Schedule A Visa – Green Card for Nurses
The U.S. government allows an expedited process for international workers, specifically in the healthcare field, to apply for in-demand jobs in the United States. These are called Schedule A occupations. With a Schedule A visa, healthcare professionals like registered nurses and physical therapists can obtain an employment-based green card.
Many states in the U.S. have a shortage of nurses, so they’re highly sought-after.
Read our full guide before applying for a Schedule A visa. Warren Law Firm has helped countless nurses obtain an employment green card through Schedule A, and we can help you too! Speak to one of our immigration lawyers who will advocate for your right to work in the United States.
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Angela D. Warren
With more than 20 years of immigration and business immigration experience, Angela Warren has helped hundreds of individuals, families and businesses.
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What is a Schedule A Visa?
When the Department of Labor (DOL) recognizes a labor shortage for specific occupations in the U.S., the Schedule A visa program allows foreign workers and U.S. employers to fill these roles. It provides the following benefits that aren’t included in other employment-based visa programs:
- A more efficient and effortless hiring process for the international beneficiary and U.S. employer.
- Skipping the regular labor certification process. The U.S. employer does not have to get a labor market test from DOL to prove there is a shortage of qualified candidates for the job role.
- Shortened waiting time for beneficiaries to proceed with the green card application process.
Which Jobs are Schedule A Occupations?
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Physical Therapists
Schedule A visas are frequently granted to international registered nurses and physical therapists since employers in the United States have difficulty finding people to fill these job roles. These professionals are critical to a patient’s well-being and significantly contribute to a hospital’s day-to-day operations.
Individuals with Exceptional Abilities
USCIS offers Schedule A visas to individuals with exceptional talent and international accomplishments. These visas are for people with extraordinary abilities whose work stands out from their peers and has received widespread recognition.
Visa Options for Schedule A Occupations
U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) classifies the Schedule A visa under the EB-3 visa (Employment-Based Third Preference) category. If you have an advanced degree and hold a specialized position in nursing, you may also qualify for an EB-2 visa.
If you aren’t eligible for either category, you may apply for an H-1B visa as a temporary skilled worker, which allows you to work in the United States for 6 years.
If you are still unsure about your eligibility for any of these categories, contact an immigration lawyer who can help you complete your visa application.
Immigration Benefits for Nurses in the United States:
- You will be granted 10 years to work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- The ability to file visa petitions for immediate family members (children under 21 years old and spouse) to come to the U.S.
- Eligible individuals can pursue permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements for a Schedule A Visa:
- A bachelor’s or an advanced degree in nursing, depending on what the employer requires.
- 5 years of continuous work experience before filing the application
- An unrestricted nursing license from your home country
- An unregistered nursing license in the state where you intend to work
- A bona fide job offer from a hospital that sponsors green cards for nurses
- Completed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) International certification program
- Proof you passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Requirements for the U.S. employer:
- They notified labor unions or the local workforce with the job notice, which included the job description and the wage for the role.
- They offer full-time permanent employment.
- The position they offer is a Schedule A occupation.
- An uncertified application for a labor certification (Form ETA 9082)
- A prevailing wage determination from the DOL.
- Proof that the beneficiary meets the eligibility requirements.
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How to Apply for a Schedule A Green Card for Nurses
File the Visa Petition
- Obtain a prevailing wage determination from DOL.
- Your U.S. employer should file Form I-140 (Petition for Alien Workers) with USCIS on your behalf.
- Submit an uncertified application for a PERM labor certification.
- If you reside in the United States, you can file for adjustment of status.
Submit Required Documents
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- A bona fide job offer from a U.S. employer
- Credentials Evaluation with CGFNS
- Passing results from the NCLEX-RN examination
- Evidence related to your work experience (specific duties performed from your line of work)
- Work credentials (could be a letter by a former employer/trainer)
- Other additional documentation to support your visa application
Schedule A Visa Interview
When you receive a Notice of Receipt from USCIS, the letter will let you know the schedule of your visa interview. Attend your Schedule A visa interview at your nearest USCIS field office or at your home country’s U.S. embassy or consulate. Bring all the necessary documents you need for your interview.
Attend the Biometrics Appointment
After your interview, you will attend a biometrics appointment. You will undergo a background check and provide fingerprints and signatures in the USCIS office, U.S. consulate, or embassy where you submitted your application.
Wait for the USCIS Decision
After completing your biometrics appointment, wait for USCIS to process your application and issue an approval or denial decision. The processing time for your petition can vary widely, often taking several months to a year, depending on the workload at the U.S. consulate or embassy where you submitted your application.
Receive Your Visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Schedule A visa. It will allow you to enter the United States and start working in nursing in America.
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Schedule A Visa FAQ
What happens if USCIS denies my schedule A visa application?
A denial may be due to simple mistakes, missing documents, or inconsistencies your job offer. Speak to an experienced immigration lawyer and they can help you submit a second petition that meets all the requirements.
How is the Schedule A visa a green card for nurses?
The Schedule A visa is considered a green card for nurses because nurses are able to apply for lawful permanent residence in the U.S. using this program. It is also one of the easier occupations to obtain an employment based green card for.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen in the United States, you can request for adjustment of status by submitting Form I-130 to USCIS. However, those residing in foreign countries will go through a process called consular processing at their home country’s embassy or consulate.
How can I expedite the Schedule A visa processing time?
Even though visa applications for a Schedule A visa are quicker than those for other visas, you should still expect delays. For a faster processing time, USCIS offers individuals premium processing by filing Form I-907 with their Form I-140 application. However, the filing fee is more expensive at $2,805 at the time of writing.
Reach Out to An Immigration Attorney Before Starting Nursing in America
Individuals applying for Schedule A occupations greatly benefit from an immigration lawyer to help them prepare for their visa petition and interview.
Warren Law Firm has assisted multiple clients through employment-based immigration and can assist you in getting a Schedule A visa to become a green card holder in the United States. Contact our office and request a consultation with us today!