DOL PERM Update: Avg Now 315 Days; Keep Your EB-3 Moving
By Mitchell Saum, Founder & EB-3 Specialist ·
Summary: DOL reports PERM average decisions at 315 days, up from 300. That’s a slight slowdown, so plan a little extra buffer. The line is still moving—keep your case active where you can.
Key Takeaways
- PERM average decision time increased to 315 days (was 300), a slight slowdown.
- Plan a small buffer in your EB-3 timeline; keep PWD, recruitment, and PERM tasks moving.
- Watch the FLAG page monthly for PERM/PWD month advances and shifts in average days.
What changed
The Department of Labor’s latest posting shows one measurable shift: PERM average calendar days moved from 300 to 315. That’s a modest slowdown compared to the prior figure.
From the data provided, there were no specific PERM Analyst Review or PWD “now processing” months listed to compare this cycle. So the clear takeaway we can cite is the average PERM decision time ticking up. Source: DOL FLAG processing times (flag.dol.gov/processingtimes).
Bottom line: decisions are still coming, but on average they’re taking about two weeks longer than the last report.
What this means for your case
Think of your EB-3 like two main gates at DOL:
- Prevailing Wage (PWD): DOL sets the minimum wage your employer must pay. No PWD, no recruitment. This is step one.
- PERM: DOL reviews your employer’s recruitment and job details to certify there’s no qualified U.S. worker ready to take the job. That certification is your ticket to file the immigrant petition (I-140) and, eventually, the green card step.
With the average PERM timeline moving from 300 to 315 days, expect a slightly longer wait from PERM filing to decision. If you’re still at PWD, the ripple effect is that your overall route to I-140 and the green card queue likely shifts a couple of weeks to the right.
Important context: the average is backward-looking. DOL could be clearing older, more complex cases, which makes the average rise even if the front of the line is steady. So don’t read this as your case is stuck—it just means you should plan a little more buffer before your PERM decision.
What to do now
- Stay the course and keep the file clean. If you’re in recruitment or preparing to file PERM, keep every step moving. A tidy record reduces the risk of delays or audits.
- If you’re waiting on PWD, nudge your sponsor. Confirm your PWD was filed and ask for the filing date/receipt. The sooner PWD is in, the sooner recruitment and PERM can start.
- Mark your calendar with a buffer. Add an extra 2–4 weeks to your PERM decision expectation versus your last plan. This helps you time the I-140 and, if eligible, concurrent or later green card steps.
- Prep for I-140 now. Gather experience letters, degree evaluations, and translations. Being ready shaves weeks once PERM is certified.
- Audit readiness. If you’re audited, timelines stretch. Keep all recruitment proofs handy and aligned with the job order details to respond fast.
What to watch
DOL typically refreshes the FLAG processing page about once a month, with an “as of” date on each line. Here’s what to look for next:
- PERM Analyst Review month: If the “now processing” month moves forward, the front of the line is advancing.
- PWD request month: Newer months posted mean fresher wage determinations, which unblocks recruitment sooner.
- Average calendar days: If the 315-day figure dips, decisions are trending faster. If it rises, build more cushion.
- Audit Review month: Trails Analyst Review; if that moves, audited cases are clearing too.
We’ll keep tracking the FLAG page and call out meaningful shifts so you can plan your EB-3 steps with real timelines—not guesswork.