PERM Processing Time in 2025–2026
PERM cases DOL decided in Apr–Jun 2026 took a median of 14 months from filing to decision; the middle half took 13–16 months (50,911 certified or denied cases, DOL OFLC disclosure data through Jun 30, 2026). Here's what the data shows and what affects your wait.
PERM Processing Times by Fiscal Year
From the 374,310 PERM cases in DOL disclosure data on PermTrack. Cases DOL decided in FY2025 took a median of 483 days (about 16 months), 92 days (24%) longer than FY2024.
| Fiscal year decided | Median days | Median months | Cases | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024 | 391 | 13 | 107,021 | |
| FY2025 | 483 | 16 | 140,212 | |
| FY2026 | 488 | 16 | 108,268 | Partial year |
Certified and denied cases, by the fiscal year DOL decided them (Oct 1 to Sep 30). Withdrawn cases are left out because their timing is the employer's choice. A partial year is not comparable: the cases DOL decides late in a year tend to be the older ones.
Processing Time Trend (Live Data)
Monthly average and median processing times from decided cases in PermTrack's dataset. When the line is declining, the DOL is catching up. When rising, the queue is growing.
- Avg days
- Median days
Data from DOL disclosure files (FY2024–FY2026). Updated quarterly. Chart uses only months with 500+ decided cases to filter out outlier periods.
What "Processing Time" Measures
The processing time shown here is calculated from the received date (when the DOL stamps the application as accepted) to the decision date (Certified, Denied, or Withdrawn). It does not include:
- Time to prepare the PERM application before filing
- The Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) period, which precedes the PERM filing
- The recruitment period, which also happens before filing
- Time after PERM approval to file the I-140 petition
The full PERM stage of the green card process, from starting the prevailing wage request to receiving the PERM approval, is the sum of those steps and DOL's review. The Green Card Timeline adds them up from the live figures.
What Affects Your Processing Time
1. Audit Selection
DOL selects some PERM applications for audit and asks the employer to document the recruitment. Audited cases take significantly longer than the standard review. DOL does not publish how many cases it audits, and its disclosure data does not mark audited cases, so PermTrack does not show an audit rate. You cannot predict whether your case will be audited, but some factors are commonly associated with audits:
- Occupations with high denial rates nationally
- Wages that are close to (but meeting) the prevailing wage floor
- Cases with nonstandard job requirements
2. Employer Alphabetical Order
The DOL processes cases partly in alphabetical order by employer name within each filing period. An employer whose name starts with "A" has historically had shorter processing times than one starting with "W." This effect has diminished over time, but it still appears in the data. Explore processing time by employer at PermTrack.
3. Occupation
Some occupations have higher audit rates than others. IT consulting positions — particularly those with "any employer location" language or unusual requirements — tend to face more scrutiny. Standard professional occupations (engineers, accountants, nurses) typically move through the standard track faster.
4. Fiscal Year Filed
The DOL's workload varies significantly by fiscal year. Cases DOL decided in FY2025 took a median of 483 days (about 16 months), 92 days (24%) longer than FY2024. Whether the next year improves depends on DOL staffing levels and application volume.
5. Law Firm Quality
While the law firm doesn't change DOL processing speed, it affects whether your case gets through cleanly or triggers an audit. Firms with strong PERM practices have lower audit rates and better audit survival rates. Compare law firms by approval rate at PermTrack.
What to Do While You Wait
PERM processing time is almost entirely outside your control. But there are things worth doing:
- Make sure your file is audit-ready. If your case is audited, your employer will have 30 days to respond. That documentation should be organized and ready now.
- Don't change jobs during PERM. Leaving before PERM approval generally means starting over. AC21 portability doesn't help until you have a pending I-485, which requires an approved I-140, which requires an approved PERM.
- Know your priority date. Your priority date is the date your PERM was received by the DOL — not the date it's approved. This matters for Visa Bulletin purposes.
- Track your employer's processing history. PermTrack shows historical processing times per employer so you can tell if your case is aging normally.
Track PERM Processing Data — Free
PermTrack aggregates 374,310 PERM cases from DOL disclosure files. No login. No paywall.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PERM take right now?
PERM cases DOL decided in Apr–Jun 2026 took a median of 14 months from filing to decision; the middle half took 13–16 months (50,911 certified or denied cases, DOL OFLC disclosure data through Jun 30, 2026). The time is measured from DOL's received date to the decision date. Cases DOL decided in FY2025 took a median of 483 days (about 16 months), 92 days (24%) longer than FY2024.
Does PERM processing time include the Prevailing Wage Determination?
No. The processing time on PermTrack measures from the DOL's received date (when the PERM application is stamped) to the decision date. It does not include the Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) period, which comes before the PERM filing. Recruitment also happens before filing.
What is a PERM audit and how does it affect processing time?
DOL selects some PERM applications for audit and asks the employer to document the recruitment. Audited cases take longer than the standard review. DOL does not publish how many cases it audits, and its disclosure data does not mark audited cases, so PermTrack does not show an audit rate. You cannot predict whether your case will be audited.
Is PERM getting faster or slower?
Cases DOL decided in FY2025 took a median of 483 days (about 16 months), 92 days (24%) longer than FY2024. Workload, filing volume and DOL staffing all move this figure, and the next year is hard to predict.
Does the employer affect PERM processing time?
Employer name affects processing because the DOL historically processes cases partly in alphabetical order by employer name within each filing period. Employers starting with early letters in the alphabet have tended to see slightly faster processing. This effect has diminished over time but still appears in the data. Check your employer's historical processing time on PermTrack.
Can I speed up my PERM case?
PERM processing is almost entirely outside the applicant's control. The DOL does allow expedite requests under specific circumstances, but these are rarely granted for PERM. There is no premium processing option for PERM (unlike I-140). The best strategy is to file correctly the first time and have your audit documentation ready.
What happens if my PERM is denied?
A PERM denial restarts the entire process. You will need to go back to the beginning: prevailing wage determination, recruitment, and re-filing, and then wait for DOL's review again. Your priority date is reset. This is why approval rate matters when evaluating your employer's immigration process.