PERM Labor Certification Lawyer — EB-2, EB-2 NIW and EB-3 Green Cards Explained

Most employment-based green cards start with PERM labor certification. A PERM labor certification lawyer guides employers through recruitment, wage rules and filing, so the green card process starts on solid ground.

Not everyone needs PERM. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver lets qualifying professionals skip it and even self-petition. Meanwhile, EB-3 offers routes for skilled workers and professionals. Therefore, choosing the right category saves time and money.

This guide explains PERM, EB-2, the National Interest Waiver and EB-3, with practical tips for each.

How PERM labor certification works

PERM tests the U.S. labor market. The employer must show there are no able, willing, qualified and available U.S. workers for the role at the prevailing wage.

First, the employer obtains a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor. Next, it completes recruitment, including job advertisements. Then it files the labor certification application electronically. If approved, the employer files Form I-140.

Common pitfalls

Mistakes are costly, because errors usually cannot be fixed after filing. For example, job requirements that seem tailored to one person can cause denial. Additionally, recruitment records must be kept for audits. Our PERM labor certification packet is a fixed $2,000.

EB-2 and the National Interest Waiver

EB-2 covers professionals with advanced degrees, or a bachelor's plus five years of progressive experience, and people of exceptional ability. It usually requires PERM. However, the National Interest Waiver removes that requirement.

Under Matter of Dhanasar, the applicant must show three things. First, the proposed work has substantial merit and national importance. Second, they are well positioned to advance it. Third, on balance, waiving the job offer and labor certification benefits the United States.

As a result, researchers, entrepreneurs and specialists often qualify. Moreover, NIW applicants can self-petition. An EB-2 NIW consultation assesses your profile.

EB-3 professionals and skilled workers

EB-3 covers professionals with bachelor's degrees, skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience, and other workers. It generally requires PERM.

Wait times depend on the visa bulletin and your country of birth. Sometimes EB-3 moves faster than EB-2 for certain countries. Consequently, some applicants file in both. An EB-3 consultation compares the timelines.

Final steps: adjustment or consular processing

Once the I-140 is approved and the priority date is current, the final stage begins. Applicants in the U.S. may file for adjustment of status. Others complete consular processing abroad.

RFEs can arise at any stage. Our RFE response service addresses them promptly. For temporary work visas while you wait, see our guide to H-1B sponsorship.

Our Employment Green Cards services in the USA

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Employment Green Cards services near you — every state we cover

Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.

Employment Green Cards help in California

We prepare employment green cards documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Los Angeles, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in San Diego, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in San Francisco. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in California.

Employment Green Cards help in Texas

We prepare employment green cards documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Houston, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Dallas, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in San Antonio, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Austin. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Texas.

Employment Green Cards help in Florida

We prepare employment green cards documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Miami, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Orlando, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Tampa. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Florida.

Employment Green Cards help in New York

We prepare employment green cards documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in New York City, PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Brooklyn. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in New York.

Employment Green Cards help in Illinois

We prepare employment green cards documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Chicago. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Illinois.

Employment Green Cards help in Georgia

We prepare employment green cards documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Atlanta. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Georgia.

Employment Green Cards help in Arizona

We prepare employment green cards documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Phoenix. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Arizona.

Employment Green Cards help in Pennsylvania

We prepare employment green cards documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Philadelphia. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Pennsylvania.

Employment Green Cards help in Washington

We prepare employment green cards documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Seattle. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Washington.

Employment Green Cards help in Colorado

We prepare employment green cards documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Denver. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Colorado.

Employment Green Cards help in Massachusetts

We prepare employment green cards documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Boston. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Massachusetts.

Employment Green Cards help in Nevada

We prepare employment green cards documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Las Vegas. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in Nevada.

Employment Green Cards help in New Jersey

We prepare employment green cards documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Newark. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in New Jersey.

Employment Green Cards help in North Carolina

We prepare employment green cards documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in Charlotte. Similarly, see EB-2 NIW consultation in North Carolina.

We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.

PERM Labor Certification (ETA-9089) in every state

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

Frequently asked questions

Contact American Counsel

Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.