Introduction

For U.S. employers looking to sponsor foreign nationals for employment-based green cards, the PERM labor processing time is a critical factor in long-term planning. The PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) labor certification is the first step in obtaining an employment-based green card, and delays in this stage can affect everything from workforce planning to immigration timelines. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed look at the PERM labor processing time in 2025, what affects it, and how employers and employees can navigate the process more efficiently.

What Is PERM Labor Certification?

Before diving into the PERM labor processing time, it’s essential to understand what PERM entails.

Purpose of PERM

PERM is the system used by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact job opportunities or wages for U.S. workers. Through this process, employers must prove that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position and that the employment terms meet prevailing wage standards.

Form ETA 9089

The PERM process officially begins with the filing of Form ETA 9089, which is submitted electronically via the DOL’s FLAG (Foreign Labor Application Gateway) system. Once approved, employers can proceed with filing Form I-140 with USCIS.

PERM Labor Processing Time in 2025

Current Timeline Overview

As of August 2025, the average PERM labor processing time ranges from 6 to 8 months for standard applications. However, the timeline can be affected by various factors, which we’ll explore below.

Audited Applications

If an application is selected for audit—either randomly or due to red flags—the PERM labor processing time may increase significantly, often stretching to 12 months or more. Audits are not necessarily a sign of a problem but do require additional scrutiny and documentation.

Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD)

Although not counted within the official PERM labor processing time, the PWD is a mandatory pre-step. Employers must obtain a prevailing wage determination from the DOL before beginning the recruitment phase. In 2025, PWDs are taking approximately 2 to 3 months, which adds to the overall green card process.

Key Factors Affecting PERM Labor Processing Time

1. Application Accuracy

Errors or inconsistencies in the ETA 9089 form, job ads, or recruitment documentation can delay review or lead to an audit, increasing.

2. Recruitment Phase Delays

The PERM process requires employers to conduct a recruitment campaign to test the labor market. This includes:

• Two Sunday newspaper ads

• State workforce agency job posting

• Internal job posting at the employer’s worksite

This recruitment phase takes at least 60 days, including a mandatory 30-day quiet period after the ads run.

3. Case Complexity

Specialized roles, multi-location jobs, or hybrid/remote positions may require additional clarification, making these applications more prone to audits or extended processing times.

4. Department of Labor Workload

Fluctuations in the DOL’s volume of applications can also impact. High volumes typically mean longer wait times, especially in Q3 and Q4.

How to Check PERM Labor Processing Time

The Department of Labor updates processing times monthly on its website. Employers and applicants can monitor:

• Analyst Review Queue: Processing times for non-audited applications

• Audit Review Queue: Estimated timeframes for applications selected for audit

As of August 2025:

• Analyst review is processing ETA 9089 forms filed in February 2025

• Audited cases are being reviewed from October 2024

Tips to Reduce PERM Labor Processing Time Delays

1. Use Experienced Legal Counsel

Immigration attorneys who are well-versed in PERM applications can help avoid costly mistakes that result in delays or audits.

2. Plan Ahead for Recruitment

Prepare your recruitment schedule in advance. Begin PWD requests early and plan ad placements strategically to reduce downtime between phases.

3. Keep Documentation Organized

Maintain detailed records of job ads, resumes received, interview notes, and rejection reasons. This preparation is essential in case of an audit.

4. Monitor for DOL Updates

Stay informed about changes in PERM procedures or delays by subscribing to DOL updates or consulting your legal team regularly.

PERM Labor Processing Time vs. Total Green Card Timeline

While  iits a significant phase, it’s just one part of the employment-based green card journey. Here’s how the full timeline typically looks:

1. Prevailing Wage Determination – 2 to 3 months

2. Recruitment Phase – 2 months

3. PERM Processing – 6 to 12 months (depending on audit)

4. I-140 Petition Processing – 6 to 8 months (or 15 days with premium processing)

5. Adjustment of Status (I-485) – 10 to 18 months (varies by category and priority date)

Altogether, the process can take 18 to 30 months from start to finish.

What Happens After PERM Is Approved?

Once the PERM application is certified:

• The employer files Form I-140 with USCIS to confirm the foreign worker’s eligibility for an immigrant visa.

• The worker can then either adjust status (if in the U.S.) or proceed with consular processing abroad.

• Visa availability depends on the visa bulletin issued monthly by the Department of State.

Can PERM Labor Processing Time Be Expedited?

