Does the EB-1C waive the Labor Cert and also exempt me from quotas?

Partly, yes. The EB-1C combines two things that are often confused, and it is worth separating each one.

On labor certification (Labor Certification, or PERM): this is where the real advantage lies. The EB-1C waives this step, which in other categories requires proving that no available U.S. worker exists for the position and tends to significantly lengthen the process. Without PERM, the path tends to be more straightforward.

On quotas: the exemption is not total. Every employment-based green card is subject to annual numerical limits, and the EB-1C does not place you outside of them. What typically happens is that, as a first preference category, it tends to face a shorter backlog than some other pathways, but this can vary over time and by country of birth.

• Labor Cert: effectively waived under the EB-1C.
• Annual limits: still apply, as with any employment-based green card.
• Backlog: tends to be shorter in the first preference, with no fixed guarantee.

Since availability changes periodically, it is worth monitoring the official Visa Bulletin and verifying updated requirements with a specialist before filing.

About the author

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.