Key Takeaways
• PERM Analyst Reviews as of January 2025 process September 2023 filings, averaging 462 days; 15,372 applications remain pending from July 2024.
• H-2B December 2024 submissions involving 28,239 workers achieved 100% NOA/NOD but certified only 24,054 worker positions by January 2025.
• CW-1 January 2025 submissions show 127 cases, with only 2 approvals, leaving 519 workers pending, indicating intensified delays.
Processing times and procedures for immigration visas and applications are essential for applicants, employers, and legal specialists to understand. The latest updates as of February 1, 2025, provide a detailed look into various immigration categories, including Prevailing Wage Determination, PERM Processing Times, and H-2B Processing, which remain critical to hiring foreign workers. This analysis offers an in-depth view of these processes, highlighting timelines, remaining applications, and case statuses.
Prevailing Wage Determination Processing Times (as of January 1, 2025)
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) is necessary for employers to hire foreign workers while adhering to U.S. labor standards. Current data outlines processing dates by categories such as CW-1, H-1B, H-2B, and PERM, emphasizing both OEWS (Occupation Employment Wage Survey) and Non-OEWS receipts.
| Processing Queue | OEWS Receipt Date | Non-OEWS Receipt Date |
|---|---|---|
| CW-1 | November 2024 | — |
| H-1B | June 2024 | June 2024 |
| H-2B | December 2024 | December 2024 |
| PERM | June 2024 | June 2024 |
| Redeterminations | Date |
|---|---|
| H-1B | September 2024 |
| PERM | September 2024 |
| Center Director Reviews | Date |
|---|---|
| CW-1 | June 2024 |
| H-1B | August 2024 |
| H-2B | November 2024 |
| PERM | April 2024 |
| CW-1 Receipt Month | Remaining Requests |
|---|---|
| August 2024 | 1 |
| September 2024 | 1 |
| October 2024 | 0 |
| November 2024 | 15 |
| December 2024 | 97 |
| H-1B Receipt Month | Remaining Requests |
|---|---|
| April 2024 | 3 |
| May 2024 | 8 |
| June 2024 | 247 |
| July 2024 | 233 |
| August 2024 | 206 |
| September 2024 | 229 |
| October 2024 | 259 |
| November 2024 | 206 |
| December 2024 | 208 |
| H-2B Receipt Month | Remaining Requests |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | 7 |
| November 2024 | 85 |
| December 2024 | 330 |
| PERM Receipt Month | Remaining Requests |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | 3 |
| April 2024 | 7 |
| May 2024 | 122 |
| June 2024 | 9335 |
| July 2024 | 15,372 |
| August 2024 | 13,065 |
| September 2024 | 12,814 |
| October 2024 | 13,683 |
| November 2024 | 12,706 |
| December 2024 | 13,174 |
| PERM Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | September 2023 |
| Audit Review | N/A |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | July 2024 |
| Determinations | Month | Calendar Days |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst Review | December 2024 | 462 |
| Audit Review | N/A | N/A |
- H-2B applications: Both OEWS and Non-OEWS receipts submitted in December 2024 are currently under review. Employers intending to hire within this category should account for possible delays.
- PERM Applications: Reviews are ongoing for applications from June 2024, for both OEWS and Non-OEWS submissions. Redeterminations for PERM are also active for applications filed in September 2024.
- H-1B and CW-1 Applications: OEWS-based H-1B receipts as of June 2024 are being processed, while Center Director Reviews for CW-1 are scheduled for June 2024.
Employers are encouraged to request PWDs for programs like H-2B at least 60 days prior to when determinations are needed. Furthermore, the remaining requests for CW-1 as of November 2024 total 15 applications, while December 2024 shows a significant increase with 97 applications pending.
PERM Processing Times (as of January 1, 2025)
The Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, crucial for hiring foreign workers on a permanent basis, involves rigorous application reviews. Current updates reveal that:
- Cases under Analyst Review: Cases filed in September 2023 are being reviewed by analysts. On average, it takes 462 calendar days (approximately 1.3 years) to process cases under this category.
- Reconsideration Requests: Requests to the Certifying Officer (CO) from July 2024 are in progress.
The backlog within PERM applications is significant. For example:
– Pending Applications by Month: June 2024 has 9,335 pending applications, while the numbers rise notably in July 2024, with 15,372 applications under review. By December 2024, 13,174 applications remain unaddressed.
Employers awaiting PERM decisions can contact the OFLC PERM Helpdesk if their application was submitted more than three months before the dates currently being processed.
H-2B Processing Updates (as of February 1, 2025)
The H-2B visa caters to temporary, non-agricultural workers and is vital for industries requiring seasonal labor. Key statistics for processing times between July 2024 and January 2025 provide an overview of the system’s efficiency and bottlenecks:
- Cases Submitted and Certified:
- Total cases certified for the first half of fiscal 2025 reached 5,830, serving 108,171 workers.
