CASE: PERM Labor Certification
EMPLOYER: Taekwondo (Martial Arts) School
BENEFICIARY: Korean
LOCATION: Cleveland, Ohio

Our client is a former Taekwondo athlete, and currently studies in the United States. He has a Taekwondo school which was willing to petition him for a third-preference petition (I-140).  Our client has a bachelor’s degree in a related field. After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his potential employer can petition him as a Taekwondo Coach.  Second preference petitions for Koreans are current, which means that if a PERM Labor Certification for a second preference position gets approved, the I-140 and I-485 could be filed simultaneously. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background, our office determined that he is eligible for EB-3 classification for his I-140 petition.  Our client eventually retained us on January 20, 2015.

Prior to filing PERM, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that PERM could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad. On February 25, 2015, the prevailing wage request was filed.  After we obtained the foreign degree evaluation report, our office filed the job order on April 21, 2015.  On July 15, 2015, we promptly filed PERM.  Eventually, on January 19, 2016, the PERM Labor Certification was approved – an EB3 position for the Korean beneficiary. Now our client can file the I-140 petition.

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CASE: I-140 (EB-2)

EMPLOYER: Home Health Services in Chicago Illinois

BENEFICIARY: Nigerian Director of Business Technology and Strategy

Our client is Nigerian, who is in the U.S on H-4 status. His prospective employer was willing to do an immigration petition for him, second-preference. Our client has a Master’s degree in Engineering Management.

After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his employer can petition him as a Director of Business Technology and Strategy. Based on our client’s educational and professional, our office determined that he is eligible for EB-2 classification.

Prior to filing PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad, whichever is later.

On October 28, 2014, the prevailing wage request was filed.  On April 17, 2015, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on November 17, 2015, the PERM labor certification was approved – an EB2 position for the Nigerian Director of Business Technology and Strategy.

We then proceeded with the I-140 Petition filing. We submitted the “ability to pay” letter for the I-140 petition application. We included the job offer letter, employer’s tax records, and other necessary supporting documents.

The I-140 Petition was filed on November 24, 2015 via premium processing service. However, on December 7, 2015, the USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) for our client’s petition. In RFE, the USCIS requested our client to submit any documentation that demonstrates his specific software special skills in the past. Our office promptly filed the Response to RFE on December 8, 2015 to USCIS by submitting a letter from his old employer detailing his usage and knowledge of the three specific software that were required. Eventually, on December 16, 2015, the I-140 EB2 Petition for our Nigerian client was approved. He can now file an I-485 adjustment of status application for his green card (he could have filed the I-485 application simultaneously, but he wanted to make sure the I-140 was approved first).

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

EMPLOYER: Data Marketing Company

BENEFICIARY: Nepali Computer Systems Analyst

LOCATION: Omaha, NE

Our client is a computer systems analyst from Nepal, who is currently working at a data marketing company in Omaha, Nebraska. They were willing to do an immigration petition him for a second-preference petition (I-140 EB-2).

Our client has a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and has worked for this company since January 2013. He has maintained his status as an H-1B visa holder in the United States.  After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his employer can petition him as a Computer Systems Analyst II. Based on our client’s educational, professional and work background, our office determined that he is clearly eligible for the EB-2 classification for his I-140 petition.

Prior to filing the PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad.

After retention, our office filed the prevailing wage request in December 2014.  On May 26, 2015, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on November 19, 2015, less than 6 months from filing, with no audits, the PERM labor certification was approved – an EB2 position for our Nepali Computer Systems Analyst. Now our client can file the I-140 Petition and the I-485 green card application since his priority date is current.

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

EMPLOYER: Home Health Services in Chicago Illinois

BENEFICIARY: Nigerian Director of Business Technology and Strategy

The beneficiary of this labor certification is Nigerian, who is in the U.S on H-4 status. His prospective employer was willing to do an immigration petition for him, second-preference. Our client has a Master’s degree in Engineering Management.

