Question 1

Does Shearman & Sterling sponsor green cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shearman & Sterling has filed 9 PERM labor certification applications with the Department of Labor, with 7 certified. The median processing time from filing to decision has been 111 days.

Question 2

What is the current PERM processing time?

Accepted Answer

The DOL processing time from PERM filing to decision typically ranges from 6 to 18 months. This does not include the prevailing wage determination (1–6 months) or the recruitment period (2–3 months) that happen before filing. For Shearman & Sterling, the median processing time from filing to decision has been 111 days. See the processing time chart above for year-over-year trends.

Question 3

How long does it take to get a green card through Shearman & Sterling?

Accepted Answer

The full employer-sponsored green card timeline depends on three stages: PERM labor certification (6–18 months), I-140 petition with USCIS (4–6 months, or 15 days with premium processing), and adjustment of status or consular processing. For applicants from countries with visa backlogs like India and China, the wait for a visa number after I-140 approval can add years. The total process from start to green card typically takes 1–5+ years.

Question 4

What triggers a PERM audit?

Accepted Answer

The DOL may audit a PERM application if certain risk factors are present: layoffs within 6 months of filing, the foreign worker having an ownership interest in the company, job requirements that exceed the norm for the occupation, foreign language requirements, or combination occupations. An audit requires additional documentation but does not mean the case will be denied.

Question 5

What is Shearman & Sterling's PERM approval rate?

Accepted Answer

Shearman & Sterling has a 87.5% PERM approval rate across 9 total applications (7 certified, 1 denied, 1 withdrawn). The national average PERM approval rate is approximately 85%. Note that withdrawn cases are not counted in the approval rate calculation.

Year	Filings	Certified	Denied	Withdrawn	Median Processing Days
2025	1	0	0	1	—
2023	1	1	0	0	405
2019	1	0	1	0	—
2018	1	1	0	0	111
2017	2	2	0	0	126
2016	3	3	0	0	101

Job Title	Salary	Location	Filed	Decision	Days	Status
Mid-Level Associate Attorney (Antitrust) G-100-25118-910782	$223,371	Washington, DC	Apr 28, 2025	Dec 2, 2025	218	Withdrawn
Mid Level Associate Attorney (Finance) A-23009-84224	$250,000	New York, NY	Feb 3, 2023	Mar 14, 2024	405	Certified-Expired
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Project Development & Finance) A-19074-82405	$230,000	New York, NY	Apr 5, 2019	Jun 11, 2019	67	Denied
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Project Development & Finance) A-18008-28420	N/A	Washington, DC	Feb 13, 2018	Jun 4, 2018	111	Certified
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Finance) A-17144-42383	N/A	New York, NY	Aug 11, 2017	Dec 27, 2017	138	Certified-Expired
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Mergers & Acquisitions) A-17145-42880	N/A	New York, NY	Jul 5, 2017	Oct 26, 2017	113	Certified-Expired
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Asset Management, Derivaties) A-16162-20670	$210,000	New York, NY	Jul 8, 2016	Oct 13, 2016	97	Certified-Expired
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Mergers and Acquisitions) A-16146-14318	$210,000	New York, NY	Jul 8, 2016	Oct 17, 2016	101	Certified-Expired
Mid-level Associate Attorney (Mergers & Acquisitions) A-16147-15212	$210,000	New York, NY	Jul 1, 2016	Oct 17, 2016	108	Certified-Expired

Shearman & Sterling — Green Card PERM Data

Shearman & Sterling PERM & Green Card Filings

PERM Filings by Quarter

PERM Processing Time by Year

All PERM Filings

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