PERM Labor Certification

PERM Labor Certification

Permanent labor certification (PERM) is a process by which a U.S. employer can obtain a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available to fill a particular job opportunity. If the DOL certifies the job, the employer can then petition the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a green card for the foreign worker.

To qualify for PERM, the job must be:

  • A full-time job
  • In an occupation that is listed on the DOL’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)
  • For which there are not enough qualified U.S. workers available

 

The employer must first file a PERM application with the DOL. The application must include the following information:

  • The employer’s name and address
  • The job title and description
  • The salary and benefits
  • The educational and experience requirements
  • The recruitment efforts that were made to find a U.S. worker

 

The DOL will review the application and may request additional information. If the DOL approves the application, the employer will receive a certification that can be used to petition USCIS for a green card for the foreign worker.

The PERM process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that the application is filed correctly and that the employer meets all of the requirements.

Here are the steps involved in the PERM process:

  1. The employer must file a PERM application with the DOL.
  2. The DOL will review the application and may request additional information.
  3. If the DOL approves the application, the employer will receive a certification.
  4. The employer can then petition USCIS for a green card for the foreign worker.
  5. USCIS will review the petition and may request additional information.
  6. If USCIS approves the petition, the foreign worker will be granted a green card.

 

The processing time for PERM can vary, but it typically takes several months or even years to obtain a green card.

If you are an employer who is looking to hire a foreign worker, you may be eligible for PERM. PERM allows you to bring a foreign worker to the United States to fill a job that cannot be filled by a U.S. worker. If you are considering hiring a foreign worker, be sure to do your research and consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that you meet all of the requirements.