Our firm concluded that his employer can petition him as a Director of Business Technology and Strategy. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background, our office determined that he is clearly eligible for EB-2 classification.

Prior to filing PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could only be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad.

On October 28, 2014, the prevailing wage request was filed.  On April 17, 2015, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on November 17, 2015, the PERM labor certification was approved – an EB2 position for the Nigerian Director of Business Technology and Strategy. Now our client can file an I-140 Petition and his I-485 adjustment of status application simultaneously.

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

EMPLOYER: Culture Center

BENEFICIARY: Chinese Educational Services Market Research Analyst

LOCATION: Cleveland, OH

Our client’s beneficiary is Chinese, who is currently working at a culture center in Cleveland, OH on an H-1B. The company was willing to do an immigration petition for her, second-preference. Our client has a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

After talking to our client, our firm concluded that her employer can petition her as an Educational Services Market Research Analyst. Based on the beneficiary’s educational background and the position offered, our office did PERM with an EB-2 classification.

Prior to filing PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad.

On September 26, 2014, the prevailing wage request was filed.  On January 28, 2015, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on August 19, 2015, the PERM labor certification was approved – an EB2 position for the Chinese Educational Services Market Research Analyst, WITHOUT any audits. Now our client can file an I-140 Petition.

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CASE: I-485 adjustment of status based on Approved I-140 (EB-2)

APPLICANT: Zambian Business Operating Manager

LOCATION: Texas

Our client is a business operating manager from Zambia, who used to work at a radio broadcasting company in Texas under his OPT program. While he was working there, the company was willing to do an immigration petition for him, second-preference. Our client has a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has worked for this company for a year under the OPT program. Currently, our client is in F-2 status.

After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his potential employer can petition him as a Business Operating Manager. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background as an engineer and management analyst, our office determined that he is eligible for EB-2 classification.

Prior to filing the PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad.

Within a week from our retention, the prevailing wage request was filed.  On January 9, 2014, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on June 23, 2014, the PERM labor certification was approved.

Once the PERM was certified, we then proceeded with the I-140 petition filing. Our office submitted the “ability to pay” letter for the I-140 petition application on July 11, 2014 via premium processing. We included the job offer letter, employer’s tax records, and other necessary supporting documents. However, on July 23, 2014, the USCIS Texas Service Center issued a Notice of Intent to Deny for our client’s I-140 petition. According to the Notice of Intent to Deny, the USCIS requested the Petitioner to prove “ability to pay” for beneficiary’s proposed salary. In response to that, our office showed the beneficiary’s previous pay stubs and demonstrated that his previous salary was over and above the prevailing wage for his proposed position. Our office filed Response to Notice of Intent to Deny including a 7-page brief and supporting evidence to overcome the CIS’ arguments on August 11, 2014.

Eventually, the USCIS approved the I-140 petition on August 15, 2014. Once the I-140 petition was approved, our client retained our office again for his and his family’s I-485 adjustment of status applications. Our office filed an I-485 adjustment of status application for our client and his derivative family members on August 21, 2014. Everything went smoothly and the receipt notices and fingerprint appointment came on time.

However, on April 20, 2015, the USCIS issued Request for Evidence for our client’s I-485 adjustment of status application. The USCIS requested our client to explain the connection between his OPT employment and the degree conferred to him in the United States. In response to the RFE, our office filed a response brief with his previous employer’s attestation regarding the job duties of our client. We filed the RFE response to the USCIS on May 13, 2015.

Eventually, on May 27, 2015, the USCIS Texas Service Center approved our client and his family members’ adjustment of status applications. Now, our client and his family finally are green card holders.

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

EMPLOYER: Consulting Company

BENEFICIARY: Chinese Financial Analyst

LOCATION: New York, NY

Our client is a financial analyst from China, who is currently working at a consulting company in New York City. The company was willing to do an immigration petition for him, third-preference. Our client has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.

After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his potential employer can petition him as a Financial Analyst. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background as a financial analyst, our office determined that he is clearly eligible for EB-3 classification.

