EB‑3 PERM Processing Time in November 2026

The first step towards securing an EB-3 Green Card is PERM labor certification.

PERM is the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) process for confirming that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position your employer is offering. The PERM process is a required step for most EB-3 applicants, but it can create lengthy wait times that directly affect when you can receive your Green Card.

What are EB-3 PERM processing times in 2026?

As of November 2026, the average PERM processing time for EB-3 visas is about 1.5 to 2 years.

It’s important to note that this estimate reflects the complete PERM timeline. However, the PERM process is actually made up of three separate stages, each with its own wait time:

*Average processing times for prevailing wage determination and PERM labor certification are available via the DOL.

Following PERM processing, petitioners must file Form I-140. Right now, USCIS takes approximately 4 months to complete 80% of EB-3 I-140 petitions.

Jump to a section:

• What are EB-3 PERM processing times in 2026?
• EB-3 PERM processing, explained
  • Stage 1: Employer requests prevailing wage determination (PWD)
  • Stage 2: Employer hosts active recruitment process
  • Stage 3: Employer submits the labor certification application
• What factors could impact EB-3 PERM processing times?
• Does my visa category affect PERM processing times?
• What happens after EB-3 PERM approval?
• Taking the next steps toward your EB-3 Green Card in 2026

EB-3 PERM processing, explained

The PERM process for EB-3 visas can be complex. Here's what to expect at each stage:

Stage 1: Employer requests prevailing wage determination (PWD)

The employer requests a prevailing wage determination (PWD) from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) National Prevailing Wage Center. This establishes the minimum pay for the EB-3 position.

Stage 2: Employer hosts active recruitment process

Employers are required to fulfill certain recruitment requirements, such as posting qualifying job ads for a minimum of 30 days, to prove no qualified domestic workers are available to fill the role. After posting the ads, there is also a mandatory 30-day quiet period designed to give potential candidates time to respond to the ads.

The employer will also need to document their good-faith efforts to hire U.S. workers, including any resumes received and interviews with potential candidates. If any candidates apply for the job opportunity, the employer must save all correspondence and note down legitimate reasons for why those candidates were rejected.

Stage 3: Employer submits the labor certification application

Once the recruitment period is complete, the employer files Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, with the DOL, which includes the prevailing wage and details on the recruitment process and the foreign worker’s qualifications.

Once the DOL reviews and approves the application, the PERM process is complete.

What factors could impact EB-3 PERM processing times?

While average PERM processing times can give you a general idea of what to expect, the timeline for your individual case may vary. There are a number of factors that could impact EB-3 PERM processing time, like:

Department of Labor case volume

Higher-than-average application volume at the DOL can drive longer wait times across all stages of the PERM process, adding months (or more) to your timeline.

Audits

If the DOL chooses your case for an audit, either randomly or in response to an issue with the application, it can cause potentially monthslong delays to your PERM timeline.

Employer delays

Because employers handle every stage of PERM, delays on their side—such as late recruitment efforts or incomplete filings—can stall progress, extending PERM processing time and preventing your application from moving forward.

Schedule A eligibility

Certain jobs, like registered nurses, physical therapists, and workers with exceptional ability in the sciences or arts, fall under the “Schedule A” category, which don’t need an approved labor certification to move forward. If your position qualifies, it can cut a year or more off your EB-3 timeline.

Does my visa category affect PERM processing times?

No, your visa category has no effect on PERM processing times. The DOL approaches all PERM applications in the same way.

That being said, what happens after the PERM process can lead to a longer overall Green Card timeline for EB-3 applicants versus EB-2. EB-3 visas generally face heavier demand, especially in the “other workers” category. This creates backlogs that can significantly push out your priority date and delay your eligibility to apply for a Green Card.

What happens after EB-3 PERM approval?

Once your PERM application is certified, you can move forward in the EB-3 visa process. The path from PERM labor certification to securing your Green Card includes three key steps:

Step 1: Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker

• Your employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to confirm you qualify for EB-3 status. An approved I-140 petition is required to move forward in the Green Card process.
• How long will it take USCIS to process Form I-140? The current USCIS processing time for EB-3 I-140 petitions is about 4 months. If you need a faster decision on your case, premium processing is available, which guarantees USCIS will act on your petition within 15 or 45 business days, depending on which category you're filing under.

Step 2: Priority date

• Your priority date is based on when your PERM application was filed. It determines when you’re eligible to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status and receive your Green Card. You can not submit your application until your priority date becomes “current” on the Department of State’s monthly Visa Bulletin.
• When will my priority date become current? There are numerous factors that may impact when your priority date becomes current, like backlogs and per-country visa caps. To stay up-to-date on your status, make sure to review the Visa Bulletin each month.

Step 3: EB-3 Green Card application (via adjustment of status or consular processing)

• Once you have your I-140 approval and a current priority date, you can file a formal request for your EB-3 Green Card. If you’re currently within the United States, you’ll need to file Form I-485 with USCIS to change your status to lawful permanent resident. If you’re currently abroad, you’ll need to apply for your Green Card via consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• How long will it take to process my Green Card application? USCIS currently takes 9.5 to 42.5 months to process employment-based Form I-485 applications. Consular processing timelines will vary by location.

Taking the next steps toward your EB-3 Green Card in 2026

Understanding average EB-3 PERM processing times—and the factors that may speed up or slow down your case—can help you set a more accurate timeline for completing PERM and moving on to the next stage of your Green Card journey.

Are you an employer needing clarity and guidance on the EB-3 PERM process? Manifest Law’s attorneys are experienced in helping businesses of all types hire foreign nationals to fill mission-critical roles.

If you’re a worker and you’re hoping to move forward with your EB-3 petition, our experienced EB-3 visa lawyers can help you build a clear, custom strategy to achieve your immigration goals and secure your Green Card. Request a consultation with Manifest Law to learn more.