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Frequently Asked Questions - PERM - Labor Certification

Audits (3)

PERM audits typically involve questions from the USDOL regarding the PERM filing.

  1. PERM Audit & H1 extension beyond 6 yrs
  2. PERM Audit and H-1 Expired
  3. Mandamus against PERM delays
  1. PERM Audit & H1 extension beyond 6 yrs
  2. Restart the green card under EB-2 category
  3. Can I process I-140 with previous company
  4. Avoiding PERM through EB-2 category
  5. PERM petition and employer
  6. PERM Audit and H-1 Expired
  7. Holding Company Stocks on TN Visa
  8. Perm process during OPT
  9. EB-3 category
  10. Can I change jobs and file PERM and I-140 under EB-2
  11. Job Change after I-140
  12. Can EB3 PD be carried to new EB2?
  13. PERM Audit
  14. Guidelines for 7th year extension
  15. EB2 Schedule A question
  16. PERM application
  17. Green Card for employees
  18. Can I file I-140 under EB2 if PERM is filed under EB3
  19. Labor filing and F-1
  20. Priorty date
  21. PERM processing times
  22. Labor certification and DV
  23. PERM - reduction in work hours, wages
  24. PERM when company has freeze in hiring
  25. EB-2 Eligibility
  26. PERM times
  27. Must we withdraw a PERM application if the employee is laid off?
  28. PERM classification EB2
  29. H-1 extension while PERM pending
  30. When to file for 7th year extension (Timing)?
  31. PERM and H-1 extension
  32. Labor Cert - successor in interest
  33. PERM Process timeline
  34. Mandamus against PERM delays
  35. Obtaining H-1 Extension beyond 6 years
  36. Should you be applying for employment-based green card in this economy?
  37. L-1B applying for green card
  38. Mandamus against PERM delays
  39. DOL gives PERM processing dates
  40. DOL Comments on PERM Processing Times
  41. Can an unrelated Masters degree get me an EB2?
  42. Promotion during the green card process through PERM
  43. Laid off - Now what ???
  44. Multiple Labor Certifications
  45. PERM News July 15 2008 DOL Meeting
  46. PERM Through Relative Owned or Controlled Company
PERM Audit & H1 extension beyond 6 yrs

My employer applied PERM (in 6th year) in October 2011 EB-2 Category and it picked for random audit in Jan 2012, employer asked me to send signed ETA form to respond to Audit question with in 2 weeks. They said its random computer audit and has to respond with paper documents. I am already in 6th yr and my H-1 get expired by May 22, 2012 is it possible to go for H-1 extension beyond 6th year while PERM is still in Audit status.

You will be eligible for H-1 extension beginning October 2012, even if PERM is pending audit or not.

PERM Audit and H-1 Expired

What happens if your H-1 expires before the PERM audit is cleared by DOL. Are we supposed to leave country. I have 20 months of H-1 life left to reach 6 years and my LABOR is in AUDIT status I am just wondering if I get an extension or will I be checked out of USA.

While a PERM audit or even an appeal against a denial after the audit is pending, you would still be entitled to H-1 extensions beyond six years.

Mandamus against PERM delays

DOL seems to have stopped progressing on the Audit cases. Can litigation alleviate this problem and force them to atleast respond?

All things considered, in my view, a Mandamus is possible. But the chances of success are remote at least in DC circuit. Typically, in delay cases, courts do not interfere with the executive branch of the govt. At the very least, lawsuits draw attention to difficult issues. I think a petition to the govt. should be the first step. May be the worthy President can help. Although, speedy processing in this environment is certainly not a politically popular issue, but we have all followed the laws and the promise of the laws.

PERM Audit & H1 extension beyond 6 yrs

My employer applied PERM (in 6th year) in October 2011 EB-2 Category and it picked for random audit in Jan 2012, employer asked me to send signed ETA form to respond to Audit question with in 2 weeks. They said its random computer audit and has to respond with paper documents. I am already in 6th yr and my H-1 get expired by May 22, 2012 is it possible to go for H-1 extension beyond 6th year while PERM is still in Audit status.

You will be eligible for H-1 extension beginning October 2012, even if PERM is pending audit or not.

