What Nurses Need to Know: October 2025 Visa Bulletin, Michigan Spotlight & U.S. Nursing Job Market Insights  

Our September 2025 Pathway to Success broadcast was packed with valuable information and encouragement for international nurses preparing for life and work in the U.S. In this month’s session, we recognized our Employees of the Month, explored the lifestyle and affordability of Michigan,  discussed the U.S. nursing job market and placement process, gained insights about insurance in the U.S., and shared important updates from the Visa Bulletin.

Celebrating Our September 2025 Employees of the Month: Ian G., RN and Dorcas B., RN

This month, we proudly recognized Employees of the Month nominees and winners. Their dedication to patients, teamwork, and perseverance exemplify what it means to succeed as an international healthcare professional in the U.S. Learn more about the nominees and winners.

Key takeaways:

• Managers praised the winners for their reliability, compassion, and professionalism on the floor.

• The winners shared heartfelt messages about their journeys, reminding fellow nurses that recognition follows consistency and commitment.

• Their advice to other nurses: “Don’t give up—your work matters, and your time will come.”

Understanding U.S. Health Insurance

Navigating U.S. healthcare can be overwhelming for newcomers, which is why our team dedicated part of the broadcast to demystifying health insurance for international nurses.

Key takeaways:

• Why it matters: U.S. medical care can be expensive. Health insurance protects you from paying large bills out of pocket.

• What to know: Common terms like premium, deductible, co-pay, and out-of-pocket maximum were explained to help nurses compare and choose the right plan.

• Smart planning: Select insurance based on your needs—consider things like prescriptions, family size, or chronic conditions—and include it in your overall budget alongside rent, food, and transportation.

Start Your U.S. Journey in Michigan

This month’s Featured Location segment highlighted Michigan. It is a state known for its beautiful lakes, affordable living, and strong healthcare opportunities. Melissa welcomed Frank Auberger, Senior Account Manager, to guide attendees through what it’s like to live, work, and thrive in Michigan.

Key takeaways:

• Cost of Living: Michigan’s cost of living index is 92, or 8% below the U.S. average. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,000/month, far more affordable than coastal states.

• Daily Costs:

• Gas: $3.40/gallon

• Milk: $2.70/carton

• Eggs: $2.00/dozen

• Bread: $2.50/loaf

• Transportation: Most people drive, but cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor offer public transit. Commutes are moderate and manageable.

• Lifestyle: From Detroit’s music and sports scenes to small-town charm and lakefront escapes, Michigan offers something for everyone—including families, adventure-seekers, and career-focused professionals.

Whether you prefer a vibrant urban experience or peaceful small-town living, Michigan offers healthcare professionals a great place to build a life.

Learn more in our Michigan Location Guide.

Interested in Michigan or another great U.S. location?
Apply to our PassportUSA program for placement, relocation guidance, and support at every step of your American journey.

Understanding the U.S. Nursing Job Market & Placement Process

Chief Clinical Officer Earl Dalton and International Deployment Advocate Ryan Allex broke down everything international nurses need to know about landing a U.S. nursing job through Health Carousel International.

From understanding how retrogression impacts timing to the importance of resume updates and flexibility, this honest and insightful conversation empowered nurses to stay proactive in a highly competitive and opportunity-rich job market.

Key Takeaways:

• Massive Demand, Strategic Timing:
  The U.S. is facing a severe nursing shortage due to mass retirements and staffing challenges—creating strong demand for international nurses. However, retrogression can delay job placement timing.

• Flexibility Increases Opportunities:
  Being open to different units, locations, and shift types significantly improves your chances of faster placement. Limiting your preferences (e.g., one specialty in one region) can slow down or block opportunities.

• Support at Every Step:
  You’re not alone in this process. The IDA (International Deployment Advocate) and Clinical (QIN) Teams at Health Carousel are available to help with resume prep, interview coaching, and placement planning.

• Placements Can Shift, Don’t Panic:
  Sometimes, hospitals withdraw offers due to changes in staffing needs or timelines. This doesn’t mean you’re starting over. Health Carousel’s wide network allows for re-matching, and your team will work with you to find a new placement that fits your profile.

• Stay Active in Your Career:
  Keep working and building experience in your home country. Promotions (like charge nurse roles) should be updated on your resume. Even during retrogression, staying clinically active keeps you competitive and prepared.

Apply to our PassportUSA program for placement, relocation guidance, and support at every step of your American journey.

September 2025 Visa Bulletin Update

Elizabeth from the Immigration Team walked us through the October 2025 Visa Bulletin.

Key takeaways:

• Positive Movement:
  The October Bulletin brought forward progress across EB-2 and EB-3 categories for several countries. This marks a hopeful start to the new U.S. fiscal year and signals potential acceleration for qualified candidates.

• Now Is the Time to Prepare:
  Elizabeth emphasized that with new visa numbers now available, documentarily qualified candidates (DQ) should stay ready for next steps in the immigration and placement process.

• Make the Most of the Waiting Period:

• Practice English and interview skills

• Ensure all immigration documents are accurate and ready

• Save money for relocation and U.S. living expenses

• Continue working bedside and updating your resume with new skills and promotions

Elizabeth offered this encouragement:

“Even small progress is still movement forward. Stay focused—your opportunity is closer than you think.”

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From celebrating nurse achievements to discovering Michigan’s hidden gems and preparing for immigration success, this broadcast reminded us that progress is possible even during retrogression.