The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued updated processing times as of April 30, 2025 for Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) and PERM applications. The updated processing times are as follows:

PREVAILING WAGE DETERMINATIONS PROCESSING TIMES
According to the DOL, the National Prevailing Wage Center, or the NPWC, is currently processing PWDs filed in December 2024  for OEWS wages. For non-OEWS wages, the NPWC is processing PWDs that were filed in November 2024. These include PWDs that have been submitted based on private wage surveys.

Further, the NPWC is processing PWD redetermination requests that were submitted in January 2025.

It is important to note that the NPWC’s reported processing times are what the agency considers to be within normal processing times. This means that it is possible for PWDs to be processed and issued sooner. Currently, at Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are seeing PWDs being issued in about 5 to 6 months on average.

PERM PROCESSING TIMES
According to DOL, the agency is currently processing PERM applications filed in December 2023. On average, DOL is adjudicating PERMs in approximately 499 days – this is over 16 months.

The April 30 update from the DOL still does not include any new data on audited PERM applications. The last available update was in December 2024, when the DOL was processing audits for PERM applications filed in December 2022, with an average total processing time of 496 days.

DOL has, however, updated the processing time for reconsideration requests filed with the Certifying Officer. DOL is currently processing requests filed in March 2025.

Currently at Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are seeing PERM applications approved in about 16, almost 17 months on average if not audited. This timeframe is consistent with the average processing times being reported by the Department of Labor.

INCREASED PROCESSING TIMES
We do not anticipate PERM processing times improving in the near future. These long processing times for both prevailing wage determinations and PERM applications is a serious problem that will continue for not only foreign workers, but employers as well.

Remaining informed about prevailing wage and PERM processing times is essential for effective planning in the employment-based green card process. Delays at the Department of Labor can significantly impact individuals on temporary work visas, making it critical to initiate the PERM process as early as possible. Regularly monitoring processing updates helps employers and foreign workers anticipate timelines, set realistic expectations, maintain valid work authorization when necessary, and address potential issues proactively. Working with an experienced attorney from the outset can help avoid costly mistakes that may result in having to restart the entire process, leading to even longer delays.

Furthermore, certain individuals may qualify for alternative options and should explore these alternative routes such as the EB-1A immigrant visa or a National Interest Waiver. Speaking with an experienced attorney will allow individuals to determine if they qualify and can bypass the lengthy PERM process entirely.

For over 25 years, Reddy & Neumann, P.C. has focused solely on U.S. employment-based immigration, and works with employers to establish best practices when navigating the PERM labor certification process. If you are in need of a U.S. work visa or permanent residency, speak with one of our immigration lawyers. Please contact us online, call our Houston business immigration office directly at 713-953-7787 or schedule a consultation.

By: Jessica Palarca

Jessica Palarca is an attorney in Reddy & Neumann’s PERM Labor Certification Department where she assists clients in the beginning stages of the green card process.