The US Department of Labor has reportedly suspended new PERM labour-certification filings involving technology companies Cognizant and Cloudera while an investigation continues.
PERM certification is generally the first major step for an employer seeking to sponsor a foreign worker for an employment-based green card. Employers must normally demonstrate that no qualified and available US worker could be found for the position under the required recruitment process.
The reported suspension could delay or prevent the companies from initiating new PERM cases during the investigation. It may therefore create uncertainty for employees, including Indian technology professionals who rely on employer sponsorship for permanent residence.
The precise number of workers affected and the duration of the filing restriction had not been publicly established. It was also unclear from the available information how pending or previously approved cases would be handled.
An investigation or administrative suspension does not constitute a final finding of wrongdoing. It also does not automatically revoke workers’ existing H-1B visas, approved green cards or other valid immigration documents.
