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The Evolution of Travel Agencies: A Historical Perspective

The history of travel agencies is a compelling narrative that has witnessed significant transformations over the years. This article explores the evolution of travel agencies from their early beginnings to the present day, highlighting key milestones and shifts in the industry.

Early Travel Arrangements:

Before the establishment of travel agencies, individuals took charge of their travel arrangements directly with transportation providers and accommodations. This process was often cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring considerable effort from the traveler.

Emergence of Travel Agencies:

In the 19th century, the concept of travel agencies began to take shape. Thomas Cook & Son, founded in 1841 by Thomas Cook, is recognized as one of the earliest travel agencies. Initially focusing on organizing railway outings, the agency later expanded its services to include international travel.

Growth and Globalization:

As transportation infrastructure grew and global travel became more accessible, the role of travel agencies expanded. They became intermediaries between travelers and various service providers, offering packaged tours and simplifying the booking process.

Technology and Online Booking:

The late 20th century witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of technology. The rise of the internet allowed travelers to research and book their trips online, reducing dependence on traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies.

Specialization and Niche Markets:

As the travel industry diversified, agencies began specializing in specific niches such as adventure travel, luxury vacations, or eco-tourism. This specialization enabled agencies to cater to the unique preferences of different traveler segments.

Challenges and Adaptation:

The advent of online booking platforms and direct-to-consumer options presented challenges to the traditional travel agency model. However, many agencies have adapted by leveraging technology to enhance customer service, offering personalized experiences and providing expertise in complex travel arrangements.

Conclusion:

While the travel agency landscape has undergone significant changes, agents continue to play a crucial role, particularly for complex or customized trips. Their expertise and personalized service add substantial value, contributing to a resurgence in specific segments of the industry. The role of travel agencies continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, ensuring their relevance in the dynamic world of travel.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this article are intended to provide an insightful exploration of the history and evolution of tourism ambassadors. However, it is essential to note that these opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the author or the Tourism Academy. The article aims to present a comprehensive overview of the topic based on available information and research, but individual perspectives may vary. Please consider multiple sources and viewpoints when you understand the subject matter.

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Related articles, us travel's geoff freeman on leadership and industry transformation, family travel association: transforming travel agent accreditation with the tourism academy, unveiling the spirit of travel with bud geissler, 2024 american bus association marketplace chair.

What does a travel agency do?

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What does a travel agency do? You will almost definitely have heard of travel agencies if you have ever booked a holiday or have an interest in the tourism industry. But what exactly is a travel agency, and what do they do?

What is a travel agency?

Independent travel agents, online travel agencies , visitor information centres, other types of travel agency, what can a travel agency book, big names in the travel agency industry, travel agency business model, a brief timeline of travel agencies, further reading.

A travel agency is essentially the ‘middle man’ between travel companies and the general public i.e consumers. They book all sorts of travel-related experiences for customers on behalf of larger companies.

The main aim of a travel agency is to make the booking process simpler for the public, who might lack the time or confidence to book trips themselves.

Types of travel agencies

So what does a travel agency do? It mostly depends on what type of travel agency you’re looking at. This can be broken down into the following types…

An independent travel agent is the type you’ll see on Instagram or with their own Facebook pages, their feeds full of snaps from Amsterdam, Bali , or New York City. They tend to partner with a ‘host agency’, who will take a portion of the agents’ commission themselves in exchange for letting them use the company software and access their commission. Travel agents are also able to recruit other people, and in turn get a cut of their commission too. In this way, independent travel agencies tend to be a type of multi-level marketing scheme.

Online travel agencies are much more consumer-focused. They allow individual customers to book their own travel, but as a package or with the added protection from ATOL and ABTA. They act as a broker, allowing you to input your dates, desired destination(s), what board basis you wish to travel and so on. The site then pulls together a package deal, allowing you to book everything in one go with access to booking details so you can make amendments and keep up to date with any changes.

While these don’t offer flights and hotels generally, visitor or tourist information centres are found within cities or tourist destinations. They provide advice, maps, discounts and booking services for tours and excursions such as open top bus tours. These are usually run by local or national governments, or specific tourist boards. They are great for recommendations when travelling somewhere new!

Hotel concierge services work in this same way, often getting commission for booking trips for guests.

I won’t go into too much detail here, but there are other types of travel agencies too. You can learn more in this post about the different types of travel agents .

Overall, what does a travel agency do?

A travel agency does a multitude of things. During non-peak times, they will mostly spend their days researching new or upcoming tourist destinations and what makes them so great, advertising them as somewhere people can book future holidays to.

Travel agencies are also required to keep up to date with safety information for various destinations. They do plenty of research meaning they can tell customers about the best places to go, what they can do while they’re there, what documents they need and so on. This is particularly important now, as travel advice is ever-changing with regards to political conflicts and public health.

But during peak times and in the run-up to these times, travel agents will be busy actually booking trips. Nowadays they mostly do everything via the computer, using the internet to put holiday packages together which include at least the basics – flights and accommodation – for one price. However, they also call travel companies directly in order to get better deals or to see if there are rooms or seats available which might not be showing online for whatever reason. Because of this, travel agencies and agents tend to have great relationships with particular brands.

Travel agents can book much more than just flights and accommodation. Not all of them can book all of these experiences or features, but it is definitely worth asking if you are using a travel agency to book your next vacation.

• Flights – short haul, long haul, & various classes
• Accommodation – hotels, apartments, and villas
• Airport transfers
• Executive airport lounges
• Airport parking
• Cruises – river and ocean
• Car rentals
• Travel insurance
• Excursions and tours
• Taxi services
• Currency exchange
• Train tickets
• Theme park & water park tickets e.g Disneyworld and Universal in Orlando, Florida

They will also advise on public transport services and timetables, as well as arranging for medical items to be delivered and any access requests you have.

Most travel agencies are actually online, and many of us use them regularly. There are still some in-store travel agencies, but with the impact of both modernisation and the Covid-19 pandemic the majority are online now. Below are some big names within the industry which you will likely recognise.

Expedia – founded by Microsoft in 2001

Cruise.com – specifically for booking cruises

American Express Travel – allows you to earn & use points when booking

Audley Travel – the largest operator in tailor-made travel

loveholidays – a British company founded in 2012

Lastminute.com – offering cheaper travel when you book last minute

Kiwi.com – specifically for booking air and ground transport

Booking Holdings – these are a travel technology company who own Booking.com, Cheapflights, OpenTable and more

Now we’ve looked at the question of ‘ what is a travel agency’, let’s take a look at the generic business model. Generally, travel agencies work in one of two ways. The first way is by receiving commission from the companies they book experiences with for customers. For example, if you were to use a travel agency to book your next holiday which included flights, a hotel stay and a transfer to and from the airport this is three separate components which will be booked through three different companies. The travel agency will receive commission from each of the three companies. There may be other benefits and incentives offered by the travel companies. Commission rates and these benefits mean that travel agencies are more likely to use some companies more so than others who might offer them less in exchange.

Alternatively, travel agencies will charge a fee for their services. This makes it more expensive for consumers to book trips through travel agents and agencies than it would to book themselves. However, as some people don’t feel confident booking themselves, many are happy to pay this additional cost. Holidays booked through travel agencies often come with the added benefit of being ATOL and ABTA protected.

