DOL Advances First PERM Green Card Overhaul in 21 Years After OMB Review

NewsData.io · United States · Oct 29, 2026

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs completed its review of the Department of Labor's proposed PERM reform on October 23, 2026, marking the first comprehensive overhaul of the employment-based green card certification framework since 2005. The proposed rule, titled 'Modernizing the Labor Market Test and Improving Protections for U.S. Workers in the PERM Immigrant Visa Program,' aims to update recruitment requirements to reflect digital hiring practices and strengthen protections for U.S. workers affected by layoffs. The full proposed text has not yet been published in the Federal Register, meaning current PERM rules remain in effect pending a public comment period and final rulemaking. Employers sponsoring foreign workers — particularly Indian nationals in EB-2 and EB-3 categories — and the staffing firms supporting those placements should monitor Federal Register publication closely, as changes to recruitment documentation and recordkeeping requirements could materially affect compliance workflows.