This category requires a job offer from a U.S. employer and a labor certification (PERM) approval from the U.S. Department of Labor. The sponsored position must be in an occupation in which the alien has received training, education, and/or work experience, or in a closely related field or occupation. The labor certification must specify the minimum education, training and/or experience requirements for the position, and that the alien must possess the stated requirements. Professionals: The sponsored position requires at least a U.S. baccalaureate degree (or its foreign educational equivalent).
Skilled Workers: The sponsored position requires at least two years of training or experience.
Other Workers: The sponsored position requires less than two years training or experience. (The quota for this category is extremely backlogged due to large numbers of applicants and low numbers of visas issued each fiscal year.)