When following an EB-3 case, many people only notice the moment the application is submitted or when the final result is received. However, behind every completed PERM application is a lengthy preparation process involving close coordination among multiple parties.
The U.S. sponsoring employer, immigration attorney, and foreign worker each play an important role in ensuring the application meets all requirements established by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). For this reason, a PERM application cannot be completed in just a few days—it requires careful preparation at every stage.
So, how is a PERM application prepared before it is officially submitted?
Step One: The U.S. Sponsoring Employer Identifies a Genuine Hiring Need
Every PERM application begins with a legitimate hiring need from the employer.
The U.S. sponsoring employer must clearly define the position to be filled, the work location, the job description, and the qualifications required for the role. These elements form the foundation of the entire application.
Establishing these details accurately from the beginning helps ensure a smoother preparation process and reduces the risk of errors in later stages.
Obtaining the Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
Once the job position has been defined, the sponsoring employer applies for a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD).
The PWD establishes the appropriate wage for the offered position in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor regulations.
This is a mandatory step before the employer can begin the PERM process.
Completing the Required Recruitment Process
After receiving the PWD, the sponsoring employer proceeds with the recruitment process required by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The purpose of this stage is to demonstrate that the employer has made a genuine effort to recruit U.S. workers but was unable to find a qualified candidate for the position.
The entire recruitment process must be conducted in compliance with federal regulations, and all supporting documentation must be properly maintained as part of the PERM application.
The Immigration Attorney Prepares the Application
Once the recruitment process has been completed, the immigration attorney works closely with the sponsoring employer to review the entire case.
Key information is carefully verified, including:
- Employer information
- Job position
- Offered wage
- Working conditions
- Information about the sponsored worker
Everything is reviewed thoroughly to ensure consistency before completing Form ETA-9089.
Careful preparation at this stage helps minimize errors that could affect the overall processing timeline.
Verifying the Foreign Worker's Information
Although the foreign worker does not personally file the PERM application, they still play an important role.
Information such as educational background, work experience, and personal documents must be reviewed and verified to ensure that all records are accurate and consistent.
If any discrepancies are identified, corrections may need to be made before the application is submitted.
For this reason, TGA always encourages clients to provide complete and accurate information from the very beginning.
Completing Form ETA-9089 and Filing the Application
After all information has been verified, the immigration attorney prepares Form ETA-9089.
This is the official application submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor to request a Permanent Labor Certification.
Once the form has been filed, the application enters the government's review process.
Why Is Careful Preparation So Important?
Many applicants focus primarily on processing times while overlooking the importance of preparing the application correctly from the start.
A well-prepared application—with complete, accurate, and consistent information—helps the review process proceed more smoothly.
On the other hand, errors or missing information may require corrections or additional documentation, potentially delaying the entire process.
For this reason, careful preparation is always one of the highest priorities for both the sponsoring employer and the immigration attorney.
Conclusion
A PERM application is much more than a package of documents submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor.
It is the result of close cooperation among the U.S. sponsoring employer, the immigration attorney, and the foreign worker—from identifying a genuine hiring need, obtaining the PWD, completing the recruitment process, preparing Form ETA-9089, and finally submitting the application.
Understanding this process gives applicants a clearer picture of how an EB-3 case is handled and why every stage must be completed carefully before moving on to the next step.
If you are interested in the EB-3 program or would like to know the current status of your case, TGA is always ready to provide transparent information and support you throughout every stage of your immigration journey.
