What is a job order in the context of the DOL?

A job order is the formal posting of a position that an employer files with the state workforce agency (State Workforce Agency, SWA), used as evidence of recruitment in the local labor market within certain processes of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

It appears mainly in labor certification processes such as PERM, where the employer must demonstrate that it sought available workers in the United States before turning to a foreign national. The posting includes the job description, qualifications, and working conditions, ensuring transparency and comparability with the market.

It is worth distinguishing this from the H-1B: that visa relies primarily on the Labor Condition Application (LCA) filed with the DOL, not on the PERM job order. In other words, the job order is a recruitment tool typical of the permanent immigration pathway, not of the standard H-1B process.

Because the requirements of each process vary, it is advisable to confirm the applicable procedure with the DOL and USCIS or with a qualified professional before taking action.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.