Terms & Definitions

The Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) process allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent, full-time employment based on specific skills, education, and experience. The process involves a recruitment period, certification by the Department of Labor (DOL), and filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The employee must maintain valid non-immigrant status until the final stage, which typically takes 18 to 24 months. Once completed, the sponsored worker and their eligible family members may apply for lawful permanent residence (a “green card”).

Employment-Based Visa Preferences:

• EB-1: Individuals of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives or managers.
• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field.
• EB-3: Skilled workers (requiring at least two years of experience), professionals (holding a bachelor’s degree), and other workers (requiring less than two years of training).
• EB-4: Special immigrants, including religious workers, U.S. foreign service employees, and certain other designated groups.
• EB-5: Business investors who invest at least $800,000 in a targeted area or $1,050,000 in a new enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

Coleman Immigration handles EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 matters. For assistance with the PERM process or other immigration matters, please contact our office.

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