Predicting PERM Processing Time
If you are an applicant, you may be curious to check the status of your PERM application with US Department of Labor (DOL). Unfortunately, you as an applicant cannot check the PERM Status online, while it is pending with DOL. Only the Employer or attorney can login to the PERM case management system at website https://www.plc.doleta.gov and check your PERM application status.
While applicants cannot directly check the status of their pending PERM application with the DOL, they can use historical processing data to estimate the timeline. Tools like those offered by H1BGrader.com can predict approximate processing times based on filing dates.
Green Card PERM Labor Certification Processing Queue
Every month the US Department of Labor(DOL) publishes data on the total number of PERM Labor Certification(LC) applications that are processed along with the total number of PERM LC applications received by them. They also give data on how many applications are pending from each of the previous months. Based on this data, we can understand the overall processing speed, which month applications they are currently working on, including how many PERM LC applications are in the queue and yet to be processed.
The below chart and table shows the workload of the Green Card PERM Labor Certification (LC) processing queue by the US DOL, indicating how many are pending from the previous months. If you filed your PERM LC in a particular month, you can understand if the US DOL is currently working on your application or not
This guide breaks down the latest PERM processing times stage by stage, from the prevailing wage determination through recruitment to the Department of Labor's final review. Along the way, our team shares expert analysis and practical strategies for managing delays, so you can set realistic timelines and make confident decisions for your clients and sponsored employees.
Step-by-Step PERM Case Timeline
1. Case Initiation (1 week)
The employer opens the case, and the legal team gathers the documents and information needed to start the PERM application.
2. Notice of Job Opportunity (NOJO) (1 week)
The employer reviews and approves the NOJO, which outlines the job opportunity and sets up the steps that follow.
3. Experience Verification Letters (timing varies)
The sponsored employee collects experience verification letters from previous employers. Timing depends on how quickly those letters come in. Once the attorney reviews and signs off, the Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) request is filed within 24–48 hours.
4. Prevailing Wage Determination (6–7 months)
The Department of Labor (DOL) currently takes about 6–7 months to issue a PWD. This determination sets the minimum wage the employer must offer for the role.
5. Recruitment (2–3 months)
Recruitment tests the U.S. labor market for qualified workers. This phase includes resume review and a mandatory 30-day waiting period after recruitment closes before the application can be filed.
6. PERM Filing and DOL Review (about 13 months)
When recruitment confirms that no qualified U.S. workers are available, the PERM application is filed. DOL is currently taking about 13 months to certify applications.
7. I-140 Petition (4–6 months)
After certification, the I-140 petition is typically filed within 2–3 weeks. Approval takes about 4–6 months under regular processing, and premium processing is available for employers who need a faster decision.