H-2B Part 3: The DOL Process — What It Actually Takes to Get Certified
The DOL certification process is the foundation of every H-2B case — and where the most preventable mistakes happen. Part 3 of the H-2B From the Start series breaks down prevailing wage determinations, the 9142B filing, SWA job orders, Notices of Deficiency, and recruitment documentation requirements. If you're a first-time filer or have struggled with timeline issues, this one is worth reading carefully.
Part 3: The EB-3 Category, the Visa Backlog, and What Realistic Timelines Actually Look Like
Most employers are surprised by the H-2B to EB-3 green card timeline — and that surprise is what derails the process. From prevailing wage request to a worker arriving as a permanent resident, you're looking at four to five years under current conditions. That's not a reason to wait. It's a reason to start now. The pipeline rewards early action, and every year you delay is a year further back in line.
Part 2: How PERM Actually Works
PERM is the DOL labor certification process required before an employer can sponsor a foreign national for an EB-3 green card. The concept mirrors H-2B: prove no qualified U.S. worker is available. The difference? This one leads to permanent residence. From prevailing wage determinations to mandatory recruitment and 18+ month processing times, the mechanics matter — and so do the pitfalls.
