Why Timing Is Crucial in the PERM Process

If you’re a U.S. employer looking to sponsor a foreign worker for a green card, the PERM process is one of the most important early steps. This labor certification stage helps show the Department of Labor (DOL) that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the role. While the process may seem straightforward on paper, timing is what truly makes or breaks it.

Each part of the PERM timeline is governed by strict deadlines. If an employer misses one, it could lead to costly delays, restarts, or loss of eligibility for the foreign worker. If you’re wondering how long does a PERM take, or things like how to avoid timing-related issues, this guide outlines the key stages and strategies to stay on track.

By understanding PERM processing time, managing each phase carefully, and planning ahead, employers can reduce risk and support long-term hiring goals.

What Is the PERM Process and Why Is It So Time-Sensitive?

PERM stands for Program Electronic Review Management, the system used by the DOL to review labor certification applications. Employers must complete this step before moving on to Form I-140, the immigrant petition for an alien worker.

Labor certification helps prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect job opportunities or wages for U.S. workers. Once approved, the PERM certification becomes the foundation of the green card process. If it fails, the entire case falls apart.

Because the DOL sets tight timeframes for each part of the process, missing just one deadline can have major consequences. That’s why understanding labor certification processing time is so important for both employers and foreign national employees.

How Long Does the PERM Process Take?

Generally, the entire PERM process will take around 11 to 15 months, assuming there are no audits or delays. Here’s a breakdown of the typical PERM processing time by stage:

• Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): 3 to 6 months
• Recruitment and Job Advertising: 2 to 5 months
• ETA Form 9089 Review (DOL Processing): 6 to 9 months or sometimes even longer if audited

Since processing times can frequently change due to DOL backlogs or sudden policy changes, it’s very important to monitor timelines regularly and allow for extra time when planning.

Step One: Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

The process begins with requesting a prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor. This determines the minimum salary you must offer for the position, based on location, job duties, and industry standards.

As of 2025, the labor certification processing time for a PWD is around 3 to 6 months. During this time, the employer cannot begin recruitment or job advertising.

Why is timing here so important?

• You cannot begin recruitment until the DOL issues the PWD
• The PWD expires after a set period
• If you don’t act before it expires, you’ll have to start over

To keep your case on schedule, submit the PWD request early and monitor the current PERM processing times posted by the DOL.

Step Two: Recruitment and Advertising

Once the PWD is issued, the employer begins the required recruitment. The goal is to test the labor market and confirm that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.

The recruitment process includes:

• Two Sunday newspaper ads
• A job order with the state workforce agency
• An internal company posting
• Three additional forms of professional recruitment (for certain positions)

Recruitment is subject to strict timing rules:

• The last ad must run at least 30 days before you file ETA Form 9089
• You must file within 180 days of starting recruitment
• If you miss either window, the whole recruitment process becomes invalid

Many employers miss deadlines during this stage due to scheduling conflicts or miscalculations. Setting reminders and using a clear recruitment calendar can prevent costly mistakes.

Step Three: Filing ETA Form 9089

ETA Form 9089 is the formal application for labor certification and is submitted electronically to the DOL. This form summarizes everything: the job, wage, recruitment efforts, and why the foreign worker is needed.

Timing is just as critical at this stage:

• You must wait at least 30 days after the final job posting before submitting
• You must submit within 180 days of the recruitment start
• You must submit before the prevailing wage expires

Form 9089 is also subject to changing review periods. 9089 processing times currently range from 6 to 9 months, but that can increase if the case is selected for audit.

Missing the timing window means restarting recruitment or renewing your PWD request, which adds several months to your case.

What to Expect During Department of Labor Review

After submitting Form 9089, the DOL begins its review. Employers should prepare for two possible outcomes: approval or audit.

If your case is audited, the DOL will ask for detailed documentation related to recruitment, job requirements, and the hiring process. Employers have just 30 days to respond to audit notices.

Some cases may also be selected for supervised recruitment, which requires repeating the job advertising process under DOL direction.

These outcomes can extend PERM processing time by several months. This is why it’s important to keep accurate records throughout the process, including ad copies, applicant logs, and correspondence.

Common Timing Mistakes That Delay PERM Certification

Many employers fall behind on the PERM timeline due to minor oversights. Below are a few common mistakes that may lead to delays and/or denials:

• Starting recruitment before receiving the PWD
• Filing Form 9089 too early (within 30 days of the last ad)
• Filing Form 9089 too late (more than 180 days after recruitment start)
• Letting the PWD expire before filing
• Failing to respond to a DOL audit within 30 days
• Ignoring changes in 9089 processing times or labor market trends

To avoid these pitfalls, create a process checklist with deadlines clearly marked and update it regularly.

Best Practices and Strategies for Managing PERM Timing

Here are the best strategies to help employers and applicants stay organized and on time throughout the PERM process:

• Start early: Begin the PWD process way ahead of visa deadlines
• Use a timeline tool: Build a visual calendar to track each step
• Add buffer time: Expect delays in recruitment, documentation, or DOL review
• Set digital reminders: Avoid missed dates with alerts for every critical deadline
• Keep accurate records: Document every recruitment activity and save supporting materials
• Stay current: Monitor updates on PERM processing times through official channels
• Work with legal professionals: Immigration lawyers can help structure timelines and respond to unexpected issues

When done correctly, these practices ensure your application moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Start Early and Consult an Immigration Attorney

The PERM process involves many moving parts—and every step has timing rules you must follow. Missing a single date can lead to major delays, denials, or extra costs. Even well-intentioned employers make mistakes when they assume the process is flexible.

Understanding how long a PERM takes, monitoring the latest labor certification processing times, and planning your actions accordingly will give your case a much better chance of success.

If you’re considering sponsoring a foreign worker or are already in the early stages of PERM, now is the time to plan strategically. An immigration attorney can help you better understand the deadlines, protect against timing errors, and manage your case from start to finish.

When it comes to labor certification, time isn’t just money—it’s eligibility. Use it wisely, and you’ll keep your hiring goals on track.