Question 1

Does SCAG sponsor green cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SCAG has filed 8 PERM labor certification applications with the Department of Labor, with 8 certified. The median processing time from filing to decision has been 245 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 SCAG, the median processing time from filing to decision has been 245 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 SCAG?

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 SCAG's PERM approval rate?

Accepted Answer

SCAG has a 100% PERM approval rate across 8 total applications (8 certified, 0 denied, 0 withdrawn).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 Note that withdrawn cases are not counted in the approval rate calculation.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	Median Processing Days
2024	2	2	496
2023	1	1	410
2022	1	1	264
2021	1	1	158
2020	2	2	222
2016	1	1	92

Job Title	Salary	Location	Filed	Decision	Days	Status
ASSISTANT REGIONAL PLANNER G-100-24318-473238	$74,714	LOS ANGELES, CA	Nov 13, 2024	Mar 24, 2026	496	Certified
ASSISTANT REGIONAL PLANNER G-100-24032-683057	$70,283	LOS ANGELES, CA	Jan 31, 2024	Jun 9, 2025	495	Certified
ASSISTANT REGIONAL PLANNER G-100-23177-144151	$68,890	LOS ANGELES, CA	Jun 26, 2023	Aug 9, 2024	410	Certified
Network Engineer A-22130-53199	$133,000	Los Angeles, CA	May 11, 2022	Jan 30, 2023	264	Certified-Expired
Assistant Regional Planner A-21064-58840	$72,072	Los Angeles, CA	Mar 8, 2021	Aug 13, 2021	158	Certified
Application Developer A-20203-79175	$115,000	Los Angeles, CA	Jul 22, 2020	Mar 4, 2021	225	Certified-Expired
GIS Application Developer A-20084-34739	$115,000	Los Angeles, CA	Jun 29, 2020	Feb 3, 2021	219	Certified-Expired
Transportation Modeler A-16344-79217	$53,477	Los Angeles, CA	Dec 12, 2016	Mar 14, 2017	92	Certified-Expired

SCAG — Green Card PERM Data

SCAG PERM & Green Card Filings

PERM Filings by Quarter

PERM Processing Time by Year

All PERM Filings

Similar Visa Sponsors

International Well Building Institute

Fresno Council OF Governments

Southwestern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

Merced County Association OF Governments

George Washington Regional Commission

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to modernize your immigration program?

Ready to modernize your immigration program?