Hundreds of Filipino nurses prepare for new careers in America

A total of 868 Filipino nurses preparing to work in the United States participated in a series of special pre-departure seminars organized by the Migrant Workers Office of the Philippine Embassy in 2026.

The Migrant Workers Office concluded its Special Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (SPDOS) series on September 15, with 187 Filipino nurses bound for U.S. healthcare jobs joining the final virtual session of the year.

The March 17 seminar drew 418 participants, while 263 nurses attended the June 27 session.

The seminars were designed to help Filipino nurses prepare for employment and daily life in the United States, including workplace expectations, social and professional adjustment, labor rights and immigration laws.

The first and third sessions were held in partnership with the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) and the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA).

Labor Attaché Saul De Vries discussed the role of the Department of Migrant Workers and the accreditation process for U.S. employers and staffing agencies hiring Filipino nurses.

The process is intended to help protect workers from unethical recruitment practices.

PNAA representatives Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, Virginia Alinsao and Melissa Cunanan also discussed expectations in the U.S. healthcare system and offered guidance on adapting to professional and social life in the country.

Meanwhile, attorneys Jeri Gonzales Abrams and Stephanie Wong of NFALA explained labor rights, employment contracts and legal remedies available to Filipino healthcare professionals working in the United States.

The program aims to help Filipino nurses enter the U.S. workforce with a better understanding of their rights, responsibilities and the resources available to support them.