PERM Latest Data 2026 Wait Times: DOL Processing Times as of August 7

The Department of Labor's PERM labor certification program continues to be a critical first step for EB-3 employment-based green card applicants. Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL), a leading immigration law firm, has released its latest snapshot of PERM processing times as of August 7, 2026, providing employers and foreign nationals with updated timelines to plan their immigration strategies. PERM processing times are divided into two primary tracks: analyst review cases and cases selected for audit. Non-audited PERM applications generally process faster, while audited cases — where DOL requests additional documentation — can extend timelines significantly. Applicants and employers should factor these distinctions into their planning, especially given the already lengthy EB-3 queue for certain countries. For EB-3 applicants from high-demand countries such as India and China, PERM approval is only the beginning of a multi-year process. Once PERM is certified, employers must file an I-140 Immigrant Petition, and applicants must then wait for a visa number to become available according to the monthly Visa Bulletin. Any delay in PERM certification directly pushes back the priority date and overall green card timeline. Employers are advised to work closely with immigration counsel to ensure PERM applications are filed accurately and completely to minimize audit risk. Common audit triggers include job requirements that appear tailored to the foreign national, unusual combinations of education and experience requirements, and departures from standard wage determinations. EB-3 applicants are encouraged to monitor DOL's processing times regularly, as fluctuations can affect long-term immigration planning. Consulting with a qualified immigration attorney remains the best strategy for navigating PERM and the broader EB-3 process efficiently.