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U.S. Department of Labor Restores FLAG System: Employers Can Resume Foreign Labor Filings

U.S. Department of Labor Restores FLAG System: Employers Can Resume Foreign Labor Filings

Irving, Texas, 05/11/2025:

In a significant development for the U.S. immigration and employment landscape, the Department of Labor has officially restored the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, which allows employers across the country to resume submissions for H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and PERM visa programs. This restoration marks a crucial step forward for businesses dependent on foreign talent and for skilled professionals seeking employment in the United States.

On October 31, 2025, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced that all FLAG system operations have been fully reinstated. Employers can once again prepare, submit, and manage applications pending final determination. The update also confirms that SeasonalJobs.dol.gov (a key platform for temporary job postings under the H-2A and H-2B categories) is now live.

Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, the resumption of these services signals stability amidst uncertainty. As immigration attorney Peter Bade of Envoy Global remarked, “It appears for now, despite the ongoing shutdown, immigration attorneys will be able to continue filing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and PERM certifications. However, we expect delays as the DOL ramps up its FLAG system operations.”

For thousands of international workers and U.S. employers dealing with the complexities of immigration compliance, this update represents renewed momentum in an otherwise stagnant season.

At GCEB1, we recognize the broader implications such policy shifts hold for the employment-based immigration community. As a leading EB-1A green card consultancy, our mission remains clear: to deliver transparent, timely, and insightful updates on every reform shaping the U.S. visa ecosystem.

Stay informed with GCEB1: your trusted source for expert guidance and analysis on EB-1A immigration and beyond.

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