U.S. DOL to Launch New Pilot Program to Streamline H-2A and H-2B Temporary Visa Programs

North Carolina and 32 other states will be the first to implement a new pilot program announced by the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration that will speed communication between State Workforce Agencies and Certifying Officers when processing labor certification applications for the H-2A and H-2B visa programs for temporary agricultural and other workers. Upgrades to the iCERT system will let State Workforce Agency staff upload documents or information directly into the employer’s pending application, allowing the assigned officer with the Chicago National Processing Center to begin an immediate review of the case rather than having to wait for the delivery of these documents. A national rollout of this program is expected by September 30, 2018.