Philadelphia Labor Certification Process and PERM Lawyer
The Philadelphia area suffers from a chronic shortage of qualified job applicants. Fortunately, immigration law allows employers to find qualified foreign nationals and request permission for them to come to the U.S. and work. The U.S makes certain visas available for just this purpose. Many visas also allow the foreign national to seek a green card, which makes them a lawful permanent resident. Our Philadelphia Labor Condition and PERM lawyer can explain the process, gather required information, and submit your forms to the Department of Labor.
However, the government seeks to prevent employers from undercutting the domestic job market. If you are sponsoring a foreign national for an employment-based green card, you probably need to complete the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) certification process. Contact Ellenberg Law Group today to learn more.
We Can Help You Obtain Approval
PERM certification is a critical step an employer must complete if they want to sponsor a foreign national for a green card. Sometimes, you can waive the labor certification if it is in the national interest, which might happen when there is a chronic shortage in certain professions. But most employers must go through PERM, and you should consult with an attorney.
The purpose of PERM certification is to show you will not adversely affect domestic workers by hiring a foreign national:
- You will need to prove that you cannot fill a position with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- You must also request prevailing wage information from the Department of Labor and certify you will provide wages equal to or greater than the prevailing wage.
- You must attest that you will employ the foreign national in similar work conditions.
There are other certifications we can discuss with you.
The foreign national job applicant will not be cleared to come and work in the U.S. until you receive your certification. We encourage employers to start early.
A successful application will require supporting documentation. For example, you probably must submit advertisements for the job in U.S. newspapers or online websites. This shows you attempted to hire a U.S. citizen or green card holder but were unable to find a suitable candidate.
Sponsoring a foreign national for a green card is more complicated than necessary. It can take six months to complete your application and years to receive approval. Still, both workers and employers must follow all requirements as they currently exist.
We strongly recommend working with a Philadelphia labor certification and PERM lawyer. Simple mistakes or missing information can delay the certification process and possibly result in denial. Willful omissions or misstatements can result in your business being permanently barred from participating in these visa programs.
We Can Get Started Immediately
PERM labor certification is complex, and approval is not automatic. If you want to sponsor an employee for a green card, please contact us today. Ellenberg Law Group has shepherded many employers through the PERM process, and we can discuss what to expect. Contact a Philadelphia labor certification and PERM lawyer to get started.
