Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Labor Department Resumes H-2A Applications Amid Backlog Warnings

11/5/2025

44 9

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor resumed processing H-2A applications after the federal shutdown, aiding spring 2026 harvest planning.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) is operational again, allowing submissions for H-1B and PERM.
Experts warn of potential backlogs and longer processing times.
Employers should promptly prepare their applications and monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Labor.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Labor resumed processing H-2A applications after the federal shutdown, aiding spring 2026 harvest planning.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) is operational again, allowing submissions for H-1B and PERM.
Experts warn of potential backlogs and longer processing times.
Employers should promptly prepare their applications and monitor updates from the U.S. Department of Labor.