Washington: The US Department of Labor has resumed processing of H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and PERM visas after operations were halted during the recent government shutdown. The department confirmed that the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system is now back online, allowing employers to hire foreign workers once again. Companies can now check pending application statuses and submit new requests, marking a positive development for professionals seeking job opportunities in the United States.
Labor certifications issued by the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) are mandatory for employers hiring foreign nationals under these visa categories. The certifications, filed through the FLAG platform, are required before petitions can be submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). H-1B visas are issued for skilled tech professionals, H-2A for agricultural laborers, H-2B for temporary non-agricultural roles, and PERM for permanent employment.
During the shutdown, the Labor Department’s closure led to the suspension of the FLAG portal, resulting in significant processing delays. Reports indicate that some applications filed as early as March 2024 remain pending and could take until mid-2025 to be cleared. Experts caution that while the system is operational again, the backlog may take time to resolve fully.