By admin 
Introduction
Understanding PWD processing times in 2025 is critical for employers and foreign nationals involved in employment-based immigration to the U.S. The Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) is a required step in the PERM labor certification process, which sets the minimum wage that must be offered for a given position. Delays in this step can create significant bottlenecks in the green card or visa application timeline. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at how PWD processing times work, what factors influence them, and how applicants can minimize delays.
What Is a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)?
Before diving into PWD processing times, it’s essential to understand what a PWD is. Issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), a PWD ensures that employers do not underpay foreign workers. The wage offered must meet or exceed the average wage paid to similar workers in a specific area of employment. This safeguards both domestic and foreign workers and supports fair labor practices.
Why PWD Processing Times Matter
Delays Can Disrupt Hiring Timelines
For employers hiring foreign workers, PWD processing times can directly affect job start dates, visa filings, and overall staffing schedules. A delay at this stage means a delay in submitting the PERM application, and by extension, the entire green card process.
PWD Is the Foundation of the PERM Process
Without an approved PWD, employers cannot move forward with recruitment efforts or file the ETA Form 9089. Hence, PWD processing times play a foundational role in employment-based immigration workflows.
Current PWD Processing Times in 2025
As of mid-2025, PWD processing times vary depending on how the request was submitted:
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Online (iCERT or FLAG portal): Approximately 10–14 weeks
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Requests for Redetermination: Approximately 12–16 weeks
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Requests for Review: These can extend beyond 6 months
Processing times are subject to change depending on the Department of Labor’s workload, staff availability, and economic or policy shifts. Always consult the DOL’s official processing time website for the most accurate and current estimates.
Factors That Affect PWD Processing Times
1. Submission Method
Submitting through the FLAG system typically results in faster PWD processing times compared to physical mail. Electronic submissions are streamlined, trackable, and often prioritized.
2. Job Complexity and Wage Level
High-level or specialized positions may require additional review, especially if they fall outside standard occupational classifications. This can lead to longer PWD processing times.
3. Geographic Location
Wages vary significantly by region, so if a position is in an area with complex wage structures, the PWD may take longer to issue.
4. Request for Redetermination or Review
If an employer challenges the initial wage determination, the review process adds weeks or even months to the PWD processing timeline.
Steps Involved in the PWD Process
To better understand where delays can happen, it’s useful to look at the PWD steps:
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Job Description Drafting
The employer creates a detailed job description that defines duties, educational requirements, experience, and skills needed. -
Submission to DOL via FLAG System
The application is filed electronically through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway. -
Review by DOL Wage Analysts
Analysts match the job to a wage level and occupation code using the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) database. -
Issuance of the PWD
Once approved, the DOL issues a wage determination that is valid for 90 days to one year.
Each of these steps contributes to overall PWD processing times and can be delayed if documentation is unclear or incomplete.
How to Avoid Delays in PWD Processing
Ensure Complete and Accurate Applications
Incomplete job descriptions or vague duties are a major reason for delay. Be clear and specific to avoid back-and-forth communication with the DOL.
Use the Correct SOC Code
Using an outdated or incorrect Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code can result in misclassified wage levels, leading to unnecessary PWD processing time extensions.
Plan Ahead
Given that PWD processing times often extend beyond 2 months, employers should start the process early—especially if tied to a specific visa or green card deadline.
Engage Experienced Immigration Counsel
Working with an immigration attorney can help navigate complex job classifications and ensure compliance with DOL standards, significantly improving your timeline.
PWD Expiration and Next Steps
Once the prevailing wage is issued, employers typically have 90 days to one year (depending on issuance date) to file the PERM labor certification. If the PWD expires before filing, the employer must submit a new request—adding even more time to the process. Staying on top of expiration dates is critical to avoid restarting the PWD clock.
Common Questions About PWD Processing Times
Can I Expedite My PWD Request?
Unfortunately, the DOL does not offer a premium processing service for PWDs. All requests are reviewed in the order received.
Does a Redetermination Restart the Clock?
Yes. If you request a redetermination due to disagreement with the initial wage level, this restarts the review process and can delay your PERM filing.
Is the PWD Valid Nationwide?
No. A PWD is location-specific. If the job location changes to a different metropolitan area or state, a new PWD must be requested.
Conclusion
In the employment-based immigration process, PWD processing times are often the first—and sometimes slowest—step. For employers and foreign professionals alike, being informed about current timelines, best practices, and potential pitfalls is crucial. By understanding how the system works and planning ahead, you can minimize delays and keep your immigration process on track.