6/14/2009

The DOL report indicates that the percent of employer permanent labor certification applications resolved within six months of filing was only 37% during the first quarter of FY 2009.

This performance result is contrasted to the same for the previous year (2007) achieving 94% within six months. Additionally, the report indicates that the target of FY 2009 (10/01/2008-09/30/2009) to resolve the PERM cases within six months of filing is set at average 64% only. 

PERM program performance significantly decreased due to the impact of increased integrity activities and processing adjustments for downturns in the economy in conjunction with large employer layoffs. With current resources and application filing patterns processing delays will continue to occur absent marked changes in both the economy and greatly increased resources.

The diagnosis of the causes of delays and predictions for the future are stated that PERM program performance significantly decreased due to the impact of increased integrity activities and processing adjustments for downturns in the economy in conjunction with large employer layoffs. 

With current resources and application filing patterns processing delays would continue to occur absent marked changes in both the economy and greatly increased resources. From the report, readers can figure out the level of intensity of scrutiny and microscope investigation of applications the agency has been engaging in processing the PERM applications.