DOL to soon Begin Accepting PERM Applications in FLAG System

Immigration can be a complex and often frustrating process for many individuals seeking to work or reside in the United States. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), a division of Employment & Training Administration within the Department of Labor (DOL), plays a crucial role in this process, as it is responsible for ensuring that foreign workers meet the requirements for permanent employment certification also known as PERM.

On May 16, 2023, OFLC will begin accepting the revised Form ETA-9089, Applications for Permanent Employment Certification, through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. As of April 24, 2023, filers are allowed to begin creating and staging applications in the FLAG system.

Due to the transition to the revised version of the form and the transition to FLAG, the OFLC will no longer accept new applications submitted through the legacy PERM Online System after May 15, 2023, at 6:59 p.m. EST. After May 15, 2023, OFLC will no longer accept the previous version of Form ETA-9089, either electronically or by mail.

The revised Form ETA-9089 (PERM) includes a number of changes, including:

• A new section on the application to collect information about the employer’s compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).
• A new section on the application to collect information about the employer’s efforts to recruit U.S. workers for the job opportunity.
• A new section on the application to collect information about the employer’s wage offer.
• A new section on the application to collect information about the employer’s training plans for the job opportunity.

The FLAG system is a cloud-based application that is designed to make it easier for filers to submit and track their applications for permanent employment certification. The system includes a number of features that are designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the application process, including:

• An intuitive interface that makes it simple to locate and complete the necessary forms.
• A built-in calculator that helps filers to determine the prevailing wage for the job opportunity.
• A tracking system that allows filers to monitor the status of their applications.
• A notification system that alerts filers to important deadlines and events.

OFLC encourages all filers to begin using the FLAG system as soon as possible. The system can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection.

For more information about the revised Form ETA-9089 and the FLAG system, please visit the OFLC website.