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Immigration News Alert
FLAG System Restored: DOL Resumes Processing Foreign Labor Applications
For the most up-to-date insights on PERM and Prevailing Wage processing timelines, read our news alert: 2025 DOL PERM & Prevailing Wage Processing Updates.
On November 5, 2025, OFLC issued temporary filing extensions and emergency procedures to support employers affected by the October government shutdown. These measures include deadline relief, manual entry of mailed submissions and flexibility for PERM and temporary visa filings. For full details, see our news alert: OFLC Announces Filing Extensions After October 2025 Shutdown.
Key Point
- The Department of Labor has restored the FLAG system and resumed processing foreign labor applications across all programs
FLAG System Restored
On October 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has fully restored its Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. This means employers can once again submit new applications and manage pending ones for both temporary and permanent employment programs.
Key updates include:
- Resumption of prevailing wage and labor certification processing for temporary (e.g., H-2A, H-2B) and permanent employment.
- Full restoration of the FLAG system, allowing users to prepare, submit and receive updates on applications.
- SeasonalJobs.dol.gov is also back online, providing access to temporary job postings under H-2A and H-2B programs.
- OFLC anticipates higher-than-usual assistance requests, which may lead to longer processing and response times.
- Additional announcements and technical guidance will be posted on the FLAG website as needed.
System Restored, Allowing Key Filings to Resume
Peter Bade, Managing Attorney, commented:
It appears that, for now, immigration attorneys can continue filing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B, E-3 and H-1B1 visa petitions, along with Prevailing Wage Requests and PERM Labor Certification applications, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. This announcement also signals that the Department of Labor will resume issuing certified LCAs, Prevailing Wage Determinations and PERM Labor Certifications. That said, we anticipate delays as the DOL works to bring the FLAG system and related operations fully back online.
Although the FLAG system is now accepting submissions, the Department of Labor has not provided a clear timeline for when adjudications will resume. The announcement leaves key timing details unresolved, and employers should expect continued delays as the agency recovers from the shutdown.
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