PERM EB-3 2026 Update: DOL Shows Improvement But Backlogs Persist

The Department of Labor (DOL) has reported continued improvement in PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) processing times, offering cautious optimism for EB-3 applicants awaiting labor certification. While the trend is positive, immigration attorneys emphasize that meaningful backlogs persist, and applicants should not expect rapid resolution in the near term. PERM labor certification is the critical first step in the EB-3 employment-based green card process. Employers must demonstrate to the DOL that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position before sponsoring a foreign national. Delays at this stage can add months or even years to an already lengthy immigration timeline. The improvement signals may reflect DOL's internal processing adjustments or staffing changes, but analysts caution that audit rates and complexity of individual cases continue to affect overall throughput. Cases selected for audit can face dramatically longer timelines regardless of the general trend. For EB-3 applicants and their sponsoring employers, the key takeaway is to file PERM applications as early as possible to establish a priority date, even as processing times inch downward. Proactive monitoring and timely responses to any DOL audit requests remain essential to avoid further delays. Applicants currently in the PERM queue should consult with their immigration counsel to assess their position and plan next steps, particularly as priority date movement in the Visa Bulletin directly affects when they can move forward with I-485 adjustment of status or consular processing.