According to AILA, the DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has confirmed that during the government shutdown, it is neither accepting nor processing any applications or related materials it receives, including Labor Condition Applications (LCAs). In the past, USCIS has accepted H-1B filings for a temporary period with uncertified LCAs along with proof that the LCA was timely filed, in accordance with INA §212(n)(1) and CFR §214.2(h)(4)(i)(B)) due to processing delays with the DOL iCERT system. However, we do not know if this procedure will also be accepted during the current government shutdown.
SEVP’s New Online STEM OPT Hub and Resources on DHS Final Rule
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released a STEM OPT hub page on the Study in the States website, to help school officials,