PERM Labor Certification Explained (2026): EB-2 & EB-3 Employer-Sponsored Green Card Guide

If you are searching for how to get a green card through a U.S. employer, you’ve probably come across terms like PERM labor certification, EB-2 visa, and EB-3 green card.

But what do they actually mean, and how does the process really work?

In 2026, employer-sponsored green cards under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories remain one of the most common pathways for skilled professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, IT specialists, and other qualified employees to obtain permanent residence in the United States.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is PERM Labor Certification?

Presidential Proclamations 10998 (issued December 16, 2025) and 10949 (issued June 4, 2025) restrict The PERM labor certification process is the first step in most EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card cases.

PERM is handled by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is designed to confirm that:

• There are no qualified U.S. workers available for the offered position
• The foreign worker will be paid the prevailing wage
• Hiring the foreign national will not negatively impact U.S. workers

Before filing, the employer must conduct a structured recruitment process, including job advertisements and labor market testing.

Only after PERM approval can the employer move forward with the immigrant petition (Form I-140).

EB-2 vs. EB-3: What’s the Difference?

Both categories require employer sponsorship, but they apply to different types of positions and qualifications.

EB-2 (Employment-Based Second Preference)

The EB-2 green card through employer sponsorship is typically for:

• Positions requiring an advanced degree (Master’s or higher), or
• Positions requiring a Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of progressive experience

This category often applies to engineers, researchers, financial professionals, healthcare specialists, and advanced technical roles.

EB-3 (Employment-Based Third Preference)

The EB-3 employment-based green card covers:

• Skilled workers with at least 2 years of training or experience
• Certain other workers in qualifying roles

EB-3 is often used for roles that do not require an advanced degree but still require skill and experience.

Why Strategic Planning Matters

PERM cases are highly technical. Small mistakes in:

• Job description drafting
• Minimum requirements
• Recruitment steps
• Wage determinations

can lead to audits, delays, or denials.

At Zhang-Louie PLLC, we focus exclusively on U.S. immigration law. We do not act as recruiters or job placement agencies. Instead, we work with employers and foreign professionals to develop compliant, strategic immigration plans aligned with current regulations.

Whether you are:

• An employer exploring how to sponsor a foreign worker for a green card
• A professional seeking an EB-2 or EB-3 green card through employer sponsorship
• Currently on H-1B and planning next steps

understanding the PERM process early can make a significant difference.

If you are searching for:

• “PERM green card process 2026”
• “How to get EB-2 through employer”
• “EB-3 sponsorship requirements”
• “Employer-sponsored green card USA”

you are likely already thinking long-term.

The PERM-based EB-2 and EB-3 categories remain powerful pathways to permanent residence, but they require preparation, compliance, and careful strategy. If you are evaluating whether your position qualifies for PERM labor certification or whether your employer is ready to sponsor you, understanding your options early is often the most important first step.