USCIS Details PERM Labor Certification Process for Employer-Sponsored Green Cards
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has outlined the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, a mandatory first step for most employment-based green card applications under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. This process, managed by the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), requires employers to demonstrate that there are no sufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available for a position in the intended employment area. Additionally, employers must prove that hiring a foreign national will not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. The PERM process involves several stages, including defining the position, obtaining a prevailing wage determination, conducting recruitment and providing notice, reviewing applicants, and finally filing Form ETA-9089. This certification is a prerequisite before an employer can file an immigrant petition (Form I-140) with USCIS. The entire process, from initiation t...