Unfortunately, the Department of Labor does not offer premium or expedited processing for PERM applications. That means the best way to avoid delays is through accurate filing, strategic timing, and legal guidance.

Conclusion

The PERM labor processing time plays a pivotal role in the employment-based green card process. In 2025, standard processing times range from 6 to 8 months, but that can easily extend beyond a year if an audit is triggered. Employers and foreign workers should take proactive steps—from careful document preparation to early recruitment planning—to keep their cases on track. With attention to detail and proper legal support, navigating PERM can be a smoother experience with fewer delays.

Introduction:

The digital world is constantly evolving, with new ideas and terms emerging daily. One such term making its way into modern conversation is rawkum. Whether you’ve come across it in a forum, an indie project, or an innovative startup idea, this mysterious yet intriguing word is gaining traction. In this guide, we will explore what rawkum is, where it might be headed, and why you should care about it now more than ever.

1. What is Rawkum?

1.1 Defining Rawkum

At first glance, rawkum may appear like a made-up word, a brand, or a digital concept. While not yet widely defined in dictionaries or academic resources, it’s being used across online communities to describe a raw, unfiltered approach to creative work, performance, or technology. In essence, rawkum represents authenticity, originality, and boldness — a pushback against overproduced or corporate-filtered outputs.

1.2 Etymology and Origins

Although the exact origin of the word “rawkum” is unclear, many associate it with:

• The word “raw”, symbolizing unprocessed or natural

• A stylized suffix “-kum” for creative branding

• Underground or indie cultures where authenticity is prized

This blend gives rawkum an edgy, grassroots feel — ideal for emerging creators, decentralized platforms, and alternative thinkers.

2. Why Rawkum is Becoming a Buzzword

2.1 The Rise of Authentic Expression

Audiences today are increasingly drawn to raw, unfiltered content. Social media influencers, indie artists, and digital creators are shedding polished perfection for realness. Rawkum is becoming shorthand for this aesthetic — honest, emotional, and powerful.

2.2 The Rejection of Corporate Narratives

From music to fashion to software development, there’s a growing rejection of mainstream commercialization. Rawkum signals a departure from sterile branding and leans into grassroots, user-first values. It celebrates imperfection, diversity, and individuality.

3. Applications and Interpretations of Rawkum

3.1 In Creative Arts

Musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers have begun using the term rawkum to describe projects that:

• Prioritize emotion over polish

• Use minimal editing or processing

• Embrace DIY and lo-fi techniques

In this context, rawkum becomes a movement — a return to honest storytelling and expression.

3.2 In Tech and Software

In software development, rawkum can describe platforms or tools built with transparency, simplicity, and user-centric design. Developers may label their work as “rawkum” when it is:

• Open-source

• Built with minimal frameworks

• Created with transparency in code and intent

This is appealing in an age where users value data privacy, ethical software, and community-built tools.

3.3 In Lifestyle and Branding

Brands aiming to be seen as authentic or alternative may adopt the rawkum aesthetic — raw photography, handwritten typography, real user testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content.

4. The Rawkum Philosophy

4.1 Embracing Imperfection

Central to the rawkum ideology is the belief that imperfection is not a flaw but a feature. In a world obsessed with filters and editing, rawkum encourages creators to leave things raw — to let emotion, flaws, and spontaneity shine.

4.2 Community Over Commercialization

Rawkum isn’t about massive profits or viral success. It’s about building something meaningful, for real people. Whether it’s a zine, an open-source app, or a music collective, rawkum values grassroots community over corporate goals.

5. How to Create with the Rawkum Mindset

If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or developer, here are some tips to infuse rawkum into your work:

• Skip unnecessary polish — Let your audience see the process, not just the result.

• Be transparent — Whether you’re writing code, lyrics, or articles, openness builds trust.

• Build with purpose — Choose passion and authenticity over trends and profits.

• Engage directly — Rawkum is personal. Engage with your community on a real level.

6. Rawkum vs. Mainstream Trends

This contrast is what makes rawkum appealing to emerging generations who crave honesty and individuality in their digital experiences.

7. Is Rawkum a Brand, Movement, or Idea?

It can be all three — and that’s what makes it exciting.

• As a brand, could represent a music label, clothing line, or creative platform.

• As a movement, it’s already fueling conversations about realness and digital authenticity.

• As an idea, it gives creators permission to break the rules and trust their gut.

The potential is wide open, and the future depends on how communities and creatives choose to define and use it.

