On April 21, 2026, the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) released guidance on accommodations for employers and their representatives affected by Typhoon Sinlaku in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
OFLC’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) states that OFLC “recognizes that Typhoon Sinlaku may have a significant impact on businesses and understands that some employers and/or their authorized attorneys or agents may not be able to timely respond to OFLC requests for information and other correspondence regarding the processing of applications or comply with applicable deadlines. Accordingly, OFLC will grant extensions of time and deadlines for employers and/or their authorized attorneys or agents affected by Typhoon Sinlaku, including for delays caused by Typhoon Sinlaku and those that occurred as a result of businesses preparing to adjust their normal operations due to Typhoon Sinlaku.”
The FAQ also states that the agency will continue to contact employers and their authorized attorneys or agents primarily using email and will use U.S. mail where email addresses are not available. OFLC reminded employers to routinely check their email for information related to their OFLC applications. Employers affected by internet and power outages may contact OFLC using the phone numbers listed in the FAQ, which includes additional details about accommodations related to issues such as the prevailing wage, H-2B, CW-1, and PERM programs; effects of worksite relocations for H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 workers; and methods of contact.
