As of February 2025, the National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) is processing Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) filed in July 2024 for both OES and non-OES wages, including private wage surveys. Redetermination requests submitted in October 2024 are also currently under review. Based on recent trends, PWDs are being issued in approximately six months.
Updated processing times
For PERM applications, the Department of Labor (DOL) is now processing cases filed in October 2023. The average adjudication time has increased to 489 days (if no audit is issued), marking a 27-day increase from the processing times reported in January 2025. The February update does not include new data on audited cases, but according to the DOL’s December 2024 report, audits were being processed for applications filed in December 2022, with an average total processing time of 496 days. Additionally, PERM reconsideration requests submitted in July 2024 remain under review, with no reported changes from the previous update.
Currently, we are seeing PERM approvals within 15 to 16 months for cases that do not require an audit, which aligns with the DOL’s reported averages.
BDV Solutions: February 2025 Approval Highlights
At BDV Solutions, we take pride in every success story. Each approval we receive marks a significant step in helping our clients achieve their American dream. February 2025 was another great month as we continue to guide individuals and families through the employment-based immigration process.
Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that our clients have the support they need at every stage of their journey, from filing labor certifications to securing green cards. With each new approval, we are one step closer to helping more people build their futures in the U.S.
Here are our impressive approval numbers for February 2025:
- I-140 approvals - 143
- Labor Certification (LC) approvals - 146
- Visa approvals - 5
- Green Card (GC) approvals - 5
USCIS Visa Bulletin
The March 2025 Visa Bulletin brings some positive movement for EB-3 Unskilled workers.
Final Action Date: February 1, 2021 (2 months of movement)
Dates for Filing: May 22, 2021 (No movement)
While the Final Action Date has moved forward, the Dates for Filing remain unchanged. As always, BDV Solutions is here to help you navigate the visa process and stay prepared for any upcoming changes.
USCIS News
New H-1B Changes: What It Means for EB-3 — Positive News for Green Card Seekers!
The USCIS has announced that the H-1B cap registration period for FY 2026 will open from March 7 to March 24, 2025. Employers must register each beneficiary using a USCIS online account and pay a $215 fee. A new beneficiary-centric selection process will prioritize unique beneficiaries over multiple registrations.
Impact on EB-3:
This announcement has little to no direct impact on the EB-3 visa category. The EB-3 program is a separate employment-based green card pathway that follows different eligibility criteria and processes.
Reduced Pressure on EB-3: With a more streamlined H-1B registration process, some employers may choose to pursue H-1B sponsorship first, potentially reducing immediate demand for EB-3 sponsorship.
Stable EB-3 Demand: Since the EB-3 visa primarily targets permanent employment rather than temporary roles like the H-1B, its demand is less influenced by seasonal H-1B registration changes.
Alternative for Non-Selected H-1B Applicants: Individuals who are not selected in the H-1B lottery may explore the EB-3 pathway as a viable alternative.
Overall, while this H-1B registration update aims to improve efficiency for that visa category, it does not negatively affect the EB-3 program and may even create opportunities for qualified candidates seeking permanent employment in the U.S.
