Is PERM very slow? Does that affect the popularity of NIW?

Generally speaking, yes: PERM tends to be a slower step, and that is one of the main reasons why EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) attracts so many qualified professionals — since it waives that requirement entirely.

PERM is the labor certification process: the employer must demonstrate to the authorities that no qualified local worker is available for the position, which involves recruitment steps and documentary review. Because it depends on an employer and goes through multiple phases, it naturally adds time and complexity to the path toward residency.

The EB-2 NIW follows a different logic: when the applicant demonstrates that their work has merit and national importance, they can request a waiver of the labor certification and petition on their own behalf, without relying on an employer. This does not guarantee approval, but it avoids the complexity of PERM.

Processing times and requirements vary and change over time, so it is worth checking the current conditions on the official source (USCIS) and discussing with a specialist which path makes the most sense for your profile.

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.