The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published last December 27 th the long awaited regulation for the department's Permanent Foreign Labor Certification ( PERM ) program . The PERM program helps meet workforce needs when there are no available American workers to fill an available job. The Department of Labor is able to process requests to fill vacancies with foreign workers only after employers affirm to the department that no American workers are available.

The new program accepts the electronic filing of applications, which significantly reduces paperwork and allows for prompt approval or rejection of requests for labor certification. Electronic filing also enables the department to conduct automated screening of applications and identify applications for audits. The goal for decisions on PERM electronically filed applications is 45 – 60 days .

Once a permanent labor certification is issued by the DOL, an employer must then petition the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department to complete the visa approval process.

• PERM Overview
• Useful Links
• DOL PERM Frequently Asked Questions