This set of "Specialization FAQs" deals with issues arising as a result of DOL's decision to centralize the filings of applications handled by the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), as announced at 73 Fed. Reg. 11954 (March 5, 2008). Under the centralization program effective June 1, 2008, permanent labor certification applications (PERM) will be handled by the Atlanta National Processing Center (NPC), and temporary applications (H-2A, H-2B, etc.) by the Chicago NPC.

Some practical effects of centralization of PERM processing at the Atlanta NPC:
  • Effective June 1, 2008, PERM posting notices must list the Atlanta address
  • All employers who file their PERM applications online on or after June 1, 2008, will receive case numbers with the prefix “A” and be automatically routed to the Atlanta NPC for processing.
  • Most PERM applications pending with the Chicago NPC on May 31, 2008 should have been transferred to the Atlanta NPC on June 1, 2008.
  • Effective June 1, 2008, employers who do not wish to file online at http://www.plc.doleta.gov must mail their PERM applications directly to the Atlanta NPC.