• Cox & Kings were the first travel agency, was established in 1758
• Abreu Agency was the first public travel agency, was established in 1840
• Thomas Cook , one of the most famous travel agencies, was founded in 1841
• Brownwell Travel, the first travel agency in the US, was established in 1895
• Nippon Travel Agency was the first travel agency in Japan, established in 1905
• Intourist became the official state travel agency of the Soviet Union in 1929
• The first travel agency in Australia which went on to become Helloworld Travel, was established in 1951
• Henderson Travel Service became the first Black-owned travel agency, taking Black tourists to various African countries, in 1955
• American Airlines’ Sabre unit created a direct-to=consumer booking tool for flights, hotels and cars in the early 1980s
• Mode Tour became the first travel agency in South Korea, established in 1989
• Hotel Reservations Network, which went on to become Hotels.com, was established in 1991 – at this point, hotels didn’t pay a lot of commission so it didn’t take off
• Travelweb.com, the first online hotel directory, launched in 1994
• The Internet Travel Network sold the first airline ticket online in 1995
• Expedia launched in 1996, funded by Microsoft, and are now one of the biggest travel agencies 
• In 2007, as the iPhone was released, more bookings were made online because mobile apps were now in use
• Airbnb was established in 2008
• HotelTonight, specifically for instant same-day hotel room bookings, was launched in 2011

If you enjoyed this article explaining what does a travel agency do, then I am sure you will enjoy these articles too-

• What is a tour operator and how does it work?
• The 3 types of travel and tourism organisations
• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• The 9 types of tourist destinations
• 50 fascinating facts about the travel and tourism industry

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Category: Travel

Date: August 22, 2023

Evolution of Travel and Tourism Industry

Travel is one of the most important leisure activities in the world. Over the years, the travel industry has changed considerably. It is quite fascinating to see how travel agencies have evolved.

How far have we come? Where did it all start? Take a look at our ultimate travel evolution infographic to learn how the industry keeps moving forward, while evolving, expanding and showcasing more than any other industry.

England and France passed a legislation that required hotels and inns to keep guest registries

Cox & Kings, a travel company was founded

Industrial revolution resulted in expansion of rail infrastructure across Europe and North America

Thomas Cook, an international travel company was founded

The first German travel agency, Reiseburo Rominger was started in Stuttgart

Walter A. Brownell founded Brownell Tours and takes first 10 guests on an archeological tour of Switzerland

American Express Company introduced the world’s first Traveller’s Cheque

The first Indian travel company, Jeena Tours and Travels was established

Travel agencies became a commonplace with the development of commercial aviation

Avis Rent a Car, a car rental company was founded

It took 90 minutes/customer to complete a booking process. So, many airlines began to seriously look for automation tools

American Airlines installed the first automated booking system – the Reservisor

TCA became the first airline in the world to use a CRS with remote terminals

American Airlines switches to an automated airline reservation system known as SABRE

United Airlines introduced the computerized system Apollo based on IBM’s PARS

United Airlines began offering its Apollo system to travel agents

UK based companies launch the world’s first reservation system Travicom

Travicom handled 97% of UK airline business trade bookings

European airlines developed their own GDS system Amadeus

Galileo merged with Apollo system to book airline, hotel, train, cruise and car rental reservation

Navitaire, a technology service provider of the airline and rail industries was founded

Lonely Planet’s website is launched

Microsoft found its own travel booking website Expedia

Travelocity launched as a joint venture of Sabre Interactive and Worldview Systems Corp

HotBot metasearch engine was created

Jay S. Walker founded Priceline.com

Travelzoo, an internet company that publishes travel and leisure deals was founded

OpenTravel Alliance was founded to talk about the disparate systems in the global travel industry

Hotwire, a website that offers airline tickets, hotel rooms, vacation packages etc was established

Skyscanner, a travel fare aggregator website and travel metasearch engine was founded

Orbitz.com a travel fare aggregator website was founded

Couchsurfing international was formed as a New Hampshire nonprofit organization

TripAdvisor was acquired by InterActiveCorp (IAC)

Facebook was launched which inspired many to share their travel experience

IAC spun off its travel group of businesses under the Expedia, Inc. brand

Google Maps, a web mapping service developed by Google was founded

AirBedAndBreakfast (later renamed to Airbnb) was founded

Twitter inspires real-time messaging between travellers and travel brands

Some of the major GDSs are Amadeus, Travelport, Sabre, Shares, Abacus, Travelsky, Infini, Axess and Topas

Google buys IAT, a travel industry software

HotelTonight app was founded. It allowed users to find accommodations in America, Europe and Australia

Google Flights, an online flight booking search service was launched

Kayak Software Corporation was acquired by the Priceline Group

Sabre’s travel itinerary management app is the first travel app to integrate with a smartwatch

Travelocity was acquired by Expedia

WearGeared developed a Museum Glasses prototype application

Amadeus introduces the world’s first Virtual Reality travel search and booking experience

Amadeus launched their new portal Amadeus for developers

Heathrow Airport’s biometrics project is aiming to fully deploy facial recognition for departures

Evolution of travel industry infographics

Drive Conversions and Boost your Business with Expert Travel Website Development.

The travel industry has become a combination of DIY internet tools and travel management companies. Transportation innovations such as trains and airplanes have eliminated the problems and lowered travel costs. In short, it has become possible for travelers to go anywhere on the globe in less than 48 hours.

The market has split into a vast number of nice markets such as ecotourism, backpacking and historical tourism. There has been a handful of trips into orbit around Earth which is branded as ‘space tourism’ which is going to be an exciting chapter in the industry.

We  ColorWhistle will keep updating this infographic as and when interesting things happen in the travel industry. Stay tuned!

In quest of the Perfect Travel Tech Solutions Buddy?

Be unrestricted to click the other trendy writes under this title that suits your needs the best!

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About the Author - Anjana

Anjana is a full-time Copywriter at ColorWhistle managing content-related projects. She writes about website technologies, digital marketing, and industries such as travel. Plus, she has an unhealthy addiction towards online marketing, watching crime shows, and chocolates.

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History of Flight Booking: CRSs, GDS Distribution, Travel Agencies, and Online Reservations

• 15 min read
• 12 Apr, 2019
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A quick run through the whole history of booking technologies

• Airlines are stuck with a limited number of distribution capabilities as three major players on the market (Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport) dominate the distribution landscape.
• It’s still hard for small online travel agencies and other travel distribution businesses to enter the market because such giants as Expedia and Booking Holdings own most of the market.
• While customer-facing technologies are advanced, some systems and processes under the distribution umbrella are legacy monsters that date their inception to the 70s.

1957-1976: The era of Computer Reservation Systems

1957-1964: sabre is the first booking automation system.

SABRE ticket agent and her terminal

Source: IBM’s Twitter

A quick explanation of how airline distribution works today

1964-1971: Emergence of PARS-based reservation systems

1974: airline tariff publishing company starts providing flight information, 1976: travel agencies got access to crss.

SABRE terminals at travel agents’ offices

Source: Sabre History

1978-1992: Airline deregulation and GDS emergence

1978: beginning of the modern gds-centric ecosystem, 1987: major european gdss, galileo and amadeus, are created by airlines, 1990: worldspan forms from earlier american crss, 1992-2000: distribution regulations and growth of gds monopolization, 1993-1997: amadeus absorbs smaller gdss, 1997-2000: gdss become independent, 1994-2006: emergence of the internet and formation of travelport gds, 1994: electronic tickets and the first online booking system, 1996: creation of the first online travel agency - travelocity.

