2025 DOL PERM Processing Times and How They Affect Your Green Card Journey

If you’re an immigrant in the U.S. working on a visa like an H-1B and hoping to transition to a green card, the PERM labor certification process is likely your first major hurdle. This process—officially called Program Electronic Review Management—is a critical step for many employment-based green card applicants. It confirms that no qualified U.S. workers are available for your role, clearing the way for your employer to sponsor you.

But despite its importance, PERM can feel like a black box: long waits, unclear timelines, and little transparency. And because everything else—like your I-140 petition and green card filing—depends on it, DOL processing time delays can cause real anxiety for those trying to plan their future in the U.S.

That’s why it’s so important to understand how PERM works, what delays may mean, and what you can do while you wait.

What is PERM Labor Certification?

PERM labor certification is the first step in the employment-based green card process and is required for foreign workers who are seeking permanent residency in the U.S. through their employer. 

The PERM labor certification confirms that the employer has done their due diligence and tried to hire U.S. workers for the role but hasn’t been able to find qualified candidates—and, as such, is bringing in foreign workers to take over the job.

The process involves the employer submitting a labor certification application to the DOL. Once approved, it allows the employer to move forward with filing Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), which starts the next stages of obtaining a green card.

Which Green Card Categories Need PERM?

Certain employment-based green card categories require a PERM labor certification, including:

• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field
• EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
  

Some employment-based green card categories are exempt from the PERM process, including EB-1 (priority workers) and EB-5 (investor visa).

Current PERM Processing Times in 2025

According to the DOL’s data, on average, it currently takes 500 days to process PERM applications. As of May 31, 2025, average current processing times for different types of PERM are as follows:

Factors That May Impact PERM Processing Time

While the data listed above outlines the average processing time for PERM applications, there are a number of factors that can impact that processing time and potentially cause delays, including:

• A high volume of applications (which can create backlogs)
• Staff availability at the DOL
• Incorrect/incomplete applications
• Audits

PERM Processing Timeline: Key Stages and How Long They Take

There are a few key stages of the PERM labor certification process (all of which are managed by the employer), including:

1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

The first step in the PERM process is for the employer to request a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) from the DOL. The PWD determines the minimum wage that the employer must pay the foreign worker once hired. For certain job categories, employers may also reference legitimate sources, like the Online Wage Library, to determine the PWD for a specific role.

2. Recruitment Period

Once the PWD is approved, the next step of the process is recruitment. Before hiring a foreign worker, the employer has to prove that there are no available U.S. workers to fill the role by actively recruiting for the role for a reasonable period of time (at a minimum, 30 days). The employer can prove they are actively recruiting by posting the job description on popular job sites and interviewing candidates, for example. 

3. Form ETA 9089 Filing and Adjudication

Once the recruitment process is over, the employer files Form ETA 9089 (Application for Permanent Employment Certification) with the DOL. This form includes details of their recruitment efforts, the job offer, and the immigrant worker’s qualifications. Once the 9089 form is submitted, the DOL will review the application and determine whether to approve or deny the PERM labor certification.

4. Audit or Review (if applicable)

If the DOL chooses the PERM application for an audit, the employer may need to submit additional documents and/or answer questions related to the application, which can cause delays in the PERM approval process.   

How Delays in PERM Affect the Green Card Process

As mentioned earlier, PERM is just the first step in the green card process. As such, any delays in the PERM approval process can extend the overall green card timeframe. Some of the ways PERM delays can impact your ability to secure your green card include:

Delays in Filing Form I-140

The PERM certification is a prerequisite for filing I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker). Without an approved PERM, your employer can’t move forward with the I-140 petition, which is a key step toward getting your green card.

Increased Waiting Time For Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

After your I-140 petition is approved, you have to file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent residency. But, as mentioned, PERM delays can cause delays to I-140 approval. The longer you have to wait for your I-140 approval, the longer you have to wait to file form I-485, which can lead to longer wait times and delay the entire process.

Extended Green Card Timeline

PERM is the first step towards getting your green card. So, any delays in the PERM process will cause delays in the subsequent delays in the remaining steps, creating a domino effect that extends the timeline for receiving your green card.

Impact on Family Members

If you have dependents (spouse and children under 21), any delays in your green card process (including PERM delays) will also cause delays in their green card process.

What to Do if Your PERM Is Delayed

Long PERM processing times can be stressful if you’re waiting for your green card application to move forward. If you find yourself in this situation, Henry Lindpere, Senior Counsel at Manifest Law, recommends consulting with an immigration attorney sooner rather than later. 

Lindpere says, “When PERM delays begin to impact your green card timeline, it’s essential to consult an immigration attorney early. We can evaluate whether alternative green card pathways, like EB-1A or EB-2 NIW, are viable, help maintain your work status, and make sure you’re not missing out on potential legal options while you wait.”

If your PERM approval is taking longer than anticipated, here are some other steps you can take:

• Keep in touch with your employer: Your employer is responsible for the PERM process, so they are the only one who can access processing time for your case via the DOL’s FLAG website. Stay in touch with them so they can keep you in the loop on any potential delays.
• Ask your employer to request  a status update: If your employer filed the PERM application more than three months prior to the current month posted, they can request a status update by reaching out to the Office of Labor Certification (OFLC) PERM Helpdesk at plc.atlanta@dol.gov.
• Consult an immigration attorney: If your PERM approval is excessively delayed—and is ultimately causing issues with your green card process—it may be time to connect with an immigration law firm. An attorney can help you understand your options and figure out the best path forward.

Moving Forward On Your Green Card Journey 

Waiting for PERM approval can feel like you’re stuck in limbo, especially if you’re on a time-limited visa like an H-1B and watching your green card timeline inch forward slowly. But you’re not without options. Staying in regular communication with your employer, tracking Department of Labor timelines, and proactively reviewing your case with an experienced immigration attorney can make a meaningful difference.

At Manifest Law, we work with professionals across industries to navigate PERM delays and assess potential green card alternatives like EB-2 NIW or EB-1A. If you’re concerned about your PERM timeline or simply want a second opinion, we’re here to help.

👉Schedule a consultation today to explore all your options, develop a strategy customized to your unique situation, and move forward with confidence on your U.S. immigration journey.