FLAG System Restored: Employers Resume H-1B Visa LCA Submissions
The Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system is once again functional, allowing U.S. employers to submit H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and PERM visa applications. The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) confirmed the restoration of services. Employers can now file new applications, track pending cases, and progress stalled filings toward decisions.
Restoration of FLAG System
The FLAG system enables users to manage various applications and access essential information related to their submissions. The OFLC expressed appreciation for the patience shown during the downtime, which was caused by a lapse in federal funding. The freeze affected operations, leading to a temporary suspension of the FLAG platform.
Importance of OFLC
The OFLC is crucial as it oversees the labor certification step necessary for U.S. employers hiring foreign workers. Applications under visa programs like H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and PERM are processed through this online system. The FLAG portal is the primary platform for filing applications, submitting supporting documents, and checking application statuses.
Reasons for Previous Shutdown
- The shutdown was linked to expired federal funding.
- Operations at the OFLC were suspended around September 30, affecting both the FLAG and SeasonalJobs.dol.gov portals.
- During the downtime, employers couldn’t submit new applications or update existing submissions.
Current Application Expectations
Prior to the system restoration, the OFLC was already dealing with a significant backlog of applications. As of July 2025, cases submitted as early as March 2024 were yet to be reviewed. Employers resuming submissions for labor conditions and PERM certifications should anticipate slower processing times due to the accumulated workload.
The OFLC has advised applicants to monitor official communication channels for updates. As services normalize, it remains crucial for employers to stay informed about system performance and processing timelines.