Travelocity web interface in 1996

1996: Microsoft launches Expedia

In 1996, Microsoft launched Expedia as its travel division. Three years later, Expedia went public. Worldspan GDS shared its flight content with Microsoft to boost Expedia, as it offered meta-search and booking capabilities. During the second half of the 2010s, Expedia is becoming the second biggest OTA, along with Priceline that also owned Booking.com. In 2018, Priceline Group became Booking Holdings.

Expedia in 1997

1998: Innovata becomes a powerful rival to OAG

2000: priceline is founded offering discount flights.

The business model of Priceline was based on finding the “expiring” tickets through Worldspan GDS. Airlines struggled to fill the plane to capacity. That’s why carriers were interested in selling the remaining seats almost for nothing. So, customers were able to search for a flight, set their maximum budget, and the system would find the seat that matched this bid. Interestingly, the name of the service, Priceline, probably originated from the line that was covering the “price” section of the flight. It was called a “bid priceline,” and the customer was unable to see the real price of the ticket.

Priceline from 2001

2000: Major American carriers launch Hotwire

2001-2004: orbitz and kayak foundation.

2004: Emergence of Skyscanner, one of the biggest travel meta-search engines

Skyscanner looked minimalistic in 2004

2006: Travelport, a third giant GDS, appears and soon buys Worldspan

2009-2019: mobile booking, expedia, inc. acquisitions, and social networks.

KAYAK mobile app interface for Blackberry mobile phones in 2009

Source: CrackBerry.com

2011: Google launches its own flight booking platform - Google Flights

Google Flights platform search interface bound with Google Maps

Source: traveltechnology.com

2012-2019: Airlines start utilizing social networks

Meet & Seat interface

Source: travel.cnn.com

2015: Expedia Inc. acquires Travelocity and Orbitz; Priceline, a travel website with the highest revenue, becomes a part of Priceline Group (Booking Holdings today)

2019: the recent state of online booking.

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History of Travel Agency

Wealthy people have always traveled to distant part of the world to see great buildings or other works of art, to learn new languages, to experience new culture, or to taste new cuisine. The Travel Agency business does not have a long history. Although one of the largest in the world volume sales, it was a sheer coincidence that brought this business into being. Thomas Cook is considered the “Pioneer of the Travel Agency”. It was with the arrival of scheduled airlines that the face of travel agency business began to change rapidly. Following World War-II, when the travel urge broke loose, a large number of people set themselves up in business as travel agents.

Initially, teachers, clerks and housewives worked out of their homes as part time travel agents, though such an arrangement would be almost impossible today. Until the nineteenth century, discretionary travel was limited to a very small percentage of the people. This changed dramatically as the industrial revolution gave millions of people in North America and Europe some discretionary income.

More importantly, the railroad made travel comparatively cheap and convenient. In response to travel demand, intermediaries, such as, Thomas Cook, Cox and Kings, etc., helped to promote and make travel arrangements easier for mass tourists. This Unit deals with the development in travel agency and tour operation business. This Unit also intends to apprise you with the historical development of travel and tour operation in India.

The British company, Cox & Kings is sometimes said to be the oldest travel agent in the world, but this rests upon services that the original bank (established in 1758) supplied to its wealthy clients. However, the modern travel agent first appeared in the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1822, Robert Smart of Bristol, England announced himself as the first steamship agent. He began booking passengers on steamers to various Bristol Channel ports and to Dublin, Ireland.

The first specialist in individual inclusive travel was probably Thomas Bennet 1814-1898, an Englishmen who served as secretary to the British consul general in Oslo, Norway. He frequently arranged individual scenic tours in Norway for visiting British Nobles.

Thomas Cook, in addition to developing the package tour, established a chain of agencies in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, in association with the Midland Railway. These not only sold their own tours to the public, but represented other tour companies. Other British pioneer agencies were Dean and Dawson, the Polytechnic Touring Association and the Co-operative Comprehensive Society

Travel agencies became more commonplace with the development of commercial aviation starting in the 1920s. Originally, the agencies largely catered to middle-class customers, but the post-war boom in mass-market package holidays resulted in travel agencies on the main streets of most British towns, catering to a working class clientele looking for a cheap overseas beach holiday.

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5 steps to create a travel timeline, 10+ travel timeline templates, 1. basic travel timeline template, 2. simple overnight travel planning timeline, 3. standard tour preparation timeline, 4. modern field trip timeline template, 5. sample travel timeline, 6. travel timeline layout template, 7. travel timeline example template, 8. editable travel timeline template, 9. printable travel timeline template, 10. professional travel timeline template, 11. travel timeline template example, timeline templates.

The thought of planning a family trip or vacation might seem intimidating to most people, because of all the seemingly endless arrangements that you will need to complete before you leave. What you need to consider is making a travel timeline to prioritize your travel arrangements and travel schedules help you go one step at a time.

Step 1: Get Your Travel Documents Ready

Step 2: create a travel budget, step 3: pick your destination and book tickets, step 4: pack your suitcases, step 5: pay attention to last minute details.

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Travel & tour bi-fold brochure template, travel brochure template, modern vacation rental tri-fold brochure template, travel sale tri-fold brochure template, travel agency bi-fold brochure template, travel & tour tri-fold brochure template, beach vacation rental bi-fold brochure template, condo apartment vacation rental tri-fold brochure template, vacation rental advertising tri-fold brochure template.

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Travel Planning Timeline

Getting ready for a trip is so exciting! First, you narrow down the country you want to visit. Then you plan the trip and decide exactly where to go, what to see, where to stay, and so on. Then there are several important decisions and a list of “to-do’s” to tackle. Here is my essential travel timeline and tips to make your next vacation a great one! This timeline includes action steps for domestic and international travel. Asterisks mark the action items for traveling abroad. Have a great trip!

6 -12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE:

• Where do you most want to visit?
• How much time do you have for your trip?
• Does your travel destination have any (health or security) restrictions? 
• What’s your budget?
• What do you most want to see and do there?
• STAY SAFE –  One can never be too safe. Americans can check the U.S. Department of State website to learn about travel alerts and advisories in other countries. Also, consider signing up for the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which will alert you to security concerns while you’re away. Enrolling in STEP can also help the U.S. Embassy in the country you’re visiting reach you in case of an emergency condition in the area. In addition, it can assist family members in reaching you in an emergency. (On one trip, we received text notifications from STEP alerting us of public demonstrations in a nearby town. The text advised us to steer clear of the area for the afternoon.)
• Read guidebooks (buy your own and/or borrow them from your public library).
• Learn out more about your destination in general by reviewing online sources like Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and Lonely Planet as well as travel blogs.
• Check online travel reviews on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp to read about other people’s ideas about places to stay, dine, and visit that fit your interests and budget.
• BOOK YOUR LODGING – Early booking helps ensure that you’ll get the type of room you want. For example, do you want a quiet room away from street noise, a room with a king bed, and/or a room with a view? Popular places often fill up quickly, so acting soon after you decide where you want to go makes sense. TIP: Check cancellation policies. Once you make a reservation (for a vacation home rental or hotel), make yourself a note or reminder on your calendar to alert you when the cancellation date arrives. Just in case.  
• Book early so you make sure you capture the best departure and arrival times that suit your trip. For example, you may want to take a flight that arrives in the morning, thereby giving you a big chunk of the remaining day to explore the new locale. Booking early will help you keep your trip plans in synch.
• Booking a rental car early also enables you to get the type of transportation you want . For example, early bookings give you a better chance of getting your choice of vehicle regarding size and type of transmission. Also keep in mind that automatic transmission vehicles are not as common in Europe (and other places) as they are in the U.S., so you often need to specify if you want a car with an automatic transmission.

