Do I need to go through PERM if I am on an L-1B and want a Green Card?

In most cases, yes. The L-1B is a temporary visa, and the transition to a green card depends on the immigrant category under which you plan to petition. For individuals with specialized knowledge, the most common path tends to run through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories.

Under those categories, the labor certification process known as PERM is typically required. PERM serves to demonstrate that there are no qualified, available, and willing U.S. workers in the market to fill the position, so that hiring a foreign professional does not harm the local labor market.

Exceptions exist: some paths, such as certain subcategories of EB-1, may waive the PERM requirement. However, those apply to very specific profiles with outstanding track records, and not to most L-1B holders, for whom the PERM route remains the most likely option.

Because rules can change and each situation has its own particularities, it is worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS and reviewing the alternatives with a specialist before choosing a path.

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.