As of May 31, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated PERM Labor Certification processing times, along with Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) updates as of June 8, 2026. These timelines remain a critical planning tool for employers and foreign national employees navigating the employment-based green card process.

While backlogs persist, recent data and real-world case outcomes suggest there may be early signs of improvement in processing times. The key question, however, is whether this progress represents a lasting shift or a temporary window.

Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Processing Times

The National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) is currently processing:

• OEWS wage requests (standard): Filed in March 2026
• Non-OEWS wage requests (private wage surveys): Filed in March 2026
• PWD redetermination requests: Filed in March 2026

Current PWD Trends

PWD processing times continue to stabilize at approximately 3 months, reflecting sustained improvement compared to prior periods when processing times approached 6-7 months.

The alignment across OEWS, non-OEWS, and redetermination requests suggests more consistent workflow management at the NPWC. However, these timelines remain sensitive to fluctuations in filing volume, resource allocation, and broader agency priorities.

At Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are currently observing PWDs being issued in approximately 2.5 – 3 months in cases where no Request for Information (RFI) is issued, which is largely consistent with the DOL’s published processing times. If an RFI is issued on the PWD, we are generally observing a turnaround in most cases of less than one week following submission of the response.

PERM Labor Certification Processing Times

As of May 31, 2026, the DOL is currently processing:

• PERM applications (analyst review): Filed in April 2025
• PERM reconsideration requests: Filed in January 2026

The DOL reports an average PERM processing time of approximately 501 days (16.5 months). However, the current analyst review date of April 2025 may indicate gradual forward movement in processing timelines, suggesting potential early signs of improvement.

Firm Observations: Encouraging but Cautious Optimism

At Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are beginning to see meaningful improvements in PERM adjudication timelines. While the published average remains at 501 days, we have recently received approvals in under 13 months for cases not selected for audit. This marks a notable improvement from the 16.5 to 17 month timeframe that had become the norm.

These faster approvals may indicate that the DOL is working through older backlogs and increasing adjudication efficiency. However, it is important to note that these outcomes are not yet consistent across all cases.

Temporary Relief or a Sustainable Shift?

The recent improvements raise an important question: Are PERM processing times finally trending in a positive direction, or is this simply temporary relief?

Recent data on PWD requests provides additional context for these trends. While remaining pending case volumes for late 2025 are relatively low (including approximately 4 requests filed in November 2025 and 32 in December 2025), there has been a significant increase in new PWD requests beginning in March 2026, with approximately 7,739 filings, followed by 16,070 in April 2026 and 18,524 in May 2026.

This sharp rise in PWD filings is likely to translate into higher PERM filing volumes in the coming months, which could place renewed pressure on PERM adjudication timelines. As a result, although current processing times show signs of improvement, it remains uncertain whether these gains will be sustained.

Several factors warrant continued caution. The DOL continues to operate under significant backlog pressure, competing priorities such as seasonal visa programs can shift agency resources, and overall filing volumes remain elevated.

At the same time, continued consistency in PWD processing, along with recent observations of PERM approvals in under 13 months, may signal early signs of broader operational stabilization. For now, employers should view this as a positive development, but not yet a reliable trend.

Planning Ahead in an Uncertain Environment

Given the variability in processing times, proactive planning remains essential. Employers and foreign national employees should:

• Start the PERM process as early as possible
• Closely monitor DOL processing updates
• Prepare I-140 documentation in advance
• Plan for potential temporary work visa extensions
• Build flexibility into workforce and immigration strategies

At Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we continue to track these developments closely and provide clients with practical, forward-looking guidance. While recent improvements are encouraging, strategic planning remains the most effective way to navigate an evolving PERM landscape.

By: Krystal Alanis

Krystal Alanis is a Partner at Reddy Neumann Brown PC and serves as the Managing Attorney of the firm’s PERM Labor Certification Department, where she oversees all EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card matters. With over 14 years of experience, she advises employers and professionals on navigating complex business immigration processes with clarity and confidence. She has managed countless PERM applications across a wide range of industries, enabling her to anticipate challenges early and develop effective, efficient solutions.

Krystal works closely with companies and individuals on PERM, I-140 petitions, and Adjustment of Status applications. She also advises on temporary work visas (e.g. H-1B, TN), helping clients align their immigration strategy with business and career goals.

In addition, Krystal advises employers on I-9 compliance matters and conducts internal audits of a company’s I-9 records, processes, and procedures. She represents clients in Form I-9 ICE inspections (Notice of Inspection).