Status Guide

PERM Case Status: What Each Status Means

Every PERM application in the DOL system carries one status at a time. Here is what each one means, what usually happens next, and how many cases hold each status right now among November 2025 filings — the month the DOL is currently adjudicating.

7,980
Certified
6,076
Analyst review
287
RFI / audit
102
Denied
604
Withdrawn

Live from DOL FLAG data tracked by ImmiLane · last updated Sep 15, 2026 · open the full dashboard

Certified

The DOL approved the labor certification — the big green light. The employer has 180 days to file the I-140 immigrant petition with USCIS before the certification expires. If your case shows Certified, the PERM stage is done.

Analyst Review

The case is in the DOL’s working queue: either waiting for a Certifying Officer or actively being adjudicated. This is the normal state for every case that hasn’t been decided yet, and for cases in the current processing month it usually means a decision is close. See how fast the queue is moving.

Audit

The DOL asked for supporting documentation before deciding — recruitment records, the signed ETA-9089, prevailing wage evidence. Audits add months to the timeline because audited cases sit in a separate, slower queue. Our audit and RFI guide covers triggers and typical delays.

Denied

The application was rejected. The employer can request reconsideration or appeal to BALCA, or simply re-file — many denials are corrected on a second, cleaner filing. A PERM denial attaches to the application, not to you personally.

Withdrawn

The employer pulled the application before a decision — common after job changes, layoffs, or when a filing error is easier to re-file than to fix.

Where these numbers come from

The live counts above are the status mix for November 2025 filings in the DOL FLAG data ImmiLane tracks (updated daily). The dashboard shows the same breakdown for every filing month, and this guide explains how to check where your own case stands.

Frequently asked
What does Analyst Review mean on a PERM case?
It means your case is in the DOL’s active queue — waiting for or under review by a Certifying Officer. It is the default status before a decision and not a sign of a problem.
How long does Analyst Review take?
It depends on where the DOL queue stands relative to your filing month. The DOL is averaging about 396 days from filing to decision for current cases. Use the estimate tool for your specific date.
My PERM was certified — what happens next?
The employer files the I-140 petition with USCIS within 180 days. After I-140 approval, your green card timeline depends on visa number availability — see the Visa Bulletin tracker.
Does a denied PERM hurt future applications?
A denial applies to that application, not to you. Employers often re-file with corrected recruitment or forms; the new filing gets a new place in the queue.

Keep watch automatically: Case Watch emails you when your case’s official status changes, with your position in the queue and an updated estimate. Or check how to look up your status anytime.