The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released updated processing times for PERM labor certifications and prevailing wage determinations. These timelines have a direct impact on employers sponsoring foreign nationals for employment based green card applications. If you are planning to initiate a case this quarter, you need to account for these delays at every stage of the process.
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFCL) reports that PERM applications filed in September 2024 are currently under review. The average processing time for PERM cases is now approximately 512 days. This means employers are waiting close to 17 months from the date of filing to adjudication. Processing times vary whether a case is audited, placed under supervised recruitment, or involves other complexities. Even so, 512 days is the current working benchmark for planning purposes.
Before filing a PERM application, employers must first obtain a prevailing wage determination. The PWD establishes the minimum required for a sponsored position. As of February 9, 2026, PERM based prevailing wage determinations are taking approximately three months. The DOL is currently processing PWD requests filed in November 2025.
If an employer disagrees with the wage level or determination and files for redetermination, additional time should be expected. PERM based PWD redeterminations are taking about four months. The Department is currently reviewing redetermination requests filed in October 2025. For cases that proceed to Center Director review, the timeline increases further. PERM based PWD Center Director reviews are taking approximately five to six months. The Department is currently processing these review requests filed in August 2025.
Employers must build these timelines into workforce planning and immigration strategy. Standard processing time for a PERM case now involves nearly 17 months for adjudication, plus approximately three months for the prevailing wage stage, in addition to the mandatory recruitment period that must be completed before filing. Add another four to six months if redetermination or Center Director review is necessary.
Delays at the prevailing wage stage can significantly shift overall employment bases green card timelines. This is particularly critical for employees approaching H 1B maximum stay limits or facing other status constraints. Early planning and careful case management are essential under the current processing environment.
PERM filings continue to move slowly. Prevailing wage determinations for PERM cases are averaging about three months. Redeterminations and Center Director reviews add several more months. Employers and foreign nationals should reassess long term immigration strategies and adjust expectations based on these updated Department of Labor timelines.
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