For those pursuing the EB-3 employment-based U.S. immigration program, PERM processing time has always been one of the most closely watched issues.
According to an update from the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), as of July 17, 2026, PERM cases under Analyst Review were being processed for applications filed in July 2025. The average processing time reported by DOL for Analyst Review in June 2026 was 403 days.
This is noteworthy information for employers and workers who are preparing for or have already entered the EB-3 process.
What Is PERM in an EB-3 Case?
PERM Labor Certification is an important stage for most EB-3 cases.
At this stage, the U.S. employer follows the process required by the Department of Labor to demonstrate that the hiring of a foreign worker meets the requirements of the program.
Once PERM is certified, the employer can use the labor certification to proceed with the next step before USCIS. DOL provides that a PERM certification is valid for 180 days and must be submitted with the relevant petition to USCIS within this period.
Therefore, PERM is not a visa, and PERM certification does not mean that the worker has already been granted a Green Card.
How Far Has DOL Progressed With PERM Processing?
According to DOL data updated on July 17, 2026:
Analyst Review: Processing cases with Priority Dates in July 2025.
Audit Review: Processing cases with Audit responses filed in December 2025.
Reconsideration Request to the Certifying Officer: Processing requests from March 2026.
For cases under Analyst Review, the average processing time reported for June 2026 was 403 calendar days. For Audit Review, the average reported by DOL was 290 days, based on the separate calculation method used for this category.
It is important to note that these figures are averages, not guaranteed processing times for individual cases. DOL also states that actual processing times may vary depending on the specific information and circumstances of each case.
Does 403 Days Mean an EB-3 Case Only Needs to Wait About 13 Months?
No.
The figure of 403 days reflects only the average processing time for PERM Analyst Review in the data published by DOL. It does not represent the total time required to complete an EB-3 case.
After PERM, the case may still need to go through several additional stages, including the I-140 petition, waiting for the Priority Date to become current under the Visa Bulletin, NVC processing, and the immigrant visa interview.
Therefore, PERM processing time should not be used to directly predict when a family may be able to immigrate to the United States.
An Audit Can Make the PERM Process More Complex
Not all PERM cases follow the same path.
During adjudication, DOL may select a case for an Audit. If this happens, the employer must provide the requested documentation so that DOL can continue reviewing the case.
This is also why the employer’s recruitment process and recordkeeping should be handled carefully from the beginning.
Documents related to recruitment, job requirements, and the PERM process should be consistent and comply with the applicable requirements.
The Employer Plays an Important Role During the PERM Stage
One important point for EB-3 workers to understand is that PERM is not simply the worker’s personal immigration filing.
The employer plays a central role in this process.
Preparing the job position, completing the required recruitment steps, and maintaining appropriate records can all affect the PERM process.
For this reason, when considering an EB-3 program, workers should not focus only on the job or cost. They should also understand the employer and how the case is being handled.
How Should EB-3 Applicants Interpret PERM Processing Data?
DOL updates provide workers with a useful reference for determining which groups of cases the agency is currently processing.
For example, if a PERM application was filed after July 2025, the fact that DOL is currently processing Analyst Review cases from July 2025 may indicate that the case still needs to wait for its turn.
However, applicants should not attempt to calculate an exact decision date simply by adding 403 days to the filing date.
DOL emphasizes that this is an average processing time, and actual processing times may vary from case to case.
Early Preparation Remains Important
Although PERM processing data is showing noteworthy signs, EB-3 remains a long-term process.
Employers should proactively prepare the steps that fall under their responsibilities. Workers should also prepare and provide accurate information and documentation when requested.
More importantly, both parties should monitor official DOL updates rather than relying entirely on the timelines of other cases.
DOL publishes data on PERM and other foreign labor programs so that employers, workers, and other stakeholders can monitor processing trends.
Conclusion
The July 17, 2026 update shows that DOL was processing PERM Analyst Review cases filed in July 2025, with a reported average processing time of 403 days.
This is an important development to monitor for those pursuing EB-3, but it should not be interpreted to mean that the entire EB-3 process now takes only about 13 months.
PERM is only one part of the journey. After PERM, there are still several important milestones before a worker can receive an immigrant visa and enter the United States.
Therefore, instead of focusing solely on the question, “How long does PERM take?”, EB-3 applicants should monitor the actual stage of their case, prepare all required documentation carefully, and regularly follow official updates from U.S. government agencies.
