1. What is Schedule A Group I Designation?
Under U.S. immigration regulations (20 CFR 656.5), the Department of Labor has designated Registered Nurses (RNs) and Physical Therapists under Schedule A, Group I. This designation certifies that there are not sufficient able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers to fill these critical medical positions.
The primary advantage of Schedule A is that the sponsoring hospital or healthcare system bypasses the lengthy PERM Labor Certification process, which currently takes 18 to 24 months for standard employment-based visas. Sponsoring employers file the Form I-140 Immigrant Petition directly with USCIS.
2. The Step-by-Step Pathway: NCLEX to Green Card
- Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination: Register with a U.S. State Board of Nursing (such as Illinois, New York, or Texas) to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
- Obtain VisaScreen Certification: Complete the VisaScreen assessment through CGFNS International, verifying your education, English proficiency (IELTS/OET/TOEFL), and unencumbered nursing license.
- Secure Sponsoring U.S. Healthcare Employer: Receive a formal offer of employment meeting Department of Labor Prevailing Wage Determinations.
- File Form I-140 Immigrant Petition: Sponsoring hospital files with USCIS under EB-3 category with certified ETA Form 9089 attached directly.
- Consular Processing & Immigrant Visa Issuance: Attend your U.S. Embassy interview to receive your permanent resident immigrant visa stamp for yourself and eligible family members.
3. VisaScreen Certificate & CGFNS Credentialing
Before an immigrant visa or Green Card can be issued, Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act requires all foreign healthcare professionals to possess a valid VisaScreen Certificate.
📋 English Proficiency Minimums
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in Speaking.
- OET (Occupational English Test): Minimum grade of B in all 4 sub-tests.
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 83 with at least 26 in Speaking.
4. Prevailing Wage Standards & Compensation
Federal law prohibits sponsoring employers from paying international nurses less than the locally determined Prevailing Wage. Depending on the U.S. metropolitan area and specialty (ICU, ER, Telemetry, Med-Surg), annual salaries range from $72,000 to over $115,000 plus relocation assistance, shift differentials, and comprehensive health insurance.