November 16, 2007

Reminder: First Labor Certification Expiration Deadline

On July 16, 2007, the US Department of Labor's new regulations concerning the labor certification process were implemented. Among other changes, the regulations provide for a 180-day validity period for approved labor certifications. For labor certification applications approved on or after July 16, 2007, employers are required to file their approved labor certification application with their I-140 immigrant petition within 180 days following the approval. Labor certification applications that were approved prior to July 16, 2007 will expire by January 12, 2008 if not filed with an I-140 immigrant petition on or before that date.

Employers who have labor certification applications that were approved prior to July 16, 2007 are reminded to prepare their I-140 immigrant petitions for filing. This is the first deadline since the regulation was enacted.