Across-the-board funding cuts, or sequestration, took effect Friday, March 1 for all government agencies, including those playing a vital role in immigration processing. Though the Departments of Homeland Security, State Department and Department of Labor have not stated how or if their immigration-related operations will be impacted, delays are possible for many immigration processes.

Of particular concern to employers is the possibility of processing delays at the Department of Labor. DOL is responsible for processing labor condition applications (LCAs), a prerequisite to filing H-1B petitions, as well as prevailing wage determinations and PERM labor certifications. With the FY2014 H-1B cap season opening on April 1, delays in LCA processing could have consequences for employers planning on filing cap-subject H-1B petitions for the next fiscal year. Employers are advised to continue preparing their FY2014 H-1B petitions, including filing the necessary LCAs. The sequester might also delay DOL’s processing of prevailing wage determinations, which would impact employers’ ability to conduct recruitment required under Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) regulations.
Continue Reading Federal Budget Sequester May Affect Immigration Processing