Introducing Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG):
On June 10, 2019, DOL implemented it’s new Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System for PERM Prevailing Wage Requests.
In their own words on the site’s home page, DOL states:
The Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) is a cloud-based portal designed to replace OFLC’s current iCERT System and will serve as the new application filing and case management solution for all foreign labor certification programs.
So this means that indeed iCERT is being phased out.
As of June 10th, 2019, ALL new Prevailing Wage Determinations must now be submitted through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system.
H-1B FLAG Filing Options:
The system now also allows for electronic filing for the H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 programs via ETA-9035 online application forms.
H-2A FLAG Filing Options:
The system now also allows for electronic filing of the new OMB approved H-2A ETA-9142A and H-2B ETA-9142B forms. For more info visit the DOL FLAG H-2A, and DOL FLAG H-2B page.
And finally, feel free to visit the DOL FLAG Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
DOL Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) Sign Up:
The actual procedure for using the system involves first creating a login account for yourself at the LOGIN.GOV website.
This is a much better improvement on security as login authentication if managed by a central tool that can interact with multiple agency portals. This translates to you, the client, having fewer government agency logins and passwords to manage.
The rest of the steps are conveniently shown on the Login.Gov “Creating An Account” page.
The system is currently available in additional languages of French and Spanish (Espanol)
