On March 28, 2005, the Department of Labor (DOL) implemented the current process for submitting Labor Certifications - the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM). PERM replaced the previous paper system know as Reduction in Recruitment (RIR). This is the first step for many employment-based green card cases and is required for applicants under category employment-based preference 2 or employment-based preference 3 (EB2 and EB3).
Aliens who are physically present in the United States already are allowed to immigrate without leaving the United States to apply for an immigrant visa. This process is called Adjustment of Status (AOS). The USCIS will permit an application for AOS to be filed only if an immigrant visa is immediately available to the alien. Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) governs the general AOS provisions.
PERM Processing Times (as of 05/05/2014)
NPWC Processing Times (as of 05/22/2014)
| Processing Queue | Priority Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Month | Year | |
| Analyst Reviews | January 24 | 2013 |
| Audit Review | July 31 | 2012 |
| Reconsideration Requests to the CO | July 1 | 2013 |
| Gov't Error Reconsiderations | Current | |
The PERM Processing Times has been updated. Please click the link below to view the times.
http://www.immigration.com/PERM-processing-dates/perm-processing-times-09032013
Beginning September 9, 2013, USCIS will employ a new verification tool called Customer Identity Verification (CIV) in its field offices. Customers will now submit biometric data, specifically fingerprints and photographs, when appearing at USCIS offices for interviews or to receive evidence of an immigration benefit.
USDOL had denied a series of cases for many employers represented by various law firms. The ground of denial was that when "engineering" was one of the acceptable majors for an IT job, that created too much ambiguity for a case to be approved. DOL stated that there are fields of engineering, such as Agricultural Engineering, which are clearly inapplicable to IT positions.
This ruling had become a nation wide issue.
This policy memorandum (PM) temporarily extends the validity of civil surgeon endorsements on Form I-693 for adjustment of status and temporary residence applicants.This PM updates the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) by revising Chapter 40.1(c), (AFM Update AD 13-13). The guidance contained in this PM is controlling and supersedes any prior guidance on the subject.
Click the attachment to read more about the memorandum.
The PERM Processing Times has been updated. Please click the link below to view the times.
http://www.immigration.com/PERM-processing-dates/perm-processing-times-11062013