DOL PERM Processing Times Improve to 336 Days as of August 31, 2026
Updated: 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON, September 10, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released its latest processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and prevailing wage determinations (PWDs), showing a notable improvement in average analyst review times.
As of August 31, 2026, the DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is adjudicating PERM applications filed in November 2025 and earlier, while the average processing time for Analyst Review has dropped to 336 calendar days for determinations completed in August 2026 — a decrease from the 372 days reported in July.
Published: September 10, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
PERM Processing Times (As of August 31, 2026)
Review Type | Processing Month |
Analyst Review | November 2025 and earlier |
Reconsideration Appeals | April 2026 and earlier |
Average Analyst Review Time (August 2026) | 336 calendar days |
Note: The OFLC may, for various reasons, be completing the processing of applications filed prior to the month posted. Actual processing times for each employer's PERM application may vary from the average depending on material facts and individual circumstances.
The improvement in average processing time — from 372 days in July to 336 days in August — represents a 36-day reduction in the average wait for PERM determinations. This is a positive development for employers and foreign nationals navigating the employment-based green card process.
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Processing Times
As of August 31, 2026, the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) is processing PWD requests filed in May 2026 and earlier for both H-1B and PERM cases.
PWD Category | Processing Month |
H-1B and PERM OEWS Requests | May 2026 and earlier |
H-1B and PERM Non-OEWS Requests | May 2026 and earlier |
Redeterminations (H-1B and PERM) | June 2026 and earlier |
Center Director Reviews (PERM) | June 2026 and earlier |
Center Director Reviews (H-1B) | July 2026 and earlier |
Understanding OEWS vs. Non-OEWS
OEWS (Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics) : The primary source used for determining prevailing wages based on occupational data.
Non-OEWS: Refers to other sources used for prevailing wage determinations, such as collective bargaining agreements or private wage surveys.
What This Means for Employers and Applicants
The latest data presents a mixed picture for those navigating the PERM and PWD process:
Consideration | Implication |
PERM Analyst Review | Average time improved to 336 days — a 36-day reduction from July |
PERM Filing Date | Applications filed in November 2025 are now being processed |
PWD Timeline | May 2026 filings are currently being processed — approximately a 3-4 month wait |
Reconsideration Appeals | April 2026 filings are under review |
Center Director Reviews | PERM: June 2026; H-1B: July 2026 |
Key Takeaways for Employers
Plan for Extended Timelines: PERM processing remains lengthy at approximately 11 months for standard analyst review. Audited cases typically take significantly longer.
Start PWD Early: Prevailing wage determinations are processing approximately 3-4 months from filing. Employers should initiate the PWD process as early as possible.
Track Processing Dates: The DOL updates the FLAG system monthly, allowing employers to monitor progress.
Budget for Audit Risk: Applications selected for audit face additional delays. Ensure thorough documentation from the start.
Monitor Reconsideration Timelines: Appeals filed in April 2026 are being processed, providing a benchmark for those considering appeals.
Read Also
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