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PERM and Prevailing Wage Determination Processing Delays Plague US Immigration System

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States immigration system continues to grapple with processing delays in permanent labor certification (PERM) and prevailing wage determination (PWD). As of July 1, the Department of Labor (DOL) was evaluating appeals for reconsideration submitted in May 2025 and earlier, as well as deciding PERM applications submitted in March 2024 and earlier. The delays have significant implications for H-1B foreign workers seeking permanent residency in the US. The average number of days to process PERM applications varies, with the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) reporting an average of 152 days as of August 14, 2025. The OFLC also reports that prevailing wage determination processing times are averaging 141 days as of August 1, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DOL is currently evaluating appeals for reconsideration submitted in May 2025 and earlier, as well as deciding PERM applications submitted in March 2024 and earlier.
  • The average number of days to process PERM applications is 152 days as of August 14, 2025.
  • Prevailing wage determination processing times are averaging 141 days as of August 1, 2025.
  • The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) encourages employers to request a prevailing wage determination for the H-2B program at least 60 days before the date the determination is needed.
  • A permanent labor certification (PERM) issued by the DOL allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the United States.
  • The DOL must certify to USCIS that there are not sufficient U.S. workers able, willing, qualified, and available to accept the job opportunity in the area of intended employment.
  • Once a permanent labor certification application has been approved by the DOL, the employer needs to seek immigration authorization from USCIS.

Statistics:

  • PERM Processing Times (as of 08/14/2025): Evaluating appeals for reconsideration submitted in May 2025 and earlier, as well as deciding PERM applications submitted in March 2024 and earlier.
  • Average Number of Days to Process PERM Applications: 152 days as of August 14, 2025.
  • Prevailing Wage Determination Processing Times (as of 08/01/2025): Average time of 141 days.
  • Employers should request a prevailing wage determination for the H-2B program at least 60 days before the date the determination is needed.

Sources:

  • "PERM Processing Times as of August 14, 2025." Office of Foreign Labor Certification, August 14, 2025.
  • "Prevailing Wage Determination Processing Times as of August 1, 2025." Office of Foreign Labor Certification, August 1, 2025.
  • "What is Permanent Labor Certification (PERM)?" Department of Labor, 2025.
  • "IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd." Contify.com, 2025.

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