What is the difference between ‘labor certification’ (PERM) and LCA?

Both terms relate to labor conditions, but they apply to different processes. The LCA (Labor Condition Application) is required for temporary visas such as the H-1B: through it, the employer commits to paying a wage consistent with the regional standard and to maintaining appropriate working conditions, protecting both employer and employee during the validity of the visa.

The ‘labor certification’, known as PERM, is part of the employment-based green card path. Here, the employer must demonstrate, through a recruitment process, that no qualified and available local worker exists for the position being offered to the foreign national.

• LCA: tied to temporary visas (H-1B), focused on wage and working conditions.
• PERM: tied to permanent residence, focused on proving the unavailability of local workers.

PERM tends to be longer and more detailed. Since the rules may change, it is worth checking updated procedures with the official source or a specialist before starting any step.

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.