FAQ Transcript:
The rule is once PERM is approved the I-140 must be filed within 180 days. If you do not then your PERM is extinguished and you will have to start all over again. However if you file I-140 within 180 days and then for some reason you have to file again, then 180 day limit does not apply. Let me give you an example: Let us say you’re I-140 was denied, you filed it within 180 days and you forgot to submit an education evaluation or because of some technical reason or a serious reason such as the inability of the employer to prove that they have the capacity to pay your wages. You can file an I-140 three years down the line. You are no longer confined to the 180 day deadline because when the first time around when you filed you were confined to the 180 days deadline.
Now the answer to question 1: Yes.
The answer to question 2: No limit that I know of as long as it is done in good faith.
The answer to question 3: This is a tricky question. USCIS has said if you still have the original of the PERM and it has not been archived then they will take the premium processing only if they have the originals in their possession. If it was never submitted or if the case has been shelved they will not take premium processing.
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My ETA form 9089 (PERM) has been certified in the record time of just 5(!) business days after it was filed by your office. Special credit goes to my case manager Ms. Richa Narang and also to Mr. Rajiv Khanna for their restless dedication, diligence, and hard work. You guys have shined by meticulously closing any possible gap there could have been in executing the filing documents. Your advise has been prompt and refreshing. it was always in plain English and right on point on the law without overcomplicating things. Your patience is unmatched. This overall impression echoes the experience I have made when we filed the h-1b for my wife who received her visa in less than a month after filing. I look forward to tackling the next stage (I-140) knowing that things will almost run on auto-pilot. Best wishes to your entire team for 2011. Thanks, Chris Alberti