Schedule A for Nurses and the PERM Process

Schedule A for Nurses is a critical program allowing healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, to bypass the traditional PERM labor certification process. Recognizing the shortage of nurses in the U.S., this process expedites the immigration pathway, enabling faster and more efficient entry for qualified nurses. By utilizing Schedule A for Nurses, both the nurse and the employer benefit from shorter processing times and fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

For more information about policy details, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual.

Why Schedule A for Nurses is Necessary

Labor Market Protection: Ensures that hiring foreign nurses does not negatively affect the wages or job opportunities for U.S. workers.
Acknowledgment of Shortage: Schedule A for Nurses speeds up the immigration process due to the critical demand for healthcare professionals in the U.S.

PERM Process Overview

Direct Filing with USCIS: Nurses can file directly with USCIS, bypassing the labor certification step. This significantly reduces processing time by up to 18 months compared to standard PERM.
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): The PWD ensures that foreign nurses receive competitive wages similar to U.S. workers in comparable positions.
Processing Times: While standard PERM processing can take up to 16 months, Schedule A for Nurses allows for immediate application with USCIS, streamlining the timeline for healthcare professionals.

Documents Required

ETA-9089 Form: Used for labor certification and submitted directly to USCIS as part of the I-140 petition for Schedule A occupations.
Prevailing Wage Determination: This must be obtained from the Department of Labor’s National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC).
Job Offer Letter: Provides details of the position, salary, and employment conditions.
Nursing License: Proof of a valid state license or eligibility for licensure is mandatory.

Submission Process

Schedule A: Submit ETA-9089 and supporting documents along with the I-140 petition for Schedule A for Nurses to USCIS.

This process offers a clear advantage to nurses seeking employment in the U.S. by addressing the healthcare worker shortage while ensuring compliance with wage standards.