PERM certified
The PERM stage is complete. The employer can move on to Form I-140.
AFTER PERM FILING
PERM Processing Time & Status
As of October 31, 2026, PERM applications decided in the last 30 days took an average of 300 calendar days in Analyst Review, so DOL is likely reviewing applications filed around January 2026. See what each case status means and what happens after certification.
AFTER FILING
When is the PERM stage complete?
- 01FILED
ETA-9089 is filed
The PERM case enters DOL’s review queue, and the filing date generally becomes the Priority Date.
- 02IN QUEUE
Waiting for Analyst Review
DOL reviews cases as the queue moves forward. Published processing times are planning estimates, not guaranteed deadlines.
- 03UNDER REVIEW
DOL reviews the PERM application
Analyst Review may result in certification, denial, or an audit request before a final decision.
- 04NEXT STEP
Prepare Form I-140 after certification
After PERM certification, the employer and attorney prepare Form I-140 before the certification expires.
If the case is audited
DOL may review extra documents, so the regular Analyst Review timeline no longer applies.
CASE STATUS
What does each status mean?
Case under audit
DOL is reviewing additional documents, so the wait may be longer.
PERM denied
The employer and attorney review the decision and decide the next step.
Have a PERM case number?
Check its latest status on DOL’s FLAG site, using the full number with dashes.
PERM FAQ
Common questions about PERM processing
As of October 31, 2026, PERM applications DOL decided in Analyst Review over the last 30 days took an average of 300 calendar days, which suggests DOL is now reviewing applications filed around January 2026. DOL no longer publishes that month. Audited cases take longer. This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed deadline.
Analyst Review is DOL’s standard review of a filed ETA-9089. DOL may certify, deny, or audit the case for additional documents.
An audit moves the case into extra document review, so the regular Analyst Review timeline no longer applies.
After certification, the employer and attorney usually prepare Form I-140 and confirm the certification deadline.
Usually yes. For PERM-based cases, the Priority Date is generally the ETA-9089 filing date. I-485 timing still depends on the Visa Bulletin and case eligibility.
PERM labor certification is processed by the U.S. Department of Labor, not USCIS. USCIS becomes involved later when the employer files Form I-140.