The Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) process is a system established by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to certify that hiring a foreign worker for a specific position will not negatively impact U.S. workers. Employers seeking to sponsor foreign nationals for permanent residency (green card) typically must first obtain a certified PERM labor certification.

The process involves several key steps:

• Job Advertisement: Employers must conduct a good-faith recruitment effort to find qualified U.S. workers.
• Application Submission: Employers submit an ETA Form 9089 electronically to the DOL.
• Review & Certification: The DOL reviews applications. Certification is granted if no qualified U.S. workers are found to fill the position.
• Approval or Audit: Some cases are selected for audits, requiring additional documentation and extending timelines.