Analysis Of Current DOL PERM And PWD Processing Times As Of Early 2024

[Editor2]

In early 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provided updates on the processing times for PERM applications, Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs), and related reviews. Here is a detailed breakdown of the latest status as of the first quarter of 2024.

PERM Application Processing

As of February 29, 2024, the DOL was actively reviewing PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) applications that were filed up to March 2023. This timeframe indicates the processing period for analysts to review applications that do not require additional audits. For applications requiring audits, the DOL has been addressing cases with priority dates as far back as December 2022.

Prevailing Wage Determinations

Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) are crucial for employers to ensure compliance with wage standards in employment-based visa petitions. As of March 31, 2024, the DOL reported processing PWD requests for PERM and H-1B visas as follows:

• PERM prevailing wage requests based on Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) filed in October 2023 and non-OES requests from March 2023.
• H-1B prevailing wage requests for OES data submitted in November 2023 and non-OES data from June 2023.

Furthermore, the DOL is handling redeterminations requested in November 2023 and is still working through PERM Center Director reviews requested in August 2023, which remain pending.

Pros:

• The DOL's clear communication on specific timeframes helps set realistic expectations for employers and applicants.
• Processing times for standard applications and audits show consistent handling of older cases, which may reduce backlogs gradually.
• The detailed timeline for different types of PWD requests aids in better planning for businesses and legal practitioners.

Cons:

• The extended processing times, particularly for audited PERM applications and director reviews, may delay employment plans and create uncertainty for prospective employees.
• The backlog in handling director reviews suggests a bottleneck at higher review levels, which can be critical for those awaiting final decisions on their applications.
• The differing timelines between OES and non-OES requests may cause confusion and planning challenges for employers and their legal teams.

Overall, while the DOL continues to process a significant volume of applications and requests, stakeholders must prepare for prolonged waiting periods and plan accordingly. The transparency in reporting processing times is helpful, but the extended durations underscore ongoing challenges within the system.

 

[jason51]

The processing times for PERM applications and Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as of early 2024 are quite extensive. The DOL is actively reviewing PERM applications filed up to March 2023 and addressing audit cases with priority dates as far back as December 2022

 

[mattm]

The processing times for PERM applications and Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as of early 2024 are quite extensive. The DOL is actively reviewing PERM applications filed up to March 2023 and addressing audit cases with priority dates as far back as December 2022

It's interesting to note that the DOL is handling redeterminations and director reviews, which are still pending. This suggests a significant workload and potential delays for applicants and employers.

 

[sophia_l]

The detailed breakdown of processing times for different types of PWD requests is quite helpful for businesses and legal practitioners to plan effectively. However, the differing timelines between OES and non-OES requests could pose challenges for employers and their legal teams.

 

[natalie_porter]

The extended processing times, especially for audited PERM applications and director reviews, may create uncertainty for prospective employees and delay employment plans. It's crucial for stakeholders to prepare for prolonged waiting periods and plan accordingly.

 

[charlie_g]

I wonder if the backlog in handling director reviews indicates a bottleneck at higher review levels. This could have significant implications for those awaiting final decisions on their applications.

 

[max.jennings]

The transparency in reporting processing times is undoubtedly helpful, but the extended durations underscore ongoing challenges within the system. It's essential for stakeholders to remain informed and adaptable in navigating these complexities.

 

[elena_castillo]

Despite the challenges, the DOL's clear communication on specific timeframes sets realistic expectations for employers and applicants. This transparency is crucial for fostering trust and understanding within the immigration process.

 

[oliver_twist]

Does anyone have insights into how these processing times compare to previous years? It would be interesting to see if there's been a significant change in the pace of processing.

 

[zara_k]

The detailed breakdown of processing times and the potential impact on employment plans highlights the need for a more efficient and streamlined immigration process. It's essential for the system to adapt to the evolving needs of employers and applicants.