Restart the green card under EB-2 category

My Labour is filed in EB-3 & my ">PD is Oct-2003. I got my ">EAD in 2007. I have a BE degree from India & a work experience of 13 years. 5 in India & 8 in USA. Am I eligible for porting to EB-2? If I file a fresh EB-2 what is the process? Is it just the Perm process & I- 140 or do I need to file I- 485 again.

People with over 5 years of exp. after a 4-year degree may be ale to restart the green card under EB-2 category and then port their PD. Basically, you are redoing the PERM and I-140 for an EB-2 level job.

Can I process I-140 with previous company

I got I-140 cleared through current company and labor approved from previous company. Can I process I-140 through previous company (to get ">PD to 2008)?

Yes, but only if the labor cert is still not time barred (within 180 days of its approval); the employer still has the intention to hire you some time before or after the approval of your green card; and you have the good faith intention of joining them.

Avoiding PERM through EB-2 category

If one applies through EB2 category can the PERM also be avoided then?

You can avoid the need for PERM through EB-2 only if you are applying for a National Interest Waiver.

PERM petition and employer

After a PERM ">DOL certification petition has been filed for an EB-2 application for someone currently on H1-B, at what stage is it safe to change employers without affecting the application process? In other words, will change in employer mean starting the process anew?

If you leave the employer after approval of I-140, you carry your priority date. Before then, you can carry nothing. In both cases you have to start another PERM application with the new employer. If you do not wish to start a new green card, read AC21 portability: http://forums.immigration.com/content.php?67-AC21-Portability-Changing-J...

PERM Audit and H-1 Expired

What happens if your H-1 expires before the PERM audit is cleared by ">DOL. Are we supposed to leave country. I have 20 months of H-1 life left to reach 6 years and my LABOR is in AUDIT status I am just wondering if I get an extension or will I be checked out of USA.

While a PERM audit or even an appeal against a denial after the audit is pending, you would still be entitled to H-1 extensions beyond six years.

Holding Company Stocks on TN Visa

I am on TN visa for the more than a year. The company wants to give me some stock option (10-15%). Is that ok to hold stocks of the company you are working for on TN visa, or will it create problem when I apply for renewal of my TN visa. Can I apply for GC on TN visa?

I see no issue with holding stock, but that will be a problem for PERM-based green card. Also, processing green card under TN can be problematic.

Perm process during OPT

I completed my master’s degree last summer and started working with a company from 2 months.
I am in ">OPT status right now and I wanted to know, if I am eligible to file for Green Card process with my current employer. If yes can I file in EB2? I have 2 years IT experience in India If no, do I have to wait until I get H1b. Is the Green card process dependent on H1B?

This question requires your lawyers to assess the case. Generally speaking nothing stops you from filing a PERM application while on OPT and an Eb2 appears possible.

EB-3 category

I am on EB3 category and have been working in the IT sector for the last 6 years and one year ago I completed my MBA too. I am currently working as a contractor and using my ">EAD. I am on Adjustment of status right now. Is it possible to change my category from EB3 to EB2?

It is possible, but the green card will have to be started again from PERM.

Can I change jobs and file PERM and I-140 under EB-2

Can I change jobs and file PERM and I-140 under EB2 instead prior EB3 with the new employer. How risky the situation is? I can stay with my current employer, but it is going to take at another 3 years to get my GC under EB3. My ">PD is Feb 2007.

You can file I-485 in the month when your priority date becomes current (and then get EAD). Priority dates are reported in the Visa Bulletin. I see no problem in carrying the priority date forward if you file an EB-2 through a new employer. As to risk, that needs to be evaluated by your lawyers.

Job Change after I-140

I am in the 5th year of my H1. My current employer has filed for my PERM under EB-3 category since I did not have 5 years experience before (EB-3 has 6 years backlog though EB-2 queue for me is current). I want to know is it possible to wait for I-140 approval, get 3 year extension with current employer and then switch jobs? Will I be able to get 3 more years on H1 with future employer?

It is possible and common for employer B to get H-1 extension based upon an I-140 approval of employer A. You need to speak about the details with a lawyer.

Can EB3 PD be carried to new EB2?

