The new system, when implemented, would require employers to conduct recruitment before filing their applications. Employers would be required to conduct both mandatory and alternative recruitment steps. The procedures would significantly reduce the average time needed to process labor certification applications

Under PERM, the list of Schedule B occupations will be eliminated. There will no longer be any restriction on the type of job that is eligible for LC processing. The employer will be required to conduct recruitment prior to filing. The recruitment must be completed no more than six months prior to filing the application.

PERM also will allow filing via either fax or mail. Filing via Internet will eventually be available. Once the application is filed it is electronically scanned. Decisions on applications will be made within 21 days of filing. Some applications will be selected for an audit, at which time the DOL will request documentation of the recruitment efforts from the employer. An employer will have 21 days to respond to this audit notice.

LC applications that have already been filed under the old regulations will be allowed to convert to the PERM type of processing but will be allowed to keep their original filing date.

Once the DOL has completed processing, it will certify an application, deny an application or order supervised recruitment. Once an application has been certified it will be ready for immigrant visa processing.

For more information about PERM, please visit the Department of Labor's Web site, at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/foreign/perm.asp

UPDATED: NOVEMBER 18, 2003