x
d y p r o c s
Faq’s
Enquiries
+92 332 271 2158
Faq’s
Enquiries
+92 332 271 2158

PERM Labor Certification

A Permanent Labor Certification, granted by the Department of Labor (DOL), authorizes an employer to hire a foreign worker for a permanent position in the United States. Prior to filing an immigration petition (Form I-140) with USCIS, the employer must obtain an approved Labor Certification Request from the DOL's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) through the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process. This step is crucial for most employment-based green card applications, particularly under the EB-2 and EB-3 preference categories.

The Labor Certification from the DOL confirms to USCIS that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job at the prevailing wage in the job’s location. Additionally, it ensures that hiring the foreign worker will not negatively impact the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers in similar roles.

To initiate a PERM Labor Certification, the following conditions must be met:

  • For applications filed on or after March 28, 2005, adherence to the PERM process is mandatory.
  • The employer is required to employ the foreign worker in a full-time capacity.
  • The job opening must be available to U.S. workers.
  • Job requirements must conform to the standard practices for the occupation in the U.S., and should not be tailored to the foreign worker's qualifications unless justified by business necessity.
  • The employer must offer at least the prevailing wage for the position in the area of employment.

Family Preference Immigrant Visa Categories are limited and consist of:

  • Family First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their minor children (23,400 visas per year)
  • Family Second Preference (F2): Spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters (age 21 and over) of LPRs (114,200 visas per year)
  • Family Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and children (23,400 visas per year)
  • Family Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children, provided the U.S. citizens are at least 21 years old (65,000 visas per year)

Family members of U.S. citizens or LPRs who are in the U.S. legally or cannot adjust their status directly may apply for permanent residence through consular processing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.


The process begins with the sponsor submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to USCIS to verify the familial relationship. A separate petition must be filed for each eligible relative. The sponsor needs to provide proof of the relationship and their status as a U.S. citizen or LPR. Additionally, sponsors must demonstrate their financial ability to support their relatives by completing Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. If the sponsor does not meet the financial requirements, other individuals may be required to provide financial assistance.