I filed Perm under EB3 category on 1-Oct-2008. I got an audit. As per your current Perm dates, they are processing Aug'08 audits. Can I file with same employer under EB2? If yes, can I also keep EB3 file running parallelly. Is there a way for me to carry EB3 ">PD after I-140 Approval,if I file a new EB2? I completed 4yrs 2 months on H1B already. Please suggest me if I can change my employer now to file for EB2 or not. (If there is any way i can carry my EB3 PD for EB2 or not?). My lawyer said they can not change the current EB3 file to EB2 as they did not describe it for EB2 role.

It is logically inconsistent for two jobs from the same company for the same individual. If you have a good, logical, true explanation, there is no law that says you cannot have two PERM apps for the same individual for different jobs with the same company. But you cannot transfer PD until the I-140 is approved. I see no issue with changing jobs right away. You may have just enough time.

PERM Audit

My perm application filed on July 2010 and got audit on September 2010. My employer sent audit response on October 2010. When I asked my employer how much time I would take then he said that now a days ">USCIS response within 3-4 months for new cases. How long does a PERM audit take?

The PERM audit can take a lot of time. I just checked with one of our case managers. They tell me that they have no figures for the time it takes between start and end of an audit, but the total decision life cycle (from filing to decision) of an audited case is 2 - 2.5 years.

Guidelines for 7th year extension

I could not find any guidelines for 7th year extension with the ">DOL PERM Program. In the six month period - less than 365 days but more than 180 days from the expiry of the six-year limit on my H1B, my company started the PERM process. In that six month period we got an approved I-140 and filed for Adjustment of Status. Would I qualify for 7th year extension ? Please note that I am a citizen of India and I thought there was also a provision for "Per Country Limit".

If you have an I-140 approval and your PD is backed up, you are entitled to a three-year H-1 extension beyond six years. It does not matter when your PERM was filed.

EB2 Schedule A question

My PERM application just got denied due to the recent layoff in my company. Can I apply EB2 (schedule A) to bypass the labor certification step? Will the recent PERM denial affect the Schedule A application? Is it ok to submit the schedule A application soon or I have to wait for a certain time period?

If you are qualified, you can apply for Schedule A. I cannot think of any way the PERM denial or layoffs could cause any issues and there should be no waiting to file.

PERM application

My company said they filed the PERM application on June 30th. I asked them to send the status a month ago. The sent me a message saying that it has Prepared status in the application and the overall status as in process. Is it how it looks?

When we check status of electronically filed applications, it should say "In Process" when it is pending. That should be sufficient.

Green Card for employees

If a company is willing to sponsor green cards for a number of valuable employees, currently working with temporary worker visas, does it reduce the chances of success? (like applying to 4 to 5 employees simultaneously)

Generally speaking, as long as the jobs are genuine and the employer has the ability to pay, the number is irrelevant.

Can I file I-140 under EB2 if PERM is filed under EB3

My Perm is filed in October 2008 under EB3 and was audited. As per your current dates, guessing it might be approved in October 2010.
1. I would like to know if I can file I-140 under EB2 as I got my work experience eligible for EB2 category.
2. If I change employer before my PERM approval, will my priority date change? If so, to retain Oct'08 date, till what time, I can be with my employer?
3. Once I-140 is approved, can I change employer or stay for 6 months and then change employer so that my priority date will retain oct'08?

1. No. PERM application determines what your category is.
2. If your I-140 is not approved, you cannot carry your PD to a new employer.
3. Once approved, you can carry your PD, even if you leave earlier than six months. You do have to start your green card process all over again.

Labor filing and F-1

My employer has being try to file labor for the last 2 years and finally decided filing as Finance major would be risky & decided to go with engineering specialization.Two major issues:
- I have 4 months remaining for 365 day deadline (H1B with time captured outside US would be Dec '11)
- My employer is asking me to go on F1 staus to freeze the time on H1.Two questions:
Is 4 months enough time for me to find a new employer & ask them to file for labor? Is it legal for me to work on F1?

It could take a bit longer than 4 months to file. You can work on F- 1 if the school allows Curricular Practical Training.

Priorty date

I have a priorty date( ">PD)of dec 07 filled under EB3.my I-140 got approved this march.I have 5 years experience as of 2010.can I file as EB2 with another employer as my current employer is not willing and still use the same PD? My first labor certification was in audit for 2 years before they cleared it.Do I have to go through all these steps again with new employer? Can you please explain the process if possible?

