As of June 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated processing times for PERM Labor Certification applications, along with prevailing wage determination (PWD) timelines as of May 31, 2025. These updates play a critical role in the employment-based green card process, as they provide insight into the expected duration of key stages. For both employers and foreign national employees, staying informed of these processing times is essential for proactive planning, maintaining compliance, and minimizing delays. Timely awareness allows stakeholders to anticipate next steps, coordinate internal immigration strategies, and make informed decisions regarding temporary work visa extensions and long-term employment planning.

PWD Processing Times

The National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) is processing PWDs that were filed in February 2025 for OES wages (standard) and December 2024 for non-OES wages, which includes private wage surveys. Further, the NPWC is processing redetermination requests submitted in February 2025.

Currently at Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are seeing PWDs being issued in about 5 months.

PERM Processing Times

The DOL is processing PERM applications filed in February 2024. On average, the DOL is adjudicating PERM applications in approximately 500 days (if no audit is issued). The June update from the DOL does not include any new data on audited PERM applications. Also, the DOL is processing PERM reconsideration requests that were submitted in March 2025.

Currently at Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are seeing PERM applications approved (if not audited) in approximately 16 months, which is consistent with the average processing times reported by the DOL.

Staying up to date on PERM processing times is essential for strategic planning in the employment-based green card process. These timelines can directly impact when employers can move forward with subsequent stages, such as the I-140 immigrant petition and adjustment of status or consular processing. Regularly tracking PERM updates enables employers and foreign national employees to proactively align their immigration strategies, prepare necessary documentation in advance, and avoid delays that could jeopardize work authorization or disrupt business operations.

Being well-informed also supports realistic planning around H-1B max-out dates, extensions, and transitions to other visa categories if needed. It allows employers to remain compliant with legal obligations while giving foreign workers greater clarity about their long-term immigration outlook.

At Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are committed to providing updates on PERM processing trends and related developments. Our goal is to provide both employers and employees with the knowledge and guidance needed to successfully navigate each step of the green card process confidently and efficiently.Top of Form

By: Krystal Alanis

Krystal Alanis is a Partner at Reddy Neumann Brown PC and manages the firm’s PERM Labor Certification Department, where she oversees all EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card matters. Krystal guides clients from a variety of industries through the maze of the PERM Labor certification process and has handled thousands of PERM applications throughout her career with Reddy Neumann Brown PC. Krystal also guides employers and individuals through the I-140 and Adjustment of Status process, and assists clients with temporary work visa petitions (e.g., H-1B, TN, L-1, E-2). With over 13 years of immigration experience, Krystal is able to advise her clients with confidence and recognize any potential pitfalls that may arise.