DOL will Permanently Issue Electronic PERM Labor Certifications

By: Jacqueline Valle and Toni Ordona

The Department of Labor (DOL) will permanently issue electronic PERM labor certifications to employers and their representatives via email.

DOL initially began issuing PERM labor certifications electronically instead of via email to help accommodate for the COVID-19 pandemic. After being extended once, this exception was set to expire on September 30, 2020. Rather than extend a second time, DOL decided to make the practice permanent.

It is possible to issue labor certifications electronically because Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now has electronic access to the online PERM system.

DHS will consider a signed electronic PERM as evidence to accompany Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. Employers who filed for their PERM by mail will still receive a certified PERM on blue security paper. These employers should still plan to submit the PERM hard copy with I-140 filings.

Next steps for Employers

Employers will continue to receive certified PERMs over email instead of hard copy mailings. Employers should add the DOL National Processing Center email address to their email address book (plc.atlanta@dol.gov).

Conclusion

For assistance filing for an employment-based green card, or for any questions related to the green card sponsorship process, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP attorney.