Employment-based immigrationSchedule A, Group I: Who is eligible and how to expedite the process without PERM

Registered Nurses (RN)

The position must qualify as a professional nurse. Evidence typically includes a CGFNS Certificate or state licensure/NCLEX, as applicable.

Physical Therapists (PT)

Requires an active state license or an official statement of eligibility/admission to licensure per the state regulator.

Role and duties

• Title and functions clearly align with RN or PT.
• Detailed duty statement and minimum requirements are documented.

Wage level and PWD

• Offered pay meets or exceeds prevailing wage for location/level.
• NPWC determination retained in the file.

Notice of Filing (NOF)

• NOF posted for 10 business days.
• Photos/screenshots and internal posting copies preserved.

Beneficiary’s credentials

• Degrees, transcripts, resume, employment letters collected.
• RN: CGFNS/NCLEX/state license. PT: state license/eligibility letter.

Petition filings

• I-140 with attached ETA-9089 (Schedule A).
• Premium Processing if appropriate.
• I-485/EAD/AP if priority date is current.

Compliance and timelines

• Monitor Visa Bulletin and beneficiary status.
• Maintain a complete evidence file for audits/review.

Registered Nurses (RN)

• Degrees and transcripts; credential evaluation if needed.
• CGFNS Certificate or state license/NCLEX proof.
• Health Care Worker Certificate (e.g., VisaScreen).
• Resume and letters confirming duties and experience.

Physical Therapists (PT)

• Degrees and transcripts; evaluation if required.
• Active state license or eligibility/approval to sit for licensure.
• Health Care Worker Certificate, where applicable.
• Resume and employer letters verifying experience.

Employer evidence

• Signed ETA-9089 (Schedule A) and I-140.
• Job offer confirming permanent, full-time employment.
• Prevailing wage support and internal payroll/wage documents.
• Financials as needed to show ability to pay.

NOF and procedure evidence

• Photos/screenshots of NOF posted for 10 business days.
• Copies of internal postings or notifications, if used.
• Timeline of NOF, PWD, I-140, and any I-485 filings.
• I-693 medical exam for I-485, when applicable.

Can other healthcare roles (e.g., radiology techs, lab techs) use this path?

No. Group I includes only RN and PT. Other roles generally proceed via standard PERM or potentially NIW where justified.

Is PERM-style recruitment still required?

No. Only the worksite NOF for 10 business days is required, within the proper filing window. PERM advertisements/job orders are not needed.

Will Premium Processing speed up green card issuance?

Premium accelerates the I-140 decision only and does not change visa number availability. It can help coordinate with I-485/EAD/AP when dates are current.

Is a Health Care Worker Certificate required?

For RN/PT and several HCW categories, the certificate is required at the visa/entry stage. It verifies education, English, and licensure.

Can the beneficiary file I-485 with I-140?

Yes, if the priority date is current for the category and country of chargeability. EAD/AP for the family can be filed concurrently.

Practical differences from standard PERM?

No PERM recruitment or DOL certification wait; the employer files directly with USCIS based on a pre-designated shortage for RN/PT.

Incorrect role alignment

The job must be RN or PT. Other clinical roles are not eligible for Group I.

NOF defects

Post for 10 business days, retain evidence, and observe the filing window.

Wage below PWD

Document the NPWC determination and ensure offered pay meets or exceeds it.

Missing HCW certificate

For RN/PT and certain HCW roles, the certificate is mandatory at the visa stage.

Weak education/experience evidence

Collect diplomas, transcripts, employer letters, and evaluations where needed.

Incorrect job offer status

The offer must be permanent, full-time; reflect this clearly in filings.

Schedule A (Group I)

• Professions limited to RN and PT.
• No PERM recruitment; worksite NOF (10 business days) required.
• ETA-9089 is filed directly with USCIS together with I-140.
• Premium Processing available for I-140 decisions.

Standard PERM

• Broad range of occupations.
• Recruitment required (ads, job order, etc.).
• ETA-9089 must be certified by DOL before USCIS filing.
• Timelines depend on PWD and DOL processing queues.

Verify role eligibility

If the position is not RN/PT, proceed with standard PERM.

Confirm licensing requirements

RN: CGFNS/NCLEX/state license. PT: license or eligibility. Include HCW certificate requirements.

Plan a realistic timeline

Account for NOF (10 business days), PWD, I-140 (including Premium), and Visa Bulletin movement.

Explore PERM for other roles

Full guide: PERM made easy.