Prior to filing PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad.

Within a week from our retention, the prevailing wage request was filed.  On June 13, 2014, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on October 31, 2014, exactly four months from filing, the PERM labor certification was approved – an EB3 position for the Chinese Financial Analyst. Now our client can file an I-140 Petition.

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

 EMPLOYER: Hospital

 BENEFICIARY: Thai Hospitalist

 LOCATION: Tennessee

Our client is a hospitalist (physician) from Thailand, who is currently working at a hospital which was willing to petition him for a second-preference petition (I-140).  Our client has an M.D. degree and is a licensed physician in the state of Tennessee. He has maintained his status as an H-1B visa holder in the United States.  After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his potential employer can petition him as a Hospitalist. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background, our office determined that he is clearly eligible for EB-2 classification for his I-140 petition.

Prior to filing PERM, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad. Within a week from our retention, the prevailing wage request was filed.  After we obtained the foreign degree evaluation report, our office filed the job order on September 6, 2013.  On January 9, 2014, we promptly filed PERM.  Eventually, on June 23, 2014, the PERM Labor Certification was approved – an EB2 position for the Thai Hospitalist beneficiary. Now our client can file the I-140 Petition and I-485 green card application simultaneously since his priority date is current.

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

EMPLOYER: Radio Broadcasting Company

BENEFICIARY: Zambian Business Operating Manager

LOCATION: Texas

Our client is a business operating manager from Zambia, who used to work at a radio broadcasting company in Texas under his OPT program. While he was working there, the company was willing to do an immigration petition for him, second-preference. Our client has a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has worked for this company for a year under the OPT program. Currently, our client is in F-2 status.

After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his potential employer can petition him as a Business Operating Manager. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background as an engineer and management analyst, our office determined that he is eligible for EB-2 classification.

Prior to filing the PERM labor certification, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM Labor Certification application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad.

Within a week from our retention, the prevailing wage request was filed.  On January 9, 2014, we filed the PERM labor certification application.  Eventually, on June 23, 2014, the PERM labor certification was approved – an EB2 position for the Zambian Business Operating Manager. Now our client can file the I-140 Petition and the I-485 green card application since his priority date is current.

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CASE: PERM Labor Certification

EMPLOYER: Taekwondo (Martial Arts) School

BENEFICIARY: Korean

LOCATION: Erie, PA

Our client is a former Taekwondo athlete, who is working as a Taekwondo coach who had a Taekwondo school willing to petition him for a second-preference petition (I-140).  Our client has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a related field and has coaching experience.

Ever since he came to the United States, he has maintained his status as an O-1 visa holder. However, he had previously applied for a green card application (Based on the EB-11 category) which was denied by the USCIS.

After talking to our client, our firm concluded that his potential employer can petition him as a Taekwondo Head Coach.  Second preference petitions for Koreans are current, which means that if a PERM Labor Certification for a second preference position gets approved, the I-140 and I-485 could be filed simultaneously. Based on our client’s educational, professional and working background, our office determined that he is eligible for EB-2 classification for his I-140 petition.  Our client eventually retained us in June 2012.

Prior to filing PERM, our firm prepared the prevailing wage request, job order, advertisements, internal job posting, recruitment report, and all other steps which are important pre-PERM filing. Take note that the PERM application could be filed at least 60 days from the job posting date or 30 days from the last ad. Within a week from our retention, the prevailing wage request was filed.  After we obtained the foreign degree evaluation report, our office filed the job order on October 5, 2012.  On January 14, 2013, we filed PERM.

However, on June 10, 2013, the Department of Labor issued a request for audit. The DOL requested documents from Petitioner to determine whether the recruitment process was done properly. In response to the Audit request, our office prepared the response to Audit brief along with Employer’s declaration, notice of filing, and recruitment documentation on June 26, 2013.

Eventually, on May 13, 2014, the PERM Labor Certification was approved – an EB2 position for the Korean beneficiary. Now our client can file the I-140, I-485 green card application, and I-765 simultaneously.

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