H-1B Visa Applications to Be Deleted from March 20 – What It Means for Applicants & Employers
Date: 20-mar-2025 | By: Nuztrend Team
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced that starting March 20, 2025, it will begin deleting older H-1B visa applications and other foreign labor certification records from the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG). This move follows standard federal record retention policies, and affected individuals and employers must download necessary documents before the deadline.
What Records Will Be Deleted?
The deletion process aligns with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) schedule, which mandates the removal of temporary records that are older than five years from their final determination date. The affected records include:
- H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, and E-3 visa applications – Temporary work visas requiring labor condition approvals.
- Permanent Labor Certification Applications (PERM) – Required for certain employment-based green card applications.
- Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWD) – Wage assessments used in visa and labor certification applications.
How Does This Affect H-1B Visa Applicants and Employers?
1. Permanent Data Loss
Any documents older than five years will be permanently removed from the FLAG system, making them inaccessible to applicants, employers, and legal representatives.
2. Impact on Future Visa Applications
Employers who need access to previous labor condition applications (LCAs) and prevailing wage determinations (PWDs) for H-1B extensions or green card applications may face difficulties if they haven't saved copies of their records.
3. Operational Challenges for Employers
Companies that hire foreign workers must ensure they have backup copies of their records for compliance with U.S. labor laws and future visa applications.
What Employers and Applicants Should Do Before March 20
1. Review Your FLAG System Account
Employers and legal representatives should log into the FLAG system and check if they have records approaching the five-year deletion mark.
Also Read
2. Download Important Documents
Ensure all necessary H-1B, PERM, and PWD records are downloaded and securely stored before they are deleted.
3. Stay Updated on Future Policy Changes
The U.S. Department of Labor frequently updates visa-related policies. Staying informed will help applicants and employers avoid compliance issues and make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
The deletion of H-1B visa and labor certification records starting March 20, 2025, is part of routine federal document management policies. However, it is crucial for employers, attorneys, and applicants to secure their records before they are permanently removed. Taking proactive measures now can prevent future complications with visa renewals and labor compliance.
Stay informed with the latest H-1B visa news and immigration policy updates.
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