PERM progress update for May 2026 from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). EB-3 applications currently under review up to February 2025 have a processing time of approximately 501 days.
According to official data updated on the FLAG system of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the processing progress of PERM applications for May 2026 has been updated for U.S. labor immigration applications.
This information is of great interest to many workers, given that the demand for EB-3 visas to immigrate to the US remains high in 2026.
1. Latest PERM processing progress update from the U.S. Department of Labor
According to data updated directly on DOL's FLAG system:
▪️PERM Analyst Review applications are currently being processed with a Priority Date until February 2025.
▪️The average processing time is currently around 501 calendar days, equivalent to approximately 16-17 months.
▪️Files subject to Audit Review and Reconsideration still have separate processing times depending on the specific case.
=> Official source for updates from DOL: https://flag.dol.gov/processingtimes To find out the current status of the PERM (LC – Labor Certification) processing.
2. What is PERM in the EB-3 application?
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) is a labor certification process administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is a step that U.S. businesses must complete before filing applications to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency under various categories such as EB-2 or EB-3.
During this process, the business needs to demonstrate:
- Recruitment was conducted in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor.
- We were unable to find a suitable American worker for the position.
- The hiring of foreign workers does not negatively impact working conditions and wages in the United States.
After the PERM is approved, the business can then proceed to file the I-140 petition for the employee => PERM is an important part of the EB3 US employment-based employment application process.
3. Why is this still considered a positive sign?
Although PERM processing times are still longer than in previous years, the system's continued recording of steady processing progress indicates that the U.S. Department of Labor is maintaining stable review operations throughout 2026.
For many pending EB-3 applications, the continued monthly updates on the progress are crucial in helping businesses and workers be more proactive in their application planning.
In addition, applications that are fully prepared from the start will generally have a smoother review process and reduce the risk of being asked for additional information or being referred for an audit.
4. What should workers prepare for in the current period?
Given that PERM processing times are still relatively long, workers should:
- Prepare a clear personal profile and work experience record.
- Track progress directly from DOL's official FLAG system.
- Proactively plan your timeline for the entire EB-3 process.
- Working with businesses or support agencies that have transparent and clear processes is ideal.
The PERM progress report for May 2026 shows that the U.S. Department of Labor is currently processing applications submitted up to approximately February 2025 for the Analyst Review category. While processing times remain lengthy, the continued progress is a positive sign for many pending EB-3 immigration applications.
‼️The above timelines are updated directly from the official system of the U.S. Department of Labor as of May 2026 and may continue to change depending on the actual processing progress of DOL..
Frequently Asked Questions About EB-3 Perm
Until what month is PERM currently processing?
According to an update from the U.S. Department of Labor in May 2026, the Analyst Review PERM visa applications are currently being processed up to approximately [number]. February 2025.
What is the current PERM processing time?
According to data from DOL, the average processing time is currently around 501 calendar days, equivalent to approximately 16–17 months. Actual processing times may vary depending on the individual case.
What happens after the PERM (LC) is approved?
After the PERM is approved, the sponsoring company will proceed to file the I-140 petition for the worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Can workers file their own PERM applications?
Typically, the sponsoring company in the US will be the party handling the PERM process because this is a labor recruitment application filed by the company with the US Department of Labor.
Where can I track the progress of the PERM treatment?
Workers can track their official progress on the U.S. Department of Labor's FLAG system at: https://flag.dol.gov/processingtimes