U.S. Labor Department Resumes Foreign Worker Visa Processing After Weeks of Delays
The U.S. Department of Labor has restarted processing applications for foreign worker programs, ending weeks of uncertainty. This move brings relief to Indian applicants and U.S.-based employers, particularly those involved in the H-1B visa program. The disruption had significantly impacted Indian professionals and employers, as they account for nearly 70% of all H-1B visa holders. The restart includes the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) process for U.S. companies sponsoring foreign professionals for green cards. Employers can now file new Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B visas and monitor pending cases through the online portal. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) platforms, including the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) and SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, are fully functional once again. Experts warn that the existing backlog could mean extended processing delays for months before operations fully stabilise. The Department of Labor anticipates increased requests for stakeholder assistance and longer processing times due to the accumulated backlog. The backlog of PERM applications had reached a critical point, with many applications filed as far back as March 2024 still awaiting decisions. The restart of services has brought relief to Indian applicants and U.S.-based employers who had been left in limbo during the government freeze. Indians received more than 72% of all H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023, indicating a strong presence in the program. While the restart is welcome news, the existing backlog may still result in extended processing times.
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