Can You Travel In The US While Navigating PERM Processing Time?
You’ve submitted your PERM Labor Certification, and now you’re in processing limbo. That’s around 6 to 12 months of waiting. But what if you want to travel and explore the US in the meantime? Is it safe? Will it mess up your green card timeline?
You start overthinking:
- “What if USCIS flags my travel?”
- “Will leaving my work site raise questions?”
- “What if I go to the Grand Canyon and ICE shows up instead of a park ranger?”
Many foreign nationals are in this exact position: eager to travel while also tied to a very serious immigration process.
Good news! If you’re careful, you can still travel within the US while navigating PERM processing time.
From coast to coast, America is bursting with bucket-list-worthy sights. And while you’re making professional strides, you can also make memories without risking your immigration status.
Here’s your ultimate roadmap for traveling safely and smartly in the US during the PERM process.
What Is PERM Labor Certification Process (And Why It Takes So Long)
PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management, and it’s a crucial step in employment-based green card applications. It ensures that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job you’re filling.
Processing time:
- Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): ~4–6 months
- Recruitment Period: ~2 months
- ETA Form 9089 Review: ~6–8 months (if no audit)
- Audit? Add 8–12+ months
That’s a lot of waiting. So, how do you make the most of it?
Travel! See some of America’s best destinations.
Essential Things to Know Before You Travel
While your PERM is processing, your underlying nonimmigrant visa status (e.g., H-1B, L-1, F-1 OPT, etc.) remains your legal basis to stay in the US. If it’s valid, domestic travel is allowed, with caveats.
Here’s What You CAN Do
- Travel within the US (e.g., road trips, flights, national parks, cities)
- Stay overnight in hotels or Airbnb
- Visit friends and family in other states
- Attend business conferences or remote work (if permitted by visa)
- Take short domestic vacations (within legal stay duration)
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Traveling close to the visa expiration or the grace period
- Crossing any international border (Canada, Mexico, etc.)
- Ignoring local travel documentation requirements
- Missing a Request for Evidence (RFE) from DOL or USCIS
- Being away from your worksite for too long (for H-1B, especially)
Pro Tip: Keep a digital folder with:
- Passport and visa copies
- I-797 approval notice
- PERM filing confirmation (Form 9089)
- Employment verification letter
- Your lawyer’s contact info
Best US Travel Ideas While You Wait
Here’s where you can go while you wait for your employment-based green card journey:
The Classic Road Trip
Drive Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, or the Great River Road. Domestic travel has zero impact on PERM, so rent a car and explore.
National Parks Galore
Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, or the Smoky Mountains: nature doesn’t care about immigration processing times. Just avoid border-adjacent zones like Big Bend (Texas), where Border Patrol is active.
Bucket List Cities
- New York City: Museums, Broadway, food!
- Chicago: Deep dish pizza and Lake Michigan.
- Seattle: Coffee, mountains, and music.
- Miami: Sunshine.
Weekend Getaways
Airbnb your way through:
- Napa Valley (CA wine country)
- Asheville, NC (Blue Ridge beauty)
- Sedona, AZ (spiritual desert vibes)
- Portland, ME (lobster and lighthouses)
Attend Cultural Events
From music festivals to food fairs and regional parades, these are perfect for unwinding while staying on legal ground.
Why You Should Hire an Immigration Lawyer
Even if your PERM application is just “pending,” things can get complicated fast. The Department of Labor (DOL) doesn’t always notify you; instead, it notifies your employer or lawyer. If an audit is issued or if there’s a deadline for further documentation, you may not even know unless you’re properly represented.
An immigration attorney can:
- Monitor deadlines so you don’t miss crucial updates
- Advise on safe travel timing and risk factors
- Help renew your nonimmigrant visa if needed
- Strategize for I-140 and green card stages post-PERM
- Defend against audits or denial risks
If your PERM is denied, you may lose your place in the employment-based green card queue and risk losing your status.
NOTE: If you travel in the US while navigating PERM processing time and see a missed call from your lawyer, you need to call them back immediately.
Can You Travel Outside the US While PERM Is Processing?
International Travel = High Risk
While the DOL doesn’t bar international travel during PERM, USCIS might raise red flags when you return, especially if you’ve changed employers or your visa is close to expiration.
Risks include:
- Visa stamping delays at US consulates
- Re-entry denials due to unclear PERM status
- Missed PERM audits or documentation requests
- Resetting timelines or needing re-filing
Unless absolutely necessary, stay domestic and wait for PERM approval before traveling internationally. However, if you must travel internationally, consult with an immigration lawyer, as they can help you maintain lawful immigration status.
FAQs
Q: Can I leave my work location for a few weeks to travel in the US?
A: Yes. As long as your employment terms remain intact, you’re reachable for immigration updates.
Q: Will traveling delay my PERM application?
A: No. Domestic travel has zero effect on processing time, as long as your employer or attorney responds to DOL notices.
Q: What documents should I carry while traveling?
A: Keep a digital and printed copy of your:
- Visa
- Passport ID page
- I-94 record
- PERM filing proof
- Employment verification letter
Q: What if I get an audit while I’m away?
A: That’s why you need an immigration lawyer. They will monitor it and notify you immediately.
Q: Can I take a remote job while waiting for PERM?
A: No, if you’re on an H-1B. Your job site and duties must remain consistent with the approved petition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a foreign worker waiting for your PERM to process, it doesn’t mean life goes on pause. The United States is one of the most travel-friendly countries, especially for those already within its borders.
If you’re unsure about traveling during your PERM process, or you want to prevent mistakes before they cost you your green card, consult with an experienced immigration lawyer today.
They’ll help you:
- Stay compliant during travel
- Avoid audit delays
- Maximize your chances of success
Explore the US. Protect your future. Do both wisely by working with a law firm specializing in citizenship and immigration services like Hacking Immigration Law, LLC.