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Current PERM Processing Times: 2024 Updates and Insights
This guide breaks down the PERM process timeline, providing essential insights for 2024 and beyond. Whether you're an employer sponsoring a foreign worker or an individual pursuing permanent residency, understanding current processing times is vital for effective planning and management of your case.
Current DOL PERM Processing Times
Certain Employment Based Green Card applicants need to go through the process of Permanent Labor Certification, popularly called as PERM, before they start the Green Card application (Form I-140) with USCIS. As part of the Green Card Process, such applicants need to file the PERM Labor Certification Applications, including prevailing wage determination (PWD) applications with US Department of Labor (DOL). Due to the complexity of the PERM process, the processing times of PERM and PWDs can be long.
Below are the current US Department of Labor PERM processing times. We update this page regularly to get the latest snapshot of PERM processing times based on both US DOL data as well as the daily feed data from PERM filings and PWD applications. Also, the bottom of the page has more information on the overall PERM process and commonly asked questions around PERM.
Stay Informed: Current PERM Processing Times
PERM Processing Time (Normal )
PERM Processing Time (Audit)
Currently Processing Applications from (Normal )
Currently Processing Applications from (Audit)
Analyst Review
Analyst Review
13 months, 11 days
18 months, 19 days
July 2023
Dec 2022
DOL Update Date: Aug 02, 2024
Last Checked: September 2024
DOL Update Date: Aug 02, 2024
Last Checked: September 2024
DOL Update Date: Aug 02, 2024
Last Checked: September 2024
DOL Update Date: Aug 02, 2024
Last Checked: September 2024
Current DOL PERM Processing Times
Total | Pending | Audited | Approved | Denied | Withdrawn | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aug-2024 | 12619 | 12364 ( 97.98 % ) | 4 ( 0.03 % ) | 10 ( 0.08 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 241 ( 1.91 % ) |
Jul-2024 | 11863 | 11599 ( 97.77 % ) | 7 ( 0.06 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 257 ( 2.17 % ) |
Jun-2024 | 13780 | 13436 ( 97.50 % ) | 2 ( 0.01 % ) | 2 ( 0.01 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 340( 2.47 % ) |
May-2024 | 12989 | 12647( 97.37 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 0 ( 0.00 % ) | 342( 2.63 % ) |
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Submission month case status rates
How to read the table? It shows the percentage of Approved, Audited, Denied, Withdrawn, and Pending perms filed in the months currently under processing by DOL. At present, DOL is actively handling perm applications submitted in the months of June 2023 and May 2023 which will be highlighted with light blue background if you expand the table
30% percentile | 50% percentile | 80% percentile |
|---|---|---|
≤ 403 days | ≤ 410 days | ≤ 425 days |
Number of days for approval in the past 30 days
How to read the table? It shows the processing time of the cases that are approved in the past 30 days. For example, if it is 377 days for the 30% percentile, it means that 30% of approved cases in the past 30 days have been pending for 377 days or less.
Predicting PERM Processing Time
If you are an applicant, you may be curious to check the status of your PERM application with US Department of Labor (DOL). Unfortunately, you as an applicant cannot check the PERM Status online, while it is pending with DOL. Only the Employer or attorney can login to the PERM case management system at website https://www.plc.doleta.gov and check your PERM application status.
While applicants cannot directly check the status of their pending PERM application with the DOL, they can use historical processing data to estimate the timeline. Tools like those offered by H1BGrader.com can predict approximate processing times based on filing dates.
Green Card PERM Labor Certification Processing Queue
Every month the US Department of Labor(DOL) publishes data on the total number of PERM Labor Certification(LC) applications that are processed along with the total number of PERM LC applications received by them. They also give data on how many applications are pending from each of the previous months. Based on this data, we can understand the overall processing speed, which month applications they are currently working on, including how many PERM LC applications are in the queue and yet to be processed.
The below chart and table shows the workload of the Green Card PERM Labor Certification (LC) processing queue by the US DOL, indicating how many are pending from the previous months. If you filed your PERM LC in a particular month, you can understand if the US DOL is currently working on your application or not
Total Pending Request
74,362
DOL Update Date: Aug 02, 2024
Last Checked: September 2024
This guide covers the latest updates on PERM processing times, detailing each stage of the application process and offering strategies to manage potential delays. It includes information on prevailing wage determinations, recruitment periods, and Department of Labor reviews. The guide aims to provide knowledge for setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions, along with expert analysis and practical tips for navigating the PERM process in 2024
Step-by-Step PERM Case Timeline
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How Long Will It Take DOL To Process A PERM Application?Through electronic filing and the audit-based adjudication process, DOL reports that “clean” applications take less than 60 days to adjudicate. In users’ experience, applications may be processed very quickly – sometimes in less than a week – but normally take 60-90 days. Processing times for audited cases also vary, with some being decided quickly and others not processed for months.
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How long is PERM advertising?The job ad needs to be active for at least 30 consecutive days (including weekends).
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What information do we need to provide when requesting a quote for services?Please provide the ad text and specify the services requested. If you have specific media sources in mind, please mention them. If you're unsure, we can provide recommendations.
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What is PERM advertising?Advertising the job position is a crucial step in the PERM process. The main objective is to vet the employer to make sure that hiring foreign talent does not displace domestic workers who could otherwise occupy the position.
