As of July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published updated processing times for PERM Labor Certification applications, along with corresponding updates for Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) as of June 30, 2026. These timelines continue to serve as a critical benchmark for employers and foreign national employees as they plan and navigate the employment-based green card process, particularly given the multi-step nature of PERM and the strict regulatory requirements involved.

Despite ongoing backlogs, the latest data, when viewed alongside recent case outcomes, suggests that there may be early indications of incremental improvement in processing times. While delays remain significant and employers should continue to plan conservatively, some applications are moving more quickly than in prior reporting periods. This trend, if sustained, could signal gradual progress in the DOL’s efforts to address longstanding adjudication delays and reduce overall case backlogs.

At the same time, variability in processing remains a key consideration. Employers should be mindful that timelines can fluctuate based on factors such as audits, requests for information, and overall case volume within the DOL’s pipeline. Accordingly, strategic planning, early case initiation, and close monitoring of processing trends remain essential to minimizing disruptions and maintaining compliance throughout the PERM process.

Where Processing Times Stand Now

Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Processing Times

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

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

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 July 17, 2026, the DOL is currently processing:

• PERM applications (analyst review): Filed in July 2025
• Audits (Audit Review): Audit response filed in December 2025
• PERM reconsideration requests: Requests filed in March 2026

The DOL reports an average PERM processing time of approximately 403 days (13 months) if not audited, reflecting a meaningful improvement from the prior adjudication timeframe of roughly 17 months.

Consistent with this trend, at Reddy Neumann Brown PC, we are observing PERM applications being approved in approximately 12 months where no audit is issued.

Practical Takeaways for Employers

The agency is moving forward at a faster pace and gradually working through its backlog, with average processing times trending downward. However, employers should remain cautious and take a proactive approach to workforce planning by:

• Not assuming faster timelines will continue — plan conservatively
• Starting the PERM process early, especially for employees nearing max-out on their non-immigrant visa (e.g. H-1B, L-1)
• Maintaining audit-ready files
• Monitoring monthly FLAG updates for trend changes

While PERM and PWD processing times remain lengthy, the most recent data points to improvements in adjudication speed. Employers should view these developments as encouraging, but not definitive, and continue to approach workforce planning with caution. Given the ongoing variability in processing and the potential for audits or delays, a proactive and well-structured PERM strategy remains critical. By initiating cases early, maintaining thorough documentation, and staying informed of shifting DOL trends, employers can better position themselves to navigate the green card process efficiently while mitigating risk.

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).