Adobe’s PERM Cases on Hold: Understanding the “Application on Hold” Status

On September 25, 2026, a significant number of employment-based green card applications for Adobe employees faced a pause. PERM Tracker, a system that monitors labor certification filings, showed all 215 pending PERM cases for Adobe as “APPLICATION ON HOLD.” This status applied to 100% of the company’s pending cases at that stage, affecting a substantial portion of the 2,070 such cases reported nationwide with the same status. Understanding what this “on hold” status means is crucial for both employees and employers navigating the complex green card process.

What is the PERM Process?

The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process is a critical step in many employment-based green card applications. It is managed by the Department of Labor and serves as a labor market test. Before an employer can sponsor a foreign worker for a green card, they must demonstrate that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position. This typically involves advertising the job and interviewing candidates to prove the need to hire a foreign national.

The PERM certification is a prerequisite for the next stage, which is filing the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Therefore, a hold at the PERM stage means the application cannot advance to the subsequent steps of the green card process. This can significantly delay the timeline for individuals whose immigration journey depends on this certification.

Understanding the “Application on Hold” Status

When a PERM case is marked as “APPLICATION ON HOLD,” it signifies a pause in the processing of that specific application. It is important to note that this status is not a denial. A denial means the application has been reviewed and rejected, whereas a hold indicates that processing has been temporarily stopped. The exact reasons for a hold can vary and are not always immediately disclosed.

The PERM Tracker’s snapshot on September 25, 2026, provided a count of pending filings with this status. It did not offer any explanation for why these cases were placed on hold, nor did it give any indication of how long the pause might last. This lack of information can create uncertainty for those affected, as there is no clear timetable for when their cases might resume.

Implications of a PERM Hold for Employees and Employers

For employees awaiting their green cards, a PERM case being on hold means their path to permanent residency is temporarily blocked. They cannot move forward to the I-140 petition stage until the hold is lifted. This can impact their ability to remain in the U.S. long-term, especially if their current work visa is nearing its expiration.

Employers sponsoring foreign workers also face challenges. The delay in the PERM process can disrupt workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies. The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the hold makes it difficult to provide employees with concrete timelines or assurances. This situation highlights the importance of staying informed about the status of PERM applications and seeking guidance when necessary.

Distinguishing Holds from Denials and Other Alerts

It is essential to differentiate between an “application on hold” status and a denial. A denial is a final decision that the application does not meet the requirements. A hold, on the other hand, is a temporary suspension of processing. The figures reported by PERM Tracker on September 25, 2026, specifically indicated a hold, not a denial.

Additionally, the research noted a separate USCIS court alert issued on August 28, 2026, concerning a federal court order in Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Edlow. This order addressed adjudication hold policies in a different immigration context. However, this court action was not identified as the reason for the PERM labor certification holds affecting Adobe’s cases. The PERM process and USCIS adjudications are distinct, and the status reported for Adobe’s cases was specific to the labor certification stage.

The situation with Adobe’s PERM cases serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of immigration processes. While a hold can be frustrating, it is a distinct outcome from a denial and does not necessarily mean the application will ultimately be rejected. The key is to monitor the case status and consult with immigration professionals for advice tailored to individual circumstances.

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