Schedule A (Physical Therapists and Registered Nurses)

Brief Overview:

Schedule A category comprises a list of occupations for which, according to the DOL (U.S. Department of Labor), there are insufficient number of qualified workers available in the United States to meet present demand. At present, physical therapists and registered nurses are the two occupations clearly listed on the Schedule A jobs.

The major benefit of being on Schedule-A is that the foreign employees can get their permanent residence status (‘green card’) without undergoing the entire labor certification procedures. Therefore the employees get green card quickly. Schedule A occupations also ensure that the employment of foreign workers will not negatively influence the salaries and working atmospheres of United States workers similarly employed.

Requirements for Getting a Schedule A Visa:

To qualify for Schedule A processing, the professional nurses must meet the following criteria:

• They must hold a diploma from a nursing school in their country, a RN (Registered Nurses) license in their country, and a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the state of intended employment.
• They must have a CGFNS (Commission on Graduates in Foreign Nursing Schools) certification, or a NCLEX-RN certification. (See CGFNS Overview)

To qualify for Schedule-A category, the physical therapists must meet the following criteria:

• They must hold a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy or the equivalent degree.
• They must own a certificate to practice in their state of planned employment or have a letter from a state licensing agency proving that these people are eligible for taking the state licensing examination.

Immigration Support Service:

Immspec.com has experienced and qualified staffs that assist you in preparing I-140 form for Schedule A Green Cards.

The Schedule A process is divided into two phases: Each phase has its own set of documents needed from you, required CIS forms to complete, deadlines, rules to follow, etc. For each phase, we will tell you what we need, when we need it, and when you can expect results.

Phase I: The petition. We "petition" the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to prove that you have the qualifications for the job, and your prospective employer has the capability to hire and pay you.

You complete our questionnaire. We complete USCIS forms and review documentation.

Phase II: (Processing out of U.S) The "complete" background check: This is for you (and us) to prove to the consulate that you are who you say you are, that you have no criminal record, etc. This phase is highly variable, and different by country.
                                                                        OR
Phase II: (Processing in the U.S.) The "complete" background check: This involves the procedures of adjusting the foreign employee’s status from non-immigrant to immigrant (See Adjustment of Status). This can take place as a part of the green card processing. The application can be filed concurrently (together) with the Phase I application form if the priority dates are current.

If you would like assistance preparing your green card under Schedule-A, please contact us.