I have been working for my current employer since July 1997 on H1B visa.

Now my employer decided to start the Green Card process for me through labor
certification. My lawyer advice is to file my documents to the DOL through the
"Reduction in Recruitment". In this case one of the requirements to the alien worker
is that he/she should meet all requirements for the position
<b>prior to hiring</b>.

Does it mean in my case that I should possess all necessary skills before

1. The date I was hired on my current position, i.e. July 1997

2. The date my employer started to publish newspaper advertisements

3. The date my "Reduction in Recruitment" application was filed to the DOL

4. Any other date

Thanks in advance,

Anna