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:
- Registered nurses with a job offer from a U.S. hospital or medical center
- Physical therapists with a job offer from a U.S. employer
- Foreign nationals qualified to work in one of the shortage occupations designated by the Department of Labor on the Schedule A list
- 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
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:
- Persons who apply the art and science of nursing, which reflects comprehension of principles derived from the physical, biological and behavioral sciences
- 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
- 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
- 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