Anyone checking the PERM processing time in 2026 is facing a very different reality from just a few years ago. The numbers are no longer small delays you shrug off. They shape your job plans, your family’s timeline, and your entire immigration strategy. And for most people right now, the wait feels heavier because the official data finally shows what applicants have been feeling.
As of the latest update, the Department of Labor is still reviewing PERM applications filed in June 2024. Yes, applications that old. And according to the official average number of days to process PERM applications — analyst review August 2025 data, the average case is taking 472 days. That’s well over a year. When you see the number in front of you, the waiting starts to make sense, even if it doesn’t feel any easier.
Latest PERM Approval Trends and Statistics
The backlog of files and the unequal pace between analyst review teams are two overlapping challenges that are influencing the present PERM approval period.
The DOL’s own page shows they are still deep in mid-2024 cases, which means new 2025 filings are sitting in line for months before anyone touches them.
This year, employers noticed a pattern. Straightforward cases with clean recruitment files still follow the published timeline. Generally, complex roles—especially those involving a variety of skill sets—take longer. Tech jobs that include design, data analysis, and development, for instance, appear to be subject to more examination.
Healthcare roles remain steady because the requirements are usually standard and easy to verify.
Many HR teams are responding by tightening their materials and standardizing all ads. When job postings appear in multiple languages, employers often use certified translation services to avoid wording inconsistencies that can delay a case. It’s a small thing, but a mismatched phrase across platforms can slow down an already long process.
The trend is clear: the stricter the documentation, the smoother the review — even in a year with historic processing times.
How Long Does the PERM Process Take in 2026?
Let’s answer it plainly: how long does PERM take in 2026?
With the numbers we have, a realistic estimate is:
- Prevailing Wage: 6–7 months
- Recruitment: minimum 60 days
- Analyst Review: ~472 days on average
- Audit Review (if selected): several additional months
When people see “472 days,” the shock usually comes from realizing that this number only reflects the analyst review — not the entire green card labor certification timeline. Comparing these numbers with the average PERM approval timeline 2026, it’s clear that the process has grown compared to the years before.
And this is where expectations break down. Applicants assume the timeline follows the monthly updates exactly. But the current PERM approval time at DOL includes cases that move faster and cases that sit in the background longer, depending on who picks them up.
When companies prepare immigration files that include multilingual supporting documents, it’s common to see a line like, “Employers handling international applicants often rely on legal translation services to make sure their recruitment documentation stays consistent throughout the process.” It’s a practical detail that matches the reality of modern hiring.
So yes, 2026 is slow.
Common Reasons for PERM Delays and Backlogs
The delays in PERM processing tie back to simple math. Too many filings. Not enough analysts. And every audit pulls reviewers away from the main queue.
But the type of job description also matters. When duties blend multiple occupations or list unusually high requirements, the case can get flagged. Not for a penalty — just for confirmation. And that confirmation step adds weeks.
Another cause is recruitment inconsistency. If an ad on a job board says something slightly different from the newspaper ad, DOL doesn’t assume it was a typo. They assume the employer might have different requirements for different groups of applicants. That triggers a longer review.
And finally, the timing of your filing matters. If your employer filed during a surge month, the queue around your case may simply be thicker.
None of these reasons feel fair when you’re waiting. But they are real, and they affect thousands of applicants every month.
Tips to Speed Up Your PERM Approval
You cannot fast-track PERM. But you can avoid preventable delays.
Employers who prepare job descriptions that match O*NET standards tend to avoid unnecessary questions. They also script their entire recruitment plan in advance, instead of improvising when the ads are due.
Another real improvement this year is pre-filing compliance review. Some companies quietly hire outside specialists to audit their internal postings before submitting Form 9089. It’s not required, but it has helped many avoid a headache months later.
If the company recruits applicants who speak limited English, it’s common for HR departments to bring in USCIS interpreting services so interviews are properly documented and no applicant feels misrepresented. These steps don’t shorten the DOL queue, but they do prevent errors that push cases into the long-delay category.
Good preparation won’t beat the calendar. But it prevents accidental mistakes from adding 4 to 8 extra months.
Monitoring Your PERM Status with DOL
Applicants sometimes check the DOL processing page every day. You don’t need to. DOL only updates PERM data once at the end of the first work week of each month, as stated directly on their page. Applicants follow the DOL PERM processing updates monthly just to see whether their filing window has finally moved.
The update shows two things:
1. Which filing month DOL is reviewing — currently June 2024
2. The average number of days to process cases — currently 472 days
That’s it. They don’t provide individual case status, and they don’t give reasons for delays.
But the latest PERM application status page is still the only official source. If your filing month hasn’t reached the review window, your case isn’t delayed. It’s simply waiting in the exact same line as everyone else.
Many employers keep a careful eye on these dates and base their future plans on them. Additionally, they frequently rely on certified translation services to maintain consistency in the documentation while organizing multilingual personnel files.
FAQ: PERM Processing Time Updates 2026
What is the current PERM processing time in 2026?
The DOL is now reviewing cases filed in June 2024, with the average analyst review time of 472 days.
Why is my PERM application delayed?
Delays come from heavy backlogs, job descriptions that require extra clarification, recruitment inconsistencies, or simply the high volume of 2024–2025 filings.
How do I check my PERM case status?
How to check PERM status updates is an easy process that only requires you to enter the DOL’s Foreign Labor Application Gateway website and type your PERM case number.
Does job position affect PERM processing time?
Absolutely. Hybrid, specialized, or unconventionally designed jobs typically take longer to analyze.
Can the PERM process be expedited?
No. There is no expedited option. Proper preparation is the only way to avoid additional delays.
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