For international nurses seeking opportunities in the United States, understanding the intricacies of the visa process is crucial—particularly the concept of retrogression. Retrogression can feel like a frustrating setback in an already complex process. This article breaks down what retrogression is, why it happens, and how it may impact international nurses who are eager to work in the U.S. 

What Is Retrogression?

Retrogression occurs in the U.S. immigration system when there are more applicants for a specific visa category or country than the number of visas available for that month. For international nurses, this typically impacts those applying under the EB-3 visa category, which is designed for skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified individuals. The U.S. Department of State manages these backlogs by adjusting the cut-off dates in the monthly visa bulletin. 

Countries with high applicant numbers, such as India, China, and the Philippines often experience retrogression, causing delays for professionals eager to start their U.S. careers. It is worth noting that retrogression can temporarily move priority dates backward, delaying eligibility for those who previously met the requirements.

Why Does Retrogression Happen?

Retrogression is driven by the annual caps on visa numbers set by the U.S. government. For the EB-3 visa category, a total of 140,000 visas are available each fiscal year, with no more than seven percent allocated to any single country. This total includes not just nurses but all eligible workers, such as physicians, teachers, and accountants.

Toward the end of the government’s fiscal year, retrogression is more common as the annual limits are reached. Fluctuations in demand can also affect cut-off dates, sometimes causing them to slow, stop, or even regress. A priority date that meets the cut-off one month may no longer qualify the next. However, when the fiscal year resets on October 1, a new supply of visas becomes available, often restoring dates to their previous positions—but not always.

These complexities can create unpredictability for international nurses, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared.

The Current State of Retrogression

Currently, all visa categories and countries are experiencing retrogression, with significant implications for nurses under the EB-3 category. As of now, the priority date for EB-3 visas is retrogressed to December 1, 2022, for most countries. However, for applicants from China and India, the cut-off dates are significantly earlier, set at April 1, 2020, and November 1, 2012, respectively.

For nurses with a priority date earlier than December 1, 2022, there is good news—you may expect to be scheduled for an embassy interview, provided the National Visa Center (NVC) has deemed your case documentarily complete. However, for those with priority dates after December 1,  2022, the wait continues until their date becomes current.

While new visa numbers became available on October 1, DOS  processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis (priority date) according to the volume of petitions received. This creates uncertainty, as it’s impossible to predict how far forward the priority dates will progress in any given month. 

How Retrogression Impacts International Nurses


Retrogression can create challenges for international nurses by delaying their arrival in the U.S., potentially affecting job offers and their ability to begin work as scheduled. Employers may face staffing challenges due to these delays, and nurses may experience uncertainty in planning their careers and personal lives.

This is where Epic International Staffing offers essential support. As a trusted partner to international nurses, Epic International Staffing stays in regular contact with candidates, helping them navigate the retrogression period. Our team provides realistic timelines and maintains close communication to keep nurses informed of any updates or changes in their visa status, ensuring they feel supported through every step of this waiting period.

Managing Retrogression: Practical Strategies

While retrogression is out of a nurse’s control, there are strategies to make the most of this time:

Stay Informed: Regularly check the U.S. visa bulletin for updates and projections on visa availability. At Epic International Staffing, we actively monitor changes and keep nurses informed with timely guidance.

Maintain Communication with Your Staffing Agency: During retrogression, open and consistent communication with your staffing agency is essential. Epic International Staffing provides dedicated support to help international nurses navigate delays, visa complexities, and shifting timelines, ensuring you stay prepared for each step.

Gain Relevant Experience: Continue building expertise in your current specialty. For example, if you are in a medical-surgical unit, maintain your focus there rather than moving to a different unit with limited experience. The more experience you have, the smoother your transition to U.S. healthcare will be when your priority date becomes current.

Practice Patience and Perseverance: Retrogression is temporary. With persistence and the right support, nurses can manage the waiting period and stay focused on their long-term goals.

Preparing for Life and Work in the U.S. During Retrogression

Although waiting due to retrogression can feel like a setback, it offers an excellent opportunity for nurses to prepare for their transition to the U.S. During this time, international nurses can:

Enhance Skills and Certifications: Additional nursing certifications can increase adaptability in the U.S., so nurses may consider gaining specialized certifications that align with U.S. healthcare needs.

Learn to Drive: Not all states in the U.S have an efficient and reliable public transportation system, so owning one’s own vehicle is often essential. So, we encourage you to learn and practice driving as much as possible.

Improve Language Skills: Strong English proficiency is essential for effective communication in U.S. healthcare settings. Nurses can use this time to refine their language skills for smoother interactions and success in their roles.

Gain Cultural Insights: At Epic International Staffing, we guide nurses through cultural nuances and lifestyle adjustments they’ll face in the U.S. From understanding workplace dynamics to setting up daily life essentials like transportation and wellness plans, we ensure you’re fully prepared for both professional and personal success.

Overcoming Retrogression with Epic International Staffing

Retrogression may present challenges, but with the right preparation and support, it can become a productive phase in your journey to a U.S. nursing career. Epic International Staffing is here to guide you every step of the way, offering tools, training, and encouragement to help you achieve your goal. Stay focused, stay informed, and remember that your dream of working in the U.S. is well within reach.

Don’t let retrogression slow you down—Epic International Staffing is here to help you navigate the process with confidence. Connect with us today and discover how our expert team can support your journey to a rewarding nursing career in the U.S. Let’s take the next step together!