Understanding Employment Green Card(PERM) Statistics in Fiscal Year 2024
Summary:The U.S. employment-based green card process relies on PERM labor certification to balance employer needs and domestic workforce protections. The recently released Fiscal Year 2024 data from the Office of Foreign Labor Certification highlight key trends in certifications, denials, and processing backlogs. These insights help employers and foreign workers navigate the system effectively.Navigating the U.S. immigration landscape can be challenging, particularly for employment-based green card seekers. The latest PERM Statistics for Fiscal Year 2024 shed light on labor certification trends, helping employers and employees make informed decisions. This data, compiled by MyVisaJobs based on Department of Labor's processing of labor petitions, highlights critical insights into the PERM program, which ensures U.S. labor market protections while allowing businesses to fill skill gaps with foreign talent.
1. A Year in Review: Application Trends
The data reveals that 151,773 PERM applications were filed in FY2024, with 36,620 submitted in Q4. This marks a slight 4.5% decrease from FY2023, reflecting a shift in employer hiring strategies or regulatory challenges. Despite these changes, the demand for skilled workers remains robust, particularly in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
2. Processing Outcomes: Who Gets Certified?
Of the applications processed, 102,036 were certified, while 5,031 were denied, and 7,483 were withdrawn. Certifications indicate that employers successfully demonstrated the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers for these roles. Interestingly, the most common occupations certified included software developers, data scientists, and nursing assistants, showcasing the high demand for tech and healthcare professionals.
3. Geographic and Industry Highlights
California leads as the top employment state, with nearly 19% of certifications, followed by Texas and New York. This geographic spread reflects economic hubs with significant talent needs. By industry, professional, scientific, and technical services accounted for over 31% of certifications, emphasizing the U.S. economy's reliance on innovation-driven sectors.
4. Challenges in the Process
Despite efficient processing, over 183,000 applications remain active as of September 30, 2024, underlining potential backlogs and delays. For applicants and employers, understanding these trends is vital to navigating timelines and preparing documentation proactively.
5. Your Next Steps
These insights underline the importance of thorough preparation when filing PERM applications. If you're planning your immigration journey or seeking talent, explore all historical data to make informed choices. Visit myvisajobs.com Green Card Search to search detailed case histories and understand how your case compares to others in similar industries and locations.
By leveraging tools like MyVisaJobs, applicants and employers can stay ahead of the curve, ensuring compliance and maximizing success in the U.S. immigration system.