You do have to start the green card all over again, but your PD is yours to take with you to the new job.

PERM processing times

I filled my PERM application at the beginning of May 2009 and my employer check the status of the application and it still says "processing". According to the processing dates shown in your website, they are reviewing August 2009, What that means? Why my application has not been approved or denied?

The information shows an approximation. Times vary. If your application goes into a review and audit, it can take 2-3 years.

Labor certification and DV

I am a 2010 DV Lottery winner whose number is projected to be current in August 2010. My employer has started the first stages of the labor certification process. The job has just been advertised. They decided to go on with the process and will stop it when I have the green card in hand. When I go for the DV interview through Consular Processing, will the labor certification process negatively affect my chance to get the DV green card? Will there be any problem? Should I stop my employer from continuing the labor certification?

I see no problem at all with the two processes proceeding concurrently. I always advise people to concurrently file green card through all categories under which they can qualify.

PERM - reduction in work hours, wages

I was in the fulltime employee in H1B and filed for the PERM application. after one year and approval of Perm application, The employer reduced my working hour from 1.0FTE to 0.8FTE and filed my H1b extension for the seventh year. My question is that, Is there any affect on my PERM application or in the future I-140 and I485 applications.

Reduction of hour from full time to part time can raise issues about the availability of qualifying job (full time, permanent) for green card purposes. In addition, this can be a violation of H-1 laws. I suggest you speak with a lawyer.

PERM when company has freeze in hiring

PERM process says they should advertise in the paper. What if company has freeze in hiring in certain areas because it already has enough. If they wanted to do GC for its employee, how will the process work.

Technically, the employees on H-1 are only temps. Those positions are available. Recruitment is conducted against those permanent positions that are currently occupied by temporary workers.

EB-2 Eligibility

Had a question regarding the EB-2 eligibility.My Perm was recently approved in EB-2 category.Had a question about education before we file the 140. I've a bachelors in Computing from UK which was a 3 year course and after that I have a Masters from UK in the computing which was a 1 year course. My question- is this qualification eligible of the EB-2 category. Just want to ensure that there is no ">RFE in 140.

Impossible to predict. It all depends upon the type of degrees and the language used in the Form ETA 9089

PERM times

I have applied perm under the category EB-3 on Dec-2008 and got a audit on June 2009 and replied the query in june 2009 itself.
I have 2 questions here:
1) Can I know the application status .Do i get any file number or something to check my status of this perm application applied under EB-3 category?
2) Requesting you to let me know the probable completion date of my PERM?

PERM times are on our web site. You cannot check the progress of the case, except through your employer. If they filed electronically, the application status should show where things are in terms of: pending, denied, approved only.

Must we withdraw a PERM application if the employee is laid off?

I am Mr. Jones, the employer. The employee, Mr. Smith, is no longer employed with us because of company's budget issue. However, we may hire him in the near future if circumstance changes.
My question:
Q1. Do we need to withdraw PERM LC for him that was submitted 2009?

Q2. Question from the employee, Mr. Smith:
If Mr. Smith filed an immigration benefit (e.g. visa, petition, change of status), does he need to answer YES / NO to the following question: "Has an immigrant petition ever been filed for you?" Basically: does submitting PERM/LC mean filing an immigrant petition? This question is often asked in application.

A1. I do not know of any law that requires an employer to withdraw a PERM application if an employee leaves or gets laid off, but the employer still retains a good faith intention to hire them back. When we first filed the PERM application, we filed it in good faith, asserting to the USDOL under penalty of perjury that:
You have enough funds available to pay the wage or salary offered the alien and you will be able to place the alien on the payroll on or before the date of the alien’s proposed entrance into the United States.
Both these assertions were true when we filed the PERM application on your behalf. So, we have followed the laws to the letter. Now, several months later, circumstances have changed. Do we have an affirmative duty to withdraw the PERM application? I do not see such a duty in the law.
Having a PERM in process, gives your employee an opportunity to continue extending their H-1 with any employer beyond 6 years. That is a considerable benefit.
The government could take the position that your application is now void on two grounds. First, you no longer have a job open, which is a continuing requirement. Second, you had an interruption in your ability to pay the intended wage, which is also a continuing requirement. We could lose the green card on both counts, but I see nothing illegal in letting the application stay pending. My opinion could change if we get an audit request from the USDOL. At that point, it may be inappropriate for us to continue. That is something we will review carefully at that time. Please do remind us. We will also post a note to your file.