• PLAN GREAT EXPERIENCES – As mentioned, it’s often helpful to check TripAdvisor, Yelp, and other online rating sites to get ideas for lodging and restaurant recommendations. But now you can drill down for more specific ideas about how to get the most out of your trip. Oftentimes, these sites have interesting ideas for things to do that you might not have considered — but that can enrich your travel experience so much. Think cooking classes, boat or jeep tours, and other popular pastimes. Book early as they tend to fill up fast during peak travel months. On a trip to Crete, in Greece, a few years ago, my husband and I had the most delightful time at a cooking class in a tiny inland village. Also, we really enjoyed an all-day wine and olive jeep tour. We would not have discovered those opportunities if I hadn’t searched online. The positive reviews and a couple of emails to these places prompted me to book the excursions. ( Emailing, particularly regarding international travel, is an efficient and effective way to gather more information to help make decisions .) So glad we did! Each outing ended up being a highlight of our stay — mainly because we were spending a bit of time with locals. Just keep in mind that tons of people post to these sites, so go with the general consensus, and ignore the over-the-top positive or negative comments.

• ORDER VENUE TICKETS IN ADVANCE – Oftentimes, you can order tickets to museums and other experiences in advance and skip the long lines. Some smaller venues restrict entrance to certain windows of time each day. Doing a quick online search of the important sights on your list will tell you what you need to know. This information includes days and hours of operation and whether reservations are necessary . Some venues require online reservations and sometimes even timed-entry tickets — even if no admission is charged. Timed-entry tickets help places (like museums and national and state parks) manage capacity at their locations.
• For Americans traveling within the U.S., remember that a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will be required to board domestic flights beginning May 7, 2025. So when it’s time to renew your license, add the REAL ID component (by showing the required documentation). Check online for your state’s REAL ID requirements . Without the READ ID-compliant license, Americans will need to carry their passports for flying in the U.S. effective May 2025.
• For international travel, make sure your passport is current for at least 6 months after you expect to return from your trip . In the U.S., passports for children under 16 years old are issued for 5 years; adult passports are good for 10 years. Allow up to 12 weeks to get or renew a passport (though you can pay an extra fee to expedite the process).
• BECOME A TSA-TRUSTED TRAVELER  – The TSA-Trusted Traveler programs help to expedite security screenings for Americans at airports and other entry points. For instance, having TSA PreCheck means that you don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets when proceeding through security. Furthermore, Global Entry has the added benefit of expedited re-entry to the U.S. after foreign travel; this is a huge bonus after a long flight home when you just yearn to be through the airport and get back to your “home sweet home.” TSA Precheck cost $85; Global Entry includes TSA Precheck and is $100. Each is valid for five years and requires an online application plus a brief face-to-face interview at an airport. Check with your credit card company; some will refund the application money to you.
• CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE  – No one wants to suffer a broken leg or lost camera while traveling — or pay more for car rentals. Check your current health, car, and homeowner’s policies to see what, if anything, is covered when you’re away from home. There is a range of travel insurance coverages available — all depending on your needs and budget.

3-6 MONTHS IN ADVANCE:

• DOWNLOAD TRAVEL APPS  – Let’s face it. Apps on our smartphones can make our lives easier. That’s especially true when traveling. You are probably already using GPS apps (Waze has navigated us around plenty of construction and accidents, saving us plenty of travel time). If you’re flying, having your airline’s app installed is crucial as you’ll be notified of delays, boarding times, and gate changes. Plus there are other helpful ones like FlightAware with real-time info on flight traffic and delays, the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler app mentioned above, and SplitWise that helps you divide the costs of traveling with others. Check my travel app recommendations for a complete list of helpful apps and websites.

• FIND THE BEST CAMERA OPTIONS – Are you happy with your camera or smartphone for taking your vacation pictures? If not, now is the time to research options. Do you want a telephoto lens? Do you want wireless capabilities on a new camera so you can easily share your pictures with family and friends back home? Or do you plan on snapping your pictures on your smartphone? If so, make sure you know all the tricks you can use to guarantee great photo memories when you get home. (For example, I like the option to press a button on my Apple Watch to initiate a timer on my smartphone camera; using the button on my watch as a remote makes the selfies that my husband and I take better because it’s easier to position the smartphone in an outstretched hand to capture a bit more background.) Check online for more information and YouTube tutorials for your camera and/or smartphone .
• GET TRAVEL GEAR – Make sure you have what you’ll need to make your trip comfortable. Consider lightweight backpacks or totes, walking/hiking shoes, and other useful travel gear. If traveling internationally, look for the best converters and find out what type of plugs you’ll need for the country you’ll be visiting as they are specific to certain countries/regions. TIP: Take along a small charging station (do a quick online search) that you and your group can easily plug in phones, tablets, and cameras to juice them back up. Having a centrally located spot for charging while away can also make it less likely that you’ll leave a charging cord behind — in an outlet behind a dresser or bed, for instance.
• VERIFY TSA SECURITY SCREENING REQUIREMENTS – If you’re flying from an American airport and are not sure if you can bring something (corkscrew? hiking poles?) in your carry-on bag when flying, check the TSA Security Screening site to see what is and is not permitted in carry-on and checked bags.
• SCHEDULE PET SITTING – Make sure to plan on caring for your fur babies, feathered friends, or other beloved pet(s).

UP TO 3 MONTHS IN ADVANCE:

