Schedule A: Streamlined Green Cards for High-Demand Occupations

Schedule A is a designation established by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to expedite the immigration process for employers seeking to hire foreign workers in certain critical, high-demand occupations. This unique program bypasses the traditional labor certification process for jobs where there are proven shortages of qualified U.S. workers. By removing this bureaucratic hurdle, Schedule A allows employers and workers to proceed more quickly to the immigrant petition stage, simplifying the path to obtaining a Green Card.

Schedule A is divided into two main categories, Group I and Group II, each targeting specific industries and exceptional talent.

What is Schedule A?

Typically, the labor certification process requires an employer to prove they have made good-faith efforts to recruit U.S. workers and that no qualified individuals are available to fill the position. However, Schedule A recognizes that for certain occupations, a labor shortage already exists. Therefore, the DOL has pre-certified these roles, allowing employers to skip the labor certification step and file directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Occupations Covered Under Schedule A

Group I: Healthcare Professionals

Group I focuses on two healthcare professions that are consistently in demand across the United States:

1. Registered Nurses: These professionals are critical to patient care and perform tasks such as administering treatments, monitoring health conditions, and providing education on managing chronic illnesses.
2. Physical Therapists: Physical therapists help individuals recover mobility and manage pain following injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. Their expertise improves patients’ overall quality of life.

Group II: Individuals with Exceptional Ability

Group II is tailored to individuals whose talents and accomplishments in their fields are recognized on an international scale. These include:

• Scientists and Researchers: Experts contributing groundbreaking discoveries or advancements in technology, medicine, or the environment.
• Artists and Educators: Individuals in visual arts, performing arts, or academia who bring significant cultural or intellectual contributions to the United States.

This category emphasizes individuals whose abilities far exceed the ordinary and whose work has garnered widespread acclaim.

Expanded Definition of Science and Art

The April 2024 update to the USCIS Policy Manual broadened the definition of “science” and “art” for Schedule A, Group II to align with the DOL’s framework. Now, any field commonly associated with a degree program offered by U.S. colleges and universities may qualify as science or art. This includes emerging disciplines and nontraditional professions, such as:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Experts: Professionals advancing automation, robotics, and data analysis technologies.
• Educators in Specialized Fields: Professors and researchers in areas such as environmental studies, sustainability, or cultural anthropology.
• Business Innovators: Entrepreneurs or executives whose work demonstrates a profound impact on their industry globally.

While this update expands eligibility, all applicants must still meet stringent requirements for Exceptional Ability, including international recognition and documented contributions to their field. Yet, the update broadens the definitions of “science” and “art”, which reflects a progressive approach to U.S. immigration. It recognizes the growing importance of nontraditional fields, such as artificial intelligence and advanced business strategies, in fostering innovation and economic growth. At the same time, the continued emphasis on exceptional ability ensures that only the most accomplished individuals qualify for Schedule A, Group II.

Key Benefits of Schedule A

• No Labor Market Test Required. Unlike most employment-based Green Card categories, Schedule A eliminates the need for employers to demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available. This saves significant time and effort, allowing employers to fast-track their hiring process.
• Streamlined Green Card Application Process. By bypassing the traditional labor certification stage, Schedule A petitions move directly to USCIS for processing. This shortens the timeline for both employers and beneficiaries, helping to address critical workforce shortages more quickly.
• Targeted for High-Demand Professions. Schedule A is specifically designed to address occupations where the U.S. faces a persistent shortage of skilled workers. This includes healthcare roles like nurses and physical therapists, as well as exceptional individuals in the sciences, arts, and performing arts.

What Employers Need to Do to Hire Through Schedule A

Employers hiring under Schedule A must meet specific obligations to ensure compliance:

1. Offer a Full-Time, Permanent Position. The job offered to the foreign worker must be permanent (not temporary or seasonal) and full-time. This ensures that the role aligns with the purpose of Schedule A, which is to fill ongoing labor shortages.
2. Pay Wages at or Above the Prevailing Wage. Before filing, employers must obtain a prevailing wage determination from the DOL’s National Prevailing Wage Center. This ensures the wages offered are consistent with the market rate for similar positions, protecting both U.S. workers and foreign employees from underpayment.
3. Notify Employees or Unions About the Job Opportunity. Employers must provide notice of the job to their current employees. If the workplace is unionized, the union must be notified. Otherwise, the job posting must be displayed in a highly visible location at the place of employment for at least 10 consecutive business days.

Steps to File a Schedule A Petition

Here is how employers can file a petition under Schedule A:

1. Obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD). Employers must obtain a Prevailing Wage Determination from the DOL. This establishes the minimum wage they must offer based on the location and nature of the job.
2. Post the Job Notice. Employers must notify their workforce or union representatives by posting a detailed job notice, including the wage offered and a description of the role. This notice must be posted for at least 10 business days and meet visibility requirements.
3. File Immigrant Petition with USCIS. Submit an Immigrant Petition to USCIS. Along with this petition, include an uncertified PERM application, evidence of compliance with posting requirements, and proof of the foreign national’s qualifications.

