Understanding the PERM timeline is essential for any foreign national or U.S. employer starting the employment-based green card process. This first stage—known as the PERM labor certification—can take anywhere from 10 months to over 2 years, depending on factors like audits, recruitment documentation, and government processing speed.
In this guide, we’ll break down the full PERM process step-by-step and offer real-world insights on how to avoid unnecessary delays.
What Is PERM Labor Certification?
The PERM labor certification is a requirement for most EB-2 and EB-3 green card applications. It verifies that:
- No qualified U.S. workers are available for the offered position
- The job meets prevailing wage standards
- The employer conducted good-faith recruitment efforts
Once approved, PERM allows the employer to file an I-140 petition and continue the green card process.
The PERM Timeline, Stage by Stage
StageEstimated TimePrevailing Wage Determination (PWD)4 – 6 monthsRecruitment & Job Posting2 – 3 months30-Day Quiet Period1 monthDOL Review (No Audit)6 – 9 monthsDOL Review (With Audit)12 – 18+ monthsTotal (No Audit)~10 – 15 monthsTotal (With Audit)~18 – 28+ months
Key Stages Explained
📍 1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)
Before advertising the job, the employer must request a prevailing wage from the DOL. Accuracy in this step can prevent future delays.
📍 2. Recruitment Campaign
Employers must run ads (newspaper, job boards, internal posting) and document all U.S. applicants and rejections. This takes a minimum of 60 days.
📍 3. 30-Day Waiting Period
After recruitment, a quiet period is required before filing the application. Employers use this time to review applicants and document hiring decisions.
📍 4. Filing Form ETA 9089
The official PERM application is filed online. If no audit is triggered, it goes to review.
📍 5. Audit Risk
Random or targeted audits can add 6–12+ months. Employers must submit supporting documents to justify recruitment outcomes.
Why Some PERM Cases Take Longer
Several variables can affect your PERM timeline, including:
- Complex job descriptions
- Missing documentation
- Wage determination disputes
- DOL backlog or system delays
- Audit selections
Example: Smooth vs. Delayed PERM
✅ Case 1 (No Audit):
A software engineer from Turkey working with a tech company in New York completed their entire PERM process in just under 11 months, thanks to an early prevailing wage request and a clean recruitment campaign.
⚠️ Case 2 (With Audit):
A healthcare employer in California faced a 22-month PERM timeline due to an audit request tied to unclear job criteria and vague recruitment notes.
How Kulen Law Can Help
At Kulen Law Firm, we support both employers and foreign workers through each step of the PERM process—from drafting job descriptions to preparing for audits. Our goal is to keep your case moving efficiently while minimizing delays and ensuring full compliance with DOL standards.
Need help managing your PERM timeline?
Contact Kulen Law today for personalized guidance and start your green card journey with confidence.