DOL PERM Speeds Up: Analyst Review Now December 2025; PWD Steady
By Mitchell Saum, Founder & EB-3 Specialist ·
Summary: Good news: the DOL moved PERM Analyst Review forward to December 2025 (from November 2025), signaling a faster line. PWD shows no change this cycle. EB-3 workers get a modest boost on the PERM step—plan your timeline with that in mind.
Key Takeaways
- PERM Analyst Review moved from November 2025 to December 2025 (faster).
- PWD showed no movement this cycle, so early-stage timelines are unchanged.
- Stay the course, prep I-140 materials, and check the FLAG page next month.
What changed
Positive movement this cycle. The Department of Labor pushed the PERM line forward, which shortens the wait for many EB-3 workers.
- PERM Analyst Review: Now working on December 2025 filings (was November 2025). Net: faster than last update.
- Prevailing Wage (PWD): No change posted on the DOL FLAG page this cycle.
These dates come from the DOL’s FLAG processing times page (source). A one-month jump on Analyst Review is a healthy sign the queue is clearing a bit more quickly.
What this means for your case
Quick refresher:
- Prevailing Wage (PWD) sets the minimum wage your employer must offer for your job and location. Until PWD is issued, recruitment and PERM filing can’t move forward.
- PERM is the DOL’s labor certification. It’s the check that there are no able and willing U.S. workers for the role. PERM approval lets your employer file the I-140 with USCIS.
Because PERM Analyst Review moved from November 2025 to December 2025, DOL is reviewing newer cases than last month. That’s a modest speed-up. If you’re already filed and waiting at PERM, your place in line just inched closer to a decision.
If you’re earlier in the process and still waiting on PWD, there’s no change to that wait this cycle. Your overall EB-3 timeline depends on both steps, so think of this update as a win on the PERM side while the PWD side holds steady.
Remember: PERM is one stage. After PERM approval, your employer can file the I-140, and your ability to complete the final green card step still depends on your priority date and the Visa Bulletin. Today’s change doesn’t touch the Visa Bulletin, but it does help you reach the I-140 stage a bit sooner.
What to do now
- Stay the course if you’re at PERM. The line is moving. Make sure your employer and attorney have everything ready (job ads, recruitment evidence, signatures) to avoid any back-and-forth delays.
- Waiting on PWD? Note that PWD didn’t move. Keep your expectations steady and use this time to organize documents you’ll need later (passports, work history, education proofs).
- Prep for the I-140 stage. As PERM inches forward, ask your sponsor to gather company docs needed for I-140. If premium processing is an option at I-140, discuss whether it makes sense for your case.
- Track your priority date. Put a reminder on your calendar to check both the DOL FLAG page and the State Department Visa Bulletin monthly.
- Stay responsive. If your employer or attorney requests information, reply quickly. The fastest way to lose time is slow paperwork.
Important: This is general information, not legal advice. Immilink is not a law firm. Talk to a licensed immigration attorney about your specific case.
What to watch
DOL typically refreshes the FLAG processing times about once a month. Expect the next update around the middle of the month, but timing can vary.
- Signals of real speed: Consecutive months where PERM Analyst Review advances by a month or more.
- PWD movement: Any jump forward on PWD receipt dates will shorten the early part of your timeline—watch for this.
- Audit trends: If audits rise, even a faster Analyst Review date can feel slower. Pay attention to notes from your attorney about audit rates.
Bottom line: a welcome nudge forward on PERM, steady on PWD. Keep your documents tight, your sponsor looped in, and your calendar marked for next month’s check-in on the FLAG page.