New LCA/H-1B Facsimile System

LCAfax

ETA is beginning the process of implementing nationally a New Automated Fax-In/Fax-Out System for processing Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for H-IB nonimmigrants. The system is designed to reduce the processing time of LCAs and to save resources. A pilot project has been operating in ETA's Region III for several months, and has proven successful in significantly reducing the waiting times for responses to LCA submissions, while utilizing less ETA resources than the current, hard copy method. Therefore, ETA has made the decision to expand the pilot system tested in Region III nationally.

Effective March 2,1999 the system will be open to employers and their representatives seeking to employ H-1B nonimmigrants at locations under the jurisdiction of the following ETA Regional Offices: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago. 'Employers in the other ETA regions will be able to utilize the system in the very near future, after a second site has been made operational.

WHO?

Employers of H-1B nonimmigrants with prospective work sites in the states under jurisdiction of the above listed ETA regional offices are encouraged to participate in the LCAfax process.

WHEN? Implementation of the LCAfax process in these five regions begins March 2,1999. Shortly, LCAfax will be expanded to cover the employment of H-l B nonimmigrants throughout the U. S.

WHAT YOU NEED

• A PC with Windows, Windows 95/98, or Windows NT connected to a printer; - A fax machine in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; and - ETA 9035 Form Filler Program and Instructions (See Below).

HOW IT WORKS

• Employer or representative completes LCA Form ETA 9035 using the Form Filler Program
• Employer signs the LCA
• LCA is faxed to ETA (215) 596-1052 or (215) 596-0272
• ETA faxes back response to the designated fax number identified on the form;
• If LCA rejected, the returned fax includes the reasons why the LCA was rejected.
• The sender should make corrections based on those reasons for rejection and fax the corrected LCA to LCAfax.
• If the LCA approved, the employer attaches certified LCA to Form I-129 (Petition for H-l B nonimmigrants)and files with the INS.

BENEFITS TO YOU

• Fast response (assuming positive test results); - Expected return times of one to three days; and - No mail processing.

HOW TO RECEIVE FORM FILLER AND INSTRUCTIONS

The Form Filler Program and Instructions are available via download from the INTERNET, or by E-MAIL, or FLOPPY DISK:

INTERNET

Point your browser to (enter the URL for) the ETA Region VIII Economic Data Center at

http://edc.dws.state.ut.us

The Form Filler Program and Instructions may be downloaded directly to your computer.

E-MAIL

E-mail us at lcafax@doleta.gov. Put 'LCA Pilot Test Start' in the subject line. You will receive the Form Filler Program and Instructions by return E-MAIL

FLOPPY DISK

Fax a request to (202) 208-5844 or call (202)208-6919 and leave your name and, complete mailing address. You will receive the Form Filler Program and Instructions by return mail; or (sic)

States in ETA Regions who may use LCAfax Beginning March 2:

Region I (Boston): CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT

Region II (New York): NJ, NY, PR, VI

Region Ill (Philadelphia): DE, DC, MD, PA. VA, WV

Region IV (Atlanta): AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN

Region V (Chicago): IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI