EB-2 Green Card for Physical Therapists Through Schedule A
Physical therapists and certain other healthcare professionals may qualify for U.S. permanent residency through a special fast-track process known as “Schedule A.” This pathway allows qualified individuals to file an immigrant visa petition directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), bypassing the lengthy PERM labor certification process under the Program Electronic Review Management System.
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Schedule A Requirements for Physical Therapists
Under federal regulations (20 CFR 656.10), all physical therapists applying under Schedule A must:
- Be employed as a physical therapist in the U.S.
- Possess the qualifications necessary to take the physical therapist licensing exam in the state where they intend to practice.
EB-2 Overview for Physical Therapists
To understand the EB-2 category, it helps to review its general requirements. The EB-2 visa is an employment-based green card available to:
- Individuals with advanced degrees
- Professionals who can prove exceptional ability in their field
- Applicants who qualify for a National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Advanced Degree Requirement
Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree or higher. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with five years of progressive work experience in the field may qualify. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can determine whether your work experience is sufficient to substitute for an advanced degree.
(Learn more about EB-2 green card costs with guidance from Green Card Link.)
Exceptional Ability Criteria
Demonstrating exceptional ability requires providing at least three forms of evidence, such as:
- Proof of a specialized degree or certification
- Letters confirming at least 10 years of relevant work experience
- Any required state or federal licenses to practice
- Evidence of a high salary reflecting expertise
- Membership in a recognized professional organization
- Documented recognition from respected peers or professional bodies
An immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help identify whether additional evidence may strengthen your case.
National Interest Waiver (NIW)
For some physical therapists, the NIW is the most strategic path. With an NIW, you can bypass both the job offer requirement and the PERM process. To qualify, you must prove that:
- Your work provides substantial merit and national benefit
- You are in a strong position to advance the work (education, credentials, experience)
- Waiving the job offer and PERM rules benefits the U.S. more than enforcing them
This option is particularly attractive if you wish to open your own practice in the U.S. rather than rely on an employer to file on your behalf.
EB-2 for Physical Therapists Under Schedule A
Because physical therapy is recognized as a national shortage occupation, the U.S. Department of Labor allows physical therapists to file directly for a green card. To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer
- Speak adequate English
- Meet licensing and credentialing requirements
Unlike some other shortage occupations, physical therapists are not restricted to specific regions—they may accept employment at any approved facility in the U.S.
Steps for Obtaining an EB-2 Green Card as a Physical Therapist
1. Schedule A Labor Certification (Blanket Certification)
Employers skip the traditional recruitment process and instead submit the labor certification application (Form ETA-9089) directly to USCIS with the I-140 petition.
Key steps include:
- Obtaining a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) by submitting Form ETA-9141
- Posting a Notice of Filing for at least 10 consecutive business days at the worksite
- Preparing Form ETA-9089 (signed by both employer and beneficiary) and submitting it with Form I-140
2. Filing the I-140 Petition
The employer must then file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with supporting documentation. USCIS processing averages about 7.6 months, though premium processing (15 business days) is available for an additional fee of $2,805.
Required documents include:
- ETA-9089 form
- Prevailing Wage Determination
- I-140 filing fee
- Employer’s financial evidence (tax returns, annual reports, or CFO letter)
- Copy of posted Notice of Filing
- State license to practice
3. Priority Date and Visa Bulletin
Your priority date is the date USCIS receives the I-140. You can only proceed once your priority date is listed as current in the monthly Visa Bulletin.
4. Adjustment of Status (U.S.) or Consular Processing (Abroad)
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): If you are in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa, you may adjust your status to permanent residency.
- Consular Processing: If you are abroad, your case will go to the National Visa Center, and you will attend a U.S. consular interview before receiving your visa.
At the interview, you must present:
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter/employment contract
- Medical exams
- Police clearance
- Birth/marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
- Employer’s financial documentation
- Government filing fees
If approved, you will be issued an immigrant visa valid for six months. Upon entry, you will present your sealed USCIS package to a U.S. immigration officer. Once admitted, you may begin working as a Schedule A physical therapist with permanent resident status.
Take the First Step Toward Your EB-2 Green Card
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience helping physical therapists secure permanent residency through the Schedule A process. Whether you are applying from within the United States or abroad, an immigration attorney at Green Card Link can guide you through every stage of the EB-2 application with precision and care.
📞 Schedule a consultation today and let our team help you navigate your path to U.S. permanent residency as a licensed physical therapist.
