As of March 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has started deleting case records that are more than five years old from the Foreign Labor Access Gateway (FLAG) system....more
An all too familiar countdown once again as we wait to hear the fate of the latest temporary extension to continue funding the government after midnight on Friday, December 20th. Employers should be aware that a shutdown will...more
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently updated its Occupational Information Network (O*NET), resulting in readjustments to the “Job Zones”—five articulated categories correlated with the levels of education, training,...more
As we move through Fall 2024, employers navigating the PERM labor certification process face a range of challenges. The process—essential for sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency—has become more complex due to...more
The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced that the legacy iCERT system for the preparation and submission of labor certification applications will be fully decommissioned on...more
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has released assignment groups for H-2B applications requesting an employment start date of October 1, 2024....more
A government shutdown was narrowly avoided on September 30, 2023 after Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government for an additional 45 days. However, another shutdown is possible if Congress does not pass...more
If Congress does not pass appropriations legislation or a stopgap spending bill by September 30, 2023, the federal government will experience a shutdown on October 1, 2023. A federal government shutdown will disrupt certain...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: If Congress cannot resolve funding issues by 11:59 pm EST on September 30, 2023, resulting in a federal government shutdown, it will have a ripple effect on employers, both large and small, with an impact...more
Unintended new job locations have always presented issues for employers with H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 workers. However, the issues are even more common today, given employers’ remote work policies and continued changes thereto. ...more
1. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Launched Online Appointment Request Form - On August 21, USCIS launched a new online form for individuals to request in-person appointments at their local field offices....more
Seyfarth Synopsis: The below summarizes recent legal updates that impact U.S. immigration: 1. Submission Deadline for FY2024 H-1B Cap Petitions - Employers should be reminded that the deadline to file a cap-subject...more
Beginning on June 1, 2023, filers submitting PERM Applications for Permanent Employment Certification must submit the revised ETA-9089 in the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, the U.S. Department of Labor’s...more
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has postponed the date for submission of permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and CW-1 applications for temporary employment...more
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has issued guidance regarding the recent trend of permanent labor certification (PERM) application denials based on how employers completed section...more
The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has announced plans to revise the permanent labor certification (PERM) process in an effort to streamline the program, improve the employer...more
AILA recently reached out to the DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) with questions about long PERM prevailing wage determination and PERM application filing processing times. (AILA Doc. No. 22101212) - ...more
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has tremendously affected where and how we work. The same is true for how the coronavirus has impacted immigration laws as they apply to U.S. work authorization. The original lockdowns from the...more
According to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 34 percent of private-sector employers expanded remote-work options for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and about 60 percent of those...more
Even before remote working considerations emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, employers filing applications for Program Electronic Review Management (“PERM”) were grappling with how to prepare Forms 9141 Application for...more
Federal agencies are providing leniency in light of the significant impact of Hurricane Ida on government operations, corporations, and those residing in the United States. Below we provide a summary of the flexibility that...more
USCIS Will Increase Filing Fees as of October 2, 2020 - On July 31, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) announced it will increase filing fees effective October 2, 2020. The fee increases will...more
Trump Administration Amends Presidential Proclamation That Temporarily Suspends New H-1B, H2B, J-1, and L-1 Visa and Travel from Abroad - On June 29, 2020, the Trump administration issued an amendment to Section 3(a)(ii)...more
As the United States responds to the COVID-19 crisis, U.S. immigration agencies are announcing sweeping changes that impact companies and their foreign national workforce. The following is a list of agency updates in response...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: On March 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) Office of Foreign Labor Certification (“OFLC”) issued Frequently Asked Questions in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, providing guidance and...more