The Department of Labor (DOL) has released the January 2026 processing times for the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) and prevailing wage determination (PWD) applications. Employers and foreign nationals should be aware that while there have been modest improvements in PWD processing times, PERM cases continue to experience significant delays due to ongoing backlogs and the effects of the October 2025 government shutdown.
Key Details:
- PWD processing times show slight improvements compared to previous months.
- PERM cases are facing lengthy adjudication periods, impacting the employment-based green card process.
- Employers are advised to plan ahead to mitigate the effects of these delays on work authorization.
- The DOL’s backlogs remain a critical factor for employers seeking to navigate the immigration process.
The ongoing delays in PERM processing times may affect the long-term work authorization of many foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: @rnlawgroup