Schedule A (Pre-Certified Occupations)
Schedule A is a Department of Labor list of occupations where DOL has already decided there are not enough US workers. Employers hiring for these jobs skip the full PERM recruitment process and file the labor certification directly with USCIS as part of the I-140 petition.
Who qualifies
- Group I: professional nurses and physical therapists who meet licensing or exam requirements.
- Group II: people of exceptional ability in the sciences or arts (including some university teachers), and in the performing arts.
The employer still gets a prevailing wage determination and posts a notice of filing, then submits an uncertified Form ETA-9089 with the I-140.
Schedule A speeds up the paperwork but does not skip the green card line; you still need a current priority date. DOL has considered changes to the list, so check its current rules. See hiring healthcare workers from abroad and EB-3.
Frequently asked questions
Are nurses on Schedule A?
Yes. Registered professional nurses are in Group I if they meet the licensing or exam rules.
Does Schedule A mean a faster green card?
It skips PERM recruitment, but visa bulletin waits still apply.
Is Schedule A only for EB-3?
No. It can support EB-2 or EB-3 petitions depending on the job and qualifications.
Official sources
- DOL: Permanent labor certificationdol.gov
- eCFR: 20 CFR Part 656ecfr.gov
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.