A2. A PERM is not a visa application or an immigrant petition, a Form I-140 (the step after PERM) is.

PERM classification EB2

I am technology professional with nearly 9 years of work experience. I am currently working as a software consultant in a trading firm in the US and will be graduating from a part time MBA program (concentrations in Finance) this december. If I plan to apply for PERM next year, will I be eligible to apply under EB-2 US Masters degree, given that my MBA in finance will help in understanding complex financial principles and writing algorithms that support day to day trading? In this case, will my previous experience be evaluated?

As long as the job requires a Master's degree and you have earned that degree by the time you file your PERM, you should be able to get EB-2.

H-1 extension while PERM pending

My PERM application was filed last june 2009. My H1B expire last Sept 2009. Can I still renew my H1B? I got 2 extensions of H1B already.

You can keep applying for H-1 extensions indefinitely while the PERM is pending (filed a year ago).

When to file for 7th year extension (Timing)?

My 6th year is expiring in Oct2010 and my employer is planning to file PERM in Feb 2010. My questions is
1.Will I be able to file for the 7th yr extension before my 6th yr expires, say in Sep/Oct 2010 (even if my Labor is pending and it hasn't been 365 days yet)?Meaning,can they just go ahead & file for the extension but request for the 7th year to start from Feb 2011 (i.e. 365 day point from the PERMfiling)?Or do I have to actually wait until Feb 2011 to even file for the 7th year extension?
2.If I have to wait til Feb 2011,what start date can my employer request? Oct2010-11 or Feb2010-11?

They can file 6 months ahead of the contemplated start date - as long as one year of PERM filing is over by that date. But you might have some gap where you cannot live or work in USA.

PERM and H-1 extension

My company filed my perm application in march 2009 and We did`nt heard any thing from ">uscis. My H1 is expiring(Max-6 years) in March 2010. My question is when I can file for H1 extension?

You can apply for H-1 extension 6 months ahead. But the start date cannot be earlier than March 2010 (when the one year pendency/filing of PERM is reached). You can also get an H-1 extension when your I-140 is approved (if your priority date is not current).

Labor Cert - successor in interest

My Current company (A) applied for my Labor Cert on Feb 2009 and is still in progress. It's been acquired (Company B) and I will be continuing on my same positon/salary with company B that acquired us. As per new perm regulations 20 C.F.R. 656.11(a) and 20 C.F.R. 656.11(b) can company B act as a successor of interest, take over my pending labor and move forward to next step without any issues.

Generally speaking they can take over your green card application if they have taken over substantially all assets and liabilities and the job remains the same. Anything short of that needs to be analyzed.

PERM Process timeline

Is there any way of finding out the time it would take to finish the PERM process? Also, if I change my job after the PERM process is complete, will the date that I got get carried over when I apply from another company.

The processing times are available here: http://www.immigration.com/processing-times-and-status-checks. Priority dates are not transferrable unless I-140 is approved.

Mandamus against PERM delays

">DOL seems to have stopped progressing on the Audit cases. Can litigation alleviate this problem and force them to atleast respond?

All things considered, in my view, a Mandamus is possible. But the chances of success are remote at least in DC circuit. Typically, in delay cases, courts do not interfere with the executive branch of the govt. At the very least, lawsuits draw attention to difficult issues. I think a petition to the govt. should be the first step. May be the worthy President can help. Although, speedy processing in this environment is certainly not a politically popular issue, but we have all followed the laws and the promise of the laws.

Obtaining H-1 Extension beyond 6 years

My 6 year period of H1b visa expires in Dec 2010 and my labor application is still pending for approval. It was filed in February 2009. Am I eligible to apply for a visa extension , if so when should I apply for that? I assume I still have time.

