US DOL PERM Processing Times July 2026: Analyst Review Reaches 403 Days as Backlogs Persist for Green Card Applicants
- Xavi
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
WASHINGTON D.C. — July 23, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released its latest PERM processing times, revealing that analyst review now averages 403 calendar days as of June 2026, according to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) . As of July 17, 2026, the DOL is adjudicating PERM applications filed in July 2025 and earlier , with internal BAL data indicating some April 2025 cases still under review .
The extended timelines mean that employers sponsoring foreign workers for employment-based green cards face significant delays at the very first stage of the process. The DOL is also reviewing appeals for reconsideration filed in March 2026 and earlier .
Quick Facts: PERM Processing Times July 2026
Feature | Details |
Analyst Review Average | 403 calendar days |
Cases Being Adjudicated | Filed in July 2025 and earlier |
Audit Review Queue | Applications filed in December 2025 and earlier |
Reconsideration Requests | Filed in March 2026 and earlier |
PWD Processing (OEWS) | April 2026 requests |
PWD Processing (Non-OEWS) | March 2026 requests |
What the PERM Processing Times Mean
Analyst Review: 403 Days Average
The average processing time for PERM applications in analyst review has reached 403 calendar days as of June 2026 . This represents a significant backlog, with some internal data indicating that cases from April 2025 are still under review .The DOL has been managing a significant backlog, with 16,797 cases from June 2026 still unresolved as of the most recent update.
Audit Review: A Separate, Slower Queue
Applications chosen for audit experience even longer timelines. The DOL is currently reviewing audit cases filed in December 2025 and earlier . This separate queue adds substantial time to an already lengthy process, with audits often taking additional months beyond standard analyst review.
Reconsideration Requests
The DOL is reviewing appeals for reconsideration filed in March 2026 and earlier . This indicates that even requests for reconsideration are facing significant processing delays.
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) Processing Times
As of June 30, 2026, the National Prevailing Wage Center was processing:
Request Type | Processing Period |
OEWS-based PWDs | April 2026 requests |
Non-OEWS PWDs | March 2026 requests |
PERM Redeterminations | April 2026 requests |
Center Director Reviews | May 2026 requests |
Why PERM Backlogs Are Growing
High Filing Volumes
The DOL's FLAG system data shows a surge in PERM filings throughout early 2026, with 14,386 applications filed in April 2026 and 18,310 in May 2026 still pending . This volume, combined with staffing constraints at the OFLC, has created a significant backlog that continues to grow .
No Premium Processing for PERM
Unlike USCIS petitions such as the I-140, there is no premium processing option for PERM applications . Employers and foreign workers cannot pay to expedite DOL review, making the timeline entirely dependent on DOL processing capacity.
Audit Cases Add Further Delays
When a PERM case is selected for audit — either randomly or due to specific red flags — processing time can balloon significantly . Audited cases enter a separate review queue and can extend overall timelines by months or even years.
What This Means for Employers and Green Card Applicants
Impact | Details |
Extended Timelines | Employers must plan for 18-24 months from PERM filing to certification |
H-1B Extension Planning | Workers nearing their 6-year H-1B limit must plan carefully |
Priority Date Impact | Delays in PERM affect the priority date for visa bulletin purposes |
Audit Risk | Cases selected for audit face significantly longer timelines |
PWD Bottleneck | Prevailing wage determinations are also taking 3-4 months |
Practical Advice for Employers
1. Start the Process Early
With PERM processing now averaging over 13 months, employers should begin the PERM process as early as possible, ideally while the employee still has several years remaining on their nonimmigrant visa .
2. Plan for the Full Timeline
The complete sequence — prevailing wage determination, recruitment, PERM filing, PERM adjudication, and then I-140 filing — can realistically take three or more years from start to finish . Employers should build this into their workforce planning.
3. Prepare a Strong Application
A well-prepared PERM application reduces the risk of audit. Employers should work closely with immigration counsel to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate .
4. Monitor OFLC Updates
The DOL publishes new processing snapshots each month . Employers should track these updates to anticipate when their cases might be adjudicated.
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