As of September 22, 2009, the Department of Labor reports the following processing times:

• There are 65,800 PERM applications pending;
• Of that number, approximately 24,600 are in the Audit queue (37% of the PERM case load);
• DOL is currently processing Audit cases received filed on or before October 2007;
• Of that number, appproximately 37,500 applications are in final review (57% of the PERM case load), which refers to applications not yet audited or for which an Audit response has been returned;
• Of that number, approximately 3000 applications (9% of the PERM case load) are in the Request for Review and Request for Reconsiderations queues.  DOL is currently working on Requests filed on or before August 2007.

This bleak picture flies in the face of the DOL promise when it implemented the new, "streamlined" PERM system that applications would be adjudicated in 45-60 days.  DOL advises it expects this downward spiral and increase in processing times to continue.