Department of Labor Extends RFI Deadline for Schedule A Occupations

The Department of Labor (DOL) has extended its initial Request for Information (RFI) deadline to revise the list of Schedule A occupations that don’t require permanent labor certification (PERM).  

Overview 

Initially, the RFI comment period was open through Feb. 20, 2024. The deadline has been extended to May 13, 2024. Although the deadline has changed, the intent of the RFI has not. The DOL is seeking the public’s input on the data sources and methods utilized for determining if labor shortages exist, if Schedule A should be used to alleviate STEM occupation labor shortages, and if so, how the DOL can establish an objective, reliable and transparent methodology for identifying STEM occupations experiencing labor shortages.  

The DOL’s RFI is part of the Biden administration’s broader initiative, as stated in Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence issued in October 2023, on drawing more high-skilled foreign talent to the U.S. The executive order also aims to streamline immigration processes.  

Looking Ahead 

If the list of Schedule A occupations is revised, it will be the first change to the list since 2004. The DOL welcomes and encourages the public’s input on updating and modernizing the list.  

Envoy is pleased to provide you with this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Anne Walsh, who is a Partner at Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., a U.S. law firm who provides services through the Envoy Platform (the “U.S. Law Firm”).