PERM & PWD Processing Time Update: USCIS & DOL Status as of June 2026

As of May/June 2026, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) has published updated processing time estimates for two key steps in the EB-3 employment-based green card process: Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) from the Department of Labor (DOL) and PERM labor certification applications. The Prevailing Wage Determination is the first major DOL step before an employer can file a PERM application. Delays at the PWD stage directly delay the entire EB-3 sponsorship timeline, making current processing benchmarks critical information for employers and foreign nationals planning their immigration strategy. PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is the DOL labor certification process that must be approved before an employer can file an I-140 immigrant petition. Current processing times at this stage determine how quickly a foreign worker can advance toward permanent residence. For EB-3 applicants — particularly those from high-backlog countries such as India, China, and the Philippines — understanding where bottlenecks exist in the pre-I-140 process is essential for realistic timeline planning. Any slowdown in PWD or PERM processing effectively delays the priority date filing date. Applicants and sponsoring employers are encouraged to monitor DOL FLAG system updates and consult with immigration counsel to assess how current processing times affect their specific cases and projected green card timelines.