• GET FOREIGN CURRENCY* – It’s wise to start off your trip with a wallet stocked with the currency you will be using upon your arrival. This saves headaches and costly currency conversion fees. Ask your bank or AAA office for this service, and request a range of denominations or you might be given only large bills. You’ll be thankful when you need some local currency for small purchases or tipping.
• NOTIFY YOUR BANKS*  – If traveling internationally, contact your bank (for your checking, debit, and credit cards) to let them know of your travel plans. If you don’t, you risk them flagging your account as potentially fraudulent, assuming that your account or cards have been compromised or stolen. While you’re thinking of your credit cards, check if it imposes foreign transaction fees. If they do, consider applying for a card without such fees; a quick online search may help you find a card issuer that is more friendly to international travel and has the benefits you’ll find useful. TIPS:  1) Take more than one credit card with you; if you have two or more, you’ll have a backup to use in case one gets lost or stolen. 2) Have your bank’s phone number in your phone’s list of contacts (or written down), so you can easily call them if you need to. 
• GET YOUR SMARTPHONE READY FOR TRAVEL – You may want to consider setting up your smartphone as a hotspot ; doing so lets you access the internet (on devices without cell service like some tablets) easily without using public wi-fi (at airports or hotels, for instance) that may not be secure. Your cell phone provider can help you add that service to your plan.  Also, if traveling internationally, check with your cell service provider to make sure your phone is ready to accept and receive calls and texts as well as use data (emails and internet searches) while you’re out of the country.
• SHARE YOUR ITINERARY – Make sure trusted family members or friends are aware of your travel plans: your flights, your lodging, and your daily schedule. Knowing that others know your plans is a great way to find peace of mind in case of an emergency.
• COPY YOUR PASSPORT * – Although you will always want to carry your passport with you when traveling, having a picture of it (on your smartphone) or a copy of it hidden in your suitcase (and with a trusted family member or friend) will be a godsend in case you lose your passport along the way. While you’re at it, you might want to make a copy of prescriptions for your glasses/contact lenses and medications in case those are lost/stolen on the trip.
• WATCH VIDEOS – Khan Academy and YouTube are stocked with content that can help provide historical and cultural context to your travels. Adding more background knowledge will surely enrich your experience as you can appreciate the art, architecture, food, wine, and people you meet so much more.
• LEARN BASIC PHRASES* – Being able to greet a shopkeeper or waiter in their language is always a plus when traveling abroad. It shows an appreciation for them and their country. Google Translate is a good place to find phrases in a jiffy; not only do you see the word or phrase (which can help, say, when you’re trying to locate the nearest ATM or ask how much something costs), but it also shares the audio equivalent to help make sure you don’t butcher the language too much. A bonus with Google Translate is that you can even take a photo of something (like a sign or product label) and it will translate the text to you.
• DECIDE ON LUGGAGE OPTIONS – Gone are the days when travelers packed scores of different outfits and shoes. Nowadays, many opt for more lightweight travel — often with only carry-on bags. Yes, it’s possible and a great idea. It’s a personal choice, to be sure, but if traveling with just carry-ons, you can swiftly move through the airports (no more baggage claim waits) and elsewhere. (My husband and I only travel with carry-ons and it’s helped us easily maneuver through centuries-old cities as we leave a train station or parking lot and stroll to our hotel. Traveling this light took a little bit of an adjustment, but we’ve found the convenience it offers outweighs the fact that I had to leave some outfits at home.)
• PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WARDROBE – Almost everyone (me included) tends to overpack. Doing so will only mean that you’ll be lugging more than you actually need and taking more or bigger luggage. Keep it simple! Make things easier by streamlining your outfits and picking a neutral color palette (like black, navy, brown) and mixing and matching tops, bottoms, and accessories (such as jewelry and scarves). If you take the time to pre-plan what you’ll wear, you will probably be able to travel for a couple of weeks with just carry-ons. It can be done (and it’s how my husband and I have traveled for years), although it does mean that you have to hand wash some things like shirts or undies (or pay for laundry services) along the way. TIP: If planning to hand wash clothes while you’re away, pack some inexpensive hangers to use for drying — and leave them behind when you leave. (Don’t tell anyone, but when I hand wash clothes while on the road, I just use a bit of shampoo — from the hotel freebies — to suds things up.)

TWO WEEKS TO GO!

• GET MEDICATIONS  – Now is the time to make sure your meds are ready for the trip. In addition to prescriptions, remember any over-the-counter meds you usually use and will have to pack.
• CHECK LIQUID LEVELS – TSA regulations state that each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. They must all fit in a one-quart resealable bag in carry-on bags. So unless you’re planning on buying these things at your destination, plan carefully for shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, and lotion. If you’re planning on checking a bag, larger size liquid containers can be placed in there. TIP: Most hotels provide small quantities of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion — so if you’re not too picky about the brand you use for vacation, you’ll be fine with scaling back on packing liquid toiletries.
• REREAD SECTIONS IN TRAVEL BOOKS – Refresh yourself with what you’ll be visiting and the context you’re interested in: architecture, art, history, etc.
• SCHEDULE OR PREPAY BILLS – Don’t forget your bills while you’re away! If opting to prepay, you may have to estimate payments in some cases for bills that vary each month like credit cards and utilities. If so, you may want to err on the side of a slight overpayment to ensure that you keep current on all your bills.
• STOP DELIVERIES – Stop your mail , newspaper deliveries, and any automatic deliveries you may have set up — or have someone pick them up for you. For Americans, consider signing up for the U.S. Postal Service Informed Delivery , so you can check online to see what mail you’re receiving each day — even though you may have arranged to have the USPS hold your mail while you’re away. (By the way, you can use Informed Delivery anytime — even if you’re at home.)
• Have someone come over to water your plants inside and out.
• Have a neighbor park in your driveway once in a while to diminish a deserted look while you’re away.
• Get timers to place in certain rooms to have lights turned on each evening to give passersby the allusion that someone is home.
• DOWNLOAD CONTENT – What are you going to feel like reading or listening to on your trip? Figure out what you want to bring along and have your devices stocked with content (books, magazines, podcasts, movies, music). Doing so will keep you entertained during travel time (sitting at airports and/or on flights, trains, or boats) and other downtimes.
• MAKE ADDRESS CARDS FOR CABBIES* – When traveling internationally, minimize issues when you don’t speak the language. Write the name, address, and phone number for each place you’ll be staying on a different index card or sticky note. Keep these cards/stickies with your travel documents. Give the cards/notes to the cabbies who drive you to your hotels/inns/hostels or rental homes/apartments.
• SCHEDULE A RIDE TO THE AIRPORT – If flying, plan on how you’re getting to the airport. Are you driving there and parking in a lot, getting a ride from a friend, or taking a cab?
• BE FLEXIBLE – Inevitably, there’ll be hiccups — like delays — along the way. Travel doesn’t come without a few inconveniences. But the good experiences most likely will outweigh the bad.  Have fun while you visit new places, learn new things, and meet new people! Enjoy the journey. Build memories. Happy travels!

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Explore the world with Timeline Travel

Welcome to Timeline Travel, a premier travel agency based in Dubai, dedicated to creating unforgettable tourism experiences. We are passionate about showcasing the wonders of Dubai and beyond, providing exceptional service to our valued clients.

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At Timeline Travel, we understand that every traveler is unique, and we pride ourselves on creating personalized experiences

Unparalleled Destination Expertise

With our extensive knowledge and deep-rooted connections, we offer unparalleled destination expertise.

Exceptional Customer Service

At Timeline Travel, We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our clients and ensuring their satisfaction throughout their travel journey.

WHERE TO GO

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We take you wherever u want to go

At Timeline Travel, our mission is to curate extraordinary tourism journeys that immerse our clients in the beauty, culture, and luxury of Dubai and other remarkable destinations. We strive to exceed expectations, ensuring every traveler's experience is nothing short of remarkable.

Pack your stuff and leave the rest to us

Are you dreaming of a stress-free travel experience where all you have to do is pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey? Look no further than Timeline Travel. We take pride in our ability to handle all the intricate details of your trip, allowing you to focus on the excitement of exploring new destinations

We are located in Dubai

As a travel agency based in Dubai, we have the unique advantage of being immersed in a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, creating an unparalleled destination for travelers from around the globe.

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, from the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa to the luxurious Palm Jumeirah. Unwind on pristine golden beaches or indulge in retail therapy at world-class shopping destinations

We take you all over the world

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The tower of london.

The Tower of London stands as a captivating symbol of the city’s rich history and royal heritage. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this historic fortress has witnessed over 900 years of significant events and played a pivotal role in the country’s development. Step inside its ancient walls and be transported back in time as you explore the impressive White Tower,

Cappadocia - Turkey

Phi phi islands, thailand, baku, azerbaijan.

