Top Recruitment Agencies & Direct Employers for Nurses: USA, UK & Australia (2026 List)
Finding the right international recruitment partner or employer is the critical first step for an International Educated Nurse (IEN).
Here is a consolidated list of major international recruitment agencies and large healthcare chains that actively hire and sponsor nurses for positions in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
🇺🇸 United States: The “Green Card” Sponsors
Focus: Direct Permanent Residency (EB-3 Visa)
| Agency / Employer | Qualification Level | Salary Note |
| Connetics USA (Agency) | Registered Nurse (RN) BSN required. NCLEX-RN pass is strongly preferred to start. Current acute care experience needed. | Competitive. Varies by state and facility type (Hospital vs. LTC). |
| InterStaff, Inc. (Agency) | Registered Nurse (RN) BSN, active license, and NCLEX-RN passer. Minimum 1 year clinical experience. | Prevailing Wage. Meets or exceeds Dept of Labor standards. |
| Adventist HealthCare (Direct Employer) | Registered Nurse (RN) Associate’s/Bachelor’s. Min 2 years hospital experience. Must pass NCLEX-RN. | Direct Hire. Competitive U.S. wages with full benefits. |
💡 The “Golden Ticket” Strategy
Agencies Want “Exam-Ready” Nurses Notice a pattern? Almost every top US agency prefers candidates who have already passed the NCLEX. It puts you at the front of the line.
Don’t wait. Use our [Medical-Surgical Study Guide] to pass the NCLEX before you apply, and watch the job offers roll in.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: The “Fast Track” Sponsors
Focus: Health & Care Worker Visa (NHS & Private Care)
| Agency / Employer | Qualification Level | Salary Note |
| Barchester Healthcare (Direct Employer) | Registered Nurse (RGN/RMN) Must be eligible for NMC registration (passed CBT/English). | Band 5 Equivalent. Starts approx. £28,407 and increases with experience. |
| HC-One (Direct Employer) | Registered Nurse (RGN/RMN) Must be registered or nearing registration. Elderly care experience is beneficial. | Market Competitive. In line with the private UK care sector. |
🇦🇺 Australia: The “Aged Care” Sponsors
Focus: Visa 482 / 186 (Employer Nomination)
| Agency / Employer | Qualification Level | Salary Note |
| Opal HealthCare (Direct Employer) | Registered Nurse (RN) Must be eligible for or registered with AHPRA. | Award Rates. Set by Australian industry awards for Aged Care. |
| Estia Health (Direct Employer) | Registered Nurse (RN) Must hold nursing qualifications recognized by AHPRA. | Competitive. Based on experience and award rates. |
⚠️ Reality Check: Agency vs. Direct Hire
1. The Agency Model (USA) Agencies like Connetics and InterStaff are “Staffing Agencies.” They pay for your immigration, legal fees, and sometimes travel. In exchange, you sign a contract (usually 2-3 years) to work for them. It is a low-cost, high-support way to migrate.
2. The Direct Hire Model (UK/Aus/USA) Employers like Adventist or Barchester hire you directly. You are their employee from Day 1. You may have to pay some upfront costs yourself (like exams), but you often keep 100% of your salary without an agency “cut.”
3. The “Experience” Trap Be honest about your experience. US hospitals require current bedside experience. If you have been working in a clinic or non-bedside role for 5 years, you will struggle to get a hospital offer. Agencies like O’Grady Peyton are strict about this.
