Schedule A Green Card

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. What is a Green Card?

The Green Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card Form I-551, is the permanent work and residence permit for foreign nationals who reside legally in the U.S.

2. Who may apply for Schedule A - Green Card for Nurses and Physical Therapists?

Schedule A – Green Card is suitable for:

  1. Registered nurses with a job offer from a U.S. hospital or medical center
  2. Physical therapists with a job offer from a U.S. employer
  3. Foreign nationals qualified to work in one of the shortage occupations designated by the Department of Labor on the Schedule A list
  4. U.S. companies to sponsor the Green Card application for foreign nationals on one of the shortage occupations designated by the Department of Labor on the Schedule A list
OR
Check My Eligibility

3. What are shortage occupations designated by the Department of Labor on the Schedule A list?

The Director, United States Employment Service, has determined that there are not sufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available for the occupations listed on Schedule A and that the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed will not be adversely affected by the employment of aliens in Schedule A occupations.

4. What is the definition of Physical Therapist for Schedule A – Green Card?

Physical Therapist means a person who applies the art and science of physical therapy to the treatment of patients with disabilities, disorders and injuries to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain performance, using physical means, such as exercise, massage, heat, water, light, and electricity, as prescribed by a physician (or surgeon).

5. What is the definition of Professional Nurse for Schedule A – Green Card?

Professional nurses are defined to include the following:

  1. Persons who apply the art and science of nursing, which reflects comprehension of principles derived from the physical, biological and behavioral sciences
  2. Professional nursing generally includes the making of clinical judgments concerning the observation, care and counsel of person requiring nursing care and administering of medicines and treatments prescribed by the physician or dentist, the participation in activities for the promotion of health and the prevention of illness in others
  3. A program of study for professional nurses generally includes theory and practice in clinical areas such as obstetrics, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry and medicine. This definition includes only those occupations within Occupational Group No. 075 of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th Ed.). Occupational Group No. 075 covers registered nurses
  4. Additionally, you must also have passed the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Examination or hold a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the state of intended employment

6. What is the definition of foreign national of exceptional ability for Schedule A – Green Card?

Foreign nationals (except for foreign nationals in the performing arts) of exceptional ability in the sciences or arts including college and university teachers of exceptional ability who have been practicing their science or art during the year prior to application and who intend to practice the same science or art in the U.S. For purposes of this group, the term ‘science or art’ means any field of knowledge and/or skill with respect to which colleges and universities commonly offer specialized courses leading to a degree in the knowledge and/or skill. The foreign national, however, need not have studied at a college or university in order to qualify for Schedule A occupation.

7. Who is eligible to apply as Registered Nurse for Schedule A – Green Card?

You must be designated as any of the following to be eligible as a Registered Nurse for Schedule A Green Card:

  1. Consultant, Educational, State Board of Nursing
  2. Director, Community-Health Nursing
  3. Director, Educational, Community-Health Nursing
  4. Director, Nursing Service
  5. Director, Occupational Health Nursing
  6. Director, School of Nursing
  7. Executive Director, Nurses’ Association
  8. Nurse, School
  9. Nurse, Staff, Community Health
  10. Nurse, Instructor
  11. Nurse, Consultant
  12. Nurse, Supervisor, Community-Health
  13. Nurse, Supervisor, Evening-Or-Night
  14. Nurse, Infection Control
  15. Nurse, Supervisor, Occupational Health Nursing
  16. Nurse, Head
  17. Nurse, Supervisor
  18. Nurse Practitioner
  19. Nurse-Midwife
  20. Nurse, General Duty
  21. Nurse, Anesthetist
  22. Nurse, Office
  23. Nurse, Private Duty
  24. Nurse, Staff, Occupational Health Nursing
  25. Nurse, Instructor, Psychiatric Aide

Additionally, you must also have passed the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Examination or hold a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the state of intended employment.