Dear MJ: I remember, once, someone comparing Labor Certification with Labor Pain. I truly believe on that statement. I think, applying Green Card via skilled worker catagory is really a painful situation unless you are applying as an outstanding personel in your respective fields, on which case you are completely exempt from LC. I think, PERM is better than RIR. I just a have quick question to you. Did you receive a letter from the Dept of Labor (depending on which state did you file your petition), stating that your letter has arrived in a backlog processing center and do you want to continue the application? If yes, then you have to reply that letter ASAP prior deadline. And after that, again waiting, waiting, waiting.... By the way, you mentioned of your application of just being a year old, so I think, there is nothing we can do on this situation, but to wait and see. However, you can apply again via PERM; it does not hurt your prior application. Hope it helps, or else you can knock on your lawyer khopadi (if you have hired) once in a while. You know how the lawyers are... Good luck ! HD