The Department of Labor just released it’s numbers for the fiscal year of 2016, and some of the findings are quite interesting. Aside from the fact that applications have risen 11 percent (up to 97,000) since 2015, what is striking about the numbers is just what kind of jobs are most commonly applied for via PERM. This question has broad implications in the short- and long-term health of the American economy. The realities of globalization are such that traditional lines of work are being replaced by automation, while the kinds of industries that are showing growth are predominantly technology oriented. Does this trend show itself to be true in the DOL numbers on PERM applications? It sure does.
PERM Jobs
Here is a list of the most popular job categories in the PERM application papers:
- Computer and Mathematics – This has been the most popular job category for a few years now. It came in at 58 percent during 2016, representing a healthy majority of the PERM jobs.
- Architecture and Engineering – At 9 percent, these are two skilled occupations that will surprise some people. It is testament to the fact that America has some of the best job opportunities available in the world and will work hard to get the best and brightest into the country. Like computer and mathematics, architecture and engineering cover a lot of specific types of work. It is likely that these skilled foreigners are experts in their field and are sought out by American firms.
- Management – Coming in just behind architecture and engineering is management, at 8 percent.
- Business and Financial Operations – At 6 per cent of all applications, these jobs are certainly for specifically niche areas of business or finance as well. Areas like stock trading or specialization in certain industries for business make up most of these applications.
- Education, Training, Library – Only 3 percent of all PERM applications were for education, training, or library services.
Where are Most PERM Applicants From?
Much like the data on job categories, the information on who is applying for PERM is equally lopsided. At the top of the heap is India, representing 56 percent of all applications. Nearly half of these individuals proved that they have an advanced degree as a minimum requirement, so these really are the best in their field. Chine is the second most popular country for PERM applications, coming in at around 9 percent. South Korea, Canada, and Mexico each had small percentages to show.
Where Are Most PERM Applicants Going?
Immigration labor advertising is most important in California, which represents 24 percent of workplace sites listed in PERM applications. This makes sense given the numbers just described and San Francisco’s international reputation for technological innovation.
