How long does the EB-2 with PERM Labor Certification take?

End to end, the EB-2 with PERM Labor Certification typically takes 24 to 60 months. Preparing a complete application (5 stages) usually takes around 47 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down EB-2 PERM applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the EB-2 PERM?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇺🇸 United States · EB-2 PERM

EB-2 with PERM Labor Certification: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 24–60 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

24–60 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 5 stages of a EB-2 PERM application

1
Prevailing Wage Determination
≈ 180 days
Employer submits a Prevailing Wage Request to DOL to determine the required wage for the position. This must be submitted before beginning PERM recruitment.
2
PERM Recruitment Campaign
≈ 90 days
Employer must conduct good-faith recruitment using mandatory advertising channels (Sunday newspaper, job board, and others based on job type). Recruitment results must be documented.
3
File ETA Form 9089 with DOL
≈ 365 days
After a 30-day job order posting period and after recruitment, employer submits ETA 9089 electronically through the FLAG system. DOL reviews and certifies or audits.
Form: ETA-9089
4
File Form I-140 with USCIS
≈ 30 days
Once PERM is certified, employer files I-140 with USCIS along with the certified PERM, degree evidence, experience documentation, and job offer letter.
Form: I-140
5
Wait for Priority Date & Adjust Status
≈ 730 days
After I-140 approval, wait for your priority date to become current per the Visa Bulletin. Then file I-485 (AOS) or pursue consular processing.
Form: I-485

Are you eligible for the EB-2 PERM?

Answer a few questions and get scored against this pathway — and the other 46 we track across the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Free, no credit card.

Check my eligibility — free

Free eligibility check

Could the EB-2 with PERM Labor Certification work for you?

Get your personalized eligibility report for the US, Canada, UK, and Australia — scored against today's actual rules. No credit card needed.

We only email you about your report and major rule changes. Unsubscribe anytime.

The 5 stages of a EB-2 PERM application

Prevailing Wage Determination

≈ 180 days

Employer submits a Prevailing Wage Request to DOL to determine the required wage for the position. This must be submitted before beginning PERM recruitment.

PERM Recruitment Campaign

≈ 90 days

Employer must conduct good-faith recruitment using mandatory advertising channels (Sunday newspaper, job board, and others based on job type). Recruitment results must be documented.

File ETA Form 9089 with DOL

≈ 365 days

After a 30-day job order posting period and after recruitment, employer submits ETA 9089 electronically through the FLAG system. DOL reviews and certifies or audits.

Form: ETA-9089

File Form I-140 with USCIS

≈ 30 days

Once PERM is certified, employer files I-140 with USCIS along with the certified PERM, degree evidence, experience documentation, and job offer letter.

Form: I-140

Wait for Priority Date & Adjust Status

≈ 730 days

After I-140 approval, wait for your priority date to become current per the Visa Bulletin. Then file I-485 (AOS) or pursue consular processing.

Form: I-485