When considering employment-based permanent residency in the United States, one of the most critical factors applicants face is PERM processing time. This term refers to the duration it takes for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to process a Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) application—a prerequisite for many employment-based green cards. As of 2025, processing times have evolved due to shifting federal priorities, backlogs, digital transformation efforts, and post-pandemic restructuring. Understanding this timeline is essential not just for foreign workers, but also for employers planning recruitment and immigration strategies.
This article breaks down what PERM processing time means, what influences it, the latest trends for 2025, how to prepare for the process efficiently, and what delays to expect. It serves as an all-encompassing guide for those navigating the complexities of employment-based immigration.
What Is PERM and Why Is It Necessary?
PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management, a system implemented by the DOL to streamline the labor certification process. It is the first major step for obtaining an employment-based green card in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. The primary goal of PERM is to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. workers.
Before an employer can file an immigrant petition (Form I-140) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they must first obtain a certified PERM labor certification from the DOL. Only after this approval can the foreign worker move forward in the green card process.
Components of PERM Processing
PERM processing can be broken down into three main phases:
- Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
- Recruitment Period
- PERM Application Review
Each of these phases comes with its own timeline and set of compliance requirements. The total processing time is the sum of all three.
1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
Before an employer starts recruitment, they must request a Prevailing Wage Determination from the DOL. This ensures that the salary being offered is aligned with the prevailing wage for that job in the specific geographic area.
Average Processing Time (as of 2025): 4 to 5 months
In recent years, PWD timelines have fluctuated due to shifts in labor market data updates and digital infrastructure delays. Automation has sped up some parts, but human verification still plays a crucial role.
2. Recruitment Period
During this phase, the employer must conduct a good-faith recruitment effort to find qualified U.S. workers. This includes:
- Two Sunday newspaper ads
- A job order placed with the state workforce agency
- Three additional recruitment steps (for professional positions), such as job fairs or online postings
The recruitment process must last at least 60 days, with a mandatory 30-day quiet period after the last recruitment step before filing the PERM application.
Average Processing Time: 2 to 3 months (including documentation)
3. PERM Application Review
Once the recruitment period ends, the employer submits ETA Form 9089 to the DOL for review. The application can be:
- Approved without audit
- Subject to random or targeted audit
Average Processing Time Without Audit (2025): 7 to 8 months
With Audit: Additional 6 to 8 months
With the recent push toward greater scrutiny in foreign labor certifications, audits have become more frequent, especially for roles in tech and health sectors where domestic shortages are contested.
Total PERM Processing Time: Estimates
| Phase | Processing Time Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prevailing Wage | 4 – 5 months | Based on 2025 backlog data |
| Recruitment | 2 – 3 months | Includes mandatory 30-day waiting period |
| PERM Review (no audit) | 7 – 8 months | May vary by case volume |
| PERM Review (with audit) | 13 – 16 months total | Adds 6–8 months to process |
| Total (no audit) | 13 – 16 months | Average estimate |
| Total (with audit) | 19 – 24 months | If application is audited |
Factors That Affect PERM Processing Time
While the process seems linear on paper, several real-world factors can speed up or slow down processing:
1. Workload at DOL
Annual filing surges around fiscal year-end (September) often lead to longer queues. Despite automation efforts, DOL officers still manually review many applications.
2. Volume of Audits
Audits can be random or triggered by red flags, such as:
- Unusually high wages or low wages
- Family-owned businesses hiring relatives
- Home-based jobs
- Lack of detailed recruitment records
3. Accuracy of Application
Simple errors in job titles, wage levels, or job requirements can cause delays. Employers must be precise and consistent across all documentation.
4. Technological Integration
In 2023 and 2024, the DOL began piloting new digital tools to process wage determinations and track application status. While these tools are more efficient, the transition has led to some inconsistencies, expected to stabilize by mid-2025.
PERM Processing Trends for 2025
As of 2025, several emerging trends are reshaping PERM processing timelines:
1. Shift to Cloud-Based Filing
The DOL is shifting more systems to cloud-based platforms, enabling faster data retrieval and status tracking. While this is expected to reduce processing times long-term, the migration is temporarily adding complexity.
2. Increased Focus on Equity
Under the current administration, the DOL has emphasized scrutinizing industries known for historically underpaying foreign workers. This includes increased auditing and deeper labor market analysis.
3. Recruitment Verification Checks
Employers are being asked to provide proof of ad placements and to certify outreach efforts, particularly for jobs requiring remote work flexibility.
4. Artificial Intelligence Assistance
Pilot projects using AI for flagging incomplete or inconsistent applications have been underway. However, AI decisions are still subject to human override, so efficiency gains are modest.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays
Understanding common pitfalls can help employers and foreign workers avoid costly delays. These include:
- Incorrect job classification or SOC code
- Ambiguous job requirements
- Failure to meet recruitment ad criteria
- Not retaining documentation for 5 years (required by DOL)
- Delays in obtaining State Workforce Agency job order confirmation
What Happens After PERM Approval?
Once the PERM is approved, the next steps include:
- Filing I-140 (Immigrant Petition): Usually processed in 6–12 months, but premium processing is available.
- Adjustment of Status (I-485): Depends on visa bulletin priority dates. Delays here vary widely based on country of origin and visa availability.
Applicants from countries with high demand (India, China, Philippines) often face multi-year waits even after PERM approval due to visa caps.
Strategies for Reducing PERM Processing Time
While you cannot expedite PERM itself (no premium processing exists for this stage), there are best practices to ensure smoother and faster processing:
- Pre-prepare documentation for PWD and recruitment phases while awaiting wage determination.
- Hire legal counsel experienced in employment-based immigration to handle documentation.
- Use standardized job descriptions that match DOL data.
- Stay informed about DOL processing times through monthly updates.
PERM for Remote or Hybrid Positions
As hybrid and fully remote jobs become more common post-pandemic, employers must tread carefully. The DOL expects wage determination and recruitment to be based on the employee’s actual work location, not the headquarters. Misclassification of location can lead to denial or audit.
Key Takeaways for 2025 Applicants
- Expect 13–16 months from start to finish, if no audit occurs.
- Plan for up to 24 months if audited.
- Document everything and ensure legal compliance at every step.
- Stay flexible and monitor updates from the Department of Labor regularly.
Final Thoughts
The PERM processing time remains a pivotal concern for employers and foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the U.S. While some bottlenecks remain in place, especially with audits and PWD delays, the increasing integration of technology and better transparency should improve outcomes in the long term. For now, careful planning, legal compliance, and informed preparation are the best strategies to mitigate delays.
Navigating this process in 2025 requires patience—but it’s also more predictable than in years past. As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of procedural changes can make a critical difference in successful immigration planning.
FAQs on PERM Processing Time
Q: Can PERM be expedited like I-140?
No. There is currently no premium processing for PERM applications.
Q: Is it possible to work on H-1B while waiting for PERM?
Yes. Many workers extend H-1B status beyond the 6-year limit based on a pending or approved PERM and I-140.
Q: How often do audits happen?
Audit rates vary by year, but roughly 25–30% of applications receive audits, depending on industry and employer history.
Q: How long is a certified PERM valid?
A PERM certification is valid for 180 days. Employers must file the I-140 within this window.
Q: Can PERM be transferred to another employer?
No. PERM certifications are employer- and job-specific.