Special Handling Labor Certification

The Special Handling process for the faculty members of colleges and universities differs from the standard labor certification process in two important aspects. First, under the special handling regulations, universities are not required to perform the more onerous recruitment outlined in the regulations for the standard PERM labor certification process.  Second, under the special handling process, colleges or universities can obtain a PERM certification if they can demonstrate that after a competitive recruitment process they hired the most qualified candidate rather than have to fulfill the normal PERM requirement of showing that there are no available U.S. workers meeting the minimum qualifications for the position.

To take advantage of the special handling process, a college or university must file the required application with the DOL within 18 months of hiring the foreign national through competitive recurrent process.  The DOL is required to give special treatment to applications filed under the “special handling” procedures in order to expedite the permanent residence application process.

If you would like to consult with an experienced HSPRD attorney about the Special Handling labor certification process, please contact our Firm at (312) 239-7675 or info@chicagovisalawyers.com