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For many professionals pursuing an employment-based green card, one of the most common questions is how long the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) process takes. In 2026, PERM processing times have grown significantly longer, and understanding the full timeline can help you plan your next steps. Many applicants are seeing total PERM timelines stretch well beyond what was typical just a few years ago.
As of early 2026, the PERM process is taking approximately 24 to 30+ months from start to finish for most applicants. This includes all required stages, not just the Department of Labor review.
The Department of Labor (DOL) is currently averaging over 500 days (around 16–17 months) for standard PERM adjudication alone. That makes the DOL review the longest single phase of the process.
When you factor in all steps leading up to and following PERM certification, the full EB-2 timeline typically falls between two and two and a half years, not including any additional visa wait times based on country of birth.
The PERM EB-2 process involves several distinct stages, each with its own timeline and requirements. These steps must be completed in order, and delays in one phase can affect the entire case.
The four main phases include:
Each of these stages must be completed correctly, as errors or missing documentation can lead to delays or denials.
Applicants across Maryland and nationwide are experiencing longer wait times due to several factors tied to processing backlogs and increased case volume.
Some of the main reasons include:
Because of these factors, even well-prepared applications are taking longer to move through the system.
If a PERM application is selected for audit, the timeline can increase significantly. Audits require additional documentation and place the case in a separate processing queue.
The DOL audit queue is currently running several months behind the standard analyst queue, meaning audited cases often take much longer than the average 500+ day review period.
Audit requests may focus on recruitment steps, employer requirements, or job qualifications. Responding thoroughly and on time is necessary to keep the case moving forward.
Once PERM is certified, the next step is filing the I-140 immigrant petition. This stage is typically faster than PERM itself, especially if premium processing is available.
After I-140 approval, applicants must wait for a visa number to become available based on their country of birth and preference category. This part of the process can vary widely and is not included in standard PERM timelines.
For some applicants, especially those from high-demand countries, the visa queue may add additional years to the overall process.
Applicants in Landover, Greenbelt, Lanham, College Park, Mitchellville, Hyattsville, Laurel, Bowie, and Silver Spring all follow the same federal PERM process. Processing times are set at the national level by the Department of Labor, not by local offices.
Still, working with an immigration law firm familiar with employment-based cases in this region can help reduce avoidable delays and ensure each stage is handled properly.
Zenith Law Firm LLC works with professionals and employers across the Greater Landover area to guide PERM applications from start to finish, with a focus on accuracy and preparation at every stage.
The Department of Labor is currently taking over 500 days on average to review and decide PERM applications.
Most applicants are seeing a total timeline of 24 to 30+ months, including prevailing wage, recruitment, and DOL review.
No. Premium processing is not available for PERM applications. It only applies to the I-140 stage after PERM approval.
Audits can add several additional months or more, depending on the backlog in the audit review queue.
Processing times are generally consistent across industries, though case complexity and documentation can affect timing.
No. PERM is processed at the federal level, so applicants in Maryland and other states follow the same timelines.
PERM processing in 2026 requires patience and careful planning. With timelines now stretching beyond two years for many applicants, it is important to understand each phase and prepare accordingly.
If you are starting the employment-based green card process or have questions about your timeline, Zenith Law Firm LLC works with individuals and employers throughout Landover, Bowie, Silver Spring, and nearby communities to help navigate each step with clarity. Contact us today!
