Your Quick Guide to the PERM Visa Process
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
If your business is looking to hire foreign talent for a permanent position, understanding the PERM visa process is essential. The PERM visa process is the foundation of most employment-based green card cases, and it plays a massive role in keeping employers compliant with federal labor laws.
In this guide, we’ll break down the PERM visa process in a straightforward way, so you know exactly what to expect at every step.
What Is a PERM Visa?
A PERM visa refers to the labor certification process needed before a foreign worker can apply for certain employment-based green cards. PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management, and this process is administered by the US Department of Labor (DOL).
The Purpose of PERM is to confirm two things:
That there are no qualified and available US workers for the position.
That hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the wages or working conditions of US workers.
PERM isn’t a green card itself. It’s the first step toward permanent employment sponsorship.
Why the PERM Visa Process Matters for Employers
The PERM program protects both US workers and employers, as it ensures fair hiring practices while letting businesses fill long-term roles that are difficult to staff domestically.
For employers, PERM offers a lawful path to sponsor reliable workers for permanent positions. When done correctly, it supports workforce stability and allows companies to invest in long-term growth.
Key Steps in the PERM Visa Process
PERM includes several structured steps, each with its own strict rules and deadlines.
Defining Job Requirements
The PERM visa process begins by clearly defining the job at hand. Employers must establish key details such as the minimum education, experience, and skills needed for the role. These requirements must be realistic and consistent with industry standards. Accuracy is necessary, as these job requirements are reviewed closely by DOL.
Prevailing Wage Determination
After defining the job requirements, employers must request a prevailing wage determination from DOL. This wage represents the minimum salary the employer must pay for the position based on location, job duties, and industry norms. Recruitment cannot begin until this prevailing wage is issued.
Recruitment and Advertising
Once the prevailing wage is determined, employers can begin recruiting for the position. This is one of the most important parts of the PERM visa process. Employers must show they made a good-faith effort to recruit US workers before sponsoring a foreign employee.
Typically, recruitment involves:
Posting jobs with the state workforce agency
Required advertisements in newspapers
Additional recruitment steps for professional positions
All recruitment efforts must follow specific timelines and be documented properly for review.
Filing ETA Form 9089
Finally, once no qualified US workers are identified, the employer must file ETA Form 9089 with the Department of Labor. This form summarizes all details of the process, from recruitment efforts to worker qualifications. DOL may then approve or deny the request, or issue an audit request for additional documentation.
How Long Does the PERM Visa Process Take?
Though the PERM process timeline can vary, employers should plan for it to take at least several months. Usually, this process breaks down into:
Several months for prevailing wage determination
8-10 weeks for recruitment
4-6 months for DOL review
Audits or government backlogs can extend this timeline, so early planning is important.
Common Challenges in the PERM Process
The PERM visa process is highly regulated, and even well-prepared employers can encounter challenges along the way. Delays or audits can add significant time and cost to the process, especially when errors require the process to restart entirely.
Legal guidance becomes particularly important in challenging situations such as:
Highly complex or specialized job requirements
Navigating prevailing wage delays or recruitment compliance issues
Responding to DOL audits or document requests
Handling multiple PERM cases at once
In these situations, legal experience can make a world of difference. Proper legal support helps employers avoid costly mistakes and move through the PERM visa process much more efficiently.
How Youngblood & Associates Can Help With PERM
Youngblood & Associates works closely with employers across the nation ot manage every stage of the PERM process. Our team of legal immigration experts helps businesses define compliant job requirements, prepare accurate filings, and respond confidently to audits.
We understand the challenges employers face when sponsoring permanent talent. With our professional guidance, the PERM process can become a much simpler part of your workforce planning.
Final Thoughts: Hire an Expert for PERM
Maintaining accuracy in the PERM visa process is critical for employers wanting to sponsor foreign workers in the US. Though it requires careful planning and strict compliance, it ultimately opens the door to long-term workforce stability.
If you’re considering the PERM visa process, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business every step of the way.
