09/23/2006: DOL Policy on Multiple PERM Applications by Same Employer for Same Employee
The current policy is that when the same employer files a second PERM application for the same employee when there is a prior PERM application filed by the same employer for the same employee which is still pending or approved, National Processing Centers automatically deny the second PERM application. DOl intends to change this practice, but until such change is materialized, the DOL will continue its current policy not allowing more than one PERM application certifications for the same employer and same employee in the following manner:
If the employer has already obtained certification of one PERM application and filed a second PERM application, the National Processing Center will continuously deny the second application. Once the second PERM application is denied such, the employer can file a motion to reconsider the denial, but such motion will not be considered unless the employer first files the requiest to withdraw the first certified PERM application and surrender the "original" certified PERM application form, ETA 9089. If the employer has already filed I-140 petition based on the first certified PERM application, since the employer no longer possesses the "original" certified ETA 9089, the withdrawal of the first certified application may be undertaken in order to save the second PERM application vis a motion to reconsider by submitting proof of the employer's withdrawal of pending or approved I-140 petition. Otherwise, the second PERM application will be denied.
If the employer has already obtained certification of one PERM application,but wants to file a second PERM application, the employer is required to withdraw the certified first application and surrender the original certified ETA 9089 before the employer can file the second PERM application. Otherwise, the second PERM application will be denied.
If the employer has filed a PERM application which is still pending, and if the employer wants to file a second PERM application, the employer must file a request for withdrawal before filing a second PERM application. Otherwise, the second application will be denied.
The foregoing policy has no effect on the certified PERM applications whatsoever as the certified labor certification application can not be invalidated unless there was a fraud. The foregoing policy is related to the second PERM application which has yet to be filed or certified. Accordingly, the first application which is either pending or certified will not be affected even if a second application is filed and denied.
The DOL is currently working on changes in the software logic to launch as early as October 2006 which will change the current practice and policy. Under the new system, the machine will not automatically deny the second application. Once the machine detects the multiple filings by the same employer for the same employer, the analysts will review the two applications comparing the two cases, and if necessary, will launch an audit to learn the reasons for second filing. Consequently, the employer will no longer see automatic denial of second application by the decision matrix once the new system is in place.
