PWD TIMELINE & STATUS
PWD Processing Time & Status
As of September 30, 2026, DOL is issuing prevailing wage determinations for PERM requests received in June 2026; plan for about 3.5 months from filing. A Prevailing Wage Determination sets the wage standard for the sponsored job and location, and employers generally complete it before PERM recruitment.
PWD PROCESS
From job details to a PWD
- 01PREPARE
Confirm the job details
The employer and attorney confirm the job duties, work location, and education and experience requirements.
- 02FILED
Submit the PWD request
After confirming the details, Form ETA-9141 is submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor through the FLAG system.
- 03IN QUEUE
Wait for the wage determination
DOL determines the wage standard for the position based on the job, work location, and qualification requirements.
- 04STAGE COMPLETE
Receive the PWD result
The result shows the Prevailing Wage, Wage Level, and validity period. The employer can then prepare for PERM recruitment.
The employer and attorney generally handle the PWD; the employee normally does not file it personally.
PWD FAQ
Common questions about PWD
A Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) is the Department of Labor’s wage determination for a sponsored job. It is based on the occupation, work location, and job requirements, and it sets the required wage used in the PERM green card process.
As of September 30, 2026, DOL is primarily reviewing PERM prevailing wage requests received in June 2026. For planning, allow about 3.5 months from filing to determination. The time changes as the DOL queue moves and is not a guaranteed decision date for an individual case.
Choose the option that matches what you have:
Yes. Search Jollux Labs’ public DOL disclosure records by employer name to view published job titles, work locations, wage levels, and historical PWD records.
The employer and its immigration counsel generally prepare and submit Form ETA-9141. The sponsored employee may provide information, but normally does not file the PWD request personally.
Yes. A Prevailing Wage Determination includes a validity period. The employer and attorney use the issued wage and validity dates when planning PERM recruitment and the PERM filing.
Employers generally use the PWD before completing PERM recruitment because the wage determination sets the required wage for the sponsored job.
After the PWD is issued, the employer can move into the PERM recruitment stage if the position and case strategy are ready. Recruitment must follow the applicable requirements before Form ETA-9089 is filed.
No. PWD approval only sets the required wage for the sponsored job. The employer still needs to complete PERM recruitment, finish the waiting period, and file Form ETA-9089 for DOL review.