- For January 2025 alone, 71 cases representing 2,313 workers were received, but only 22 were issued Notices of Acceptance or Deficiency (NOA/NOD), equaling a low approval rate of 31%.
- Fall 2024 Figures:
- In December 2024, 1,571 cases involving 28,239 workers were submitted. All were issued NOA/NODs, reflecting a 100% acknowledgment rate, but only 24,054 worker positions were certified by the end of the period.
- Spring 2025 Filings: The January 1–3 filing window brought 1,161 Group B cases, representing 19,318 workers. However, only 12 cases achieved NOA/NOD issuance, representing a mere 1% acknowledgment rate. Most Groups (C-G) remain unprocessed.
For employers, this highlights the variability and delays dependent on the filing window and specific case details. The OFLC advises planning well in advance and recruiting U.S. workers wherever possible before resorting to H-2B hiring.
CW-1 Processing Summary (as of February 1, 2025)
The CW-1 category, applicable in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), focuses on both new hires and visa renewals. Current figures provide insight into processing efficiency:
Visa Processing Times and Statistics
| Processing Queue | OEWS Receipt Date | Non-OEWS Receipt Date |
|---|---|---|
| CW-1 | November 2024 | — |
| H-1B | June 2024 | June 20204 |
| H-2B | December 2024 | December 2024 |
| PERM | June 2024 | June 2024 |
// CW-1 Processing Visualization
const cw1ProcessingCtx = document.getElementById('cw1ProcessingChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(cw1ProcessingCtx, {
type: 'bar',
data: {
labels: ['August 2024', 'September 2024', 'October 2024', 'November 2024', 'December 2024'],
datasets: [{
label: 'CW-1 Remaining Requests',
data: [1, 1, 0, 15, 97],
backgroundColor: chartColors[0]
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
plugins: {
tooltip: {
enabled: true
}
},
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Receipt Month'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Remaining Requests'
}
}
}
}
});
// PERM Processing Visualization
const permProcessingCtx = document.getElementById('permProcessingChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(permProcessingCtx, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: [
'March 2024', 'April 2024', 'May 2024', 'June 2024', 'July 2024',
'August 2024', 'September 2024', 'October 2024', 'November 2024', 'December 2024'
],
datasets: [{
label: 'PERM Remaining Requests',
data: [3, 7, 122, 9335, 15372, 13065, 12814, 13683, 12706, 13174],
borderColor: chartColors[1],
backgroundColor: 'rgba(80, 227, 194, 0.2)',
fill: true
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
plugins: {
tooltip: {
enabled: true
}
},
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Receipt Month'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Remaining Requests'
}
}
}
}
});
// H-1B Remaining Requests Visualization
const h1bRemainingRequestsCtx = document.getElementById('h1bRemainingRequestsChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(h1bRemainingRequestsCtx, {
type: 'bar',
data: {
labels: [
'April 2024', 'May 2024', 'June 2024', 'July 2024', 'August 2024',
'September 2024', 'October 2024', 'November 2024', 'December 2024'
],
datasets: [{
label: 'H-1B Remaining Requests',
data: [3, 8, 247, 233, 206, 229, 259, 206, 208],
backgroundColor: chartColors[2]
}]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
plugins: {
tooltip: {
enabled: true
}
},
scales: {
x: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Receipt Month'
}
},
y: {
title: {
display: true,
text: 'Remaining Requests'
}
}
}
}
});
})();
- Monthly Breakdown:
- October 2024 saw 147 cases submitted, with all receiving prompt NOA/NOD issuance and 144 cases concluded. However, by December 2024, unfinished cases rose significantly—135 were submitted but only 59 reached a final decision, leaving 76 cases and 358 workers pending.
- January 2025 submissions (127 cases) had an even harsher drop-off, with only two approvals and large pending numbers.
- New CW-1 Visas: Out of 302 total applications for new visas, approvals stand at 170 cases, with 519 workers certified for employment. However, 109 cases involving 519 workers remain pending after NOD or NOA issuance.
- CW-1 Visa Renewals: Renewals show slightly stronger performance, with 220 applications submitted and 137 certified, leaving 80 cases still being processed.
Implications for Employers and Workers
The data underscores consistent delays in case processing across all visa categories. Despite efficiency improvements in some areas, the high volume backlogs, especially for PERM and H-2B applications, highlight the need for preemptive employer strategies.
Prevailing Wage Determination for H-2B Employers
Employers under the H-2B program must remain vigilant to timely request determinations. With processing for December 2024 ongoing, those seeking determinations for spring or summer hires in 2025 should expedite filings. As described by VisaVerge.com, securing prevailing wage determinations well in advance can mitigate unforeseen delays that disrupt hiring timelines.
