PERM Processing Time Tracker

Q: Is there premium processing for PERM?

No. The DOL does not offer premium processing for PERM Labor Certification.

Q: How do I know if my PERM has been audited?

Your employer's attorney receives an audit notification letter from the DOL. Immilink will notify you immediately if an audit is triggered.

PERM Labor Certification is filed with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Processing times can fluctuate based on DOL staffing, submission volume, and the share of cases selected for audit. This tracker monitors the latest official DOL data.

How to Read PERM Processing Times

The DOL publishes estimated PERM processing times in terms of the date range of applications currently being processed. When the DOL states they are adjudicating applications submitted "through [date]," any application submitted after that date is still in queue.

Current Approximate Processing Times (2025)

Non-Audit Cases — 4–8 months from submission to decision
Audit Cases — 10–16 months from submission (audit notification + response + decision)
Overall Average (including audits) — Approximately 16–18 months when combined with the required 60-day recruitment period before filing

What Causes PERM Delays

High submission volume (spikes after DOL fee or rule changes)
Cases selected for DOL audit (random and targeted selection)
Incomplete responses to audit requests
Incorrect or missing recruitment documentation
DOL staffing and budget constraints

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there premium processing for PERM?

No. The Department of Labor does not offer premium processing for PERM Labor Certification. Processing time depends entirely on DOL workload and case complexity.

How do I know if my PERM has been audited?

Your employer's immigration attorney will receive an audit notification letter from the DOL. The employer typically has 30 days to respond with supporting documentation. Your case manager at Immilink will notify you immediately if an audit is triggered.