United States | PWD and PERM processing times as of Aug. 31

The Department of Labor posted the latest processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) requests and prevailing wage determination (PWD) processing times.

Read PERM processing times FAQ for employers to gain a better understanding of the information below.

PERM Processing Times: As of Aug. 31, 2026, the department is adjudicating PERM applications filed in November 2025 and earlier. DOL is still reviewing appeals for reconsideration filed in April 2026 and earlier.

(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

This date reflects 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.

PWD Processing Times: As of Aug. 31, the National Prevailing Wage Center is processing PWD requests filed in May 2026 and earlier for both H-1B and PERM OEWS* and Non-OEWS* cases.

*OEWS and Non-OEWS are the sources used for determining the prevailing wage for a job. OEWS stands for Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Non-OEWS refers to other sources used for prevailing wage determinations, such as collective bargaining agreements or private wage surveys.

Redeterminations were being considered on appeals filed in June 2026 and earlier for both H-1B and PERM cases.

Center Director Reviews were being conducted for PERM cases filed in June 2026 and earlier and for H-1B cases filed in July 2026 and earlier.

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

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