Can I skip PERM for the EB-1B?

Yes. The EB-1B waives the PERM requirement, unlike several other employment-based categories. This is one of the key advantages of this pathway for outstanding professors and researchers.

PERM is the labor market certification process conducted by the Department of Labor (DOL), in which the employer must demonstrate that no qualified local workers are available for the position. Because the EB-1B is grounded in proving the candidate’s excellence and international recognition, that step is not part of the process.

• There is no need to go through the labor market certification (PERM).
• A job offer from the sponsoring institution is still required.
• The weight of the petition rests on demonstrating the candidate’s outstanding academic record.

In practice, skipping PERM tends to simplify and shorten the path, but it demands a strong record of recognition. It is worth checking the updated requirements on the official source (USCIS) and consulting a specialist to assess whether your profile qualifies for this category before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.