Schedule A Green Card for Physical Therapists: Eligibility and Application Guide
Eligibility Requirements for Physical Therapists under Schedule A
To qualify for a Schedule A green card as a physical therapist, you must meet specific education and licensing standards:
- Educational Requirements: You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in physical therapy. Some states or employers may require a master’s degree or higher, depending on the specific position.
- State Licensing: You must possess a valid and permanent license to practice in the U.S. state where you intend to work.
- Licensing Examination Eligibility: Alternatively, you may provide an official statement or letter from a recognized licensing authority confirming that you meet the requirements to sit for the state’s physical therapy licensing examination.
VisaScreen® Certification for Physical Therapists
Another essential requirement for foreign-trained physical therapists is the VisaScreen® certificate. This applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders seeking to work in the United States. The VisaScreen® ensures that your education, training, work experience, and English proficiency are equivalent to U.S. standards for practicing physical therapists.
The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) is responsible for issuing the VisaScreen® certificate. The screening process includes:
- Educational Record Evaluation: Your transcripts and educational credentials are reviewed and compared to U.S. standards for entry-level physical therapy education.
- License Verification: Confirmation that all of your professional healthcare licenses are valid and without restrictions.
- English Proficiency: Passing a recognized English test, such as the TOEFL exam.
Important Note: You are not required to provide the VisaScreen® certificate at the beginning of your Schedule A green card process. It must be submitted either during your embassy or consulate visa interview (if applying abroad) or with your Adjustment of Status application (if applying within the U.S.).
Other Work Visa Options for Physical Therapists
H-1B Visa
Physical therapists are generally eligible for the H-1B visa, which is reserved for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. In the past, applicants without a master’s degree faced denials, but today a bachelor’s degree and state licensure typically satisfy H-1B requirements.
If you are applying from abroad, you will need to submit your credentials to a U.S. state therapy board to obtain a permit or temporary license. Once in the U.S., you will take the state licensing exam and renew your H-1B visa thereafter.
TN Visa (For Canadian and Mexican Citizens)
The TN visa, available under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), allows physical therapists from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions. To qualify, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s or Licenciatura degree in physical therapy (or a state/provincial license).
- A valid job offer from a U.S. employer.
- Proof of nonimmigrant intent (demonstrating the intention to return home after employment).
Who Qualifies for Schedule A?
The Schedule A designation applies to:
- Registered nurses with a U.S. hospital or medical center job offer.
- Physical therapists who meet the eligibility criteria.
- Foreign nationals working in occupations officially designated as shortage occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a Schedule A physical therapist downgrade from EB-2 to EB-3?
Yes. If you already have an approved I-140 in the EB-2 category, you may downgrade to EB-3. Generally, EB-2 qualifications also satisfy EB-3 requirements.
What is the advantage of Schedule A?
The major benefit is that Schedule A applicants do not need to undergo the labor certification process, which saves significant time compared to other employment-based green card categories.
How is a physical therapist defined for Schedule A purposes?
A physical therapist is a licensed professional trained to help patients manage disabilities, pain, or physical limitations through treatments such as exercise, massage, and therapeutic techniques.
What is the VisaScreen® Certificate?
The VisaScreen® verifies that you have received appropriate education and training and that you meet English communication standards comparable to U.S.-trained physical therapists.
What is the EB-2 I-140 filing fee?
The fee is $715, paid by the sponsoring employer.
What documents are required for a physical therapist I-140 petition?
- Bachelor’s degree or higher with transcripts
- State license to practice (or eligibility letter from the licensing board)
- VisaScreen® certificate (if applying from outside the U.S.)
What is the I-140 processing time?
On average, it takes about 7.6 months. Premium processing is available for faster adjudication.
What are the supporting documents for I-140 Schedule A filings?
- Form I-140
- ETA Form 9089
- Prevailing Wage Determination
- Notice of Filing
- Educational qualification evidence
- Employer’s financial documentation (such as tax returns or payroll records)
What is the fee for Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)?
The filing fee is $1,440.
How Immigration Attorneys at Green Card Link Can Help
Applying for a Schedule A green card, an EB-2 visa, or any employment-based immigrant petition can be complex. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide the expertise necessary to ensure all filings, supporting evidence, and fees are handled accurately.
The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link guide physical therapists through the entire EB-2 or Schedule A process—from gathering documentation and filing the petition to responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs). Their experience and attention to detail help clients avoid delays and maximize their chances of approval.
If you are ready to begin your Schedule A green card journey, schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link today.