A Reddit post by a Bay Area tech professional has highlighted the growing difficulties H-1B visa holders face in the U.S. labor market. The user, working as an Oracle + SAP Manager since 2020, revealed that their employer’s PERM process stalled after the Labor Market Test (LMT) failed due to an unexpectedly high number of U.S. applicants.

“Honestly did not expect this since role is very niche, but looks like market is like this nowadays. Feeling very tense because green card is main plan for long-term settlement,” the post read, emphasizing the strain faced by visa holders relying on employment-based permanent residency.

Labor Market Test Challenges Amid Layoffs

One Reddit user pointed out the growing competitiveness, stating, “Americans are now far more aware of where companies are placing these ads, and theres usually plenty of applicants in this layoff heavy environment. Its gonna be near impossible to legitimately pass a LMT.”

Another user suggested a strategic approach to navigating PERM hurdles: “I guess finding an employer where many American don’t even wish to work can work. Often some small consultancy can get PERM sorted much easily than popular companies, it depends on job, location and company. A less desirable locations like rural, low-demand areas, one may find it easier to pass the LMT, as fewer U.S. workers apply or meet the minimum qualifications.”

Visa Holders Warned About Missteps

Concerns were also raised about potential exploitation in the system. A Reddit user noted, “Some people on Twitter are intentionally applying to these PERM jobs even if they don’t qualify. They don’t even know PERM is for people who already have jobs and doing this they are kicking themselves in the foot by giving the complete power to employers to exploit H1Bs and layoff others. It’s not going to give them a job just gonna mess it up for everyone.”

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