YourCaseStatus Español

PERM processing time

Short answer

DOL's analyst review queue averaged 300 calendar days for PERM determinations in the last 30 days, as of Oct. 31, 2026. The 90-day average is 315 days and the 180-day average is 360. Before PERM, the prevailing wage request is the first wait: as of Sept. 30, 2026, DOL was working on requests received in June 2026. After certification, USCIS took a median of 3.9 months to decide I-140s in April to June 2026.

Updated · Sources

Where DOL stands today

PERM is the labor certification step of an employment-based green card. The Department of Labor publishes how long each part takes, and it updates the PERM numbers once a month. These are the latest figures.

What DOL measuresLatest figureAs of
Prevailing wage (PWD), PERM requestsReceipts from June 2026Sep 30, 2026
PERM analyst review, last 30 days300 calendar daysOct 31, 2026
PERM analyst review, last 90 days315 calendar daysOct 31, 2026
PERM analyst review, last 180 days360 calendar daysOct 31, 2026

Source: DOL FLAG processing times. The days are an average to a determination, in calendar days. A prevailing wage line that says “June 2026” means DOL is now working requests that arrived in June. Compare it with today’s date to see the lag. It was about three to four months on Sept. 30.

The 300-day figure is only the middle of the process. Add the prevailing wage wait, a recruitment period you cannot skip, and the I-140 and I-485 that come after it.

The full path to the green card

This is the usual order when an employer sponsors a worker through PERM.

  1. Prevailing wage determination (PWD). Before filing PERM, the employer must get a PWD for the job from DOL’s National Prevailing Wage Center (FLAG prevailing wages). The PWD has a validity period of 90 days to one year. The employer must file or start recruitment within it (20 CFR 656.40). Now: June 2026 receipts, as of Sept. 30.
  2. Recruitment. The employer must test the U.S. job market first. For a professional job this means a 30-day job order with the state workforce agency, two Sunday newspaper ads and three more steps from a list. The mandatory steps must happen at least 30 and no more than 180 days before filing. Where there is no union, a notice of filing must also be posted at the workplace for 10 consecutive business days (20 CFR 656.17 and 656.10). This step is on the employer’s calendar, not DOL’s.
  3. PERM application. The employer files Form ETA-9089 online through a FLAG account or by mail (FLAG PERM). Now: 300 to 360 days of analyst review on average.
  4. I-140 petition. Once certified, the employer has 180 days to file the I-140 with USCIS. April to June 2026: a median of 3.9 months to decide.
  5. Visa Bulletin and priority date. For a case that needs a labor certification, the priority date is the day DOL accepts the PERM for processing (USCIS visa availability). Your date must be earlier than the cut-off date for your category and country. Each month the Visa Bulletin lists them. How long you wait depends on your category and your country of chargeability.
  6. I-485 or consular processing. Inside the U.S., the worker files the I-485. April to June 2026: a median of 6 months for employment-based cases (I-485 processing time). Outside the U.S., the approved petition goes to the State Department’s National Visa Center, then to a consulate interview.

The I-140 step and premium processing

I-140 is the only step where you can pay to go faster. USCIS guarantees action within 15 business days for most I-140 categories if you file Form I-907 and pay the fee. For multinational executives and managers (E13) and national interest waivers (E21 NIW), the period is 45 business days. If USCIS asks for more evidence, the clock stops and restarts when you answer. Read the USCIS premium processing page for the current periods and fee before you decide.

The 3.9-month median covers every I-140 the data counts. Our data does not say how many used premium processing.

Once the I-140 is approved, the I-485 can wait on the Visa Bulletin. The I-485 is a long step of its own, and its EAD and advance parole are filed with it.

Audits and what “analyst review” means

DOL lists PERM cases by queue. Analyst review is the main queue: a DOL case analyst reviews the application as entered. The review can end in certification, a denial, a request for more information or an audit letter. Audit and Supervised Recruitment are separate queues. DOL does not publish their times because they hold a small share of cases.

An audit can come from a review of your case, or at random. The rules say the audit letter lists the documents the employer must send within 30 days. DOL can grant one extension of up to 30 days. If the documents do not arrive, the case is denied. Employers must also keep a copy of the application and its supporting documents for five years from the filing date (656.10).

A case with an audit takes longer than the averages above. If your employer says the PERM is in audit, plan for more waiting, not for a date.

What you can do while you wait

  • Know your queue. Ask HR or the attorney whether you are in PWD, recruitment, analyst review, audit or I-140. Each has a different clock.
  • Check the case in FLAG. Search by case number (the employer or attorney has it) at the FLAG case status search.
  • Wait for the next update. DOL updates PERM times at the end of the first work week of each month, so the 300-day figure will change soon.
  • Find your priority date. It is printed on the I-797 notice for the petition filed for you, according to USCIS. Keep that notice.
  • Look at the USCIS side. After approval, your I-140 and I-485 receipts show up in USCIS case status. See the processing times hub and status messages.

The YourCaseStatus app (coming soon) will alert you when your status changes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does PERM take in 2026?

At the Department of Labor, the analyst review queue averaged 300 calendar days over the last 30 days, 315 over 90 days and 360 over 180 days, as of Oct. 31, 2026. That does not count the prevailing wage request before it or the recruitment your employer runs first.

How long does a prevailing wage determination take?

As of Sept. 30, 2026, DOL was processing prevailing wage requests received in June 2026, for both OEWS and non-OEWS requests. Redeterminations were at July 2026. Read the lag as roughly three to four months.

How soon after PERM is certified do I file the I-140?

Within 180 calendar days of the certification date, or it expires (20 CFR 656.30). USCIS took a median of 3.9 months to decide I-140s in April to June 2026. Premium processing is available for a fee.

What happens if my PERM is audited?

DOL sends an audit letter that lists the documents to submit within 30 days. The officer can grant one extension of up to 30 days. DOL does not publish audit times, so ask your employer's attorney where the case sits.

Can I file my I-485 right after PERM is approved?

Not by itself. You need an I-140 and an available visa number for your priority date and country. USCIS allows most employment-based applicants to file the I-485 together with the I-140 when a number is available. Check the Visa Bulletin.

Where do I check my PERM case status?

Use the FLAG case status search at flag.dol.gov with the case number. Your employer or its attorney has the number.

Sources