DOL PERM/PWD Update: Queue Stalls; PERM Avg Now 303 Days

Key Takeaways

• PWD and PERM queue months didn’t advance; expect a longer wait
• PERM average dropped to 303 days (was 336), but it’s backward‑looking
• Add buffer to your timeline and coordinate closely with your sponsor

Bottom line: the line didn’t move. The Department of Labor’s visible PERM and PWD queues held steady this cycle, which means a longer wait for most EB‑3 workers. One number did change: DOL now reports PERM average processing at 303 calendar days (down from 336). That average is backward-looking and doesn’t help if the queue dates aren’t advancing.

What changed

• PERM average decision time: 303 calendar days (was 336). This metric improved, but it reflects decisions made in a prior period and can lag real-time queue movement.
• PERM “Now Processing” month: No new month posted on the FLAG page this cycle. When the month doesn’t advance, your spot in line effectively moves slower versus expectations.
• Prevailing Wage (PWD) receipt month: No new month posted this cycle. A flat PWD date means earlier steps can’t move up, which pushes the overall green card timeline out.

Source: DOL FLAG processing times page (https://flag.dol.gov/processingtimes).

What this means for your case

Two early steps control your EB‑3 timeline:

• Prevailing Wage (PWD): DOL sets the minimum wage your employer must offer for your job and location. Until PWD is issued, recruitment can’t start, and you can’t file PERM.
• PERM: This is the labor certification. DOL checks the labor market and certifies the job for you. Only after PERM is approved can your employer file the I‑140 and then you wait for a visa number to become available.

Because the PWD and PERM queue months didn’t move forward, your place in line didn’t improve this cycle. That’s why it feels slower, even though the reported average decision time dropped to 303 days. A lower average can reflect older cases getting cleared, audits resolving, or month‑to‑month noise, but it doesn’t shorten your current wait if the “now processing” months stay put.

In plain English: expect a longer run-up before PERM approval if you’re in the PWD or PERM queue today. If you haven’t started yet, build extra time into your plan. If you’re mid‑process, assume your next milestone (PWD issued or PERM decided) could land later than you hoped.

What to do now

• Stay the course, but pad your timeline. Add buffer weeks to your expectations for PWD issuance and PERM approval.
• Check in with your sponsor and attorney. Confirm PWD and PERM filing dates, and ask whether any documents or recruitment steps can be prepared in parallel so nothing else causes delay.
• Track your dates. Put your PWD receipt date and PERM filing date on your calendar with a monthly check. If you’re close to the posted month when it updates, you’ll know to expect movement.
• Keep your personal docs ready. Valid passport, civil docs, and work history details. When PERM clears, you want to move fast on I‑140 and, if eligible, adjustment or consular steps.
• Set expectations at work and home. If you were planning around a target month, shift those plans forward and communicate the updated window.

What to watch

DOL typically refreshes the FLAG processing times about monthly, often near the end of the month. Check for two signals:

• Receipt/Now Processing months for PWD and PERM. If those months advance, your real wait is improving. If they hold or slide back, plan for more time.
• Consistency between the averages and the queue. A lower average (303 days) only helps if it’s matched by forward movement in the posted months.

We’ll keep watching the FLAG page and call out meaningful shifts. For now, assume a slower cadence and control what you can: clean filings, fast responses, and tight coordination with your sponsor.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor — FLAG Processing Times