Discover the World: Let Timeline Travel Be Your Guide

At Timeline Travel, we believe that the world is meant to be explored and experienced. With our expert guidance and unparalleled service, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey of discovery.

Embrace the Extraordinary

At Timeline Travel, we invite you to embrace the extraordinary and embark on a journey that will surpass your wildest dreams. Leave behind the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of breathtaking landscapes, captivating cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek the serenity of pristine beaches, the thrill of adventurous expeditions, or the richness of cultural heritage, we curate tailor-made itineraries that cater to your unique desires.

Embark on a Journey of a Lifetime

Are you ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Let Timeline Travel be your companion on a journey of a lifetime. We specialize in curating extraordinary experiences that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we meticulously craft itineraries that cater to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, a thrilling adventure, or an immersive cultural expedition, our expert team will guide you every step of the way.

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Buffalo: (716) 970-4007  |  Toronto: (866) 697-1832

PERM Process: A Guide for Non-Immigrant Visa Holders

Obtaining an employment-based green card in the United States is intricate, with the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) process laying the foundation. Managed by the Department of Labor (DOL), PERM is designed to protect the U.S. labor market by ensuring that jobs filled by foreign workers are genuinely unable to be filled by the local workforce. This guide goes into the essential stages, timing, and considerations of the PERM process, providing a roadmap for employers and foreign professionals aiming to navigate this procedure successfully.

Employment-Based Immigration: Understanding PERM

At its core, the PERM process is the preliminary step for an employer to sponsor a foreign worker for an employment-based green card. This process involves a rigorous assessment by the DOL to certify that hiring a foreign worker will not disadvantage U.S. workers who are qualified, willing, and able to fill the position.

Strategic Timing for PERM Initiation

The decision on when to begin the PERM process is critical. Starting well in advance is recommended to navigate the process’s complexity without facing undue time pressures. Ideally, employers should embark on this journey as soon as they decide to sponsor a foreign worker. Early initiation is crucial for optimizing the chances of success and preparing meticulously for each subsequent phase of the green card application.

Navigating the PERM Timeline: Key Phases

• Recruitment Phase: This initial stage involves specific recruitment activities to test the labor market. The objective is to verify the job’s absence of qualified U.S. workers. This phase is time-consuming and often extends over several months.
• Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): Securing a PWD from the DOL is a fundamental requirement. The DOL assesses and provides the minimum wage that can be offered for the position, ensuring fairness in wage standards. The duration of receiving a PWD can vary significantly.
• Filing ETA Form 9089: After completing the recruitment phase and obtaining the PWD, the employer must file ETA Form 9089 with the DOL. The processing times for this form are variable and can be monitored online.

Special Considerations for Visa Holders

• H-1B Visa Holders: Because the H-1B visa has a six-year limit, initiating the PERM process by the fourth year is advisable. This timing ensures adequate room for the approval of the I-140 petition and the possibility of extending the H-1B visa if necessary.
• TN Visa Holders: Those on a TN visa should consider the implications of immigrant intent, which can affect the ability to extend the TN visa, in their planning timeline.

Conclusion: Early and Effective Planning

The complexity of the PERM process cannot be understated. From meticulous planning to understanding the nuances of each phase, the journey towards securing an employment-based green card is fraught with challenges. Early initiation and detailed attention to every step significantly enhance the likelihood of a smooth process. Additionally, the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney can be invaluable in navigating the PERM process.

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Permanent Labor Certification

We Can Help!

You may have questions regarding Employment-Based Immigration under PERM. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews ! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.

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E2 Investor Visa: Proving Your Investment Source and Path

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American Airlines Cuts Travel Agencies Slack: Extends Deadline For Loyalty Points

Dennis Schaal , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 4:52 PM EDT

Who's in and who's out of American Airlines' new preferred agency program to date? The deadline extension seems to indicate their are some hiccups along the way.

Dennis Schaal

American Airlines was poised to stop enabling customers of certain travel agencies to earn loyalty points on the airline’s bookings starting May 1, but said Tuesday it is extending that deadline until July 11.

The issue relates to American’s preferred agency program , and the requirement that a minimum of 30% of a travel agency’s bookings come from American’s New Distribution Capability fares.

These fares largely bypass global distribution systems, and is a cheaper and more efficient way for the airline to make its content available to travel agencies.

Many Travel Agencies Have Qualified

The airline said a large number of agencies have already qualified. So if you are a customer of that travel agency and you book an American Airlines flight, you would still be able to earn AAdvantage points. If your travel agency doesn’t make the list, then you’d have to book the flight directly on AA.com or use a one of the preferred agencies to earn the airline’s loyalty points.

“The majority of our indirect bookings are now made via an agency with NDC capabilities, and the current list of agencies beyond 30% NDC bookings is already impressive,” said an American Airlines spokesperson in a statement. “We anticipate even more who are on the cusp of meeting the threshold to do so very soon, which will provide customers with excellent preferred agency options to go along with our offerings on aa.com. As such, we’ve decided to extend the update to the way customers earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on flights to July 11.”

The airline declined to specify which travel agencies have already qualified to be preferred agencies.

An Expedia Group spokesperson, however said: “We have an agreement with AA and have absolutely no reason to think we won’t be preferred.”

In a statement Wednesday, American Society of Travel Advisors President and CEO Zane Kerby welcomed the delay, but took some shots at American Airlines.

“While the fundamentals of American’s preferred travel agency program appear not to have changed, its postponement of the program is welcome news for the travel industry,” Kerby said. “Agencies and advisors most affected by this oncoming change have a couple more months to prepare. It seems that American may now admit to what we’ve expressed for months: its NDC technology was underdeveloped, and its implementation deadlines were both arbitrary and unrealistic.” 

Some agencies told the airline that they needed more time between learning that they qualified to be a preferred agency and the implementation deadline, and that was part of the thinking behind the extension.

Travelers booking American Airlines basic economy fares will still only be able to earn loyalty points when they book directly on AA.com or partner airlines.

Note: This story has been updated to added a statement from ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby.

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Photo credit: An American Airlines Boeing 737 taxis with the San Francisco skyline in the background. (Luke Lai/Flickr) Luke Lai / Flickr

• Immigration

Traveling After PERM Approval: Timeline for Filing I-140 Petition

If the perm is approved before your travel, you must submit the i-140 petition as soon as possible. consider perm travel considerations and time frames for i-140 after perm approval..

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the PERM process for obtaining a green card and the importance of timing in filing subsequent immigration petitions.
• The need to submit the I-140 petition within 180 days of PERM approval and how to handle travel during this period.
• Tips for ensuring travel does not disrupt the immigration process, including notifying employers/attorneys, reviewing visa requirements, and maintaining immigration status.

Traveling Abroad While Your PERM is Under Process: What You Need to Know

Planning a trip abroad can be exciting, but it also requires thorough planning—especially when you’re in the midst of an important immigration process. If you’re an individual with a PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification application in progress, navigating the timing of your travels and subsequent steps in your immigration journey is critical.

