and many Kenyan nurses aim for it. The route is long but well defined: pass the NCLEX-RN, get licensed by a state board of nursing, and secure an employer-sponsored immigrant visa. This guide covers each step.
The NCLEX-RN
Registration costs $200, plus a $150 international scheduling fee when you test outside the US. From 1 February 2027 the registration fee rises to $350.
Kenya is listed among the international locations where the NCLEX is offered, so you can sit it without travelling to the US.
You register for the NCLEX through a state board of nursing, which first assesses your education.
Cost, preparation and the test centre are covered in the main Cazini guide to NCLEX for Kenyan nurses.
Licence and visa
State licensure: each state board of nursing licenses its own nurses; requirements differ by state.
VisaScreen: foreign-educated nurses need a VisaScreen healthcare worker certificate (issued by CGFNS, now TruMerit) for a US work visa.
Immigrant visa: most foreign nurses come on an employer-sponsored green card, usually in the EB-3 category. Waiting times depend on the State Department’s monthly Visa Bulletin and can run for years; ask any employer how they handle the wait.
Before you go: the Kenyan side
Verification by your Kenyan regulator: foreign regulators and employers confirm your Kenyan registration directly. Nurses request verification through the out-migration section of the Nursing Council of Kenya portal; other cadres go through their own council or board. Keep your Kenyan practising licence current while you apply.
Use licensed recruiters only: a recruitment agency must be licensed by the National Employment Authority (NEA). Check it before you pay anything or hand over documents: how to check a recruitment agency.
Never pay for a "visa sponsorship": in the UK, US, Canada and Australia, sponsorship is the employer’s legal duty, not something you buy. Offers that ask you to pay for a sponsorship letter or certificate are a common scam.
Make your credentials easy to verify
Every route above starts with the same thing: proof of your qualifications, registration and experience that an employer abroad can trust. A free Cazini Job Passport holds your verified work history, licences and references in one place you can share with any employer, at home or abroad. Create your free profile and apply to verified health jobs on the board.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the NCLEX cost for Kenyan nurses?
The registration fee is $200 plus a $150 international scheduling fee when testing outside the US. The registration fee rises to $350 from 1 February 2027.
Can I take the NCLEX in Kenya?
Yes. NCSBN lists Kenya among the international locations where the NCLEX is offered.
Can I work as a nurse in the USA without the NCLEX?
Not as a registered nurse. Every state board requires the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure.