If you’re navigating the U.S. employment-based green card process in 2025, chances are you’ve heard the term PERM thrown around—probably more than you'd like. It’s the first and often most puzzling step in the EB-2 and EB-3 green card journey.

But what exactly is PERM, and more importantly, how long does it take in 2025?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break it all down for you. No confusing legalese—just clear, practical info to help you manage your expectations and plan your next steps. Whether you're an employee waiting on sponsorship or an employer trying to hire the right talent, we’ve got you covered.

What is PERM, Anyway?

PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management. It’s the process the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) uses to certify that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for a specific position that a foreign worker is being hired for, and that hiring the foreign worker won’t negatively impact U.S. wages or working conditions.

Think of it as the DOL’s way of saying: “Okay, we’ve looked around, and it’s fair for this employer to sponsor a foreign worker.”

It’s step one in a three-part process for employment-based green cards:

1. PERM Labor Certification
2. Form I-140, Immigrant Petition
3. Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing (Form I-485)

Why Does PERM Take So Long?

Ah, the million-dollar question.

There are several moving parts to PERM, and they all take time:

• Job Description Drafting: Employers must carefully craft the job description and requirements, ensuring they’re not tailored to the foreign worker.
• Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): The employer must request a wage level from the DOL that matches the job role and location.
• Recruitment Process: The employer has to test the U.S. labor market through a structured recruitment campaign.
• Filing & DOL Review: Finally, the PERM application (Form ETA 9089) is submitted and reviewed.

Each of these steps comes with its timeline and potential delays.

PERM Processing Time in 2025: The Real Deal

So, let’s talk numbers. In 2025, PERM processing times can vary significantly depending on the step of the process. Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:

1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): ~5 to 6 months

This step is handled by the DOL’s National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC). In 2025, employers are seeing an average wait time of 5 to 6 months to receive a prevailing wage determination. This is slightly better than the long COVID-era delays, but still not lightning fast.

➡ Pro tip: Employers can submit the PWD request early—even before recruitment starts—to save time down the road.

2. Recruitment Period: ~2 to 3 months

Recruitment must be conducted over at least 60 days, including:

• 30-day job posting on the State Workforce Agency (SWA)
• 2 Sunday newspaper ads
• Internal company posting
• Optional recruitment steps (for professional positions)

After the last ad runs, there’s a mandatory 30-day “quiet period” before filing. This means even if you find zero applicants, you’ve got to wait it out.

3. PERM Application Review: ~6 to 8 months

Once the recruitment is done, the employer files ETA Form 9089. As of 2025, the DOL is taking 6 to 8 months on average to adjudicate PERM applications.

The actual time depends on whether the application is selected for audit or supervised recruitment, which can significantly delay things.

Let’s break that down a bit further:

• No Audit: You’re looking at around 6-8 months
• With Audit: Add 6+ more months, depending on the complexity

What Is a PERM Audit?

If you’ve ever whispered “please no audit” while filing, you’re not alone.

An audit is when the DOL requests more information to verify that the employer followed the rules. It’s not a denial, but it can add serious delays.

Common Reasons for Audits:

• Unclear job requirements
• Unusual job titles
• Multiple foreign workers applying for similar roles
• Previous violations or inconsistent recruitment steps

While audits are random in many cases, some are triggered by red flags. If you get one, respond quickly and completely—your timeline depends on it.

Total Time for PERM in 2025

Here’s the total, assuming a smooth case with no audit:

Tips to Speed Up the PERM Process

Okay, so you can’t jump the DOL’s line—but there are ways to avoid delays and stay ahead:

✅ Start PWD early:

You don’t need to wait for the full green light to begin some prep work. Submitting the wage request early can shave off weeks from your total timeline.

✅ Choose clean, common job titles:

Straying too far from standard job classifications can trigger questions—and audits.

✅ Document everything:

Recruitment records, job postings, resumes—keep it all organized and ready to go.

✅ Work with an experienced immigration attorney:

PERM is filled with landmines. A seasoned lawyer can help you avoid them, especially if you're managing multiple cases or unique job requirements.

PERM Processing Time vs. H-1B Visa Timing

Many workers on H-1B visas start PERM with the six-year cap in mind. Here’s the catch:

• If your PERM or I-140 is filed before the end of your 5th H-1B year, you’re eligible for 1-year H-1B extensions beyond year 6.
• If your I-140 is approved and your priority date is not current, you can get 3-year H-1B extensions.

So if you’re doing the math and your H-1B clock is ticking, starting PERM by year 4.5 or 5 is ideal.

What If My PERM Gets Denied?

Ouch. Denials do happen—but don’t panic.

You have options:

• File a motion to reconsider or appeal (BALCA)
• Refile the case with adjustments

The best course depends on the reason for denial. Some are fixable (like recruitment errors), while others might need a full strategy overhaul.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the minimum PERM processing time?
A1: The fastest timeline for a clean, unaudited PERM case is around 6 to 7 months.

Q2: Can PERM be expedited?
A2: No. The DOL does not offer premium or expedited processing for PERM applications.

Q3: How long does an audit add to the process?
A3: Audits typically add 6 to 8 months, depending on complexity and response times.

Q4: What if the employer misses a deadline?
A4: Missing critical deadlines, such as recruitment periods or audit responses, can lead to denial.

Q5: Is premium processing available for PERM?
A5: Premium processing is not available for PERM, but can be used for I-140 petitions after PERM approval.

Q6: How can I estimate my PERM completion date?
A6: Add the estimated durations for each step and account for possible audits or backlogs. Online tools and attorneys can help provide estimates.

Conclusion: Managing Expectations and Planning Ahead

Understanding the intricacies of the PERM processing time is vital for anyone navigating the U.S. employment-based green card system. While the average duration hovers between 7 to 10 months for straightforward cases, many variables can extend the timeline.

The key takeaway? Plan early, stay informed, and work with experienced professionals. By managing each step carefully, you can avoid costly delays and move confidently toward your permanent residency goal.