Permanent Residency (green card) via a Labor Certification through the PERM process

PERM replaces the traditional labor certification procedure that had been in place for 25 years.  PERM requires the employer to conduct a test of the job market to determine if there are qualified U.S. workers available by advertising the position pursuant to the U.S. Department of Labor guidelines.   After the recruitment period has ended the employer files a labor certification with the U.S. Department of Labor attesting to the recruitment and the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers.  If the labor certification is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, the employer may file an immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  When approved, the immigrant may file an adjustment of status (green card) application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.