Current PERM Processing Dates/Times (as of November 31, 2009)

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has provided an update on the current PERM processing dates as of November 31, 2009.  They are as follows:

• Regular processing: February 2009.  DOL is processing PERM applications with priority dates in February 2009.  This suggests that there is certain forward movement for regular PERM processing.  Accordingly, regular PERM processing times should be approximately nine (9) months.
• Audited applications: October 2007.  This is movement forward of two (2) months in comparison to the July 31, 2009, resulting a net additional delay of two (2) months for audited PERM applications.
• Appealed applications: August 2007.  This is movement forward of only one (1) month in comparison to July 31, 2009, resulting a net additional delay of three (3) months for audited PERM applications.

Based on these numbers, we can conclude that while the August-November 2009 period brings certain forward movement for regular PERM applications, it still takes approximately 9 to 10 months for a regular PERM case to be certified.  With respect to audited or appealed cases, the processing times indicate additional delay.