What is the labor certification that the sponsor of my work visa tells me that he applied for and is awaiting approval?

A permanent labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the United States.

In most cases before an employer in the United States can file an immigration application with the Immigration Service (USCIS), they must obtain a labor certification approved by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA).

The Department of Labor must certify to the Immigration Service that there is no qualified, willing and available US worker to accept work with the prevailing salary for that occupation and that the foreigner will not adversely affect the salary and working conditions of the American workers in similar situations. The Department of Labor is in charge of processing Labor Certification applications (ETA form 9089). The date on which said application is submitted is known as the priority date and is used by the Immigration Service. Once the certification is approved, it must be submitted to the Immigration Service with the necessary forms.

This process is very difficult and if you want to get a good result you should make sure you seek the representation of a lawyer who has experience in this legal area.