PERM Backlog Reduction Act of 2026

Faster Processing for Employers: The bill creates a program that requires the Secretary of Labor to process form ETA-9089 within 30 calendar days, providing a quicker path for employers seeking permanent labor certification (Section 2(b)(1)).

Quick Resolution of Inquiries: If an employer submits a request for information regarding an unprocessed form, the Secretary must process the form within 15 calendar days (Section 2(b)(2)).

Program Funding and Infrastructure: The fees collected are intended to cover the costs of administering the program, including staffing, training, case adjudication, and system upgrades (Section 2(c)(5)).

Fraud Detection: The collected fees can be used specifically to detect fraud related to the expedited program (Section 2(c)(5)(F)).

Financial Cost to Employers: Employers must pay a $1,200 fee to participate in the optional expedited program (Section 2(c)(1)).

Increasing Costs Over Time: The $1,200 fee is subject to annual increases starting in fiscal year 2028 based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (Section 2(c)(2)).

Reduced Transparency and Oversight: Certain laws, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the Paperwork Reduction Act, may not apply to the implementation of this act if officials determine compliance would impede its expeditious implementation (Section 2(g)(1) and Section 2(g)(2)).