8. The Future of Rawkum

8.1 A New Creative Standard

Expect to see influence everything from YouTube channels to tech startups. As more people reject curated perfection, style content will likely become more mainstream — ironically becoming a new standard of authenticity.

8.2 Integration with Decentralized Platforms

Decentralized web projects (Web3), blockchain content ownership, and indie distribution platforms could adopt principles — valuing user control, real storytelling, and transparency.

8.3 Educational and DIY Resources

Courses, guides, and mentorship programs built on the mindset will likely appear, helping the next generation of creators express themselves fully and freely.

Conclusion: Why Rawkum Matters Now More Than Ever

In a noisy digital world, cuts through the clutter. It represents a return to creativity that’s raw, bold, and honest. Whether you’re a creator, a coder, or a community builder, embracing the  spirit means trusting your instincts, ditching the filters, and building something real.

Introduction

When leadership transcends boardrooms and touches lives, Shannon Swanick stands front and center. Combining her passion for civic innovation with data ethics and community empowerment, Shannon Swanick has become a beacon for equitable technological progress. This article illuminates her journey—from pioneering civic tech to reshaping leadership philosophies—with real-world impact you’ll want to explore.

Who Is Shannon Swanick?

Born in Boston with early roots in civic activism, Shannon Swanick channeled her curiosity into impactful civic solutions. Her academic path—from leading sustainability initiatives in high school to building renewable-energy frameworks at institutions like Stanford and MIT—laid the foundation for a leadership style uniquely grounded in empathy and data ethics

Shannon Swanick’s Civic Tech Contributions

Heading: From Smart Cities to Community-Controlled Data

In a world fixated on top-down tech solutions, Shannon Swanick envisioned a different future. Her “Community Data Initiative” redefined civic technology by giving residents tools to gather, interpret, and use data about their neighborhoods—ensuring equitable influence in local policy and urban services

Subheading: PlanTogether — Inclusive Engagement Redefined

One of her landmark projects, PlanTogether, broke down participation barriers by enabling asynchronous community engagement. The result: a 340% spike in participation and renewed involvement from groups like working parents and seniors—underscoring how Shannon Swanick reimagines public input

Transformational Process Optimization: A Leadership Framework

Heading: Redefining Efficiency with Human-Centered Optimization

With her proprietary methodology—Transformational Process Optimization—Shannon Swanick blends organizational efficiency with human-centered design. Her TPO approach has delivered remarkable outcomes: slashed production waste, heightened response times, and better staff satisfaction across sectors including manufacturing and healthcare

Subheading: Empathy as Strategy, Not Just Feel-Good Mission

Shannon emphasizes that systems must serve people, not replace them. Her leadership style encourages measurable improvements rooted in compassion—a philosophy she calls “rigorous empathy”

Civic Empowerment & Community Outreach

Heading: Building Powerful, Inclusive Tech for Communities

Under Shannon Swanick’s leadership, civic data systems evolved from experiments to influential tools. These platforms help residents monitor transit, infrastructure, and housing—enabling better resource allocation and empowering equity-focused policy advocacy

Subheading: Mentorship Across All Stages

Believing in the multiplier effect of mentorship, Shannon Swanick co-founded initiatives like the Bright Futures program to uplift underrepresented youth in STEM. Beyond funding, she offers coaching and real-world civic project experience—shaping tomorrow’s changemakers

Overcoming Challenges with Principle

Heading: From Boardroom Pushback to Ethical Leadership

Despite early resistance—like doubters at McKinsey dismissing her sustainability suggestions—Shannon Swanick remained unwavering. Her measured response and data-driven proposals eventually helped institutionalize greener corporate strategies and confirm her standing as a value-focused leader

Subheading: Leadership That Lasts, Not Just Launches

Unlike the Silicon Valley model of speed at all costs, Shannon Swanick champions long-term systemic change. Her mantra encourages thoughtful, incremental progress over flashy but unsustainable moves—a vision reflected in her legacy of lasting transformation

Why Shannon Swanick Resonates Today

 uniquely combines the strategic finesse of an executive with empathetic leadership and civic advocacy. Her efforts—spanning civic engagement platforms, mentorship programs, and inclusive data governance—redefine what meaningful leadership looks like in the 21st century.

Conclusion

For communities, professionals, and aspiring leaders seeking real impact, Shannon Swanick offers a powerful example. Her blend of empathy, justice, and operational excellence continues to reshape how we understand leadership and technology’s role in society. Let her story inspire your own journey toward thoughtful, inclusive innovation.