The slow processing of Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) in 2024 can be attributed to several factors:
1. Increased Applications: A surge in applications due to changes in immigration policies or labor market conditions can overwhelm the system, resulting in longer processing times.
2. Staffing Issues: The Department of Labor (DOL) may face staffing shortages or turnover, leading to delays in application reviews and decision-making.
3. Complexity of Cases: Many applications involve complicated cases that require thorough investigation and review, which can slow down the overall process.
4. Regulatory Changes: New regulations or guidelines can introduce additional requirements for case processing, extending the time needed to evaluate applications.
5. Technical Challenges: Issues with the online filing system or other technological difficulties can hinder the efficiency of processing PERM applications.
6. Increased Scrutiny: Heightened scrutiny of applications to ensure compliance with labor laws may lead to more requests for evidence (RFEs) and extended processing times.
7. Backlogs from Previous Years: Existing backlogs from prior years can carry over into 2024, causing delays for new applications as older cases are resolved.
These factors combined create a challenging environment that results in slower PERM processing times.
