PERM Processing Time 2025 — Updated Timeline, Stages, Delays & What to Expect
- Таня В
- Nov 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Navigating the PERM process can feel overwhelming, especially when processing times keep growing every year. If you're applying for an employment-based green card (EB-2 or EB-3), the PERM Processing Time becomes one of the most important factors for planning your life, job stability, and immigration strategy.
In this guide, I break down the entire PERM timeline in a simple, human way — what each stage means, how long it actually takes in 2025, what causes delays, how to track your case, and what happens after approval.
Let’s dive in.
What Is PERM and Why Processing Time Matters So Much
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is a labor certification process handled by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). It confirms:
there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job,
the employer is offering the correct prevailing wage,
and hiring a foreign national will not negatively affect U.S. workers.
The PERM Processing Time determines how long it takes before you can file Form I-140 and secure your Priority Date — the date that controls your place in the green card queue.
Because every step depends on the one before it, delays in PERM can affect your entire immigration timeline.
PERM Processing Time in 2025 — Realistic Timelines
Below is the most accurate, updated breakdown of PERM Processing Time based on current DOL trends.
1️⃣ PWD — Prevailing Wage Determination
Timeline: 6–9 monthsDOL determines the minimum acceptable salary for the job. This has become the slowest and most unpredictable stage in recent years.
2️⃣ Recruitment Stage
Timeline: 2–3 months. The employer must test the U.S. labor market by posting job ads and documenting the recruitment process.
This stage has fixed minimum durations, so it cannot be shortened.
3️⃣ PERM (Form ETA-9089) Review
Regular Review: 9–12 monthsAudit Review: 18–30+ months
This is where DOL evaluates the recruitment results, the job description, wage level, and employer compliance.
If an audit is issued, expect the process to slow down significantly.
TOTAL PERM Processing Time
Scenario | Total Time |
Fastest (no delays) | 17 months |
Typical case | 24–30 months |
Audit case | 3–4+ years |
Yes — it can really take this long. That’s why employers and employees must plan ahead.
How to Check the Current PERM Processing Time
The official DOL website updates processing times monthly.
There are two separate timelines posted:
Always make sure you're looking at the most recent month, because delays can fluctuate.
What Each PERM Status Means
When your employer or attorney checks the case in FLAG, the status will show one of the following:
Filed
PERM has been submitted and is waiting in line.
In Process
DOL is actively reviewing the application.
Audit
Additional documentation is required.This adds 12–18 months to the timeline.
Certified
PERM approved — you can now file Form I-140.
Denied
PERM was not approved due to inconsistencies, wage issues, or recruitment errors.
Withdrawn
Employer withdrew the application.
Why PERM Processing Time Keeps Increasing (Real Reasons)
1. DOL staffing shortages
More applications + fewer adjudicators.
2. Increased audits
Random audits and targeted audits have become more frequent.
3. Incorrect recruitment steps by employers
Any minor error triggers delays or re-filing.
4. Prevailing Wage backlog
PWD times nearly doubled over the last two years.
5. High volume of employer filings
Tech layoffs and global hiring have pushed more employers toward sponsoring foreign talent.
PERM Audit: What It Means and How It Affects Processing Time
A PERM audit doesn’t always mean something is wrong.Audits can be:
Random (most common)
Targeted (specific red flags)
Common triggers:
unusual job requirements
mismatched wage levels
overly broad job descriptions
weak recruitment documentation
Impact:Audit = +12 to +18 months added to PERM Processing Time.
Can You Expedite PERM?
Short answer: No.There is no premium processing for PERM.
But you can reduce the chances of delays:
Employer should run recruitment 100% correctly
Wage level must match the job
Job ads must match Form ETA-9089
No contradictory job descriptions online
Employer should work with an experienced PERM attorney
What Happens After PERM Approval
Once PERM is certified:
1. Employer files Form I-140
This can be done with premium processing (15 days).
2. Priority Date is locked
Your place in the visa line becomes official.
3. You either wait for the Visa Bulletin or file Adjustment of Status (if current)
Checklist: Is Your Employer Prepared for PERM?
Use this quick checklist to understand if your company is truly ready:
Is Your Employer Prepared for PERM?
✔ Correct job description prepared
✔ Salary meets prevailing wage rules
✔ Recruitment budget approved
✔ HR knows PERM compliance requirements
✔ Company can document all recruitment steps
✔ Attorney experienced in employer-sponsored green cards
✔ Employer understands timeline: 17–30+ months
FAQ — Most Common Questions About PERM Processing Time
Why is my PERM taking longer than the timeline listed?
Because timelines on DOL's website reflect averages, not exact guarantees.
Can I change employers during PERM?
No — PERM is tied to a specific employer and job.
Does PERM affect my Priority Date?
Yes — your priority date becomes the PERM filing date.
What if PERM is denied?
You can refile, but timelines restart.
Final Thoughts
PERM is the longest, most unpredictable part of the employment-based green card journey. Understanding the PERM Processing Time, the possible delays, and how DOL evaluates cases can help you prepare mentally and professionally.
If you're currently waiting, you’re not alone — thousands of skilled workers face the same delays each year. The key is to stay informed, track official updates, and ensure your employer follows every step correctly.
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