Last Updated on February 23, 2023
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has released the schedule for its forthcoming implementation of the new FLAG system for the Labor Condition Application (LCA) program that will cover H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 visas.
What Do I Need To Know?
Starting Sept. 16, 2019, the FLAG System’s LCA Program Module will be enabled. At this point, stakeholders will be able to start preparing H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 applications using Form ETA-9035E, Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers.
Please note, however, the FLAG System will not allow stakeholders to submit LCA applications until Oct. 1, 2019, 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
OFLC states it will continue to accept online submissions of Form ETA-9035E through its iCERT System until 11:59 a.m., Eastern Time on Oct. 1, 2019. OFLC will still process all LCA applications that are submitted through iCERT, and stakeholders will be able to access iCERT System accounts to check the status of LCAs that are submitted through iCERT.
What Is The FLAG System?
The new FLAG system will replace the legacy iCERT System. OFLAC states it will help modernize the administration of foreign labor certification programs and improve customer service. However, users of the FLAG system for Prevailing Wage Determinations have been reporting occasional system outages.
For more information on FLAG, OFLC is hosting an instructional webinar. Please click here to view details and sign up to learn more and receive technical assistance.
Envoy is pleased to provide you this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Jordan Mendez, who is a Senior Associate at Global Immigration Associates, P.C. (www.giafirm.com), Envoy’s affiliated law firm.
