US DOL updates PERM and PWD processing times: average analyst review 300 to 360 days
Key points
- PERM processing times now report only the analyst review stage.
- Averages for applications adjudicated in the last 30, 90 and 180 days range from 300 to 360 days.
- As of October 31, PWDs for PERM were being issued for August 2026 (OEWS-based) and July 2026 (non-OEWS) filings; H-1B PWDs for July 2026 filings.
In its October 31 update, the US Department of Labor (DOL) changed its PERM processing time reporting to cover only the analyst review stage. Averages for applications adjudicated in the last 30, 90 and 180 days range from 300 to 360 days. As of that date, DOL was issuing prevailing wage determinations (PWDs) for PERM requests filed in August 2026 (OEWS-based) and July 2026 (non-OEWS), and for H-1B requests filed in July 2026.
What employers should do
- Review current PERM and H-1B PWD timelines against the latest processing data when planning hiring and sponsorship.
Original report: Fragomen ↗AI-assisted brief; may contain inaccuracies. Rely on the original reports and official documents. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.