FORMS: Form ETA-9089 (PERM), Form I-140, Form I-485 (or DS-260)
The EB-2 Advanced Degree category is for professionals holding U.S. advanced degrees (Master's or higher) or foreign equivalents, or those with a Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years of progressive professional experience. EB-2 traditionally requires PERM Labor Certification (employer-sponsored) but offers preference advantages over EB-3, including generally shorter priority date wait times.
Either: (1) U.S. Master's degree or foreign equivalent in field related to position; OR (2) U.S. Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) plus 5 years of progressive post-baccalaureate professional experience equivalent to advanced degree; AND the position must require an advanced degree by employer's normal hiring standards or by industry standard.
Step 1: Employer obtains prevailing wage determination from DOL. Step 2: Employer conducts good-faith recruitment per PERM regulations (newspaper ads, internal postings, etc.). Step 3: Employer files Form ETA-9089 (PERM application) with DOL — establishing no qualified U.S. workers. Step 4: Upon PERM certification, employer files Form I-140. Step 5: Beneficiary files I- 485 (or DS-260 abroad) when priority date current.
Required: PERM application with comprehensive recruitment documentation; PERM certified by DOL; degree credentials with foreign equivalency evaluation if applicable; experience letters from prior employers; employer ability-to-pay documentation (financial statements, audited financials, tax returns); and detailed job description matching requirements.
PERM has no DOL filing fee but extensive recruitment costs (employer-paid); I-140 fee; I-485 fee; Biometrics; Asylum Program Fee; Premium Processing.
Prevailing wage 4–6 months; Recruitment 60+ days; PERM adjudication 6–12 months (audit cases longer); I-140 6–12 months (or 15 days premium); I-485 8–14 months when priority date current; Total typically 18–36 months for current categories.
Our PERM practice handles hundreds of cases annually for staffing companies (Artech and similar), IT consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, and direct employers. We specialize in: complex multi-worksite PERM strategies, business necessity letters, BALCA appeals, recruitment compliance, and audit defense.
If you have an advanced degree and a sponsoring U.S. employer, EB-2 PERM may be your green card path. Contact our office to begin the strategic planning required for a successful PERM filing.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available | GreenCardMaker.com
