Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements

DOL Announces iCERT Changes for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs

Posted on the DOL website:

October 24, 2018. ETA Announces an iCERT Enhancement to Streamline Processing in the H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs

ETA has implemented a new enhancement to the iCERT system related to the submission of applications for temporary labor certification under the H-2A and H-2B visa programs. These enhancements are intended to reduce burdens on employers and streamline the processing of applications.

Beginning on and after Tuesday, October 30, 2018, the iCERT system will require employers submitting H-2A and H-2B applications to complete required data fields in accordance with form instructions. Applications that do not have these required data fields completed will be deemed incomplete, and employers will not be permitted to submit the application until corrected. Data fields that are mandatory will contain an asterisk (*) and must be completed. Data fields or items that contain a section symbol (§) are those where the response is conditional on previous form entries and must also be completed. The iCERT system will continue to issue system warnings on missing data fields and list any mandatory or conditionally mandatory fields which must be completed prior to submission at the final checks page.

The Department expects that this new feature will further streamline case processing by minimizing the submission of incomplete applications and by reducing the number of Notices of Deficiencies based on missing or incomplete data fields.