Visa Application Volume Tracker
// Volume Overview
const volumeOverviewCtx = document.getElementById('volumeOverviewChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(volumeOverviewCtx, {
type: 'line',
data: {
labels: ['March 2024', 'April 2024', 'May 2024', 'June 2024', 'July 2024', 'August 2024', 'September 2024', 'October 2024', 'November 2024', 'December 2024'],
datasets: [
{ label: 'H-1B', data: [3, 8, 247, 233, 206, 229, 259, 206, 208], borderColor: colors[0], fill: false },
{ label: 'H-2B', data: [null, null, null, null, null, 7, 85, 330], borderColor: colors[1], fill: false },
{ label: 'PERM', data: [3, 7, 122, 9335, 15372, 13065, 12814, 13683, 12706, 13174], borderColor: colors[2], fill: false },
{ label: 'CW-1', data: [1, 1, 0, 15, 97], borderColor: colors[3], fill: false },
]
},
options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { labels: { color: '#e0e0e0' }}}}
});
// Category Distribution
const categoryDistributionCtx = document.getElementById('categoryDistributionChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(categoryDistributionCtx, {
type: 'doughnut',
data: {
labels: ['H-1B', 'H-2B', 'PERM', 'CW-1'],
datasets: [{
data: [208, 330, 13174, 97],
backgroundColor: colors,
}]
},
options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { labels: { color: '#e0e0e0' }}}}
});
// Success Rate Analysis
const successRateCtx = document.getElementById('successRateChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(successRateCtx, {
type: 'bar',
data: {
labels: ['October 2024', 'November 2024', 'December 2024', 'January 2025'],
datasets: [
{ label: 'H-1B Success (%)', data: [100, 100, 100, 31], backgroundColor: colors[0] },
{ label: 'H-2B Success (%)', data: [85, 85, 100, null], backgroundColor: colors[1] },
{ label: 'CW-1 Success (%)', data: [100, 100, 43.7, 2], backgroundColor: colors[2] },
]
},
options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { labels: { color: '#e0e0e0' }}}}
});
// Seasonal Heatmap
const seasonalHeatmapCtx = document.getElementById('seasonalHeatmapChart').getContext('2d');
new Chart(seasonalHeatmapCtx, {
type: 'bar',
data: {
labels: ['Spring', 'Summer', 'Fall', 'Winter'],
datasets: [{
label: 'Submission Intensity',
data: [12350, 29279, 34019, 14047],
backgroundColor: colors[4],
}]
},
options: { responsive: true, plugins: { legend: { labels: { color: '#e0e0e0' }}}}
});
});
PERM Backlogs and Analyst Reviews
PERM processing times, which exceed 460 days on average for Analyst Reviews, create hurdles for businesses requiring permanent foreign labor. Given that over 15,000 applications were filed in July 2024 alone, applicants may face up to two years of waiting in some cases. Employers are advised to frequently check case status and submit any missing documentation promptly.
H-2B Worker Certification Trends
Certification rates for H-2B cases vary dramatically depending on submission windows. While December 2024 saw almost all worker positions certified, January 2025 filing windows, specifically Groups A and B, recorded low percentages of success. Understanding filing patterns and prioritizing applications during favorable periods may help to improve approval likelihood.
Broader Context for Immigration Applications
The processing times demonstrate the continued influence of high demand coupled with systemic inefficiencies in U.S. labor certification programs. As reflected in the CW-1 data, visa renewals are often prioritized over new applications, which can disadvantage employers needing to expand their workforce. H-2B data shows that while acknowledgment rates for earlier filings remain high, approvals slow significantly closer to certification deadlines, creating a ripple effect that impacts seasonal businesses.
To address these challenges, employers must focus on meeting filing deadlines, ensuring their documentation complies fully with requirements, and engaging immigration professionals for tailored guidance. Workers should also remain informed of delays to prevent frustrations related to job start dates and employment discontinuities. For official guidance on labor application processes, visit the U.S. Department of Labor site at dol.gov.
The evolving landscape of immigration will continue to hinge on efficient processing systems, employer adherence to timelines, and accurate case documentation. Strategic practices and early submissions remain pivotal in navigating these systems successfully, especially as the demand for visas surges annually.
Learn Today
Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) → A required step ensuring U.S. labor standards are met before employers can hire foreign workers.
PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) → A labor certification program enabling employers to hire foreign workers for permanent positions under stringent review processes.
H-2B Visa → A non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. employers to hire temporary, non-agricultural foreign workers for seasonal labor needs.
NOA/NOD (Notice of Acceptance/Notice of Deficiency) → Official responses issued during case processing, indicating either acceptance or missing requirements in an application.
CW-1 Visa → A special visa for foreign workers employed in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, addressing local labor needs.
This Article in a Nutshell
Navigating immigration processes is complex, with current delays impacting hiring plans. Prevailing Wage Determination, PERM, and H-2B approvals show significant backlogs—PERM averaging 462 days. Employers must plan ahead, submit complete documentation, and monitor case statuses proactively. Early applications and strategic timing can streamline the path to successful labor certifications.
— By VisaVerge.com
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