The process for an employer to sponsor an individual for Permanent Residency in the U.S. has specific steps that must be followed. Individuals in various professions, including cooks, mechanics, and electrical engineers, can indeed be sponsored by their employers for permanent residency. The process involves obtaining a labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL) and then filing an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the I-140 is approved and a visa number is available, the individual can file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident. Spouses and children under 21 years of age of the principal applicant may also qualify for derivative permanent residence, allowing families to stay together during the immigration process.

It’s important to note that having a college degree is not a mandatory requirement for all categories of employment-based sponsorship. However, the individual needs to meet the specific qualifications required for their job category, which may vary. The PERM program is designed to expedite the labor certification process, which is a critical step in the employer sponsorship process. However, the actual time frame for adjudication can vary based on a range of factors, including the volume of applications and the specific details of the case.

Given the complexity of immigration procedures and the potential for changes in immigration law and policy, it’s recommended to seek up-to-date legal advice from qualified immigration attorneys or representatives, such as the Law Offices of David M. Sperling or similar, to navigate the process effectively and to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.