🇺🇸 United States: Updated PERM and Prevailing Wage Processing Times Released
Published: 30 July 2026
Overview
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released its latest processing time updates for Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications and Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD). These updates provide employers and foreign workers with the latest expectations regarding employment-based immigration timelines.
The revised processing dates indicate that PERM applications continue to experience extended review periods due to sustained demand and agency workload. Employers planning to sponsor foreign professionals are encouraged to begin the immigration process as early as possible.
Latest Processing Times
According to the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC):
PERM Processing
- Analyst Review
- Currently reviewing applications filed in July 2025
- Audit Review
- Currently reviewing audited cases filed in December 2025
- Reconsideration Requests
- Reviewing appeals submitted in March 2026
Average processing times:
- Analyst Review: 403 calendar days
- Audit Review: 290 calendar days
These timelines are averages and individual cases may require additional processing depending on their complexity.
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
The National Prevailing Wage Center is currently processing:
OEWS-Based Requests
- H-1B Requests: April 2026
- PERM Requests: April 2026
Non-OEWS Requests
- H-1B Requests: March 2026
- PERM Requests: March 2026
The DOL recommends employers submit prevailing wage requests well in advance to avoid delays in recruitment and PERM filing.
Why This Matters
PERM Labor Certification is the first major step for many employment-based Green Card applications, particularly under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories.
Longer processing times may affect:
- Green Card sponsorship timelines
- Employee onboarding plans
- Workforce planning for U.S. employers
- Immigration strategy for multinational companies
Beginning the process early can help reduce the impact of government processing delays.
Key Takeaways
- PERM analyst review currently averages 403 days.
- Prevailing Wage Determinations require approximately 3 months before employers can begin recruitment.
- Employers should anticipate extended processing times and plan recruitment schedules accordingly.
- Monitoring official DOL processing updates is recommended for the most accurate timeline information.