PERM Status Check: How to Track Your Application

The PERM Labor Certification is the first step in many U.S. employment-based green card processes. Knowing your PERM application status helps you estimate how far along your case is and whether any additional action is needed. Regularly checking your case can help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that your immigration process moves smoothly.

Table of contents

• How to get PERM labor certification
• Where to check your PERM status online
• Understanding your PERM case number and status messages
• How long the PERM process takes
• What “PERM status certified” means
• PERM approved: what next?
• What happens if the application is audited or denied
• PERM status delayed: what to do
• Official photo requirements after PERM approval
• Staying updated on PERM timelines
• FAQ

How to get PERM labor certification

Obtaining PERM certification involves several structured steps:

1. The employer files a Prevailing Wage Determination request.

2. The employer conducts a mandatory recruitment campaign.

3. The PERM application is filed electronically through the FLAG system.

4. The DOL reviews and either certifies, denies, or audits the case.

Applicants cannot file a PERM directly; only employers or their authorized representatives can submit it.

Where to check your PERM status online

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides two main tools for applicants and employers to monitor their cases:

• Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG): This platform allows employers or attorneys to verify the PERM status directly by entering the case number (format: A-XXXX-XXXXX).
• DOL Processing Times Page: Updated monthly, this page shows the average processing time for each stage of the PERM process that USCIS-applicants depend on.

Although only employers and their authorized representatives can access full case details, employees can ask their employer to share updates drawn from these tools.

Understanding your PERM case number and status messages

Each case has a unique tracking number. When checking your PERM track system, you may encounter several possible status messages. Understanding the PERM status meaning helps interpret where your application stands:

• In Progress. This status indicates that the Department of Labor is still reviewing the employer’s PERM Labor Certification application. No decision has been made yet, and the case continues through the standard process.
• Certified. Your application has been approved by the DOL. This status allows the employer to move to the next phase of the green card process and file the Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.
• Denied. The DOL has rejected the application. In this situation, the employer may choose to submit a new PERM application or file a request for reconsideration if there is a basis to challenge the decision.
• Audit Review. The case has been selected for a more detailed review by the DOL. The employer must submit additional documents within the given timeframe. Processing times can significantly increase during an audit, which is why applicants often check their status carefully.
• Withdrawn. The employer has withdrawn the PERM application voluntarily. When withdrawn, the case is closed, and no further processing occurs.
• Appeal Pending. If the employer disagrees with a denial, they may file an appeal or request review. In this case, the status will show that the application is waiting for a decision from the reviewing authority.

How long the PERM process takes

In 2025, the full PERM process USCIS applicants experience typically lasts from 15 to 24 months. This includes:

1. Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD): Usually 6–8 months.
2. Recruitment period: A minimum of 60 days.
3. PERM submission and review: Around 6–10 months, depending on DOL workload.
4. Audit review (if applicable): Can add several more months.

These timelines vary depending on the DOL’s workload and the accuracy of submitted documentation.

In this article, we explain the PERM processing timeline in detail.

What “PERM status certified” means

When your case status shows Certified, it means the DOL has approved your application, verifying that:

• No qualified U.S. workers were available for the position.
• The offered wage meets the prevailing wage level
• The recruitment process followed all official requirements.

Once your PERM approval notice is issued, you can move to the next immigration step - filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker - within 180 days.

PERM approved: what next?

After your PERM application is approved (also called PERM certified), your employer must take the next step by filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with USCIS. This petition confirms two main things:

1. that the job offer for you is still valid, and
2. that the employer has the financial ability to pay the wage listed in the PERM approval.

Once Form I-140 is approved, you - the employee - can move forward with your Green Card application. If you are already in the United States, you can file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to become a permanent resident. If you are outside the U.S., you will complete your process through a U.S. consulate by filing Form DS-260 (Consular Processing).

The timing of this step depends on your priority date, which is listed on your PERM approval notice. You can check when your priority date becomes current by reviewing the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, updated monthly.

It’s very important not to wait too long: a certified PERM is valid for only 180 days from the date of approval. If the employer does not file the I-140 petition within that period, the PERM certification expires, and the employer must start the entire process over again from the beginning.

What happens if the application is audited or denied

An audit review means the Department of Labor requests additional evidence, such as recruitment records, job postings, or resumes received.

An audit does not necessarily mean a problem, but it extends the processing time.

If your application is denied, your employer may request reconsideration or refile a new PERM labor certification.

PERM status delayed: what to do

If your application status has not changed for several months, the employer can submit a status inquiry via the FLAG system. Before doing so, ensure that:

• The normal processing time for your filing month has already passed.
• No DOL email requests have gone unanswered.

In some cases, technical issues or incomplete documentation cause unexpected delays.

Official photo requirements after PERM approval

Once the PERM process is complete and the case is certified, applicants preparing their I-140 or I-485 forms must include passport-style photos that meet USCIS specifications.

Two reliable tools make this step simple:

Visafoto: online USCIS photo editor

Upload any photo taken with a smartphone or camera, and it will automatically adjust to USCIS standards - correct size (2x2 inch), neutral background, and head positioning. Results are available instantly for online submission or printing. If a government agency rejects the photo, Visafoto provides a 100% refund.

7ID USCIS Photo App (iPhone & Android)

Offers automatic cropping, background change, and ready-to-print templates. Users upload a photo, select “United States” and “USCIS 2x2 inch,” and receive a compliant image. 7ID also provides 24/7 support and quality verification.

Both Visafoto and 7ID help applicants avoid rejection due to improper photo formatting and save time compared to manual editing.

Staying updated on PERM timelines

To keep track of changes in processing times and policies:

• Check the DOL Processing Times page monthly - it shows the current average review times for PERM and other labor certification processes.

• Review official announcements on the Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) website - the OFLC regularly publishes updates, data releases, and policy changes affecting PERM processing.

• Monitor the Visa Bulletin for I-140 and I-485 availability - the U.S. Department of State updates this bulletin every month to show which priority dates are current for employment-based Green Card applicants.

FAQ

Can employees check their own PERM status without the employer?

No, individual employees cannot directly log in to the FLAG system. Only employers and their authorized attorneys have access. However, employees can ask for regular updates or a screenshot of the status page from their employer or attorney.

What should I do if my PERM status has not changed for several months?

Delays are common and often due to DOL workload or pending audits. If the status has not moved for over 90 days, the employer’s attorney can contact the DOL Helpdesk through the FLAG system for clarification.

Can my employer withdraw a PERM application after submission?

Yes. Employers can withdraw an application at any point before certification. A withdrawn case shows as “Withdrawn” in the FLAG portal. However, if the employer wishes to reapply, the process must start again, including recruitment and wage determination.

How long is a certified PERM valid?

180 days from the date of certification.

Can I expedite the PERM process?

No. There is no premium processing for PERM applications.

Can I work in the U.S. while my PERM application is pending?

You can remain and work in the U.S. only if you hold valid nonimmigrant status (for example, H-1B, L-1, or F-1 OPT). The PERM process itself does not grant work authorization.

What happens if my employer closes or goes out of business before my PERM is approved?

In that case, the application becomes invalid. A new employer would have to start a new PERM and I-140 process, as the certification cannot be transferred to a different company.

Does the DOL provide an official confirmation document for certified PERM applications?

Yes. Once approved, the DOL issues a PERM Approval Notice (Form ETA-9089), which serves as proof of labor certification. This document must be attached when filing Form I-140 with USCIS.