DOL Processing Time Update August 2026: PWD & PERM Applications for EB-3

The Department of Labor (DOL) continues to be a key bottleneck in the EB-3 employment-based green card process, as processing times for both Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) and PERM labor certification applications directly impact how long workers must wait before advancing toward permanent residence. As of August 2026, immigration law firm Reddy Neumann Brown has published its monthly update tracking DOL processing times for both PWD requests and PERM applications. These timelines are essential for employers and foreign national employees planning their immigration strategies, as delays at the DOL stage can add months or years to the overall green card timeline. Prevailing Wage Determinations are the mandatory first step before filing a PERM application, requiring employers to establish that the offered wage meets or exceeds the DOL-determined prevailing wage for the position and location. Any increase in PWD processing times cascades downstream, delaying the PERM filing and ultimately the entire green card process. For EB-3 applicants — which includes skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers — monitoring DOL processing times is especially critical given existing visa backlogs for countries like India, China, and the Philippines. Even small delays at the DOL stage can push priority dates further back in an already congested queue. Applicants and employers are advised to consult with an immigration attorney to plan filings strategically, account for current DOL timelines, and explore premium processing options where available to minimize unnecessary delays in the PERM labor certification process.