The processing time of your PERM application depends on how complicated your request is and how busy the department that handles PERM applications is. If you submit an application with easy information like your name, address, and job title and it’s done quickly, you’ll probably get a quick response back from the agency. However, if you submit an application with difficult-to-find information or that includes attachments such as documents or video clips, expect to wait longer for a response.

In general, the processing time of your PERM for most applications range from 6-12 weeks. If your PERM application is approved at the first stage of review (i.e., if there are no issues with your application), it will be forwarded to the second stage where additional background checks may take another 3-6 weeks to complete. Once this process is completed, your case will be forwarded to the final stage where they will issue you a receipt number within two working days of receiving all documentation required for processing your case.

How Can I Track My PERM Application?

If you’re interested in knowing the current status of your PERM application, you can log into the eFile services website, enter the number on your receipt, and view all the details of your application. You can also leave a voice message with any inquiries you have regarding your application.

The eFile services website is available 24/7, 365 days a year for customers to monitor their applications. If you prefer to track your application through the mail, you can request a paper tracking form from the agency that handles your PERM application. You can also check the tracking service website of the U.S. Postal Service to track your package.

What Happens at the Final Stage of Processing my PERM Application?

At the final stage of processing your PERM application, the agency will do two things. First, they will verify all the information you provided on your application is correct. Second, they’ll make sure that the job you’re applying for is truly a “position of employment” that qualifies for the 5-year foreign worker stamp.

Once the agency has verified all the details of your application and has made sure that the position you’re applying for qualifies for the PERM immigrant worker stamp, your PERM application will be forwarded to the National Visa Center for review. The National Visa Center is responsible for providing the Department of State with the states and countries where you have the approval to work.

How Long Will it Take to Process My PERM Application Once it’s Approved?

This depends on how busy the agency that handles your PERM application is. If they are not very busy and they receive many similar applications, they may be able to process your case within a few days.

If on the other hand, they are extremely busy and handling many applications at once, it could take a few weeks. Once your PERM application is approved, it will take another 2-8 weeks for the State Department to issue your work visa stamp. Once the visa stamp is issued, you can start to travel to the U.S. to apply for your visa at the Consulate.

How Do I Find Out When My PERM Application is Being Processed?

Once your application reaches the final stage of processing, the State Department will send you an email and/or letter with a tracking number for your application. You can then log into the eFile service's website and track your application as discussed above.

If you prefer to track your application through the mail, you can request a paper tracking form from the agency that handles your PERM application. You can also check the tracking service website of the U.S. Postal Service to track your package.

How to Resend or Re-send your PERM application once it’s been approved

If you have any problems re-sending your PERM application, email the office that handles your application and ask how long it usually takes to receive the application. If they tell you it takes 2-3 weeks, ask them to send the application to another office that should receive it much faster.

If you receive a response stating that your application is in “review” or has been “referred back” to the agency that handles your application, simply re-send your PERM application. You can also request a paper tracking form again and re-track your package.

Bottom line

The faster you complete your PERM application and send it to the agency, the faster your work visa will be issued. If you have any questions about completing your PERM application, feel free to email the office that handles your application and ask for help.