H-2B Visa & PWD Processing Times Update: April 2026 DOL Timelines

Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) has released its latest update on H-2B visa and Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) processing times as of April 14, 2026. These periodic updates are closely watched by immigration practitioners and employers sponsoring foreign workers through both temporary and permanent pathways. Prevailing Wage Determinations are a critical first step in the PERM labor certification process, which is required for most EB-3 employment-based green card petitions. Delays at the Department of Labor's National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) directly affect how quickly employers can begin the PERM filing process for EB-3 sponsored workers. H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas, while not a direct path to permanent residence, are often used by employers who also sponsor workers through EB-3. Understanding current H-2B processing timelines helps attorneys and employers plan workforce strategies alongside longer-term green card sponsorship. For EB-3 applicants whose PERM process is pending or upcoming, PWD processing backlogs can add months to the overall green card timeline. Employers are advised to file PWD requests well in advance of anticipated PERM filing dates to account for current DOL processing volumes. Practitioners should consult BAL's full report for specific processing time estimates by visa category and service center, and plan accordingly when advising clients on EB-3 sponsorship timelines in 2026.