PERM Processing Timeline Update: October 2024 Cases Now Being Processed

A recent Reddit post in the r/h1b community highlights the current state of PERM labor certification processing timelines. The user reports that their PERM case, filed on December 3, 2025, shows an estimated completion date of October 20, 2026 according to perm.com, a third-party tracking tool. According to the post, the Department of Labor (DOL) is currently processing PERM applications filed in October 2024, indicating a processing backlog of approximately 14 months. This aligns with broader trends of extended PERM processing times that have affected EB-3 and EB-2 applicants in recent years. For EB-3 applicants, PERM labor certification is a critical first step in the employment-based green card process. Delays at this stage can significantly impact overall immigration timelines, especially for nationals from backlogged countries such as India and China. Applicants are advised to use official DOL tools alongside third-party trackers for timeline estimates, as community-sourced data can vary. Monitoring the DOL FLAG system and consulting with an immigration attorney can help applicants plan accordingly.