The United States Department of Labor has released the latest update on processing times for Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) and Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) applications.
As of March 5, officials are currently reviewing PERM applications filed in October 2024 or earlier.
They are also examining appeals for reconsideration submitted in September 2025 or earlier.
These timelines indicate when applications were originally submitted and which cases are now being processed.
However, actual processing times may vary depending on the details of each case.
Why PERM Is Important for Foreign Workers
For many foreign workers in the United States, especially those on the H-1B visa, PERM is a crucial step toward getting a green card.
The process allows a US employer to sponsor a foreign worker for permanent residency.
Before moving forward with immigration paperwork, the employer must first obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor.
This certification confirms that hiring the foreign worker will not harm job opportunities for American workers.
How the PERM Process Works
In most cases, an employer must get the labor certification approved before filing an immigration petition with U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Department of Labor checks several important factors before approving the request:
Whether qualified US workers are available for the job
Whether hiring a foreign worker will affect wages or working conditions
Whether the job opportunity is genuine and meets labor standards
If these conditions are satisfied, the department certifies the application.
What Happens After PERM Approval
Once the labor certification is approved, the employer can move to the next step of the green card process by applying for immigration authorization through U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services.
This step is essential for foreign workers who want to live and work permanently in the United States.
The process can take time, but it remains one of the most common paths for skilled workers seeking permanent residency.