Required Evidence for Groups I and II

Group I: Registered Nurses and Physical Therapists

• For nurses, provide documentation of passing the NCLEX-RN exam or holding a valid state nursing license.
• For physical therapists, submit proof of licensure or eligibility to take the state licensing exam.

Healthcare Certification Requirements for Group I Workers

For Group I occupations, healthcare professionals must meet specific certification requirements to qualify under Schedule A. These certifications ensure that beneficiaries have the necessary qualifications and licensure to perform their roles effectively in the United States. Employers must provide evidence that healthcare workers meet these critical standards at the time of filing.

Registered Nurses

• A full, unrestricted license to practice nursing in the state of intended employment.
• Alternatively, proof of passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
• A certificate from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) may also fulfill this requirement.

Physical Therapists

• Evidence of a valid state license to practice physical therapy in the state of intended employment.
• If a state license has not yet been obtained, a signed letter or statement from the state licensing board confirming the beneficiary is qualified to sit for the licensing exam is required.

These certifications are not optional and serve as proof that the healthcare worker meets the professional standards necessary to provide quality care within the U.S. healthcare system.

Group II: Exceptional Ability Professionals

Applicants must provide evidence demonstrating widespread recognition and exceptional ability, such as:

• Documentation of prestigious awards or significant original contributions to their field.
• Membership in exclusive organizations that require exceptional achievements.
• Articles or media coverage highlighting their work and accomplishments.
• Evidence of judging the work of others in their industry or field.

Eligibility for Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Classification

Determining the correct employment-based immigrant visa classification, such as EB-2 or EB-3, is a critical step when applying under Schedule A. The appropriate classification depends on the job requirements and the beneficiary’s qualifications, and it differs between Group I (Registered Nurses and Physical Therapists) and Group II (Exceptional Ability in Sciences or Arts, including Performing Arts).

Visa Classification for Group I: Registered Nurses and Physical Therapists

1. EB-3 Skilled Workers or Professionals

• Skilled Worker Classification: Most nursing and physical therapist positions are classified as EB-3 Skilled Workers because the minimum educational requirement for licensure is generally less than a bachelor’s degree. This includes associate degrees or diploma-based credentials in nursing.
• Professional Classification: If the job requires at least a bachelor’s degree, it may qualify for EB-3 Professionals. For example:
  • Advanced or specialized nursing positions requiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  • Physical therapy positions in states where a bachelor’s degree is the standard for licensure.

2. EB-2 Advanced Degree Professionals

Many physical therapy positions, as defined by O*NET (a DOL resource), require graduate-level education, such as a Master’s in Physical Therapy or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). These roles may qualify for the EB-2 classification if:

• The job duties exceed state licensure requirements.
• The employer requires an advanced degree as the minimum qualification, regardless of whether the state permits licensure at the bachelor’s level.
• For nursing positions requiring advanced degrees (e.g., clinical nurse specialists or nurse anesthetists), EB-2 may also apply.

Grandfathering Provisions: Some states allow physical therapists with only a bachelor’s degree to maintain licensure if they qualified under older licensing standards. These “grandfathered” workers may still qualify for EB-2 if they demonstrate five years of progressive experience following their degree.

Visa Classification for Group II: Individuals with Exceptional Ability

1. EB-2 Advanced Degree Professionals

Positions requiring advanced degrees (e.g., a Master’s or PhD) can qualify for EB-2 classification if the employer can prove the role requires the advanced degree and the beneficiary possesses it or its equivalent.

2. EB-2 Immigrants of Exceptional Ability

Beneficiaries must demonstrate exceptional ability in their field of expertise. Under DOL’s Schedule A, exceptional ability is defined as “widespread acclaim and international recognition accorded by recognized experts in the field”—a standard more rigorous than EB-2’s typical requirements. Evidence may include:

• Prestigious awards.
• Publications or media coverage of their work.
• Membership in exclusive associations requiring outstanding achievement.

3. EB-3 Skilled Workers or Professionals

If the position does not require an advanced degree or exceptional ability, the EB-3 classification may be appropriate. For example, performing artists whose work does not require widespread acclaim but meets professional skill requirements.

Key Considerations for Employers

• Employers must clearly define the minimum requirements for the job on the ETA Form 9089 (permanent labor certification) and demonstrate that the position justifies the requested visa classification.
• State Licensing Requirements: These play a significant role in determining the appropriate classification. For example, physical therapy positions requiring a graduate degree align with EB-2, while those requiring a bachelor’s degree may align with EB-3.
• USCIS adjudicates the immigrant visa petition separately from Schedule A designation, meaning meeting DOL standards does not automatically guarantee approval under the requested visa category.

Why Choose Our Firm?

Navigating the complexities of Schedule A requires expertise and attention to detail. Whether you’re an employer seeking to fill a critical role or an individual pursuing a Green Card, our firm provides tailored support to help you succeed. We assist with:

• Determining eligibility under Group I or Group II.
• Compiling the necessary evidence to meet exceptional ability standards.
• Ensuring compliance with all filing and documentation requirements.

Contact us today to learn how Schedule A can simplify your immigration journey and help you meet your professional or organizational goals.