Official Statement: DOL Fixes Job Title Issue
The Department of Labor (DOL) has fixed a technical issue. The issue affected job titles on PERM certifications. The announcement came via the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) portal. This online system is used for various foreign labor applications.
The Problem and the Solution
The issue was with the Certification Approval Appendix for the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) program. A technical glitch had caused the job title field to be left blank on some PDF certifications. This was a significant problem for employers and immigration lawyers. The PERM certification is a crucial document for the next step in the green card process, which is filing Form I-140 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The DOL has now confirmed that all affected documents have been regenerated. The corrected files now show the correct job titles. They are available on the PERM Filers FLAG Dashboard. Users can print the corrected certifications from the “Historical” tab in the ETA Form 9089 section of their FLAG account.
USCIS Confirmation
USCIS has also provided important information. It confirmed that filing an I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with the original, uncorrected PERM certification should not cause a problem. This means that using the flawed document will not negatively affect the I-140 petition’s outcome.
This confirmation is a key safety measure for petitioners. It prevents unnecessary delays or rejections for those who already filed their I-140. USCIS can still process the petition based on the other information provided.
The PERM program is an essential step for many employment-based green card applicants. It requires employers to prove they could not find a qualified U.S. worker for the job. Once approved, the PERM certification supports the I-140 petition. This is the official request to classify the foreign worker as eligible for a green card.
The quick action by both the DOL and USCIS is a positive sign. It shows they are working together to reduce problems in the immigration process. The resolution of this technical error minimizes disruption for employers and foreign workers. This is a helpful development for those on the long journey to permanent residency.
