PERM application filing: will it be delayed?

[maverick80]

Hi,
I just started my 5th year on H1-B (EB-2) at a very large software firm. I also have a Masters degree from a good university etc. I was delaying filing my PERM (part stupidity and partly thinking of changing my job). Now, I received information from the company that new PERM applications may be impacted because we had layoffs recently. Although I am not personally aware of anyone with my job title being fired, I am wondering if they will wait for 6 months after the layoffs to actually start filing new applications.
I am new to this, and this may be a simple question. What usually happens? Do they put off all PERM applications for 6 months after layoffs? Does this mean that companies that have not had layoffs can continue to file PERM applications?
I ask this because I am thinking that maybe then I should look for a company that has not had layoffs (best of luck to me, right? I think there's a couple out there ). If I do go down this route, can I start a PERM application immediately or do I have to work at the company for a while before I can do this?

I am also worried that the PERM could get delayed by 6 months or more because there might be more layoffs. If there are further delays in the time to be approved (more than a year), then I might be cutting it really close as far as my H1-B term goes. Is anyone in a similar situation? Am I at risk here? What happens if PERM filing is in process when H1-B duration comes to an end? Do I just have to leave?

A lot of these are maybe newbie questions, but I am kind of worried and I would appreciate it if you can contribute answers to whichever questions of mine that you are familiar with.

Thanks

[maverick80]

anyone? Any help would be appreciated here.

[mrindia]

I am in the same boat. i applied recently in Jan 09. God bless America with more jobs.

[longwait4gc]

Talk to your company lawyer first. I can try to answer few questions based on my interpretation which might be wrong.

Originally Posted by maverick80

Hi,
I just started my 5th year on H1-B (EB-2) at a very large software firm. I also have a Masters degree from a good university etc. I was delaying filing my PERM (part stupidity and partly thinking of changing my job). Now, I received information from the company that new PERM applications may be impacted because we had layoffs recently. Although I am not personally aware of anyone with my job title being fired, I am wondering if they will wait for 6 months after the layoffs to actually start filing new applications.
I am new to this, and this may be a simple question. What usually happens? Do they put off all PERM applications for 6 months after layoffs? Does this mean that companies that have not had layoffs can continue to file PERM applications?
Yes, if there is no layoff you can continue file PERM in that company. If there is layoffs and you file PERM then they will reject it after that your company can file request for reconsideration.
I ask this because I am thinking that maybe then I should look for a company that has not had layoffs (best of luck to me, right? I think there's a couple out there ). If I do go down this route, can I start a PERM application immediately or do I have to work at the company for a while before I can do this?
Yes you can start PERM but make sure you negotiate this condition before accepting their job.

I am also worried that the PERM could get delayed by 6 months or more because there might be more layoffs. If there are further delays in the time to be approved (more than a year), then I might be cutting it really close as far as my H1-B term goes. Is anyone in a similar situation? Am I at risk here? What happens if PERM filing is in process when H1-B duration comes to an end? Do I just have to leave?
If the priority date is 365 days old then they can file extension for H1B. You will get yearly extensions until your I140 is approved. Best of luck.

A lot of these are maybe newbie questions, but I am kind of worried and I would appreciate it if you can contribute answers to whichever questions of mine that you are familiar with.

Thanks

[permfiling]

Hi,
My advice is to stick with the same company till u get ur ead. If you move, any company will take 6 ~ 8 months to start the PERM process. I noticed that companies do mention that they will start as soon as you come on board but that never happens as they know your visa status.

I switched companies after 140 was approved at a big company and I paid the price by joining a startup which closed but I moved on before it closed.

I have yet to file PERM but I get to retain my PD

It is my personal opinion based on my experience. Most of the employers don't keep up their word as promised.

Originally Posted by maverick80

Hi,
I just started my 5th year on H1-B (EB-2) at a very large software firm. I also have a Masters degree from a good university etc. I was delaying filing my PERM (part stupidity and partly thinking of changing my job). Now, I received information from the company that new PERM applications may be impacted because we had layoffs recently. Although I am not personally aware of anyone with my job title being fired, I am wondering if they will wait for 6 months after the layoffs to actually start filing new applications.
I am new to this, and this may be a simple question. What usually happens? Do they put off all PERM applications for 6 months after layoffs? Does this mean that companies that have not had layoffs can continue to file PERM applications?
I ask this because I am thinking that maybe then I should look for a company that has not had layoffs (best of luck to me, right? I think there's a couple out there ). If I do go down this route, can I start a PERM application immediately or do I have to work at the company for a while before I can do this?

I am also worried that the PERM could get delayed by 6 months or more because there might be more layoffs. If there are further delays in the time to be approved (more than a year), then I might be cutting it really close as far as my H1-B term goes. Is anyone in a similar situation? Am I at risk here? What happens if PERM filing is in process when H1-B duration comes to an end? Do I just have to leave?

A lot of these are maybe newbie questions, but I am kind of worried and I would appreciate it if you can contribute answers to whichever questions of mine that you are familiar with.

Thanks