PERM Labor Certification Process

Understanding how the PERM process is exploited and its impact on U.S. workers

The PERM Labor Certification process, introduced in 2005 by the Department of Labor (DOL), is a critical step in the employment-based green card process. It is designed to protect U.S. workers by ensuring that employers cannot hire foreign workers unless they demonstrate that:

  • No qualified U.S. workers are available for the job
  • The hiring of a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers