PERM is the first step of an EB-3 case. The employer files it with the US Department of Labor (DOL) through the FLAG system (flag.dol.gov). You do not need an account to check it yourself – you just need to know where to look.
Step 1 – Get the PERM case number
Ask the support organization or the employer's attorney: “Has PERM been filed for this position? On what date? What is the case number?” Write down the full case number, including the dashes. An organization that works transparently will not hesitate to share this information.
Step 2 – Check the status with Case Status Search
- Go to flag.dol.gov → Resources → Case Status Search.
- Enter the full case number (including dashes) in the search box.
- Read the case status DOL displays.
Since Aug 31, 2023, DOL has allowed the public to check PERM status this way. If you see no result yet, do not jump to conclusions – double-check the case number and ask the support organization again.
Step 3 – Compare with DOL processing times
Open flag.dol.gov/processingtimes and scroll to the PERM section. DOL shows which filing month it is currently processing:
| PERM category (per FLAG, Oct 5, 2026) | Currently processing cases filed in |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review (regular review) | January 2026 |
| Audit Review (cases asked for more documentation) | December 2025 |
| Reconsideration | May 2026 |
Example: your PERM was filed in March 2026 and DOL is processing January 2026 cases → it is normal that your case has not been reached yet. These figures change every month – see updates in News.
Step 4 – View quarterly published PERM data
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) publishes quarterly data files of PERM cases that have a decision, downloadable from the OFLC Performance Data page. Open the file and search by employer name to see how their past PERM cases were decided. This is a good way to check whether an employer really uses the program.
Notes
- Only use official sites ending in .gov. Do not pay any site to “check for you”.
- Do not post your case number on public social media.
- After PERM comes the I-140 at USCIS – article #3 explains how to check it.
Sources: FLAG – PERM Release Notes Aug 31, 2023 · FLAG – Processing Times · DOL – OFLC Records Retention.
📌 General information, not legal advice for any specific case. Independent information & referral page.