H-1 extension beyond six years can be obtained under two circumstances:

First, indefinite H-1 extensions in one-year increments can be obtained, if the I-140 (or I-485) was filed and the green card process was started a year ago. The GC process is started for:

- Labor Certification based cases (including PERM) the date for the begining of the countdown is the date when the labor certification is officially received:
- for PRE PERM cases - by the local office (SWA); and

Should you be applying for employment-based green card in this economy?

Should you be applying for employment-based green card in this economy?

A lot of employers have been asking this question in the last few months. Is it even possible to get a labor certification with the US unemployment at a 26-year high.

L-1B applying for green card

My company applied to change my status from L1B to L1A at the same time as filing my GC application. It was approved and the GC only took about 5 months

True. Converting to EB1 through an executive or a managerial job is the way to go. That way you can go thorough EB1 rather than PERM based process that takes several years.

Mandamus against PERM delays

">DOL seems to have stopped progressing on the Audit cases. Can litigation alleviate this problem and force them to atleast respond?

All things considered, in my view, a Mandamus is possible. But the chances of success are remote at least in DC circuit. Typically, in delay cases, courts do not interfere with the executive branch of the govt. At the very least, lawsuits draw attention to difficult issues. I think a petition to the govt. should be the first step. May be the worthy President can help. Although, speedy processing in this environment is certainly not a politically popular issue, but we have all followed the laws and the promise of the laws.

DOL gives PERM processing dates

For recent updates on PERM processing please click here.


http://www.immigration.com/processing-times-and-status-checks

DOL Comments on PERM Processing Times

In a recent meeting, USDOL has stated:

Quote:

Can an unrelated Masters degree get me an EB2?

When we apply for Green card under EB2 category, should the masters degree and present job be related? Here is a situation: I have a masters in Agribusiness and I am working as a business analyst. My employer says I am not eligible to apply under the EB2 as my masters is not related to my present job in IT sector. Please let me know the reality.

The simple answer is yes, the degree must be related. In the past, we have received many EB2 approvals requiring Masters degree. Now, such approvals are unreliable. Your degree seems to be related. Agribusiness and business... hmmm. I believe an EB2 argument can be made. The labor cert should be prepared in such a way so that if EB2 is rejected, EB3 is still safe. Do bear in mind, all submissions made to DOL MUST be true. Ultimately, it is the employer who must decide.

Promotion during the green card process through PERM

Taking Promotion in future The current PERM filing is going to be done for the position "Dentist". In the future can she accept a promotion as "Dentist (Lead)" if offered by the company? Will it invalidate the green card application.
If we accept the promotion in future can we use the same PERM application without filing another PERM for "Dentist (Lead)" job (jobs are very similar) . She is now a "Dentist(Associate)" and job duties between associate dentist and lead dentist are 70% the same. The lead dentist will have additional duties like oversee day-to-day operations/Supervision.

Quote: Can I receive a promotion, extraordinary increase in salary or change in job location during the pendency of a labor certification based green card?

Laid off - Now what ???

Current economy is making lot of people sleepless. We have heard about a lot of layoffs around the state and nation. Could you please explain us what are the options we have, if a person with H1-B (6year extension) ">EAD and I-485 pending in this situation.

This is most certainly a very important topic and relevant for everyone. I will address the various issues raised in the relevant parts of the blog to make it possible for everyone to find the information applicable to their case.

Multiple Labor Certifications

I have consulted the local lawyers here but they have failed to answer this question with conviction. Can two Labor applications be filed for me by two companies (current and future employers) at the same time ?

In my opinion, most definitely, yes. As long as both companies are acting in good faith (honestly) and you have the intention to take whichever green card happens to be more convenient or quicker for you, you can file 2 or more labor certs (PERM) through different employers.

PERM News July 15 2008 DOL Meeting

The attached PDF document contains information from DOL on PERM backlogs, program future and other pertinent matters. Enjoy. Regards to all. Rajiv.

PERM Through Relative Owned or Controlled Company

Can a PERM case be filed through a company that is owned or controlled by a relative of the beneficiary?

The answer is yes, BUT, the case is likely to be very closely scrutinized and may even require supervised recruitment. That means, USDOL will most likely ask us to place advertisements again under their direct supervision. So, we could end up repeating the advertising. This could cause delays (and of course even denial).
This question had come up a few weeks earlier also. I wanted to clarify this with the USDOL so we wrote to them. Our letter and their response is attached.

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