Understanding PERM and Its Importance in the Immigration Pathway

Before we delve into the specifics of travel during the PERM process, let’s briefly understand what PERM is all about. PERM is a procedure for obtaining labor certification and is the first step for certain foreign nationals in obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa (also known as a green card). This procedure is crucial as it demonstrates that there are no suitable U.S. workers available for the position being offered to a foreign worker, and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

What Happens After Your PERM Gets Approved?

When your PERM application is approved, it’s like clearing a major hurdle on the way to your green card. The next step in this journey is to submit the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This is where timing becomes particularly important. Normally, once your PERM is approved, the I-140 petition should be filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 180 days to avoid the expiration of the PERM certification.

PERM Travel Considerations: Navigating Your Travel Plans

If you are anticipating or planning to travel abroad while your PERM application is still pending, it’s essential to be well-informed about the implications and necessary actions to take if your PERM is approved during your trip. This knowledge is crucial because your ability to return to the United States and pursue your green card could be affected by your travel decisions.

Also of Interest:

Thailand transit visa: eligibility, requirements & application process, turkish transit visa: application guide, when to submit the i-140 petition after perm approval.

An often-asked question among PERM applicants is: “If the PERM gets approved before my travel, how soon do I need to submit the I-140 petition?” As a rule of thumb, the I-140 petition should be filed as soon as possible, ideally immediately after the PERM approval. However, the mandatory time frame is that the I-140 needs to be submitted within 180 days of the PERM approval.

It’s important to note that during this period, if you are outside the country when the PERM is approved, your employer or attorney can still file the I-140 petition on your behalf. This process can continue without requiring your physical presence in the United States. Nevertheless, ensuring open communication with your employer and attorney is essential to ensure that this is done timely.

Ensuring Your Travel Does Not Interfere with the Immigration Process

While planning your travel, here are a few steps you should consider to make sure your trip does not interfere with the immigration process:

• Notify Your Employer and Attorney: Keep your employer and attorney informed about your travel plans, so they can make necessary preparations and file any required documents in your absence.
• Review Visa Requirements and Expiration: Ensure you have a valid visa for reentry to the U.S. Check the expiration date and the number of entries allowed; if you need to apply for a new visa, consider the time it will take to secure it.
• Carry Essential Documents: Have copies of essential documents, such as your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Advance Parole document if applicable, and any other documents that relate to your immigration status.
• Maintain Your Status: It’s crucial to maintain your immigration status in the U.S. If you’re on a temporary work visa, like an H-1B visa , you should also ensure you follow all the regulations attached to your visa type.

Advice for Smooth Immigration Processing

“Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information with your immigration attorney is vital for seamless processing of your documents,” says one immigration expert. It’s a sentiment that rings true for every step of the immigration process, and especially when coordinating PERM and travel considerations.

Final Thoughts

Traveling outside the U.S. can be complex for immigrants awaiting their PERM approval. By understanding the timeline for submitting your I-140 petition after PERM approval and making preparations for a successful reentry into the U.S., you can ensure that your trip does not disrupt your long-term immigration plans. Remember the key 180-day deadline for the I-140 filing post-PERM approval, consult with your immigration attorney, and stay informed about the latest developments by visiting official immigration resources such as USCIS .

Safe travels and best of luck on your journey toward U.S. permanent residency.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

Can i start a new job in the u.s. immediately after returning from abroad if i just received my perm approval while i was away.

When you receive your PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) approval, it means that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved your employer’s application to hire you for a permanent position. However, PERM approval is just one of the steps in the process of acquiring a green card (lawful permanent residency) in the United States.

Before you can start your new job in the U.S., especially if you are transitioning from a different type of visa to an employment-based visa, your employer must complete the next steps, which include:

• Filing of an immigrant petition (Form I-140) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• After the I-140 is approved, you must apply to adjust your status to a permanent resident or go through consular processing if you’re outside the U.S. Only after you have adjusted status or received your immigrant visa through consular processing, can you start your new permanent job.

If you are already in the United States on a valid non-immigrant work visa (such as an H-1B) and your PERM application is for a future permanent job (not the one you currently hold), you may generally continue your current job, but you cannot start the new permanent job until the entire green card process is completed.

For the most authoritative and current information, always refer to the official USCIS website or consult with an immigration attorney. – USCIS official website for Green Card processes: USCIS Green Card – Department of Labor’s PERM process information can be found here: DOL PERM

Can I renew my work visa while my PERM application is being processed if I’m currently abroad?

Certainly, if you currently hold a U.S. work visa and are abroad while your PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) application is being processed, you can generally renew your work visa. However, the process for renewal depends on several factors, such as the type of work visa you have and the specific rules that apply to it. For example, if you have an H-1B visa, which is common for specialized workers, renewal while abroad typically involves the following steps:

• File the Visa Renewal Application : You must file a renewal application with the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country. This involves submitting a Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Provide Supporting Documentation : Along with the application, provide the supporting documents required for your specific visa category. Typically, this may include evidence of your ongoing employment, such as a letter from your employer, and proof that your PERM application is in progress.
• Attend a Visa Interview : Once your application and documents have been submitted, you’ll usually need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.

Keep in mind that the approval of your work visa renewal is independent of the PERM process. The Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handle visa renewals, whereas the Department of Labor (DOL) manages PERM applications. Therefore, the processing of your PERM application does not directly affect your ability to renew your work visa.

To ensure accuracy, always check the latest guidelines and procedures on the official websites, such as: – U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs: Travel.State.Gov – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: USCIS – U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Foreign Labor Certification: Foreign Labor Certification

Remember to also take note of any changes to immigration policies that may have occurred since the knowledge cutoff date for this response.

Is there a risk of my ongoing PERM process being canceled if I have to leave the U.S. for an emergency trip?

The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process is the first step for certain foreign nationals in obtaining an employment-based green card in the U.S. It involves your employer proving to the Department of Labor (DOL) that there are no willing or qualified U.S. workers for the job you are offered. If you’re currently in the U.S. and you have to leave for an emergency trip, it does not directly affect your ongoing PERM process since the PERM application is employer-driven and not dependent on your physical presence in the U.S. However, there are a few important points to consider:

• Communication with Your Employer : Keep your employer informed about your trip and ensure there is a way for them to contact you if needed. During the PERM process, your employer might require additional information or documents from you.

Status Maintenance : Make sure that your travel does not affect your immigration status. For instance, if you are on a non-immigrant work visa (like H-1B), you need to maintain that status to protect your eligibility for eventual adjustment of status (green card application). Also, ensure you have the necessary documents and approvals (like a valid visa and, if necessary, advance parole) to re-enter the U.S.

Monitoring the Process : Stay updated on your PERM application status. If your PERM is approved while you are abroad, your employer can proceed to the next step, filing the I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). You’ll need to coordinate with them for any required signatures or documentation.

An emergency trip should not cancel your PERM application as long as your employer continues the process as required and your immigration status is properly maintained. For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, consult with your immigration attorney or refer to the official Department of Labor website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor.

Remember, the key to a smooth immigration process is maintaining open communication lines with your employer and staying compliant with all immigration regulations both inside and outside the U.S.

What should I do if my job situation changes while I’m traveling and I have a PERM application in progress?

If your job situation changes while you have a PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) application in progress, it’s important to understand the potential impacts on your application and take appropriate action. Here’s what you should consider doing:

• Notify Your Employer : Your employer is the petitioner for your PERM application, so any changes in your job situation should be communicated to them immediately. They need to assess if the change affects the application.

