For U.S. employers looking to hire foreign talent permanently, the PERM Labor Certification is a critical first step in the green card sponsorship process. One of the most important elements of a successful PERM application is proving that the foreign worker meets the minimum job requirements. When those requirements include a foreign degree, credential evaluations become essential.
In this blog, we’ll explain why credential evaluations matter for PERM and how they help employers avoid costly delays or denials.
What Is PERM Labor Certification?
The Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system is the U.S. Department of Labor’s process for verifying that no qualified U.S. workers are available for a position before an employer sponsors a foreign worker for permanent residency.
Employers must show that:
The job requirements are standard for the position.
The foreign worker meets those requirements.
The foreign worker’s education and experience are equivalent to U.S. standards.
Why Credential Evaluations Matter in PERM
Foreign degrees don’t always align neatly with U.S. education systems. A credential evaluation ensures that the foreign worker’s education is properly understood and documented in U.S. terms.
Here’s why employers rely on them:
1. Proof of Degree Equivalency
Converts foreign diplomas and transcripts into U.S. academic equivalents.
Confirms whether a degree matches a U.S. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate.
Impact: Employers can confidently demonstrate that the employee meets minimum requirements.
2. Avoiding DOL Audits & Denials
Inconsistent or unclear degree information can trigger Department of Labor (DOL) audits.
A compliant credential evaluation reduces the risk of application delays.
Impact: Employers save time, money, and avoid losing valuable talent.
3. Meeting Exact Job Requirements
Some positions require specific fields of study.
A course-by-course evaluation clarifies whether the worker’s major aligns with the job.
Impact: Ensures accuracy when matching qualifications to the job description.
4. Combining Work Experience with Education
If a degree doesn’t fully meet requirements, evaluators can include work experience.
USCIS and DOL allow professional experience to substitute for missing academic years.
Impact: Employers can still qualify skilled workers, even with unconventional educational paths.
5. Strengthening the Employer’s Case
Well-documented evaluations provide reliable evidence for DOL officers.
Helps attorneys build stronger, RFE-proof PERM applications.
Impact: Increases chances of approval on the first attempt.
Common PERM Challenges Without Evaluations
Employers who skip or mishandle credential evaluations often face:
RFEs (Requests for Evidence) questioning education equivalency.
Denials due to incomplete transcripts or poor translations.
Delays when non-compliant evaluation agencies are used.
How International Evaluations Helps Employers
At International Evaluations, we specialize in supporting PERM labor certification cases with USCIS- and DOL-compliant reports. Our services include:
Degree Equivalency Reports (document or course-based).
Work Experience Evaluations by university professors.
Expert Opinion Letters for complex cases.
48-hour Rush Processing to meet urgent deadlines.
Secure, Digitally Verifiable Reports trusted by attorneys and employers.
Who Benefits the Most?
Employers sponsoring foreign professionals for permanent roles.
Immigration Attorneys managing PERM and I-140 cases.
Foreign Workers seeking green cards through employment sponsorship.
Conclusion: The Key Role of Credential Evaluations in PERM
For employers, the PERM process is too important to risk with incomplete or unclear documentation. Credential evaluations provide the proof, clarity, and compliance needed to secure approvals and retain top global talent.
At International Evaluations, we help employers and attorneys navigate the PERM process with confidence—delivering accurate, USCIS-compliant credential evaluations that strengthen every case.
Ready to secure your PERM application success?
Order your credential evaluation with International Evaluations today.