The US Department of Labor (DOL) has officially announced that its Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has resumed full processing of applications for both temporary and permanent employment visa programs, including the H-1B and PERM systems. The operations were restored following a month-long outage triggered by a federal funding lapse during the government shutdown that began around September 30, 2025.
This development brings major relief to thousands of employers and foreign professionals, particularly Indian nationals, who account for nearly 70% of H-1B visa holders working in the US technology, engineering, and healthcare sectors.
Resumption of OFLC Operations
According to the official DOL notice, OFLC’s online systems, including the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) and SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, are now fully operational. Employers can once again:
- Submit Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B visa workers
- File new PERM labor certification requests (a key step toward employment-based Green Cards)
- Track and manage ongoing applications pending final determinations
The OFLC stated, “The FLAG system is now accessible and permits users to prepare and submit new applications, as well as receive information associated with pending cases.”
Background: One-Month Halt Due to Federal Shutdown
The disruption began in late September 2025, coinciding with the expiration of federal funding during the temporary government shutdown. While the DOL did not explicitly cite the shutdown as the cause, multiple media outlets reported that the funding lapse directly led to the temporary suspension of all OFLC-related services.
During the outage, employers were unable to file, update, or access any new or pending labor certification applications, resulting in widespread operational delays.
Impact on Employers and Workers
The shutdown had a ripple effect across industries dependent on foreign skilled labor, such as:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Healthcare and Biomedical Research
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Higher Education and Research Institutions
As of July 2025, some PERM cases filed as early as March 2024 were still pending, and the shutdown further extended these backlogs. Employers also struggled to maintain compliance with federal timelines, raising concerns about visa expirations and employee work status.
What Resumption Means for H-1B and Green Card Applicants
With systems back online, employers and attorneys can resume key processes critical to the US immigration and employment framework:
- Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-1B visas, ensuring foreign hires do not impact US workers’ wages.
- Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) filings, the first step toward Green Card sponsorship for foreign employees in permanent roles.
- Prevailing Wage Determinations, essential for setting fair compensation in visa and permanent residency petitions.
The restart also allows foreign professionals, particularly from India, to move forward in their career and immigration journeys after weeks of uncertainty.
DOL Warns of Delays Amid Backlog
While confirming the resumption, the DOL cautioned that processing might still be slower than usual due to accumulated pending applications.
The department noted, “We anticipate increased requests for stakeholder assistance, and some may experience longer-than-normal processing and response times. We appreciate your patience as OFLC transitions back to full operational status.”
Employers are advised to monitor the OFLC website for updates, including technical assistance notices and FAQs addressing system restoration and backlog management.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
| Authority | US Department of Labor (DOL) |
| Division | Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) |
| Systems Affected | FLAG portal, SeasonalJobs.dol.gov |
| Programs Resumed | H-1B (LCA), PERM Labor Certifications, Prevailing Wage Requests |
| Outage Duration | ~1 month (Sept 30–Oct 30, 2025) |
| Cause | Federal funding lapse during government shutdown |
| Affected Workers | Primarily Indian tech professionals (~70% of H-1B holders) |
| Current Status | Fully operational as of November 2025 |
| Processing Outlook | Slower due to backlog; expect delays |
Why This Matters for Indian H-1B Professionals
India remains the largest source of skilled professionals under the H-1B visa program, with top tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Infosys employing thousands through the system. The resumption ensures:
- Timely H-1B extensions and transfers
- Continued Green Card sponsorship via PERM
- Reduced uncertainty for visa holders nearing expiration
- Resumed recruitment for employers seeking overseas talent
This move restores stability to the US’s skilled migration pipeline, a critical component for industries facing domestic labor shortages.
Next Steps for Employers and Attorneys
Employers are encouraged to:
- Log in to FLAG portal (flag.dol.gov) and check application statuses.
- Resubmit pending LCAs and PERM filings that may have timed out during the outage.
- Plan for extended processing windows, accounting for backlog.
- Stay updated through OFLC’s official announcements and technical notices.
The resumption of H-1B and PERM application processing by the US Department of Labor’s OFLC marks a crucial step in restoring normalcy for employers and skilled workers after a month-long government funding disruption. While backlogs may continue to cause delays, the reopening of the FLAG portal ensures that both US companies and foreign professionals—especially from India—can resume key employment and immigration processes.
For official guidance, visit the OFLC portal and DOL updates page, and bookmark this article for continued coverage on visa and labor certification developments.
