After nearly a month-long disruption caused by a lapse in federal funding, the US Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that its Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has resumed processing applications for both temporary and permanent employment-based immigration programs.
The outage, which began around September 30, had paralyzed several key systems used by American employers to hire foreign talent. The resumption marks a crucial relief for industries such as technology, healthcare, and education, which rely heavily on skilled overseas professionals, especially those from India.
According to a DOL notice issued last Friday, “OFLC's FLAG system is now accessible and permits system users to prepare and submit new applications as well as submit and receive information associated with their applications pending a final determination.”
H-1B and Green Card pathways reopen
The restart allows employers to once again file Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B visas, a popular work visa category for highly skilled foreign professionals. The system also resumes processing of Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certifications, which form the first step for US employers sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residency or Green Cards.
These certifications ensure that the hiring of foreign nationals does not negatively impact the wages or working conditions of US workers.
The Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) portal and the SeasonalJobs.dol.gov website—both essential tools for filing applications and tracking case status—are now fully operational after being offline for weeks.
The pause in services was reportedly linked to a funding lapse during the federal government shutdown at the end of September, according to US media reports. However, the DOL’s official communication did not directly mention the cause.
OFLC promises phased recovery
In its statement, the DOL said it was working to restore normal operations while managing the growing volume of applications. “OFLC is taking all steps necessary to resume application processing and will post additional announcements and other technical assistance notices for all stakeholders on this website, as appropriate,” the notice read.
The agency also cautioned employers about potential delays as it works through the accumulated backlog. “We do anticipate increased requests for stakeholder assistance, and this means some stakeholders may experience longer than normal processing and response times. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as OFLC transitions back to full operational status,” the DOL said.
Impact on Indian professionals
The disruption had a disproportionate impact on Indian professionals, who make up nearly 70 percent of all H-1B visa recipients. Many depend on timely LCA and PERM approvals to maintain lawful immigration status and continue employment in the United States.
The shutdown froze thousands of pending cases, including prevailing wage determinations, LCAs, and PERM filings. According to immigration attorneys, this created uncertainty for workers facing imminent visa expirations.
As of July 2025, some applications filed as early as March 2024 were still awaiting resolution, suggesting that the latest backlog could further strain processing timelines.
Employers brace for continued delays
During the outage, employers were unable to submit new applications or update existing ones, causing major disruptions to hiring cycles. Tech companies and staffing firms that rely heavily on international talent were among the hardest hit.
The Department of Labor has acknowledged that clearing the backlog could take time, even with systems now restored. Officials said additional guidance and technical support updates would be published for stakeholders in the coming weeks.
While the resumption of OFLC’s services signals a return to normalcy, immigration experts warn that employers and applicants should expect slower turnaround times through the rest of the year.
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