The PERM process, also known as the Program Electronic Review Management, is a labor certification process used by employers in the United States to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency, also known as a green card. The process is used to ensure that there are no qualified and willing U.S. workers available for the job being offered to the foreign worker.
To begin the PERM process, the employer must first advertise the job in local newspapers and on the company's website for a minimum of 30 days. The employer must also show that they have made efforts to recruit U.S. workers for the position, such as through job fairs or other recruitment methods.
If no qualified and willing U.S. workers are found, the employer can then file a labor certification application with the Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL will review the application to ensure that all requirements have been met, including the minimum wage requirement and the job requirements. If the DOL approves the labor certification, the employer can then file an immigrant petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The PERM process can be a lengthy and complex process, and it is important for employers and foreign workers to work with an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the process and ensure a successful outcome.