Is Labor Certification (PERM) required for EB-1?

No. One of the defining features of the EB-1 is that it waives the Labor Certification (PERM) requirement — the process that, in other employment-based categories, demonstrates there are no qualified and available U.S. workers for the position.

This makes the EB-1 more straightforward on this front than categories such as EB-2 and EB-3, where PERM is a prior step that is often time-consuming. With the EB-1, the effort shifts elsewhere: demonstrating the candidate’s own merit.

The EB-1 is divided into profiles such as extraordinary ability, outstanding professor or researcher, and multinational executive or manager. In all of them, the weight falls on evidence such as:

• Notable achievements and recognition in the field.
• Published research, awards, or other proof of leadership.
• Documentation establishing the candidate’s prominent standing.

Skipping PERM does not make the process automatic: each case is evaluated individually. It is worth reviewing the current requirements with USCIS or 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.