The process of labor certification can be quite time-consuming and expensive. The Department of Labor does, however, make some alternatives available in specific cases to ease the trouble for applicants as well as themselves. The Labor Department selects certain jobs that constantly need workers and allows the employer to skip the labor certification process. You can find a list of these 'shortage occupations' in the Labor Department's Schedule A, which is divided into two groups: Group I (one) and Group II (two). The first group consists of jobs that require certification through special training or education, such as registered nurses or physical therapists. Group II lists occupations that require an exceptional ability in the sciences or arts. This group includes teachers of universities or colleges, but not positions in the performing arts. To qualify as 'exceptional,' and be exempt from labor certification, you must be the best, unique, and specially qualified in one of the designated categories. There are three employment-based groups which are exempt: priority workers; special immigrants, usually religious workers or ministers; and investors.
