According to the US Department of Labor (DOL), as of Oct 31, 2026, a PERM case takes 300–360 days (about 10–12 months) on average to be decided.
| Step | Per DOL |
|---|---|
| Prevailing Wage (wage request, before PERM) | Reviewing requests filed in June 2026 (data as of Sep 30, 2026) |
| PERM | 300–360 days on average (data as of Oct 31, 2026) |
What is PERM?
It is the application a US employer files with DOL to show it could not find enough US workers for the position. It is the first step of EB-3 Other Workers. More: What is PERM?
Good to know
- These are averages, not a guaranteed time for any individual case. Audited cases usually take longer.
- After PERM come I-140 and the wait on the Visa Bulletin. See: EB-3 Process from A to Z.
- No one can promise a timeline. Ask whether PERM has been filed, and on what date.
Check it yourself: flag.dol.gov → Processing Times. See: How to check PERM.
Official source: FLAG Processing Times – flag.dol.gov (US Department of Labor – OFLC), viewed Nov 3, 2026. PERM data as of Oct 31, 2026; Prevailing Wage data as of Sep 30, 2026.
📌 Compiled information, for reference only. Check the official version at flag.dol.gov. Independent information & referral page, not legal advice.
Related articles
- What Is PERM? Labor Certification in an EB-3 Case
- How to Check PERM on flag.dol.gov
- Visa Bulletin November 2026: EB-3 Other Workers (unskilled) advances 5 months
- EB-3 Process from A to Z
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