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Perplexity ChatGPT Claude Gemini

PERM Processing Delays Reach 336 Days as More Than 45,000 Wage Requests Await Action, Says GCEB1

Perplexity ChatGPT Claude Gemini
PERM Processing Delays Reach 336 Days as More Than 45,000 Wage Requests Await Action, Says GCEB1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | GCEB1

GCEB1 is highlighting mounting delays in the U.S. employment-based green card process, as prevailing wage requests handled by the Department of Labor (DOL) continue to face significant processing backlogs. With reported waiting times reaching 336 days and more than 45,000 wage requests pending, the delays are creating additional uncertainty for employers and foreign professionals pursuing permanent residency.

A Growing Bottleneck in Employment-Based Immigration

The Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification process is a critical step for many employer-sponsored green card applicants, particularly those pursuing permanent residence through the EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Before filing the subsequent immigrant petition, employers generally must demonstrate that no qualified, willing, and available U.S. workers can fill the position under the required conditions.

The prevailing wage determination stage precedes the PERM labor certification filing and establishes the appropriate wage for the offered position. Prolonged processing at this stage can delay recruitment, postpone PERM submissions, and extend the overall green card timeline.

As discussed in GCEB1’s detailed analysis of the 336-day PERM wait and mounting wage-request backlog, these administrative delays can have consequences well beyond the initial wage determination, particularly for professionals whose long-term immigration plans depend on employer sponsorship.

Implications for Employers and Foreign Professionals

Extended processing times can complicate workforce planning for employers and make it harder for foreign professionals to anticipate the next stages of their immigration journey. Applicants in employment-based categories may face additional uncertainty while waiting for their employers to complete the required labor certification procedures.

GCEB1 encourages employers and prospective applicants to maintain accurate documentation, coordinate closely with immigration counsel, and plan for potentially extended processing periods. Understanding the sequence of prevailing wage determinations, recruitment, PERM certification, and subsequent immigration filings can help stakeholders make more informed decisions.

GCEB1 will continue monitoring Department of Labor processing trends and policy developments affecting employment-based immigration, providing updates to help professionals navigate the evolving U.S. green card landscape.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

 

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