United States | PERM processing times as of Dec. 1

The Department of Labor posted the latest processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) as of Dec. 1. Prevailing wage determination (PWD) processing times have not yet been updated and still reflect PWD processing times as of Sept. 1. However, internal BAL reports show PWDs are being processed in approximately 5-6 months and currently July 2025 filed requests are being processed.

PERM Processing Times: As of Dec. 1, the department was adjudicating PERM applications filed in July 2024 and earlier. Those filed in November 2024 and earlier were under audit review and appeals for reconsideration to the certifying officer filed in August 2025 are currently under review.

These dates reflect the month and year in which cases were filed and are currently being adjudicated. The Reconsideration Request date for reviewing appeals reflects the month and year in which cases that are currently being reviewed were appealed. For various reasons, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) may be completing the processing of applications filed prior to the month posted.

Average number of days to process PERM applications

These dates reflect the amount of time to process applications. Actual processing times for each employer’s PERM application may vary from the average depending on material facts and individual circumstances of the case. The OFLC is reporting the average processing time for all PERM applications for the most recent month.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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