PERM
Originally posted by ahalem
how would that impact our cases,would they move us to PREM or stay in RIR?
I guess the real answer is we don't know. Pretty sure is it would not be automatic. In the initial PERM documentation their was a provision to switch from RIR to PERM. Also, remember that is was more restrictive, so some of us may not be able to switch.
Based on the article it looks like it would be about October 2004 that PERM would come into effect.
I'm a Nov 2001 RIR and all I know is I really hope my case gets cleared before PERM goes into effect. Not only because I hope it will be before October but also because if we can't switch this is what is going to happen:
- Lots of people applying for PERM, they get approved in 21 days so before some of the people that have been waiting for RIRs to get approved.
- So DOL will open the flood gates of LCs but USCIS will not be equipped to handle the large influx of I-140 petitions creating a larger backlog.
- Basically, for those who cannot switch to PERM, PERM will make their lives worse.
Keep in mind this was based on how regulations were proposed so let's wait and see what they say now.
One of the big things in PERM was that you were not allowed to use work experience gained at the sponsoring employer. So for many of us that have been working for a company for several years (ie all of us that have been waiting for close to 3 years) we would not be able to use it.
So what does this mean? To me it means, once PERM comes out ditch your current employer, get a new one to submit your PERM and then you can use the 3 years of experience you have gained while waiting for your RIR to get approved.