United States | PWD and PERM processing times as of Oct. 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: The DOL has changed how it reports PERM processing times from a specific monthly filing-date queue to rolling average calendar days. However, internal BAL data indicates that PERM cases filed in January 2026 are currently being adjudicated.

For various reasons, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) may be completing the processing of applications filed prior to the month posted.

According to the DOL, as of Oct. 31, 2026, the average processing days for determinations currently under review were reported as follows:

PWD Processing Times: As of Oct. 31, the National Prevailing Wage Center is processing H-1B visa PWD requests filed in July 2026 and earlier for both OEWS and Non-OEWS* cases. PERM PWD requests for OEWS cases filed in August 2026 and earlier are currently being processed, while Non-OEWS cases filed in July 2026 and earlier are currently being processed.

*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 August 2026 and earlier for PERM cases and September 2026 and earlier for H-1B cases.

Center Director Reviews were being conducted for PERM cases filed in September 2026 and H-1B cases filed in October 2026.

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

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.