Foreign Labor Certification Grant Planning Guidance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 through FY 2028 (Change 1)

The Foreign Labor Certification Grant Planning Guidance is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through its Employment and Training Administration, specifically the Office of Foreign Labor Certification. This program provides federal funding to State Workforce Agencies to support the administration of foreign labor certification activities under federal immigration and labor laws. The funding is part of an ongoing federal effort to ensure that U.S. workers are prioritized for available jobs while allowing employers to hire foreign labor when qualified domestic workers are not available. The program operates under statutory authority from the Immigration and Nationality Act and related federal regulations governing employment-based immigration programs. The primary purpose of this grant is to support state-level implementation of foreign labor certification programs, including both temporary and permanent labor certification activities. These activities include reviewing job orders submitted by employers, facilitating recruitment of U.S. workers, conducting housing inspections for agricultural workers, and administering wage and labor condition surveys. The program also ensures compliance with federal labor standards and protects both domestic and foreign workers by maintaining fair wages and safe working conditions. State Workforce Agencies are required to develop and submit a three-year strategic plan outlining how they will carry out these responsibilities. Funding is distributed annually but based on a three-year strategic planning framework. The total program funding for the referenced fiscal year exceeds twenty-three million dollars, with allocations determined based on workload metrics such as job orders processed and housing inspections conducted. Funds are provided on a cost-reimbursable basis and are intended to support operational activities such as staffing, inspections, surveys, and administrative compliance. While states are encouraged to expend funds within the fiscal year of allocation, they are permitted up to two additional years to fully utilize awarded funds. Eligibility for this funding is limited to State Workforce Agencies, including those in U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands. These agencies must submit a complete application package that includes a three-year strategic grant plan, federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, a detailed budget narrative, and any applicable indirect cost agreements. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov platform, and the submission must occur within a defined period following the issuance of the guidance. The application process requires agencies to outline their planned activities, staffing structures, and budget allocations in alignment with federal requirements. Applications are reviewed by the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, which evaluates completeness, compliance, and alignment with program objectives. Agencies are typically notified of any deficiencies within thirty days of submission, and final approval is issued through a formal Notice of Award. The review process emphasizes accuracy, adherence to regulatory standards, and the agency’s capacity to execute required program activities. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a defined application window with a firm submission deadline. The program operates on a recurring basis aligned with federal fiscal cycles, and agencies must continuously maintain compliance and reporting standards throughout the grant period. Performance monitoring may include site visits and evaluations to ensure proper use of funds and achievement of program goals. Agencies are expected to maintain detailed records and cooperate with federal oversight to ensure transparency and accountability. Overall, this grant program plays a critical role in supporting the national labor market by balancing employer needs with worker protections. It ensures that State Workforce Agencies have the resources necessary to carry out complex labor certification processes while maintaining compliance with federal law. The structured planning and reporting requirements also promote consistency, efficiency, and accountability across all participating jurisdictions.

Ensure full alignment with TEGL instructions; provide detailed budget justification; submit complete documentation to avoid delays; ensure compliance with federal regulations