The following FAQ addresses the steps involved in the actual processing of Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) applications as reported on the Department of Labor (DOL) site, defines terms relevant to the process and provides a monthly snapshot of the latest PERM and Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) processing times. Employers sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency should understand these timelines to plan effectively and prepare for delays.

What are the latest PERM and PWD processing times?

As of Sept. 1, 2025, the Department of Labor is adjudicating PERM applications filed in June 2024 and earlier and reviewing appeals for reconsideration filed in July 2025 and earlier.

As of Sept. 1, 2025, the National Prevailing Wage Center is processing PWD requests filed in May 2025 for H-1B and PERM OEWS cases. For H-1B and PERM Non-OEWS cases, the department is processing requests filed in March 2025 and earlier.

Click here to view the full update.

PERM and PWD basics

What is PERM?

The Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) system is the DOL’s process for evaluating whether a U.S. employer can hire a foreign worker for a permanent position. It is the first step in most employment-based green card sponsorships and is designed to ensure that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role before a foreign worker is considered.

What is PWD?

Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) is a formal assessment by the DOL of the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation and geographic area. Employers must obtain a PWD before filing a PERM application. The PWD sets the minimum wage the employer must offer and can significantly affect the overall PERM timeline, as it is a prerequisite to recruitment and filing.

What is the FLAG system?

The Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) is the DOL’s online portal for submitting and tracking labor certification applications, including PERM and PWD requests. Employers and legal representatives use FLAG to monitor case status and view monthly processing time and wage data updates published by the DOL.

Which immigrant visa categories apply to PERM?

PERM is a requirement for most EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based sponsorship cases. 

Employment-based immigrant visa category  Description 
EB-2  Workers holding advanced degrees or who have exceptional ability 
EB-3  Skilled workers, professionals or other workers 

Understanding the PERM and PWD processing timeline

Who initiates the PERM process?

The employer, not the foreign national, starts and manages the PERM process.

What are the general steps involved in the actual PERM and PWD processing timeline?

The steps involved for the DOL to adjudicate (or make a formal decision or judgement on) labor certification applications begin with the employer obtaining a PWD, which sets the minimum wage for the role. Once recruitment is completed, the PERM application enters analyst review and may be subject to audit review or a reconsideration request to a certifying officer (CO) if issues arise.

Following is a short, alphabetized glossary of terms used in the PERM and PWD processing times found in the DOL monthly report:

  • Analyst review: The initial review of a PERM application by a DOL analyst.
  • Audit review: A deeper review triggered when the DOL requests additional documentation.
  • Center director reviews (CDRs): A final level of review if the redetermination is denied. CDRs are reserved for cases where employers believe the wage determination was incorrect even after redetermination. These reviews are tracked by receipt month.
  • Non-OEWS receipt dates: Non-Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) are alternative wage sources used when OEWS data is unavailable or inapplicable. The receipt dates refer to prevailing wage requests filed using alternative wage sources such as private wage surveys or collective bargaining agreements. These dates help employers understand when their non-standard wage requests are likely to be reviewed, and these cases may require more scrutiny and take longer to process.
  • OEWS receipt dates: OEWS are the most used wage source for determining prevailing wages. The receipt dates indicate the month and year in which prevailing wage requests were filed using the OEWS data source.
  • Reconsideration request to the CO: A formal appeal submitted when an employer disagrees with a denial or audit outcome.
  • Redeterminations: A request for reconsideration of a wage level if the employer disagrees with the initial determination. If an employer disagrees with the initial wage level assigned, they may file a redetermination. These are tracked separately in the DOL’s monthly updates.
  • Remaining requests: This refers to the number of pending wage determination requests still awaiting review for a given receipt month. The DOL publishes these figures to show backlog volume.
  • Standard review: The initial review of a wage request.

How often are PERM and PWD processing times updated?

Monthly. PERM and PWD processing times are updated at the close of the business day at the end of the first work week of each month.

Where can delays occur that will impact overall PERM timelines?

Delays in the PERM process can happen at several key stages. These slowdowns can affect how quickly an employer can sponsor a foreign worker for permanent residency:

  • Prevailing Wage Determination: This is the first step, where the DOL decides the appropriate wage for the job.
  • Recruitment Phase: Employers must advertise the job and wait through a mandatory “quiet period.” This period takes a legal minimum of two months but can be up to six months.
  • Analyst Review: Once the PERM form is submitted, the case goes through Analyst Review. After Analyst Review, the DOL may request an audit, which is often random.

Other delays may occur due to high application volumes or government shutdowns, which can completely shut down processing.

What causes PERM processing time delays?

Most often, overall PERM processing time delays occur due to high application volumes and insufficient government resources to process the applications or government shutdowns, which can completely shut down processing.

Delays in PWD processing times can occur due to several operational and regulatory factors. Common causes include:

  • Incomplete or inaccurate submissions, such as applications that lack required documentation or contain errors, often require additional review or clarification, which can significantly slow down processing.
  • High volume of prevailing wage requests that occur when the DOL experiences surges during peak filing seasons or when policy changes prompt increased activity, which can lead to backlogs and extended wait times.
  • Complex job classifications for determinations involving unique or specialized job roles may require more detailed analysis to match the position with an appropriate wage level, especially when standard occupational classifications do not clearly apply.

PERM processing delays often stem from three key factors:

  • Audits occur when the DOL requests additional documentation to verify the legitimacy of a PERM application, which can significantly extend review timelines. Audits are often random, though they can also be targeted or triggered by the content of a specific application.
  • Incomplete or inaccurate applications, such as errors in job descriptions, recruitment records or wage data, can lead to denials or requests for correction, pushing cases out of the standard processing queue.
  • High-volume periods, such as fiscal year-end or seasonal filing surges, during which the DOL experiences backlogs that slow down adjudications across the board. These factors compound delays and make it essential for employers to plan proactively and monitor DOL updates closely.

These delays can impact timelines for employment-based immigration processes, so it’s important for employers and legal representatives to ensure accuracy and completeness in their submissions and to monitor updates from the DOL for changes in processing trends.

Can employers expedite the PERM process?

No. Employers cannot expedite the PERM or PWD processes through premium or fast-track options. The DOL does not offer premium processing for PERM labor certification or PWD requests.

How can employers best prepare for delays in the PERM process?

Employers can prepare for delays in the PERM process by implementing proactive strategies across planning, contingency and communication. To allow time for wage determination, recruitment filing and responding to audits or appeals if needed, employers should start the PERM process at least 24 months prior to a visa’s expiration. Workforce planning ensures that key dates are tracked early, allowing sufficient time for each step.

Contingency strategies, like preparing alternative visa options or building buffer periods into project timelines, can help mitigate the impact of unexpected delays, such as audits. Regular communication with legal counsel ensures that applications are complete, accurate and compliant with DOL standards, reducing the likelihood of rejections or prolonged reviews. Altogether, these practices can help employers navigate the PERM timeline more efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.

What PERM resources are available to employers?

Monthly DOL processing times update

PERM case status search

FLAG – PERM resource page with user guides and video tutorials

Current wage data

Contact BAL