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What Print Ads Are Required Under PERM?Prior to filing an application for labor certification, an employer must place two advertisements on two different Sundays in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of intended employment. For higher-level positions requiring experience and an advanced degree, the employer may use an advertisement in a professional journal in place of one of the Sunday ads. Both ads must have been placed more than 30 days, but not more than 180 days, before filing, and may be placed on consecutive Sundays. The ad must list the name of the employer, the geographic area of employment (only if the job site is unclear, e.g., if applicants respond to a location other than the job site or if the employer has multiple job sites), and a description of the position specific enough to apprise U.S. workers of the job opportunity.
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How are tearsheets delivered?After the PERM advertising cycle is complete, Atlas will deliver an e-tear package of all ads included in your requisition.
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What is the prevailing wage determination?The PWD is the wage that the U.S. DOL has deemed to be appropriate for this particular position in your geographic location.
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What Is PERM?PERM is a system through which employers can hire a foreign national by submitting an application electronically or by mail to DOL in which they attest that they have taken certain steps to recruit U.S. workers and that they have been unable to locate a qualified U.S. worker for the position. Employers will be responsible for documenting their compliance with the recruitment steps enumerated in the regulations, but they will only submit that documentation to DOL if DOL chooses to audit their applications.
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Is prepayment required?Yes, prepayment is required. We will provide you with a payment form that should be submitted along with your approval to proceed with the ad.
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How much does an advertisement cost?The cost of placing a PERM ad depends on the word count and the city where the position is offered. Once you provide your ad text to your Atlas representative, we will contact newspaper representatives to obtain an accurate quote.
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How many radio spots should we run?While there are no specific regulations regarding the required number of radio spots, we recommend a minimum of 2 spots.
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Can you suggest newspapers for advertising if I'm unsure?Absolutely! Based on our extensive experience and industry research, Atlas is happy to provide suggestions on which newspapers to advertise in.
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Can we initiate the 2 Sunday ads over a holiday weekend?There are no regulations regarding this matter, but many of our clients prefer to avoid starting the PERM recruitment cycle over holidays.
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How long should online ads run?Typically, most of our clients have online ads running for a period of 7 to 30 days.
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Do you capture screenshots of the online ads?We capture screenshots on the first and last days when the online ads are active.
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How long does the SWA ad need to be active?According to regulations, SWA (State Workforce Agency) ads need to be active online for a duration of 30 days.
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What happens during the recruitment process, and how long does it take?The recruitment process involves the employer conducting a thorough search for qualified U.S. workers. This includes job postings, advertisements, and other recruitment activities. The recruitment process typically takes 2-3 months, including a 30-day job posting period and time for resume reviews.
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What should I do if my PERM application is selected for audit?If your PERM application is selected for audit, it means the DOL requires additional information to verify the details of your application. This can extend the processing time by several months. It is crucial to respond promptly and accurately to any audit requests to avoid further delay
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How long does the Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) take?The PWD process currently takes approximately 6-7 months. This step involves the Department of Labor (DOL) determining the appropriate wage for the job based on its location and required experience level.
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What factors can affect the PERM processing time?Several factors can influence the PERM processing time, including: Volume of applications: High volumes can lead to longer processing times. Completeness and accuracy of the application: Incomplete or inaccurate applications can result in delays. DOL backlogs: Periods of high demand can create backlogs at the DOL. Potential audits: If the application is selected for audit, this can significantly extend the processing time.
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What is the timeline for filing the I-140 petition after PERM certification?Once the PERM application is certified, the I-140 petition is typically filed within 2-3 weeks. The processing time for the I-140 petition is 4-6 months under regular processing, but premium processing is available for expedited service.
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Can I check the status of my PERM application online?Only employers or authorized attorneys can check the status of a PERM application through the DOL's case management system. Applicants cannot directly check the status online but can receive updates from their employer or attorney
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What is the typical timeline for the PERM process?The PERM process generally involves several stages, each with its own timeline: Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): 6-7 months Recruitment Process: 2-3 months PERM Application Processing: 13 months I-140 Petition: 4-6 months (with premium processing available)
1. Initiate Case ( 1 week )
The process begins when the employer initiates the case. This involves gathering necessary documentation and information to proceed with the PERM application.
2. NOJO (Notice of Job Opportunity) ( 1 week)
Within a week, the employer must approve the NOJO. This notice details the job opportunity and is crucial for the next steps.
3. Employment Verification Letters (Variable)
Employees must confirm and provide employment verification letters. The duration of this step varies, depending on how quickly employees can gather and submit these letters. Once submitted, the PWD (Prevailing Wage Determination) is filed within 24-48 hours after review and attorney sign-off.
4. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) (6-7 months)
PWDs are currently taking about 6-7 months with the Department of Labor (DOL). This step is crucial as it determines the minimum wage the employer must offer for the job role.
5. Recruitment Process (2-3 months)
The recruitment process lasts 2-3 months and includes a mandatory 1-month cooling-off period and time to complete resume reviews. This step ensures that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.
6. PERM Filing and Processing (13 months)
If the labor market test is successful and no qualified U.S. workers are found, the PERM application can be filed. Currently, PERM applications are taking about 13 months to be certified by the DOL.
7. Post-Certification Steps (4-6 months)
Once the PERM certification is obtained, the I-140 petition is filed within 2-3 weeks. The I-140 petition approval takes approximately 4-6 months via regular processing, with an option for premium processing to expedite this step.
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