A Guide to PERM EB-2 Processing Time in 2026

The EB-2 Green Card process begins with one critical step: PERM labor certification. The PERM process involves three distinct steps, each with its own wait time: 

• Prevailing wage determination (PWD): As of May 2026, the Department of Labor is processing requests received in February 2026.
• Recruitment: 60 to 180 days, including 30-day recruitment period and 30-day period to allow for responses.
• Analyst review: 501 days on average.
• Total average PERM EB-2 processing time: 2 to 2.5 years.

Following PERM processing, petitioners must file Form I-140. Right now, USCIS takes 2.5 months to process 80% of EB-2 petitions.

How long does the complete EB-2 PERM timeline take?

The PERM process is the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) way of ensuring that hiring a foreign national won’t take jobs away from qualified U.S. workers. And while that review is essential, it also creates long wait times that directly impact when you can move forward in your Green Card journey.

The EB-2 PERM processing can be a complex and lengthy process. Here’s how long it takes at each stage:

Step 1: Prevailing wage determination (4-8 months)

• What it is: The prevailing wage determination (PWD) is a part of the PERM process that confirms the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation and geographic location. The PWD sets the minimum wage that an employer must pay a foreign worker.

• How it works: The employer submits a request to the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC).

• 2026 PWD processing time: 4 to 9 months

Step 2: Recruitment (2-6 months)

• What it is: A mandatory process to confirm no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.

• How it works: The employer must recruit for at least 30 days through ads, job postings, and/or other recruitment efforts. After the recruitment is done, there is a mandatory 30-day quiet period designed to give time for potential candidates to respond to the different ads.

• Total time for recruitment: 60 days (minimum) to 180 (maximum) days

Step 3: Labor certification (16+ months)

• What it is: Labor certification is your employer’s official application to the DOL. It confirms that the employer completed the required recruitment steps, was unable to find a qualified U.S. worker, and needs to hire a foreign worker to fill their role.

• How it works: The employer files Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, with the DOL, outlining details of the job, including wages, recruitment process, and the foreign candidate’s qualifications. The DOL then reviews and adjudicates the PERM application.

• 2026 Form ETA-9089 processing time: Over 16 months

What happens after PERM is approved for EB-2?

Once your PERM is certified, the next steps in the EB-2 application process are:

Immigrant petition (Form I-140)

Your employer files Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to classify you as EB-2 eligible. The current USCIS median processing time for the I-140 petition is about 8 months, although premium processing is available and guarantees a decision within 15 business days.

Green Card application (Form I-485)

Once your I-140 is approved and your priority date on the Visa Bulletin is current, you can submit a formal request for legal permanent resident status (Green Card). 

You can submit this request either by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS (if you’re currently in the U.S.) or via consular processing abroad. The current median processing time for adjustment of status is about 7 months.  Consular processing timelines vary by U.S. embassy or consulate location.

What factors influence the EB-2 PERM timeline?

While the average PERM processing times listed above can give you a ballpark estimate of how long the process might take, your individual case may move faster or slower depending on several factors:

Department of Labor backlogs

High application volume at the DOL can add months to every stage of the PERM and Green Card process.

“Unlike USCIS, the DOL does not charge filing fees and is thus entirely dependent on Congress to fund their operations,” said Manifest Law attorney Henry Lindpere. “This means that if the number of labor certifications or prevailing wage requests increases suddenly, it takes a long time before staffing can be increased to meet demand.”

Employer readiness

Employer delays, like a delay in starting recruitment or submitting forms, can slow down progress. On the other hand, well-prepared employers typically move cases forward more efficiently, which can help minimize unnecessary delays and ensure your case is processed by the DOL sooner.

Audits

Audits can significantly lengthen your PERM processing timeline. If the DOL selects your case for an audit, it can add several additional months to the process.

“Schedule A” designation

Certain roles, like registered nurses, physical therapists, and some workers with exceptional ability, have been designated “Schedule A.” Schedule A occupations are exempt from the PERM process. If your profession falls under Schedule A, it can cut a year or more from your total EB-2 processing timeline.

Moving forward on your EB-2 Green Card journey in 2026

By understanding average PERM EB-2 processing times for 2026, as well as factors that could impact your individual case’s processing speed, you can set a more realistic timeline for your EB-2 Green Card and make sure you’re prepared every step of the way.

If you’re an employer and you need help with the EB-2 PERM process for your employees, Manifest Law’s EB-2 PERM lawyers have experience working with companies of all sizes and industries.

If you’re a worker looking for support on your EB-2 journey, or if you’re considering the EB-2 NIW, Manifest Law is here to help. Our experienced visa and Green Card lawyers can help you create a tailored strategy for navigating your EB-2 case, including PERM certification, with clarity, certainty, and peace of mind.

👉 Want to learn more about how our experienced EB-2 visa lawyers can support you on your EB-2 journey? Request a consultation with Manifest Law today. 

FAQs about the EB-2 PERM timeline

Is PERM processing time affected by my visa category?

No. Whether your employer sponsors you under EB-2 or EB-3, the PERM process is exactly the same. The DOL doesn’t prioritize one category over the other; timelines depend on agency backlogs and case volume, not visa category.

What is median processing time for PERM?

Median processing time is the amount of time it takes to complete half of the cases in a given time period. USCIS tracks median processing times for various forms, including Form I-485. We publish updates on processing times after USCIS releases the data each quarter. Visit our USCIS processing times page for the most up-to-date information.