The American job market is looking pretty good these days. The implication of a strong job market is that PERM may receive fewer successful applicants in the years going forward. It is a positive pressure for domestic firms to deal with because it requires them to file excellent applications. There are permanent labor certification advertisement agencies that can help with job ads to make the process more efficient and effective. A great application that addresses all the key concerns around the domestic labor market will probably still succeed. The key is in showing that no Americans are being displaced in the process.
But what are the new numbers on the American job market? The general consensus is that jobs are being created in large number. In June of 2017, 220,000 jobs were added. Of this total number, 45,000 were in the education and health industries. This might be a concern for Universities looking to hire a foreign professor via PERM. However, they should not worry, as there is always a need for specialists in American universities. The rules that apply to hiring domestic laborers through PERM do not apply to university professors – each professor is tremendously unique and valuable to the American educational system as such.
Leisure and hospitality saw the creation of 26,000 jobs. This industry does not see many PERM applications at all, so it has no impact on future PERM applicants.
One industry that might affect PERM is the professional and business services industry. This industry saw a spike of 35,000 jobs in the month of June. A rise in the business services industry is representative of a newfound confidence in American businesses. While a few PERM applicants each year go to managers and business executives, it is only a small percentage. It is not likely that these high numbers will impact PERM applicants.
In the finance sector, which saw an increase of 17,000 jobs in June, all signs point to a stronger domestic market in the future. Americans have always been very adept at accounting, banking, and investment practices. Firms looking to bring in bankers or financiers from overseas need to be extra specific with their applications.
Jobs might be coming in large numbers these days. The economy has a lot of room to grow and a more confident consumer market goes a long way to spurring growth. But what about wages? The concern is that wages remain at the same level as they have for the past ten years or so. With inflation and an increase in the cost of oil, the average American is having a harder time paying the bills.
Permanent labor certification can help bring the average wage up. With a strong prevailing wage determination in place American firms are obligated to pay their new hire an above average salary for the position.
