PERM Labor Certification EB-3 Approval 2026: How to Check Your DOL Application Status

For EB-3 applicants awaiting a decision on their PERM labor certification, knowing how to check the status of a pending ETA Form 9089 with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is an important part of managing the green card process. The DOL processes PERM applications through its Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, which serves as the central platform for filing and tracking labor certification cases. Applicants or their authorized representatives can log into the FLAG system (flag.dol.gov) to view the current status of a submitted PERM application. The case status will typically reflect stages such as 'Received,' 'In Process,' or 'Analyst Review,' giving applicants a general sense of where their application stands in the queue. It is important to note that PERM processing times can vary significantly depending on DOL workload and whether the application is selected for audit. Standard processing times have historically ranged from several months to over a year, while audited cases can take considerably longer. Applicants should not expect detailed updates between status changes in the FLAG system. If an application has been pending for an unusually long time without a status update, the employer or attorney of record may consider reaching out to the DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) for clarification. However, direct inquiries are generally reserved for cases with exceptional circumstances. For EB-3 applicants, successfully obtaining PERM certification is a critical first step before filing an I-140 immigrant petition. Staying informed about the PERM status helps ensure timely follow-up actions and priority date preservation throughout the green card process.