united states immigration assistance, llc
Labor CErtification (PERM):
Complete Guide, Steps, Requirements & Times
Learn the Labor Certification (PERM) process step by step: ETA-9141, recruitment, and ETA-9089. Requirements, estimated times, audits, and common mistakes.
Enrique Benites and the United States Immigration Assistance team at your service.
Address: 1650 Sand Lake Road, Suite 113, Orlando, FL. 32809
Toll Free: 1-833-USIA-NOW
email: [email protected]
Certificación Laboral (PERM):
INTRO
In our office, we informally use the metaphor of a "Labor Marriage Certificate" to explain the labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL). We refer to it as a document that formalizes the work-relationship between the employer and the foreign worker for a specific position.With this “certificate”, the employer can move on to the next stage and petition for the foreign worker, similarly —only metaphorically— to how a citizen or resident files a petition for a foreign family member (non-citizen).If the process is completed and approved, the foreign worker can obtain permanent residency and work with the employer permanently and full-time, without employment restrictions, similar to a U.S. citizen.In this guide you will find a clear explanation of the PERM process step by step , what information is normally documented, how long it may take and how to avoid common mistakes.
Updated: 23 de enero de 2026
What does PERM mean?
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is the system the Department of Labor (DOL) uses to digitally review Labor Certification. applications.
In practical terms, PERM evaluates the job opportunity—the position offered, its minimum requirements, the wage, the work location, and the recruitment efforts completed.
The goal is that, once the application is certified, the employer can move forward in the process to hire a foreign worker so the worker may work permanently in the United States.
What is the purpose of Labor Certification (PERM)?
"A permanent labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the United States." (U.S. Department of Labor)
Labor Certification is, in monst cases, the first step toward obtaining permanent residency through employment. This process allows an employer to sponsor a foreign worker so they can work permanently in the United States.
Labor Certification (PERM) is a process of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) whose purpose is to confirm that there are not enough American workers who are willing, qualified, and available for that position in the area where the work will be performed, and that hiring the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages or working conditions of local workers.
In practical terms, its function is to confirm that the employer:
Defined a real position with clear and consistent minimum requirements.
Offered a salary and working conditions equal to or better than those of local workers in similar positions.
Made recruitment efforts in accordance with the rules and maintained evidence of the process, and
Could not find local workers who met the profile and were available to accept the job opportunity.
Certificacion laboral (PERM)
SUMMARY OF THE PERM PROCESS in 3 steps
Paso 1:
Determination of Prevailing Wage (PWD / ETA-9141)
Form ETA-9141 is used to request the Department of Labor (DOL) to determine the prevailing wage for a specific job and location. This wage serves as an official benchmark to ensure that the employer offers fair and competitive pay—that is, equal to or higher than the local market standard for similar occupations.
Paso 2:
Recruitment Process (Recruitment)
Posting job advertisements is a fundamental requirement in the process of sponsoring a foreign worker and obtaining Labor Certification in the United States.This step allows the employer to demonstrate to the government that the recruitment process met (or exceeded) regulations and that, even so, no local worker was found willing, qualified, and available to fill the advertised position.
Paso 3:
PERM Presentation (ETA-9089)
Form ETA-9089 is submitted with the final job information, salary, minimum requirements, and recruitment summary. The DOL decides whether to certify, audit, or request additional information.
How long does PERM take?(Estimated times)
The process includes specific deadlines established by regulations that must be met.
For example,
one specific deadline is that an advertisement (published by the state employment agency) must remain posted for 30 days or more.
Another specific deadline is that after recruitment is complete, a waiting period of 30 days or more is required to allow local workers who meet the profile to apply.
The process also includes some timeframes that vary depending on the volume of the Department of Labor (DOL), the complexity of the position, and whether the case is audited.
In practice, the total time depends on:
Wage determination response (ETA-9141).
Mandatory recruitment windows and periods.
Revision of ETA-9089.
Audits or evidence requirements
In addition to these timelines, we must also consider the time the employer and our team need to request, receive, review, and confirm the required information and documents. Our mission is to streamline the process for the employer by providing clear instructions and working diligently to complete the application as quickly as possible.
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Approximate Time
Determination of Prevailing Wage (PWD / ETA-9141)
At our United States Immigration Assistance office, the Prevailing Wage Determination (ETA-9141) process is currently taking approximately 4 months on average (this may vary).
Updated: January 23, 2026
TApproximate Time
Analyst revision by the department of labor (eta-9089)
At our United States Immigration Assistance office, ETA applications are currently taking approximately 16 months on average to process (this may vary depending on the case and the volume of cases handled by the Department of Labor).n
Updated: January 23, 2026
Approximate Time
audits o supervised recruitment(ETA-9089)
The Department of Labor (DOL) published (January 22, 2026) processing times for audits that add approximately three months , and reconsiderations can add another four months (this may vary).However, our office received its last audit several months ago , so we do not currently have an updated internal average for audits or reconsiderations.
Updated: January 23, 2026
Recruitment (PERM):
evidence regularly maintained
It’s common for the Department of Labor to request copies and supporting evidence of the steps completed. For that reason, it’s important to keep the case documentation detailed and well organized.
Consistency and attention to detail, such as dates and addresses, are crucial in this process. Maintaining the same information across job postings , salary , job requirements , and application forms is key to avoiding delays.
Copy of the Prevailing Wage Determination (ETA-9141),
with the correct addresses, the characteristics of the position, and the official determination issued by the Department of Labor.
Copies of ads and publicationsfrom third parties,
with the correct dates and including the information required by the government.
Copy of internal announcements, e.g., notice of job,
with the correct details, in the format indicated by the government, during the period established by the government, and with details of the place or places where it was published.
Final Report of recruitment,
including application dates, interview dates, and reasons for rejection that are consistent and directly related to the position.
PERM Recruitment:
Common mistakes that delay or complicate (PERM)
Changes in minimum job requirements after starting the process.
Inconsistencies between PWD, announcements and ETA-9089.
Incomplete or illegible evidence of recruitment.
Reasons for rejection without support or unrelated to the position.
Confusing or changing job location.
Information required to start a case PERM
Información del empleador
Official name, DBA, and FEIN of employer
Employer contact person details.
Address and exact location of employment.
Job description (functions in complete sentences).
Minimum requirements (education, experience, skills).
Working hours and salary offered.
Recruitment plan and available evidence.
Information required to start a case PERM
Information about the foreign worker
Basic biographical data.
Work and educational history.
Evidence of experience according to job requirements.
Relevant supporting documents such as certificates, as applicable.
www.CertificacionLaboral.com
www.usia.legal
Resources and support in preparation
www.CertificacionLaboral.com is an informational website of United States Immigration Assistance (USIA or @USIALegal), focused on explaining the labor certification process.
USIA provides support in preparing and organizing information and forms.Please note : USIA is not a law firm and does not offer legal advice. If your case requires legal analysis, we recommend consulting with an immigration attorney, and we can refer you to one.Contact us via WhatsApp: +1(407)449-6616 , we will respond as quickly as possible during office hours.📌 Looking for practical and organized support for your process? Visit the USIA main website to learn about services and contact information.
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