March 28, 2005 - The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today unveiled its website and application form for online filing of PERM applications for permanent labor certification, the first step for most employment-based immigrants to obtain permanent resident (green card) status. Employers are initially required to register and create "accounts" with the DOL; once they have completed the required recruitment steps for a PERM application, employers or their representatives may complete the online application form and submit it electronically through the new website. The PERM website may be found at http://www.plc.doleta.gov/eta_start.cfm.

BAL Comment: The online PERM application process has many design flaws that do not appear to account for the broad variety of users and user circumstances. Initial tests of the website and online application form have revealed a number of serious problems that will significantly impede the filing of PERM applications, particularly for large employers. BAL is working to identify and document the problems and will bring them to the attention of DOL for (hopefully) swift resolution.