Successfully filing a PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification using experience gained with the same employer involves a detailed and precise approach to demonstrate that the new role is indeed a bona fide position requiring more advanced skills or responsibilities than those the foreign national held in previous roles within the company. Here's a step-by-step guide to enhance the chances of approval:
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Job Analysis and Documentation
Define the New Position Clearly: Ensure that the new position's duties and requirements are clearly defined and documented, highlighting how they are different and more complex than the previous position(s) held by the employee within the company.
Document Career Progression: Provide a clear career progression path showing how the employee has moved up within the organization and how their skills have advanced over time.
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Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
Request a PWD from the DOL: This will determine the appropriate wage for the position based on the job requirements and geographical location. The offered wage must meet or exceed this prevailing wage.
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Recruitment Process
Conduct Rigorous Recruitment: Conduct recruitment as required by the DOL to test the labor market. This includes placing job ads in local newspapers, online job boards, and industry-specific publications. Keep detailed records of all recruitment efforts and the reasons for rejection of U.S. worker applicants.
Document Non-Qualifying Applicants: It's important to maintain records of why each U.S. worker who applied was not qualified for the position, with a focus on legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons based on the requirements for the job.
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Application Preparation and Review
Prepare ETA Form 9089: Fill out the ETA Form 9089 meticulously. Ensure that all information is consistent with previous filings (if any) and accurately reflects the job duties, requirements, and recruitment efforts.
Review for Consistency: Double-check that the information about the previous positions held by the employee within the company clearly supports a narrative of progression and that these roles are distinctly different from the new position in terms of responsibilities and requirements.
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Filing and Response to Potential Audits
File the ETA Form 9089: Once the form is prepared and reviewed for accuracy and completeness, submit it to the DOL.
Be Prepared for Audit: There is a higher likelihood of audit when experience with the same employer is used. Keep all documentation readily available and organized for quick access in case the DOL requests further evidence. -
Handling Audits and Requests for Information
Respond Promptly to Audits: If audited, provide the DOL with all requested documentation, including recruitment reports, rejection reasons for U.S. workers, and evidence of the employee's qualifications and career progression within the company.
Legal and HR Coordination: Work closely with your legal counsel and human resources department to ensure all responses are accurate and comply with legal standards.
Best Practices
Ensure the Position Is Genuine: The DOL must be convinced that the job is not tailored to the qualifications of the foreign national and is a legitimate opening that could not be filled by the U.S. labor pool.
Transparency and Documentation: Maintain transparency in your recruitment process and document every step thoroughly to avoid any implications of favoritism or pre-selection.
By following these steps and focusing on thorough documentation and clear demonstration of job progression and differentiation, you can increase the likelihood of a successful PERM certification using experience gained with the same employer.
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