Understanding Perm Processing TimeUpdated 4 days ago

The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process is an essential step for foreign nationals seeking permanent employment-based immigration in the United States. Overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), this process ensures that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job before an employer can sponsor a foreign worker for permanent residency. A crucial aspect of this journey is understanding the PERM processing time, as it directly affects the overall timeline of the green card process.

The average PERM processing timeline usually ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on case complexity and workload at the Department of Labor (DOL). The process begins with Prevailing Wage Determination (4–6 months), followed by the recruitment and advertising stage (2–3 months), and finally the PERM application review (6–8 months).

Factors Affecting PERM Processing Time

• Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): Employers must first obtain a wage determination from the DOL. This stage typically takes a few months and is the foundation of the PERM process.
• Recruitment Period: Employers are required to conduct recruitment efforts to test the U.S. labor market. This phase adds around 60–90 days.
• Application Processing: Once the PERM application is filed, the DOL reviews it. Standard processing can take several months, depending on the case volume and complexity.
• Audits and Reviews: If the application is selected for audit, the timeline may extend significantly, sometimes by several additional months.