The U.S. Department of Labor has officially resumed processing H-1B and Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) applications. This follows a temporary shutdown of its Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, which was previously inaccessible due to a lapse in federal funding. Now, employers can once again submit new Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and PERM labor certification requests through the online portal.
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) confirmed that the FLAG system is fully operational, allowing for seamless submissions and status tracking. However, the temporary outage meant that all H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and PERM filings were paused, leading to a significant backlog of applications. The department has advised all stakeholders to exercise patience as they work through these accumulated submissions.
An official announcement from OFLC stated, “The OFLC FLAG system is now accessible and permits system users to prepare and submit new applications, as well as submit and receive information associated with pending applications.”
How the Outage Affected Employers
The temporary halt in FLAG operations was directly caused by the expiration of U.S. Department of Labor funding, which triggered a government shutdown. This resulted in both the FLAG portal and the SeasonalJobs.dol.gov registry going offline, stopping all prevailing wage requests, LCA filings, and PERM applications. Employers were unable to submit or even amend applications during this period.
As a result of the disruption, some filings that dated back to March 2024 were still pending as of July 2025, according to U.S. Department of Labor officials. The department clarified that this outage was unrelated to its ongoing system modernization efforts. An OFLC spokesperson conveyed apologies for the inconvenience, stating, “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as OFLC transitions back to full operational status.”
Key Checks Employers Should Prioritize
Employers who are now resuming submissions are strongly advised to verify several critical elements immediately. First, it is essential to ensure that all previously submitted documentation aligns with the current requirements within the FLAG system. This includes a thorough review of LCAs for H-1B positions and all PERM labor certification requests.
Secondly, applicants must diligently monitor their pending cases for any updates. An OFLC official recommended, “Employers should allow additional time for adjudications due to backlog and check the official OFLC website for the latest status of submissions.” Furthermore, employers must confirm that prevailing wage determinations accurately reflect the most recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, as any discrepancies could lead to further delays. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date contact information within the FLAG portal is also crucial for receiving timely communications regarding application outcomes.
What This Means for New Applications
With the FLAG system restored, employers can now submit new H-1B and PERM applications without system-related interruptions. The portal fully supports document uploads, application tracking, and interactions with the SeasonalJobs.dol.gov registry for temporary employment programs. However, employers planning new petitions should factor in ongoing processing delays caused by the accumulated backlog, even as they benefit from the fully operational system.
The U.S. Department of Labor has confirmed that all filings through FLAG are now being accepted and normal operations have resumed. Officials have emphasized the critical importance of verifying submission accuracy to prevent any additional delays in the adjudication process.
