U.S. companies sponsoring its employees for employment-based green cards have to undergo a rigorous process known as PERM. This includes specific procedures of advertising and recruiting for available U.S. workers to fill the position. If the employer finds an available U.S. worker who qualifies for the position, then the green card application is suspended.
The Department of Labor makes an exception for Physical Therapists and Registered Nurses under Schedule A. This means that employers sponsoring physical therapists do not need to undergo the PERM recruiting process. Instead, so long as the employer is able to pay the prevailing wage, the green card petition should be approved.