Foreign Labor Wage Updates Announced by Department of Labor

For the latest developments on AEWR methodology and implementation, visit our news alert: DOL Implements New AEWR Methodology for Non-Range H-2A Occupations. 

Key Point

• The Department of Labor has released new wage data and program updates affecting H-2A, CW-1 and PERM filings for the July 2025 through June 2026 wage year 

Prevailing Wage Data and Occupational Listings 

The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) introduced several updates to ensure wage accuracy and regulatory compliance across key employment-based immigration programs. These changes aligned prevailing wage determinations with current labor market data and clarified recruitment obligations for professional roles.

H-2A Program Wage Rates 

The Department of Labor published new Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for non-range occupations under the H-2A program. These rates are based on the latest Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey data and apply to job orders filed for the July 2025–June 2026 period. 

CW-1 Program Wage Data 

Updated prevailing wage rates for 848 occupations in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have been issued for CW-1 petitions. These rates are also based on OEWS data and are effective for the current wage year. 

Colorado OEWS Wage Data Restored 

The Department of Labor reinstated OEWS wage data for Colorado after a temporary suspension. OFLC has resumed processing prevailing wage requests for the state using updated location-specific data. 

PERM Appendix A Revisions 

OFLC has released an updated Appendix A list of professional occupations for the PERM program. This list determines which roles require professional recruitment procedures and is applicable to filings submitted during the July 2025 through June 2026 cycle. 

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