Consult with Your Immigration Attorney : Changes in your job situation, such as a promotion, transfer, or termination, could have implications for your PERM application. An immigration attorney can help you understand these implications and guide you on the next steps.

Maintain Documentation : Keep a record of any employment-related documents or correspondence that pertains to the change in your job situation. These documents can be crucial for any required updates to your application or in answering queries from the Department of Labor.

If the changes in your job are substantial, such as a different employer or a role that differs significantly from the one described in the PERM application, it could necessitate starting the PERM process anew. However, if the changes are minor and do not affect the material terms and conditions of employment, it might not impact your application.

Remember, the PERM application is for a specific position with specific job duties and salary. Any significant change could potentially affect the outcome of your application. Always check with your immigration attorney and refer to the official U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration website for more guidance: Foreign Labor Certification .

Finally, if you’ve changed jobs and the new employer is willing to sponsor you, they will need to file a new PERM application on your behalf.

“For most employment-based green card categories, if your job situation changes, your new employer must file a new Form ETA-9089.” – This is a common protocol when job changes occur in the middle of a PERM application. Always seek personalized advice, as each situation can vary.

For detailed information and guidance on the PERM process, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s page on the PERM labor certification process.

How can my family’s travel plans be affected if I’m waiting for my PERM approval and we’re all on dependent visas?

If you are awaiting PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) approval and your family members are on dependent visas, there are several things you need to consider regarding travel:

• Your family’s ability to travel internationally may be restricted because the PERM process is part of the green card application, and you may need to maintain a valid immigration status.
• If the principal visa holder (the person with the job) travels before the PERM is approved, it could delay the process or require starting over if they cannot return in time to maintain their status or attend necessary appointments.
• Upon re-entry to the US, immigration officers at the port of entry will check the visa status of each family member. If the dependent visa status is tied to the employment situation of the principal applicant, the pending PERM may raise questions about intent to immigrate, and officers may scrutinize whether you intend to return to your home country or not.
• If any family member’s visa has expired, or if there are any discrepancies in your immigration status, re-entry could be denied.
• It’s crucial that all family members maintain valid visa status throughout the PERM process. Traveling abroad could complicate this if you are unable to return before your current visa expires.
• If the PERM application is approved while you are outside the country, and your dependent visa does not allow for dual intent, you may face complications at the port of entry upon return. Dual intent refers to the concept that a nonimmigrant visa holder can intend to immigrate to the US in the future while maintaining a legal nonimmigrant status.

To avoid any issues, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before making any international travel plans while the PERM application is pending. Additionally, you should always check the latest information and travel advisories from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State.

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) : USCIS Homepage
• U.S. Department of State : Travel Advisories

Traveling during the PERM process is not prohibited, but you should proceed with caution to ensure that it does not negatively impact the status of your ongoing immigration applications or your ability to return to the United States.

Learn Today:

• PERM (Program Electronic Review Management): A procedure for obtaining labor certification, which is the first step for certain foreign nationals in obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa (green card). It demonstrates that there are no suitable U.S. workers available for the position being offered to a foreign worker and that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

Labor Certification: A process to determine if there are sufficient U.S. workers able, willing, qualified, and available to perform a job and if employment of a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

Green Card: An official document issued by the U.S. government to foreign nationals, granting them permanent residency status in the United States. It allows individuals to live and work permanently in the country.

I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: A form filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is the next step after the approval of a PERM application. It is used to petition for an employment-based immigrant visa.

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): The government agency responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and petitions in the United States.

I-140 Filing: The act of submitting the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker to the USCIS within a specific timeframe after the approval of a PERM application.

Traveling Abroad: The act of going to a foreign country for a temporary period of time.

Reentry to the U.S.: Returning to the United States after traveling abroad.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD): A document issued by the USCIS that authorizes an individual to work in the United States for a specific period of time.

Advance Parole: A document issued by the USCIS that allows certain individuals, who are awaiting adjustment of status to permanent residence, to travel abroad and reenter the United States without abandoning their pending green card application.

Visa Expiration: The date on which a visa document, which allows entry or stay in a foreign country, expires.

Visa Requirement: The conditions and documents needed to apply for and obtain a visa.

H-1B visa: A temporary work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.

Immigration Status: The legal category or classification that determines an individual’s rights, privileges, and restrictions in a country.

Immigration Attorney: A lawyer specializing in immigration law who provides legal advice and representation to individuals navigating the immigration process.

So there you have it! Traveling abroad while your PERM is under process can be complicated, but with careful planning and timely actions, you can navigate through it smoothly. Remember to communicate with your employer and attorney, review visa requirements, carry essential documents, and maintain your immigration status. And for more expert advice and information, be sure to explore visaverge.com. Safe travels and best of luck on your immigration journey!

This Article in a Nutshell:

“Traveling abroad while your PERM is under process? Here’s what you need to know. Submit your I-140 petition within 180 days of PERM approval. Keep your employer and attorney informed about your travel plans. Maintain your immigration status. Visit USCIS for more info. Safe travels on your immigration journey!”

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A permanent labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the United States. In most instances, before the U.S. employer can submit an immigration petition to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the employer must obtain a certified labor certification application from the DOL's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The DOL must certify to the USCIS that there are not sufficient U.S. workers able, willing, qualified, and available to accept the job opportunity in the area of intended employment and that employment of the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

Determine Eligibility

Employers must qualify as a U.S. employer with a valid Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN) and have a location within the U.S. to which U.S. workers may be referred.

Employers must have a prevailing wage determination for the job opportunity issued from the Office of Foreign Labor Certification’s (OFLC’s) National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) prior to filing a PERM application.

PERM Labor Certification Process

The process of obtaining a labor certification from OFLC under the PERM Program involves the following basic steps:

Step 1:     Identify a permanent full time job opportunity that may be filled by a foreign worker in accordance with 20 CFR 656.17, 20 CFR 656.18 or the 20 CFR 656.10 Professional Athlete clause.

The employer must determine the actual minimum requirements and job duties for the job opportunity

Job opportunities are generally categorized by occupation type which are determined by DOL regulations:

• 20 CFR 656.17 (Non-professional occupations and Professional occupations)
• 20 CFR 656.18 (Special Handling for College and University Teachers)
• 20 CFR 656.10 (Professional Athlete)

Step 2:     Employer must request and receive a valid Prevailing Wage Determination from the NPWC.

See the Prevailing Wages Program page for how to file a prevailing wage request.  

Step 3:     Complete Pre-filing Recruitment and Notice of Filing (If applicable).

The required recruitment steps for PERM are determined by the type of occupations listed in 20 CFR 656.17 for non-professional and professional occupations and 20 CFR 656.18 for college and university teachers.   All employers must also comply with 20 CFR 656.10 regarding the Notice of Filing.

Step 4:    Submit a PERM Application.

Prior to submitting an online PERM application, the employer must register an account with Login.gov and create a FLAG Account. Please see the User Guide and the Video Tutorials.

As an alternative, employers are allowed to mail in their applications.   Please note online submission of PERM applications and documentation will streamline the process and allow the authorized user(s) to easily access the information and assist OFLC to more efficiently process the application.   Further, if certified, the authorized user can immediately obtain a copy of the PERM labor certification.

A Comprehensive Guide to the PERM process – Timeline & Timing considerations