How to Check Your Labor Certification Status

The labor certification, often referred to as a PERM Labor Certification, is a key step in the employment-based green card process. This status lets foreign workers and employers confirm that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for a specific job and that wages meet federal standards. Monitoring the status helps applicants anticipate next steps and prepare documentation for visa petitions and audits. The information below explains where to check, how to access the status, and what different updates signify.

What Is Labor Certification And Why It Matters

Labor certification is issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) through the PERM process. It validates that a U.S. employer has conducted a recruitment effort and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. workers’ wages and working conditions. A certified ETA Form 9089 is required before filing an I-140 immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Understanding the status helps applicants gauge the timeline and identify any actions required by the employer or attorney.

Where To Check Your Status

There are two main avenues to check PERM status. First, the employer or attorney who filed the case can provide updates and access to the case details. Second, the Department of Labor (DOL) offers an online mechanism to view case statuses for certain PERM filings. Access to the DOL portal typically requires the case number, which is provided during filing. The status can indicate recruitment outcomes, audits, or final certification results. Keeping line-of-communication open with the employer or attorney ensures timely updates.

✓
Quick, confidential phone check
Tell us the basics and we’ll point you to the right next step. No long forms.
Confidential • Fast • Helpful guidance

How To Check Your PERM Case Status Step By Step

Use this step-by-step guide to check the status efficiently:

  • Obtain the Case Number: The employer or attorney should share the PERM case number and filing date, usually found on the attorney letter or the ETA Form 9089 confirmation.
  • Visit the DOL Portal: Access the PERM case status page on the Department of Labor’s site or the designated iCERT/PERM portal if available.
  • Enter Required Details: Input the case number and any other identifying information requested by the portal.
  • Review Status Messages: Read the current status, such as “In Review,” “Audit,” “Certified,” or “Denied.”
  • Document the Result: Save or print the status screen for records, and note any required follow-up actions or deadlines.

If access is restricted, contact the employer or attorney for the official status update. Do not rely solely on third-party summaries, as case details can change during audits or appeals.

Understanding Possible Statuses And What They Mean

Common PERM statuses include:

  • In Process: The department is reviewing recruitment efforts and the job order.
  • Recruitment Incomplete or Pending: One or more recruitment steps require action, such as additional ads or postings.
  • Audit: The case is selected for audit, requiring employer documentation of recruitment and wage data.
  • Certified: The DOL has approved the labor certification, enabling the employer to file the I-140 petition.
  • Denied: The case did not meet DOL requirements or failed in the audit process; a new filing may be necessary.

Understanding these statuses helps applicants anticipate next steps, including gathering documents, preparing for audits, or coordinating with the employer for the I-140 filing.

What To Do If Your Case Is Delayed Or Audited

Delays and audits are common in PERM processing. Action steps include:

  • Communicate Regularly: Stay in contact with the employer and attorney to receive timely updates and request explanations for delays.
  • Prepare Documentation: For audits, assemble recruitment reports, employer job postings, wage determinations, and payroll records.
  • Verify Accuracy: Ensure job descriptions, wages, and recruitment data match the certified job offer and the ETA Form 9089 details.
  • Seek Professional Guidance: An immigration attorney can help respond to audits, address deficiencies, and plan the I-140 filing strategy.
  • Monitor Deadlines: Note any audit response deadlines or additional submission windows to avoid case withdrawal or denial.

Timely, organized responses during audits can improve the chances of certification and a smoother transition to the I-140 stage.

✓
Quick, confidential phone check
Tell us the basics and we’ll point you to the right next step. No long forms.
Confidential • Fast • Helpful guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I check my PERM status without my employer?
A: Access to the official PERM status portal is typically via the employer or attorney. If you need information, contact them for the latest updates.

Q: What information do I need to check status?
A: The case number, employer name, and filing details are the primary identifiers. Having the ETA Form 9089 and posting dates handy helps verify information.

Q: How long does PERM processing take?
A: Timeframes vary by case complexity and audits. Typical processing ranges from several months to over a year in some situations.

Q: Does a “Certified” status guarantee I-140 approval?
A: A certified labor certification is a prerequisite, but I-140 approval depends on USCIS review, patenting qualifications, and visa availability.

Similar Posts