DOL June 2026 PERM & PWD Processing Update: Permanent Labor Certification Backlogs Continue

DOL PERM and PWD processing times as of June 2026. Analyst Review

Washington D.C. – July 7, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published its monthly update on PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) and Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) processing times as of June 30, 2026. The latest report reveals continued backlogs, with analyst reviews now reaching back over a year, while prevailing wage determinations are showing relative stability.

This data provides critical insight for employers and foreign nationals navigating the employment-based green card process in 2026.

June 2026 PERM Processing Times: Analyst and Audit Reviews

The PERM process remains a significant bottleneck for employers. As of the end of June, the DOL is conducting analyst review for PERM applications filed in June 2025 or earlier. This means cases filed more than 13 months ago are only now entering active review. The DOL is also working on audit review for PERM applications filed in December 2025 or earlier.

For those who have filed reconsideration requests, the agency is currently processing those filed in February 2026 or earlier. These timelines underscore the importance of early planning for employers looking to secure permanent residency for their foreign talent.

PERM Processing Times at a Glance

Process Stage	Processing Cases Filed In
Analyst Review	June 2025 or earlier
Audit Review	December 2025 or earlier
Reconsideration Requests	February 2026 or earlier

June 2026 Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Times

While PERM reviews are moving slowly, the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWHC) is maintaining a more predictable timeline for issuing prevailing wage determinations. As of June 30, the DOL is issuing PWDs for PERM and H-1B prevailing wage requests filed in April 2026 (for OEWS-based requests) and March 2026 (for non-OEWS requests).

This suggests a processing window of around 2-3 months. The agency is also processing prevailing wage redeterminations requested in April 2026.

PWD Processing Times at a Glance

Process Stage	Processing Cases Filed In
OEWS-based Requests	April 2026
Non-OEWS Requests	March 2026
Redeterminations	April 2026
PERM Center Director Reviews	May 2026

What These Delays Mean for Employers

The extended PERM processing times have significant implications for workforce planning and visa expiration dates. With analyst reviews taking over a year, employers must be proactive in managing their foreign national employees' statuses. It is crucial to factor in these substantial DOL backlogs when initiating the PERM process, as it is a critical first step toward a green card.

Where to Find Official Updates

The DOL publishes these reports on the official FLAG (Foreign Labor Application Gateway) system website. Employers and their legal counsel are strongly advised to monitor these updates directly to stay informed of any shifts in processing times.

Official Resource: DOL FLAG Processing Times

About the Author: Xavi is an immigration policy analyst and content lead at VisasUpdate.com, covering global migration trends, visa regulations, and employment-based immigration pathways.

For the latest U.S. immigration news, DOL PERM & PWD updates, and employment-based visa guidance, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa