[Title 20 CFR ]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - April 1, 2021 Edition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



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          Title 20

Employees' Benefits


________________________

Parts 500 to 656

                         Revised as of April 1, 2021

          Containing a codification of documents of general 
          applicability and future effect

          As of April 1, 2021
                    Published by the Office of the Federal Register 
                    National Archives and Records Administration as a 
                    Special Edition of the Federal Register

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                            Table of Contents



                                                                    Page
  Explanation.................................................       v

  Title 20:
          Chapter IV--Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, 
          Department of Labor                                        3
          Chapter V--Employment and Training Administration, 
          Department of Labor                                       13
  Finding Aids:
      Table of CFR Titles and Chapters........................     637
      Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR......     657
      List of CFR Sections Affected...........................     667

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                     ----------------------------

                     Cite this Code: CFR
                     To cite the regulations in 
                       this volume use title, 
                       part and section number. 
                       Thus, 20 CFR 501.1 refers 
                       to title 20, part 501, 
                       section 1.

                     ----------------------------

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                               EXPLANATION

    The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and 
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parts covering specific regulatory areas.
    Each volume of the Code is revised at least once each calendar year 
and issued on a quarterly basis approximately as follows:

Title 1 through Title 16.................................as of January 1
Title 17 through Title 27..................................as of April 1
Title 28 through Title 41...................................as of July 1
Title 42 through Title 50................................as of October 1

    The appropriate revision date is printed on the cover of each 
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LEGAL STATUS

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[[Page vi]]

Many agencies have begun publishing numerous OMB control numbers as 
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[[Page vii]]

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    Director,
    Office of the Federal Register
    April 1, 2021







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                               THIS TITLE

    Title 20--Employees' Benefits is composed of four volumes. The first 
volume, containing parts 1-399, includes current regulations issued by 
the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor and 
the Railroad Retirement Board. The second volume, containing parts 400-
499, includes all current regulations issued by the Social Security 
Administration. The third volume, containing parts 500 to 656, includes 
current regulations issued by the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, 
and the Employment and Training Administration. The fourth volume, 
containing part 657 to End, includes the current regulations issued by 
the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, the Benefits Review Board, 
the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and 
Training Service (all of the Department of Labor) and the Joint Board 
for the Enrollment of Actuaries. The contents of these volumes represent 
all current regulations codified under this title of the CFR as of April 
1, 2021.

    An index to chapter III appears in the second volume.

    For this volume, Cheryl E. Sirofchuck was Chief Editor. The Code of 
Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of John 
Hyrum Martinez, assisted by Stephen J. Frattini.

[[Page 1]]



                      TITLE 20--EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS




                  (This book contains parts 500 to 656)

  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Part

chapter iv--Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, 
  Department of Labor.......................................         501

chapter v--Employment and Training Administration, 
  Department of Labor.......................................         601

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 CHAPTER IV--EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARD, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR




  --------------------------------------------------------------------
Part                                                                Page
500

[Reserved]

501             Rules of procedure..........................           5
502-599

[Reserved]

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                           PART 500 [RESERVED]



PART 501_RULES OF PROCEDURE--Table of Contents



Sec.
501.1 Definitions.
501.2 Scope and applicability of rules; composition and jurisdiction of 
          the Board.
501.3 Notice of appeal.
501.4 Case record; inspection; submission of pleadings and motions.
501.5 Oral argument.
501.6 Decisions and orders.
501.7 Petition for reconsideration.
501.8 Clerk of the Office of the Appellate Boards; docket of 
          proceedings; records.
501.9 Representation; appearances and fees.

    Authority: Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), 5 U.S.C. 8101 
et seq.

    Source: 73 FR 62193, Oct. 20, 2008, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  501.1  Definitions.

    (a) FECA means the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C. 
8101 et seq. and any statutory extension or application thereof.
    (b) The Board means the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board.
    (c) Chief Judge and Chairman of the Board means the Chairman of the 
Employees' Compensation Appeals Board.
    (d) Judge or Alternate Judge means a member designated and appointed 
by the Secretary of Labor with authority to hear and make final 
decisions on appeals taken from determinations and awards by the OWCP in 
claims arising under the FECA.
    (e) OWCP means the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, 
Employment Standards Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
    (f) Director means the Director of the Office of Workers' 
Compensation Programs or a person delegated authority to perform the 
functions of the Director. The Director of OWCP is represented before 
the Board by an attorney designated by the Solicitor of Labor.
    (g) Appellant means any person adversely affected by a final 
decision or order of the OWCP who files an appeal to the Board.
    (h) Representative means an individual properly authorized by an 
Appellant in writing to act for the Appellant in connection with an 
appeal before the Board. The Representative may be any individual or an 
attorney who has been admitted to practice and who is in good standing 
with any court of competent jurisdiction.
    (i) Decision, as prescribed by 5 U.S.C. 8149 of the FECA, means the 
final determinative action made by the Board on appeal of a claim.
    (j) Clerk or Office of the Clerk means the Clerk of the Office of 
the Appellate Boards.



Sec.  501.2  Scope and applicability of rules; composition and jurisdiction
of the Board.

    (a) The regulations in this part establish the Rules of Practice and 
Procedure governing the operation of the Employees' Compensation Appeals 
Board.
    (b) The Board consists of three permanent judges, one of whom is 
designated as Chief Judge and Chairman of the Board, and such alternate 
judges as are appointed by the Secretary of Labor. The Chief Judge is 
the administrative officer of the Board. The functions of the Board are 
quasi-judicial. For organizational purposes, the Board is placed in the 
Office of the Secretary of Labor and sits in Washington, DC.
    (c) The Board has jurisdiction to consider and decide appeals from 
final decisions of OWCP in any case arising under the FECA. The Board 
may review all relevant questions of law, fact and exercises of 
discretion (or failure to exercise discretion) in such cases.
    (1) The Board's review of a case is limited to the evidence in the 
case record that was before OWCP at the time of its final decision. 
Evidence not before OWCP will not be considered by the Board for the 
first time on appeal.
    (2) There will be no appeal with respect to any interlocutory matter 
decided (or not decided) by OWCP during the pendency of a case.
    (3) The Board and OWCP may not exercise simultaneous jurisdiction 
over the same issue in a case on appeal. Following the docketing of an 
appeal before the Board, OWCP does not retain jurisdiction to render a 
further decision regarding the issue on appeal until after the Board 
relinquishes jurisdiction.

[[Page 6]]



Sec.  501.3  Notice of Appeal.

    (a) Who may file. Any person adversely affected by a final decision 
of the Director, or his or her authorized Representative, may file an 
appeal of such decision to the Board.
    (b) How to file. (1) Beginning on April 12, 2021, attorneys and lay 
representatives must file appeals with the Board electronically through 
the Board's case management system, along with all post-appeal pleadings 
and motions as set forth in paragraphs (d) and (h) of this section and 
Sec. Sec.  501.4(b) through (d), 501.5(b) and (g); 501.7 (a), (e), and 
(f), and 501.9(b), (c), and (e).
    (2) Attorneys and lay representatives may request an exemption 
(pursuant to Sec.  501.4(d)) for good cause shown. Such a request must 
include a detailed explanation why e-filing or acceptance of e-service 
should not be required.
    (3) Self-represented parties may either file appeals electronically 
through the Board's case management system or file appeals by mail or 
other method of delivery to the Clerk of the Appellate Boards at 200 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.
    (c) Content of notice of appeal. A notice of appeal shall contain 
the following information:
    (1) Date of Appeal.
    (2) Full name, address, email address, and telephone number of the 
Appellant and the full name of any deceased employee on whose behalf an 
appeal is taken. In addition, the Appellant must provide a signed 
authorization identifying the full name, address, email address, and 
telephone number of his or her representative, if applicable.
    (3) Employing establishment, and the date, description and place of 
injury.
    (4) Date and Case File Number assigned by OWCP concerning the 
decision being appealed to the Board.
    (5) A statement explaining Appellant's disagreement with OWCP's 
decision and stating the factual and/or legal argument in favor of the 
appeal.
    (6) Signature: An Appellant must sign the notice of appeal. A filing 
made electronically through the Board's case management system by a 
registered user containing the Appellant's name in an appropriate 
signature block constitutes the Appellant's signature.
    (d) Substitution of appellant: Should the Appellant die after having 
filed an appeal with the Board, the appeal may proceed to decision 
provided there is the substitution of a proper Appellant who requests 
that the appeal proceed to decision by the Board.
    (e) Time limitations for filing. Any notice of appeal must be filed 
within 180 days from the date of issuance of a decision of the OWCP. The 
Board maintains discretion to extend the time period for filing an 
appeal if an applicant demonstrates compelling circumstances. Compelling 
circumstances means circumstances beyond the Appellant's control that 
prevent the timely filing of an appeal and does not include any delay 
caused by the failure of an individual to exercise due diligence in 
submitting a notice of appeal.
    (f) Date of filing. A notice of appeal complying with this paragraph 
(c) is considered to have been filed only if received by the Clerk of 
the Appellate Boards within the period specified under paragraph (e) of 
this section, except as otherwise provided in this subsection:
    (1) If the notice of appeal is sent via the U.S. Postal Service or 
commercial carrier and use of the date of delivery as the date of filing 
would result in a loss of appeal rights, the appeal will be considered 
to have been filed as of the date of the postmark or other carriers' 
date markings. The date appearing on the U.S. Postal Service postmark or 
other carriers' date markings (when available and legible) shall be 
prima facie evidence of the date of mailing. If there is no such 
postmark or date marking, or it is illegible, then other evidence 
including, but not limited to, certified mail receipts, certificate of 
service, and affidavits, may be used to establish the mailing date. If a 
notice of appeal is delivered or sent by means other than the U.S. 
Postal Service or commercial carrier, including e-filing, personal 
delivery, or fax, the notice is deemed to be filed when received by the 
Clerk of the Appellate Boards.
    (2) For electronic filings made through the Board's case management 
system, a document is deemed filed as of the date and time the Board's 
electronic case management system records its receipt, even if 
transmitted

[[Page 7]]

after the close of business. To be considered timely, an e-filed 
document or pleading must be filed by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
due date.
    (3) In computing the date of filing, the 180-day time period for 
filing an appeal begins to run on the day following the date of the OWCP 
decision. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, 
unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday, in which event the 
period runs to the close of the next business day.
    (g) Failure to timely file a notice of appeal. The failure of an 
Appellant or Representative to file an appeal with the Board within the 
period specified under paragraph (e) of this section, including any 
extensions granted by the Board in its discretion based upon compelling 
circumstances, will foreclose all right to review. The Board will 
dismiss any untimely appeal for lack of jurisdiction.
    (h) Incomplete notice of appeal. Any timely notice of appeal that 
does not contain the information specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section will be considered incomplete. On receipt by the Board, the 
Clerk of the Appellate Boards will inform Appellant of the deficiencies 
in the notice of appeal and specify a reasonable time to submit the 
requisite information. Such appeal will be dismissed unless Appellant 
provides the requisite information in the specified time.

[73 FR 62193, Oct. 20, 2008, as amended at 86 FR 1771, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec.  501.4  Case record; inspection; submission of pleadings and motions.

    (a) Service on OWCP and transmission of OWCP case record. The Board 
shall serve upon the Director a copy of each notice of appeal and 
accompanying documents. Within 60 days from the date of such service, 
the Director shall provide to the Board the record of the OWCP 
proceeding to which the notice refers. On application of the Director, 
the Board may, in its discretion, extend the time period for submittal 
of the OWCP case record.
    (b) Inspection of record. The case record on appeal is an official 
record of the OWCP.
    (1) Upon written application to the Clerk, an Appellant may request 
inspection of the OWCP case record. At the discretion of the Board, the 
OWCP case record may either be made available in the Office of the Clerk 
of the Appellate Boards for inspection by the Appellant, or the request 
may be forwarded to the Director so that OWCP may make a copy of the 
OWCP case record and forward this copy to the Appellant. Inspection of 
the papers and documents included in the OWCP case record of any appeal 
pending before the Board will be permitted or denied in accordance with 
5 CFR 10.10 to 10.13. The Chief Judge (or his or her designee) shall 
serve as the disclosure officer for purposes of Appendix A to 29 CFR 
Parts 70 and 71.
    (2) Copies of the documents generated in the course of the appeal 
before the Board will be provided to the Appellant and Appellant's 
Representative by the Clerk. If the Appellant needs additional copies of 
such documents while the appeal is pending, the Appellant may obtain 
this information by contacting the Clerk. Pleadings and motions filed 
during the appeal in proceedings before the Board will be made part of 
the official case record of the OWCP.
    (c) Pleadings. The Appellant, the Appellant's Representative and the 
Director may file pleadings supporting their position and presenting 
information, including but not limited to briefs, memoranda of law, 
memoranda of justification, and optional form AB-1. All pleadings filed 
must contain the docket number and be filed with the Clerk. The Clerk 
will issue directions specifying the time allowed for any responses and 
replies.
    (1) The Clerk will distribute copies of any pleading received by the 
Clerk to ensure that the Appellant, his or her Representative and the 
Director receive all pleadings. Any pleading should be submitted within 
60 days of the filing of an appeal. The Board may, in its discretion, 
extend the time period for the submittal of any pleading.
    (2) Proceedings before the Board are informal and there is no 
requirement that any pleading be filed. Failure to submit a pleading or 
to timely submit a pleading does not prejudice the rights of either the 
Appellant or the Director.

[[Page 8]]

    (3) Upon receipt of a pleading, the Appellant and the Director will 
have the opportunity to submit a response to the Board.
    (d) Motions. Motions are requests for the Board to take specific 
action in a pending appeal. Motions include, but are not limited to, 
motions to dismiss, affirm the decision below, remand, request a 
substitution, request an extension of time, or other such matter as may 
be brought before the Board. Motions may be filed by the Appellant, the 
Appellant's Representative and the Director. The motion must be in 
writing, contain the docket number, state the relief requested and the 
basis for the relief requested, and be filed with the Clerk. Any motion 
received will be sent by the Clerk to ensure that the Appellant, his or 
her Representative and the Director receive all motions. The Clerk will 
issue directions specifying the timing of any responses and replies. The 
Board also may act on its own to issue direction in pending appeals, 
stating the basis for its determination.

[73 FR 62193, Oct. 20, 2008, as amended at 86 FR 1771, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec.  501.5  Oral argument.

    (a) Oral argument. Oral argument may be held in the discretion of 
the Board, on its own determination or on application by Appellant or 
the Director.
    (b) Request. A request for oral argument must be submitted in 
writing to the Clerk. The application must specify the issue(s) to be 
argued and provide a statement supporting the need for oral argument. 
The request must be made no later than 60 days after the filing of an 
appeal. Any appeal in which a request for oral argument is not granted 
by the Board will proceed to a decision based on the case record and any 
pleadings submitted.
    (c) Notice of argument. If a request for oral argument is granted, 
the Clerk will notify the Appellant and the Director at least 30 days 
prior to the date set for argument. The notice of oral argument will 
state the issues that the Board has determined will be heard and whether 
the oral argument will take place in person in Washington, DC or by 
videoconference.
    (d) Time allowed. Appellant and any Representative for the Director 
shall be allowed no more than 30 minutes to present oral argument. The 
Board may, in its discretion, extend the time allowed.
    (e) Appearances. An Appellant may appear at oral argument before the 
Board or designate a Representative. Argument shall be presented by the 
Appellant or a Representative, not both. The Director may be represented 
by an attorney with the Solicitor of Labor. Argument is limited to the 
evidence of record on appeal.
    (f) Location. Oral argument in person is heard before the Board only 
in Washington, DC. The Board may, in its discretion, hear oral argument 
by videoconference. The Board does not reimburse costs associated with 
an oral argument.
    (g) Continuance. Once oral argument has been scheduled by the Board, 
a continuance will not be granted except on a showing of good cause. 
Good cause may include extreme hardship or where attendance by an 
Appellant or Representative is mandated at a previously scheduled 
judicial proceeding. Any request for continuance must be received by the 
Board at least 15 days before the date scheduled for oral argument and 
be served by the requester upon Appellant and the Director. No request 
for a second continuance will be entertained by the Board. In such case, 
the appeal will proceed to a decision based on the case record. The 
Board may reschedule or cancel oral argument on its own motion at any 
time.
    (h) Nonappearance. The absence of an Appellant, his or her 
Representative, or the Director at the time and place set for oral 
argument will not delay the Board's resolution of an appeal. In such 
event, the Board may, in its discretion, reschedule oral argument, or 
cancel oral argument and treat the case as submitted on the case record.

[73 FR 62193, Oct. 20, 2008, as amended at 86 FR 1771, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec.  501.6  Decisions and orders.

    (a) Decisions. A decision of the Board will contain a written 
opinion setting forth the reasons for the action taken and an 
appropriate order. The decision

[[Page 9]]

is based on the case record, all pleadings and any oral argument. The 
decision may consist of an affirmance, reversal or remand for further 
development of the evidence, or other appropriate action.
    (b) Panels. A decision of not less than two judges will be the 
decision of the Board.
    (c) Issuance. The date of the Board's decision is the date of 
issuance or such date as determined by the Board. Issuance is not 
determined by the postmark on any letter containing the decision or the 
date of actual receipt by Appellant or the Director.
    (d) Finality. The decisions and orders of the Board are final as to 
the subject matter appealed, and such decisions and orders are not 
subject to review, except by the Board. The decisions and orders of the 
Board will be final upon the expiration of 30 days from the date of 
issuance unless the Board has fixed a different period of time therein. 
Following the expiration of that time, the Board no longer retains 
jurisdiction over the appeal unless a timely petition for 
reconsideration is submitted and granted.
    (e) Dispositive orders. The Board may dispose of an appeal on a 
procedural basis by issuing an appropriate order disposing of part or 
all of a case prior to reaching the merits of the appeal. The Board may 
proceed to an order on its own or on the written motion of Appellant or 
the Director.
    (f) Service. The Board will send its decisions and orders to the 
Appellant, his or her Representative and the Director at the time of 
issuance.



Sec.  501.7  Petition for reconsideration.

    (a) Time for filing. The Appellant or the Director may file a 
petition for reconsideration of a decision or order issued by the Board 
within 30 days of the date of issuance, unless another time period is 
specified in the Board's order.
    (b) Where to File. The petition must be filed with the Clerk. Copies 
will be sent by the Clerk to the Director, the Appellant and his or her 
Representative in the time period specified by the Board.
    (c) Content of petition. The petition must be in writing. The 
petition must contain the docket number, specify the matters claimed to 
have been erroneously decided, provide a statement of the facts upon 
which the petitioner relies, and a discussion of applicable law. New 
evidence will not be considered by the Board in a petition for 
reconsideration.
    (d) Panel. The panel of judges who heard and decided the appeal will 
rule on the petition for reconsideration. If any member of the original 
panel is unavailable, the Chief Judge may designate a new panel member. 
The decision or order of the Board will stand as final unless vacated or 
modified by the vote of at least two members of the reconsideration 
panel.
    (e) Answer. Upon the filing of a petition for reconsideration, 
Appellant or the Director may file an answer to the petition within such 
time as fixed by the Board.
    (f) Oral argument and decision on reconsideration. An oral argument 
may be allowed at the discretion of the Board upon application of the 
Appellant or Director or the Board may proceed to address the matter 
upon the papers filed. The Board shall grant or deny the petition for 
reconsideration and issue such orders as it deems appropriate.



Sec.  501.8  Clerk of the Office of the Appellate Boards; docket of 
proceedings; records.

    (a) Location and business hours. The Office of the Clerk of the 
Appellate Boards is located at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, 
DC 20210. The Office of the Clerk is open during business hours on all 
days except Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 
p.m.
    (b) Docket. The Clerk will maintain a docket containing a record of 
all proceedings before the Board. Each docketed appeal will be assigned 
a number in chronological order based upon the date on which the notice 
of appeal is received. While the Board generally hears appeals in the 
order docketed, the Board retains discretion to change the order in 
which a particular appeal will be considered. The Clerk will prepare a 
calendar of cases submitted or awaiting oral argument and such other 
records as may be required by the Board.

[[Page 10]]

    (c) Publication of decisions. Final decisions of the Board will be 
published in such form as to be readily available for inspection by the 
general public.



Sec.  501.9  Representation; appearances and fees.

    (a) Representation. In any proceeding before the Board, an Appellant 
may appear in person or by appointing a duly authorized individual as 
his or her Representative.
    (1) Counsel. The designated Representative may be an attorney who 
has been admitted to practice and who is in good standing with any court 
of competent jurisdiction.
    (2) Lay representative. A non-attorney Representative may represent 
an Appellant before the Board. He or she may be an accredited 
Representative of an employee organization.
    (3) Former members of the Board and other employees of the 
Department of Labor. A former judge of the Board is not allowed to 
participate as counsel or other Representative before the Board in any 
proceeding until two years from the termination of his or her status as 
a judge of the Board. The practice of a former judge or other former 
employee of the Department of Labor is governed by 29 CFR Part 0, 
Subpart B.
    (b) Appearance. No individual may appear as a Representative in a 
proceeding before the Board without first filing with the Clerk a 
written authorization signed by the Appellant to be represented. When 
accepted by the Board, such Representative will continue to be 
recognized unless the Representative withdraws or abandons such capacity 
or the Appellant directs otherwise.
    (c) Change of address. Each Appellant and Representative authorized 
to appear before the Board must give the Clerk written notice of any 
change to the address or telephone number of the Appellant or 
Representative. Such notice must identify the docket number and name of 
each pending appeal for that Appellant, or, in the case of a 
Representative, in which he or she is a Representative before the Board. 
Absent such notice, the mailing of documents to the address most 
recently provided to the Board will be fully effective.
    (d) Debarment of Counsel or Representative. In any proceeding, 
whenever the Board finds that a person acting as counsel or other 
Representative for the Appellant or the Director, is guilty of unethical 
or unprofessional conduct, the Board may order that such person be 
excluded from further acting as counsel or Representative in such 
proceeding. Such order may be appealed to the Secretary of Labor or his 
or her designee, but proceedings before the Board will not be delayed or 
suspended pending disposition of such appeal. However, the Board may 
suspend the proceeding of an appeal for a reasonable time for the 
purpose of enabling Appellant or the Director to obtain different 
counsel or other Representative. Whenever the Board has issued an order 
precluding a person from further acting as counsel or Representative in 
a proceeding, the Board will, within a reasonable time, submit to the 
Secretary of Labor or his or her designee a report of the facts and 
circumstances surrounding the issuance of such order. The Board will 
recommend what action the Secretary of Labor should take in regard to 
the appearance of such person as counsel or Representative in other 
proceedings before the Board. Before any action is taken debarring a 
person as counsel or Representative from other proceedings, he or she 
will be furnished notice and the opportunity to be heard on the matter.
    (e) Fees for attorney, Representative, or other services. No claim 
for a fee for legal or other service performed on appeal before the 
Board is valid unless approved by the Board. Under 18 U.S.C. 292, 
collecting a fee without the approval of the Board may constitute a 
misdemeanor, subject to fine or imprisonment for up to a year or both. 
No contract for a stipulated fee or on a contingent fee basis will be 
approved by the Board. No fee for service will be approved except upon 
written application to the Clerk, supported by a statement of the extent 
and nature of the necessary work performed before the Board on behalf of 
the Appellant. The fee application will be served by the Clerk on the 
Appellant and a time set in which a response may be filed. Except where 
such fee is de minimis, the

[[Page 11]]

fee request will be evaluated with consideration of the following 
factors:
    (1) Usefulness of the Representative's services;
    (2) The nature and complexity of the appeal;
    (3) The capacity in which the Representative has appeared;
    (4) The actual time spent in connection with the Board appeal; and
    (5) Customary local charges for similar services.

                        PARTS 502	599 [RESERVED]

[[Page 13]]



 CHAPTER V--EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR




  --------------------------------------------------------------------
Part                                                                Page
600

[Reserved]

601             Administrative procedure....................          15
602             Quality control in the Federal-State 
                    unemployment insurance system...........          18
603             Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) 
                    Program; confidentiality and disclosure 
                    of State UC information.................          26
604             Regulations for eligibility for unemployment 
                    compensation............................          38
606             Tax credits under the Federal Unemployment 
                    Tax Act; advances under Title XII of the 
                    Social Security Act.....................          40
609             Unemployment compensation for Federal 
                    civilian employees......................          50
614             Unemployment compensation for ex-
                    servicemembers..........................          61
615             Extended benefits in the Federal-State 
                    Unemployment Compensation Program.......          82
616             Interstate arrangement for combining 
                    employment and wages....................         104
617

[Reserved]

618             Trade adjustment assistance under the Trade 
                    Act of 1974, as amended.................         108
619             Unemployment compensation data exchange 
                    standardization for improved 
                    interoperability........................         207
620             Drug testing for state unemployment 
                    compensation eligibility determination 
                    purposes................................         208
621

[Reserved]

625             Disaster unemployment assistance............         210
626-634

[Reserved]

636-638

[Reserved]

639             Worker adjustment and retraining 
                    notification............................         236
640             Standard for benefit payment promptness--
                    unemployment compensation...............         246

[[Page 14]]

641             Provisions governing the Senior Community 
                    Service Employment Program..............         249
646

[Reserved]

650             Standard for appeals promptness--
                    unemployment compensation...............         290
651             General provisions governing the Wagner-
                    Peyser Act Employment Service...........         291
652             Establishment and functioning of State 
                    employment service......................         298
653             Services of the Wagner-Peyser Act Employment 
                    Service System..........................         306
654             Special responsibilities of the Employment 
                    Service System..........................         319
655             Temporary employment of foreign workers in 
                    the United States.......................         327
656             Labor certification process for permanent 
                    employment of aliens in the United 
                    States..................................         602

[[Page 15]]

                           PART 600 [RESERVED]



PART 601_ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE--Table of Contents



  Subpart A_Approval, Certification and Findings With Respect to State 
  Laws and Plans of Operation for Normal and Additional Tax Credit and 
                             Grant Purposes

Sec.
601.1 General.
601.2 Approval of State unemployment compensation laws.
601.3 Findings with respect to State laws and plans of operation.
601.4 Certification for tax credit.
601.5 Withholding payments and certifications.

                  Subpart B_Grants, Advances and Audits

601.6 Grants for administration of unemployment compensation laws and 
          employment service.
601.7 [Reserved]
601.8 Agreement with Postmaster General.
601.9 Audits.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 26 U.S.C. Chapter 23; 29 U.S.C. 49k; 38 
U.S.C. Chapters 41 and 42; 39 U.S.C. 3202(a)(1)(E) and 3202 note; 42 
U.S.C. 1302; and Secretary of Labor's Order No. 4-75, 40 FR 18515.

    Source: 15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950; 23 FR 1267, Mar. 1, 1958, unless 
otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 601 appear at 71 FR 
35512, June 21, 2006.



  Subpart A_Approval, Certification and Findings With Respect to State 
  Laws and Plans of Operation for Normal and Additional Tax Credit and 
                             Grant Purposes



Sec.  601.1  General.

    (a) State unemployment compensation laws are approved and certified 
as provided in section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; 
findings are made regarding reduced rates permitted by a State law 
(section 3303(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) and such laws are 
certified as provided in section 3303(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986; findings are made regarding the inclusion of specified provisions 
(section 303(a) of the Social Security Act) in State laws approved under 
section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; findings are made 
whether the States have accepted the provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act 
and whether their plans of operation for public employment offices 
comply with the provisions of said Act.
    (b) Normal and additional tax credit is given to taxpayers against 
taxes imposed by section 3301 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (c) Grants of funds are made to States for administration of their 
employment security laws if their unemployment compensation laws and 
their plans of operation for public employment offices meet required 
conditions of Federal law. (Section 303(a) of the Social Security Act; 
section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; sections 6, 7, and 
8 of the Wagner-Peyser Act.)
    (d) As used throughout this Part, the terms ``Secretary'' or 
``Secretary of Labor'' shall refer to the Secretary of Labor, U.S. 
Department of Labor, or his or her designee.

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950; 23 FR 1267, Mar. 1, 1958, as amended at 61 
FR 19983, May 3, 1996]



Sec.  601.2  Approval of State unemployment compensation laws.

    States may at their option submit their unemployment compensation 
laws for approval (section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986).
    (a) Submission. The States submit to the Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA), one copy of the State unemployment compensation 
law properly certified by an authorized State official to be true and 
complete, together with a written request for approval.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Approval. The Secretary of Labor determines whether the State 
law contains the provisions required by section 3304(a) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986. If the State law is approved, the Secretary 
notifies the Governor of the State within 30 days of the submission of 
such law.
    (d) Certification. On October 31 of each taxable year the Secretary 
of Labor certifies, for the purposes of normal tax credit (section 
3302(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), to the Secretary of 
the Treasury each State

[[Page 16]]

the law of which the Secretary has previously approved. (See also Sec.  
601.5.)

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0222)

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950; 23 FR 1267, Mar. 1, 1958, as amended at 49 
FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 50 FR 51241, Dec. 16, 1985; 71 FR 35513, June 
21, 2006]



Sec.  601.3  Findings with respect to State laws and plans of operation.

    For purposes of grants, findings are made regarding the inclusion in 
State unemployment compensation laws, approved under section 3304(a) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, of provisions required by section 
303(a) of the Social Security Act (see Sec.  601.2); findings are also 
made whether a State has accepted the provisions of the Wagner-Peyser 
Act and whether its plan of operation for public employment offices 
complies with the provisions of said act. For purposes of additional tax 
credit, findings are made regarding reduced rates of contributions 
permitted by the State law (section 3303(a) (1) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986).

So that the Secretary of Labor may be enabled to determine the status of 
State laws and plans of operation, all relevant State materials, such as 
statutes, executive and administrative orders, legal opinions, rules, 
regulations, interpretations, court decisions, etc., are required to be 
submitted currently.
    (a) Submission. The States submit currently to the ETA one copy of 
relevant State material, properly certified by an authorized State 
official to be true and complete.
    (b) [Reserved]
    (c) Findings. The Secretary makes findings as provided in the cited 
sections of the Federal law. In the event that the Secretary is unable 
to make the findings required for certification for payment or for 
certification of the law for purposes of additional tax credit, further 
discussions with State officials are undertaken.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0222)

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950; 23 FR 1267, Mar. 1, 1958, as amended at 49 
FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 50 FR 51241, Dec. 16, 1985; 71 FR 35513, June 
21, 2006]



Sec.  601.4  Certification for tax credit.

    (a) Within 30 days after submittal of a State unemployment 
compensation law for such purpose, the Secretary certifies to the State 
agency, in accordance with the provisions of section 3303(b)(3) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Secretary's findings regarding 
reduced rates of contributions allowable under such law. On October 31 
of each taxable year the Secretary certifies to the Secretary of the 
Treasury the law of each State, certified with respect to such year 
under section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (see Sec.  
601.2), which the Secretary finds allows reduced rates with respect to 
such taxable year only in accordance with the provisions of section 
3303(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (b) With regard to certification for payment, see Sec.  601.6.

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950; 23 FR 1267, Mar. 1, 1958, as amended at 71 
FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  601.5  Withholding payments and certifications.

    (a) When withheld. Payment of funds to States or yearend 
certification of State laws, or both, are withheld when the Secretary 
finds, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing:
    (1) That any provision required by section 303(a) of the Social 
Security Act is no longer included in the State unemployment 
compensation law; or
    (2) That the State unemployment compensation law has been so changed 
as no longer to meet the conditions required by section 3303(a) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (section 3303(b)(3) of the Internal 
Revenue Code); or
    (3) That the State unemployment compensation law has been so amended 
as no longer to contain the provisions specified in section 3304(a) or 
has failed to comply substantially with any such provision and such 
finding has become effective (section 3304(c) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986); or
    (4) That in the administration of the State unemployment 
compensation law there has been a failure to comply substantially with 
required provisions of such law (section 303(b)(2) of the Social 
Security Act and section 3303(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986); or

[[Page 17]]

    (5) That in the administration of the State unemployment 
compensation law there has been a denial, in a substantial number of 
cases, of benefits due under such law, except that there may be no such 
finding until the question of entitlement has been decided by the 
highest judicial authority given jurisdiction under such State law 
(section 303(b)(1) of the Social Security Act); or
    (6) That a State fails to make its unemployment compensation records 
available to the Railroad Retirement Board or fails to cooperate with 
Federal agencies charged with the administration of unemployment 
compensation laws (section 303(c) of the Social Security Act); or
    (7) That a State no longer has a plan of operation for public 
employment offices complying with the provisions of the Wagner-Peyser 
Act; or
    (8) That a State agency has not properly expended, in accordance 
with an approved plan of operation, the Federal monies paid it for 
administration of its public employment service.
    (b) Informal discussion. Such hearings are generally not called, 
however, until after every reasonable effort has been made by ETA 
representatives to resolve the question involved by conference and 
discussion with State officials. Formal notification of the date and 
place of a hearing does not foreclose further negotiations with State 
officials.
    (c) Notice of noncertification. If, at any time during the taxable 
year, the Secretary of Labor has reason to believe that a State whose 
unemployment compensation law he/she has previously approved may not be 
certified, the Secretary promptly notifies the Governor of the State to 
that effect (section 3304(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
    (d) Notice of hearing. Notice of hearing is sent by the Secretary of 
Labor to the State unemployment compensation agency. The notice sets 
forth the purpose of the hearing, the time, date, and place at which the 
hearing will be held, and the rules of procedure which will be followed. 
At a hearing the State is given an opportunity to present arguments and 
all relevant evidence, written or oral. The Secretary makes the 
necessary determination or findings, on the basis of the record of such 
hearings. A notice of the Secretary's determination or finding is sent 
to the State unemployment compensation agency.
    (e) Civil Rights Act issues. To the extent that any proposed 
withholding of funds involves circumstances within the scope of title VI 
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the regulations promulgated 
thereunder, the procedure set forth in 29 CFR part 31 shall be 
applicable.

[30 FR 6942, May 22, 1965, as amended at 43 FR 13828, Mar. 31, 1978; 71 
FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



                  Subpart B_Grants, Advances and Audits



Sec.  601.6  Grants for administration of unemployment compensation 
laws and employment service.

    Grants of funds for administration of State unemployment 
compensation laws and public employment service programs are made to 
States under section 302(a) of the Social Security Act, the Wagner-
Peyser Act, and the Appropriation Acts.
    (a) Requests for funds. The forms and instructions used by State 
agencies in requesting funds are available on the ETA Web site (http://
www.ows.doleta.gov/rjm). The forms and instructions call for detailed 
information for each budgetary period concerning the specific amounts 
requested for personal services and other current expenses of State 
agencies, supported by workload and unit-cost estimates. Supplementary 
budget requests are processed in the same manner as regular requests. 
The Administration's representatives in the regional offices furnish 
assistance to the State agencies in preparing requests for funds.
    (b) Processing of requests. (1) State agencies send their requests 
for funds to the Regional Administrator who reviews the requests and 
forwards them to the ETA National Office with his/her recommendation as 
to the amounts necessary for proper and efficient administration of the 
State unemployment compensation law and employment service program.
    (2) The ETA National Office appraises the requests and the 
recommendations

[[Page 18]]

of the regional representatives from a nationwide point of view, 
examining each State's request in the light of the experience of other 
States to insure equitable treatment among the States in the allocation 
of funds made available by Congress for the administration of State 
unemployment compensation laws and public employment service programs.
    (c) Action by ETA National Office. If the ETA National Office 
approves the State's budget request, the State agency is notified; and, 
provided the conditions precedent to grants continue during the 
budgetary period, certifications for payment, under the approved budget, 
stating the amounts, are made by the ETA National Office to the 
Secretary of the Treasury quarterly. Upon denial of a request, in whole 
or in part, the State agency is notified and the Regional Administrator 
is instructed to negotiate with the State with a view to removing the 
basis for denial.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0132)

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950, as amended at 42 FR 4724, Jan. 25, 1977; 49 
FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  601.7  [Reserved]



Sec.  601.8  Agreement with Postmaster General.

    The Secretary of Labor and the Postmaster General have been directed 
by the Congress (title II of the Labor-Federal Security Agency 
Appropriation Act, 1950) to prescribe a mutually satisfactory procedure 
whereby official State employment security postal matter will be handled 
without the prepayment of postage. In lieu of such prepayments, the 
Secretary periodically certifies to the Secretary of the Treasury for 
payment to the U.S. Postal Service the amount necessary to cover the 
cost of State agency mailings. The amount of payment is based on a 
formula agreed upon by the Secretary of Labor and the U.S. Postal 
Service.

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950, as amended at 42 FR 4724, Jan. 25, 1977]



Sec.  601.9  Audits.

    The Department of Labor's audit regulations at 29 CFR Part 96 and 29 
CFR Part 99 shall apply with respect to employment service and 
unemployment compensation programs.

[46 FR 7766, Jan. 23, 1981, as amended at 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



PART 602_QUALITY CONTROL IN THE FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE 
SYSTEM--Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
602.1 Purpose.
602.2 Scope.

                     Subpart B_Federal Requirements

602.10 Federal law requirements.
602.11 Secretary's interpretation.

                    Subpart C_State Responsibilities

602.20 Organization.
602.21 Standard methods and procedures.
602.22 Exceptions.

                   Subpart D_Federal Responsibilities

602.30 Management.
602.31 Oversight.

               Subpart E_Quality Control Grants to States

602.40 Funding.
602.41 Proper expenditure of Quality Control granted funds.
602.42 Effect of failure to implement Quality Control program.
602.43 No incentives or sanctions based on specific error rates.

Appendix A to Part 602--Standard For Claim Determinations--Separation 
          Information

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302.

    Source: 52 FR 33528, Sept. 3, 1987, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 602 appear at 71 FR 
35513, June 21, 2006.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec.  602.1  Purpose.

    The purpose of this part is to prescribe a Quality Control (QC) 
program for the Federal-State unemployment compensation (UC) system, 
which is applicable to the State UC programs and the Federal 
unemployment benefit and allowance programs administered by the State 
unemployment compensation agencies under agreements between the States 
and the Secretary of

[[Page 19]]

Labor (Secretary). QC will be a major tool to assess the timeliness and 
accuracy of State administration of the UC program. It is designed to 
identify errors in claims processes and revenue collections (including 
payments in lieu of contributions and Extended Unemployment Compensation 
Account collections), analyze causes, and support the initiation of 
corrective action.

[52 FR 33528, Sept. 3, 1987, as amended at 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  602.2  Scope.

    This part applies to all State laws approved by the Secretary under 
the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (section 3304 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. section 3304), to the administration of the 
State laws, and to any Federal unemployment benefit and allowance 
program administered by the State unemployment compensation agencies 
under agreements between the States and the Secretary. QC is a 
requirement for all States, initially being applicable to the largest 
permanently authorized programs (regular UC including Combined-Wage-
Claims) and federally-funded programs (Unemployment Compensation for Ex-
Servicemembers and Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees). 
Other elements of the QC program (e.g., interstate, extended benefit 
programs, benefit denials, and revenue collections) will be phased in 
under a schedule determined by the Department in consultation with State 
agencies.

[52 FR 33528, Sept. 3, 1987, as amended at 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



                     Subpart B_Federal Requirements



Sec.  602.10  Federal law requirements.

    (a) Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (SSA), 42 U.S.C. 
503(a)(1), requires that a State law include provision for:

    Such methods of administration . . . as are found by the Secretary 
of Labor to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of 
unemployment compensation when due.

    (b) Section 303(a)(6), SSA, 42 U.S.C. 505(a)(6), requires that a 
State law include provision for:

    The making of such reports, in such form and containing such 
information, as the Secretary of Labor may from time to time require, 
and compliance with such provisions as the Secretary of Labor may from 
time to time find necessary to assure the correctness and verification 
of such reports.

    (c) Section 303(b), SSA, 42 U.S.C. 503(b), provides in part that:

    Whenever the Secretary of Labor, after reasonable notice and 
opportunity for hearing to the State agency charged with the 
administration of the State law, finds that in the administration of the 
law there is--

                                * * * * *

    (2) a failure to comply substantially with any provision specified 
in subsection (a);

the Secretary of Labor shall notify such State agency that further 
payments will not be made to the State until the Secretary of Labor is 
satisfied that there is no longer any such denial or failure to comply. 
Until he is so satisfied, he shall make no further certification to the 
Secretary of the Treasury with respect to such State . . . .

    (d) Certification of payment of granted funds to a State is withheld 
only when the Secretary finds, after reasonable notice and opportunity 
for hearing to the State agency--
    (1) That any provision required by section 303(a) of the Social 
Security Act is no longer included in the State UC law, or
    (2) That in the administration of the State UC law there has been a 
failure to comply substantially with any required provision of such law.

[52 FR 33528, Sept. 3, 1987, as amended at 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  602.11  Secretary's interpretation.

    (a) The Secretary interprets section 303(a)(1), SSA, to require that 
a State law provide for such methods of administration as will 
reasonably ensure the prompt and full payment of unemployment benefits 
to eligible claimants, and collection and handling of income for the 
State unemployment fund (particularly taxes and reimbursements), with 
the greatest accuracy feasible.
    (b) The Secretary interprets sections 303(a)(1) and 303(a)(6), SSA, 
to authorize the Department of Labor to prescribe standard definitions, 
methods

[[Page 20]]

and procedures, and reporting requirements for the QC program and to 
ensure accuracy and verification of QC findings.
    (c) The Secretary interprets section 303(b)(2), SSA to require that, 
in the administration of a State law, there shall be substantial 
compliance with the provisions required by sections 303(a) (1) and (6). 
Further, conformity of the State law with those requirements is required 
by section 303(a) and Sec.  601.5(a) of this chapter.
    (d) To satisfy the requirements of sections 303(a) (1) and (6), a 
State law must contain a provision requiring, or which is construed to 
require, the establishment and maintenance of a QC program in accordance 
with the requirements of this part. The establishment and maintenance of 
such a QC program in accordance with this part shall not require any 
change in State law concerning authority to undertake redeterminations 
of claims or liabilities or the finality of any determination, 
redetermination or decision.



                    Subpart C_State Responsibilities



Sec.  602.20  Organization.

    Each State shall establish a QC unit independent of, and not 
accountable to, any unit performing functions subject to evaluation by 
the QC unit. The organizational location of this unit shall be 
positioned to maximize its objectivity, to facilitate its access to 
information necessary to carry out its responsibilities, and to minimize 
organizational conflict of interest.



Sec.  602.21  Standard methods and procedures.

    Each State shall:
    (a) Perform the requirements of this section in accordance with 
instructions issued by the Department, pursuant to Sec.  602.30(a) of 
this part, to ensure standardization of methods and procedures in a 
manner consistent with this part;
    (b) Select representative samples for QC study of at least a minimum 
size specified by the Department to ensure statistical validity (for 
benefit payments, a minimum of 400 cases of weeks paid per State per 
year);
    (c) Complete prompt and in-depth case investigations to determine 
the degree of accuracy and timeliness in the administration of the State 
UC law and Federal programs with respect to benefit determinations, 
benefit payments, and revenue collections; and conduct other 
measurements and studies necessary or appropriate for carrying out the 
purposes of this part; and in conducting investigations each State 
shall:
    (1) Inform claimants in writing that the information obtained from a 
QC investigation may affect their eligibility for benefits and inform 
employers in writing that the information obtained from a QC 
investigation of revenue may affect their tax liability,
    (2) Use a questionnaire, prescribed by the Department, which is 
designed to obtain such data as the Department deems necessary for the 
operation of the QC program; require completion of the questionnaire by 
claimants in accordance with the eligibility and reporting authority 
under State law,
    (3) Collect data identified by the Department as necessary for the 
operation of the QC program; however, the collection of demographic data 
will be limited to those data which relate to an individual's 
eligibility for UC benefits and necessary to conduct proportions tests 
to validate the selection of representative samples (the demographic 
data elements necessary to conduct proportions tests are claimants' date 
of birth, sex, and ethnic classification); and
    (4) Conclude all findings of inaccuracy as detected through QC 
investigations with appropriate official actions, in accordance with the 
applicable State and Federal laws; make any determinations with respect 
to individual benefit claims in accordance with the Secretary's 
``Standard for Claim Determinations--Separation Information'' in the 
Employment Security Manual, part V, sections 6010-6015 (appendix A of 
this part);
    (d) Classify benefit case findings resulting from QC investigations 
as:
    (1) Proper payments, underpayments, or overpayments in benefit 
payment cases, or
    (2) Proper denials or underpayments in benefit denial cases;
    (e) Make and maintain records pertaining to the QC program, and make

[[Page 21]]

all such records available in a timely manner for inspection, 
examination, and audit by such Federal officials as the Secretary may 
designate or as may be required or authorized by law;
    (f) Furnish information and reports to the Department, including 
weekly transmissions of case data entered into the automated QC system 
and annual reports, without, in any manner, identifying individuals to 
whom such data pertain; and
    (g) Release the results of the QC program at the same time each 
year, providing calendar year results using a standardized format to 
present the data as prescribed by the Department; States will have the 
opportunity to release this information prior to any release by the 
Department.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control Number 
1205-0245)



Sec.  602.22  Exceptions.

    If the Department determines that the QC program, or any constituent 
part of the QC program, is not necessary for the proper and efficient 
administration of a State law or in the Department's view is not cost 
effective, the Department shall use established procedures to advise the 
State that it is partially or totally excepted from the specified 
requirements of this part. Any determination under this section shall be 
made only after consultations with the State agency.



                   Subpart D_Federal Responsibilities



Sec.  602.30  Management.

    (a) The Department shall establish required methods and procedures 
(as specified in Sec.  602.21 of this part); and provide technical 
assistance as needed on the QC process.
    (b) The Department shall consider and explore alternatives to the 
prescribed sampling, study, recordkeeping, and reporting methodologies. 
This shall include, but not be limited to, testing the obtaining of 
information needed for QC by telephone and mail rather than in face-to-
face interviews.
    (c) The Department shall maintain a computerized data base of QC 
case data which is transmitted to the Department under Sec.  602.21, 
which will be combined with other data for statistical and other 
analysis such as assessing the impact of economic cycles, funding 
levels, and workload levels on program accuracy and timeliness.



Sec.  602.31  Oversight.

    The Department shall review QC operational procedures and samples, 
and validate QC methodology to ensure uniformity in the administration 
of the QC program and to ensure compliance with the requirements of this 
part. The Department shall, for purposes of determining eligibility for 
grants described in Sec.  602.40, annually review the adequacy of the 
administration of a State's QC program.



               Subpart E_Quality Control Grants to States



Sec.  602.40  Funding.

    (a) The Department shall use established procedures to notify States 
of the availability of funds for the operation of QC programs in 
accordance with this part.
    (b) The Department may allocate additional resources, if available, 
to States for analysis of data generated by the QC program, to increase 
the number of claims sampled in areas where more information is needed, 
for pilot studies for the purpose of expanding the QC program, and for 
corrective action.

[52 FR 33528, Sept. 3, 1987, as amended at 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  602.41  Proper expenditure of Quality Control granted funds.

    The Secretary may, after reasonable notice and opportunity for 
hearing to the State agency, take exception to and require repayment of 
an expenditure for the operation of a QC program if it is found by the 
Secretary that such expenditure is not necessary for the proper and 
efficient administration of the QC program in the State. See sections 
303(a)(8), 303(a)(9) and 303(b)(2), SSA, and 20 CFR 601.5. For purposes 
of this section, an expenditure will be

[[Page 22]]

found not necessary for proper and efficient administration if such 
expenditure fails to comply with the requirements of subpart C of this 
part.

[52 FR 33528, Sept. 3, 1987, as amended at 52 FR 34343, Sept. 10, 1987]



Sec.  602.42  Effect of failure to implement Quality Control program.

    Any State which the Secretary finds, after reasonable notice and 
opportunity for hearing, has not implemented or maintained a QC program 
in accordance with this part will not be eligible for any grants under 
title III of the Social Security Act until such time as the Secretary is 
satisfied that there is no longer any failure to conform or to comply 
substantially with any provision specified in this part. See sections 
303(a)(1), 303(a)(6), and 303(b)(2), SSA, and 20 CFR 601.5.



Sec.  602.43  No incentives or sanctions based on specific error rates.

    Neither sanctions nor funding incentives shall be used by the 
Department to influence the achievement of specified error rates in 
State UC programs.





    Sec. Appendix A to Part 602--Standard for Claim Determinations--
                         Separation Information

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 6010-6015)

    6010 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social 
Security Act requires that a State law include provision for:
    ``Such methods of administration . . . as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act requires that a State 
law include provision for:
    ``Opportunity for a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal, for 
all individuals whose claims for unemployment compensation are denied.''
    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation. . . .''
    Section 3306(h) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''
    6011 Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary interprets the above sections to require that a State law 
include provisions which will insure that:
    A. Individuals who may be entitled to unemployment compensation are 
furnished such information as will reasonably afford them an opportunity 
to know, establish, and protect their rights under the unemployment 
compensation law of such State, and
    B. The State agency obtains and records in time for the prompt 
determination and review of benefit claims such information as will 
reasonably insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom 
benefits are due.
    6012 Criteria for Review of State Law Conformity with Federal 
Requirements:
    In determining the conformity of a State law with the above 
requirements of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and the Social Security 
Act as interpreted by the Secretary, the following criteria will be 
applied:
    A. Is it required that individuals who may be entitled to 
unemployment compensation be furnished such information of their 
potential rights to benefits, including the manner and places of filing 
claims, the reasons for determinations, and their rights of appeal, as 
will insure them a reasonable opportunity to know, establish, and 
protect their rights under the law of the State?
    B. Is the State agency required to obtain, in time for prompt 
determination of rights to benefits such information as will reasonably 
insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom benefits are due?
    C. Is the State agency required to keep records of the facts 
considered in reaching determinations of rights to benefits?
    6013 Claim Determinations Requirements Designed To Meet Department 
of Labor Criteria:
    A. Investigation of claims. The State agency is required to obtain 
promptly and prior to a determination of an individual's right to 
benefits, such facts pertaining thereto as will be sufficient reasonably 
to insure the payment of benefits when due.
    This requirement embraces five separate elements:
    1. It is the responsibility of the agency to take the initiative in 
the discovery of information. This responsibility may not be passed on 
to the claimant or the employer. In addition to the agency's own 
records, this information may be obtained from the worker, the employer, 
or other sources. If the information obtained in the first instance 
discloses no essential disagreement and provides a sufficient basis for 
a fair determination, no further investigation is necessary. If the 
information obtained from other sources differs essentially from that 
furnished by the

[[Page 23]]

claimant, the agency, in order to meet its responsibility, is required 
to inform the claimant of such information from other sources and to 
afford the claimant an opportunity to furnish any further facts he may 
have.
    2. Evidentiary facts must be obtained as distinguished from ultimate 
facts or conclusions. That a worker was discharged for misconduct is an 
ultimate fact or conclusion; that he destroyed a machine upon which he 
was working is a primary or evidentiary fact, and the sort of fact that 
the requirement refers to.
    3. The information obtained must be sufficient reasonably to insure 
the payment of benefits when due. In general, the investigation made by 
the agency must be complete enough to provide information upon which the 
agency may act with reasonable assurance that its decision is consistent 
with the unemployment compensation law. On the other hand, the 
investigation should not be so exhaustive and time-consuming as unduly 
to delay the payment of benefits and to result in excessive costs.
    4. Information must be obtained promptly so that the payment of 
benefits is not unduly delayed.
    5. If the State agency requires any particular evidence from the 
worker, it must give him a reasonable opportunity to obtain such 
evidence.
    B. Recording of facts. The agency must keep a written record of the 
facts considered in reaching its determinations.
    C. Determination notices.
    1. The agency must give each claimant a written notice of:
    a. Any monetary determination with respect to his benefit year;
    b. Any determination with respect to purging a disqualification if, 
under the State law, a condition or qualification must be satisfied with 
respect to each week of disqualification; but in lieu of giving written 
notice of each determination for each week in which it is determined 
that the claimant has met the requirements for purging, the agency may 
inform the claimant that he has purged the disqualification for a week 
by notation of his applicant identification card or otherwise in 
writing.
    c. Any other determination which adversely affects \1\ his rights to 
benefits, except that written notice of determination need not be given 
with respect to:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A determination ``adversely affects'' claimant's right to 
benefits if it (1) results in a denial to him of benefits (including a 
cancellation of benefits or wage credits or any reduction in whole or in 
part below the weekly or maximum amount established by his monetary 
determination) for any week or other period; or (2) denies credit for a 
waiting week; or (3) applies any disqualification or penalty; or (4) 
determines that he has not satisfied a condition of eligibility, 
requalification for benefits, or purging a disqualification; or (5) 
determines that an overpayment has been made or orders repayment or 
recoupment of any sum paid to him; or (6) applies a previously 
determined overpayment, penalty, or order for repayment or recoupment; 
or (7) in any other way denies claimant a right to benefits under the 
State law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) A week in a benefit year for which the claimant's weekly benefit 
amount is reduced in whole or in part by earnings if, the first time in 
the benefit year that there is such a reduction, he is required to be 
furnished a booklet or leaflet containing the information set forth 
below in paragraph 2f(1). However, a written notice of determination is 
required if: (a) there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to any week (e.g., as to the amount computed as the appropriate 
reduction, etc.); or (b) there is a change in the State law (or in the 
application thereof) affecting the reduction; or
    (2) Any week in a benefit year subsequent to the first week in such 
benefit year in which benefits were denied, or reduced in whole or in 
part for reasons other than earnings, if denial or reduction for such 
subsequent week is based on the same reason and the same facts as for 
the first week, and if written notice of determination is required to be 
given to the claimant with respect to such first week, and with such 
notice of determination, he is required to be given a booklet or 
pamphlet containing the information set forth below in paragraphs 2f(2) 
and 2h. However, a written notice of determination is required if: (a) 
there is a dispute concerning the denial or reduction of benefits with 
respect to such week; or (b) there is a change in the State law (or in 
the application thereof) affecting the denial or reduction; or (c) there 
is a change in the amount of the reduction except as to the balance 
covered by the last reduction in a series of reductions.

    Note: This procedure may be applied to determinations made with 
respect to any subsequent weeks for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts: (a) that claimant is unable to work, unavailable for 
work, or is disqualified under the labor dispute provision; and (b) 
reducing claimant's weekly benefit amount because of income other than 
earnings or offset by reason of overpayment.

    2. The agency must include in written notices of determinations 
furnished to claimants sufficient information to enable them to 
understand the determinations, the reasons therefor, and their rights to 
protest, request reconsideration, or appeal.

[[Page 24]]

    The written notice of monetary determination must contain the 
information specified in the following items (except h) unless an item 
is specifically not applicable. A written notice of any other 
determination must contain the information specified in as many of the 
following items as are necessary to enable the claimant to understand 
the determination and to inform him of his appeal rights. Information 
specifically applicable to the individual claimant must be contained in 
the written notice of determination. Information of general application 
such as (but not limited to) the explanation of benefits for partial 
unemployment, information as to deductions, seasonality factors, and 
information as to the manner and place of taking an appeal, extension of 
the appeal period, and where to obtain information and assistance may be 
contained in a booklet or leaflet which is given the claimant with his 
monetary determination.
    a. Base period wages. The statement concerning base-period wages 
must be in sufficient detail to show the basis of computation of 
eligibility and weekly and maximum benefit amounts. (If maximum benefits 
are allowed, it may not be necessary to show details of earnings.)
    b. Employer name. The name of the employer who reported the wages is 
necessary so that the worker may check the wage transcript and know 
whether it is correct. If the worker is given only the employer number, 
he may not be able to check the accuracy of the wage transcript.
    c. Explanation of benefit formula--weekly and maximum benefit 
amounts. Sufficient information must be given the worker so that he will 
understand how his weekly benefit amount, including allowances for 
dependents, and his maximum benefit amount were figured. If benefits are 
computed by means of a table contained in the law, the table must be 
furnished with the notice of determination whether benefits are granted 
or denied.
    The written notice of determination must show clearly the weekly 
benefit amount and the maximum potential benefits to which the claimant 
is entitled.
    The notice to a claimant found ineligible by reason of insufficient 
earnings in the base period must inform him clearly of the reason for 
ineligibility. An explanation of the benefit formula contained in a 
booklet or pamphlet should be given to each claimant at or prior to the 
time he receives written notice of a monetary determination.
    d. Benefit year. An explanation of what is meant by the benefit year 
and identification of the claimant's benefit year must be included in 
the notice of determination.
    e. Information as to benefits for partial unemployment. There must 
be included either in the written notice of determination or in a 
booklet or pamphlet accompanying the notice an explanation of the 
claimant's rights to partial benefits for any week with respect to which 
he is working less than his normal customary full-time workweek because 
of lack of work and for which he earns less than his weekly benefit 
amount or weekly benefit amount plus earnings, whichever is provided by 
the State law. If the explanation is contained in the notice of 
determination, reference to the item in the notice in which his weekly 
benefit amount is entered should be made.
    f. Deductions from weekly benefits.
    (1) Earnings. Although written notice of determinations deducting 
earnings from a claimant's weekly benefit amount is generally not 
required (see paragraph 1 c (1) above), where written notice of 
determination is required (or given) it shall set forth the amount of 
earnings, the method of computing the deduction in sufficient detail to 
enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, and appeal. Where a written 
notice of determination is given to the claimant because there has been 
a change in the State law or in the application of the law, an 
explanation of the change shall be included.
    Where claimant is not required to receive a written notice of 
determination, he must be given a booklet or pamphlet the first time in 
his benefit year that there is a deduction for earnings which shall 
include the following information:
    (a) The method of computing deductions for earnings in sufficient 
detail to enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction;
    (b) That he will not automatically be given a written notice of 
determination for a week with respect to which there is a deduction for 
earnings (unless there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to a week or there has been a change in the State law or in the 
application of the law affecting the deduction) but that he may obtain 
such a written notice upon request; and
    (c) A clear statement of his right to protest, request a 
redetermination, and appeal from any determination deducting earnings 
from his weekly benefit amount even though he does not automatically 
receive a written notice of determination; and if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    (2) Other deductions.
    (a) A written notice of determination is required with respect to 
the first week in claimant's benefit year in which there is a reduction 
from his benefits for a reason other than earnings. This notice must 
describe the deduction made from claimant's weekly benefit amount, the 
reason for the

[[Page 25]]

deduction, the method of computing it in sufficient detail to enable him 
to verify the accuracy of such deduction, and his right to protest, 
request redetermination, or appeal.
    (b) A written notice of determination is not required for subsequent 
weeks that a deduction is made for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts, if the notice of determination pursuant to (2)(a), or a 
booklet or pamphlet given him with such notice explains (i) the several 
kinds of deductions which may be made under the State law (e.g., 
retirement pensions, vacation pay, and overpayments); (ii) the method of 
computing each kind of deduction in sufficient detail that claimant will 
be able to verify the accuracy of deductions made from his weekly 
benefit payments; (iii) any limitation on the amount of any deduction or 
the time in which any deduction may be made; (iv) that he will not 
automatically be given a written notice of determination for subsequent 
weeks with respect to which there is a deduction for the same reason and 
on the basis of the same facts, but that he may obtain a written notice 
of determination upon request; (v) his right to protest, request 
redetermination, or appeal with respect to subsequent weeks for which 
there is a reduction from his benefits for the same reason, and on the 
basis of the same facts even though he does not automatically receive a 
written notice of determination; and (vi) that if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    g. Seasonality factors. If the individual's determination is 
affected by seasonality factors under the State law, an adequate 
explanation must be made. General explanation of seasonality factors 
which may affect determinations for subsequent weeks may be included in 
a booklet or pamphlet given claimant with his notice of monetary 
determination.
    h. Disqualification or ineligibility. If a disqualification is 
imposed, or if the claimant is declared ineligible for one or more 
weeks, he must be given not only a statement of the period of 
disqualification or ineligibility and the amount of wage-credit 
reductions, if any, but also an explanation of the reason for the 
ineligibility or disqualification. This explanation must be sufficiently 
detailed so that he will understand why he is ineligible or why he has 
been disqualified, and what he must do in order to requalify for 
benefits or purge the disqualification. The statement must be 
individualized to indicate the facts upon which the determination was 
based, e.g., state, ``It is found that you left your work with Blank 
Company because you were tired of working; the separation was voluntary, 
and the reason does not constitute good cause,'' rather than merely the 
phrase ``voluntary quit.'' Checking a box as to the reason for the 
disqualification is not a sufficiently detailed explanation. However, 
this statement of the reason for the disqualification need not be a 
restatement of all facts considered in arriving at the determination.
    i. Appeal rights. The claimant must be given information with 
respect to his appeal rights.
    (1) The following information shall be included in the notice of 
determination:
    (a) A statement that he may appeal or, if the State law requires or 
permits a protest or redetermination before an appeal, that he may 
protest or request a redetermination.
    (b) The period within which an appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed. The number of days provided by statute 
must be shown as well as either the beginning date or ending date of the 
period. (It is recommended that the ending date of the appeal period be 
shown, as this is the more understandable of the alternatives.)
    (2) The following information must be included either in the notice 
of determination or in separate informational material referred to in 
the notice:
    (a) The manner in which the appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed, e.g., by signed letter, written 
statement, or on a prescribed form, and the place or places to which the 
appeal, protest, or request for redetermination may be mailed or hand-
delivered.
    (b) An explanation of any circumstances (such as nonworkdays, good 
cause, etc.) which will extend the period for the appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination beyond the date stated or identified in the 
notice of determination.
    (c) That any further information claimant may need or desire can be 
obtained together with assistance in filing his appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination from the local office.
    If the information is given in separate material, the notice of 
determination would adequately refer to such material if it said, for 
example, ``For other information about your (appeal), (protest), 
(redetermination) rights, see pages ---- to ---- of the -------- (name 
of pamphlet or booklet) heretofore furnished to you.''
    6014 Separation Information Requirements Designed To Meet Department 
of Labor Criteria:
    A. Information to agency. Where workers are separated, employers are 
required to furnish the agency promptly, either upon agency request or 
upon such separation, a notice describing the reasons for and the 
circumstances of the separation and any additional information which 
might affect a claimant's right to benefits. Where workers are working 
less than full time, employers are required to furnish the agency 
promptly, upon agency request, information concerning

[[Page 26]]

a claimant's hours of work and his wages during the claim periods 
involved, and other facts which might affect a claimant's eligibility 
for benefits during such periods.
    When workers are separated and the notices are obtained on a request 
basis, or when workers are working less than full time and the agency 
requests information, it is essential to the prompt processing of claims 
that the request be sent out promptly after the claim is filed and the 
employer be given a specific period within which to return the notice, 
preferably within 2 working days.
    When workers are separated and notices are obtained upon separation, 
it is essential that the employer be required to send the notice to the 
agency with sufficient promptness to insure that, if a claim is filed, 
it may be processed promptly. Normally, it is desirable that such a 
notice be sent to the central office of the agency, since the employer 
may not know in which local office the workers will file his claim. The 
usual procedure is for the employer to give the worker a copy of the 
notice sent by the employer to the agency.
    B. Information to worker.
    1. Information required to be given. Employers are required to give 
their employees information and instructions concerning the employees' 
potential rights to benefits and concerning registration for work and 
filing claims for benefits.
    The information furnished to employees under such a requirement need 
not be elaborate; it need only be adequate to insure that the worker who 
is separated or who is working less than full time knows he is 
potentially eligible for benefits and is informed as to what he is to do 
or where he is to go to file his claim and register for work. When he 
files his claim, he can obtain more detailed information.
    In States that do not require employers to furnish periodically to 
the State agency detailed reports of the wages paid to their employees, 
each employer is required to furnish to his employees information as to 
(a) the name under which he is registered by the State agency, (b) the 
address where he maintains his payroll records, and (c) the workers' 
need for this information if and when they file claims for benefits.
    2. Methods for giving information. The information and instructions 
required above may be given in any of the following ways:
    a. Posters prominently displayed in the employer's establishment. 
The State agency should supply employers with a sufficient number of 
posters for distribution throughout their places of business and should 
see that the posters are conspicuously displayed at all times.
    b. Leaflets. Leaflets distributed either periodically or at the time 
of separation or reduction of hours. The State agency should supply 
employers with a sufficient number of leaflets.
    c. Individual notices. Individual notices given to each employee at 
the time of separation or reduction in hours.
    It is recommended that the State agency's publicity program be used 
to supplement the employer-information requirements. Such a program 
should stress the availability and location of claim-filing offices and 
the importance of visiting those offices whenever the worker is 
unemployed, wishes to apply for benefits, and to seek a job.
    6015 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to 
Claim Determinations and Separation Information. If the State law 
provisions do not conform to the suggested requirements set forth in 
sections 6013 and 6014, but the State law contains alternative 
provisions, the Bureau of Employment Security, in collaboration with the 
State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effects of the 
alternative provisions. If the Administrator of the Bureau concludes 
that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria in section 6012, he 
will so notify the State agency. If the Administrator of the Bureau does 
not so conclude, he will submit the matter to the Secretary. If the 
Secretary concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria 
in section 6012, the State agency will be so notified. If the Secretary 
concludes that there is a question as to whether the alternative 
provisions satisfy the criteria, the State agency will be advised that 
unless the State law provisions are appropriately revised, a notice of 
hearing will be issued as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, 
title 20, section 601.5.



PART 603_FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (UC) PROGRAM; 
CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF STATE UC INFORMATION-
-Table of Contents



                          Subpart A_In General

Sec.
603.1 What are the purpose and scope of this part?
603.2 What definitions apply to this part?

          Subpart B_Confidentiality and Disclosure Requirements

603.3 What is the purpose and scope of this subpart?
603.4 What is the confidentiality requirement of Federal UC law?
603.5 What are the exceptions to the confidentiality requirement?
603.6 What disclosures are required by this subpart?

[[Page 27]]

603.7 What requirements apply to subpoenas, other compulsory processes, 
          and disclosure to officials with subpoena authority?
603.8 What are the requirements for payment of costs and program income?
603.9 What safeguards and security requirements apply to disclosed 
          information?
603.10 What are the requirements for agreements?
603.11 How do States notify claimants and employers about the uses of 
          their information?
603.12 How are the requirements of this part enforced?

 Subpart C_Mandatory Disclosure for Income and Eligibility Verification 
                              System (IEVS)

603.20 What is the purpose and scope of this subpart?
603.21 What is a requesting agency?
603.22 What information must State UC agencies disclose for purposes of 
          an IEVS?
603.23 What information must State UC agencies obtain from other 
          agencies, and crossmatch with wage information, for purposes 
          of an IEVS?

    Authority: Secs. 116, 189, 503, Pub. L. 113-128, 128 Stat. 1425 
(Jul. 22, 2014); 20 U.S.C 1232g.

    Source: 71 FR 56842, Sept. 27, 2006, unless otherwise noted.



                          Subpart A_In General



Sec.  603.1  What are the purpose and scope of this part?

    The purpose of this part is to implement the requirements of Federal 
UC law concerning confidentiality and disclosure of UC information. This 
part applies to States and State UC agencies, as defined in Sec.  
603.2(f) and (g).



Sec.  603.2  What definitions apply to this part?

    For the purposes of this part:
    (a)(1) Claim information means information about:
    (i) Whether an individual is receiving, has received, or has applied 
for UC;
    (ii) The amount of compensation the individual is receiving or is 
entitled to receive; and
    (iii) The individual's current (or most recent) home address.
    (2) For purposes of subpart C (IEVS), claim information also 
includes:
    (i) Whether the individual has refused an offer of work and, if so, 
a description of the job offered including the terms, conditions, and 
rate of pay; and
    (ii) Any other information contained in the records of the State UC 
agency that is needed by the requesting agency to verify eligibility 
for, and the amount of, benefits.
    (b) Confidential UC information and confidential information mean 
any UC information, as defined in paragraph (j) of this section, 
required to be kept confidential under Sec.  603.4.
    (c) Public domain information means--
    (1) Information about the organization of the State and the State UC 
agency and appellate authorities, including the names and positions of 
officials and employees thereof;
    (2) Information about the State UC law (and applicable Federal law) 
provisions, rules, regulations, and interpretations thereof, including 
statements of general policy and interpretations of general 
applicability; and
    (3) Any agreement of whatever kind or nature, including interstate 
arrangements and reciprocal agreements and any agreement with the 
Department of Labor or the Secretary, relating to the administration of 
the State UC law.
    (d) Public official means:
    (1) An official, agency, or public entity within the executive 
branch of Federal, State, or local government who (or which) has 
responsibility for administering or enforcing a law, or an elected 
official in the Federal, State, or local government.
    (2) Public postsecondary educational institutions established and 
governed under the laws of the State. These include the following:
    (i) Institutions that are part of the State's executive branch. This 
means the head of the institution must derive his or her authority from 
the Governor, either directly or through a State WDB, commission, or 
similar entity established in the executive branch under the laws of the 
State.
    (ii) Institutions which are independent of the executive branch. 
This means the head of the institution derives his or her authority from 
the State's chief executive officer for the State education authority or 
agency

[[Page 28]]

when such officer is elected or appointed independently of the Governor.
    (iii) Publicly governed, publicly funded community and technical 
colleges.
    (3) Performance accountability and customer information agencies 
designated by the Governor of a State to be responsible for coordinating 
the assessment of State and local education or workforce training 
program performance and/or evaluating education or workforce training 
provider performance.
    (4) The chief elected official of a local area as defined in WIOA 
sec. 3(9).
    (5) A State educational authority, agency, or institution as those 
terms are used in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, to the 
extent they are public entities.
    (e) Secretary and Secretary of Labor mean the cabinet officer 
heading the United States Department of Labor, or his or her designee.
    (f) State means a State of the United States of America, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United 
States Virgin Islands.
    (g) State UC agency means an agency charged with the administration 
of the State UC law.
    (h) State UC law means the law of a State approved under Section 
3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)).
    (i) Unemployment compensation (UC) means cash benefits payable to 
individuals with respect to their unemployment.
    (j) UC information and State UC information means information in the 
records of a State or State UC agency that pertains to the 
administration of the State UC law. This term includes those State wage 
reports collected under the IEVS (Section 1137 of the Social Security 
Act (SSA)) that are obtained by the State UC agency for determining UC 
monetary eligibility or are downloaded to the State UC agency's files as 
a result of a crossmatch but does not otherwise include those wage 
reports. It does not include information in a State's Directory of New 
Hires, but does include any such information that has been disclosed to 
the State UC agency for use in the UC program. It also does not include 
the personnel or fiscal information of a State UC agency.
    (k) Wage information means information in the records of a State UC 
agency (and, for purposes of Sec.  603.23 (IEVS)), information reported 
under provisions of State law which fulfill the requirements of Section 
1137, SSA) about the--
    (1) Wages paid to an individual,
    (2) Social security account number (or numbers, if more than one) of 
such individual, and
    (3) Name, address, State, and the Federal employer identification 
number of the employer who paid such wages to such individual.

[71 FR 56842, Sept. 27, 2006, as amended at 81 FR 56333, Aug. 19, 2016]



          Subpart B_Confidentiality and Disclosure Requirements



Sec.  603.3  What is the purpose and scope of this subpart?

    This subpart implements the basic confidentiality requirement 
derived from Section 303(a)(1), SSA, and the disclosure requirements of 
Sections 303(a)(7), (c)(1), (d), (e), (h), and (i), SSA, and Section 
3304(a)(16), Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). This subpart also 
establishes uniform minimum requirements for the payment of costs, 
safeguards, and data-sharing agreements when UC information is 
disclosed, and for conformity and substantial compliance with this 
proposed rule. This subpart applies to States and State UC agencies, as 
defined in Sec.  603.2(f) and (g), respectively.



Sec.  603.4  What is the confidentiality requirement of Federal UC law?

    (a) Statute. Section 303(a)(1) of the SSA (42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1)) 
provides that, for the purposes of certification of payment of granted 
funds to a State under Section 302(a) (42 U.S.C. 502(a)), State law must 
include provision for such methods of administration as are found by the 
Secretary of Labor to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of 
unemployment compensation when due.
    (b) Interpretation. The Department of Labor interprets Section 
303(a)(1), SSA, to mean that ``methods of administration'' that are 
reasonably calculated to

[[Page 29]]

insure the full payment of UC when due must include provision for 
maintaining the confidentiality of any UC information which reveals the 
name or any identifying particular about any individual or any past or 
present employer or employing unit, or which could foreseeably be 
combined with other publicly available information to reveal any such 
particulars, and must include provision for barring the disclosure of 
any such information, except as provided in this part.
    (c) Application. Each State law must contain provisions that are 
interpreted and applied consistently with the interpretation in 
paragraph (b) of this section and with this subpart, and must provide 
penalties for any disclosure of confidential UC information that is 
inconsistent with any provision of this subpart.



Sec.  603.5  What are the exceptions to the confidentiality requirement?

    The following are exceptions to the confidentiality requirement. 
Disclosure of confidential UC information is permissible under the 
exceptions in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section only if 
authorized by State law and if such disclosure does not interfere with 
the efficient administration of the State UC law. Disclosure of 
confidential UC information is permissible under the exceptions in 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section without such restrictions.
    (a) Public domain information. The confidentiality requirement of 
Sec.  603.4 does not apply to public domain information, as defined at 
Sec.  603.2(c).
    (b) UC appeals records. Disclosure of appeals records and decisions, 
and precedential determinations on coverage of employers, employment, 
and wages, is permissible provided all social security account numbers 
have been removed and such disclosure is otherwise consistent with 
Federal and State law.
    (c) Individual or employer. Disclosure for non-UC purposes, of 
confidential UC information about an individual to that individual, or 
of confidential UC information about an employer to that employer, is 
permissible.
    (d) Informed consent. Disclosure of confidential UC information on 
the basis of informed consent is permissible in the following 
circumstances--
    (1) Agent--to one who acts for or in the place of an individual or 
an employer by the authority of that individual or employer if--
    (i) In general--
    (A) The agent presents a written release (which may include an 
electronically submitted release that the State determines is authentic) 
from the individual or employer being represented;
    (B) When a written release is impossible or impracticable to obtain, 
the agent presents such other form of consent as is permitted by the 
State UC agency in accordance with State law;
    (ii) In the case of an elected official performing constituent 
services, the official presents reasonable evidence (such as a letter 
from the individual or employer requesting assistance or a written 
record of a telephone request from the individual or employer) that the 
individual or employer has authorized such disclosure; or
    (iii) In the case of an attorney retained for purposes related to 
the State's UC law, the attorney asserts that he or she is representing 
the individual or employer.
    (2) Third party (other than an agent) or disclosure made on an 
ongoing basis--to a third party that is not acting as an agent or that 
receives confidential information following an informed consent 
disclosure on an ongoing basis (even if such entity is an agent), but 
only if that entity obtains a written release from the individual or 
employer to whom the information pertains.
    (i) The release must be signed and must include a statement--
    (A) Specifically identifying the information that is to be 
disclosed;
    (B) That State government files will be accessed to obtain that 
information;
    (C) Of the specific purpose or purposes for which the information is 
sought and a statement that information obtained under the release will 
only be used for that purpose or purposes; and
    (D) Indicating all the parties who may receive the information 
disclosed.
    (ii) The purpose specified in the release must be limited to--
    (A) Providing a service or benefit to the individual signing the 
release that

[[Page 30]]

such individual expects to receive as a result of signing the release; 
or
    (B) Carrying out administration or evaluation of a public program to 
which the release pertains.

    Note to paragraph (d): The Electronic Signatures in Global and 
National Commerce Act of 2000 (E-Sign), Pub. L. 106-229, may apply where 
a party wishes to effectuate electronically an informed consent release 
(Sec.  603.5(d)(2)) or a disclosure agreement (Sec.  603.10(a)) with an 
entity that uses informed consent releases. E-Sign, among other things, 
sets forth the circumstances under which electronic signatures, 
contracts, and other records relating to such transactions (in lieu of 
paper documents) are legally binding. Thus, an electronic communication 
may suffice under E-Sign to establish a legally binding contract. The 
States will need to consider E-Sign's application to these informed 
consent releases and disclosure agreements. In particular, a State must, 
to conform and substantially comply with this regulation, assure that 
these informed consent releases and disclosure agreements are legally 
enforceable. If an informed consent release or disclosure agreement is 
to be effectuated electronically, the State must determine whether E-
Sign applies to that transaction, and, if so, make certain that the 
transaction satisfies the conditions imposed by E-Sign. The State must 
also make certain that the electronic transaction complies with every 
other condition necessary to make it legally enforceable.

    (e) Public official. Disclosure of confidential UC information to a 
public official for use in the performance of his or her official duties 
is permissible.
    (1) ``Performance of official duties'' means administration or 
enforcement of law or the execution of the official responsibilities of 
a Federal, State, or local elected official. Administration of law 
includes research related to the law administered by the public 
official. Execution of official responsibilities does not include 
solicitation of contributions or expenditures to or on behalf of a 
candidate for public or political office or a political party.
    (2) For purposes of Sec.  603.2(d)(2) through (5), ``performance of 
official duties'' includes, in addition to the activities set out in 
paragraph (e)(1) of this section, use of the confidential UC information 
for the following limited purposes:
    (i) State and local performance accountability under WIOA sec. 116, 
including eligible training provider performance accountability under 
WIOA secs. 116(d) and 122;
    (ii) The requirements of discretionary Federal grants awarded under 
WIOA; or
    (iii) As otherwise required for education or workforce training 
program performance accountability and reporting under Federal or State 
law.
    (f) Agent or contractor of public official. Disclosure of 
confidential UC information to an agent or contractor of a public 
official to whom disclosure is permissible under paragraph (e) of this 
section.
    (g) Bureau of Labor Statistics. The confidentiality requirement does 
not apply to information collected exclusively for statistical purposes 
under a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 
Further, this part does not restrict or impose any condition on the 
transfer of any other information to the BLS under an agreement, or the 
BLS's disclosure or use of such information.
    (h) Court order; official with subpoena authority. Disclosure of 
confidential UC information in response to a court order or to an 
official with subpoena authority is permissible as specified in Sec.  
603.7(b).
    (i) UC Program Oversight and Audits. The confidentiality requirement 
does not apply to any disclosure to a Federal official for purposes of 
UC program oversight and audits, including disclosures under 20 CFR part 
601 and 29 CFR parts 96 and 97.

[71 FR 56842, Sept. 27, 2006, as amended at 81 FR 56333, Aug. 19, 2016]



Sec.  603.6  What disclosures are required by this subpart?

    (a) The confidentiality requirement of 303(a)(1), SSA, and Sec.  
603.4 are not applicable to this paragraph (a) and the Department of 
Labor interprets Section 303(a)(1), SSA, as requiring disclosure of all 
information necessary for the proper administration of the UC program. 
This includes disclosures to claimants, employers, the Internal Revenue 
Service (for purposes of UC tax administration), and the U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services (for purposes of verifying a 
claimant's immigration status).

[[Page 31]]

    (b) In addition to Section 303(f), SSA (concerning an IEVS), which 
is addressed in subpart C, the following provisions of Federal UC law 
also specifically require disclosure of State UC information and State-
held information pertaining to the Federal UC and benefit programs of 
Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE), Unemployment 
Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX), Trade Adjustment Assistance 
(TAA) (except for confidential business information collected by 
States), Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), and any Federal UC 
benefit extension program:
    (1) Section 303(a)(7), SSA, requires State law to provide for making 
available, upon request, to any agency of the United States charged with 
the administration of public works or assistance through public 
employment, disclosure of the following information with respect to each 
recipient of UC--
    (i) Name;
    (ii) Address;
    (iii) Ordinary occupation;
    (iv) Employment status; and
    (v) A statement of such recipient's rights to further compensation 
under the State law.
    (2) Section 303(c)(1), SSA, requires each State to make its UC 
records available to the Railroad Retirement Board, and to furnish such 
copies of its UC records to the Railroad Retirement Board as the Board 
deems necessary for its purposes.
    (3) Section 303(d)(1), SSA, requires each State UC agency, for 
purposes of determining an individual's eligibility benefits, or the 
amount of benefits, under a food stamp program established under the 
Food Stamp Act of 1977, to disclose, upon request, to officers and 
employees of the Department of Agriculture, and to officers or employees 
of any State food stamp agency, any of the following information 
contained in the records of the State UC agency--
    (i) Wage information,
    (ii) Whether an individual is receiving, has received, or has made 
application for, UC, and the amount of any such compensation being 
received, or to be received, by such individual,
    (iii) The current (or most recent) home address of such individual, 
and
    (iv) Whether an individual has refused an offer of employment and, 
if so, a description of the employment so offered and the terms, 
conditions, and rate of pay therefore.
    (4) Section 303(e)(1), SSA, requires each State UC agency to 
disclose, upon request, directly to officers or employees of any State 
or local child support enforcement agency, any wage information 
contained in the records of the State UC agency for purposes of 
establishing and collecting child support obligations (not to include 
custodial parent support obligations) from, and locating, individuals 
owing such obligations.
    (5) Section 303(h), SSA, requires each State UC agency to disclose 
quarterly, to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), wage 
information and claim information as required under Section 453(i)(1) of 
the SSA (establishing the National Directory of New Hires), contained in 
the records of such agency, for purposes of Subsections (i)(1), (i)(3), 
and (j) of Section 453, SSA (establishing the National Directory of New 
Hires and its uses for purposes of child support enforcement, Temporary 
Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), TANF research, administration of 
the earned income tax credit, and use by the Social Security 
Administration).
    (6) Section 303(i), SSA, requires each State UC agency to disclose, 
upon request, to officers or employees of the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development (HUD) and to representatives of a public housing 
agency, for purposes of determining an individual's eligibility for 
benefits, or the amount of benefits, under a housing assistance program 
of HUD, any of the following information contained in the records of 
such State agency about any individual applying for or participating in 
any housing assistance program administered by HUD who has signed a 
consent form approved by the Secretary of HUD--
    (i) Wage information, and
    (ii) Whether the individual is receiving, has received, or has made 
application for, UC, and the amount of any such compensation being 
received (or to be received) by such individual.
    (7) Section 3304(a)(16), FUTA requires each State UC agency--

[[Page 32]]

    (i) To disclose, upon request, to any State or political subdivision 
thereof administering a Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Agency 
(TANF) program funded under part A of Title IV of the SSA, wage 
information contained in the records of the State UC agency which is 
necessary (as determined by the Secretary of HHS in regulations) for 
purposes of determining an individual's eligibility for TANF assistance 
or the amount of TANF assistance; and
    (ii) To furnish to the Secretary of HHS, in accordance with that 
Secretary's regulations at 45 CFR 303.108, wage information (as defined 
at 45 CFR 303.108(a)(2)) and UC information (as defined at 45 CFR 
303.108(a)(3)) contained in the records of such agency for the purposes 
of the National Directory of New Hires established under Section 453(i) 
of the SSA.
    (8) To comply with WIOA sec. 116(e)(4), States must, to the extent 
practicable, cooperate in the conduct of evaluations (including related 
research projects) provided for by the Secretary of Labor or the 
Secretary of Education under the provisions of Federal law identified in 
WIOA sec. 116(e)(1); WIOA secs. 169 and 242(c)(2)(D); sec. 12(a)(5), 14, 
and 107 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 709(a)(5), 711, 
727) (applied with respect to programs carried out under title I of that 
Act (29 U.S.C. 720 et seq.)); and the investigations provided for by the 
Secretary of Labor under sec. 10(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 
49i(b)). For purposes of this part, States must disclose confidential UC 
information to a Federal official (or an agent or contractor of a 
Federal official) requesting such information in the course of such 
evaluations. This disclosure must be done in accordance with appropriate 
privacy and confidentiality protections established in this part. This 
disclosure must be made to the ``extent practicable'', which means that 
the disclosure would not interfere with the efficient administration of 
the State UC law, as required by Sec.  603.5.
    (c) Each State law must contain provisions that are interpreted and 
applied consistently with the requirements listed in this section.

[71 FR 56842, Sept. 27, 2006, as amended at 81 FR 56333, Aug. 19, 2016]



Sec.  603.7  What requirements apply to subpoenas, other compulsory 
processes, and disclosure to officials with subpoena authority?

    (a) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, 
when a subpoena or other compulsory process is served upon a State UC 
agency or the State, any official or employee thereof, or any recipient 
of confidential UC information, which requires the production of 
confidential UC information or appearance for testimony upon any matter 
concerning such information, the State or State UC agency or recipient 
must file and diligently pursue a motion to quash the subpoena or other 
compulsory process if other means of avoiding the disclosure of 
confidential UC information are not successful or if the court has not 
already ruled on the disclosure. Only if such motion is denied by the 
court or other forum may the requested confidential UC information be 
disclosed, and only upon such terms as the court or forum may order, 
such as that the recipient protect the disclosed information and pay the 
State's or State UC agency's costs of disclosure.
    (b) Exceptions. The requirement of paragraph (a) of this section to 
move to quash subpoenas shall not be applicable, so that disclosure is 
permissible, where--
    (1) Court Decision--a subpoena or other compulsory legal process has 
been served and a court has previously issued a binding precedential 
decision that requires disclosures of this type, or a well-established 
pattern of prior court decisions have required disclosures of this type, 
or
    (2) Official with subpoena authority--Confidential UC information 
has been subpoenaed, by a local, State or Federal governmental official, 
other than a clerk of court on behalf of a litigant, with authority to 
obtain such information by subpoena under State or Federal law. The 
State or State UC agency may choose to disclose such confidential UC 
information to these officials without the actual issuance of a 
subpoena.

[[Page 33]]



Sec.  603.8  What are the requirements for payment of costs and 
program income?

    (a) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, 
grant funds must not be used to pay any of the costs of making any 
disclosure of UC information. Grant funds may not be used to pay any of 
the costs of making any disclosures under Sec.  603.5(d)(2) (third party 
(other than an agent) or disclosure made on an ongoing basis), Sec.  
603.5(e) (optional disclosure to a public official), Sec.  603.5(f) 
(optional disclosure to an agent or contractor of a public official), 
and Sec.  603.5(g) (optional disclosure to BLS), Sec.  603.6(b) 
(mandatory disclosures for non-UC purposes), or Sec.  603.22 (mandatory 
disclosure for purposes of an IEVS).
    (b) Use of grant funds permitted. Grant funds paid to a State under 
Section 302(a), SSA, may be used to pay the costs of only those 
disclosures necessary for proper administration of the UC program. (This 
may include some disclosures under Sec.  603.5(a) (concerning public 
domain information), Sec.  603.5(c) (to an individual or employer), and 
Sec.  603.5(d)(1) (to an agent).) In addition, grant funds may be used 
to pay costs of disclosures under Sec.  603.5(i) (for UC Program 
Oversight and Audits) and Sec.  603.6(a) (for the proper administration 
of the UC program). Grant funds may also be used to pay costs associated 
with disclosures under Sec.  603.7(b)(1) (concerning court-ordered 
compliance with subpoenas) if a court has denied recovery of costs, or 
to pay costs associated with disclosures under Sec.  603.7(b)(2) (to 
officials with subpoena authority) if the State UC agency has attempted 
but not been successful in obtaining reimbursement of costs. Finally, 
grant funds may be used to pay costs associated with any disclosure of 
UC information if not more than an incidental amount of staff time and 
no more than nominal processing costs are involved in making the 
disclosure.
    (c) Calculation of costs. The costs to a State or State UC agency of 
processing and handling a request for disclosure of information must be 
calculated in accordance with the cost principles and administrative 
requirements of 29 CFR part 97 and Office of Management and Budget 
Circular No. A-87 (Revised). For the purpose of calculating such costs, 
any initial start-up costs incurred by the State UC agency in 
preparation for making the requested disclosure(s), such as computer 
reprogramming necessary to respond to the request, and the costs of 
implementing safeguards and agreements required by Sec. Sec.  603.9 and 
603.10, must be charged to and paid by the recipient. (Start-up costs do 
not include the costs to the State UC agency of obtaining, compiling, or 
maintaining information for its own purposes.) Postage or other delivery 
costs incurred in making any disclosure are part of the costs of making 
the disclosure. Penalty mail, as defined in 39 U.S.C. 3201(1), must not 
be used to transmit information being disclosed, except information 
disclosed for purposes of administration of State UC law. As provided in 
Sections 453(e)(2) and 453(g) of the SSA, the Secretary of HHS has the 
authority to determine what constitutes a reasonable amount for the 
reimbursement for disclosures under Section 303(h), SSA, and Section 
3304(a)(16)(B), FUTA.
    (d) Payment of costs. The costs to a State or State UC agency of 
making a disclosure of UC information, calculated in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this section, must be paid by the recipient of the 
information or another source paying on behalf of the recipient, either 
in advance or by way of reimbursement. If the recipient is not a public 
official, such costs, except for good reason must be paid in advance. 
For the purposes of this paragraph (d), payment in advance means full 
payment of all costs before or at the time the disclosed information is 
given in hand or sent to the recipient. The requirement of payment of 
costs in this paragraph is met when a State UC agency has in place a 
reciprocal cost agreement or arrangement with the recipient. As used in 
this section, reciprocal means that the relative benefits received by 
each are approximately equal. Payment or reimbursement of costs must 
include any initial start-up costs associated with making the 
disclosure.
    (e) Program income. Costs paid as required by this section, and any 
funds generated by the disclosure of UC information under this part, are 
program

[[Page 34]]

income and may be used only as permitted by 29 CFR 97.25(g) (on program 
income). Such income may not be used to benefit a State's general fund 
or other program.



Sec.  603.9  What safeguards and security requirements apply to disclosed
information?

    (a) In general. For disclosures of confidential UC information under 
Sec.  603.5(d)(2) (to a third party (other than an agent) or disclosures 
made on an ongoing basis); Sec.  603.5(e) (to a public official), except 
as provided in paragraph (d) of this section; Sec.  603.5(f) (to an 
agent or contractor of a public official); Sec.  603.6(b)(1) through 
(4), (6), and (7)(i) (as required by Federal UC law); and Sec.  603.22 
(to a requesting agency for purposes of an IEVS), a State or State UC 
agency must require the recipient to safeguard the information disclosed 
against unauthorized access or redisclosure, as provided in paragraphs 
(b) and (c) of this section, and must subject the recipient to penalties 
provided by the State law for unauthorized disclosure of confidential UC 
information.
    (b) Safeguards to be required of recipients. (1) The State or State 
UC agency must:
    (i) Require the recipient to use the disclosed information only for 
purposes authorized by law and consistent with an agreement that meets 
the requirements of Sec.  603.10;
    (ii) Require the recipient to store the disclosed information in a 
place physically secure from access by unauthorized persons;
    (iii) Require the recipient to store and process disclosed 
information maintained in electronic format, such as magnetic tapes or 
discs, in such a way that unauthorized persons cannot obtain the 
information by any means;
    (iv) Require the recipient to undertake precautions to ensure that 
only authorized personnel are given access to disclosed information 
stored in computer systems;
    (v) Require each recipient agency or entity to:
    (A) Instruct all personnel having access to the disclosed 
information about confidentiality requirements, the requirements of this 
subpart B, and the sanctions specified in the State law for unauthorized 
disclosure of information, and
    (B) Sign an acknowledgment that all personnel having access to the 
disclosed information have been instructed in accordance with paragraph 
(b)(1)(v)(A) of this section and will adhere to the State's or State UC 
agency's confidentiality requirements and procedures which are 
consistent with this subpart B and the agreement required by Sec.  
603.10, and agreeing to report any infraction of these rules to the 
State UC agency fully and promptly,
    (vi) Require the recipient to dispose of information disclosed or 
obtained, and any copies thereof made by the recipient agency, entity, 
or contractor, after the purpose for which the information is disclosed 
is served, except for disclosed information possessed by any court. 
Disposal means return of the information to the disclosing State or 
State UC agency or destruction of the information, as directed by the 
State or State UC agency. Disposal includes deletion of personal 
identifiers by the State or State UC agency in lieu of destruction. In 
any case, the information disclosed must not be retained with personal 
identifiers for longer than such period of time as the State or State UC 
agency deems appropriate on a case-by-case basis; and
    (vii) Maintain a system sufficient to allow an audit of compliance 
with the requirements of this part.
    (2) In the case of disclosures made under Sec.  603.5(d)(2) (to a 
third party (other than an agent) or disclosures made on an ongoing 
basis), the State or State UC agency must also--
    (i) Periodically audit a sample of transactions accessing 
information disclosed under that section to assure that the entity 
receiving disclosed information has on file a written release 
authorizing each access. The audit must ensure that the information is 
not being used for any unauthorized purpose;
    (ii) Ensure that all employees of entities receiving access to 
information disclosed under Sec.  603.5(d)(2) are subject to the same 
confidentiality requirements, and State criminal penalties for

[[Page 35]]

violation of those requirements, as are employees of the State UC 
agency.
    (c) Redisclosure of confidential UC information. (1) A State or 
State UC agency may authorize any recipient of confidential UC 
information under paragraph (a) of this section to redisclose 
information only as follows:
    (i) To the individual or employer who is the subject of the 
information;
    (ii) To an attorney or other duly authorized agent representing the 
individual or employer;
    (iii) In any civil or criminal proceedings for or on behalf of a 
recipient agency or entity;
    (iv) In response to a subpoena only as provided in Sec.  603.7;
    (v) To an agent or contractor of a public official only if the 
person redisclosing is a public official, if the redisclosure is 
authorized by the State law, and if the public official retains 
responsibility for the uses of the confidential UC information by the 
agent or contractor;
    (vi) From one public official to another if the redisclosure is 
authorized by the State law;
    (vii) When so authorized by Section 303(e)(5), SSA, (redisclosure of 
wage information by a State or local child support enforcement agency to 
an agent under contract with such agency for purposes of carrying out 
child support enforcement) and by State law; or
    (viii) When specifically authorized by a written release that meets 
the requirements of Sec.  603.5(d) (to a third party with informed 
consent).
    (2) Information redisclosed under paragraphs (c)(1)(v) and (vi) of 
this section must be subject to the safeguards in paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (d) The requirements of this section do not apply to disclosures of 
UC information to a Federal agency which the Department has determined, 
by notice published in the Federal Register, to have in place safeguards 
adequate to satisfy the confidentiality requirement of Section 
303(a)(1), SSA.



Sec.  603.10  What are the requirements for agreements?

    (a) Requirements. (1) For disclosures of confidential UC information 
under Sec.  603.5(d)(2) (to a third party (other than an agent) or 
disclosures made on an ongoing basis); Sec.  603.5(e) (to a public 
official), except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section; Sec.  
603.5(f) (to an agent or contractor of a public official); Sec.  
603.6(b)(1) through (4), (6), and (7)(i) (as required by Federal UC 
law); and Sec.  603.22 (to a requesting agency for purposes of an IEVS), 
a State or State UC agency must enter into a written, enforceable 
agreement with any agency or entity requesting disclosure(s) of such 
information. The agreement must be terminable if the State or State UC 
agency determines that the safeguards in the agreement are not adhered 
to.
    (2) For disclosures referred to in Sec.  603.5(f) (to an agent or 
contractor of a public official), the State or State UC agency must 
enter into a written, enforceable agreement with the public official on 
whose behalf the agent or contractor will obtain information. The 
agreement must hold the public official responsible for ensuring that 
the agent or contractor complies with the safeguards of Sec.  603.9. The 
agreement must be terminable if the State or State UC agency determines 
that the safeguards in the agreement are not adhered to.
    (b) Contents of agreement--(1) In general. Any agreement required by 
paragraph (a) of this section must include, but need not be limited to, 
the following terms and conditions:
    (i) A description of the specific information to be furnished and 
the purposes for which the information is sought;
    (ii) A statement that those who request or receive information under 
the agreement will be limited to those with a need to access it for 
purposes listed in the agreement;
    (iii) The methods and timing of requests for information and 
responses to those requests, including the format to be used;
    (iv) Provision for paying the State or State UC agency for any costs 
of furnishing information, as required by Sec.  603.8 (on costs);
    (v) Provision for safeguarding the information disclosed, as 
required by Sec.  603.9 (on safeguards); and
    (vi) Provision for on-site inspections of the agency, entity, or 
contractor, to assure that the requirements of the

[[Page 36]]

State's law and the agreement or contract required by this section are 
being met.
    (2) In the case of disclosures under Sec.  603.5(d)(2) (to a third 
party (other than an agent) or disclosures made on an ongoing basis), 
the agreement required by paragraph (a) of this section must assure that 
the information will be accessed by only those entities with 
authorization under the individual's or employer's release, and that it 
may be used only for the specific purposes authorized in that release.
    (c) Breach of agreement--(1) In general. If an agency, entity, or 
contractor, or any official, employee, or agent thereof, fails to comply 
with any provision of an agreement required by this section, including 
timely payment of the State's or State UC agency's costs billed to the 
agency, entity, or contractor, the agreement must be suspended, and 
further disclosure of information (including any disclosure being 
processed) to such agency, entity, or contractor is prohibited, until 
the State or State UC agency is satisfied that corrective action has 
been taken and there will be no further breach. In the absence of prompt 
and satisfactory corrective action, the agreement must be canceled, and 
the agency, entity, or contractor must be required to surrender to the 
State or State UC agency all confidential UC information (and copies 
thereof) obtained under the agreement which has not previously been 
returned to the State or State UC agency, and any other information 
relevant to the agreement.
    (2) Enforcement. In addition to the actions required to be taken by 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the State or State UC agency must 
undertake any other action under the agreement, or under any law of the 
State or of the United States, to enforce the agreement and secure 
satisfactory corrective action or surrender of the information, and must 
take other remedial actions permitted under State or Federal law to 
effect adherence to the requirements of this subpart B, including 
seeking damages, penalties, and restitution as permitted under such law 
for any charges to granted funds and all costs incurred by the State or 
the State UC agency in pursuing the breach of the agreement and 
enforcement as required by this paragraph (c).
    (d) The requirements of this section do not apply to disclosures of 
UC information to a Federal agency which the Department has determined, 
by notice published in the Federal Register, to have in place safeguards 
adequate to satisfy the confidentiality requirement of Section 
303(a)(1), SSA, and an appropriate method of paying or reimbursing the 
State UC agency (which may involve a reciprocal cost arrangement) for 
costs involved in such disclosures. These determinations will be 
published in the Federal Register.



Sec.  603.11  How do States notify claimants and employers about the 
uses of their information?

    (a) Claimants. Every claimant for compensation must be notified, at 
the time of application, and periodically thereafter, that confidential 
UC information pertaining to the claimant may be requested and utilized 
for other governmental purposes, including, but not limited to, 
verification of eligibility under other government programs. Notice on 
or attached to subsequent additional claims will satisfy the requirement 
for periodic notice thereafter.
    (b) Employers. Every employer subject to a State's law must be 
notified that wage information and other confidential UC information may 
be requested and utilized for other governmental purposes, including, 
but not limited to, verification of an individual's eligibility for 
other government programs.



Sec.  603.12  How are the requirements of this part enforced?

    (a) Resolving conformity and compliance issues. For the purposes of 
resolving issues of conformity and substantial compliance with the 
requirements set forth in subparts B and C, the provisions of 20 CFR 
601.5(b) (informal discussions with the Department of Labor to resolve 
conformity and substantial compliance issues), and 20 CFR 601.5(d) 
(Secretary of Labor's hearing and decision on conformity and substantial 
compliance) apply.
    (b) Conformity and substantial compliance. Whenever the Secretary of 
Labor, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing to the 
State UC

[[Page 37]]

agency of a State, finds that the State law fails to conform, or that 
the State or State UC agency fails to comply substantially, with:
    (1) The requirements of Title III, SSA, implemented in subparts B 
and C of this part, the Secretary of Labor shall notify the Governor of 
the State and such State UC agency that further payments for the 
administration of the State UC law will not be made to the State until 
the Secretary of Labor is satisfied that there is no longer any such 
failure. Until the Secretary of Labor is so satisfied, the Department of 
Labor shall make no further payments to such State.
    (2) The FUTA requirements implemented in this subpart B, the 
Secretary of Labor shall make no certification under that section to the 
Secretary of the Treasury for such State as of October 31 of the 12-
month period for which such finding is made.



 Subpart C_Mandatory Disclosure for Income and Eligibility Verification 
                              System (IEVS)



Sec.  603.20  What is the purpose and scope of this subpart?

    (a) Purpose. Subpart C implements Section 303(f), SSA. Section 
303(f) requires States to have in effect an income and eligibility 
verification system, which meets the requirements of Section 1137, SSA, 
under which information is requested and exchanged for the purpose of 
verifying eligibility for, and the amount of, benefits available under 
several federally assisted programs, including the Federal-State UC 
program.
    (b) Scope. This subpart C applies only to a State UC agency.

    Note to paragraph (b): Although not implemented in this part 603, 
Section 1137(a)(1), SSA, provides that each State must require claimants 
for compensation to furnish to the State UC agency their social security 
account numbers, as a condition of eligibility for compensation, and 
further requires States to utilize such account numbers in the 
administration of the State UC laws. Section 1137(a)(3), SSA, further 
provides that employers must make quarterly wage reports to a State UC 
agency, or an alternative agency, for use in verifying eligibility for, 
and the amount of, benefits. Section 1137(d)(1), SSA, provides that each 
State must require claimants for compensation, as a condition of 
eligibility, to declare in writing, under penalty of perjury, whether 
the individual is a citizen or national of the United States, and, if 
not, that the individual is in a satisfactory immigration status. Other 
provisions of Section 1137(d), SSA, not implemented in this regulation 
require the States to obtain, and individuals to furnish, information 
which shows immigration status, and require the States to verify 
immigration status with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration 
Services.



Sec.  603.21  What is a requesting agency?

    For the purposes of this subpart C, requesting agency means:
    (a) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Agency--Any State or 
local agency charged with the responsibility of administering a program 
funded under part A of Title IV of the SSA.
    (b) Medicaid Agency--Any State or local agency charged with the 
responsibility of administering the provisions of the Medicaid program 
under a State plan approved under Title XIX of the SSA.
    (c) Food Stamp Agency--Any State or local agency charged with the 
responsibility of administering the provisions of the Food Stamp Program 
under the Food Stamp Act of 1977.
    (d) Other SSA Programs Agency--Any State or local agency charged 
with the responsibility of administering a program under a State plan 
approved under Title I, X, XIV, or XVI (Supplemental Security Income for 
the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the SSA.
    (e) Child Support Enforcement Agency--Any State or local child 
support enforcement agency charged with the responsibility of enforcing 
child support obligations under a plan approved under part D of Title IV 
of the SSA.
    (f) Social Security Administration--Commissioner of the Social 
Security Administration in establishing or verifying eligibility or 
benefit amounts under Titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability 
Insurance Benefits) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, 
Blind, and Disabled) of the SSA.



Sec.  603.22  What information must State UC agencies disclose for
purposes of an IEVS?

    (a) Disclosure of information. Each State UC agency must disclose, 
upon request, to any requesting agency, as

[[Page 38]]

defined in Sec.  603.21, that has entered into an agreement required by 
Sec.  603.10, wage information (as defined at Sec.  603.2(k)) and claim 
information (as defined at Sec.  603.2(a)) contained in the records of 
such State UC agency.
    (b) Format. The State UC agency must adhere to standardized formats 
established by the Secretary of HHS (in consultation with the Secretary 
of Agriculture) and set forth in 42 CFR 435.960 (concerning standardized 
formats for furnishing and obtaining information to verify income and 
eligibility).



Sec.  603.23  What information must State UC agencies obtain from other
agencies, and crossmatch with wage information, for purposes of an IEVS?

    (a) Crossmatch with information from requesting agencies. Each State 
UC agency must obtain such information from the Social Security 
Administration and any requesting agency as may be needed in verifying 
eligibility for, and the amount of, compensation payable under the State 
UC law.
    (b) Crossmatch of wage and benefit information. The State UC agency 
must crossmatch quarterly wage information with UC payment information 
to the extent that such information is likely, as determined by the 
Secretary of Labor, to be productive in identifying ineligibility for 
benefits and preventing or discovering incorrect payments.



PART 604_REGULATIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
604.1 Purpose and scope.
604.2 Definitions.
604.3 Able and available requirement--general principles.
604.4 Application--ability to work.
604.5 Application--availability for work.
604.6 Conformity and substantial compliance.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302(a); 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(2) and (5); 26 U.S.C. 
3304(a)(1) and (4); 26 U.S.C. 3306(h); 42 U.S.C. 1320b-7(d); Secretary's 
Order No. 4-75 (40 FR 18515); and Secretary's Order No. 14-75 (November 
12, 1975).

    Source: 72 FR 1893, Jan. 16, 2007, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  604.1  Purpose and scope.

    The purpose of this Part is to implement the requirements of Federal 
UC law that limit a State's payment of UC to individuals who are able to 
work and available for work. This regulation applies to all State UC 
laws and programs.



Sec.  604.2  Definitions.

    (a) Department means the United States Department of Labor.
    (b) FUTA means the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, 26 U.S.C. 3301 et 
seq.
    (c) Social Security Act means the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 501 
et seq.
    (d) State means a State of the United States of America, the 
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United 
States Virgin Islands.
    (e) State UC agency means the agency of the State charged with the 
administration of the State's UC law.
    (f) State UC law means the law of a State approved under Section 
3304(a), FUTA (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)).
    (g) Unemployment Compensation (UC) means cash benefits payable to 
individuals with respect to their unemployment.
    (h) Week of unemployment means a week of total, part-total or 
partial unemployment as defined in the State's UC law.



Sec.  604.3  Able and available requirement--general principles.

    (a) A State may pay UC only to an individual who is able to work and 
available for work for the week for which UC is claimed.
    (b) Whether an individual is able to work and available for work 
under paragraph (a) of this section must be tested by determining 
whether the individual is offering services for which a labor market 
exists. This requirement does not mean that job vacancies must exist, 
only that, at a minimum, the type of services the individual is able and 
available to perform is generally performed in the labor market. The 
State must determine the geographical scope of the labor market for an 
individual under its UC law.
    (c) The requirement that an individual be able to work and available 
for

[[Page 39]]

work applies only to the week of unemployment for which UC is claimed. 
It does not apply to the reasons for the individual's separation from 
employment, although the separation may indicate the individual was not 
able to work or available for work during the week the separation 
occurred. This Part does not address the authority of States to impose 
disqualifications with respect to separations. This Part does not limit 
the States' ability to impose additional able and available requirements 
that are consistent with applicable Federal laws.



Sec.  604.4  Application--ability to work.

    (a) A State may consider an individual to be able to work during the 
week of unemployment claimed if the individual is able to work for all 
or a portion of the week claimed, provided any limitation on his or her 
ability to work does not constitute a withdrawal from the labor market.
    (b) If an individual has previously demonstrated his or her ability 
to work and availability for work following the most recent separation 
from employment, the State may consider the individual able to work 
during the week of unemployment claimed despite the individual's illness 
or injury, unless the individual has refused an offer of suitable work 
due to such illness or injury.



Sec.  604.5  Application--availability for work.

    (a) General application. A State may consider an individual to be 
available for work during the week of unemployment claimed under any of 
the following circumstances:
    (1) The individual is available for any work for all or a portion of 
the week claimed, provided that any limitation placed by the individual 
on his or her availability does not constitute a withdrawal from the 
labor market.
    (2) The individual limits his or her availability to work which is 
suitable for such individual as determined under the State UC law, 
provided the State law definition of suitable work does not permit the 
individual to limit his or her availability in such a way that the 
individual has withdrawn from the labor market. In determining whether 
the work is suitable, States may, among other factors, take into 
consideration the education and training of the individual, the 
commuting distance from the individual's home to the job, the previous 
work history of the individual (including salary and fringe benefits), 
and how long the individual has been unemployed.
    (3) The individual is on temporary lay-off and is available to work 
only for the employer that has temporarily laid-off the individual.
    (b) Jury service. If an individual has previously demonstrated his 
or her availability for work following the most recent separation from 
employment and is appearing for duty before any court under a lawfully 
issued summons during the week of unemployment claimed, a State may 
consider the individual to be available for work. For such an 
individual, attendance at jury duty may be taken as evidence of 
continued availability for work. However, if the individual does not 
appear as required by the summons, the State must determine if the 
reason for non-attendance indicates that the individual is not able to 
work or is not available for work.
    (c) Approved training. A State must not deny UC to an individual for 
failure to be available for work during a week if, during such week, the 
individual is in training with the approval of the State agency. 
However, if the individual fails to attend or otherwise participate in 
such training, the State must determine if the reason for non-attendance 
or non-participation indicates that the individual is not able to work 
or is not available for work.
    (d) Self-employment assistance. A State must not deny UC to an 
individual for failure to be available for work during a week if, during 
such week, the individual is participating in a self-employment 
assistance program and meets all the eligibility requirements of such 
self-employment assistance program.
    (e) Short-time compensation. A State must not deny UC to an 
individual participating in a short-time compensation (also known as 
worksharing) program under State UC law for failure to be available for 
work during a week, but such individual will be required to

[[Page 40]]

be available for his or her normal workweek.
    (f) Alien status. To be considered available for work in the United 
States for a week, the alien must be legally authorized to work that 
week in the United States by the appropriate agency of the United States 
government. In determining whether an alien is legally authorized to 
work in the United States, the State must follow the requirements of 
section 1137(d) of the SSA (42 U.S.C. 1320b-7(d)), which relate to 
verification of and determination of an alien's status.
    (g) Relation to ability to work requirement. A State may consider an 
individual available for work if the State finds the individual able to 
work under Sec.  604.4(b) despite illness or injury.
    (h) Work search. The requirement that an individual be available for 
work does not require an active work search on the part of the 
individual. States may, however, require an individual to be actively 
seeking work to be considered available for work, or States may impose a 
separate requirement that the individual must actively seek work.



Sec.  604.6  Conformity and substantial compliance.

    (a) In general. A State's UC law must conform with, and the 
administration of its law must substantially comply with, the 
requirements of this regulation for purposes of certification under:
    (1) Section 3304(c) of the FUTA (26 U.S.C. 3304(c)), with respect to 
whether employers are eligible to receive credit against the Federal 
unemployment tax established by section 3301 of the FUTA (26 U.S.C. 
3301), and
    (2) Section 302 of the SSA (42 U.S.C. 502), with respect to whether 
a State is eligible to receive Federal grants for the administration of 
its UC program.
    (b) Resolving Issues of Conformity and Substantial Compliance. For 
the purposes of resolving issues of conformity and substantial 
compliance with the requirements of this regulation, the following 
provisions of 20 CFR 601.5 apply:
    (1) Paragraph (b) of this section, pertaining to informal 
discussions with the Department of Labor to resolve conformity and 
substantial compliance issues, and
    (2) Paragraph (d) of this section, pertaining to the Secretary of 
Labor's hearing and decision on conformity and substantial compliance.
    (c) Result of failure to conform or substantially comply--(1) FUTA 
requirements. Whenever the Secretary of Labor, after reasonable notice 
and opportunity for a hearing to the State UC agency, finds that the 
State UC law fails to conform, or that the State or State UC agency 
fails to comply substantially, with the requirements of the FUTA, as 
implemented in this regulation, then the Secretary of Labor shall make 
no certification under such act to the Secretary of the Treasury for 
such State as of October 31 of the 12-month period for which such 
finding is made. Further, the Secretary of Labor must notify the 
Governor of the State and such State UC agency that further payments for 
the administration of the State UC law will not be made to the State.
    (2) SSA requirements. Whenever the Secretary of Labor, after 
reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing to the State UC agency, 
finds that the State UC law fails to conform, or that the State or State 
UC agency fails to comply substantially, with the requirements of title 
III, SSA (42 U.S.C. 501-504), as implemented in this regulation, then 
the Secretary of Labor must notify the Governor of the State and such 
State UC agency that further payments for the administration of the 
State UC law will not be made to the State until the Secretary of Labor 
is satisfied that there is no longer any such failure. Until the 
Secretary of Labor is so satisfied, the Department of Labor will not 
make further payments to such State.



PART 606_TAX CREDITS UNDER THE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT TAX ACT; ADVANCES 
UNDER TITLE XII OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
606.1 Purpose and scope.
606.2 Total credits allowable.
606.3 Definitions.
606.4 Redelegation of authority.

[[Page 41]]

606.5 Verification of estimates and review of determinations.
606.6 Information, reports, and studies.

Subpart B--Tax Credit Reduction [Reserved]

               Subpart C_Relief From Tax Credit Reduction

606.20 Cap on tax credit reduction.
606.21 Criteria for cap.
606.22 Application for cap.
606.23 Avoidance of tax credit reduction.
606.24 Application for avoidance.
606.25 Waiver of and substitution for additional tax credit reduction.
606.26 Application for waiver and substitution.

                     Subpart D_Interest on Advances

606.30 Interest rates on advances.
606.31 Due dates for payment of interest. [Reserved]
606.32 Types of advances subject to interest.
606.33 No payment of interest from unemployment fund. [Reserved]
606.34 Reports of interest payable. [Reserved]
606.35 Order of application for repayments. [Reserved]

                 Subpart E_Relief from Interest Payment

606.40 May/September delay.
606.41 High unemployment deferral.
606.42 High unemployment delay.
606.44 Notification of determinations.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1102; 42 U.S.C. 1322(b)(2)(C); 26 U.S.C. 
7805(a); Secretary's Order No. 3-2007, April 3, 2007 (72 FR 15907).

    Source: 53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 606 appear at 71 FR 
35513, June 21, 2006.



                            Subpart A_General



Sec.  606.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) In general. The regulations in this part 606 are issued to 
implement the tax credit provisions of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, 
and the loan provisions of title XII of the Social Security Act. The 
regulations on tax credits cover all of the subjects of 3302 of the 
Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), except subsections (c)(3) and (e). 
The regulations on loans cover all of the subjects in title XII of the 
Social Security Act.
    (b) Scope. This part 606 covers general matters relating to this 
part in this subpart A, and in the following subparts includes specific 
subjects described in general terms as follows:
    (1) Subpart B describes the tax credit reductions under the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act, which relate to outstanding balances of advances 
made under title XII of the Social Security Act.
    (2) Subpart C describes the various forms of relief from tax credit 
reductions, and the criteria and standards for grant of such relief in 
the form of--
    (i) A cap on tax credit reduction,
    (ii) Avoidance of tax credit reduction, and
    (iii) Waiver of and substitution for additional tax credit 
reduction.
    (3) Subpart D describes the interest rates on advances made under 
title XII of the Social Security Act, dues dates for payment of 
interest, and other related matters.
    (4) Subpart E describes the various forms of relief from payment of 
interest, and the criteria and standards for grant of such relief in the 
form of--
    (i) May/September delay of interest payments,
    (ii) High unemployment deferral of interest payments,
    (iii) High unemployment delay of interest payments, and
    (iv) Maintenance of solvency effort required to retain a deferral 
previously granted.



Sec.  606.2  Total credits allowable.

    The total credits allowed to an employer subject to the tax imposed 
by section 3301 of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act shall not exceed 5.4 
percent with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1984.



Sec.  606.3  Definitions.

    For the purposes of the Acts cited and this part--
    Act means as appropriate the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (26 U.S.C. 
3301-3311), or title XII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1321-
1324).
    Advance means a transfer of funds to a State unemployment fund, for 
the purpose of paying unemployment compensation, from the Federal 
unemployment account in the Unemployment

[[Page 42]]

Trust Fund, pursuant to section 1202 of the Social Security Act.
    Average High Cost Multiple (AHCM) for a State as of December 31 of a 
calendar year is calculated by dividing the State's reserve ratio, as 
defined in Sec.  606.3, by the State's average high cost rate (AHCR), as 
defined in Sec.  606.3, for the same year. Final calculations are 
rounded to the nearest multiple of 0.01.
    Average High Cost Rate (AHCR) for a State is calculated as follows:
    (1) Determine the time period over which calculations are to be made 
by selecting the longer of:
    (i) The 20-calendar year period that ends with the year for which 
the AHCR calculation is made; or
    (ii) The number of years beginning with the calendar year in which 
the first of the last three completed national recessions began, as 
determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research, and ending with 
the calendar year for which the AHCR is being calculated.
    (2) For each calendar year during the selected time period, 
calculate the benefit-cost ratio, as defined in Sec.  606.3; and
    (3) Average the three highest calendar year benefit cost ratios for 
the selected time period from paragraph (2) of this definition. Final 
calculations are rounded to the nearest multiple of 0.01 percent.
    Benefit-cost ratio for a calendar year is the percentage obtained by 
dividing--
    (1) The total dollar sum of--
    (i) All compensation actually paid under the State law during such 
calendar year, including in such total sum all regular, additional, and 
extended compensation, as defined in section 205 of the Federal-State 
Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, and excluding from such 
total sum--
    (A) Any such compensation paid for which the State is entitled to 
reimbursement or was reimbursed under the provisions of any Federal Law, 
and
    (B) Any such compensation paid which is attributable to services 
performed for a reimbursing employer, and which is not included in the 
total dollar amount reported under paragraph (c)(1)(i)(A) of this 
section, and
    (ii) Any interest paid during such calendar year on any advance, by
    (2) The total wages (as defined in Sec.  606.3) with respect to such 
calendar year.
    (3) For cap purposes, if any percentage determined by this 
computation for a calendar year is not a multiple of 0.1 percent, such 
percentage shall be reduced to the nearest multiple of 0.1 percent. For 
funding goal purposes, if any percentage determined by this computation 
for a calendar year is not a multiple of 0.01 percent, such percentage 
is rounded to the nearest multiple of 0.01 percent.
    Contributions means payments required by a State law to be made into 
an unemployment fund by any person on account of having individuals in 
his employ, to the extent that such payments are made by him without 
being deducted or deductible from the remuneration of individuals in his 
employ.
    Federal unemployment tax means the excise tax imposed under section 
3301 of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act on employers with respect to 
having individuals in their employ.
    Fiscal year means the Federal fiscal year which begins on October 1 
of a year and ends on September 30, of the next succeeding year.
    FUTA refers to the Federal Unemployment Tax Act.
    Reserve ratio is calculated by dividing the balance in the State's 
account in the unemployment trust fund (UTF) as of December 31 of such 
year by the total wages paid workers covered by the unemployment 
compensation (UC) program during the 12 months ending on December 31 of 
such year. Final calculations are rounded to the nearest multiple of 
0.01 percent.
    State unemployment fund or unemployment fund means a special fund 
established under a State law for the payment of unemployment 
compensation to unemployed individuals, and which is an ``unemployment 
fund'' as defined in section 3306(f) of the Federal Unemployment Tax 
Act.
    Taxable year means the calendar year.
    Unemployment tax rate means, for any taxable year and with respect 
to any

[[Page 43]]

State, the percentage obtained by dividing the total amount of 
contributions paid into the State unemployment fund with respect to such 
taxable year by total wages as defined in Sec.  606.3.
    Wages, taxable means the total sum of remuneration which is subject 
to contributions under a State law.
    Wages, total means the total sum of all remuneration covered by a 
State law, disregarding any dollar limitation on the amount of 
remuneration which is subject to contributions under the State law.

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35513, June 21, 2006; 
75 FR 57156, Sept. 17, 2010]



Sec.  606.4  Redelegation of authority.

    (a) Redelegation to OWS Administrator. The Administrator, Office of 
Workforce Security (hereinafter ``OWS Administrator''), is redelegated 
authority to make the determinations required under this part. This 
redelegation is contained in Employment and Training Order No. 1-84, 
published in the Federal Register on November 14, 1983 (48 FR 51870).
    (b) Delegation by Governor. The Governor of a State, as used in this 
part, refers to the highest executive official of a State. Wherever in 
this part an action is required by or of the Governor of a State, such 
action may be taken by the Governor or may be taken by a delegatee of 
the Governor if the Department is furnished appropriate proof of an 
authoritative delegation of authority.

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  606.5  Verification of estimates and review of determinations.

    The Department of Labor (hereinafter ``Department'') shall verify 
all information and data provided by a State under this part, and the 
State shall comply with such provisions as the Department considers 
necessary to assure the correctness and verification of such information 
and data. The State agency of a State affected by a determination made 
by the OWS Administrator under this part may seek review of such 
determination by a higher level official of the Employment and Training 
Administration.



Sec.  606.6  Information, reports, and studies.

    A State shall furnish to the Secretary of Labor such information and 
reports and conduct such studies as the Secretary determines are 
necessary or appropriate for carrying out the purposes of this part, 
including any additional information or data the OWS Administrator may 
require for the purposes of making determinations under subparts C and E 
of this part.

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]

Subpart B--Tax Credit Reduction [Reserved]



               Subpart C_Relief From Tax Credit Reduction



Sec.  606.20  Cap on tax credit reduction.

    (a) Applicability. Subsection (f) of section 3302 of FUTA authorizes 
a limitation (cap) on the reduction of tax credits by reason of an 
outstanding balance of advances, if the OWS Administrator determines 
with respect to a State, on or before November 10 of a taxable year, 
that--
    (1) No action was taken by the State during the 12-month period 
ending on September 30 of such taxable year which has resulted, or will 
result, in a reduction in the State's unemployment tax effort, as 
defined in Sec.  606.21(a);
    (2) No action was taken by the State during the 12-month period 
ending on September 30 of such taxable year which has resulted, or will 
result, in a net decrease in the solvency of the State unemployment 
compensation system, as defined in Sec.  606.21(b);
    (3) The State unemployment tax rate (as defined in Sec.  606.3) for 
the taxable year equals or exceeds the average benefit-cost ratio (as 
defined in Sec.  606.3) for the calendar years in the five-calendar year 
period ending with the calendar year immediately preceding the taxable 
year for which the cap is requested, under the rules specified in Sec.  
606.21 (c) and (d); and
    (4) The outstanding balance of advances to the State on September 30 
of the taxable year was not greater than the outstanding balance of 
advances to

[[Page 44]]

the State on September 30 of the third preceding taxable year.
    (b) Maximum tax credit reduction. If a State qualifies for a cap, 
the maximum tax credit reduction for the taxable year shall not exceed 
0.6 percent, or, if higher, the tax credit reduction that was in effect 
for the taxable year preceding the taxable year for which the cap is 
requested.
    (c) Year not taken into account. If a State qualifies for a cap for 
any year, the year and January 1 of the year to which the cap applies 
will not be taken into account for purposes of determining reduction of 
tax credit for subsequent taxable years.
    (d) Partial caps. Partial caps obtained under subsection (f)(8) are 
no longer available. Nevertheless, for the purposes of applying section 
3302(c)(2) to subsequent taxable years, partial cap credits earned will 
be taken into account for purposes of determining reduction of tax 
credits. Also, the taxable year to which the partial cap applied (and 
January 1 thereof) will be taken into account for purposes of 
determining reduction of tax credits for subsequent taxable years.

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 75 FR 57156, Sept. 17, 2010]



Sec.  606.21  Criteria for cap.

    (a) Reduction in unemployment tax effort. (1) For purposes of 
paragraph (a)(1) of Sec.  606.20, a reduction in a State's unemployment 
tax effort will have occurred with respect to a taxable year if any 
action is or was taken (legislative, judicial, or administrative,) that 
is effective during the 12-month period ending on September 30 of such 
taxable year, which has resulted in or will result in a reduction of the 
amount of contributions paid or payable or the amounts that were or 
would have been paid or payable but for such action.
    (2) Actions that will result in a reduction in tax effort include, 
but are not limited to, a reduction in the taxable wage base, the tax 
rate schedule, tax rates, or taxes payable (including surtaxes) that 
would not have gone into effect but for the legislative, judicial, or 
administrative action taken. Notwithstanding the foregoing criterion, a 
reduction in unemployment tax effort resulting from any provision of the 
State law enacted prior to August 13, 1981, will not be taken into 
account as a reduction in the State's unemployment tax effort for the 
purposes of this section.
    (b) Net decrease in solvency. For purposes of paragraph (a)(2) of 
Sec.  606.20, a net decrease in the solvency of the State's unemployment 
compensation system will have occurred with respect to a taxable year if 
any action is or was taken (legislative, judicial, or administrative), 
that is effective during the 12-month period ending on September 30 of 
such taxable year, which has resulted in or will result in an increase 
in benefits without at least an equal increase in taxes, or a decrease 
in taxes without at least an equal decrease in benefits. Notwithstanding 
the foregoing criterion, a decrease in solvency resulting from any 
provision of the State law enacted prior to August 13, 1981, will not be 
taken into account as a reduction in solvency of the State's 
unemployment compensation system for the purposes of this section.
    (c) State unemployment tax rate. For purposes of paragraph (a)(3) of 
Sec.  606.20, the State unemployment tax rate is defined in Sec.  606.3. 
If such percentage is not a multiple of 0.1 percent, the percentage 
shall remain unrounded.
    (d) State five-year average benefit cost ratio. The average benefit-
cost ratio for the 5 preceding calendar years is the percentage 
determined by dividing the sum of the benefit-cost ratios for the 5 
years by five. If such percentage is not a multiple of 0.1 percent, the 
percentage shall remain unrounded.

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 75 FR 57156, Sept. 17, 2010]



Sec.  606.22  Application for cap.

    (a) Application. (1) The Governor of the State shall make 
application, addressed to the Secretary of Labor, no later than July 1 
of a taxable year with respect to which a State requests a cap on tax 
credit reduction. The Governor is required to notify the Department on 
or before October 15 of such taxable year of any action occurring after 
the date of the initial application and effective prior to October 1 of 
such year that would impact upon the State's application.

[[Page 45]]

    (2) The OWS Administrator will make a determination on the 
application on or before November 10 of such taxable year, will notify 
the applicant and the Secretary of the Treasury of such determination, 
and will cause notice of such determination to be published in the 
Federal Register.
    (b) Anticipated impact statement. In support of the application by 
the Governor, there shall be submitted with the application (on or 
before October 15), for the purposes of the criteria described in 
Sec. Sec.  606.20(a) (1) and (2) and 606.21 (a) and (b), a description 
of all statutory provisions enacted or amended, regulations adopted or 
revised, administrative policies and procedures adopted or revised, and 
judicial decisions given effect, which are effective during the 12-month 
period ending on September 30 of the taxable year for which a cap on tax 
credit reduction is requested, and an anticipated impact statement (AIS) 
for each such program action in the following respect--
    (1) The estimated dollar effect on each program action upon 
expenditures for compensation from the State unemployment fund and for 
the amounts of contributions paid or payable in such 12-month period, 
including the effect of interaction among program actions, and with 
respect to program actions for which dollar impact cannot be estimated 
or is minor or negligible, indicate whether the impact is positive or 
negative;
    (2) If a program action has no such dollar effect, an explanation of 
why there is or will be no such effect;
    (3) A description of assumptions and methodology used and the basis 
for the financial estimate of the impact of each program action 
described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section; and
    (4) A comparision of the program actions described in paragraphs 
(b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section with the program actions prior to the 
Federal fiscal year (as defined in Sec.  606.3) which ends on such 
September 30.
    (c) Unemployment tax rate. With respect to the unemployment tax rate 
criterion described in Sec. Sec.  606.20(a)(3) and 606.21(c), the 
application shall include an estimate for the taxable year with respect 
to which a cap on tax credit reduction is requested and actual data for 
the prior two years as follows:
    (1) The amount of taxable wages as defined in Sec.  606.3;
    (2) The amount of total wages as defined in Sec.  606.3; and
    (3) The estimated distribution of taxable wages, as defined in Sec.  
606.3, by tax rate under the State law.
    (d) Benefit cost ratio. With respect to the benefit cost ratio 
criterion described in Sec. Sec.  606.20(a)(3) and 606.21(d), the 
application shall include for each of the five calendar years prior to 
the taxable year for which a cap on tax credit reduction is requested, 
the following data:
    (1) The total dollar sum of compensation actually paid under the 
State law during the calendar year, including in such total sum all 
regular, additional, and extended compensation as defined in section 205 
of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, but 
excluding from such total sum--
    (i) The total dollar amount of such compensation paid for which the 
State is entitled to reimbursement or was reimbursed under the 
provisions of any Federal law;
    (ii) The total dollar amount of such compensation paid which is 
attributable to services performed for a reimbursing employer, and which 
is not included in the total amount reported under paragraph (d)(1)(i) 
of this section;
    (2) The total dollar amount of interest paid during the calendar 
year on any advance; and
    (3) The total dollar amount of wages (as defined in Sec.  606.3) 
with respect to such calendar year.
    (e) Documentation required. Copies of the sources of or authority 
for each program action described in paragraph (b) of this section shall 
be submitted with each application for a cap on tax credit reduction. In 
addition, a notation shall be made on each AIS of where all figures 
referred to are contained in reports required by the Department or in 
other data sources.
    (f) State contact person. The Department may request additional 
information or clarification of information submitted bearing upon an 
application for a cap on tax credit reduction. To

[[Page 46]]

expedite requests for such information, the name and telephone number of 
an appropriate State official shall be included in the application by 
the Governor.

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 75 FR 57156, Sept. 17, 2010]



Sec.  606.23  Avoidance of tax credit reduction.

    (a) Applicability. Subsection (g) of section 3302 of FUTA authorizes 
a State to avoid a tax credit reduction for a taxable year by meeting 
the three requirements of subsection (g). These requirements are met if 
the OWS Administrator determines that:
    (1) Advances were repaid by the State during the one-year period 
ending on November 9 of the taxable year in an amount not less than the 
sum of--
    (i) The potential additional taxes (as estimated by the OWS 
Administrator) that would be payable by the State's employers if 
paragraph (2) of section 3302(c) of FUTA were applied for such taxable 
year (as estimated with regard to the cap on tax credit reduction for 
which the State qualifies under Sec. Sec.  606.20 to 606.22 with respect 
to such taxable year), and
    (ii) Any advances made to such State during such one-year period 
under title XII of the Social Security Act;
    (2) There will be adequate funds in the State unemployment fund (as 
estimated by the OWS Administrator) sufficient to pay all benefits when 
due and payable under the State law during the three-month period 
beginning on November 1 of such taxable year without receiving any 
advance under title XII of the Social Security Act; and
    (3) There is a net increase (as estimated by the OWS Administrator) 
in the solvency of the State unemployment compensation system for the 
taxable year and such net increase equals or exceeds the potential 
additional taxes for such taxable year as estimated under paragraph 
(a)(1)(i) of this section.
    (b) Net increase in solvency. (1) The net increase in solvency for a 
taxable year, as determined for the purposes of paragraph (a)(3) of this 
section, must be attributable to legislative changes made in the State 
law after the later of--
    (i) September 3, 1982, or
    (ii) The date on which the first advance is taken into account in 
determining the amount of the potential additional taxes.
    (2) The OWS Administrator shall determine the net increase in 
solvency by first estimating the difference between revenue receipts and 
benefit outlays under the law in effect for the year for which avoidance 
is requested, as if the relevant changes in State law referred to in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section were not in effect for such year. The 
OWS Administrator shall then estimate the difference between revenue 
receipts and benefit outlays under the law in effect for the year for 
which the avoidance is requested, taking into account the relevant 
changes in State law referred to in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. 
The amount (if any) by which the second estimated difference exceeds the 
first estimated difference shall constitute the net increase in solvency 
for the purposes of this section.
    (c) Year taken into account. If a State qualifies for avoidance for 
any year, that year and January 1 of that year to which the avoidance 
applies will be taken into account for purposes of determining reduction 
of tax credits for subsequent taxable years.



Sec.  606.24  Application for avoidance.

    (a) Application. (1) The Governor of the State shall make 
application, addressed to the Secretary of Labor, no later than July 1 
of a taxable year with respect to which a State requests avoidance of 
tax credit reduction. The Governor is required to notify the Department 
on or before October 15 of such taxable year of any action impacting 
upon the State's application occurring subsequent to the date of the 
initial application and on or before November 10.
    (2) The OWS Administrator will make a determination on the 
application as of November 10 of such taxable year, will notify the 
applicant and the Secretary of the Treasury of such determination, and 
will cause notice of such determination to be published in the Federal 
Register.
    (b) Information. (1) The application shall include a statement of 
the amount of advances repaid and to be

[[Page 47]]

repaid during the one-year period ending on November 9 of the taxable 
year for which avoidance is requested. If the amount repaid as of the 
date of the application is less than the amount required to satisfy the 
provisions of Sec.  606.23(a)(1), the Governor shall provide a report 
later of the additional repayments that have been made in the remainder 
of the one-year period ending on November 9 of the taxable year, for the 
purposes of meeting the provisions of Sec.  606.23(a)(1).
    (2) The application also shall include estimates of revenue 
receipts, benefit outlays, and end-of-month fund balance for each month 
in the period beginning with September of the taxable year for which 
avoidance is requested through the subsequent January. Actual data for 
the comparable period of the preceding year also shall be included in 
the application in order to determine the reasonableness of such 
estimates.
    (3) The application also shall include a description of State law 
changes, effective for the taxable year for which the avoidance is 
requested, which resulted in a net increase in the solvency of the State 
unemployment compensation system, and documentation which supports the 
State's estimate of the net increase in solvency for such taxable year.



Sec.  606.25  Waiver of and substitution for additional tax credit reduction.

    A provision of subsection (c)(2) of section 3302 of FUTA provides 
that, for a State that qualifies, the additional tax credit reduction 
applicable under subparagraph (C), beginning in the fifth consecutive 
year of a balance of outstanding advances, shall be waived and the 
additional tax credit reduction applicable under subparagraph (B) shall 
be substituted. The waiver and substitution are granted if the OWS 
Administrator determines that the State has taken no action, effective 
during the 12-month period ending on September 30 of the year for which 
the waiver and substitution are requested, which has resulted or will 
result in a net decrease in the solvency of the State unemployment 
compensation system as determined for the purposes of Sec. Sec.  
606.20(a)(2) and 606.21(b).



Sec.  606.26  Application for waiver and substitution.

    (a) Application. The Governor of the State shall make application 
addressed to the Secretary of Labor, no later than July 1 of a taxable 
year with respect to which a State requests waiver and substitution. Any 
such application shall contain the supportive data and information 
required by Sec.  606.22(b) for the purposes of Sec. Sec.  606.20(a)(2) 
and 606.21(b). The Governor is required to notify the Department on or 
before October 15 of such taxable year of action occurring after the 
date of the initial application and effective prior to October 1 of such 
year that would impact upon the State's application.
    (b) Notification of determination. The OWS Administrator will make a 
determination on the application as of November 10 of the taxable year, 
will notify the applicant and the Secretary of the Treasury of the 
resulting tax credit reduction to be applied, and will cause notice of 
such determination to be published in the Federal Register.



                     Subpart D_Interest on Advances



Sec.  606.30  Interest rates on advances.

    Advances made to States pursuant to title XII of the Social Security 
Act shall be subject to interest payable on the due dates specified in 
Sec.  606.31. \1\ The interest rate for each calendar year will be 10 
percent or, if less, the rate determined by the Secretary of the 
Treasury and announced to the States by the Department.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ (Editorial note: This section will be added at a later date.)

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  606.31  Due dates for payment of interest. [Reserved]



Sec.  606.32  Types of advances subject to interest.

    (a) Payment of interest. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 
(b) of this section each State shall pay interest on any advance made to 
such State under title XII of the Social Security Act.
    (b) Cash flow loans--(1) Availability of interest-free advances. 
Advances are

[[Page 48]]

deemed cash flow loans and shall be free of interest provided that:
    (i) The advances are repaid in full prior to October 1 of the 
calendar year in which the advances are made;
    (ii) The State does not receive an additional advance after 
September 30 of the same calendar year in which the advance is made. If 
the State receives an additional advance after September 30 of the same 
calendar year in which earlier advances were made, interest on the fully 
repaid earlier advance(s) is due and payable not later than the day 
following the date of the first such additional advance. The 
administrator of the State agency must notify the Secretary of Labor no 
later than September 10 of the same calendar year of those loans deemed 
to be cash flow loans and not subject to interest. This notification 
must include the date and amount of each loan made beginning January 01 
through September 30 of the same calendar year, and a copy of 
documentation sent to the Secretary of the Treasury requesting loan 
repayment transfer(s) from the State's account in the UTF to the Federal 
unemployment account in the UTF; and
    (iii) The State has met the funding goals described in paragraph 
(b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section.
    (2) Funding goals. This paragraph (b)(2) is applicable to all States 
as of January 1, 2019. A State has met the funding goals requirement if:
    (i) The State, as of December 31 of any of the 5 consecutive 
calendar years preceding the calendar year in which such advances are 
made, had an AHCM of at least 1.00, as determined under Sec.  606.3; and
    (ii) The State maintained tax effort as determined under paragraph 
(b)(4) of this section.
    (3) Phasing in funding goals. This paragraph (b)(3) applies for 
calendar years 2014 through 2018. A State has met the funding goals 
requirement if it has satisfied the solvency criterion in paragraph (i), 
and the maintenance of tax effort criteria in paragraph (ii), of this 
Sec.  606.32(b)(3).
    (i) A State has met the solvency criterion if:
    (A) For calendar year 2014, as of December 31 of any of the 5 
consecutively preceding calendar years, the State had an AHCM of at 
least 0.50, as determined under Sec.  606.3;
    (B) For calendar year 2015, as of December 31 of any of the 5 
consecutively preceding calendar years, the State had an AHCM of at 
least 0.60, as determined under Sec.  606.3;
    (C) For calendar year 2016, as of December 31 of any of the 5 
consecutively preceding calendar years, the State had an AHCM of at 
least 0.70, as determined under Sec.  606.3;
    (D) For calendar year 2017, as of December 31 of any of the 5 
consecutively preceding calendar years, the State had an AHCM of at 
least 0.80, as determined under Sec.  606.3;
    (E) For calendar year 2018, as of December 31 of any of the 5 
consecutively preceding calendar years, the State had an AHCM of at 
least 0.90, as determined under Sec.  606.3;
    (ii) A State has met the maintenance of tax effort criteria if it 
maintained tax effort as determined under paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section.
    (4) Maintenance of tax effort criteria. A State has maintained tax 
effort if, for every year between the last calendar year in which it met 
the solvency criterion in paragraph (b)(2)(i) or (b)(3)(i) of this 
section and the calendar year in which an interest-free advance is 
taken, the State's unemployment tax rate as defined in Sec.  606.3 for 
the calendar year is at least--
    (i) 80 percent of the prior year's unemployment tax rate; and
    (ii) 75 percent of the State 5-year average benefit-cost ratio, as 
determined under Sec.  606.21(d).

[53 FR 37429, Sept. 26, 1988, as amended at 75 FR 57156, Sept. 17, 2010]



Sec.  606.33  No payment of interest from unemployment fund. [Reserved]



Sec.  606.34  Reports of interest payable. [Reserved]



Sec.  606.35  Order of application for repayments. [Reserved]



                 Subpart E_Relief from Interest Payment



Sec.  606.40  May/September delay.

    Subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 1202 of the Social Security Act 
permits a

[[Page 49]]

State to delay payment of interest accrued on advances made during the 
last five months of the Federal fiscal year (May, June, July, August, 
and September) to no later than December 31 of the next succeeding 
calendar year. If the payment is delayed, interest on the delayed 
payment will accrue from the normal due date (i.e., September 30) and in 
the same manner as if the interest due on the advance(s) was an advance 
made on such due date. The Governor of a State which has decided to 
delay such interest payment shall notify the Secretary of Labor no later 
than September 1 of the year with respect to which the delay is 
applicable.



Sec.  606.41  High unemployment deferral.

    (a) Applicability. Subsection (b)(3)(C) of section 1202 of the 
Social Security Act permits a State to defer payment of, and extend the 
payment for, 75 percent of interest charges otherwise due prior to 
October 1 of a year if the OWS Administrator determines that high 
unemployment conditions existed in the State.
    (b) High unemployment defined. For purposes of this section, high 
unemployment conditions existed in the State if the State's rate of 
insured unemployment (as determined for purposes of 20 CFR 615.12) under 
the State law with respect to the period consisting of the first six 
months of the preceding calendar year equalled or exceeded 7.5 percent; 
this means that in weeks 1 (that week which includes January 1 of the 
year) through 26 of such preceding calendar year, the rate of insured 
unemployment reported by the State and accepted by the Department under 
20 CFR part 615 must have averaged a percentage equalling or exceeding 
7.5 percent.
    (c) Schedule of deferred payments. The State must pay prior to 
October 1 one-fourth of the interest due, and must pay a minimum of one-
third of the deferred amount prior to October 1 in each of the three 
years following the year in which deferral was granted; at the State's 
option payment of deferred interest may be accelerated.
    (d) Related criteria. Timely payment of one-fourth of the interest 
due prior to October 1 is a precondition to obtaining deferral of 
payment of 75 percent of the interest due. No interest shall accrue on 
such deferred interest.
    (e) Application for deferral and determination. (1) The Governor of 
a State which has decided to request such deferral of interest payment 
shall apply to the Secretary of Labor no later than July 1 of the 
taxable year for which the deferral is requested.
    (2) The OWS Administrator will determine whether deferral is or is 
not granted on the basis of the Department's records of reports of the 
rates of insured unemployment and information obtained from the 
Department of the Treasury as to the timely and full payment of one-
fourth of the interest due.



Sec.  606.42  High unemployment delay.

    (a) Applicability. Paragraph (9) of section 1202 (b) of the Social 
Security Act permits a State to delay for a period not exceeding nine 
months the interest payment due prior to October 1 if, for the most 
recent 12-month period prior to such October 1 for which data are 
available, the State had an average total unemployment rate of 13.5 
percent or greater.
    (b) Delayed due date. An interest payment delayed under paragraph 
(9) must be paid in full not later than the last official Federal 
business day prior to the following July 1; at the State's option 
payment of delayed interest may be accelerated. No interest shall accrue 
on such delayed payment.
    (c) Application for delay in payment and determination. (1) The 
Governor of a State which has decided to request delay in payment of 
interest under paragraph (9) shall apply to the Secretary of Labor no 
later than July 1 of the taxable year for which the delay is requested.
    (2) The OWS Administrator will determine whether delay is or is not 
granted on the basis of seasonally unadjusted civilian total 
unemployment rate data published by the Department's Bureau of Labor 
Statistics.



Sec.  606.44  Notification of determinations.

    The OWS Administrator will make determinations under Sec. Sec.  
606.41, 606.42, and 606.43 on or before September 10 of the taxable 
year, will promptly notify the applicants and the Secretary of the

[[Page 50]]

Treasury of such determinations, and will cause notice of such 
determinations to be published in the Federal Register. The OWS 
Administrator also will inform the Secretary of the Treasury and cause 
notice to be published in the Federal Register of information with 
respect to delayed payment of interest as provided in Sec.  606.40.



PART 609_UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES-
-Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
609.1 Purpose and application.
609.2 Definitions of terms.

                Subpart B_Administration of UCFE Program

609.3 Eligibility requirements for UCFE.
609.4 Weekly and maximum benefit amounts.
609.5 Claims for UCFE.
609.6 Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual.
609.7 Appeal and review.
609.8 The applicable State for an individual.
609.9 Provisions of State law applicable to UCFE claims.
609.10 Restrictions on entitlement.
609.11 Overpayments; penalties for fraud.
609.12 Inviolate rights to UCFE.
609.13 Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.
609.14 Payments to States.
609.15 Public access to Agreements.
609.16 Administration in absence of an Agreement.
609.17 Information, reports, and studies.

             Subpart C_Responsibilities of Federal Agencies

609.20 Information to Federal civilian employees.
609.21 Findings of Federal agency.
609.22 Correcting Federal findings.
609.23 Furnishing additional information.
609.24 Reconsideration of Federal findings.
609.25 Furnishing other information.
609.26 Liaison with Department.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 8508; Secretary's Order No. 4-75, 40 FR 18515; 
(5 U.S.C. 301). Interpret and apply secs. 8501-8508 of title 5, United 
States Code.

    Source: 47 FR 54687, Dec. 3, 1982, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec.  609.1  Purpose and application.

    (a) Purpose. Subchapter I of chapter 85, title 5 of the United 
States Code, as amended by Pub. L. 94-566, 90 Stat. 2667, 5 U.S.C. 8501-
8508, provides for a permanent program of unemployment compensation for 
unemployed Federal civilian employees. The unemployment compensation 
provided for in subchapter I is hereinafter referred to as unemployment 
compensation for Federal employees, or UCFE. The regulations in this 
part are issued to implement the UCFE Program.
    (b) First rule of construction. The Act and the implementing 
regulations in this part shall be construed liberally so as to carry out 
the purposes of the Act.
    (c) Second rule of construction. The Act and the implementing 
regulations in this part shall be construed so as to assure insofar as 
possible the uniform interpretation and application of the Act 
throughout the United States.
    (d) Effectuating purpose and rules of construction. (1) In order to 
effectuate the provisions of this section, each State agency shall 
forward to the United States Department of Labor (hereafter Department), 
not later than 10 days after issuance, a copy of each judicial or 
administrative decision ruling on an individual's entitlement to payment 
of UCFE or to credit for a waiting period. On request of the Department, 
a State agency shall forward to the Department a copy of any 
determination or redetermination ruling on an individual's entitlement 
to UCFE or waiting period credit.
    (2) If the Department believes that a determination, 
redetermination, or decision is inconsistent with the Department's 
interpretation of the Act or this part, the Department may at any time 
notify the State agency of the Department's view. Thereafter the State 
agency shall issue a redetermination or appeal if possible, and shall 
not follow such determination, redetermination, or decision as a 
precedent; and, in any subsequent proceedings which involve such 
determination, redetermination, or decision, or wherein such 
determination, redetermination, or decision is cited as precedent or 
otherwise relied upon, the State agency shall inform

[[Page 51]]

the claims deputy or hearing officer or court of the Department's view 
and shall make all reasonable efforts, including appeal or other 
proceedings in an appropriate forum, to obtain modification, limitation, 
or overruling of the determination, redetermination, or decision.
    (3) If the Department believes that a determination, 
redetermination, or decision is patently and flagrantly violative of the 
Act or this part, the Department may at any time notify the State agency 
of the Department's view. If the determination, redetermination, or 
decision in question denies UCFE to a claimant, the steps outlined in 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section shall be followed by the State agency. 
If the determination, redetermination, or decision in question awards 
UCFE to a claimant, the benefits are ``due'' within the meaning of 
section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1), and 
therefore must be paid promptly to the claimant. However, the State 
agency shall take the steps outlined in paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section, and payments to the claimant may be temporarily delayed if 
redetermination or appeal action is taken not more than one business day 
following the day on which the first payment otherwise would be issued 
to the claimant; and the redetermination action is taken or appeal is 
filed to obtain a reversal of the award of UCFE and a ruling consistent 
with the Department's view; and the redetermination action or appeal 
seeks an expedited redetermination or appeal within not more than two 
weeks after the redetermination action is taken or the appeal is filed. 
If redetermination action is not taken or appeal is not filed within the 
above time limit, or a redetermination or decision is not obtained 
within the two-week limit, or any redetermination or decision or order 
is issued which affirms the determination, redetermination, or decision 
awarding UCFE or allows it to stand in whole or in part, the benefits 
awarded must be paid promptly to the claimant.
    (4)(i) If any determination, redetermination, or decision, referred 
to in paragraph (d)(2) or paragraph (d)(3) of this section, is treated 
as a precedent for any future UCFE claim or claim under the UCX Program 
(part 614 of this chapter), the Secretary will decide whether the 
Agreement with the State entered into under the Act shall be terminated.
    (ii) In the case of any determination, redetermination, or decision 
that is not legally warranted under the Act or this part, including any 
determination, redetermination, or decision referred to in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section, the Secretary will decide whether the State 
shall be required to restore the funds of the United States for any sums 
paid under such a determination, redetermination, or decision, and 
whether, in the absence of such restoration, the Agreement with the 
State shall be terminated and whether other action shall be taken to 
recover such sums for the United States.
    (5) A State agency may request reconsideration of a notice issued 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(2) of paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and 
shall be given an opportunity to present views and arguments if desired.
    (6) Concurrence of the Department in a determination, 
redetermination, or decision shall not be presumed from the absence of a 
notice issued pursuant to this section.



Sec.  609.2  Definitions of terms.

    For the purposes of the Act and this part:
    (a) Act means subchapter I of chapter 85, title 5, United States 
Code, 5 U.S.C. 8501-8508.
    (b) Agreement means the agreement entered into pursuant to the Act 
between a State and the Secretary under which the State agency of the 
State agrees to make payments of unemployment compensation in accordance 
with the Act and the regulations and procedures thereunder prescribed by 
the Department.
    (c) Based period means the base period as defined by the applicable 
State law for the benefit year.
    (d) Benefit year means the benefit year as defined by the applicable 
State law, and if not so defined the term means the period prescribed in 
the agreement with the State or, in the absence of an Agreement, the 
period prescribed by the Department.

[[Page 52]]

    (e) Federal agency means any department, agency, or governmental 
body of the United States, including any instrumentality wholly or 
partially owned by the United States, in any branch of the Government of 
the United States, which employs any individual in Federal civilian 
service.
    (f) Federal civilian service means service performed in the employ 
of any Federal agency, except service performed--
    (1) By an elective official in the executive or legislative branches 
of the Government of the United States;
    (2) As a member of the Armed Forces or the Commissioned Corps of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
    (3) By Foreign Service personnel for whom special separation 
allowances are provided under chapter 14 of title 22 of the United 
States Code;
    (4) Outside the 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, by an individual who is 
not a citizen of the United States;
    (5) By an individual excluded by regulations of the Office of 
Personnel Management from civil service retirement coverage provided by 
subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 of the United States Code 
because the individual is paid on a contract or fee basis;
    (6) By an individual receiving nominal pay and allowances of $12 or 
less a year;
    (7) In a hospital, home, or other institution of the United States 
by a patient or inmate thereof;
    (8) By a student-employee as defined by 5 U.S.C. 5351; that is: (i) 
A student nurse, medical or dental intern, resident-in-training, student 
dietitian, student physical therapist, or student occupational 
therapist, assigned or attached to a hospital, clinic, or medical or 
dental laboratory operated by an agency as defined in section 5351; or
    (ii) Any other student-employee, assigned or attached primarily for 
training purposes to such a hospital, clinic, or medical or dental 
laboratory operated by such an agency, who is designated by the head of 
the agency with the approval of the Office of Personnel Management;
    (9) By an individual serving on a temporary basis in case of fire, 
storm, earthquake, flood, or other similar emergency;
    (10) By an individual employed under a Federal relief program to 
relieve the individual from unemployment;
    (11) As a member of a State, county, or community committee under 
the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service or of any other 
board, council, committee, or other similar body, unless such body is 
composed exclusively of individuals otherwise in the full-time employ of 
the United States;
    (12) By an officer or member of the crew on or in connection with an 
American vessel which is:
    (i) Owned by or bareboat chartered to the United States, and
    (ii) The business of which is conducted by a general agent of the 
Secretary of Commerce; and
    (iii) If contributions on account of such service are required under 
section 3305(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3305(g)) 
to be made to an unemployment fund under a State law;
    (13) By an individual excluded by any other Federal law from 
coverage under the UCFE Program; or
    (14) By an individual whose service is covered by the UCX Program to 
which part 614 of this chapter applies.
    (g) Federal employee means an individual who has performed Federal 
civilian service.
    (h) Federal findings means the facts reported by a Federal agency 
pertaining to an individual as to: (1) Whether or not the individual has 
performed Federal civilian service for such an agency;
    (2) The period or periods of such Federal civilian service;
    (3) The individual's Federal wages; and
    (4) The reasons for termination of the individual's Federal civilian 
service.
    (i) Federal wages means all pay and allowances, in cash and in kind, 
for Federal civilian service.
    (j) First claim means an initial claim for unemployment compensation 
under the UCFE Program, the UCX Program (part 614 of this chapter), a 
State law, or some combination thereof, whereby

[[Page 53]]

a benefit year is established under an applicable State law.
    (k) Official station means the State (or country, if outside the 
United States) designated on a Federal employee's notification of 
personnel action terminating the individual's Federal civilian service 
(Standard Form 50 or its equivalent) as the individual's ``duty 
station.'' If the form of notification does not specify the Federal 
employee's ``duty station'', the individual's official station shall be 
the State or country designated under ``name and location of employing 
office'' on such form or designated as the individual's place of 
employment on an equivalent form.
    (l) Secretary means the Secretary of Labor of the United States.
    (m) State means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
    (n) State agency means the agency of the State which administers the 
applicable State law and is administering the UCFE Program in the State 
pursuant to an Agreement with the Secretary.
    (o)(1) State law means the unemployment compensation law of a State 
approved by the Secretary under section 3304 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 3304, if the State is certified under section 
3304(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 3304(c).
    (2) Applicable State law means the State law made applicable to a 
UCFE claimant by Sec.  609.8.
    (p)(1) Unemployment compensation means cash benefits (including 
dependents' allowances) payable to individuals with respect to their 
unemployment, and includes regular, additional, emergency, and extended 
compensation.
    (2) Regular compensation means unemployment compensation payable to 
an individual under any State law, but not including additional 
compensation or extended compensation.
    (3) Additional compensation means unemployment compensation totally 
financed by a State and payable under a State law by reason of 
conditions of high unemployment or by reason of other special factors.
    (4) Emergency compensation means supplementary unemployment 
compensation payable under a temporary Federal law after exhaustion of 
regular and extended compensation.
    (5) Extended compensation means unemployment compensation payable to 
an individual for weeks of unemployment in an extended benefit period, 
under those provisions of a State law which satisfy the requirements of 
the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, as 
amended, 26 U.S.C. 3304 note, and part 615 of this chapter, with respect 
to the payment of extended compensation.
    (q) Week means, for purposes of eligibility for and payment of UCFE, 
a week as defined in the applicable State law.
    (r) Week of unemployment means a week of total, part-total, or 
partial unemployment as defined in the applicable State law, which shall 
be applied in the same manner and to the same extent to all employment 
and earnings, and in the same manner and to the same extent for the 
purposes of the UCFE Program, as if the individual filing for UCFE were 
filing a claim for State unemployment compensation.

[47 FR 54687, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



                Subpart B_Administration of UCFE Program



Sec.  609.3  Eligibility requirements for UCFE.

    An individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of UCFE or to 
waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemployment if:
    (a) The individual has Federal civilian service and Federal wages in 
the base period under the applicable State law;
    (b) The individual meets the qualifying employment and wage 
requirements of the applicable State law, either on the basis of Federal 
civilian service and Federal wages alone or in combination with service 
and wages covered under a State law or under the UCX Program (part 614 
of this chapter);
    (c) The individual has filed an initial claim for UCFE and, as 
appropriate, has filed a timely claim for waiting period credit or a 
payment of UCFE with

[[Page 54]]

respect to that week of unemployment; and
    (d) The individual is totally, part-totally, or partially 
unemployed, and is able to work, available for work, and seeking work 
within the meaning of or as required by the applicable State law, and is 
not subject to disqualification under this part or the applicable State 
law, with respect to that week of unemployment.



Sec.  609.4  Weekly and maximum benefit amounts.

    (a) Total unemployment. The weekly amount of UCFE payable to an 
eligible individual for a week of total unemployment shall be the amount 
that would be payable to the individual as unemployment compensation for 
a week of total unemployment as determined under the applicable State 
law.
    (b) Partial and part-total unemployment. The weekly amount of UCFE 
payable for a week of partial or part-total unemployment shall be the 
amount that would be payable to the individual as unemployment 
compensation for a week of partial or part-total unemployment as 
determined under the applicable State law.
    (c) Maximum amount. The maximum amount of UCFE which shall be 
payable to an eligible individual during and subsequent to the 
individual's benefit year shall be the maximum amount of all 
unemployment compensation that would be payable to the individual as 
determined under the applicable State law.
    (d) Computation rules. (1) The weekly and maximum amounts of UCFE 
payable to an individual under the UCFE Program shall be determined 
under the applicable State law to be in the same amount, on the same 
terms, and subject to the same conditions as the State unemployment 
compensation which would be payable to the individual under the 
applicable State law if the individual's Federal civilian service and 
Federal wages assigned or transferred under this part to the State had 
been included as employment and wages covered by that State law.
    (2) All Federal civilian service and Federal wages for all Federal 
agencies shall be considered employment with a single employer for 
purposes of the UCFE Program.



Sec.  609.5  Claims for UCFE.

    (a) First claims. A first claim for UCFE shall be filed by an 
individual in any State agency of any State (or Canada) according to the 
applicable State law, and on a form prescribed by the Department which 
shall be furnished to the individual by the State agency where the claim 
is filed.
    (b) Weekly claims. Claims for waiting week credit and payments of 
UCFE for weeks of unemployment shall be filed in any State agency (or 
Canada) at the times and in the manner as claims for State unemployment 
compensation are filed under the applicable State law, and on forms 
prescribed by the Department which shall be furnished to the individual 
by the State agency where the claim is filed.
    (c) Secretary's standard. The procedure for reporting and filing 
claims for UCFE and waiting period credit shall be consistent with this 
part 609 and the Secretary's ``Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant 
Reporting, Job Finding and Employment Services'' (Employment Security 
Manual, part V, sections 5000 et seq.).



Sec.  609.6  Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual.

    (a) Determination of first claim. The State agency whose State law 
applies to an individual under Sec.  609.8 shall, promptly upon the 
filing of a first claim for UCFE, determine whether the individual is 
eligible and whether a disqualification applies, and, if the individual 
is found to be eligible, the individual's benefit year and the weekly 
and maximum amounts of UCFE payable to the individual.
    (b) Determinations of weekly claims. The State agency promptly 
shall, upon the filing of a claim for payment of UCFE or waiting period 
credit with respect to a week, determine whether the individual is 
entitled to a payment of UCFE or waiting period credit with respect to 
such week, and, if entitled, the amount of UCFE or waiting period credit 
to which the individual is entitled.
    (c) Redetermination. The provisions of the applicable State law 
concerning

[[Page 55]]

the right to request, or authority to undertake, reconsideration of a 
determination pertaining to State unemployment compensation under the 
applicable State law shall apply to determinations pertaining to UCFE.
    (d) Notices to individual. The State agency promptly shall give 
notice in writing to the individual of any determination or 
redetermination of a first claim, and, except as may be authorized under 
paragraph (g) of this section, of any determination or redetermination 
of any weekly claim which denies UCFE or waiting period credit or 
reduces the weekly amount or maximum amount initially determined to be 
payable. Each notice of determination or redetermination shall include 
such information regarding the determination or redetermination and 
notice of right to reconsideration or appeal, or both, as is furnished 
with written notices of determinations and redeterminations with respect 
to claims for State unemployment compensation; and where information 
furnished by a Federal agency was considered in making the 
determination, or redetermination, the notice thereof shall include an 
explanation of the right of the individual to seek additional 
information pursuant to Sec.  609.23 and/or a reconsideration of Federal 
findings pursuant to Sec.  609.24.
    (e) Obtaining information for claim determinations. (1) Information 
required for the determination of claims for UCFE shall be obtained by 
the State agency from claimants, employers, and others, in the same 
manner as information is obtained for claim purposes under the 
applicable State law, but information (including additional and 
reconsidered Federal findings) shall be obtained from the Federal agency 
that employed the UCFE claimant as prescribed in Sec. Sec.  609.21 
through 609.25. On request by a UCFE claimant, the State agency shall 
seek additional information pursuant to Sec.  609.23 and reconsideration 
of Federal findings pursuant to Sec.  609.24.
    (2) If Federal findings have not been received from a Federal agency 
within 12 days after the request for information was submitted to the 
Federal agency, the State agency shall determine the individual's 
entitlement to UCFE on the basis of an affidavit completed by the 
individual on a form prescribed by the Department. In addition, the 
individual shall submit for examination by the State agency any 
documents issued by the Federal agency (for example, Standard Form 50 or 
W-2) verifying that the individual performed services for and received 
wages from such Federal agency.
    (3) If Federal findings received by a State agency after a 
determination has been made under this section contain information which 
would result in a change in the individual's eligibility for or 
entitlement to UCFE, the State agency promptly shall make a 
redetermination and notify the individual, as provided in this section. 
All payments of UCFE made prior to or after such redetermination shall 
be adjusted in accordance therewith.
    (f) Promptness. Full payment of UCFE when due shall be consistent 
with this part 609 and shall be made with the greatest promptness that 
is administratively feasible, but the provisions of part 640 of this 
chapter (relating to promptness of benefit payments) shall not be 
applicable to the UCFE Program.
    (g) Secretary's standard. The procedures for making determinations 
and redeterminations, and furnishing written notices of determinations, 
redeterminations, and rights of appeal to individuals applying for UCFE, 
shall be consistent with this part 609 and with the Secretary's 
``Standard for Claim Determinations--Separation Information'' 
(Employment Security Manual, part V, sections 6010 et seq.).

[47 FR 54687, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  609.7  Appeal and review.

    (a) Applicable State law. The provisions of the applicable State law 
concerning the right of appeal and fair hearing from a determination or 
redetermination of entitlement to State unemployment compensation shall 
apply to determinations and redeterminations of eligibility for or 
entitlement to UCFE and waiting period credit. Any such determination or 
redetermination shall be subject to appeal and review only in the manner 
and to the extent provided in the applicable State

[[Page 56]]

law with respect to determinations and redeterminations of entitlement 
to State unemployment compensation.
    (b) Rights of appeal and fair hearing. The provisions on right to 
appeal and opportunity for a fair hearing with respect to claims for 
UCFE shall be consistent with this part and with sections 303(a)(1) and 
303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1) and 503(a)(3).
    (c) Promptness on appeals. (1) Decisions on appeals under the UCFE 
Program shall accord with the Secretary's ``Standard for Appeals 
Promptness--Unemployment Compensation'' in part 650 of this chapter, and 
with Sec.  609.1(d).
    (2) Any provision of an applicable State law for advancement or 
priority of unemployment compensation cases on judicial calendars, or 
otherwise intended to provide for the prompt payment of unemployment 
compensation when due, shall apply to proceedings involving claims for 
UCFE.
    (d) Appeal and review by Federal agency. If a Federal agency 
believes that a State agency's determination or redetermination of an 
individual's eligibility for or entitlement to UCFE is incorrect, the 
Federal agency may seek appeal and review of such determination or 
redetermination in the same manner as an interested employer may seek 
appeal and review under the applicable State law.

[47 FR 54687, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  609.8  The applicable State for an individual.

    (a) The applicable State. The applicable State for an individual 
shall be the State to which the individual's Federal civilian service 
and Federal wages are assigned or transferred under this section. The 
applicable State law for the individual shall be the State law of such 
State.
    (b) Assignment of service and wages. (1) An individual's Federal 
civilian service and Federal wages shall be assigned to the State in 
which the individual had his or her last official station prior to 
filing a first claim unless:
    (i) At the time a first claim is filed the individual resides in 
another State in which, after separation from Federal civilian service, 
the individual performed service covered under the State law, in which 
case all of the individual's Federal civilian service and wages shall be 
assigned to the latter State; or
    (ii) Prior to filing a first claim an individual's last official 
station was outside the States, in which case all of the individual's 
Federal civilian service and Federal wages shall be assigned to the 
State in which the individual resides at the time the individual files a 
first claim, provided the individual is personally present in a State 
when the individual files the first claim.
    (2) Federal civilian service and wages assigned to a State in error 
shall be reassigned for use by the proper State agency. An appropriate 
record of a reassignment shall be made by the State agency which makes 
the reassignment.
    (3) Federal civilian service and Federal wages assigned to a State 
shall be transferred to another State where such transfer is necessary 
for the purposes of a combined-wage claim filed by an individual.
    (c) Assignment deemed complete. All of an individual's Federal 
civilian service and Federal wages shall be deemed to have been assigned 
to a State upon the filing of a first claim. Federal civilian service 
and Federal wages shall be assigned to a State only in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Use of assigned service and wages. All assigned Federal civilian 
service and Federal wages shall be used only by the State to which 
assigned or transferred in accordance with paragraph (b) of this 
section.



Sec.  609.9  Provisions of State law applicable to UCFE claims.

    (a) Particular provisions applicable. Except where the result would 
be inconsistent with the provisions of the Act or this part or the 
procedures thereunder prescribed by the Department, the terms and 
conditions of the applicable State law which apply to claims for, and 
the payment of, State unemployment compensation shall apply to claims 
for, and the payment of, UCFE and claims for waiting period credit. The 
provisions of the applicable State law which shall apply include, but 
are not limited to:
    (1) Claim filing and reporting;

[[Page 57]]

    (2) Information to individuals, as appropriate;
    (3) Notices to individuals and Federal agencies, as appropriate, 
including notice to each individual of each determination and 
redetermination of eligibility for or entitlement to UCFE;
    (4) Determinations and redeterminations;
    (5) Ability to work, availability for work, and search for work; and
    (6) Disqualifications.
    (b) IBPP. The Interstate Benefit Payment Plan shall apply, where 
appropriate, to individuals filing claims for UCFE.
    (c) Wage combining. The State's provisions complying with the 
Interstate Arrangement for Combining Employment and Wages (part 616 of 
this chapter) shall apply, where appropriate, to individuals filing 
claims for UCFE.
    (d) Procedural requirements. The provisions of the applicable State 
law which apply hereunder to claims for and the payment of UCFE shall be 
applied consistently with the requirements of title III of the Social 
Security Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act which are pertinent in 
the case of State unemployment compensation, including but not limited 
to those standards and requirements specifically referred to in the 
provisions of this part, except as provided in paragraph (f) of Sec.  
609.6.



Sec.  609.10  Restrictions on entitlement.

    (a) Disqualification. If the week of unemployment for which an 
individual claims UCFE is a week to which a disqualification for State 
unemployment compensation applies under the applicable State law, or 
would apply but for the fact that the individual has no right to such 
compensation, the individual shall not be entitled to a payment of UCFE 
for that week.
    (b) Allocation of terminal annual leave payments. Lump-sum terminal 
annual leave payments shall not be allocated by a Federal agency and 
shall be allocated by a State agency in the same manner as similar 
payments to individuals employed by private employers are allocated 
under the applicable State law. In a State in which a private employer 
has an option as to the period to which such payments shall be 
allocated, such payments shall be allocated to the date of separation 
from employment.



Sec.  609.11  Overpayments; penalties for fraud.

    (a) False statements and representations. Section 8507(a) of the Act 
provides that if a State agency, the Department, or a court of competent 
jurisdiction finds that an individual--
    (1) Knowingly has made, or caused to be made by another, a false 
statement or representation of a material fact, or knowingly has failed, 
or caused another to fail, to disclose a material fact; and
    (2) As a result of that action has received an amount as UCFE to 
which the individual was not entitled; the individual shall repay the 
amount to the State agency or the Department. Instead of requiring 
repayments, the State agency or the Department may recover the amount by 
deductions from UCFE payable to the individual during the 2-year period 
after the date of the finding. A finding by a State agency or the 
Department may be made only after an opportunity for a fair hearing, 
subject to such further review as may be appropriate under Sec.  609.7.
    (b) Prosecution for fraud. Section 1919 of title 18, United States 
Code, provides that whoever makes a false statement or representation of 
a material fact knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to disclose a 
material fact, to obtain or increase for himself or for any other 
individual any payment authorized to be paid under chapter 85 of title 
5, United States Code, or under an agreement thereunder, shall be fined 
not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
    (c) Absence of fraud. If a State agency or court of competent 
jurisdiction finds that an individual has received a payment of UCFE to 
which the individual was not entitled under the Act and this part, which 
was not due to a false statement or representation as provided in 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the individual shall be liable to 
repay to the applicable State the total sum of the payment to which the 
individual was not entitled, and the State agency shall take all 
reasonable measures authorized under any State law or Federal law to 
recover for the account

[[Page 58]]

of the United States the total sum of the payment to which the 
individual was not entitled.
    (d) Recovery by offset. (1) The State agency shall recover, insofar 
as is possible, the amount of any overpayment which is not repaid by the 
individual, by deductions from any UCFE payable to the individual under 
the Act and this part, or from any unemployment compensation payable to 
the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation law 
administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or allowance 
payable to the individual with respect to unemployment under any other 
Federal law administered by the State agency.
    (2) A State agency shall also recover, insofar as is possible, the 
amount of any overpayment of UCFE made to the individual by another 
State, by deductions from any UCFE payable by the State agency to the 
individual under the Act and this part, or from any unemployment 
compensation payable to the individual under any Federal unemployment 
compensation law administered by the State agency, or from any 
assistance or allowance payable to the individual with respect to 
unemployment under any other Federal law administered by the State 
agency.
    (3) Recoupment of fraudulent overpayments referred to in paragraph 
(a) of this section shall be limited to the 2-year period stated in that 
paragraph. Recoupment of fraudulent overpayments referred to in 
paragraph (b) of this section, and nonfraudulent overpayments referred 
to in paragraph (c) of this section shall be subject to any time 
limitation on recoupment provided for in the State law that applies to 
the case.
    (e) Debts due the United States. UCFE payable to an individual shall 
be applied by the State agency for the recovery by offset of any debt 
due to the United States from the individual, but shall not be applied 
or used by the State agency in any manner for the payment of any debt of 
the individual to any State or any other entity or person except 
pursuant to a court order for child support or alimony in accordance 
with the law of the State and section 459 of the Social Security Act, 42 
U.S.C. 659.
    (f) Application of State law. (1) Except as indicated in paragraph 
(a) of this section, any provision of State law that may be applied for 
the recovery of overpayments or prosecution for fraud, and any provision 
of State law authorizing waiver of recovery of overpayments of 
unemployment compensation, shall be applicable to UCFE.
    (2) In the case of any finding of false statement or representation 
under the Act and paragraph (a) of this section, or prosecution for 
fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1919 or pursuant to paragraph (f)(1) of this 
section, the individual shall be disqualified or penalized in accordance 
with the provisions of the applicable State law relating to fraud in 
connection with a claim for State unemployment compensation.
    (g) Final decision. Recovery of any overpayment of UCFE shall not be 
enforced by the State agency until the determination or redetermination 
establishing the overpayment has become final, or if appeal is taken 
from the determination or redetermination, until the decision after 
opportunity for a fair hearing has become final.
    (h) Procedural requirements. (1) The provisions of paragraphs (c), 
(d), and (g) of Sec.  609.6 shall apply to determinations and 
redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
    (2) The provisions of Sec.  609.7 shall apply to determinations and 
redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
    (i) Fraud detection and prevention. Provisions in the procedures of 
each State with respect to detection and prevention of fraudulent 
overpayments of UCFE shall be, as a minimum, commensurate with the 
procedures adopted by the State with respect to State unemployment 
compensation and consistent with the Secretary's ``Standard for Fraud 
and Overpayment Detection'' (Employment Security Manual, part V, section 
7510 et seq.).
    (j) Recovered overpayments. An amount repaid or recouped under this 
section shall be--
    (1) Deposited in the fund from which payment was made, if the 
repayment was to a State agency; or
    (2) Returned to the Treasury of the United States and credited to 
the current applicable appropriation, fund, or

[[Page 59]]

account from which payment was made, if the repayment was to the 
Department.



Sec.  609.12  Inviolate rights to UCFE.

    Except as specifically provided in this part, the rights of 
individuals to UCFE shall be protected in the same manner and to the 
same extent as the rights of persons to State unemployment compensation 
are protected under the applicable State law. Such measures shall 
include protection of applicants for UCFE from waiver, release, 
assignment, pledge, encumbrance, levy, execution, attachment, and 
garnishment of their rights to UCFE, except as provided in Sec.  609.11. 
In the same manner and to the same extent, individuals shall be 
protected from discrimination and obstruction in regard to seeking, 
applying for, and receiving any right to UCFE.



Sec.  609.13  Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.

    (a) Recordkeeping. Each State agency will make and maintain records 
pertaining to the administration of the UCFE Program as the Department 
requires, and will make all such records available for inspection, 
examination, and audit by such Federal officials or employees as the 
Department may designate or as may be required by law.
    (b) Disclosure of Information. Information in records maintained by 
a State agency in administering the UCFE Program shall be kept 
confidential, and information in such records may be disclosed only in 
the same manner and to the same extent as information with respect to 
State unemployment compensation and the entitlement of individuals 
thereto may be disclosed under the applicable State law. This provision 
on the confidentiality of information maintained in the administration 
of the UCFE Program shall not apply, however, to the Department or for 
the purposes of Sec. Sec.  609.11 or 609.13, or in the case of 
information, reports and studies required pursuant to Sec. Sec.  609.17 
or 609.25, or where the result would be inconsistent with the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 
U.S.C. 552a), or regulations of the Department promulgated thereunder.

[47 FR 54687, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  609.14  Payments to States.

    (a) State entitlement. Each State is entitled to be paid by the 
United States with respect to each individual whose base period wages 
included Federal wages, an amount bearing the same ratio to the total 
amount of compensation paid to such individual as the amount of the 
individual's Federal wages in the individual's base period bears to the 
total amount of the individual's base period wages.
    (b) Payment. Each State shall be paid, either in advance or by way 
of reimbursement, as may be determined by the Department, the sum that 
the Department estimates the State is entitled to receive under the Act 
and this part for each calendar month. The sum shall be reduced or 
increased by the amount which the Department finds that its estimate for 
an earlier calendar month was greater or less than the sum which should 
have been paid to the State. An estimate may be made on the basis of a 
statistical, sampling, or other method agreed on by the Department and 
the State agency.
    (c) Certification by the Department. The Department, from time to 
time, shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the sum payable to 
each State under this section. The Secretary of the Treasury, before 
audit or settlement by the General Accounting Office, shall pay the 
State in accordance with the certification from the funds for carrying 
out the purposes of the Act and this part.
    (d) Use of money. Money paid a State under the Act and this part may 
be used solely for the purposes for which it is paid. Money so paid 
which is not used solely for these purposes shall be returned, at the 
time specified by the Agreement, to the Treasury of the United States 
and credited to the current applicable appropriation, fund, or account 
from which payments to states under the Act and this part may be made.

[[Page 60]]



Sec.  609.15  Public access to Agreements.

    The State agency of a State will make available to any individual or 
organization a true copy of the Agreement with the State for inspection 
and copying. Copies of an Agreement may be furnished on request to any 
individual or organization upon payment of the same charges, if any, as 
apply to the furnishing of copies of other records of the State agency.



Sec.  609.16  Administration in absence of an Agreement.

    (a) Administering Program. The Department shall administer the UCFE 
Program through personnel of the Department or through other 
arrangements under procedures prescribed by the Department, in the case 
of any State which does not have an Agreement with the Secretary as 
provided for in 5 U.S.C. 8502. The procedures prescribed by the 
Department under this section shall be consistent with the Act and this 
part.
    (b) Applicable State law. On the filing by an individual of a claim 
for UCFE in accordance with arrangements under this section, UCFE shall 
be paid to the individual, if eligible, in the same amount, on the same 
terms, and subject to the same conditions as would be paid to the 
individual under the applicable State law if the individual's Federal 
civilian service and Federal wages had been included as employment and 
wages under the State law. Any such claim shall include the individual's 
Federal civilian service and Federal wages, combined with any service 
and wages covered by State law. However, if the individual, without 
regard to his or her Federal civilian service and Federal wages, has 
employment or wages sufficient to qualify for compensation during the 
benefit year under that State law, then payments of UCFE under this 
section may be made only on the basis of the individual's Federal 
civilian service and Federal wages.
    (c) Fair hearing. An individual whose claim for UCFE is denied under 
this section is entitled to a fair hearing under rules of procedure 
prescribed by the Department. A final determination by the Department 
with respect to entitlement to UCFE under this section is subject to 
review by the courts in the same manner and to the same extent as is 
provided by section 205(g) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 405(g).



Sec.  609.17  Information, reports, and studies.

    State agencies shall furnish to the Department such information and 
reports and conduct such studies as the Department determines are 
necessary or appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the UCFE 
Program.



             Subpart C_Responsibilities of Federal Agencies



Sec.  609.20  Information to Federal civilian employees.

    Each Federal agency shall:
    (a) Furnish information to its employees as to their rights and 
responsibilities under the UCFE Program and 18 U.S.C. 1919; and
    (b) Furnish a completed copy of a form approved by the Department, 
``Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Compensation,'' in 
accordance with instructions thereon, to each employee at the time of 
separation from Federal civilian service, when transferred from one 
payroll office to another, or when the office responsible for 
distribution of the form is advised that an individual is in nonpay 
status for seven consecutive days or more.



Sec.  609.21  Findings of Federal agency.

    (a) Answering request. Within four workdays after receipt from a 
State agency of a request for Federal findings on a form furnished by 
the State agency, and prescribed by the Department, a Federal agency 
shall make such Federal findings, complete all copies of the form, and 
transmit the completed copies to the State agency. If documents 
necessary for completion of the form have been assigned to an agency 
records center or the Federal Records Center in St. Louis, the Federal 
agency shall obtain the necessary information from the records center. 
Any records center shall give priority to such a request.
    (b) Failure to meet time limit. If a completed form containing the 
Federal agency's findings cannot be returned

[[Page 61]]

within four workdays of receipt, the Federal agency immediately shall 
inform the State agency, and shall include an estimated date by which 
the completed form will be returned.
    (c) Administrative control. Each Federal agency shall maintain a 
control of all requests for Federal findings received by it, and the 
Federal agency's response to each request. The records shall be 
maintained so as to enable the Federal agency to ascertain at any time 
the number of such forms that have not been returned to State agencies, 
and the dates of the Federal agency's receipt of such unreturned forms.



Sec.  609.22  Correcting Federal findings.

    If a Federal agency ascertains at any time within one year after it 
has returned a completed form reporting its findings, that any of its 
findings were erroneous, it shall promptly correct its error and forward 
its corrected findings to the State agency.



Sec.  609.23  Furnishing additional information.

    On receipt of a request for additional information from a State 
agency, a Federal agency shall consider the information it supplied 
initially in connection with such request and shall review its findings. 
The Federal agency promptly shall forward to the State agency such 
additional findings as will respond to the request. The Federal agency 
shall, if possible, respond within four workdays after the receipt of a 
request under this section.



Sec.  609.24  Reconsideration of Federal findings.

    On receipt of a request for reconsideration of Federal findings from 
a State agency, the Federal agency shall consider the initial 
information supplied in connection with such request and shall review 
its findings. The Federal agency shall correct any errors or omissions 
in its findings and shall affirm, modify, or reverse any or all of its 
findings in writing. The Federal agency promptly shall forward its 
reconsidered findings to the requesting authority. The Federal agency 
shall, if possible, respond within four workdays after the receipt of a 
request under this section.



Sec.  609.25  Furnishing other information.

    (a) Additional Information. In addition to the information required 
by Sec. Sec.  609.21, 609.22, 609.23, and 609.24, a Federal agency shall 
furnish to a State agency or the Department, within the time requested, 
any information which it is not otherwise prohibited from releasing by 
law, which the Department determines is necessary for the administration 
of the UCFE Program.
    (b) Reports. Federal agencies shall furnish to the Department or 
State agencies such reports containing such information as the 
Department determines are necessary or appropriate for carrying out the 
purposes of the UCFE Program.



Sec.  609.26  Liaison with Department.

    To facilitate the Department's administration of the UCFE Program, 
each Federal agency shall designate one or more of its officials to be 
the liaison with the Department. Each Federal agency will inform the 
Department of its designation(s) and of any change in a designation.



PART 614_UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR EX-SERVICEMEMBERS-
-Table of Contents



                      Subpart A_General Provisions

Sec.
614.1 Purpose and application.
614.2 Definitions of terms.

                 Subpart B_Administration of UCX Program

614.3 Eligibility requirements for UCX.
614.4 Weekly and maximum benefit amounts.
614.5 Claims for UCX.
614.6 Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual and Federal 
          military agency.
614.7 Appeal and review.
614.8 The applicable State for an individual.
614.9 Provisions of State law applicable to UCX claims.
614.10 Restrictions on entitlement.
614.11 Overpayments; penalties for fraud.
614.12 Schedules of remuneration.
614.13 Inviolate rights to UCX.
614.14 Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.
614.15 Payments to States.
614.16 Public access to Agreements.
614.17 Administration in absence of an Agreement.

[[Page 62]]

614.18 Information, reports, and studies.

   Subpart C_Responsibilities of Federal Military Agencies and State 
                                Agencies

614.20 Information to ex-servicemembers.
614.21 Findings of Federal military agency.
614.22 Correcting Federal findings.
614.23 Finality of findings.
614.24 Furnishing other information.
614.25 Liaison with Department

Appendix A to Part 614--Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, 
          Job Finding, and Employment Services
Appendix B to Part 614--Standard for Claim Determination--Separation 
          Information
Appendix C to Part 614--Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 8508; Secretary's Order No. 4-75 (40 FR 18515).

    Source: 47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, unless otherwise noted.



                      Subpart A_General Provisions



Sec.  614.1  Purpose and application.

    (a) Purpose. Subchapter II of chapter 85, title 5 of the United 
States Code (5 U.S.C. 8521-8525) provides for a permanent program of 
unemployment compensation for unemployed individuals separated from the 
Armed Forces. The unemployment compensation provided for in subchapter 
II is hereinafter referred to as Unemployment Compensation for Ex-
servicemembers, or UCX. The regulations in this part are issued to 
implement the UCX Program.
    (b) First rule of construction. The Act and the implementing 
regulations in this part shall be construed liberally so as to carry out 
the purposes of the Act.
    (c) Second rule of construction. The Act and the implementing 
regulations in this part shall be construed so as to assure insofar as 
possible the uniform interpretation and application of the Act 
throughout the United States.
    (d) Effectuating purpose and rules of construction. (1) In order to 
effectuate the provisions of this section, each State agency shall 
forward to the United States Department of Labor (hereafter Department), 
not later than 10 days after issuance, a copy of each judicial or 
administrative decision ruling on an individual's entitlement to payment 
of UCX or to credit for a waiting period. On request of the Department, 
a State agency shall forward to the Department a copy of any 
determination or redetermination ruling on an individual's entitlement 
to UCX or waiting period credit.
    (2)(i) If the Department believes that a determination, 
redetermination, or decision is inconsistent with the Department's 
interpretation of the Act or this part, the Department may at any time 
notify the State agency of the Department's view. Thereafter, the State 
agency shall issue a redetermination or appeal if possible, and shall 
not follow such determination, redetermination, or decision as a 
precedent; and, in any subsequent proceedings which involve such 
determination, redetermination, or decision, or wherein such 
determination, redetermination, or decision is cited as precedent or 
otherwise relied upon, the State agency shall inform the claims deputy 
or hearing officer or court of the Department's view and shall make all 
reasonable efforts, including appeal or other proceedings in an 
appropriate forum, to obtain modification, limitation, or overruling of 
the determination, redetermination, or decision.
    (ii) If the Department believes that a State agency has failed to 
use, or use in a timely manner, the crossmatch mechanism at the claims 
control center designated by the Department, the Department may at any 
time notify the State of the Department's view. Thereafter, the State 
agency shall take action to ensure that operable procedures for the 
effective utilization of the claims control center are in place and 
adhered to. In any case of any determination, redetermination, or 
decision that is not legally warranted under the Act or this part had 
the State used, or used in a timely manner, the crossmatch mechanism at 
the claims control center designated by the Department, State agency 
shall take the steps outlined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.
    (3) If the Department believes that a determination, 
redetermination, or decision is patently and flagrantly violative of the 
Act or this part, the Department may at any time notify the State agency 
of the Department's view. If the determination, redetermination, or 
decision in question denies UCX to a

[[Page 63]]

claimant, the steps outlined in paragraph (2) above shall be followed by 
the State agency. If the determination, redetermination, or decision in 
question awards UCX to a claimant, the benefits are ``due'' within the 
meaning of section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 
503(a)(1), and therefore must be paid promptly to the claimant. However, 
the State agency shall take the steps outlined in paragraph (d)(2) of 
this section, and payments to the claimant may be temporarily delayed if 
redetermination or appeal action is taken not more than one business day 
following the day on which the first payment otherwise would be issued 
to the claimant; and the redetermination action is taken or appeal is 
filed to obtain a reversal of the award of UCX and a ruling consistent 
with the Department's view; and the redetermination action or appeal 
seeks an expedited redetermination or appeal within not more than two 
weeks after the redetermination action is taken or the appeal is filed. 
If redetermination action is not taken or appeal is not filed within the 
above time limit, or a redetermination or decision is not obtained 
within the two-week limit, or any redetermination or decision or order 
is issued which affirms the determination, redetermination, or decision 
awarding UCX or allows it to stand in whole or in part, the benefits 
awarded must be paid promptly to the claimant.
    (4)(i) If any determination, redetermination, or decision, referred 
to in paragraph (d)(2) or paragraph (d)(3) of this section, is treated 
as a precedent for any future UCX claim or claim under the UCFE Program 
(part 609 of this chapter), the Secretary will decide whether the 
Agreement with the State entered into under the Act shall be terminated.
    (ii) In the case of any determination, redetermination, or decision 
that is not legally warranted under the Act or this part, including any 
determination, redetermination, or decision referred to in paragraph 
(d)(2) or in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the Secretary will decide 
whether the State shall be required to restore the funds of the United 
States for any sums paid under such a determination, redetermination, or 
decision, and whether, in absence of such restoration, the Agreement 
with the State shall be terminated and whether other action shall be 
taken to recover such sums for the United States.
    (5) A State agency may request reconsideration of a notice issued 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(2) or paragraph (d)(3) of this section, and 
shall be given an opportunity to present views and arguments if desired.
    (6) Concurrence of the Department in a determination, 
redetermination, or decision shall not be presumed from the absence of a 
notice issued pursuant to this section.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0163)

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40553, Oct. 17, 1988; 53 
FR 43799, Oct. 26, 1988; 57 FR 59799, Dec. 15, 1992]



Sec.  614.2  Definitions of terms.

    For purposes of the Act and this part:
    (a) Act means subchapter II of chapter 85 of title 5 of the United 
States Code, 5 U.S.C. 8521-8525.
    (b) Agreement means the Agreement entered into pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
8502 between a State and the Secretary under which the State agency of 
the State agrees to make payments of unemployment compensation in 
accordance with the Act and the regulations and procedures thereunder 
prescribed by the Department.
    (c) Base period means the base period as defined by the applicable 
State law for the benefit year.
    (d) Benefit year means the benefit year as defined by the applicable 
State law, and if not so defined the term means the period prescribed in 
the Agreement with the State or, in the absence of an Agreement, the 
period prescribed by the Department.
    (e) Ex-servicemember means an individual who has performed Federal 
military service.
    (f) Federal military agency means any of the Armed Forces of the 
United States, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and 
Coast Guard, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
(Department of Commerce).
    (g) Federal military service means active service (not including 
active duty

[[Page 64]]

in a reserve status unless for a continuous period of 90 days or more) 
in the Armed Forces or the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration if with respect to that service--
    (1) The individual was discharged or released under honorable 
conditions (and, if an officer, did not resign for the good of the 
service); and
    (2)(i) The individual was discharged or released after completing 
his/her first full term of active service which the individual initially 
agreed to serve, or
    (ii) The individual was discharged or released before completing 
such term of active service--
    (A) For the convenience of the Government under an early release 
program,
    (B) Because of medical disqualification, pregnancy, parenthood, or 
any service-incurred injury or disability,
    (C) Because of hardship, or
    (D) Because of personality disorders or inaptitude but only if the 
service was continuous for 365 days or more.
    (h) Federal military wages means all pay and allowances in cash and 
in kind for Federal military service, computed on the basis of the pay 
and allowances for the pay grade of the individual at the time of his or 
her latest discharge or release from Federal/military service, as 
determined in accordance with the Schedule of Remuneration applicable at 
the time the individual files his or her first claim for compensation 
for a benefit year.
    (i) First claim means an initial claim for unemployment compensation 
under the UCX Program, the UCFE Program (part 609 of this chapter), or a 
State law, or some combination thereof, first filed by an individual 
after the individual's latest discharge or release from Federal military 
service, whereby a benefit year is established under an applicable State 
law.
    (j) Military document means an official document or documents issued 
to an individual by a Federal military agency relating to the 
individual's Federal military service and discharge or release from such 
service.
    (k) Period of active service means a period of continuous active 
duty (including active duty for training purposes) in a Federal military 
agency or agencies, beginning with the date of entry upon active duty 
and ending on the effective date of the first discharge or release 
thereafter which is not qualified or conditional.
    (l) Schedule of Remuneration means the schedule issued by the 
Department from time to time under 5 U.S.C. 8521(a)(2) and this part, 
which specifies for purposes of the UCX Program, the pay and allowances 
for each pay grade of servicemember.
    (m) Secretary means the Secretary of Labor of the United States.
    (n) State means the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
    (o) State agency means the agency of the State which administers the 
applicable State unemployment compensation law and is administering the 
UCX Program in the State pursuant to an Agreement with the Secretary.
    (p)(1) State law means the unemployment compensation law of a State 
approved by the Secretary under section 3304 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 3304, if the State is certified under section 
3304(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 3304(c).
    (2) Applicable State law means the State law made applicable to a 
UCX claimant by Sec.  614.8.
    (q)(1) Unemployment compensation means cash benefits (including 
dependents' allowances) payable to individuals with respect to their 
unemployment, and includes regular, additional, emergency, and extended 
compensation.
    (2) Regular compensation means unemployment compensation payable to 
an individual under any State law, but not including additional 
compensation or extended compensation.
    (3) Additional compensation means unemployment compensation totally 
financed by a State and payable under a State law by reason of 
conditions of high unemployment or by reason of other special factors.
    (4) Emergency compensation means supplementary unemployment 
compensation payable under a temporary Federal law after exhaustion of 
regular and extended compensation.

[[Page 65]]

    (5) Extended compensation means unemployment compensation payable to 
an individual for weeks of unemployment in an extended benefit period, 
under those provisions of a State law which satisfy the requirements of 
the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970, as 
amended, 26 U.S.C. 3304 note, and part 615 of this chapter, with respect 
to the payment of extended compensation.
    (r) Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemember means the 
unemployment compensation payable under the Act to claimants eligible 
for the payments, and is referred to as UCX.
    (s) Week means, for purposes of eligibility for and payment of UCX, 
a week as defined in the applicable State law.
    (t) Week of unemployment means a week of total, part-total, or 
partial unemployment as defined in the applicable State law, which shall 
be applied in the same manner and to the same extent to all employment 
and earnings, and in the same manner and to the same extent for the 
purposes of the UCX Program, as if the individual filing for UCX were 
filing a claim for State unemployment compensation.

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40554, Oct. 17, 1988; 53 
FR 43799, Oct. 26, 1988; 57 FR 59799, Dec. 15, 1992]



                 Subpart B_Administration of UCX Program



Sec.  614.3  Eligibility requirements for UCX.

    An individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of UCX or 
waiting period credit with respect to a week of unemployment if:
    (a) The individual has Federal military service and Federal military 
wages in the base period under the applicable State law;
    (b) The individual meets the qualifying employment and wage 
requirements of the applicable State law, either on the basis of Federal 
military service and Federal military wages alone or in combination with 
service and wages covered under a State law or under the UCFE Program 
(part 609 of this chapter);
    (c) The individual has filed an initial claim for UCX and, as 
appropriate, has filed a timely claim for waiting period credit or 
payment of UCX with respect to that week of unemployment; and
    (d) The individual is totally, part-totally, or partially 
unemployed, and is able to work, available for work, and seeking work 
within the meaning of or as required by the applicable State law, and is 
not subject to disqualification under this part or the applicable State 
law, with respect to that week of unemployment.

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40554, Oct. 17, 1988; 57 
FR 59799, Dec. 15, 1992]



Sec.  614.4  Weekly and maximum benefit amounts.

    (a) Total unemployment. The weekly amount of UCX payable to an 
eligible individual for a week of total unemployment shall be the amount 
that would be payable to the individual as unemployment compensation for 
a week of total unemployment as determined under the applicable State 
law.
    (b) Partial and part-total unemployment. The weekly amount of UCX 
payable for a week of partial or part-total unemployment shall be the 
amount that would be payable to the individual as unemployment 
compensation for a week of partial or part-total unemployment as 
determined under the applicable State law.
    (c) Maximum amount. The maximum amount of UCX which shall be payable 
to an eligible individual during and subsequent to the individual's 
benefit year shall be the maximum amount of all unemployment 
compensation that would be payable to the individual as determined under 
the applicable State law.
    (d) Computation rules. The weekly and maximum amounts of UCX payable 
to an individual under the UCX Program shall be determined under the 
applicable State law to be in the same amount, on the same terms, and 
subject to the same conditions as the State unemployment compensation 
which would be payable to the individual under the applicable State law 
if the individual's Federal military service and Federal military wages 
assigned or transferred under this part to the State had been included 
as employment and wages covered by that State

[[Page 66]]

law, subject to the use of the applicable Schedule of Remuneration.

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40554, Oct. 17, 1988; 57 
FR 59800, Dec. 15, 1992]



Sec.  614.5  Claims for UCX.

    (a) First claims. A first claim for UCX shall be filed by an 
individual in any State agency of any State according to the applicable 
State law, and on a form prescribed by the Department which shall be 
furnished to the individual by the State agency where the claim is 
filed.
    (b) Weekly claims. Claims for waiting week credit and payments of 
UCX for weeks of unemployment shall be filed in any State agency (or 
Canada) at the times and in the manner as claims for State unemployment 
compensation are filed under the applicable State law, and on forms 
prescribed by the Department which shall be furnished to the individual 
by the State agency where the claim is filed.
    (c) Secretary's standard. The procedures for reporting and filing 
claims for UCX and waiting period credit shall be consistent with this 
part 614 and the Secretary's ``Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant 
Reporting, Job Finding and Employment Services'' in the Employment 
Security Manual, part V, sections 5000-5004 (appendix A of this part).

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40554, Oct. 17, 1988]



Sec.  614.6  Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual and 
Federal military agency.

    (a) Determinations of first claim. Except for findings of a Federal 
military agency and the applicable Schedule of Remuneration which are 
final and conclusive under Sec.  614.23, the State agency whose State 
law applies to an individual under Sec.  614.8 shall, promptly upon the 
filing of a first claim for UCX, determine whether the individual is 
otherwise eligible, and, if the individual is found to be eligible, the 
individual's benefit year and the weekly and maximum amounts of UCX 
payable to the individual.
    (b) Determinations of weekly claims. The State agency promptly 
shall, upon the filing of a claim for a payment of UCX or waiting period 
credit with respect to a week, determine whether the individual is 
entitled to a payment of UCX or waiting period credit respect to such 
week, and, if entitled, the amount of UCX or waiting period credit to 
which the individual is entitled.
    (c) Redetermination. The provisions of the applicable State law 
concerning the right to request, or authority to undertake, 
reconsideration of a determination pertaining to State unemployment 
compensation under the applicable State law shall apply to 
determinations pertaining to UCX.
    (d) Notices to individual and Federal military agency. (1) The State 
agency promptly shall give notice in writing to the individual of any 
determination or redetermination of a first claim, and, except as may be 
authorized under paragraph (g) of this section, of any determination or 
redetermination of any weekly claim which denies UCX or waiting period 
credit or reduces the weekly amount or maximum amount initially 
determined to be payable. Each notice of determination or 
redetermination shall include such information regarding the 
determination or redetermination and notice of right to reconsideration 
or appeal, or both, as is furnished with written notices of 
determinations and redeterminations with respect to claims for State 
unemployment compensation. Such notice shall include the findings of any 
Federal military agency utilized in making the determination or 
redetermination, and shall inform the individual of the finality of 
Federal findings and the individual's right to request correction of 
such findings as is provided in Sec.  614.22.
    (2) A notice of claim filing and subsequent notices of monetary and 
nonmonetary determinations on a UCX claim shall be sent to each Federal 
military agency for which the individual performed Federal military 
service during the appropriate base period, together with notice of 
appeal rights of the Federal military agency to the same extent that 
chargeable employers are given such notices under State law and practice 
unless an alternate mechanism is established by the Department of Labor 
in lieu of such notices.

[[Page 67]]

    (e) Obtaining information for claim determinations. (1) Information 
required for the determination of claims for UCX shall be obtained by 
the State agency from claimants, employers, and others, in the same 
manner as information is obtained for claim purposes under the 
applicable State law, but Federal military findings shall be obtained 
from military documents, the applicable Schedule of Remuneration, and 
from Federal military agencies as prescribed in Sec. Sec.  614.21 
through 614.24.
    (f) Promptness. Full payment of UCX when due shall be consistent 
with this part and shall be made with the greatest promptness that is 
administratively feasible, but the provisions of part 640 of this 
chapter (relating to promptness of benefit payments) shall not be 
applicable to the UCX Program.
    (g) Secretary's standard. The procedures for making determinations 
and redeterminations, and furnishing written notices of determinations, 
redeterminations, and rights of appeal to individuals applying for UCX 
and to appropriate Federal military agencies shall be consistent with 
this part 614 and the Secretary's ``Standard for Claim Determinations-
Separation Information'' in the Employment Security Manual, part V, 
sections 6010-6015 (Appendix B of this part).

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40554, Oct. 17, 1988; 71 
FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  614.7  Appeal and review.

    (a) Applicable State Law. The provisions of the applicable State law 
concerning the right of appeal and fair hearing from a determination or 
redetermination of entitlement to State unemployment compensation 
(exclusive of findings which are final and conclusive under Sec.  
614.25) shall apply to determinations and redeterminations of 
eligibility for or entitlement to UCX and waiting period credit. Any 
such determination or redetermination shall be subject to appeal and 
review only in the manner and to the extent provided in the applicable 
State law with respect to determinations and redeterminations of 
entitlement to State unemployment compensation.

(Section 614.24 governs appeals of findings of the Veterans 
Administration)

    (b) Rights of appeal and fair hearing. The provisions on right of 
appeal and opportunity for a fair hearing with respect to claims for UCX 
shall be consistent with this part and with sections 303(a)(1) and 
303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1) and 503(a)(3).
    (c) Promptness on appeals. (1) Decisions on appeals under the UCX 
Program shall accord with the Secretary's ``Standard for Appeals 
Promptness--Unemployment Compensation'' in part 650 of this chapter, and 
with Sec.  614.1(d).
    (2) Any provision of an applicable State law for advancement or 
priority of unemployment compensation cases on judicial calendars, or 
otherwise intended to provide for the prompt payment of unemployment 
compensation when due, shall apply to proceedings involving claims for 
UCX.
    (d) Appeal and review by Federal military agency. If a Federal 
military agency believes that a State agency's determination or 
redetermination of an individual's eligibility for or entitlement to UCX 
is incorrect, the Federal military agency may seek appeal and review of 
such determination or redetermination in the same manner as an 
interested employer may seek appeal and review under the applicable 
State law.



Sec.  614.8  The applicable State for an individual.

    (a) The applicable State. The applicable State for an individual 
shall be the State to which the individual's Federal military service 
and Federal military wages are assigned or transferred under this 
section. The applicable State law for the individual shall be the State 
law of such State.
    (b) Assignment of service and wages. (1) When an individual files a 
first claim, all of the individual's Federal military service and 
Federal military wages shall be deemed to be assigned to the State in 
which such claim is filed, which shall be the ``Paying State'' in the 
case of a combined-wage claim. (Sec.  616.6(e) of this chapter.)
    (2) Federal military service and Federal military wages assigned to 
a State in error shall be reassigned for use by the proper State agency. 
An appropriate record of the reassignment shall

[[Page 68]]

be made by the State agency which makes the reassignment.
    (c) Assignment deemed complete. All of an individual's Federal 
military service and Federal military wages shall be deemed to have been 
assigned to a State upon the filing of a first claim. Federal military 
service and Federal military wages shall be assigned to a State only in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Use of assigned service and wages. All assigned Federal military 
service and Federal military wages shall be used only by the State to 
which assigned in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, except 
that any Federal military service and Federal military wages which are 
not within the base period of the State to which they were assigned 
shall be subject to transfer in accordance with part 616 of this chapter 
for the purposes of any subsequent Combined-Wage Claim filed by the 
individual.



Sec.  614.9  Provisions of State law applicable to UCX claims.

    (a) Particular provisions applicable. Except where the result would 
be inconsistent with the provisions of the Act or this part or the 
procedures thereunder prescribed by the Department, the terms and 
conditions of the applicable State law which apply to claims for, and 
the payment of, State unemployment compensation shall apply to claims 
for, and the payment of, UCX and claims for waiting period credit. The 
provisions of the applicable State law which shall apply include, but 
are not limited to:
    (1) Claim filing and reporting;
    (2) Information to individuals, as appropriate;
    (3) Notices to individuals, as appropriate, including notice to each 
individual of each determination and redetermination of eligibility for 
or entitlement to UCX;
    (4) Determinations and redeterminations;
    (5) Ability to work, availability for work, and search for work; and
    (6) Disqualifications, except in regard to separation from any 
Federal military agency.
    (b) IBPP. The Interstate Benefit Payment Plan shall apply, where 
appropriate, to individuals filing claims for UCX.
    (c) Wage combining. The State's provisions complying with the 
Interstate Arrangement for Combining Employment and Wages (part 616 of 
this chapter) shall apply, where appropriate, to individuals filing 
claims for UCX.
    (d) Procedural requirements. The provisions of the applicable State 
law which apply hereunder to claims for and the payment of UCX shall be 
applied consistently with the requirements of title III of the Social 
Security Act and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act which are pertinent in 
the case of State unemployment compensation, including but not limited 
to those standards and requirements specifically referred to in the 
provisions of this part, except as provided in paragraph (f) of Sec.  
614.6.



Sec.  614.10  Restrictions on entitlement.

    (a) Disqualification. If the week of unemployment for which an 
individual claims UCX is a week to which a disqualification for State 
unemployment compensation applies under the applicable State law, the 
individual shall not be entitled to a payment of UCX for that week. As 
provided in Sec.  614.9(a), no disqualification shall apply in regard to 
separation from any Federal military agency.
    (b) Effect of ``days lost''. The continuity of a period of an 
individual's Federal military service shall not be deemed to be 
interrupted by reason of any ``days lost'' in such period, but ``days 
lost'' shall not be counted for purposes of determining:
    (1) Whether an individual has performed Federal military service;
    (2) Whether an individual meets the wage and employment requirements 
of a State law; or
    (3) The amount of an individual's Federal military wages.
    (c) Allocation of military accrued leave. A State agency shall 
allocate the number of days of unused military leave specified in an ex-
servicemember's military document, for which a lump-sum payment has been 
made, in the same manner as similar payments by private employers to 
their employees are allocated under the applicable State law, except 
that the applicable Schedule of Remuneration instead of

[[Page 69]]

the lump-sum payment shall be used to determine the amount of the 
claimant's Federal military wages. In a State in which a private 
employer has an option as to the period to which such payments shall be 
allocated, such payments shall be allocated to the date of the 
individual's latest discharge or release from Federal military service. 
An allocation under this paragraph shall be disregarded in determining 
whether an individual has had a period of active service constituting 
Federal military service.
    (d) Education and training allowances. An individual is not entitled 
to UCX under the Act or this part for a period with respect to which the 
individual receives:
    (1) A subsistence allowance for vocational rehabilitation training 
under chapter 31 of title 38 of the United States Code, 38 U.S.C. 1501 
et seq., or under part VIII of Veterans Regulation Numbered 1(a); or
    (2) An educational assistance allowance or special training 
allowance under chapter 35 of title 38 of the United States Code, 38 
U.S.C. 1700 et seq.



Sec.  614.11  Overpayments; penalties for fraud.

    (a) False statements and representations. Section 8507(a) of the Act 
provides that if a State agency, the Department, or a court of competent 
jurisdiction finds that an individual--
    (1) Knowingly has made, or caused to be made by another, a false 
statement or representation of a material fact, or knowingly has failed, 
or caused another to fail, to disclose a material fact; and
    (2) As a result of that action has received an amount as UCX to 
which the individual was not entitled; the individual shall repay the 
amount to the State agency or the Department. Instead of requiring 
repayment, the State agency or the Department may recover the amount by 
deductions from UCX payable to the individual during the 2-year period 
after the date of the finding. A finding by a State agency or the 
Department may be made only after an opportunity for a fair hearing, 
subject to such further review as may be appropriate under Sec.  614.7.
    (b) Prosecution for fraud. Section 1919 of title 18, United States 
Code, provides that whoever makes a false statement or representation of 
a material fact knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to disclose a 
material fact, to obtain or increase for himself or for any other 
individual any payment authorized to be paid under chapter 85 of title 
5, United States Code, or under an agreement thereunder, shall be fined 
not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
    (c) Absence of fraud. If a State agency or court of competent 
jurisdiction finds that an individual has received a payment of UCX to 
which the individual was not entitled under the Act and this part, which 
was not due to a false statement or representation as provided in 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the individual shall be liable to 
repay to the applicable State the total sum of the payment to which the 
individual was not entitled, and the State agency shall take all 
reasonable measures authorized under any State law or Federal law to 
recover for the account of the United States the total sum of the 
payment to which the individual was not entitled.
    (d) Recovery by offset. (1) The State agency shall recover, insofar 
as is possible, the amount of any overpayment which is not repaid by the 
individual, by deductions from any UCX payable to the individual under 
the Act and this part, or from any unemployment compensation payable to 
the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation law 
administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or allowance 
payable to the individual with respect to unemployment under any other 
Federal law administered by the State agency.
    (2) A State agency shall also recover, insofar as is possible, the 
amount of any overpayment of UCX made to the individual by another State 
by deductions from any UCX payable by the State agency to the individual 
under the Act and this part, or from any unemployment compensation 
payable to the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation 
law administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or 
allowance payable to

[[Page 70]]

the individual with respect to unemployment under any other Federal law 
administered by the State agency.
    (3) Recoupment of fraudulent overpayments referred to in paragraph 
(a) of this section shall be limited to the 2-year period stated in that 
paragraph. Recoupment of fraudulent overpayments referred to in 
paragraph (b) of this section, and nonfraudulent overpayments referred 
to in paragraph (c) of this section shall be subject to any time 
limitation on recoupment provided for in the State law that applies to 
the case.
    (e) Debts due the United States. UCX payable to an individual shall 
be applied by the State agency for the recovery by offset of any debt 
due to the United States from the individual, but shall not be applied 
or used by the State agency in any manner for the payment of any debt of 
the individual to any State or any other entity or person except 
pursuant to a court order for child support or alimony in accordance 
with the law of the State and section 459 of the Social Security Act, 42 
U.S.C. 659.
    (f) Application of State law. (1) Except as indicated in paragraph 
(a) of this section, any provision of State law that may be applied for 
the recovery of overpayments or prosecution for fraud, and any provision 
of State law authorizing waiver of recovery of overpayments of 
unemployment compensation, shall be applicable to UCX.
    (2) In the case of any finding of false statement of representation 
under the Act and paragraph (a) of this section, or prosecution for 
fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1919 or pursuant to paragraph (f)(1) of this 
section, the individual shall be disqualified or penalized in accordance 
with the provision of the applicable State law relating to fraud in 
connection with a claim for State unemployment compensation.
    (g) Final decision. Recovery of any overpayment of UCX shall not be 
enforced by the State agency until the determination or redetermination 
establishing the overpayment has become final, or if appeal is taken 
from the determination or redetermination, until the decision after 
opportunity for a fair hearing has become final.
    (h) Procedural requirements. (1) The provisions of paragraphs (c), 
(d), and (g) of Sec.  614.6 shall apply to determinations and 
redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
    (2) The provisions of Sec.  614.7 shall apply to determinations and 
redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
    (i) Fraud detection and prevention. Provisions in the procedures of 
each State with respect to detection and prevention of fraudulent 
overpayments of UCX shall be, as a minimum, commensurate with the 
procedures adopted by the State with respect to State unemployment 
compensation and consistent with this part 614 and the Secretary's 
``Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection'' in the Employment 
Security Manual, part V, sections 7510-7515 (Appendix C of this part), 
and provide for timely use of any crossmatch mechanism established by 
the Department.
    (j) Recovered overpayments. An amount repaid or recouped under this 
section shall be--
    (1) Deposited in the fund from which payment was made, if the 
repayment was to a State agency; or
    (2) Returned to the Treasury of the United States and credited to 
the current applicable appropriation, fund, or account from which 
payment was made, if the repayment was to the Department.

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40555, Oct. 17, 1988]



Sec.  614.12  Schedules of remuneration.

    (a) Authority. Section 8521(a)(2) of chapter 85, title 5 of the 
United States Code, 5 U.S.C. 8521(a)(2), requires the Secretary of Labor 
to issue from time to time, after consultation with the Secretary of 
Defense, a Schedule of Remuneration specifying the pay and allowances 
for each pay grade of members of the Armed Forces.
    (b) Elements of schedule. A schedule reflects representative amounts 
for appropriate elements of the pay and allowances, whether in cash or 
kind, for each pay grade of members of the Armed Forces, with a 
statement of the effective date of the schedule. Benefit amounts for the 
UCX Program are computed on the basis of the Federal

[[Page 71]]

military wages for the pay grade of the individual at the time of the 
individual's latest discharge or release from Federal military service, 
as specified in the schedule applicable at the time the individual files 
his or her first claim for compensation for the benefit year.
    (c) Effective date. Any new Schedule of Remuneration shall take 
effect beginning with the first week of the calendar quarter following 
the calendar quarter in which such schedule is issued, and shall remain 
applicable until a subsequent schedule becomes effective. Prior 
schedules shall continue to remain applicable for the periods they were 
in effect.
    (d) Publication. Any new Schedule of Remuneration shall be issued by 
the Secretary of Labor to the State agencies and the Federal military 
agencies. Promptly after the issuance of a new Schedule of Remuneration 
it shall be published as a notice in the Federal Register.



Sec.  614.13  Inviolate rights to UCX.

    Except as specifically provided in this part, the rights of 
individuals to UCX shall be protected in the same manner and to the same 
extent as the rights of persons to State unemployment compensation are 
protected under the applicable State law. Such measures shall include 
protection of applicants for UCX from waiver, release, assignment, 
pledge, encumbrance, levy, execution, attachment, and garnishment of 
their rights to UCX, except as provided in Sec.  614.11. In the same 
manner and to the same extent, individuals shall be protected from 
discrimination and obstruction in regard to seeking, applying for, and 
receiving any right to UCX.



Sec.  614.14  Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.

    (a) Recordkeeping. Each State agency will make and maintain records 
pertaining to the administration of the UCX Program as the Department 
requires, and will make all such records available for inspection, 
examination, and audit by such Federal officials or employees as the 
Department may designate or as may be required by law.
    (b) Disclosure of information. Information in records maintained by 
a State agency in administering the UCX Program shall be kept 
confidential, and information in such records may be disclosed only in 
the same manner and to the same extent as information with respect to 
State unemployment compensation and the entitlement of individuals 
thereto may be disclosed under the applicable State law. This provision 
on the confidentiality of information maintained in the administration 
of the UCX Program shall not apply, however, to the Department or for 
the purposes of Sec. Sec.  614.11 or 614.14, or in the case of 
information, reports and studies required pursuant to Sec. Sec.  614.18 
or 614.26, or where the result would be inconsistent with the Freedom of 
Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, 
or regulations of the Department promulgated thereunder.



Sec.  614.15  Payments to States.

    (a) State entitlement. Each State is entitled to be paid by the 
United States with respect to each individual whose base period wages 
included Federal military wages, an amount bearing the same ratio to the 
total amount of compensation paid to such individual as the amount of 
the individual's Federal military wages in the individual's base period 
bears to the total amount of the individual's base period wages.
    (b) Payment. Each State shall be paid, either in advance or by way 
of reimbursement, as may be determined by the Department, the sum that 
the Department estimates the State is entitled to receive under the Act 
and this part for each calendar month. The sum shall be reduced or 
increased by the amount which the Department finds that its estimate for 
an earlier calendar month was greater or less than the sum which should 
have been paid to the State. An estimate may be made on the basis of a 
statistical, sampling, or other method agreed on by the Department and 
the State agency.
    (c) Certification by the Department. The Department, from time to 
time, shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the sum payable to 
each State under this section. The Secretary of the Treasury, before 
audit or settlement by the General Accounting Office, shall pay the 
State in accordance

[[Page 72]]

with the certification from the funds for carrying out the purposes of 
the Act and this part.
    (d) Use of money. Money paid a State under the Act and this part may 
be used solely for the purposes for which it is paid. Money so paid 
which is not used solely for these purposes shall be returned, at the 
time specified by the Agreement, to the Treasury of the United States 
and credited to the current applicable appropriation, fund, or account 
from which payments to States under the Act and this part may be made.



Sec.  614.16  Public access to Agreements.

    The State agency of a State will make available to any individual or 
organization a true copy of the Agreement with the State for inspection 
and copying. Copies of an Agreement may be furnished on request to any 
individual or organization upon payment of the same charges, if any, as 
apply to the furnishing of copies of other records of the State agency.



Sec.  614.17  Administration in absence of an Agreement.

    (a) Administering program. The Department shall administer the UCX 
Program through personnel of the Department or through other 
arrangements under procedures prescribed by the Department, in the case 
of any State which does not have an Agreement with the Secretary as 
provided for in 5 U.S.C. 8502. The procedures prescribed by the 
Department under this section shall be consistent with the Act and this 
part.
    (b) Applicable State law. On the filing by an individual of a claim 
for UCX in accordance with arrangements under this section, UCX shall be 
paid to the individual, if eligible, in the same amount, on the same 
terms, and subject to the same conditions as would be paid to the 
individual under the applicable State law if the individual's Federal 
military service and Federal military wages had been included as 
employment and wages under the State law. Any such claims shall include 
the individual's Federal military service and Federal military wages, 
combined with any service and wages covered by State law. However, if 
the individual, without regard to his or her Federal military service 
and Federal military wages, has employment or wages sufficient to 
qualify for compensation during the benefit year under that State law, 
then payments of UCX under this section may be made only on the basis of 
the individual's Federal military service and Federal military wages.
    (c) Fair hearing. An individual whose claim for UCX is denied under 
this section is entitled to a fair hearing under rules of procedures 
prescribed by the Department. A final determination by the Department 
with respect to entitlement to UCX under this section is subject to 
review by the courts in the same manner and to the same extent as is 
provided by section 205(g) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 405(g).



Sec.  614.18  Information, reports, and studies.

    State agencies shall furnish to the Department such information and 
reports and conduct such studies as the Department determines are 
necessary or appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the UCX 
Program.



   Subpart C_Responsibilities of Federal Military Agencies and State 
                                Agencies



Sec.  614.20  Information to ex-servicemembers.

    At the time of discharge or release from Federal military service, 
each Federal military agency shall furnish to each ex-servicemember 
information explaining rights and responsibilities under the UCX Program 
and 18 U.S.C. 1919, and military documents necessary for filing claims 
for UCX.



Sec.  614.21  Findings of Federal military agency.

    (a) Findings in military documents. Information contained in a 
military document furnished to an ex-servicemember shall constitute 
findings to which Sec.  614.23 applies as to:
    (1) Whether the individual has performed active service in the Armed 
Forces or the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration;

[[Page 73]]

    (2) The beginning and ending dates of the period of active service 
and ``days lost'' during such period;
    (3) The type of discharge or release terminating the period of 
active service;
    (4) The individuals' pay grade at the time of discharge or release 
from active service; and
    (5) The narrative reason or other reason for separation from active 
service.
    (b) Discharges not under honorable conditions. A military document 
which shows that an individual's discharge or release was under other 
than honorable conditions shall also be a finding to which Sec.  614.23 
applies.

[53 FR 40555, Oct. 17, 1988]



Sec.  614.22  Correcting Federal findings.

    (a) Request for correction. (1) If an individual believes that a 
finding specified in Sec.  614.21 is incorrect or that information as to 
any finding has been omitted from a military document, the individual 
may request the issuing Federal military agency to correct the military 
document. A request for correction may be made through the State agency, 
which shall forward such request and any supporting information 
submitted by the individual to the Federal military agency.
    (2) The Federal military agency shall promptly forward to the 
individual or State agency making the request the corrected military 
document. Information contained in a corrected military document issued 
pursuant to such a request shall constitute the findings of the Federal 
military agency under Sec.  614.21.
    (3) If a determination or redetermination based on a finding as to 
which correction is sought has been issued by a State agency before a 
request for correction under this paragraph is made, the individual who 
requested such correction shall file a request for redetermination or 
appeal from such determination or redetermination with the State agency, 
and shall inform the State agency of the request for correction.
    (4) An individual who files a request for correction of findings 
under this paragraph shall promptly notify the State agency of the 
action of the Federal military agency on such request.
    (b) State agency procedure when request made. (1) If a determination 
of entitlement has not been made when an individual notifies a State 
agency of a request for correction under paragraph (a) of this section, 
the State agency may postpone such determination until the individual 
has notified the State agency of the action of the Federal military 
agency on the request.
    (2) If a determination of entitlement has been made when an 
individual notifies a State agency that a request for correction of 
Federal findings has been made, or if an individual notifies a State 
agency prior to a determination of entitlement that a request has been 
made but such determination is not postponed by the State agency, the 
individual may file a request for redetermination or appeal in 
accordance with the applicable State law.
    (3) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no 
redetermination shall be made or hearing scheduled on an appeal until 
the individual has notified the State agency of the action of the 
Federal military agency on a request for correction under paragraph (a) 
of this section.
    (c) State agency procedure when request answered. On receipt of 
notice of the action of a Federal military agency on a request for 
correction of its findings, a State agency shall:
    (1) Make a timely determination or redetermination of the 
individual's entitlement, or
    (2) Promptly schedule a hearing on the individual's appeal.

If such notice is not received by a State agency within one year of the 
date on which an individual first filed a claim, or such notice is not 
given promptly by an individual, a State agency without further 
postponement may make such determination or redetermination or schedule 
such hearing.
    (d) Findings corrected without request. Information as to any 
finding specified in Sec.  614.21 contained in a corrected military 
document issued by a Federal military agency on its own motion shall 
constitute the findings of such agency under Sec.  614.21, if notice 
thereof is received by a State agency before the period for 
redetermination or appeal has expired under the State law. On timely 
receipt of such notice a

[[Page 74]]

State agency shall take appropriate action under the applicable State 
law to give effect to the corrected findings.



Sec.  614.23  Finality of findings.

    The findings of a Federal military agency referred to in Sec. Sec.  
614.21 and 614.22, and the Schedules of Remuneration issued by the 
Department pursuant to the Act and Sec.  614.12, shall be final and 
conclusive for all purposes of the UCX Program, including appeal and 
review pursuant to Sec.  614.7 or Sec.  614.17.

[53 FR 40555, Oct. 17, 1988]



Sec.  614.24  Furnishing other information.

    (a) Additional information. In addition to the information required 
by Sec. Sec.  614.21 and 614.22, a Federal military agency shall furnish 
to a State agency or the Department, within the time requested, any 
information which it is not otherwise prohibited from releasing by law, 
which the Department determines is necessary for the administration of 
the UCX Program.
    (b) Reports. Federal military agencies shall furnish to the 
Department or State agencies such reports containing such information as 
the Department determines are necessary or appropriate for carrying out 
the purposes of the UCX Program.

[47 FR 54697, Dec. 3, 1982, as amended at 53 FR 40555, Oct. 17, 1988]



Sec.  614.25  Liaison with Department

    To facilitate the Department's administration of the UCX program, 
each Federal military agency shall designate one or more of its 
officials to be the liaison with the Department. Each Federal military 
agency will inform the Department of its designation(s) and of any 
change in a designation.

[53 FR 40555, Oct. 17, 1988]





    Sec. Appendix A to Part 614--Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant 
             Reporting, Job Finding, and Employment Services

        Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 5000-5004) *
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * Revises subgrouping 5000-5004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         5000-5099 Claims Filing

5000 Standards for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, Job Finding, and 
          Employment Services
    A. Federal law requirements. Section 3304(a)(1) of the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act and section 303(a)(2) of the Social Security Act 
require that a State law provide for:
    ``Payment of unemployment compensation solely through public 
employment offices or such other agencies as the Secretary may 
approve.''
    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law provide 
for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation. * * *''
    Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act requires that the State 
law provide for:
    ``Such methods of administration * * * as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    B. Secretary's interpretation of Federal law requirements.
    1. The Secretary interprets section 3304(a)(1) of the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act and section 303(a)(2) of the Social Security Act to 
require that a State law provide for payment of unemployment 
compensation solely through public employment offices or claims offices 
administered by the State employment security agency if such agency 
provides for such coordination in the operations of its public 
employment offices and claims offices as will insure: (a) The payment of 
benefits only to individuals who are unemployed and who are able to work 
and available for work, and (b) that individuals claiming unemployment 
compensation (claimants) are afforded such placement and other 
employment services as are necessary and appropriate to return them to 
suitable work as soon as possible.
    2. The Secretary interprets all the above sections to require that a 
State law provide for:
    a. Such contact by claimants with public employment offices or 
claims offices or both, (1) as will reasonably insure the payment of 
unemployment compensation only to individuals who are unemployed and who 
are able to work and available for work, and (2)

[[Page 75]]

that claimants are afforded such placement and other employment services 
as are necessary and appropriate to facilitate their return to suitable 
work as soon as possible; and
    b. Methods of administration which do not unreasonably limit the 
opportunity of individuals to establish their right to unemployment 
compensation due under such State law.

5001 Claim Filing and Claimant Reporting Requirements Designed to 
Satisfy Secretary's Interpretation
    A. Claim filing--total or part-total unemployment.
    1. Individuals claiming unemployment compensation for total or part-
total unemployment are required to file a claim weekly or biweekly, in 
person or by mail, at a public employment office or a claims office 
(these terms include offices at itinerant points) as set forth below.
    2. Except as provided in paragraph 3, a claimant is required to file 
in person:
    a. His new claim with respect to a benefit year, or his continued 
claim for a waiting week or for his first compensable week of 
unemployment in such year; and
    b. Any other claim, when requested to do so by the claims personnel 
at the office at which he files his claim(s) because questions about his 
right to benefits are raised by circumstances such as the following:
    (1) The conditions or circumstances of his separation from 
employment;
    (2) The claimant's answers to questions on mail claim(s) indicate 
that he may be unable to work or that there may be undue restrictions on 
his availability for work or that his search for work may be inadequate 
or that he may be disqualified;
    (3) The claimant's answers to questions on mail claims create 
uncertainty about his credibility or indicate a lack of understanding of 
the applicable requirement; or
    (4) The claimant's record shows that he has previously filed a 
fraudulent claim.
    In such circumstances, the claimant is required to continue to file 
claims in person each week (or biweekly) until the State agency 
determines that filing claims in person is no longer required for the 
resolution of such questions.
    3. A claimant must be permitted to file a claim by mail in any of 
the following circumstances:
    a. He is located in an area requiring the expenditure of an 
unreasonable amount of time or money in traveling to the nearest 
facility established by the State agency for filing claims in person;
    b. Conditions make it impracticable for the agency to take claims in 
person;
    c. He has returned to full-time work on or before the scheduled date 
for his filing a claim, unless the agency makes provision for in-person 
filing at a time and place that does not interfere with his employment;
    d. The agency finds that he has good cause for failing to file a 
claim in person.
    4. A claimant who has been receiving benefits for partial 
unemployment may continue to file claims as if he were a partially 
unemployed worker for the first four consecutive weeks of total or part-
total unemployment immediately following his period of partial 
unemployment so long as he remains attached to his regular employer.
    B. Claim filing--partial unemployment. Each individual claiming 
unemployment compensation for a week (or other claim period) during 
which, because of lack of work, he is working less than his normal 
customary full-time hours for his regular employer and is earning less 
than the earnings limit provided in the State law, shall not be required 
to file a claim for such week or other claim period earlier than 2 weeks 
from the date that wages are paid for such claim period or, if a low 
earnings report is required by the State law, from the date the employer 
furnished such report to the individual. State agencies may permit 
claims for partial unemployment to be filed either in person or by mail, 
except that in the circumstances set forth in section A 3, filing by 
mail must be permitted, and in the circumstances set forth in section A 
2 b, filing in person may be required.

5002 Requirement for Job Finding, Placement, and other Employment 
Services Designed to Satisfy Secretary's Interpretation
    A. Claims personnel are required to assure that each claimant is 
doing what a reasonable individual in his circumstances would do to 
obtain suitable work.
    B. In the discretion of the State agency:
    1. The claims personnel are required to give each claimant such 
necessary and appropriate assistance as they reasonably can in finding 
suitable work and at their discretion determine when more complete 
placement and employment services are necessary and appropriate for a 
claimant; and if they determine more complete services are necessary and 
appropriate, the claims personnel are to refer him to employment service 
personnel in the public employment office in which he has been filing 
claim(s), or, if he has been filing in a claims office, in the public 
employment office most accessible to him; or
    2. All placement and employment services are required to be afforded 
to each claimant by employment service personnel in the public 
employment office most accessible to him, in which case the claims 
personnel in the office in which the claimant files his claim are to 
refer him to the employment service personnel when placement or other 
employment services are necessary and appropriate for him.

[[Page 76]]

    C. The personnel to whom the State agency assigns the 
responsibilities outlined in paragraph B above are required to give 
claimants such job-finding assistance, placement, and other employment 
services as are necessary and appropriate to facilitate their return to 
suitable work as soon as possible.
    In some circumstances, no such services or only limited services may 
be required. For example, if a claimant is on a short-term temporary 
layoff with a fixed return date, the only service necessary and 
appropriate to be given to him during the period of the layoff is a 
referral to suitable temporary work if such work is being performed in 
the labor market area.
    Similarly, claimants whose unemployment is caused by a labor dispute 
presumably will return to work with their employer as soon as the labor 
dispute is settled. They generally do not need services, nor do 
individuals in occupations where placement customarily is made by other 
nonfee charging placement facilities such as unions and professional 
associations.
    Claimants who fall within the classes which ordinarily would require 
limited services or no services shall, if they request placement and 
employment services, be afforded such services as are necessary and 
appropriate for them to obtain suitable work or to achieve their 
reasonable employment goals.
    On the other hand, a claimant who is permanently separated from his 
job is likely to require some services. He may need only some direction 
in how to get a job; he may need placement services if he is in an 
occupation for which there is some demand in the labor market area; if 
his occupation is outdated, he may require counseling and referral to a 
suitable training course. The extent and character of the services to be 
given any particular claimant may change with the length of his 
unemployment and depend not only on his own circumstances and 
conditions, but also on the condition of the labor market in the area.
    D. Claimants are required to report to employment service personnel, 
as directed, but such personnel and the claims personnel are required to 
so arrange and coordinate the contacts required of a claimant as not to 
place an unreasonable burden on him or unreasonably limit his 
opportunity to establish his rights to compensation. As a general rule, 
a claimant is not required to contact in person claims personnel or 
employment service personnel more frequently than once a week, unless he 
is directed to report more frequently for a specific service such as 
referral to a job or a training course or counseling which cannot be 
completed in one visit.
    E. Employment service personnel are required to report promptly to 
claims personnel in the office in which the claimant files his claim(s): 
(1) His failure to apply for or accept work to which he was referred by 
such personnel or when known, by any other nonfee-charging placement 
facility such as a union or a professional association; and (2) any 
information which becomes available to it that may have a bearing on the 
claimant's ability to work or availability for work, or on the 
suitability of work to which he was referred or which was offered to 
him.

5004 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions. If the State law 
provisions do not conform to the ``suggested State law requirements'' 
set forth in sections 5001 and 5002, but the State law contains 
alternative provisions, the Manpower Administrator, in collaboration 
with the State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effect of 
the alternative provisions. If the Manpower Administrator concludes that 
the alternative provisions satisfy the requirements of the Federal law 
as construed by the Secretary (see section 5000 B) he will so notify the 
State agency. If he does not so conclude, he will submit the matter to 
the Secretary. If the Secretary concludes that the alternative 
provisions satisfy such requirements, the State agency will be so 
notified. If the Secretary concludes that there is a question as to 
whether the alternative provisions satisfy such requirements, the State 
agency will be advised that unless the State law provisions are 
appropriately revised, a notice of hearing will be issued as required by 
the Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 601.3.

[53 FR 40555, Oct. 17, 1988; 53 FR 43799, Oct. 26, 1988]



     Sec. Appendix B to Part 614--Standard for Claim Determination--
                         Separation Information

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 6010-6015)

6010-6019 Standard for Claim Determinations--Separation Information *
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * Revises subgrouping 6010-6019
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

6010 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security 
          Act requires that a State law include provision for:
    ``Such methods of administration . . . as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act requires that a State 
law include provision for:
    ``Opportunity for a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal, for 
all individuals whose claims for unemployment compensation are denied.''

[[Page 77]]

    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation * * *.
    Section 3306(h) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''

6011 Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary interprets the above sections to require that a State law 
include provisions which will insure that:
    A. Individuals who may be entitled to unemployment compensation are 
furnished such information as will reasonably afford them an opportunity 
to know, establish, and protect their rights under the unemployment 
compensation law of such State, and
    B. The State agency obtains and records in time for the prompt 
determination and review of benefit claims such information as will 
reasonably insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom 
benefits are due.

6012 Criteria for Review of State Law Conformity with Federal 
Requirements
    In determining the conformity of a State law with the above 
requirements of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and the Social Security 
Act as interpreted by the Secretary, the following criteria will be 
applied:
    A. Is it required that individuals who may be entitled to 
unemployment compensation be furnished such information of their 
potential rights to benefits, including the manner and places of filing 
claims, the reasons for determinations, and their rights of appeal, as 
will insure them a reasonable opportunity to know, establish, and 
protect their rights under the law of the State?
    B. Is the State agency required to obtain, in time for prompt 
determination of rights to benefits such information as will reasonably 
insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom benefits are due?
    C. Is the State agency required to keep records of the facts 
considered in reaching determinations of rights to benefits?
6013 Claim Determinations Requirements Designed To Meet Department of 
          Labor Criteria
    A. Investigation of claims. The State agency is required to obtain 
promptly and prior to a determination of an individual's right to 
benefits, such facts pertaining thereto as will be sufficient reasonably 
to insure the payment of benefits when due.
    This requirement embraces five separate elements:
    1. It is the responsibility of the agency to take the initiative in 
the discovery of information. This responsibility may not be passed on 
the claimant or the employer. In addition to the agency's own records, 
this information may be obtained from the worker, the employer, or other 
sources. If the information obtained in the first instance discloses no 
essential disagreement and provides a sufficient basis for a fair 
determination, no further investigation is necessary. If the information 
obtained from other sources differs essentially from that furnished by 
the claimant, the agency, in order to meet its responsibility, is 
required to inform the claimant of such information from other sources 
and to afford the claimant an opportunity to furnish any further facts 
he may have.
    2. Evidentiary facts must be obtained as distinguished from ultimate 
facts or conclusions. That a worker was discharged for misconduct is an 
ultimate fact or conclusion; that he destroyed a machine upon which he 
was working is a primary or evidentiary fact, and the sort of fact that 
the requirement refers to.
    3. The information obtained must be sufficient reasonably to insure 
the payment of benefits when due. In general, the investigation made by 
the agency must be complete enough to provide information upon which the 
agency may act with reasonable assurance that its decision is consistent 
with the unemployment compensation law. On the other hand, the 
investigation should not be so exhaustive and time-consuming as unduly 
to delay the payment of benefits and to result in excessive costs.
    4. Information must be obtained promptly so that the payment of 
benefits is not unduly delayed.
    5. If the State agency requires any particular evidence from the 
worker, it must give him a reasonable opportunity to obtain such 
evidence.
    B. Recording of facts. The agency must keep a written record of the 
facts considered in reaching its determinations.
    C. Determination notices
    1. The agency must give each claimant a written notice of:
    a. Any monetary determination with respect to his benefit year;
    b. Any determination with respect to purging a disqualification if, 
under the State law, a condition or qualification must be satisfied with 
respect to each week of disqualification; but in lieu of giving written 
notice of each determination for each week in which it is determined 
that the claimant has met the requirements for purging the agency may 
inform the claimant that he has purged the disqualification for a week 
by notation on his applicant identification card or otherwise in 
writing.

[[Page 78]]

    c. Any other determination which adversely affects \1\ his rights to 
benefits, except that written notice of determination need not be given 
with respect to:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A determination ``adversely affects'' claimant's right to 
benefits if it: (1) Results in a denial to him of benefits (including a 
cancellation of benefits or wage credits or any reduction in whole or in 
part below the weekly or maximum amount established by his monetary 
determination) for any week or other period; or (2) denies credit for a 
waiting week; or (3) applies any disqualification or penalty; or (4) 
determines that he has not satisfied a condition of eligibility, 
requalification for benefits, or purging a disqualification; or (5) 
determines that an overpayment has been made or orders repayment or 
recoupment of any sum paid to him; or (6) applies a previously 
determined overpayment, penalty, or order for repayment or recoupment; 
or (7) in any other way denies claimant a right to benefits under the 
State law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) A week in a benefit year for which the claimant's weekly benefit 
amount is reduced in whole or in part by earnings if, the first time in 
the benefit year that there is such a reduction, he is required to be 
furnished a booklet or leaflet containing the information set forth 
below in paragraph 2f(1). However, a written notice of determination is 
required if: (a) There is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to any week (e.g., as to the amount computed as the appropriate 
reduction, etc.); or (b) there is a change in the State law (or in the 
application thereof) affecting the reduction; or
    (2) Any week in a benefit year subsequent to the first week in such 
benefit year in which benefits were denied, or reduced in whole or in 
part for reasons other than earnings, if denial or reduction for such 
subsequent week is based on the same reason and the same facts as for 
the first week, and if written notice of determination is required to be 
given to the claimant with respect to such first week, and with such 
notice of determination, he is required to be given a booklet or 
pamphlet containing the information set forth below in paragraphs 2f(2) 
and 2h. However, a written notice of determination is required if: (a) 
There is a dispute concerning the denial or reduction of benefits with 
respect to such week; or (b) there is a change in the State law (or in 
the application thereof) affecting the denial or reduction; or (c) there 
is a change in the amount of the reduction except as to the balance 
covered by the last reduction in a series of reductions.

    Note: This procedure may be applied to determinations made with 
respect to any subsequent weeks for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts: (a) That claimant is unable to work, unavailable for 
work, or is disqualified under the labor dispute provision; and (b) 
reducing claimant's weekly benefit amount because of income other than 
earnings or offset by reason of overpayment.

    2. The agency must include in written notices of determinations 
furnished to claimants sufficient information to enable them to 
understand the determinations, the reasons therefor, and their rights to 
protest, request reconsideration, or appeal.
    The written notice of monetary determination must contain the 
information specified in the following items (except h) unless an item 
is specifically not applicable. A written notice of any other 
determination must contain the information specified in as many of the 
following items as are necessary to enable the claimant to understand 
the determination and to inform him of his appeal rights. Information 
specifically applicable to the individual claimant must be contained in 
the written notice of determination. Information of general application 
such as (but not limited to) the explanation of benefits for partial 
unemployment, information as to deductions, seasonality factors, and 
information as to the manner and place of taking an appeal, extension of 
the appeal period, and where to obtain information and assistance may be 
contained in a booklet or leaflet which is given the claimant with his 
monetary determination.
    a. Base period wages. The statement concerning base-period wages 
must be in sufficient detail to show the basis of computation of 
eligibility and weekly and maximum benefit amounts. (If maximum benefits 
are allowed, it may not be necessary to show details of earnings.)
    b. Employer name. The name of the employer who reported the wages is 
necessary so that the worker may check the wage transcript and know 
whether it is correct. If the worker is given only the employer number, 
he may not be able to check the accuracy of the wage transcript.
    c. Explanation of benefit formula--weekly and maximum benefit 
amounts. Sufficient information must be given the worker so that he will 
understand how his weekly benefit amount, including allowances for 
dependents, and his maximum benefit amount were figured. If benefits are 
computed by means of a table contained in the law, the table must be 
furnished with the notice of determination whether benefits are granted 
or denied.
    The written notice of determination must show clearly the weekly 
benefit amount and the maximum potential benefits to which the claimant 
is entitled.
    The notice to a claimant found ineligible by reason of insufficient 
earnings in the base period must inform him clearly of the reason for 
ineligibility. An explanation of the benefit formula contained in a 
booklet or pamphlet should be given to each claimant at or

[[Page 79]]

prior to the time he receives written notice of a monetary 
determination.
    d. Benefit year. An explanation of what is meant by the benefit year 
and identification of the claimant's benefit year must be included in 
the notice of determination.
    e. Information as to benefits for partial unemployment. There must 
be included either in the written notice of determination or in a 
booklet or pamphlet accompanying the notice an explanation of the 
claimant's rights to partial benefits for any week with respect to which 
he is working less than his normal customary full-time workweek because 
of lack of work and for which he earns less than his weekly benefit 
amount or weekly amount plus earnings, whichever is provided by the 
State law. If the explanation is contained in the notice of 
determination, reference to the item in the notice in which his weekly 
benefit amount is entered should be made.
    f. Deductions from weekly benefits.
    (1) Earnings. Although written notice of determinations deducting 
earnings from a claimant's weekly benefit amount is generally not 
required (see paragraph 1c (1) above), where written notice of 
determination is required (or given) it shall set forth the amount of 
earnings, the method of computing the deduction in sufficient detail to 
enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, and appeal. Where a written 
notice of determination is given to the claimant because there has been 
a change in the State law or in the application of the law, an 
explanation of the change shall be included.
    Where claimant is not required to receive a written notice of 
determination, he must be given a booklet or pamphlet the first time in 
his benefit year that there is a deduction for earnings which shall 
include the following information:
    (a) The method of computing deductions for earnings in sufficient 
detail to enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction;
    (b) That he will not automatically be given a written notice of 
determination for a week with respect to which there is a deduction for 
earnings (unless there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to a week or there has been a change in the State law or in the 
application of the law affecting the deduction) but that he may obtain 
such a written notice upon request; and
    (c) A clear statement of his right to protest, request a 
redetermination, and appeal from any determination deducting earnings 
from his weekly benefit amount even though he does not automatically 
receive a written notice of determination; and if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    (2) Other deductions.
    (a) A written notice of determination is required with respect to 
the first week in claimant's benefit year in which there is a reduction 
from his benefits for a reason other than earnings. This notice must 
describe the deduction made from claimant's weekly benefit amount, the 
reason for the deduction, the method of computing it in sufficient 
detail to enable him to verify the accuracy of such deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, or appeal.
    (b) A written notice of determination is not required for subsequent 
weeks that a deduction is made for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts, if the notice of determination pursuant to (2)(a), or a 
booklet or pamphlet given him with such notice explains: (i) The several 
kinds of deductions which may be made under the State law (e.g., 
retirement pensions, vacation pay, and overpayments); (ii) the method of 
computing each kind of deduction in sufficient detail that claimant will 
be able to verify the accuracy of deductions made from his weekly 
benefit payments; (iii) any limitation on the amount of any deduction or 
the time in which any deduction may be made; (iv) that he will not 
automatically be given a written notice of determination for subsequent 
weeks with respect to which there is a deduction for the same reason and 
on the basis of the same facts, but that he may obtain a written notice 
of determination upon request; (v) his right to protest, request 
redetermination, or appeal with respect to subsequent weeks for which 
there is a reduction from his benefits for the same reason, and on the 
basis of the same facts even though he does not automatically receive a 
written notice of determination; and (vi) that if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    g. Seasonality factors. If the individual's determination is 
affected by seasonality factors under the State law, an adequate 
explanation must be made. General explanations of seasonality factors 
which may affect determinations for subsequent weeks may be included in 
a booklet or pamphlet given with his notice of monetary determination.
    h. Disqualification or ineligibility. If a disqualification is 
imposed, or if the claimant is declared ineligible for one or more 
weeks, he must be given not only a statement of the period of 
disqualification or ineligibility and the amount of wage-credit 
reductions, if any, but also an explanation of the reason for the 
ineligibility or disqualification. This explanation must be sufficiently 
detailed so that he will understand why he is ineligible or

[[Page 80]]

why he has been disqualified, and what he must do in order to requalify 
for benefits or purge the disqualification. The statement must be 
individualized to indicate the facts upon which the determination was 
based, e.g., state, ``It is found that you left your work with Blank 
Company because you were tired of working; the separation was voluntary, 
and the reason does not constitute good cause,'' rather than merely the 
phrase ``voluntary quit.'' Checking a box as to the reason for the 
disqualification is not a sufficiently detailed explanation. However, 
this statement of the reason for the disqualification need not be a 
restatement of all facts considered in arriving at the determination.
    i. Appeal rights. The claimant must be given information with 
respect to his appeal rights.
    (1) The following information shall be included in the notice of 
determination:
    (a) A statement that he may appeal or, if the State law requires or 
permits a protest or redetermination before an appeal, that he may 
protest or request a redetermination.
    (b) The period within which an appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed. The number of days provided by statute 
must be shown as well as either the beginning date or ending date of the 
period. (It is recommended that the ending date of the appeal period be 
shown, as this is the more understandable of the alternatives.)
    (2) The following information must be included either in the notice 
of determination or in separate informational material referred to in 
the notice:
    (a) The manner in which the appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed, e.g., by signed letter, written 
statement, or on a prescribed form, and the place or places to which the 
appeal, protest, or request for redetermination may be mailed or hand-
delivered.
    (b) An explanation of any circumstances (such as nonworkdays, good 
cause, etc.) which will extend the period for the appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination beyond the date stated or identified in the 
notice of determination.
    (c) That any further information claimant may need or desire can be 
obtained together with assistance in filing his appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination from the local office.
    If the information is given in separate material, the notice of 
determination would adequately refer to such material if it said, for 
example, ``For other information about your (appeal), (protest), 
(redetermination) rights, see pages ---- to ---- of the ----------------
------------ (name of pamphlet or booklet) heretofore furnished to 
you.''
6014 Separation Information Requirements Designed To Meet Department of 
          Labor Criteria
    A. Information to agency. Where workers are separated, employers are 
required to furnish the agency promptly, either upon agency request or 
upon such separation, a notice describing the reasons for and the 
circumstances of the separation and any additional information which 
might affect a claimant's right to benefits. Where workers are working 
less than full time, employers are required to furnish the agency 
promptly, upon agency request, information concerning a claimant's hours 
of work and his wages during the claim periods invovled, and other facts 
which might affect a claimant's eligibility for benefits during such 
periods.
    When workers are separated and the notices are obtained on a request 
basis, or when workers are working less than full time and the agency 
requests information, it is essential to the prompt processing of claims 
that the request be sent out promptly after the claim is filed and the 
employer be given a specific period within which to return the notice, 
preferably within 2 working days.
    When workers are separated and notices are obtained upon separation, 
it is essential that the empolyer be required to send the notice to the 
agency with sufficient promptness to insure that, if a claim is filed, 
it may be processed promptly. Normally, it is desirable that such a 
notice be sent to the central office of the agency, since the employer 
may not know in which local office the worker will file his claim. The 
usual procedure is for the employer to give the worker a copy of the 
notice sent by the employer to the agency.
    B. Information to worker.
    1. Information required to be given. Employees are required to give 
their employers information and instructions concerning the employees' 
potential rights to benefits and concerning registration for work and 
filing claims for benefits.
    The information furnished to employees under such a requirement need 
not be elaborate; it need only be adequate to insure that the worker who 
is separated or who is working less than full time knows he is 
potentially eligible for benefits and is informed as to what he is to do 
or where he is to go to file his claim and register for work. When he 
files his claim, he can obtain more detailed information.
    In States that do not require employers to furnish periodically to 
the State agency detailed reports of the wages paid to their employees, 
each employer is required to furnish to his employees information as to: 
(a) The name under which he is registered by the State agency, (b) the 
address where he maintains his payroll records, and (c) the workers' 
need for this information if and when they file claims for benefits.

[[Page 81]]

    2. Methods for giving information. The information and instructions 
required above may be given in any of the following ways:
    a. Posters prominently displayed in the employer's establishment. 
The State agency should supply employers with a sufficient number of 
posters for distribution throughout their places of business and should 
see that the posters are conspicuously displayed at all times.
    b. Leaflets. Leaflets distributed either periodically or at the time 
of separation or reduction of hours. The State agency should supply 
employers with a sufficient number of leaflets.
    c. Individual notices. Individual notices given to each employee at 
the time of separation or reduction in hours.
    It is recommended that the State agency's publicity program be used 
to supplement the employer-information requirements. Such a program 
should stress the availability and location of claim-filing offices and 
the importance of visiting those offices whenever the worker is 
unemployed, wishes to apply for benefits, and to seek a job.

6015 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to Claim 
Determinations and Separation Information. If the State law provisions 
do not conform to the suggested requirements set forth in sections 6013 
and 6014, but the State law contains alternative provisions, the Bureau 
of Employment Security, in collaboration with the State agency, will 
study the actual or anticipated effects of the alternative provisions. 
If the Administrator of the Bureau concludes that the alternative 
provisions satisfy the criteria in section 6012, he will so notify the 
State agency. If the Administrator of the Bureau does not so conclude, 
he will submit the matter to the Secretary. If the Secretary concludes 
that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria in section 6012, 
the State agency will be so notified. If the Secretary concludes that 
there is a question as to whether the alternative provisions satisfy the 
criteria, the State agency will be advised that unless the State law 
provisions are appropriately revised, a notice of hearing will be issued 
as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, Sec.  601.5.

[53 FR 40557, Oct. 17, 1988; 53 FR 43799, Oct. 26, 1988]



    Sec. Appendix C to Part 614--Standard for Fraud and Overpayment 
                                Detection

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 7510-7515)

7510-7519 Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection

7510 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security 
Act requires that a State law include provision for:
    ``Such methods of administration * * * as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 1603(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and section 
3030(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for:
    ``Expenditure for all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation * * * ''
    Section 1607(h) of the Internal Revenue Code defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''

7511 The Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary of Labor interprets the above sections to require that a State 
law include provision for such methods of administration as are, within 
reason, calculated (1) to detect benefits paid through error by the 
agency or through willful misrepresentation or error by the claimant or 
others, and (2) to deter claimants from obtaining benefits through 
willful misrepresentation.
7513 Criteria for Review of State Conformity With Federal Requirements. 
In detemining State conformity with the above requirements of the 
Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act, as interpreted by the 
Secretary of Labor, the following criteria will be applied:
    A. Are investigations required to be made after the payment of 
benefits, (or, in the case of interstate claims, are investigations made 
by the agent State after the processing of claims) as to claimants' 
entitlement to benefits paid to them in a sufficient proportion of cases 
to test the effectiveness of the agency's procedures for the prevention 
of payments which are not due? To carry out investigations, has the 
agency assigned to some individual or unit, as a basic function, the 
responsibility of making or functionally directing such investigations?
    Explantaion: It is not feasible to prescribe the extent to which the 
above activities are required; however, they should always be carried on 
to such an extent that they will show whether or not error or willful 
misrepresentation is increasing or decreasing, and will reveal problem 
areas. The extent and nature of the above activities should be varied 
according to the seriousness of the problem in the State. The 
responsible individual or unit should:
    1. Check paid claims for overpayment and investigate for willful 
misrepresentation or, alternatively, advise and assist the operating 
units in the performance of such functions, or both;

[[Page 82]]

    2. Perform consultative services with respect to methods and 
procedures for the prevention and detection of fraud; and
    3. Perform other services which are closely related to the above.
    Although a State agency is expected to make a full-time assignment 
of responsibility to a unit or individual to carry on the functions 
described above, a small State agency might make these functions a part-
time responsibility of one individual. In connection with the detection 
of overpayments, such a unit or individual might, for example:
    (a) Investigate information on suspected benefit fraud received from 
any agency personnel, and from sources outside the agency, including 
anonymous complaints;
    (b) Investigate information secured from comparisons of benefit 
payments with employment records to detect cases of concurrent working 
(whether in covered or noncovered work) and claiming of benefits 
(including benefit payments in which the agency acted as agent for 
another State).
    The benefit fraud referred to herein may involve employers, agency 
employees, and witnesses, as well as claimants.
    Comparisons of benefit payments with employment records are commonly 
made either by post-audit or by industry surveys. The so-called ``post-
audit'' is a matching of central office wage-record files against 
benefit payments for the same period. ``Industry surveys'' or ``mass 
audits'' are done in some States by going directly to employers for pay-
roll information to be checked against concurrent benefit lists. A plan
    A. of investigation based on a sample post-audit will be considered 
as partial fulfillment of the investigation program; it would need to be 
supplemented by other methods capable of detecting overpayments to 
persons who have moved into noncovered occupations or are claiming 
interstate benefits.
    B. Are adequate records maintained by which the results of 
investigations may be evaluated? *
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    * Revises section 7513 as issued 5/5/50.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Explanation. To meet this criterion, the State agency will be 
expected to maintain records of all its activities in the detection of 
overpayments, showing whether attributable to error or willful 
misrepresentation, measuring the results obtained through various 
methods, and noting the remedial action taken in each case. The adequacy 
and effectiveness of various methods of checking for willful 
misrepresentation can be evaluated only if records are kept of the 
results obtained. Internal reports on fraudulent and erroneous 
overpayments are needed by State agencies for self-evaluation. Detailed 
records should be maintained in order that the State agency may 
determine, for example, which of several methods of checking currently 
used are the most productive. Such records also will provide the basis 
for drawing a clear distinction between fraud and error.
    C. Does the agency take adequate action with respect to publicity 
concerning willful misrepresentation and its legal consequences to deter 
fraud by claimants? *
    Explanation. To meet this criterion, the State agency must issue 
adequate material on claimant eligibility requirements and must take 
necessary action to obtain publicity on the legal consequences of 
willful misrepresentation or willful nondisclosure of facts.
    Public announcements on convictions and resulting penalties for 
fraud are generally considered necessary as a deterrent to other 
persons, and to inform the public that the agency is carrying on an 
effective program to prevent fraud. This alone is not considered 
adequate publicity. It is important that information be circulated which 
will explain clearly and understandably the claimant's rights, and the 
obligations which he must fulfill to be eligible for benefits. Leaflets 
for distribution and posters placed in local offices are appropriate 
media for such information.

7515 Evalauation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to 
Erroneous and Illegal Payments. If the methods of administration 
provided for by the State law do not conform to the suggested methods of 
meeting the requirements set forth in section 7511, but a State law does 
provide for alternative methods of administration designed to accomplish 
the same results, the Bureau of Employment Security, in collaboration 
with the State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effect of 
the alternative methods of administration. If the Bureau concludes that 
the alternative methods satisfy the criteria in section 7513, it will so 
notify the State agency. If the Bureau does not so conclude, it will 
submit to the Secretary the results of the study for his determination 
of whether the State's alternative methods of administration meet the 
criteria. *
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * Revises section 7513 as issued 5/5/50.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------



PART 615_EXTENDED BENEFITS IN THE FEDERAL-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
PROGRAM--Table of Contents



Sec.
615.1 Purpose.
615.2 Definitions.
615.3 Effective period of the program.
615.4 Eligibility requirements for Extended Benefits.
615.5 Definition of ``exhaustee.''
615.6 Extended Benefits; weekly amount.
615.7 Extended Benefits; maximum amount.

[[Page 83]]

615.8 Provisions of State law applicable to claims.
615.9 Restrictions on entitlement.
615.10 Special provisions for employers.
615.11 Extended Benefit Periods.
615.12 Determination of ``on'' and ``off'' indicators.
615.13 Announcement of the beginning and ending of Extended Benefit 
          Periods or High Unemployment Periods.
615.14 Payments to States.
615.15 Records and reports.

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 7805; 26 U.S.C. 1102; Secretary's Order No. 6-
10.

    Source: 53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 615 appear at 81 FR 
57778, Aug. 24, 2016.



Sec.  615.1  Purpose.

    This part implements the ``Federal-State Extended Unemployment 
Compensation Act of 1970'' (EUCA). Under the Federal Unemployment Tax 
Act, 26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(11), an approved State law must provide for the 
payment of extended compensation to eligible individuals who have 
exhausted all rights to regular compensation during specified periods of 
unemployment, as prescribed in EUCA and this part.

[81 FR 57778, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of the EUCA and this part--
    Additional compensation means compensation totally financed by a 
State and payable under a State law by reason of conditions of high 
unemployment or by reason of other special factors and, when so payable, 
includes compensation payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85.
    And, as used in section 202(a)(3)(D)(ii), shall be interpreted to 
mean ``or''.
    Applicable benefit year means, with respect to an individual, the 
current benefit year if, at the time an initial claim for extended 
compensation is filed, the individual has an unexpired benefit year only 
in the State in which such claim is filed, or, in any other case, the 
individual's most recent benefit year. For this purpose, the most recent 
benefit year for an individual who has unexpired benefit years in more 
than one State when an initial claim for extended compensation is filed, 
is the benefit year with the latest ending date or, if such benefit 
years have the same ending date, the benefit year in which the latest 
continued claim for regular compensation was filed. The individual's 
most recent benefit year which expires in an extended benefit period, 
when either extended compensation or high unemployment extended 
compensation is payable, is the applicable benefit year if the 
individual cannot establish a second benefit year or is precluded from 
receiving regular compensation in a second benefit year solely by reason 
of a State law provision which meets the requirement of section 
3304(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(7)).
    Applicable State means, with respect to an individual, the State 
with respect to which the individual is an ``exhaustee'' as defined in 
Sec.  615.5, and in the case of a combined wage claim for regular 
compensation, the term means the ``paying State'' as defined in Sec.  
616.6(e) of this chapter.
    Applicable State law means the law of the State which is the 
applicable State for an individual.
    Average weekly benefit amount, for the purposes of section 
202(a)(3)(D)(i), means the weekly benefit amount (including dependents' 
allowances payable for a week of total unemployment and before any 
reduction because of earnings, pensions or other requirements) 
applicable to the week in which the individual failed to take an action 
which results in a disqualification as required by section 202(a)(3)(B) 
of the EUCA.
    Base period means, with respect to an individual, the base period as 
determined under the applicable State law for the individual's 
applicable benefit year.
    Benefit structure as used in section 204(a)(2)(D), for the 
requirement to round down to the ``nearest lower full dollar amount'' 
for Federal reimbursement of sharable regular and sharable extended 
compensation means all of the following:
    (1) Amounts of regular weekly benefit payments,
    (2) Amounts of additional and extended weekly benefit payments,
    (3) The State maximum or minimum weekly benefit,

[[Page 84]]

    (4) Partial and part-total benefit payments,
    (5) Amounts payable after deduction for pensions, and
    (6) Amounts payable after any other deduction required by State law.
    Benefit year means, with respect to an individual, the benefit year 
as defined in the applicable State law.
    Claim filed in any State under the interstate benefit payment plan, 
as used in section 202(c), means:
    (1) Any interstate claim for a week of unemployment filed pursuant 
to the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan, but does not include--
    (i) A claim filed in Canada,
    (ii) A visiting claim filed by an individual who has received 
permission from his/her regular reporting office to report temporarily 
to a local office in another State and who has been furnished intrastate 
claim forms on which to file claims, or
    (iii) A transient claim filed by an individual who is moving from 
place to place searching for work, or an intrastate claim for Extended 
Benefits filed by an individual who does not reside in a State that is 
in an Extended Benefit Period,
    (2) The first 2 weeks, as used in section 202(c), means the first 2 
weeks for which the individual files compensable claims for Extended 
Benefits under the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan in an agent State in 
which an Extended Benefit Period is not in effect during such weeks.
    Compensation and unemployment compensation means cash benefits 
(including dependents' allowances) payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment, and includes regular compensation, additional 
compensation and extended compensation as defined in this section.
    Date of a disqualification, as used in section 202(a)(4), means the 
date the disqualification begins, as determined under the applicable 
State law.
    Department means the United States Department of Labor, and shall 
include the Employment and Training Administration, the agency of the 
United States Department of Labor headed by the Assistant Secretary of 
Labor for Employment and Training to whom has been delegated the 
Secretary's authority under the EUCA in Secretary's Order No. 6-2010 (75 
FR 66268) or any subsequent order.
    Eligibility period means, for an individual, the period consisting 
of--
    (1) The weeks in the individual's applicable benefit year which 
begin in an extended benefit period or high unemployment period, or for 
a single benefit year, the weeks in the benefit year which begin in more 
than one extended benefit period or high unemployment period, and
    (2) If the applicable benefit year ends within an extended benefit 
period or high unemployment period, any weeks thereafter which begin in 
such extended benefit period or high unemployment period,
    (3) An individual may not have more than one eligibility period for 
any one exhaustion of regular benefits, or carry over from one 
eligibility period to another any entitlement to extended compensation.
    Employed, for the purposes of section 202(a)(3)(B)(ii) of the EUCA, 
and employment, for the purposes of section 202(a)(4) of the EUCA, mean 
service performed in an employer-employee relationship as defined in the 
State law; and that law also shall govern whether that service must be 
covered by it, must consist of consecutive weeks, and must consist of 
more weeks of work than are required under section 202(a)(3)(B) of the 
EUCA.
    EUCA means the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act 
of 1970, title II of Public Law 91-373, 84 Stat. 695, 708 (codified in 
note to 26 U.S.C. 3304), as amended.
    Extended benefit period means the weeks during which extended 
compensation is payable in a State in accordance with Sec.  615.11.
    Extended Benefits Program or EB Program means the entire program 
under which monetary payments are made to workers who have exhausted 
their regular compensation during periods of high unemployment.
    Extended compensation or extended benefits means the funds payable 
to an individual for weeks of unemployment which begin in a regular EB 
period or high unemployment period (HUP), under those provisions of a 
State law which satisfy the requirements of

[[Page 85]]

EUCA and this part with respect to the payment of extended unemployment 
compensation, and, when so payable, includes compensation payable under 
5 U.S.C. chapter 85, but does not include regular compensation or 
additional compensation.
    Extended compensation account is the account established for each 
individual claimant for the payment of regular extended compensation or 
high unemployment extended compensation.
    Extended unemployment compensation means:
    (1) Regular extended compensation paid to an eligible individual 
under those provisions of a State law which are consistent with EUCA and 
this part, and that does not exceed the smallest of the following:
    (i) 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable 
to the individual during the applicable benefit year; or
    (ii) 13 times the individual's weekly amount of extended 
compensation payable for a week of total unemployment, as determined 
under Sec.  615.6(a); or
    (iii) 39 times the individual's weekly benefit amount, referred to 
in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition, reduced by the regular 
compensation paid (or deemed paid) to the individual during the 
applicable benefit year; or
    (2) High unemployment extended compensation paid to an eligible 
individual under an optional TUR indicator enacted under State law when 
the State is in a high unemployment period, in accordance with Sec.  
615.11(e) of this part, and that does not exceed the smallest of the 
following:
    (i) 80 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable 
to the individual during the applicable benefit year; or
    (ii) 20 times the individual's weekly amount of extended 
compensation payable for a week of total unemployment, as determined 
under Sec.  615.6(a); or
    (iii) 46 times the individual's weekly benefit amount, referred to 
in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition, reduced by the regular 
compensation paid (or deemed paid) to the individual during the 
applicable benefit year.
    Gross average weekly remuneration, for the purposes of section 
202(a)(3)(D)(i), means the remuneration offered for a week of work 
before any deductions for taxes or other purposes and, in case the 
offered pay may vary from week to week, it shall be determined on the 
basis of recent experience of workers performing work similar to the 
offered work for the employer who offered the work.
    High unemployment extended compensation means the benefits payable 
to an individual for weeks of unemployment which begin in a high 
unemployment period, under those provisions of a State law which satisfy 
the requirements of EUCA and this part for the payment of high 
unemployment extended compensation. When so payable, high unemployment 
extended compensation includes compensation payable under 5 U.S.C. 
chapter 85, but does not include regular compensation or additional 
compensation. Regular extended unemployment compensation, along with 
high unemployment extended compensation, are part of the program 
referred to in this part as Extended Benefits.
    High unemployment period (or HUP) means a period where the 
Department determines that the Trigger Value in a State, which has 
enacted the alternative Total Unemployment Rate indicator in law, for 
the most recent 3 months for which data for all States is published, 
equals or exceeds 8 percent and such Trigger Value equals or exceeds 110 
percent of such Trigger Value for either or both of the corresponding 3-
month periods ending in the 2 preceding calendar years.
    Hospitalized for treatment of an emergency or life-threatening 
condition, as used in section 202(a)(3)(A)(ii), has the following 
meaning: ``Hospitalized for treatment'' means an individual was admitted 
to a hospital as an inpatient for medical treatment. Treatment is for an 
``emergency or life threatening condition'' if determined to be such by 
the hospital officials or attending physician that provide the treatment 
for a medical condition existing upon or arising after hospitalization. 
For purposes of this definition, the term ``medical treatment'' refers 
to the application of any remedies which have the objective of effecting 
a cure of the emergency or life-threatening condition. Once an 
``emergency condition''

[[Page 86]]

or a ``life-threatening condition'' has been determined to exist by the 
hospital officials or attending physician, the status of the individual 
as so determined shall remain unchanged until release from the hospital.
    Individual's capabilities, for the purposes of section 202(a)(3)(C), 
means work which the individual has the physical and mental capacity to 
perform and which meets the minimum requirements of section 
202(a)(3)(D).
    Insured Unemployment Rate means the percentage derived by dividing 
the average weekly number of individuals filing claims for regular 
compensation in a State for weeks of unemployment in the most recent 13-
consecutive-week period as determined by the State on the basis of State 
reports to the United States Secretary of Labor by the average monthly 
employment covered under State law for the first 4 of the most recent 6 
completed calendar quarters before the end of such 13-week period.
    Jury duty, for purposes of section 202(a)(3)(A)(ii), means the 
performance of service as a juror, during all periods of time an 
individual is engaged in such service, in any court of a State or the 
United States pursuant to the law of the State or the United States and 
the rules of the court in which the individual is engaged in the 
performance of such service.
    Provisions of the applicable State law, as used in section 
202(a)(3)(D)(iii) of EUCA, means that State law provisions must not be 
inconsistent with sections 202(a)(3)(C) and 202(a)(3)(E). Therefore, 
decisions based on State law provisions must not require an individual 
to take a job which requires traveling an unreasonable distance to work, 
or which involves an unreasonable risk to the individual's health, 
safety or morals. Such State law provisions must also include labor 
standards and training provisions required under sections 3304(a)(5) and 
3304(a)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and section 236(d) of 
the Trade Act of 1974.
    Reasonably short period, for the purposes of section 202(a)(3)(C), 
means the number of weeks provided by the applicable State law.
    Regular compensation means compensation payable to an individual 
under a State law, and, when so payable, includes compensation payable 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85, but does not include extended 
compensation or additional compensation.
    Regular extended compensation means the benefits payable to an 
individual for weeks of unemployment which begin in an extended benefit 
period, under those provisions of a State law which satisfy the 
requirements of EUCA and this part for the payment of extended 
unemployment compensation, and, when so payable, includes compensation 
payable under 5 U.S.C. chapter 85, but does not include regular 
compensation or additional compensation. Regular extended compensation, 
along with high unemployment extended compensation, are part of the 
program referred to in this part as Extended Benefits.
    Regular EB period means a period in which a state is ``on'' the EB 
Program because either the mandatory or optional IUR indicator satisfies 
the criteria to be ``on'' and the state is not in a 13-week mandatory 
``off'' period; or the State is ``on'' the EB Program because the TUR 
indicator's Trigger Value is at least 6.5 percent and it is at least 110 
percent of the Trigger Value for the comparable 3 months in either of 
the prior 2 years.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor of the United States.
    Sharable compensation means:
    (1) Extended compensation paid to an eligible individual under those 
provisions of a State law which are consistent with EUCA and this part, 
and that does not exceed the smallest of the following:
    (i) 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable 
to the individual during the applicable benefit year; or
    (ii) 13 times the individual's weekly amount of extended 
compensation payable for a week of total unemployment, as determined 
under Sec.  615.6(a); or
    (iii) 39 times the individual's weekly benefit amount, referred to 
in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition, reduced by the regular 
compensation paid (or deemed paid) to the individual during the 
applicable benefit year.
    (2) Extended compensation paid to an eligible individual under an 
optional

[[Page 87]]

TUR indicator enacted under State law when the State is in a high 
unemployment period, in accordance with Sec.  615.12(f) of this part, 
and that does not exceed the smallest of the following:
    (i) 80 percent of the total amount of regular compensation payable 
to the individual during the applicable benefit year; or
    (ii) 20 times the individual's weekly amount of extended 
compensation payable for a week of total unemployment, as determined 
under Sec.  615.6(a); or
    (iii) 46 times the individual's weekly benefit amount, referred to 
in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition, reduced by the regular 
compensation paid (or deemed paid) to the individual during the 
applicable benefit year.
    (3) Regular compensation paid to an eligible individual for weeks of 
unemployment in the individual's eligibility period, but only to the 
extent that the sum of such compensation, plus the regular compensation 
paid (or deemed paid) to the individual for prior weeks of unemployment 
in the applicable benefit year, exceeds 26 times and does not exceed 39 
times the average weekly benefit amount (including allowances for 
dependents) for weeks of total unemployment payable to the individual 
under the State law in such benefit year: Provided, that such regular 
compensation is paid under provisions of a State law which are 
consistent with EUCA and this part.
    (4) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, 
sharable compensation does not include any regular or extended 
compensation for which a State is not entitled to a payment under 
section 202(a)(6) or 204 of EUCA or Sec.  615.14 of this part.
    State means the States of the United States, the District of 
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands.
    State agency means the State unemployment compensation agency of a 
State which administers the State law.
    State law means the unemployment compensation law of a State, 
approved by the Secretary under section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)).
    A systematic and sustained effort, for the purposes of section 
202(a)(3)(E), means--
    (i) A high level of job search activity throughout the given week, 
compatible with the number of employers and employment opportunities in 
the labor market reasonably applicable to the individual,
    (ii) A plan of search for work involving independent efforts on the 
part of each individual which results in contacts with persons who have 
the authority to hire or which follows whatever hiring procedure is 
required by a prospective employer in addition to any search offered by 
organized public and private agencies such as the State employment 
service or union or private placement offices or hiring halls,
    (iii) Actions by the individual comparable to those actions by which 
jobs are being found by people in the community and labor market, but 
not restricted to a single manner of search for work such as registering 
with and reporting to the State employment service and union or private 
placement offices or hiring halls, in the same manner that such work is 
found by people in the community,
    (iv) A search not limited to classes of work or rates of pay to 
which the individual is accustomed or which represent the individual's 
higher skills, and which includes all types of work within the 
individual's physical and mental capabilities, except that the 
individual, while classified by the State agency as provided in Sec.  
615.8(d) as having ``good'' job prospects, shall search for work that is 
suitable work under State law provisions which apply to claimants for 
regular compensation (which is not sharable),
    (v) A search by every claimant, without exception for individuals or 
classes of individuals other than those in approved training, as 
required under section 3304(a)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
or section 236(e) of the Trade Act of 1974,
    (vi) A search suspended only when severe weather conditions or other 
calamity forces suspension of such activities by most members of the 
community, except that
    (vii) The individual, while classified by the State agency as 
provided in Sec.  615.8(d) as having ``good'' job prospects, if such 
individual normally obtains customary work through a hiring

[[Page 88]]

hall, shall search for work that is suitable work under State law 
provisions which apply to claimants for regular compensation (which is 
not sharable).
    Tangible evidence of an active search for work, for the purposes of 
section 202(a)(3)(E), means a written record which can be verified, and 
which includes the actions taken, methods of applying for work, types of 
work sought, dates and places where work was sought, the name of the 
employer or person who was contacted and the outcome of the contact.
    Total Unemployment Rate means the number of unemployed individuals 
in a State (seasonally adjusted) divided by the civilian labor force 
(seasonally adjusted) in the State for the same period.
    Trigger Value or average rate of total unemployment means the ratio 
computed using 3 months of the level of seasonally adjusted unemployment 
in a State in the numerator and 3 months of the level of the seasonally 
adjusted civilian labor force in the State in the denominator. This rate 
is used for triggering States ``on'' and ``off'' the optional Total 
Unemployment Rate indicator as described in Sec.  615.12(e).
    Week means:
    (1) For purposes of eligibility for and payment of extended 
compensation, a week as defined in the applicable State law.
    (2) For purposes of computation of extended compensation ``on'' and 
``off'' and ``no change'' indicators and insured unemployment rates and 
the beginning and ending of an EB Period or a HUP, a calendar week.
    Week of unemployment means:
    (1) A week of total, part-total, or partial unemployment as defined 
in the applicable State law, which shall be applied in the same manner 
and to the same extent to the Extended Benefit Program as if the 
individual filing a claim for Extended Benefits were filing a claim for 
regular compensation, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this 
definition.
    (2) Week of unemployment in section 202(a)(3)(A) of the EUCA means a 
week of unemployment, as defined in paragraph (1) of this definition, 
for which the individual claims Extended Benefits or sharable regular 
benefits.

[81 FR 57778, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.3  Effective period of the program.

    An Extended Benefit Program conforming with EUCA and this part shall 
be a requirement for a State law effective on and after January 1, 1972, 
pursuant to section 3304(a)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
(26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(11)). Continuation of the program by a State in 
conformity and substantial compliance with EUCA and this part, 
throughout any 12-month period ending on October 31 of a year subsequent 
to 1972, shall be a condition of the certification of the State with 
respect to such 12-month period under section 3304(c) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(c)). Conformity with EUCA and this 
part in the payment of regular compensation, regular extended 
compensation, and high unemployment extended compensation (if State law 
so provides) to any individual is a continuing requirement, applicable 
to every week as a condition of a State's entitlement to payment for any 
compensation as provided in EUCA and this part.

[53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, as amended at 81 FR 57781, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.4  Eligibility requirements for Extended Benefits.

    (a) General. An individual is entitled to Extended Benefits for a 
week of unemployment which begins in the individual's eligibility period 
if, with respect to such week, the individual is an exhaustee as defined 
in Sec.  615.5, files a timely claim for Extended Benefits, and 
satisfies the pertinent requirements of the applicable State law which 
are consistent with EUCA and this part.
    (b) Qualifying for Extended Benefits. The State law shall specify 
whether an individual qualifies for Extended Benefits by earnings and 
employment in the base period for the individual's applicable benefit 
year as required by section 202(a)(5) of EUCA, (and if it does not also 
apply this requirement to the payment of sharable regular benefits, the

[[Page 89]]

State will not be entitled to a payment under Sec.  615.14), as follows:
    (1) One and one-half times the high quarter wages; or
    (2) Forty times the most recent weekly benefit amount, and if this 
alternative is adopted, it shall use the weekly benefit amount 
(including dependents' allowances) payable for a week of total 
unemployment (before any reduction because of earnings, pensions or 
other requirements) which applied to the most recent week of regular 
benefits; or
    (3) Twenty weeks of full-time insured employment, and if this 
alternative is adopted, the term ``full-time'' shall have the meaning 
provided by the State law.



Sec.  615.5  Definition of ``exhaustee.''

    (a)(1) ``Exhaustee'' means an individual who, with respect to any 
week of unemployment in the individual's eligibility period:
    (i) Has received, prior to such week, all of the regular 
compensation that was payable under the applicable State law or any 
other State law (including regular compensation payable to Federal 
civilian employees and Ex-Servicemembers under 5 U.S.C. chapter 85) for 
the applicable benefit year that includes such week; or
    (ii) Has received, prior to such week, all of the regular 
compensation that was available under the applicable State law or any 
other State law (including regular compensation available to Federal 
civilian employees and Ex-Servicemembers under 5 U.S.C. chapter 85) in 
the benefit year that includes such week, after the cancellation of some 
or all of the individual's wage credits or the total or partial 
reduction of the individual's right to regular compensation; or
    (iii) The applicable benefit year having expired prior to such week 
and the individual is precluded from establishing a second (new) benefit 
year, or the individual established a second benefit year but is 
suspended indefinitely from receiving regular compensation, solely by 
reason of a State law provision which meets the requirement of section 
3304(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(7)): 
Provided, that, an individual shall not be entitled to Extended Benefits 
based on regular compensation in a second benefit year during which the 
individual is precluded from receiving regular compensation solely by 
reason of a State law provision which meets the requirement of section 
3304(a)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(7)); 
or
    (iv) The applicable benefit year having expired prior to such week, 
the individual has insufficient wages or employment, or both, on the 
basis of which a new benefit year could be established in any State that 
would include such week; and
    (v) Has no right to unemployment compensation for such week under 
the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act or such other Federal laws as 
are specified by the Department pursuant to this paragraph; and
    (vi) Has not received and is not seeking for such week unemployment 
compensation under the unemployment compensation law of Canada, unless 
the Canadian agency finally determines that the individual is not 
entitled to unemployment compensation under the Canadian law for such 
week.
    (2) An individual who becomes an exhaustee as defined above shall 
cease to be an exhaustee commencing with the first week that the 
individual becomes eligible for regular compensation under any State law 
or 5 U.S.C. chapter 85, or has any right to unemployment compensation as 
provided in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of this section, or has received or is 
seeking unemployment compensation as provided in paragraph (a)(1)(vi) of 
this section. The individual's Extended Benefit Account shall be 
terminated upon the occurrence of any such week, and the individual 
shall have no further right to any balance in that Extended Benefit 
Account.
    (b) Special Rules. For the purposes of paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and 
(a)(1)(ii) of this section, an individual shall be deemed to have 
received in the applicable benefit year all of the regular compensation 
payable according to the monetary determination, or available to the 
individual, as the case may be, even though--
    (1) As a result of a pending appeal with respect to wages or 
employment

[[Page 90]]

or both that were not included in the original monetary determination 
with respect to such benefit year, the individual may subsequently be 
determined to be entitled to more or less regular compensation, or
    (2) By reason of a provision in the State law that establishes the 
weeks of the year in which regular compensation may be paid to the 
individual on the basis of wages in seasonal employment--
    (i) The individual may be entitled to regular compensation with 
respect to future weeks of unemployment in the next season or off 
season, as the case may be, but such compensation is not payable with 
respect to the week of unemployment for which Extended Benefits are 
claimed, and
    (ii) The individual is otherwise an exhaustee within the meaning of 
this section with respect to rights to regular compensation during the 
season or off season in which that week of unemployment occurs, or
    (3) Having established a benefit year, no regular compensation is 
payable during such year because wage credits were cancelled or the 
right to regular compensation was totally reduced as the result of the 
application of a disqualification.
    (c) Adjustment of week. If it is subsequently determined as the 
result of a redetermination or appeal that an individual is an exhaustee 
as of a different week than was previously determined, the individual's 
rights to Extended Benefits shall be adjusted so as to accord with such 
redetermination or decision.

[53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  615.6  Extended Benefits; weekly amount.

    (a) Total unemployment. (1) The weekly amount of Extended Benefits 
payable to an individual for a week of total unemployment in the 
individual's eligibility period shall be the amount of regular 
compensation payable to the individual for a week of total unemployment 
during the applicable benefit year. If the individual had more than one 
weekly amount of regular compensation for total unemployment during such 
benefit year, the weekly amount of extended compensation for total 
unemployment shall be one of the following which applies as specified in 
the applicable State law:
    (i) The average of such weekly amounts of regular compensation,
    (ii) The last weekly benefit amount of regular compensation in such 
benefit year, or
    (iii) An amount that is reasonably representative of the weekly 
amounts of regular compensation payable during such benefit year.
    (2) If the method in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section is 
adopted by a State, the State law shall specify how such amount is to be 
computed. If the method in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section is 
adopted by a State, and the amount computed is not an even dollar 
amount, the amount shall be raised or lowered to an even dollar amount 
as provided by the applicable State law for regular compensation.
    (b) Partial and part-total unemployment. The weekly amount of 
Extended Benefits payable for a week of partial or part-total 
unemployment shall be determined under the provisions of the applicable 
State law which apply to regular compensation, computed on the basis of 
the weekly amount of Extended Benefits payable for a week of total 
unemployment as determined pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section.



Sec.  615.7  Extended Benefits; maximum amount.

    (a) Individual account. An Extended Benefit Account shall be 
established for each individual determined to be eligible for Extended 
Benefits, in the sum of the maximum amount potentially payable to the 
individual as computed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) Computation of amount in individual account. (1) The amount 
established in the Extended Benefit Account of an individual, as the 
maximum amount potentially payable to the individual during the 
individual's eligibility period, shall be equal to the lesser of--
    (i) 50 percent of the total amount of regular compensation 
(including dependents' allowances) payable to the

[[Page 91]]

individual during the individual's applicable benefit year; or
    (ii) 13 times the individual's weekly amount of Extended Benefits 
payable for a week of total unemployment, as determined pursuant to 
Sec.  615.6(a); or
    (iii) 39 times the individual's weekly benefit amount referred to in 
(ii), reduced by the regular compensation paid (or deemed paid) to the 
individual during the individual's applicable benefit year.
    (2) If the State law so provides, the amount in the individual's 
Extended Benefit Account shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of 
additional compensation paid (or deemed paid) to the individual under 
such law for prior weeks of unemployment in such benefit year which did 
not begin in an Extended Benefit Period.
    (3) If State law provides, in accordance with Sec.  615.12(e), for a 
high unemployment period for weeks of unemployment beginning after March 
6, 1993, the provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section are applied 
by substituting:
    (i) 80 percent for 50 percent in (b)(1)(i),
    (ii) 20 for 13 in (b)(1)(ii), and
    (iii) 46 for 39 in (b)(1)(iii).

    Note to paragraph (b)(3). Provided, that if an individual's extended 
compensation account is determined in accordance with the provisions of 
paragraphs (b)(3)(i) through (b)(3)(iii) (for a ``high unemployment 
period'' as defined in Sec.  615.2) during the individual's eligibility 
period, upon termination of the high unemployment period, such 
individual's account must be reduced by the amount in the account that 
is more than the maximum amount of extended compensation or high 
extended compensation payable to the individual. Provided further, if 
the account balance is equal to or less than the maximum amount of 
extended compensation or high unemployment extended compensation 
payable, there will be no reduction in the account balance upon 
termination of a high unemployment period. In no case will the 
individual receive more regular extended compensation or high 
unemployment extended compensation than the amount determined in 
accordance with paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section, nor 
more extended compensation or high unemployment extended compensation 
than as provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section.

    (c) Changes in accounts. (1) If an individual is entitled to more or 
less Extended Benefits as a result of a redetermination or an appeal 
which awarded more or less regular compensation or Extended Benefits, an 
appropriate change shall be made in the individual's Extended Benefit 
Account pursuant to an amended determination of the individual's 
entitlement to Extended Benefits.
    (2) If an individual who has received Extended Benefits for a week 
of unemployment is determined to be entitled to more regular 
compensation with respect to such week as the result of a 
redetermination or an appeal, the Extended Benefits paid shall be 
treated as if they were regular compensation up to the greater amount to 
which the individual has been determined to be entitled, and the State 
agency shall make appropriate adjustments between the regular and 
extended accounts. If the individual is entitled to more Extended 
Benefits as a result of being entitled to more regular compensation, an 
amended determination shall be made of the individual's entitlement to 
Extended Benefits. If the greater amount of regular compensation results 
in an increased duration of regular compensation, the individual's 
status as an exhaustee shall be redetermined as of the new date of 
exhaustion of regular compensation.
    (3) If an individual who has received Extended Benefits for a week 
of unemployment is determined to be entitled to less regular 
compensation as the result of a redetermination or an appeal, and as a 
consequence is entitled to less Extended Benefits, any Extended Benefits 
paid in excess of the amount to which the individual is determined to be 
entitled after the redetermination or decision on appeal shall be 
considered an overpayment which the individual shall have to repay on 
the same basis and in the same manner that excess payments of regular 
compensation are required to be repaid under the applicable State law. 
If such decision reduces the duration of regular compensation payable to 
the individual, the claim for Extended Benefits shall

[[Page 92]]

be backdated to the earliest date, subsequent to the date when the 
redetermined regular compensation was exhausted and within the 
individual's eligibility period, that the individual was eligible to 
file a claim for Extended Benefits. Any such changes shall be made 
pursuant to an amended determination of the individual's entitlement to 
Extended Benefits.
    (d) Reduction because of trade readjustment allowances. Section 
233(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (and section 204(a)(2)(C) of EUCA), 
requiring a reduction of extended compensation because of the receipt of 
trade readjustment allowances, must be applied as follows:
    (1) The reduction of Extended Benefits shall apply only to an 
individual who has not exhausted his/her Extended Benefits at the end of 
the benefit year;
    (2) The amount to be deducted is the product of the weekly benefit 
amount for Extended Benefits multiplied by the number of weeks for which 
trade readjustment allowances were paid (regardless of the amount paid 
for any such week) up to the close of the last week that begins in the 
benefit year; and
    (3) The amount to be deducted shall be deducted from the balance of 
Extended Benefits not used as of the close of the last week which begins 
in the benefit year.

[53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, as amended at 81 FR 57781, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.8  Provisions of State law applicable to claims.

    (a) Particular provisions applicable. Except where the result would 
be inconsistent with the provisions of EUCA or this part, the terms and 
conditions of the applicable State law which apply to claims for, and 
the payment of, regular compensation shall apply to claims for, and the 
payment of, Extended Benefits. The provisions of the applicable State 
law which shall apply to claims for, and the payment of, Extended 
Benefits include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Claim filing and reporting;
    (2) Information to individuals, as appropriate;
    (3) Notices to individuals and employers, as appropriate;
    (4) Determinations, redeterminations, and appeal and review;
    (5) Ability to work and availability for work, except as provided 
otherwise in this section;
    (6) Disqualifications, including disqualifying income provisions, 
except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section;
    (7) Overpayments, and the recovery thereof;
    (8) Administrative and criminal penalties;
    (9) The Interstate Benefit Payment Plan;
    (10) The Interstate Arrangement for Combining Employment and Wages, 
in accordance with part 616 of this chapter.
    (b) Provisions not to be applicable. The State law and regulations 
shall specify those of its terms and conditions which shall not be 
applicable to claims for, or payment of, Extended Benefits. Among such 
terms and conditions shall be at least those relating to--
    (1) Any waiting period;
    (2) Monetary or other qualifying requirements, except as provided in 
Sec.  615.4(b); and
    (3) Computation of weekly and total regular compensation.
    (c) Terminating disqualifications. A disqualification in a State 
law, as to any individual who voluntarily left work, was suspended or 
discharged for misconduct, gross misconduct or the commission or 
conviction of a crime, or refused an offer of or a referral to work, as 
provided in sections 202(a) (4) and (6) of EUCA--
    (1) As applied to regular benefits which are not sharable, is not 
subject to any limitation in sections 202(a) (4) and (6);
    (2) As applied to eligibility for Extended Benefits, shall require 
that the individual be employed again subsequent to the date of the 
disqualification before it may be terminated, even though it may have 
been terminated on other grounds for regular benefits which are not 
sharable; and if the State law does not also apply this provision to the 
payment of what would otherwise be sharable regular benefits, the State 
will not be entitled to a payment under EUCA and Sec.  615.14 in regard 
to such regular compensation; and

[[Page 93]]

    (3) Will not apply in regard to eligibility for Extended Benefits in 
a subsequent eligibility period.
    (d) Classification and determination of job prospects. (1) As to 
each individual who files an initial claim for Extended Benefits (or 
sharable regular compensation), the State agency shall classify the 
individual's prospects for obtaining work in his/her customary 
occupation within a reasonably short period, as ``good'' or ``not 
good,'' and shall promptly (not later than the end of the week in which 
the initial claim is filed) notify the individual in writing of such 
classification and of the requirements applicable to the individual 
under the provisions of the applicable State law corresponding to 
section 202(a)(3) of EUCA and this part. Such requirements shall be 
applicable beginning with the week following the week in which the 
individual is furnished such written notice.
    (2) If an individual is thus classified as having good prospects, 
but those prospects are not realized by the close of the period the 
State law specifies as a reasonably short period, the individual's 
prospects will be automatically reclassified as ``not good'' or 
classified as ``good'' or ``not good'' depending on the individual's job 
prospects as of that date.
    (3) Whenever, as part of a determination of an individual's 
eligibility for benefits, an issue arises concerning the individual's 
failure to apply for or accept an offer of work (sections 
202(a)(3)(A)(i) and (F) of EUCA and paragraphs (e) and (f) of this 
section), or to actively engage in seeking work (sections 
202(a)(3)(A)(ii) and (E) of EUCA and paragraph (g) of this section), a 
written appealable determination shall be made which includes a finding 
as to the individual's job prospects at the time the issue arose. The 
reasons for allowing or denying benefits in the written notice of 
determination shall explain how the individual's job prospects relate to 
the decision to allow or deny benefits.
    (4) If an individual's job prospects are determined in accordance 
with the preceding paragraph (3) to be ``good,'' the suitability of work 
will be determined under the standard State law provisions applicable to 
claimants for regular compensation which is not sharable; and if 
determined to be ``not good,'' the suitability of work will be 
determined under the definition of suitable work in the State law 
provisions corresponding to sections 202(a)(3) (C) and (D) of EUCA and 
this part. Any determination or classification of an individual's job 
prospects is mutually exclusive, and only one suitable work definition 
shall be applied to a claimant as to any failure to accept or apply for 
work or seek work with respect to any week.
    (e) Requirement of referral to work. (1) The State law shall 
provide, as required by section 202(a)(3)(F) of EUCA and this part, that 
the State Workforce Agency shall refer every claimant for Extended 
Benefits to work which is ``suitable work'' as provided in paragraph 
(d)(4) of this section, beginning with the week following the week in 
which the individual is furnished a written notice of classification of 
job prospects as required by paragraphs (d)(1) and (h) of this section.
    (2) To make such referrals, the State Workforce Agency shall assure 
that each Extended Benefit claimant is registered for work and continues 
to be considered for referral to job openings as long as he/she 
continues to claim benefits.
    (3) In referring claimants to available job openings, the State 
Workforce Agency shall apply to Extended Benefit claimants the same 
priorities, policies, and judgments as it does to other applicants, 
except that it shall not restrict referrals only to work at higher skill 
levels, prior rates of pay, customary work, or preferences as to work or 
pay for individuals whose prospects of obtaining work in their customary 
occupations have been classified as or determined to be ``not good.''
    (4) For referral purposes, any work which does not exceed the 
individual's capabilities shall be considered suitable work for an 
Extended Benefit claimant whose job prospects have been classified as or 
determined to be ``not good'', except as modified by this paragraph (e).
    (5) For Extended Benefit claimants whose prospects of obtaining work 
in their customary occupations have been classified as or determined to 
be ``not

[[Page 94]]

good'', work shall not be suitable, and referral to a job shall not be 
made, if--
    (i) The gross average weekly remuneration for the work for any week 
does not exceed the sum of the individual's weekly benefit amount plus 
any supplemental unemployment benefits (SUB) (as defined in section 
501(c)(17)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) payable to the 
individual,
    (ii) The work is not offered in writing or is not listed with the 
State employment service,
    (iii) The work pays less than the higher of the minimum wage set in 
section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, or any 
applicable State or local minimum wage, without regard to any exemption 
elsewhere in those laws, or
    (iv) Failure to accept or apply for the work would not result in a 
denial of compensation under the provisions of the applicable State law 
as defined in Sec.  615.2(o)(7).
    (6) In addition, if the State Workforce Agency classifies or 
determines that an individual's prospects for obtaining work in his/her 
customary occupation within a reasonably short period are ``good,'' 
referral shall not be made to a job if such referral would not be made 
under the State law provisions applicable to claimants for regular 
benefits which are not sharable, and such referrals shall be limited to 
work which the individual is required to make a ``systematic and 
sustained effort'' to search for as defined in Sec.  615.2(o)(8).
    (7) For the purposes of the foregoing paragraphs of this paragraph 
(e), State law applies regarding whether members of labor organizations 
shall be referred to nonunion work in their customary occupations.
    (8) If the State law does not also apply this paragraph (e) to 
individuals who claim what would otherwise be sharable regular 
compensation, the State will not be entitled to payment under EUCA and 
Sec.  615.14 in regard to such regular compensation.
    (f) Refusal of work. (1) The State law shall provide, as required by 
section 202(a)(3)(A)(i) of EUCA and this part, that if an individual who 
claims Extended Benefits fails to accept an offer of work or fails to 
apply for work to which he/she was referred by the State Workforce 
Agency--
    (i) If the individual's prospects for obtaining work in his/her 
customary occupation within a reasonably short period are determined to 
be ``good,'' the State agency shall determine whether the work is 
suitable under the standard State law provisions which apply to 
claimants for regular compensation which is not sharable, and if 
determined to be suitable the individual shall be ineligible for 
Extended Benefits for the week in which the individual fails to apply 
for or accept an offer of suitable work and thereafter until the 
individual is employed in at least four weeks with wages from such 
employment totalling not less than four times the individual's weekly 
benefit amount, as provided by the applicable State law; or
    (ii) If the individual's prospects for obtaining work in his/her 
customary occupation are determined to be ``not good,'' the State agency 
shall determine whether the work is suitable under the applicable State 
law provisions corresponding to sections 202(a)(3) (C) and (D) of EUCA 
and paragraphs (e)(5) and (f)(2) of this section, and if determined to 
be suitable the individual shall be ineligible for Extended Benefits for 
the week in which the individual fails to apply for or accept an offer 
of suitable work and thereafter until the individual is employed in at 
least four weeks with wages from such employment totalling not less than 
four times the individual's weekly benefit amount, as provided by the 
applicable State law.
    (2) For an individual whose prospects of obtaining work in his/her 
customary occupation within the period specified by State law are 
classified or determined to be ``not good,'' the term ``suitable work'' 
shall mean any work which is within the individual's capabilities, 
except that work shall not be suitable if--
    (i) The gross average weekly remuneration for the work for any week 
does not exceed the sum of the individual's weekly benefit amount plus 
any

[[Page 95]]

supplemental unemployment compensation benefits (as defined in section 
501(c)(17)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) payable to the 
individual,
    (ii) The work is not offered in writing or is not listed with the 
State employment service,
    (iii) The work pays less than the higher of the minimum wage set in 
section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, or any 
applicable State or local minimum wage, without regard to any exemption 
elsewhere in those laws, or
    (iv) Failure to accept or apply for the work would not result in a 
denial of compensation under the provisions of the applicable State law 
as defined in Sec.  615.2(o)(7).
    (3) For the purposes of the foregoing paragraphs of this paragraph 
(f), State law applies regarding whether members of labor organizations 
shall be referred to nonunion work in their customary occupations.
    (4) If the State law does not also apply this paragraph (f) to 
individuals who claim what would otherwise be sharable regular 
compensation, the State will not be entitled to payment under EUCA and 
Sec.  615.14 in regard to such regular compensation.
    (g) Actively seeking work. (1) The State law shall provide, as 
required by sections 202(a)(3) (A)(ii) and (E) of EUCA and this part, 
that an individual who claims Extended Benefits shall be required to 
make a systematic and sustained effort (as defined in Sec.  615.2(o)(8)) 
to search for work which is ``suitable work'' as provided in paragraph 
(d)(4) of this section, throughout each week beginning with the week 
following the week in which the individual is furnished a written notice 
of classification of job prospects as required by paragraphs (d)(1) and 
(h) of this section, and to furnish to the State agency with each claim 
tangible evidence of such efforts.
    (2) If the individual fails to thus search for work, or to furnish 
tangible evidence of such efforts, he/she shall be ineligible for 
Extended Benefits for the week in which the failure occurred and 
thereafter until the individual is employed in at least four weeks with 
wages from such employment totalling not less than four times the 
individual's weekly benefit amount, as provided by the applicable State 
law.
    (3)(i) A State law may provide that eligibility for Extended 
Benefits be determined under the applicable provisions of State law for 
regular compensation which is not sharable, without regard to the active 
search provisions otherwise applicable in paragraph (g)(1) of this 
section, for any individual who fails to engage in a systematic and 
sustained search for work throughout any week because such individual 
is--
    (A) Serving on jury duty, or
    (B) Hospitalized for treatment of an emergency or life-threatening 
condition.
    (ii) The conditions in (i) (A) and (B) must be applied to 
individuals filing claims for Extended Benefits in the same manner as 
applied to individuals filing claims for regular compensation which is 
not sharable compensation.
    (4) For the purposes of the foregoing paragraphs of this paragraph 
(g), State law applies regarding whether members of labor organizations 
shall be required to seek nonunion work in their customary occupations.
    (5) If the State law does not also apply this paragraph (g) to 
individuals who claim what would otherwise be sharable regular 
compensation, the State will not be entitled to payment under EUCA and 
Sec.  615.14 in regard to such regular compensation.
    (h) Information to claimants. The State agency or State Workforce 
Agency, as applicable, shall assure that each Extended Benefit claimant 
(and claimant for sharable regular compensation) is informed in 
writing--
    (1) Of the State agency's classification of his/her prospects for 
finding work in his/her customary occupation within the time set out in 
paragraph (d) as ``good'' or ``not good,''
    (2) What kind of jobs he/she may be referred to, depending on the 
classification of his/her job prospects,
    (3) What kind of jobs he/she must be actively engaged in seeking 
each week depending on the classification of his/her job prospects, and 
what tangible evidence of such search must be furnished to the State 
agency with each claim for benefits. In addition, the State must inform 
the claimant that

[[Page 96]]

he/she is required to apply for and accept suitable work, and
    (4) The resulting disqualification if he/she fails to apply for work 
to which referred, or fails to accept work offered, or fails to actively 
engage in seeking work or to furnish tangible evidence of such search 
for each week for which extended compensation or sharable regular 
benefits is claimed, beginning with the week following the week in which 
such information shall be furnished in writing to the individual.

[53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006; 
81 FR 57781, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.9  Restrictions on entitlement.

    (a) Disqualifications. If the week of unemployment for which an 
individual claims Extended Benefits is a week to which a 
disqualification for regular compensation applies, including a reduction 
because of the receipt of disqualifying income, or would apply but for 
the fact that the individual has exhausted all rights to such 
compensation, the individual shall be disqualified in the same degree 
from receipt of Extended Benefits for that week.
    (b) Additional compensation. No individual shall be paid additional 
compensation and Extended Benefits with respect to the same week. If 
both are payable by a State with respect to the same week, the State law 
may provide for the payment of Extended Benefits instead of additional 
compensation with respect to the week. If Extended Benefits are payable 
to an individual by one State and additional compensation is payable to 
the individual for the same week by another State, the individual may 
elect which of the two types of compensation to claim.
    (c) Interstate claims. An individual who files claims for Extended 
Benefits under the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan, in a State which is 
not in an Extended Benefit Period for the week(s) for which Extended 
Benefits are claimed, shall not be paid more than the first two weeks 
for which he/she files such claims.
    (d) Other restrictions. The restrictions on entitlement specified in 
this section are in addition to other restrictions in EUCA and this part 
on eligibility for and entitlement to Extended Benefits.



Sec.  615.10  Special provisions for employers.

    (a) Charging contributing employers. (1) Section 3303(a)(1) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3303(a)(1)) does not require 
that Extended Benefits paid to an individual be charged to the 
experience rating accounts of employers.
    (2) A State law may, however, consistently with section 3303(a)(1), 
require the charging of Extended Benefits paid to an individual; and if 
it does, it may provide for charging all or any portion of such 
compensation paid.
    (3) Sharable regular compensation must be charged as all other 
regular compensation is charged under the State law.
    (b) Payments by reimbursing employers. If an employer is reimbursing 
the State unemployment fund in lieu of paying contributions pursuant to 
the requirements of State law conforming with sections 3304(a)(6)(B) and 
3309(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(6)(B) 
and 3309(a)(2)), the State law shall require the employer to reimburse 
the State unemployment fund for not less than 50 percent of any sharable 
compensation that is attributable under the State law to service with 
such employer; and as to any compensation which is not sharable 
compensation under Sec.  615.14, the State law shall require the 
employer to reimburse the State unemployment fund for 100 percent, 
instead of 50 percent, of any such compensation paid.



Sec.  615.11  Extended Benefit Periods.

    (a) Beginning date. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section, an extended benefit period or high unemployment period begins 
in a State on the first day of the third calendar week after a week for 
which there is a State ``on'' indicator in that State under either Sec.  
615.12(a) or (b).
    (b) Ending date. Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (e) of 
this section, an extended benefit period or high unemployment period in 
a State ends on the last day of the third week after the first week for 
which there is a State

[[Page 97]]

``off'' indicator in that State, unless another indicator is in ``on'' 
status.
    (c) Duration. When an extended benefit period and/or high 
unemployment period becomes effective in any State, or triggers ``off,'' 
the attained status must continue in effect for not less than 13 
consecutive weeks.
    (d) Limitation. No extended benefit period or high unemployment 
period may begin or end in any State before the most recent week for 
which data used to trigger the State ``on'' or ``off'' or ``no change'' 
indicator has been published.
    (e) Specific applications of the 13-week rule. (1) If a State 
concludes a 13-week mandatory ``on'' period by virtue of the IUR 
indicator which, at the end of the 13-week period no longer satisfies 
the requirements for a State to be ``on,'' the extended benefit period 
continues if the TUR indicator is ``on'' during the 11th week of the 13-
week mandatory ``on'' period.
    (2) If a State concludes a 13-week mandatory ``on'' period by virtue 
of the TUR indicator which, at the end of the 13-week period no longer 
satisfies the requirements for a State to be ``on,'' the extended 
benefit period continues if the IUR indicator is ``on'' during the 11th 
week of the 13-week mandatory ``on'' period.
    (f) Determining if a State remains ``off'' as a result of a total 
unemployment rate indicator after the 13-week mandatory ``off'' period 
ends. (1) The State remains ``off'' if there is not an IUR ``on'' 
indicator the 11th week of the 13-week mandatory ``off'' period, and 
there is a TUR ``off'' indicator for the third week before the last week 
of the 13-week mandatory ``off'' period.

[81 FR 57781, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.12  Determination of ``on'' and ``off'' indicators.

    (a) Standard State indicators. (1) There is a State ``on'' indicator 
in a State for a week if the head of the State agency determines, in 
accordance with this section, that, for the period consisting of that 
week and the immediately preceding 12 weeks, the rate of insured 
unemployment (not seasonally adjusted) under the State law--
    (i) Equalled or exceeded 120 percent of the average of such rates 
for the corresponding 13-week periods ending in each of the preceding 
two calendar years, and
    (ii) Equalled or exceeded 5.0 percent.
    (2) There is a State ``off'' indicator in a State for a week if the 
head of the State agency determines, in accordance with this section, 
that, for the period consisting of that week and the immediately 
preceding 12 weeks, the rate of insured unemployment (not seasonally 
adjusted) under the State law--
    (i) Was less than 120 percent of the average of such rates for the 
corresponding 13 week periods ending in each of the preceding two 
calendar years, or
    (ii) Was less than 5.0 percent.
    (3) The standard State indicators in this paragraph (a) shall apply 
to weeks beginning after September 25, 1982.
    (b) Optional State indicators. (1)(i) A State may, in addition to 
the State indicators in paragraph (a) of this section, provide by its 
law that there shall be a State ``on'' indicator in the State for a week 
if the head of the State agency determines, in accordance with this 
section, that, for the period consisting of that week and the 
immediately preceding 12 weeks, the rate of insured unemployment (not 
seasonally adjusted) under the State law equalled or exceeded 6.0 
percent even though it did not meet the 120 percent factor required 
under paragraph (a).
    (ii) A State which adopts the optional State indicator must also 
provide that, when it is in an Extended Benefit Period, there will not 
be an ``off'' indicator until (A) the State rate of insured unemployment 
is less than 6.0 percent, and (B) either its rate of insured 
unemployment is less than 5.0 percent or is less than 120 percent of the 
average of such rates for the corresponding 13-week periods ending in 
each of the preceding two calendar years.
    (2) The optional State indicators in this paragraph (b) shall apply 
to weeks beginning after September 25, 1982.
    (c) Computation of rate of insured unemployment--(1) Equation. Each 
week the State agency head shall calculate the rate of insured 
unemployment under the State law (not seasonally adjusted) for purposes 
of determining the State ``on'' and ``off'' and ``no change''

[[Page 98]]

indicators. In making such calculations the State agency head shall use 
a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the weekly average number of 
weeks claimed in claims filed (not seasonally adjusted) in the State in 
the 13-week period ending with the week for which the determination is 
made, and the denominator of which shall be the average monthly 
employment covered by the State law for the first four of the last six 
calendar quarters ending before the close of the 13-week period. The 
quotient obtained is to be computed to four decimal places, and is not 
otherwise rounded, and is to be expressed as a percentage by multiplying 
the resultant decimal fraction by 100.
    (2) Counting weeks claimed. To determine the average number of weeks 
claimed in claims filed to serve as the numerator under paragraph 
(c)(1), the State agency shall include claims for all weeks for regular 
compensation, including claims taken as agent State under the Interstate 
Benefit Payment Plan. It shall exclude claims--
    (i) For Extended Benefits under any State law,
    (ii) For additional compensation under any State law, and
    (iii) Under any Federal law except joint claims which combine 
regular compensation and compensation payable under 5 U.S.C. chapter 85.
    (3) Method of computing the State 120 percent factor. The rate of 
insured unemployment for a current 13-week period shall be divided by 
the average of the rates of insured unemployment for the corresponding 
13-week periods in each of the two preceding calendar years to determine 
whether the rate is equal to 120 percent of the average rate for the two 
years. The quotient obtained shall be computed to four decimal places 
and not otherwise rounded, and shall be expressed as a percentage by 
multiplying the resultant decimal fraction by 100. The average of the 
rates for the corresponding 13-week periods in each of the two preceding 
calendar years shall be one-half the sum of such rates computed to four 
decimal places and not otherwise rounded. To determine which are the 
corresponding weeks in the preceding years--
    (i) The weeks shall be numbered starting with week number 1 as the 
first week ending in each calendar year.
    (ii) The 13-week period ending with any numbered week in the current 
year shall correspond to the period ending with that same numbered week 
in each preceding year.
    (iii) When that period in the current year ends with week number 53, 
the corresponding period in preceding years shall end with week number 
52 if there is no week number 53.
    (d) Amendment of State indicator rates. (1) Any determination by the 
head of a State agency of an ``on'' or ``off'' or ``no change'' IUR 
indicator may not be corrected more than three weeks after the close of 
the week to which it applies. If any figure used in the computation of a 
rate of insured unemployment is later found to be wrong, the correct 
figure must be used to redetermine the rate of insured unemployment and 
the 120 percent factor for that week and all later weeks, but no 
determination of previous ``on'' or ``off'' or ``no change'' indicator 
shall be affected unless the redetermination is made within the time the 
indicator may be corrected under the first sentence of this paragraph 
(d)(1). Any change is subject to the concurrence of the Department as 
provided in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (2) The initial release of the TUR by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 
(BLS) is subject to revision. However, once a State's TUR indicator is 
determined using the initial release of the TUR data, it is not subject 
to revision even if the BLS TUR for that period of time is revised.
    (3) The ``on'' period under a State's optional IUR or TUR indicator 
may not begin before the later of the date of the State's adoption of 
the optional insured unemployment rate or total unemployment rate 
indicator, or the effective date of that enactment. The ``off'' period 
under a State's optional insured unemployment rate or total unemployment 
rate indicator may not occur until after the effective date of the 
repeal of the optional insured unemployment rate or total unemployment 
rate indicator from State law.
    (e) Other optional indicators. (1) A State may, as an option, in 
addition to the State indicators in paragraphs (a)

[[Page 99]]

and (b) of this section, provide by its law that there is a State ``on'' 
or ``off'' indicator in the State for a week if we determine that--
    (i) The Trigger Value in such State computed using the most recent 3 
months for which data for all States are published before the close of 
such week equals or exceeds 6.5 percent; and
    (ii) The Trigger Value computed using data from the 3-month period 
referred to in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section equals or exceeds 110 
percent of the Trigger Value for either (or both) of the corresponding 
3-month periods ending in the 2 preceding calendar years. This ``look-
back'' is computed by dividing the Trigger Value by the same measure for 
the corresponding 3 months in each of the applicable prior years, and 
the resulting decimal fraction is rounded to the hundredths place, 
multiplied by 100 and reported as an integer and compared to the 
statutory threshold to help determine the State's EB Program status; and
    (iii) There is a State ``off'' indicator for a week if either the 
requirements of paragraph (e)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section are not 
satisfied.
    (2) Where a State adopts the optional indicator under paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section, there is a State ``on'' indicator for a high 
unemployment period (as defined in Sec.  615.2) under State law if--
    (i) The Trigger Value in the State computed using the most recent 3 
months for which data for all States are published before the close of 
such week equals or exceeds 8.0 percent, and
    (ii) The Trigger Value in the State computed using data from the 3-
month period referred to in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section equals 
or exceeds 110 percent of the Trigger Value for either (or both) of the 
corresponding 3-month periods ending in the 2 preceding calendar years. 
This ``look-back'' is computed by dividing the Trigger Value by the same 
measure for the corresponding 3 months in each of the applicable prior 
years, and the resulting decimal fraction is rounded to the hundredths 
place, multiplied by 100 and reported as an integer and compared to the 
statutory threshold to help determine the State's EB Program status; and
    (iii) There is a State ``off'' indicator for high unemployment 
period for a week if either the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) or 
(ii) of this section are not satisfied.
    (3) Method of computing the average rate of total unemployment. The 
average rate of total unemployment is computed by dividing the average 
of 3 months of the level of seasonally adjusted unemployment in the 
State by the average of 3 months of the level of seasonally adjusted 
unemployment and employment in the State. The resulting rate is 
multiplied by 100 to convert it to a percentage basis and then rounded 
to the tenths place (the first digit to the right of the decimal place).
    (4) Method of computing the State ''look-back.'' The average rate of 
total unemployment, ending with a given month, is divided by the same 
measure for the corresponding 3 months in each of the applicable prior 
years. The resultant decimal fraction is then rounded to the hundredths 
place (the second digit to the right of the decimal place). The 
resulting number is then multiplied by 100 and reported as an integer 
(no decimal places) and compared to the statutory threshold to help 
determine the State's EB Program status.
    (f) Notice to Secretary. Within 10 calendar days after the end of 
any week for which the head of a State agency has determined that there 
is an ``on,'' or ``off,'' or ``no change'' IUR indicator in the State, 
the head of the State agency must notify the Secretary of the 
determination. The notice must state clearly the State agency head's 
determination of the specific week for which there is a State ``on'' or 
``off'' or ``no change'' indicator. The notice must include also the 
State agency head's findings supporting the determination, with a 
certification that the findings are made in accordance with the 
requirements of Sec.  615.15. The Secretary may provide additional 
instructions for the contents of the notice to assure the correctness 
and verification of notices given under this paragraph. The Secretary 
will accept determinations and findings made in accordance with the 
provisions of this paragraph and of any instructions issued under this 
paragraph. A notice does not become final for purposes of EUCA and

[[Page 100]]

this part until the Secretary accepts the notice.

[53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, as amended at 81 FR 57782, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.13  Announcement of the beginning and ending of Extended Benefit
Periods or High Unemployment Periods.

    (a) State indicators--(1) Extended benefit period. Upon receipt of a 
notice required by Sec.  615.12(f) which the Department determines is 
acceptable, the Department will publish in the Federal Register a notice 
of the State agency head's determination that there is an ``on'' or an 
``off'' indicator in the State, as the case may be, the name of the 
State and the beginning or ending of the extended benefit period, or 
high unemployment period, whichever is appropriate. If an ``on'' or 
``off'' EB period is determined by the Department to be based on a 
State's TUR Trigger Value, the Department publishes that information in 
the Federal Register as well.
    (2) Notification. The Department also notifies the heads of all 
other State agencies, and the Regional Administrators of the Employment 
and Training Administration of the State agency head's determination of 
the State ``on'' or ``off'' indicator for an extended benefit period, or 
high unemployment period (based on the insured unemployment rate in the 
State), or of the Department's determination of an ``on'' or ``off'' 
indicator (based on the total unemployment rate in a State) for an 
extended benefit period or high unemployment period and of the 
indicator's effect.
    (b) Publicity by State. (1) Whenever a State agency head determines 
that there is an ``on'' indicator in the State by reason of which an 
extended benefit period (based on the insured unemployment rate in the 
State) will begin in the State, or an ``off'' indicator by reason of 
which an extended benefit period in the State (based on the insured 
unemployment rate) will end, the head of the State agency must promptly 
announce the determination through appropriate news media in the State 
after the Department accepts notice from the agency head in accordance 
the 615.12(f).
    (2) Whenever the head of a State agency receives notification from 
the Department in accordance with Sec.  615.12(f) that there is an 
``on'' indicator by reason of which an extended benefit period or high 
unemployment period (based on the total unemployment rate in the State) 
will begin in the State, or an ``off'' indicator by reason of which a 
regular extended benefit period or high unemployment period (based on 
the total unemployment rate) will end, the head of the State agency must 
promptly announce the determination through the appropriate news media 
in the State.
    (3) Announcements made in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) or 
(b)(2) of this section must include the beginning or ending date of the 
extended benefit period or high unemployment period, whichever is 
appropriate. In the case of a regular EB period or high unemployment 
period that is about to begin, the announcement must describe clearly 
the unemployed individuals who may be eligible for extended compensation 
or high extended compensation during the period, and in the case of a 
regular EB period or high unemployment period that is about to end, the 
announcement must also describe clearly the individuals whose 
entitlement to extended compensation or high extended compensation will 
be terminated. If a high unemployment period is ending, but an extended 
benefit period will remain ``on,'' the announcement must clearly state 
that fact and the effect on entitlement to extended compensation.
    (c) Notice to individuals. (1) Whenever there has been a 
determination that a regular extended benefit period or high 
unemployment period will begin in a State, the State agency must provide 
prompt written notice of potential entitlement to Extended Benefits to 
each individual who has established a benefit year in the State that 
will not end before the beginning of the regular extended benefit period 
or high unemployment period, and who exhausted all rights under the 
State law to regular compensation before the beginning of the regular 
extended benefit period or high unemployment period.
    (2) The State agency must provide the notice promptly to each 
individual

[[Page 101]]

who begins to claim sharable regular benefits or who exhausts all rights 
under the State law to regular compensation during a regular extended 
benefit period or high unemployment period, including exhaustion by 
reason of the expiration of the individual's benefit year.
    (3) The notices required by paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this 
section must describe the actions required of claimants for sharable 
regular compensation and extended compensation and those 
disqualifications which apply to the benefits which are different from 
those applicable to other claimants for regular compensation which is 
not sharable.
    (4) Whenever there is a determination that a regular extended 
benefit period or high unemployment period will end in a State, the 
State agency must provide prompt written notice to each individual who 
is currently filing claims for extended compensation of the forthcoming 
end of the regular extended benefit period or high unemployment period 
and its effect on the individual's right to extended compensation.

[81 FR 57783, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.14  Payments to States.

    (a) Sharable compensation. (1) The Department shall promptly upon 
receipt of a State's report of its expenditures for a calendar month 
reimburse the State in the amount of the sharable compensation the State 
is entitled to receive under EUCA and this part.
    (2) The Department may instead advance to a State for any period not 
greater than one day the amount the Department estimates the State will 
be entitled to be paid under EUCA and this part for that period.
    (3) Any payment to a State under this section shall be based upon 
the Department's determination of the amount the State is entitled to be 
paid under EUCA and this part, and such amount shall be reduced or 
increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Department 
finds that a previous payment was greater or less than the amount that 
should have been paid to the State.
    (4) Any payment to a State pursuant to this paragraph (a) shall be 
made by a transfer from the extended unemployment compensation account 
in the Unemployment Trust Fund to the account of the State in such Fund, 
in accordance with section 204(e) of EUCA.
    (b) Payments not to be made to States. Because a State law must 
contain provisions fully consistent with sections 202 and 203 of EUCA, 
the Department shall make no payment under paragraph (a) of this 
section, whether or not the State is certified under section 3304(c) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986--
    (1) In respect of any regular or extended compensation paid to any 
individual for any week if the State does not apply--
    (i) The provisions of the State law required by section 202(a)(3) 
and this part, relating to failure to accept work offered or to apply 
for work or to actively engage in seeking work or the provisions of 
State law required by section 202(a)(4) and this part, relating to 
terminating a disqualification;
    (ii) The provisions of the State law required by section 202(a)(5) 
and this part, relating to qualifying employment; or
    (2) In respect of any regular or extended compensation paid to any 
individual for any week which was not payable by reason of the provision 
of the State law required by section 202(c) and this part as determined 
by the Department with regard to each State.
    (c) Payments not to be reimbursed. The Department shall make no 
payment under paragraph (a) of this section, whether or not the State is 
certified under section 3304(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, in 
respect of any regular or extended compensation paid under a State law--
    (1) As provided in section 204(a)(1) of EUCA and this part, if the 
payment made was not sharable extended compensation or sharable regular 
compensation;
    (2) As provided in section 204(a)(2)(A) of EUCA, if the State is 
entitled to reimbursement for the payment under the provisions of any 
Federal law other than EUCA;
    (3) As provided in section 204(a)(2)(B) of EUCA, if for the first 
week in an individual's eligibility period with respect to which 
Extended Benefits or sharable regular benefits are paid to

[[Page 102]]

the individual and the State law provides for the payment (at any time 
or under any circumstances) of regular compensation to any individual 
for the first week of unemployment in any such individual's benefit 
year; except that--
    (i) In the case of a State law which is changed so that regular 
compensation is not paid at any time or under any circumstances with 
respect to the first week of unemployment in any individual's benefit 
year, this paragraph (c)(3) shall not apply to any week which begins 
after the effective date of such change in the State law; and
    (ii) In the case of a State law which is changed so that regular 
compensation is paid at any time or under any circumstances with respect 
to the first week of unemployment in any individual's benefit year, this 
paragraph (c)(3) shall apply to all weeks which begin after the 
effective date of such change in the State law;
    (4) As provided in section 204(a)(2)(C) of EUCA, for any week in 
which extended compensation is not payable because of the payment of 
trade readjustment allowances, as provided in section 233(c) of the 
Trade Act of 1974, and Sec.  615.7(d).
    (5) As provided in section 204(a)(2)(D) of EUCA and this part, if 
the State does not provide for a benefit structure under which benefits 
are rounded down to the next lower dollar amount, for the 50 percent 
Federal share of the amount by which sharable regular or Extended 
Benefits paid to any individual exceeds the nearest lower full dollar 
amount.
    (6) As provided in section 204(a)(3) of EUCA, to the extent that 
such compensation is based upon employment and wages in service 
performed for governmental entities or instrumentalities to which 
section 3306(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 
3306(c)(7)) applies, in the proportion that wages for such service in 
the base period bear to the total base period wages;
    (7) If the payment made was not sharable extended compensation or 
sharable regular compensation because the payment was not consistent 
with the requirements of--
    (i) Section 202(a)(3) of EUCA, and Sec.  615.8 (e), (f), or (g);
    (ii) Section 202(a)(4) of EUCA, and Sec.  615.8(c); or
    (iii) Section 202(a)(5) of EUCA, and Sec.  615.4(b);
    (8) If the payment made was not sharable extended compensation or 
sharable regular compensation because there was not in effect in the 
State an Extended Benefit Period in accord with the Act and this part; 
or
    (9) For any week with respect to which the claimant was either 
ineligible for or not entitled to the payment.
    (d) Effectuating authorization for reimbursement. (1) If the 
Department believes that reimbursement should not be authorized with 
respect to any payments made by a State that are claimed to be sharable 
compensation paid by the State, because the State law does not contain 
provisions required by EUCA and this part, or because such law is not 
interpreted or applied in rules, regulations, determinations or 
decisions in a manner that is consistent with those requirements, the 
Department may at any time notify the State agency in writing of the 
Department's view. The State agency shall be given an opportunity to 
present its views and arguments if desired.
    (2) The Department shall thereupon decide whether the State law 
fails to include the required provisions or is not interpreted and 
applied so as to satisfy the requirements of EUCA and this part. If the 
Department finds that such requirements are not met, the Department 
shall notify the State agency of its decision and the effect thereof on 
the State's entitlement to reimbursement under this section and the 
provisions of section 204 of EUCA.
    (3) Thereafter, the Department shall not authorize any payment under 
paragraph (a) of this section in respect of any sharable regular or 
extended compensation if the State law does not contain all of the 
provisions required by sections 202 and 203 of EUCA and this part, or if 
the State law, rules, regulations, determinations or decisions are not 
consistent with such requirements, or which would not have been payable 
if the State law contained

[[Page 103]]

the provisions required by EUCA and this part or if the State law, 
rules, regulations, determinations or decisions had been consistent with 
such requirements. Loss of reimbursement for such compensation shall 
begin with the date the State law was required to contain such 
provisions, and shall continue until such time as the Department finds 
that such law, rules and regulations have been revised or the 
interpretations followed pursuant to such determinations and decisions 
have been overruled and payments are made or denied so as to accord with 
the Federal law requirements of EUCA and this part, but no reimbursement 
shall be authorized with respect to any payment that did not fully 
accord with EUCA and this part.
    (4) A State agency may request reconsideration of a decision issued 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(2) above, within 10 calendar days of the date 
of such decision, and shall be given an opportunity to present views and 
arguments if desired.
    (5) Concurrence of the Department in any State law provision, rule, 
regulation, determination or decision shall not be presumed from the 
absence of notice issued pursuant to this section or from a 
certification of the State issued pursuant to section 3304(c) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    (6) Upon finding that a State has made payments for which it claims 
reimbursement that are not consistent with EUCA or this part, such claim 
shall be denied; and if the State has already been paid such claim in 
advance or by reimbursement, it shall be required to repay the full 
amount to the Department. Such repayment may be made by transfer of 
funds from the State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund to the 
Extended Unemployment Compensation Account in the Fund, or by offset 
against any current advances or reimbursements to which the State is 
otherwise entitled, or the amount repayable may be recovered for the 
Extended Unemployment Compensation Account by other means and from any 
other sources that may be available to the United States or the 
Department.
    (e) Compensation under Federal unemployment compensation programs. 
The Department shall promptly reimburse each State which has paid 
sharable compensation based on service covered by the UCFE and UCX 
Programs (parts 609 and 614 of this chapter, respectively) pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. chapter 85, an amount which represents the full amount of such 
sharable compensation paid under the State law, or may make advances to 
the State. Such amounts shall be paid from the Federal Employees 
Compensation Account established for those programs, rather than from 
the Extended Unemployment Compensation Account.
    (f) Combined-wage claims. If an individual was paid benefits under 
the Interstate Arrangement for Combining Employment and Wages (part 616 
of this chapter) any payment required by paragraph (a) of this section 
shall be made to the States which contributed the wage credits.
    (g) Interstate claims. Where sharable compensation is paid to an 
individual under the provisions of the Interstate Benefit Payment Plan, 
any payment required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be made only 
to the liable State.

[53 FR 27937, July 25, 1988, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006; 
81 FR 57783, Aug. 24, 2016]



Sec.  615.15  Records and reports.

    (a) General. State agencies must furnish to the Secretary such 
information and reports and make such studies as the Secretary decides 
are necessary or appropriate for carrying out the purposes of this part.
    (b) Recordkeeping. Each State agency must make and maintain records 
pertaining to the administration of the Extended Benefit Program as the 
Department requires, and must make all such records available for 
inspection, examination and audit by such Federal officials or employees 
as the Department may designate or as may be required by law.

[81 FR 57783, Aug. 24, 2016]

[[Page 104]]



PART 616_INTERSTATE ARRANGEMENT FOR COMBINING EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
616.1 Purpose of arrangement.
616.2 Consultation with the State agencies.
616.3 Interstate cooperation.
616.4 Rules, regulations, procedures, forms--resolution of 
          disagreements.
616.6 Definitions.
616.7 Election to file a Combined-Wage Claim.
616.8 Responsibilities of the paying State.
616.9 Responsibilities of transferring States.
616.10 Reuse of employment and wages.
616.11 Amendment of arrangement.

    Authority: 26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(9)(B); Secretary's Order No. 3-2007, 
Apr. 3, 2007 (72 FR 15907).

    Source: 36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  616.1  Purpose of arrangement.

    This arrangement is approved by the Secretary under the provisions 
of section 3304(a)(9)(B) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act to 
establish a system whereby an unemployed worker with covered employment 
or wages in more than one State may combine all such employment and 
wages in one State, in order to qualify for benefits or to receive more 
benefits.



Sec.  616.2  Consultation with the State agencies.

    As required by section 3304(a)(9)(B), this arrangement has been 
developed in consultation with the State unemployment compensation 
agencies. For purposes of such consultation in its formulation and any 
future amendment the Secretary recognizes, as agents of the State 
agencies, the duly designated representatives of the National 
Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA).

[36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, as amended at 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  616.3  Interstate cooperation.

    Each State agency will cooperate with every other State agency by 
implementing such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be 
prescribed for the operation of this arrangement. Each State agency 
shall identify the paying and the transferring State with respect to 
Combined-Wage Claims filed in its State.



Sec.  616.4  Rules, regulations, procedures, forms--resolution of 
disagreements.

    All State agencies shall operate in accordance with such rules, 
regulations, and procedures, and shall use such forms, as shall be 
prescribed by the Secretary in consultation with the State unemployment 
compensation agencies. All rules, regulations, and standards prescribed 
by the Secretary with respect to intrastate claims will apply to claims 
filed under this arrangement unless they are clearly inconsistent with 
the arrangement. The Secretary shall resolve any disagreement between 
State agencies concerning the operation of the arrangement, with the 
advice of the duly designated representatives of the State agencies.



Sec.  616.6  Definitions.

    These definitions apply for the purpose of this arrangement and the 
procedures issued to effectuate it.
    (a) State. ``State'' includes the States of the United States of 
America, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and 
the Virgin Islands.
    (b) State agency. The agency which administers the unemployment 
compensation law of a State.
    (c) Combined-Wage Claim. A claim filed under this arrangement.
    (d) Combined-Wage Claimant. A claimant who has covered wages under 
the unemployment compensation law of more than one State and who has 
filed a claim under this arrangement.
    (e) Paying State. A single State against which the claimant files a 
Combined-Wage Claim, if the claimant has wages and employment in that 
State's base period(s) and the claimant qualifies for unemployment 
benefits under the unemployment compensation law of that State using 
combined wages and employment.
    (f) Transferring State. A State in which a Combined-Wage Claimant 
had covered employment and wages in the base period of a paying State, 
and which transfers such employment and wages to the paying State for 
its use in

[[Page 105]]

determining the benefit rights of such claimant under its law.
    (g) Employment and wages. ``Employment'' refers to all services 
which are covered under the unemployment compensation law of a State, 
whether expressed in terms of weeks of work or otherwise. ``Wages'' 
refers to all remuneration for such employment.
    (h) Secretary. The Secretary of Labor of the United States.
    (i) Base period and benefit year. The base period and benefit year 
applicable under the unemployment compensation law of the paying State.

[36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, as amended at 39 FR 45215, Dec. 31, 1974; 
43 FR 2625, Jan. 17, 1978; 71 FR 35514, June 21, 2006; 73 FR 63072, Oct. 
23, 2008]



Sec.  616.7  Election to file a Combined-Wage Claim.

    (a) Any unemployed individual who has had employment covered under 
the unemployment compensation law of two or more States, whether or not 
the individual is monetarily qualified under one or more of them, may 
elect to file a Combined-Wage Claim. The individual may not so elect, 
however, if the individual has established a benefit year under any 
State or Federal unemployment compensation law and:
    (1) The benefit year has not ended, and
    (2) The individual still has unused benefit rights based on such 
benefit year. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 
1970, title II, Public Law 91-373, section 202(a)(1), limits the payment 
of extended benefits with respect to any week to individuals who have no 
rights to regular compensation with respect to such week under any State 
unemployment compensation law or to compensation under any other Federal 
law and in certain other instances. This provision precludes any 
individual from receiving any Federal-State extended benefits with 
respect to any week for which the individual is eligible to receive 
regular benefits based on a Combined Wage Claim. (See section 5752, part 
V of the Employment Security Manual.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) For the purposes of this arrangement, a claimant will not be 
considered to have unused benefit rights based on a benefit year which 
the claimant has established under a State or Federal unemployment 
compensation law if:
    (1) The claimant has exhausted his/her rights to all benefits based 
on such benefit year; or
    (2) The claimant's rights to such benefits have been postponed for 
an indefinite period or for the entire period in which benefits would 
otherwise be payable; or
    (3) Benefits are affected by the application of a seasonal 
restriction.
    (c) If an individual elects to file a Combined-Wage Claim, all 
employment and wages in all States in which the individual worked during 
the base period of the paying State must be included in such combining, 
except employment and wages which are not transferrable under the 
provisions of Sec.  616.9(b).
    (d) A Combined-Wage Claimant may withdraw his/her Combined-Wage 
Claim within the period prescribed by the law of the paying State for 
filing an appeal, protest, or request for redetermination (as the case 
may be) from the monetary determination of the Combined-Wage Claim, 
provided the claimant either:
    (1) Repays in full any benefits paid to him thereunder, or
    (2) Authorizes the State(s) against which the claimant files a 
substitute claim(s) for benefits to withhold and forward to the paying 
State a sum sufficient to repay such benefits.
    (e) If the Combined-Wage Claimant files his/her claim in a State 
other than the paying State, the claimant shall do so pursuant to the 
Interstate Benefit Payment Plan.
    (f) If a State denies a Combined-Wage Claim, it must inform the 
claimant of the option to file in another State in which the claimant 
has wages and employment during that State's base period(s).

[36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, as amended at 71 FR 35514, 35515, June 21, 
2006; 73 FR 63072, Oct. 23, 2008]



Sec.  616.8  Responsibilities of the paying State.

    (a) Transfer of employment and wages--payment of benefits. The 
paying State shall request the transfer of a Combined-Wage Claimant's 
employment and wages in all States during its base period, and shall 
determine the claimant's entitlement to benefits (including additional 
benefits, extended benefits

[[Page 106]]

and dependents' allowances when applicable) under the provisions of its 
law based on employment and wages in the paying State, and all such 
employment and wages transferred to it hereunder. The paying State shall 
apply all the provisions of its law to each determination made 
hereunder, except that the paying State may not determine an issue which 
has previously been adjudicated by a transferring State. Such exception 
shall not apply, however, if the transferring State's determination of 
the issue resulted in making the Combined-Wage Claim possible under 
Sec.  616.7(b)(2). If the paying State fails to establish a benefit year 
for the Combined-Wage Claimant, or if the claimant withdraws his/her 
claim as provided herein, it shall return to each transferring State all 
employment and wages thus unused.
    (b) Notices of determination. The paying State shall give to the 
claimant a notice of each of its determinations on his/her Combined-Wage 
Claim that he/she is required to receive under the Secretary's Claim 
Determinations Standard and the contents of such notice shall meet such 
Standard. When the claimant is filing his/her Combined-Wage Claims in a 
State other than the paying State, the paying State shall send a copy of 
each such notice to the local office in which the claimant filed such 
claims.
    (c) Redeterminations. (1) Redeterminations may be made by the paying 
State in accordance with its law based on additional or corrected 
information received from any source, including a transferring State, 
except that such information shall not be used as a basis for changing 
the paying State if benefits have been paid under the Combined-Wage 
Claim.
    (2) When a determination is made, as provided in paragraph (a) of 
this section, which suspends the use of wages earned in employment with 
an educational institution during a prescribed period between successive 
academic years or terms or other periods as prescribed in the law of the 
paying State in accordance with section 3304(a)(6)(A)(i)-(iv) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the paying State shall furnish each 
transferring State involved in the combined-Wage Claim an adjusted 
determination used to recompute each State's proportionate share of any 
charges that may accumulate for benefits paid during the period of 
suspended use of school wages. Wages which are suspended shall be 
retained by the paying State for possible future reinstatement to the 
Combined-Wage Claim and shall not be returned to the transferring State.
    (d) Appeals. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section, where the claimant files his/her Combined-Wage Claim in the 
paying State, any protest, request for redetermination or appeal shall 
be in accordance with the law of such State.
    (2) Where the claimant files his/her Combined-Wage Claim in a State 
other than the paying State, or under the circumstances described in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section, any protest, request for 
redetermination or appeal shall be in accordance with the Interstate 
Benefit Payment Plan.
    (3) To the extent that any protest, request for redetermination or 
appeal involves a dispute as to the coverage of the employing unit or 
services in a transferring State, or otherwise involves the amount of 
employment and wages subject to transfer, the protest, request for 
redetermination or appeal shall be decided by the transferring State in 
accordance with its law.
    (e) Recovery of prior overpayments. If there is an overpayment 
outstanding in a transferring State and such transferring State so 
requests, the overpayment shall be deducted from any benefits the paying 
State would otherwise pay to the claimant on his/her Combined-Wage Claim 
except to the extent prohibited by the law of the paying State. The 
paying State shall transmit the amount deducted to the transferring 
State or credit the deduction against the transferring State's required 
reimbursement under this arrangement. This paragraph shall apply to 
overpayments only if the transferring State certifies to the paying 
State that the determination of overpayment was made within 3 years 
before the Combined-Wage Claim was filed and that repayment by the 
claimant is legally required and enforceable against him/her under the 
law of the transferring State.

[[Page 107]]

    (f) Statement of benefit charges. (1) At the close of each calendar 
quarter, the paying State shall send each transferring State a statement 
of benefits charged during such quarter to such State as to each 
Combined-Wage Claimant.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(5) of 
this section, each such charge shall bear the same ratio to the total 
benefits paid to the Combined-Wage Claimant by the paying State as the 
claimant's wages transferred by the transferring State bear to the total 
wages used in such determination. Each such ratio shall be computed as a 
percentage, to three or more decimal places.
    (3) Charges to the transferring State shall not include the costs of 
any benefits paid which are funded or reimbursed from the Federal 
Unemployment Benefits and Allowances account in the U.S. Department of 
Labor appropriation, including:
    (i) Benefits paid pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8501-8525; and
    (ii) Benefits which are reimbursable under part B of title II of the 
Emergency Jobs and Unemployment Assistance Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-567).
    (4) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(3) and (f)(5) of this 
section, all transferring States will be charged by the paying State for 
Extended Benefits in the same manner as for regular benefits.
    (5) The United States shall be charged directly by the paying State, 
in the same manner as is provided in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of 
this section, in regard to Federal civilian service and wages and 
Federal military service and wages assigned or transferred to the paying 
State and included in Combined-Wage Claims in accordance with this part 
and parts 609 and 614 of this chapter.

(26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(9)(B); Secretary's Order No. 4-75, (40 FR 18515))

[36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, as amended at 43 FR 2625, Jan. 17, 1978; 45 
FR 47109, July 11, 1980; 71 FR 35515, June 21, 2006; 73 FR 63072, Oct. 
23, 2008]



Sec.  616.9  Responsibilities of transferring States.

    (a) Transfer of employment and wages. Each transferring State shall 
promptly transfer to the Paying State the employment and wages the 
Combined-Wage Claimant had in covered employment during the base period 
of the paying State. Any employment and wages so transferred shall be 
transferred without restriction as to their use for determination and 
benefit payments under the provisions of the paying State's law.
    (b) Employment and wages not transferable. Employment and wages 
transferred to the paying State by a transferring State shall not 
include:
    (1) Any employment and wages which have been transferred to any 
other paying State and not returned unused, or which have been used in 
the transferring State as the basis of a monetary determination which 
established a benefit year.
    (2) Any employment and wages which have been canceled or are 
otherwise unavailable to the claimant as a result of a determination by 
the transferring State made prior to its receipt of the request for 
transfer, if such determination has become final or is in the process of 
appeal but is still pending. If the appeal is finally decided in favor 
of the Combined-Wage Claimant, any employment and wages involved in the 
appeal shall forthwith be transferred to the paying State and any 
necessary redetermination shall be made by such paying State.
    (c) Reimbursement of paying State. Each transferring State shall, as 
soon as practicable after receipt of a quarterly statement of charges 
described herein, reimburse the paying State accordingly.

(26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(9)(B); Secretary's Order No. 4-75, (40 FR 18515))

[36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, as amended at 45 FR 47109, July 11, 1980]



Sec.  616.10  Reuse of employment and wages.

    Employment and wages which have been used under this arrangement for 
a determination of benefits which establishes a benefit year shall not 
thereafter be used by any State as the basis for another monetary 
determination of benefits.

[[Page 108]]



Sec.  616.11  Amendment of arrangement.

    Periodically the Secretary shall review the operation of this 
arrangement, and shall propose such amendments to the arrangement as the 
Secretary believes are necessary or appropriate. Any State unemployment 
compensation agency or NASWA may propose amendments to the arrangement. 
Any proposal shall constitute an amendment to the arrangement upon 
approval by the Secretary in consultation with the State unemployment 
compensation agencies. Any such amendment shall specify when the change 
shall take effect, and to which claims it shall apply.

[36 FR 24992, Dec. 28, 1971, as amended at 71 FR 35515, June 21, 2006]



PART 617 [RESERVED]--Table of Contents





PART 618_TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE UNDER THE TRADE ACT OF 1974, AS 
AMENDED--Table of Contents



                            Subpart A_General

Sec.
618.100 Purpose and scope.
618.110 Definitions.
618.120 Severability.

         Subpart B_Petitions, Investigations, and Determinations

618.200 Scope.
618.205 Petitions.
618.210 Investigation.
618.215 Public hearings.
618.220 Use of subpoena.
618.225 Criteria for certification of a group of workers.
618.230 Evidence.
618.235 Determinations.
618.240 Termination of certification.
618.245 Reconsideration of termination of an investigation, denial, or 
          termination or partial termination of certification.
618.250 Amendments of certifications.
618.255 Judicial review of determinations.
618.260 Study regarding certain affirmative determinations by the 
          Commission.
618.265 Availability of information to the public.

            Subpart C_Employment and Case Management Services

618.300 Scope.
618.305 The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program as a one-stop partner.
618.310 Responsibilities for the delivery of employment and case 
          management services.
618.325 Integrated service strategies and Workforce Innovation and 
          Opportunity Act co-enrollment.
618.330 Assessment of trade-affected workers.
618.335 Initial assessment of trade-affected workers.
618.345 Comprehensive and specialized assessment of trade-affected 
          workers.
618.350 Individual employment plans for trade-affected workers.
618.355 Knowledge, skills, and abilities of staff performing 
          assessments.
618.360 Employment and case management services for trade-affected 
          workers in training.

             Subpart D_Job Search and Relocation Allowances

618.400 Scope.
618.405 General.
618.410 Applying for a job search allowance.
618.415 Eligibility for a job search allowance.
618.420 Findings required for a job search allowance.
618.425 Amount of a job search allowance.
618.430 Determination and payment of a job search allowance.
618.435 Job search program participation.
618.440 Applying for a relocation allowance.
618.445 Eligibility for a relocation allowance.
618.450 Findings required for a relocation allowance.
618.455 Determining the amount of a relocation allowance.
618.460 Determinations and payment of a relocation allowance.

           Subpart E_Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance

618.500 Scope.
618.505 Individual eligibility.
618.510 Eligibility period for payments of Reemployment Trade Adjustment 
          Assistance and application deadline.
618.515 Continuing eligibility and timing of payments.
618.520 Benefits available to eligible adversely affected workers.
618.525 Determinations, redeterminations, and appeals.
618.530 Reductions of Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance payments; 
          priority of payments.

                       Subpart F_Training Services

618.600 Scope.
618.605 General procedures.
618.610 Criteria for approval of training.

[[Page 109]]

618.615 Limitations on training approval.
618.620 Selection of training program.
618.625 Payment restrictions for training programs.
618.630 Training of reemployed trade-affected workers.
618.635 Work-based training.
618.640 Supplemental assistance.
618.645 Voluntary withdrawal from a training program.
618.650 State standards and procedures for establishing reasonable cost 
          of training.
618.655 Training for adversely affected incumbent workers.
618.660 Training benchmarks.
618.665 Amending approved training.

                 Subpart G_Trade Readjustment Allowances

618.700 Scope.
618.705 Definitions.
618.710 Categories of Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.715 Applications for Trade Readjustment Allowances and payment.
618.720 Qualifying requirements for Basic Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.725 Training enrollment deadlines.
618.730 Good cause.
618.735 Waiver of training requirement for Basic Trade Readjustment 
          Allowances.
618.740 Evidence of qualification for Basic, Additional, and Completion 
          Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.745 Weekly amounts of Basic, Additional, and Completion Trade 
          Readjustment Allowances.
618.750 Maximum amount of Basic Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.755 Eligibility period for Basic Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.760 Qualifying requirements for, and timing and duration of, 
          Additional Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.765 Qualifying requirements for, and timing and duration of, 
          Completion Trade Readjustment Allowances.
618.770 Special rule for justifiable cause.
618.775 Payment of Trade Readjustment Allowances during breaks in 
          training.
618.780 Disqualifications.

          Subpart H_Administration by Applicable State Agencies

618.800 Scope.
618.804 Agreements with the Secretary of Labor.
618.808 State rulemaking.
618.812 Subpoenas.
618.816 Trade Adjustment Assistance Program benefit information and 
          provision of services to workers.
618.820 Determinations of eligibility; notices to individuals.
618.824 Liable State and agent State responsibilities.
618.828 Appeals and hearings.
618.832 Overpayments; penalties for fraud.
618.836 Recovery of debts due the United States or to others by Trade 
          Adjustment Assistance offset.
618.840 Uniform interpretation and application of this part.
618.844 Inviolate rights to Trade Adjustment Assistance or Reemployment 
          Trade Adjustment Assistance.
618.848 Veterans' priority of service.
618.852 Recordkeeping and disclosure of information requirements.
618.856 Information, reports, and studies.
618.860 General fiscal and administrative requirements and cost 
          classification.
618.864 Trade Adjustment Assistance Program performance.
618.868 Unemployment Insurance.
618.872 Travel under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.
618.876 Verification of eligibility for program benefits.
618.884 Special rule with respect to military service.
618.888 Equitable tolling.
618.890 Staffing flexibility.
618.894 Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements.
618.898 Applicable State law.

     Subpart I_Allocation of Funds to States for Training and Other 
                               Activities

618.900 Annual cap on funds available for Training and Other Activities.
618.910 Initial allocation of funds.
618.920 Reserve fund distributions.
618.930 Second distribution.
618.940 Insufficient funds.
618.950 Recapture and reallocation of Training and Other Activities 
          funds.

Appendix A to Part 617--Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, 
          Job Finding, and Employment Services
Appendix B to Part 617--Standard for Claim Determinations--Separation 
          Information
Appendix C to Part 617--Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection

    Authority: 19 U.S.C. 2320; Secretary's Order No. 6-2010, 75 FR 66267 
(Oct. 27, 2010).

    Source: 85 FR 51972, Aug. 21, 2020, unless otherwise noted.



                            Subpart A	General



Sec.  618.100  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Purpose. The Act establishes a Trade Adjustment Assistance for 
Workers (TAA) Program. The goal of

[[Page 110]]

the TAA Program is to help each worker participating in the program 
obtain suitable employment whenever possible, and to return to 
employment as quickly as possible.
    (b) Scope. Global trade impacts thousands of workers each year 
across the United States. The TAA Program provides trade-affected 
workers with opportunities to obtain the skills, credentials, resources, 
and support necessary to become reemployed in a good job. The TAA 
Program's benefits and services include: employment and case management 
services, training, out-of-area job search and relocation allowances, 
income support through Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA), the 
Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance (RTAA) benefit for workers aged 
50 or older who find qualifying reemployment, and, if available, the 
Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC). Together with its workforce 
development partners in the one-stop delivery system authorized under 
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the TAA Program 
helps retrain, retool, and rebuild the American workforce. This part 618 
applies for all workers determined eligible to apply for TAA except for 
those covered under certain provisions of the Trade Adjustment 
Assistance Reform Act of 2002 and the Trade and Globalization Adjustment 
Assistance Act of 2009, for which administrative guidance will continue 
to apply.
    (c) Effect. The regulations in this part are issued to implement the 
Act.



Sec.  618.110  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply solely in this part.
    Act means chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974, Public Law 
93-618, 88 Stat. 1978 (19 U.S.C. 2271-2323 and 2395), as amended.
    Administrator means the Administrator, Office of Trade Adjustment 
Assistance, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Washington, DC, who has responsibility for administering the TAA 
Program, or his or her designee.
    Adversely affected employment means employment in a firm or 
appropriate subdivision, if workers of the firm or appropriate 
subdivision are certified as eligible to apply for the TAA Program under 
subpart B of this part.
    Adversely affected worker or AAW (also referred to, in combination 
with an AAIW, as a trade-affected worker) means an individual, including 
an employer, who, because of lack of work in adversely affected 
employment, has been totally or partially separated from such 
employment.
    Adversely affected incumbent worker or AAIW (also referred to, in 
combination with an AAW, as a trade-affected worker) means a worker who:
    (1) Is a member of a worker group certified as eligible to apply for 
the TAA Program under subpart B of this part;
    (2) Has not been totally or partially separated from adversely 
affected employment; and
    (3) The Department determines, on an individual basis, is threatened 
with total or partial separation.
    Agent State means a State, other than a liable State, that provides 
benefits or services to a trade-affected worker. A State can be both an 
agent State and a liable State.
    Applicable State law means, for any worker, the State law of the 
State:
    (1) In which such worker is entitled to Unemployment Insurance (UI) 
(whether or not such worker has filed a UI claim) immediately following 
such worker's first separation; or
    (2) If the worker is not so entitled to UI under the State law of 
any State immediately following such first separation, or is entitled to 
UI under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RRUI), the State law 
of the State in which such first separation occurred.
    Appropriate subdivision means an establishment, facility or 
facilities, an organizational department, a product line, a project 
team, an operational unit, or part or combination thereof. The 
appropriate subdivision is determined on a case-by-case basis and 
includes all workers or a subset of workers working at, or reporting to, 
the location(s) identified in the petition, or subsequently identified 
during the course of the investigation, whose employment is dependent 
upon the production of the specific article or supply of the specific 
service identified in the

[[Page 111]]

petition, or identified during the course of the investigation.
    Appropriate week means the week in which the AAW's first separation 
occurred.
    Approved training or TAA approved training means a training program 
approved under subpart F of this part (Sec.  618.610).
    Article means a tangible good or an intangible good sold or produced 
by a firm. The good must be the subject of the sale or production, and 
not an object that is produced incidentally to the sale or production. 
An article can be measured in individual production units or commercial 
production units, such as with commodities. Sale of an article is the 
means by which revenue is generated, accumulated, or calculated.
    Average weekly hours means the average hours worked by an AAW 
(excluding overtime) in the employment from which the worker has been or 
claims to have been separated in the 52 consecutive calendar weeks 
(excluding weeks during which the worker was sick or on vacation) 
immediately preceding the worker's total separation or, for a partially 
separated worker, the week before the appropriate week. The average is 
obtained by dividing:
    (1) Total hours worked (excluding overtime) in the 52 consecutive 
calendar weeks (excluding weeks in such period during which the worker 
was sick or on vacation); by
    (2) The number of weeks in such 52 consecutive calendar weeks 
(excluding weeks in such period during which the worker was sick or on 
vacation).
    Average weekly wage means one-thirteenth of the total wages paid to 
an AAW in the high quarter. For purposes of this computation, the high 
quarter is the quarter in which the worker's total wages were highest 
among the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters immediately 
preceding the week in which total separation occurred or, in cases where 
partial separation is claimed, the appropriate week.
    Benefit period means, with respect to an AAW:
    (1) The benefit year and any ensuing period, as determined under the 
applicable State law, during which the worker is eligible for regular 
compensation, additional compensation, or extended compensation; or
    (2) The equivalent to such a benefit year or ensuing period provided 
for under Federal UI law.
    Certification or affirmative determination or petition certification 
means a determination issued under Sec.  618.235(a), or an amendment 
under Sec.  618.250, of eligibility to apply for the TAA Program, with 
respect to a specified worker group of a firm or appropriate 
subdivision. Excluded from this definition are ``certifications'' in 
sections 223(d), 236(a)(5)(H), 239(a)(3), and 247(19) of the Act, and 
``affirmative determinations'' in sections 222(e) and 224 of the Act.
    Certification date or date of certification means the date on which 
the Certifying Officer signs the certification. This is the date that 
the certification takes effect.
    Certification period means the period of time during which total, 
partial, or threat of separations from adversely affected employment 
within a firm or appropriate subdivision of a firm are covered by a 
certification for worker groups eligible to apply for assistance under 
section 222(a) and (b) of the Act. It also means the period of time 
during which total or partial separations from adversely affected 
employment within a firm are covered by a certification for worker 
groups eligible to apply for assistance under section 222(e) of the Act. 
The certification period begins on the impact date and, unless stated 
otherwise in the certification, ends 2 years after the certification 
date. A certification may expire sooner than 2 years after the 
certification date as a result of a termination under Sec.  618.240, an 
amendment under Sec.  618.250, or if a certification is based on a 
determination issued by the International Trade Commission (ITC) under 
section 222(e) of the Act.
    Certifying Officer means an official, including the Administrator of 
the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Employment and Training 
Administration, Department of Labor, who has been delegated 
responsibility to make determinations and issue certifications of 
eligibility to apply for the TAA Program, and to perform such further 
duties as may be required.

[[Page 112]]

    Co-enrollment means enrollment in the TAA Program and at least one 
other program that operates as part of the one-stop delivery system, 
such as the dislocated worker program under title I of WIOA.
    Commission or International Trade Commission or ITC means the U.S. 
International Trade Commission.
    Commuting area means the area in which a trade-affected worker would 
be expected to travel to and from work on a daily basis as determined 
under the applicable State law.
    Completion of training or complete training or completed training 
means that the trade-affected worker has finished all required 
coursework (including required externships or internships), testing, and 
professional licensing exams related to TAA approved training.
    Component part means an input (tangible or intangible article) that 
is directly incorporated into the production of another article, 
although it need not retain its original form or characteristics.
    Confidential business information means trade secrets and commercial 
or financial information received by the Department, or by the States on 
the Department's behalf, during an investigation under subpart B of this 
part, which the Department considers to be privileged or confidential as 
set forth in the Trade Secrets Act (18 U.S.C. 1905), 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4), 
or 29 CFR part 70. It does not include publicly available business 
information, or business information with respect to which the firm or 
customer submitting the information had notice, at the time of 
submitting the information, that the information would be released by 
the Department or the States, or if the firm or customer subsequently 
consents to the release of the information.
    Contributed importantly means a cause that is important but not 
necessarily more important than any other cause.
    Cooperating State agency or CSA means the agency at the State level 
that will act as agent of the Department in receiving applications from 
and providing benefits and services to trade-affected workers in 
coordination with the State agency that administers the UI law, if 
applicable, and such other agency or agencies of the State as the 
Governor of the State may designate to cooperate with such CSA for 
performance accountability reporting and other purposes.
    Customized training means work-based training that is:
    (1) Designed to meet the special requirements of a single employer 
or group of employers;
    (2) Conducted with a commitment by the employer or group of 
employers to employ a trade-affected worker upon successful completion 
of the training; and
    (3) For which the employer pays for a significant portion (but in no 
case less than 50 percent) of the cost of such training.
    Denial or negative determination or petition denial means a 
determination issued under Sec.  618.235(b) that a group of workers is 
not eligible for TAA Program benefits.
    Department of Labor or Department means the U.S. Department of 
Labor.
    Downstream producer means a firm that performs additional, value-
added production processes or services, such as final assembly, 
finishing, testing, packaging, or maintenance or transportation 
services. The value-added production processes or services must be 
performed directly for another firm that has a worker group certified to 
apply for the TAA Program under Sec.  618.225, and the production 
processes or services must be carried out with respect to the article or 
service on which the certification under Sec.  618.225 was based.
    Eligible RTAA recipient means, for HCTC purposes (see definition of 
HCTC), an AAW eligible for RTAA and who is participating in RTAA for a 
month and is receiving an RTAA benefit for that month.
    Eligible TAA recipient means, for HCTC purposes (see definition of 
HCTC), an AAW who receives TRA for any day of the month or who would be 
eligible to receive TRA but for the fact that the worker has not 
exhausted his or her UI entitlement.
    Employer means any individual or type of organization, including the

[[Page 113]]

Federal Government, a State government, a political subdivision, or an 
instrumentality of one or more governmental entities, with one or more 
individuals performing service in employment for it within the United 
States.
    Employment means any service performed for an employer by an officer 
of a corporation or by an individual for wages.
    Enrolled in training means that a worker's application for training 
is approved by the State under subpart F of this part, and the training 
provider has furnished written notice to the State that the worker has 
been accepted in the approved training program, which is to begin within 
30 calendar days of the date of such approval.
    Exhaustion of UI means exhaustion of all rights to UI in a benefit 
period by reason of:
    (1) Having received all UI to which a worker was entitled under the 
applicable State law or Federal unemployment compensation law with 
respect to such benefit period; or
    (2) The expiration of such benefit period.
    Family means the following members of an adversely affected worker's 
household whose principal place of abode is with the individual in a 
home the individual maintains or would maintain but for unemployment:
    (1) Spouse;
    (2) Domestic partner;
    (3) Children of the adversely affected worker, of the worker's 
spouse, or of the worker's domestic partner, who are unmarried and under 
21 years of age or who, regardless of age, are physically or mentally 
incapable of self-support. (The term ``children'' shall include natural 
offspring; stepchildren; adopted children; grandchildren, legal minor 
wards or other dependent children who are under legal guardianship of 
the worker, of the worker's spouse, or of the domestic partner; and an 
unborn child(ren) born and moved after the worker's effective date of 
transfer.);
    (4) Dependent parents (including step and legally adoptive parents) 
of the worker, of the worker's spouse, or of the worker's domestic 
partner; and
    (5) Dependent brothers and sisters (including step and legally 
adoptive brothers and sisters) of the worker, of the worker's spouse, or 
of the worker's domestic partner, who are unmarried and under 21 years 
of age or who, regardless of age, are physically or mentally incapable 
of self-support.
    Filing date means the date on which the petition and attachments to 
the petition form are determined to be valid by the Department's Office 
of Trade Adjustment Assistance, in accordance with Sec.  618.205.
    Firm means an individual proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, 
association, corporation (including a development corporation), business 
trust, cooperative, trustee in bankruptcy, or receiver under decree of 
any court. A firm, together with any predecessor or successor-in-
interest, or together with any affiliated firm controlled or 
substantially beneficially owned by substantially the same persons may 
be considered a single firm. Where the term ``firm'' appears in this 
part, it means ``firm or appropriate subdivision.'' Firm also means an 
agricultural firm or service sector firm or an appropriate subdivision 
thereof. For purposes of subpart B of this part only, firm does not 
include a public agency or any subdivision of a public agency, as 
defined in 29 U.S.C. 203(x).
    First benefit period means the benefit period established after the 
AAW's first qualifying separation or in which such separation occurs.
    Full-time training means:
    (1) Attendance in training in accordance with the training 
provider's established full-time hours in a day (or credit hours) and 
days in a week; and
    (2) In the last semester of training, if the remaining course(s) to 
complete the training approved under subpart F of this part do not meet 
the training provider's usual definition of full-time, States must 
consider the participation in training as full-time training, if no 
additional training or coursework will be required to complete the 
training program.
    Group of workers means at least two workers employed or formerly 
employed by the same firm, or an appropriate subdivision thereof, 
including teleworkers and staffed workers, who file a petition for 
certification under subpart B of this part, or for whom a petition is 
filed.

[[Page 114]]

    Health Coverage Tax Credit or HCTC means the tax credit equal to a 
specific percentage of the costs of qualified health insurance premiums, 
which is administered by the Internal Revenue Service under section 35 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (26 U.S.C. 35). When 
the tax credit is available, eligible TAA and RTAA recipients (see 
definitions of eligible TAA recipient and eligible RTAA recipient) and 
qualifying family members may apply for advance payment of the credit or 
claim the credit on their income tax return.
    Impact date means the date stated in a certification of eligibility 
to apply for the TAA Program, on which the total or partial separations 
of the workers covered by the certification began or threatened to 
begin, but in most cases, is not more than 1 year before the petition 
date.
    Increased imports means that imports have increased either 
absolutely or relative to domestic production compared to a 
representative base period. The representative base period will be 1 
year consisting of the 4 quarters immediately preceding the date that is 
12 months prior to the date of the petition.
    Individual employment plan or IEP means a revisable document 
containing an ongoing strategy, jointly developed by the trade-affected 
worker and the State, identifying the worker's employment goals, 
appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services for the 
worker to achieve his or her employment goals, objectives, and 
benchmarks while in training or receiving employment and case management 
services.
    Job finding club means a job search workshop that includes a period 
of 1 to 2 weeks of structured, supervised activity in which trade-
affected workers attempt to obtain jobs.
    Job search program or JSP means a job search workshop or job finding 
club.
    Job search workshop means a short (1 to 3 days) seminar designed to 
provide workers with knowledge that will enable the workers to find 
jobs. Subjects are not limited to, but should include, labor market 
information, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and techniques for 
finding job openings.
    Lack of work means that the employer does not have work for the 
worker to perform or does not make that work available to the worker, 
and includes, but is not limited to, circumstances when:
    (1) Work is unavailable because the employer suspends or ceases 
operations or institutes a lockout; or
    (2) Work is unavailable because the employer downsizes the workforce 
by means of attrition or layoff.
    Layoff means a suspension of or separation from employment by a firm 
for lack of work, initiated by the employer, and expected to be for a 
definite or indefinite period of time.
    Liable State means, with respect to a trade-affected worker making 
claims for TAA Program benefits, the State whose State UI law is the 
applicable State law. A State can be both an agent State and a liable 
State.
    Like or directly competitive means, for articles, that articles have 
characteristics that are substantially identical in inherent or 
intrinsic characteristics (i.e., material from which the articles are 
made, appearance, quality) or are used for substantially equivalent 
purposes and achieve comparable results and are, therefore, commercially 
interchangeable; and for services, services that have characteristics 
that are substantially identical in inherent or intrinsic 
characteristics (i.e., processes and procedures that comprise the 
activity, sequence of steps or component elements required in the 
provision of the service or both) or are used for substantially 
equivalent purposes and achieve comparable results and are, therefore, 
commercially interchangeable.
    Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance or OTAA means the organization 
within the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration that administers the TAA Program, or OTAA's successor 
organization.
    One-stop delivery system means the nationwide system of one-stop 
career centers, known as American Job Centers, which administer and 
deliver workforce development, educational, and training activities, as 
well as supportive services to workers and job seekers, in accordance 
with title I of WIOA.

[[Page 115]]

    On-the-job training or OJT means work-based training, provided--
under contract with an employer in the public, nonprofit, or private 
sector--to an AAW who is employed by the employer.
    Partial separation or partially separated means, with respect to an 
AAW who has not been totally separated, that:
    (1) For purposes of subpart B of this part:
    (i) The worker's hours of work have been reduced to 80 percent or 
less of the worker's average weekly hours at the firm, or appropriate 
subdivision thereof during the period of investigation; and
    (ii) The worker's wages have been reduced to 80 percent or less of 
the worker's average weekly wage at the firm, or appropriate subdivision 
thereof during the period of investigation.
    (2) For this subpart and subparts C through I of this part:
    (i) The worker's hours of work have been reduced to 80 percent or 
less of the worker's average weekly hours in adversely affected 
employment during the certification period; and
    (ii) The worker's wages have been reduced to 80 percent or less of 
the worker's average weekly wage in adversely affected employment during 
the certification period.
    Period of duty means active duty served by an AAW before completing 
training under subpart F of this part for a period of more than 30 days 
under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 days or, in the 
case of a member of the Army National Guard of the United States or Air 
National Guard of the United States, full-time National Guard duty under 
32 U.S.C. 502(f), for 30 consecutive days or more when authorized by the 
President or the Secretary of Defense for the purpose of responding to a 
national emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal 
funds.
    Petition date means the date a petition form is signed by the 
petitioner(s). When petitioners sign on different dates, the petition 
date is the latest of those dates.
    Prerequisite education or prerequisite coursework or prerequisite 
training means any coursework or training required by a training 
provider before entering an occupational training program designed to 
impart the skills and information required to perform a specific job or 
group of jobs.
    Program of remedial education or remedial education or remedial 
training means coursework or training that is designed to enhance the 
employability of a trade-affected worker by upgrading basic academic 
knowledge through such courses as adult basic education (ABE), basic 
math and literacy, English language acquisition (ELA) for nonnative 
speakers, and high school equivalency (HSE) courses, among others.
    Qualifying separation means any total or partial separation of an 
AAW from adversely affected employment within the certification period 
for the purposes of determining the AAW's eligibility to receive Basic 
TRA; 26-week period for enrollment in approved training; and Basic TRA 
eligibility period. The first qualifying separation is used to determine 
the weekly and maximum amounts of Basic TRA payable to an AAW.
    Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance or RTAA means the TAA 
Program benefit available to certain AAWs 50 years of age and older who 
obtain qualifying reemployment.
    Regional Administrator means the appropriate Regional Administrator 
of the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training 
Administration.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, or 
his or her designee.
    Separation date means:
    (1) For a total separation:
    (i) For a worker in employment status and not on employer-authorized 
leave, the last day worked; or
    (ii) For a worker on employer-authorized leave, including leave for 
military service, the last day the worker would have worked had the 
worker not been on the employer-authorized leave.
    (2) For a partial separation, the last day of the week in which the 
partial separation occurred.
    Service means the work performed by a worker for a service firm or 
appropriate subdivision. The work of a service firm is measured in units 
of time, labor, and tasks completed. Services

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may include the incidental production of an article, such as a license, 
ticket, certificate, permit, model, drawing, or prototype. Services are 
intangible but may involve the use of tangible objects during the supply 
of the service (such as textbooks in the supply of educational 
services). Where the revenue of the firm, or appropriate subdivision, is 
generated from the sale of a service, the firm, or appropriate 
subdivision, is deemed to be engaged in activity related to the supply 
of a service.
    Significant number or proportion of the workers means:
    (1) The lesser of 50 workers or 5 percent of the workers within a 
firm, or appropriate subdivision, have been totally or partially 
separated, or both, or are threatened with total or partial separation; 
or
    (2) 2 or more workers within a firm, or appropriate subdivision, 
with a workforce of fewer than 50 workers, have been totally or 
partially separated, or both, or are threatened with total or partial 
separation.
    Staffed worker means a worker directly employed by one firm to 
perform work under the operational control of another firm that is the 
subject of a petition investigation. These workers were previously 
referred to as ``leased workers.'' The term excludes independent 
contractors.
    State means the States of the United States, the District of 
Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and the term ``United 
States,'' when used in the geographical sense, includes the Commonwealth 
of Puerto Rico.
    State agency means the agency at the State level that administers 
the State law.
    State law means the UI law of a State under section 3304 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (26 U.S.C. 3304).
    Successor-in-interest means a firm, whether or not named on a 
certification issued under subpart B of this part, from which trade-
affected workers are separated, or threatened with separation, and where 
most or all of the factors in paragraphs (1) through (7) of this 
definition are present, relative to a firm named on a determination 
issued under subpart B:
    (1) There is continuity in business operations.
    (2) There is continuity in location.
    (3) There is continuity in the workforce.
    (4) There is continuity in supervisory personnel.
    (5) The same jobs exist under similar conditions.
    (6) There is continuity in machinery, equipment, and process.
    (7) There is continuity in product/service.
    Suitable employment means, with respect to a worker, work of a 
substantially equal or higher skill level than the worker's past 
adversely affected employment, and wages for such work that are not less 
than 80 percent of the worker's average weekly wage. Part-time, 
temporary, short-term, or threatened employment is not suitable 
employment.
    Supplier means a firm that produces and supplies directly to another 
firm component parts for articles, or services, used in the production 
of articles or in the supply of services, as the case may be, that were 
the basis for a certification of eligibility under Sec.  618.225 of a 
worker group employed by such other firm. There is no direct supply 
where an intervening customer, supplier, or another entity receives the 
component parts, aside from in a delivery or bailment capacity, or in 
the case of a service supplier, if an intervening entity performs the 
service.
    Supportive services means services such as local transportation, 
childcare, dependent care, and housing, provided through WIOA or other 
programs, that are needed to enable an individual to participate in 
activities authorized under the Act.
    Threatened to become totally or partially separated means that there 
is evidence of intent to separate workers or that imminent separations 
are reasonably anticipated.
    Threatened to begin means, in the context of reasonably anticipated 
total or partial separations, the date(s) on which imminent separations 
will begin.
    Total separation or totally separated means:
    (1) For purposes of subpart B of this part, the layoff or severance 
of an AAW

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from a firm or appropriate subdivision thereof; or
    (2) For all other purposes under this part, the layoff or severance 
of a worker from adversely affected employment with a firm, or 
appropriate subdivision thereof.
    Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers or Trade Adjustment 
Assistance or TAA Program means chapter 2 of title II of the Act, Public 
Law 93-618, 88 Stat. 1978 (19 U.S.C. 2271-2323 and 2395), as amended, 
which establishes the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers (TAA) 
Program. The benefits and services established under the Act, including 
RTAA, are collectively referred to as the Trade Adjustment Assistance 
Program (TAA Program) and provide assistance to workers adversely 
affected by foreign trade, as described in this part.
    Trade-affected worker means both ``adversely affected workers'' and 
``adversely affected incumbent workers.''
    Trade Readjustment Allowances or TRA means a weekly allowance 
payable to an AAW who meets the requirements of subpart G of this part. 
There are three types of TRA: Basic, Additional, and Completion, as 
described in Sec.  618.710.
    Unemployment Insurance or UI means the unemployment compensation 
payable to a worker under any State law or Federal UI law, including 
chapter 85 of title 5 of the U.S. Code and the RRUI. UI includes:
    (1) Regular compensation means compensation payable to a worker 
under any State unemployment compensation law (including compensation 
payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85), other than extended 
compensation and additional compensation.
    (2) Additional compensation means compensation payable to exhaustees 
by reason of conditions of high unemployment or by reason of other 
special factors.
    (3) Extended compensation means compensation (including additional 
compensation and compensation payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85) 
payable for weeks of unemployment beginning in an extended benefit 
period to a worker under those provisions of the State law that satisfy 
the requirements of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation 
Act of 1970 (EUCA) (26 U.S.C. 3304 (note)) with respect to the payment 
of extended compensation, including one-hundred percent federally funded 
unemployment compensation extensions.
    Value-added production processes or services means such processes or 
services similar to and including final assembly, finishing, testing, 
packaging, or maintenance or transportation services.
    Wages means:
    (1) Remuneration as defined by State law; or
    (2) For purposes of calculating a reemployment wage when determining 
the availability of suitable employment, the stated salary and--to the 
extent known--the value of any compensation package that would be 
defined as remuneration under State law, as provided by an employer in a 
job posting or job offer.
    Wagner-Peyser Act means the Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended (29 U.S.C. 
49 et seq.).
    Week means a week as defined in the applicable State law.
    Week of unemployment means a week of total, part-total, or partial 
unemployment as determined under the applicable State law or Federal UI 
law.
    Worker group means two or more workers of the same firm, or 
appropriate subdivision thereof, named in a certification rendered under 
subpart B of this part as eligible to apply for TAA Program benefits and 
services, inclusive of teleworkers and staffed workers.
    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or WIOA means the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113-128, as amended).



Sec.  618.120  Severability.

    Should a court of competent jurisdiction hold any provision(s) of 
this subpart to be invalid, such action will not affect any other 
provision of this subpart.



         Subpart B_Petitions, Investigations, and Determinations



Sec.  618.200  Scope.

    This subpart relates to petitions, investigations, and 
determinations of eligibility for a group of workers to apply

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for adjustment assistance under the Act. This subpart specifically 
applies to the initiation, conduct, and effective processing of 
petitions for certification of eligibility to apply for adjustment 
assistance. This subpart also contains general provisions with respect 
to filing of documents, public availability of documents, and the 
appeals process.



Sec.  618.205  Petitions.

    (a) Who may file a petition. A petition for certification of 
eligibility to apply for adjustment assistance for a group of workers, 
or a request to amend an existing certification under Sec.  618.250, 
must be filed simultaneously with the Department and with the State in 
which such workers' firm is located, by any of the following:
    (1) A group of two or more workers from the same firm, on whose 
behalf the petition is filed;
    (2) A certified or recognized union, or other duly authorized 
representative of the group of workers;
    (3) The employer(s) of the group of workers; or
    (4) One-stop center operators or one-stop partners, including State 
workforce officials, employment security agencies, or dislocated worker 
unit and rapid response team members.
    (b) Form and contents. Petitioners may obtain a petition form and 
instructions online at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/tradeact, at a 
one-stop center (also known as an American Job Center), or by writing 
to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 
Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20210. A petition, which may include attachments, must 
provide the following information to be considered valid and for an 
investigation to commence:
    (1) The name and contact information for each petitioner;
    (2) The name of the firm;
    (3) The address of the location(s) where the group of workers who 
have been totally or partially separated or threatened with separation 
report to work (for a teleworker, the address of the location to which 
they report);
    (4) The name and contact information of an official within the firm 
or an individual authorized to provide information regarding the 
operation of the group of workers' firm;
    (5) The article produced or service supplied by the firm;
    (6) The actual or approximate date on which total or partial 
separations are threatened to occur or did occur;
    (7) The actual or estimated total number of workers who have been or 
may be separated;
    (8) A reason why the petitioner believes that worker separations 
have occurred or may occur at the firm due to foreign trade impacts, or 
a reason why a request to amend an existing and active certification 
should be granted; and
    (9)(i) Every petition must be signed and dated by at least two 
members of the petitioning group of workers, or by an official of a 
certified or recognized union or other duly authorized representative of 
the group of workers, or by an official of the employer of the group of 
workers, or by a representative of one of the organizations listed in 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (ii) Signing of a petition must constitute acknowledgement that the 
information provided on the petition form will be used for the purposes 
of determining worker group eligibility and providing notice to 
petitioners, workers, and the general public that the petition has been 
filed, and whether the worker group is eligible to apply for TAA Program 
benefits and services. Knowingly falsifying any information on the 
petition form is a Federal offense (18 U.S.C. 1001) and a violation of 
the Act (19 U.S.C. 2316). For the petition to be valid, the 
petitioner(s) listed on the form must sign and date the form, attesting 
to the fact that they are authorized to file a petition.
    (c) Supplemental information. Providing supplemental information, 
while not required, may assist the investigation. Attachments to the 
petition form are part of the petition.
    (d) Filing. (1) Petitions should be filed electronically with the 
Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, via https://www.dol.gov/agencies/
eta/tradeact. Individuals requiring assistance in filing online should 
contact their nearest one-stop center or the State's rapid response 
unit.

[[Page 119]]

    (2) Alternatively, petitions may be filed via email to 
[email protected], via fax at (202) 693-3584 or (202) 693-3585, or by 
mail to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training 
Administration, Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, 200 Constitution 
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.
    (e) Industry notification of ITC determinations. Upon receiving 
notification from the ITC that it has issued an affirmative 
determination of injury or threat of injury under section 202 or 421 of 
the Act, under an applicable safeguard provision enacted to implement a 
trade agreement to which the United States is a party, or an affirmative 
final determination of material injury of threat thereof in 
investigation under section 705 or 735 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the 
Department will notify the affected parties listed in paragraph (e)(1) 
of this section. To the extent practicable, the Department may also 
notify other duly authorized representatives of the industry to which 
the ITC determination applies.
    (1) Parties the Department will notify under paragraph (e) of this 
section include:
    (i) Representatives of the domestic industry affected by the 
determination;
    (ii) Firms publicly identified by name during the proceeding related 
to the ITC determination; and
    (iii) Unions representing workers in firms covered by the 
determination.
    (2) The notice provided by the Department under paragraph (e) of 
this section will include:
    (i) A summary of the ITC determination;
    (ii) Information about the workers' potential eligibility for TAA 
Program benefits;
    (iii) The benefits and services available under the TAA Program;
    (iv) Information regarding the process for filing of petitions; and
    (v) The availability of assistance from the State for filing 
petitions.
    (3) The Department will also notify the Governor of each State in 
which one or more firms covered by an ITC determination are located and 
will identify those firms to the State.
    (f) Acceptance of petitions. The Department will review a petition, 
including attachments, to determine if it is valid within 2 business 
days of receipt of the petition by the Department. The date on which the 
petition is determined to be valid under paragraph (b) of this section 
is the filing date. The Department will not initiate the investigation 
until it has determined that the petition is valid.
    (g) Multiple petitions for same group of workers. If the Department 
receives multiple petitions regarding the same group of workers, it will 
base the filing date upon the first petition received.
    (h) Publication of notice in the Federal Register. The Department 
will publish a notice in the Federal Register and on the Department's 
website announcing the initiation of an investigation into all valid 
petitions filed.
    (i) Public access to petitions. A petition, including attachments, 
is a record that is available, in redacted form, in accordance with the 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as amended (5 U.S.C. 552), Executive 
Order 12600, and 29 CFR part 70. The Department will post all petitions, 
in redacted form, to the Department's website and make them available 
for review at the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Washington, DC.
    (j) Receipt of petition by the State. When the State receives a 
petition, the State must verify that the Department has also received 
the petition. If the petition has not been posted to the Department's 
website within 10 calendar days of receipt by the State, the State must 
forward the petition to the Department.



Sec.  618.210  Investigation.

    (a) Timing. The Department will initiate an investigation once it 
has deemed the petition valid in accordance with Sec.  618.205(f).
    (b) Period of investigation. For purposes of this subpart, the 
period of investigation is the time period it takes to investigate each 
of the criteria that are part of the Department's determination. The 
period of investigation varies for some eligibility criteria; Sec.  
618.225 describes the period of investigation for each criterion.
    (c) Investigative process. To determine whether the petitioning 
group of workers' eligibility criteria for certification have been met, 
the Department may

[[Page 120]]

take as many of the steps in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this 
section during the investigation as it deems necessary to identify the 
group of workers and to reach a determination of eligibility to apply 
for TAA Program benefits for the identified worker group:
    (1) Verify information on the petition form by contacting the 
petitioner(s);
    (2) Provide the petitioner(s) the opportunity to submit additional 
evidence in support of the petition;
    (3) Obtain publicly available information about the workers' firm 
and industry;
    (4) Request information from the workers' firm;
    (5) Request information from the customers of the workers' firm;
    (6) Request information from the officials of certified or 
recognized unions or other duly authorized representatives of the group 
of workers;
    (7) Request information from one-stop center operators or one-stop 
partners; or
    (8) Use other available sources of information as necessary.
    (d) Protection of confidential business information. (1) The 
Department will determine whether information submitted by a firm or 
customer is confidential business information in accordance with FOIA, 
as amended (5 U.S.C. 552), Executive Order 12600, the Trade Secrets Act 
(18 U.S.C. 1905), and 29 CFR part 70.
    (2) The Department will not disclose confidential business 
information without the consent of the submitting firm or customer, 
unless under a court order to do so or as otherwise required by law.
    (e) Termination of investigation. (1) The Department will notify the 
petitioner of the termination of an investigation, publish a Notice of 
Termination of Investigation in the Federal Register, and post on the 
Department's website. The Department may terminate an investigation if 
the investigation establishes one of the following:
    (i) The petition is invalid, which includes petitions identifying a 
nonexistent group of workers, filed under false pretenses, or 
perpetuating fraud;
    (ii) The petitioner has withdrawn the petition in writing;
    (iii) The group of workers identified in the investigation is the 
same as a group of workers identified in another pending investigation;
    (iv) The group of workers identified in the investigation already 
has been issued a denial, and the period of investigation applicable to 
the current investigation and the previous denial is the same; or
    (v) The group of workers identified in the investigation is already 
covered by a certification that does not expire within 90 calendar days 
of the determination.
    (2) If appropriate to protect the interests of the group of workers 
covered by a petition filed and terminated under paragraph (e)(1)(i) or 
(ii) of this section, the Department may use the original impact date of 
the terminated petition for the identical group of workers covered under 
a later, valid, petition covering the identical group of workers, 
provided that it is filed within 30 calendar days of the filing date of 
the first petition. Under no circumstances will the Department use the 
impact date of an earlier petition when that petition was terminated for 
being invalid under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section because it was 
filed under false pretenses or to perpetuate a fraud.
    (3) Section 618.245 describes reconsideration of a termination of 
investigation.
    (f) Investigative record. The investigative record of a 
determination will include the petition that initiated the 
investigation, the documents and other materials provided to the 
Department in connection with the determination on the petition, 
research conducted by the Department, and records of investigation 
activities (including but not limited to telephone logs and email 
correspondence, and any determination under Sec.  618.225(a), (b), or 
(c)). The investigative record excludes information that is privileged 
or otherwise exempt from disclosure. Personally identifiable information 
and confidential business information will be protected consistent with 
all Federal authorities and Departmental administrative guidance.

[[Page 121]]

    (g) Site visits. The investigation may include one or more site 
visits to confirm information furnished by the petitioner(s) and to 
elicit other relevant information, where other methods to obtain or 
confirm information or both, are unsuccessful.



Sec.  618.215  Public hearings.

    (a) When held. (1) A public hearing must be held in connection with 
an investigation initiated under Sec.  618.210 whenever, but not later 
than 10 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register of 
the notice of receipt of the petition, such a hearing is requested in 
writing by:
    (i) The petitioner; or
    (ii) Any other person found by the Administrator to have a 
substantial interest in the proceedings.
    (2) Such petitioner and other interested persons must be afforded an 
opportunity to be present, to produce evidence, and to be heard.
    (3) An explanation of why the requestor is requesting the hearing 
must be provided to the Department.
    (b) Form of request. A request for public hearing must be filed, in 
letter format, in the same manner as provided for other documents under 
Sec.  618.205(d)(2). The request must contain:
    (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the person, 
organization, or group requesting the hearing;
    (2) A complete statement of the relationship of the person, 
organization, or group requesting the hearing to the petitioner or the 
petition's subject matter; and
    (3) An explanation of why the person, organization, or requestor of 
the hearing is interested in the matter.
    (c) Time, place, and scope. The time, place, and scope of a public 
hearing will be set by the presiding officers and published in the 
Federal Register a reasonable period of time before the scheduled 
hearing.
    (d) Presiding officer. The Administrator, or his or her designee, 
must conduct and preside over public hearings.
    (e) Order of testimony. Witnesses will testify in the order 
designated by the presiding officer. Each witness, after being duly 
sworn, will proceed with testimony. After testifying, the presiding 
officer or an agent designated by the presiding officer may question the 
witness. Any person who has entered an appearance in accordance with 
paragraph (k) of this section may direct questions to the witness, but 
only for the purpose of assisting the presiding officer in obtaining 
relevant and material facts with respect to the subject matter of the 
hearing.
    (f) Evidence. Witnesses may produce evidence of a relevant and 
material nature to the subject matter of the hearing.
    (g) Briefs. Parties who have entered an appearance may file briefs 
regarding the evidence produced at the hearing. The briefs must be filed 
with the presiding officer within 10 days of the completion of the 
hearing.
    (h) Oral argument. The presiding officer must provide opportunity 
for oral argument by parties listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of 
this section after conclusion of the testimony in a hearing. The 
presiding officer will determine in each instance the time to be allowed 
for argument and the allocation thereof.
    (i) Authentication of evidence. Evidence, oral or written, submitted 
at hearings, will, upon order of the presiding officer, be subject to 
verification from books, papers, and records of the parties submitting 
such evidence and from any other available sources.
    (j) Transcripts. All hearings will be transcribed or recorded in 
compliance with the standards of the Department. Persons interested in 
records of the hearings may inspect them at the U.S. Department of Labor 
in Washington, DC.
    (k) Appearances. Any person showing a substantial interest in the 
proceedings may enter an appearance at a hearing, either in person or by 
a duly authorized representative.



Sec.  618.220  Use of subpoena.

    (a) The Administrator may require, by subpoena, in connection with 
any investigation or hearing, the attendance and testimony of witnesses 
and the production of evidence the issuing official deems necessary to 
make a determination under this subpart.

[[Page 122]]

    (b) The Department will issue a subpoena to secure evidence from a 
firm, customer, petitioner, or other person who fails to provide 
requested information within 20 days of the request, unless the 
recipient of the subpoena demonstrates to the satisfaction of the 
Department that the information will be provided within a reasonable 
time. In making this determination, the Department will consider the 
following factors:
    (1) Submission of a portion of the required information;
    (2) Prompt cooperation with inquiries about the information;
    (3) Cooperation in previous responses to information requests;
    (4) Evidence of effort to obtain the required information; and
    (5) Other information the Department determines to be relevant.
    (c) Witnesses subpoenaed under this section to appear in person must 
be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid for like services in the 
District Court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which the 
proceeding is taking place. The Department must pay the witness fees and 
mileage.
    (d) Subpoenas issued under paragraph (a) of this section must be 
signed by the Administrator, or his or her designee, and must be served 
consistent with Rule 5(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The 
date for compliance must be 7 calendar days following service of the 
subpoena, unless otherwise indicated.
    (e) If the recipient of the subpoena refuses to provide the 
requested information, the Department may petition the appropriate 
District Court of the United States to seek enforcement of the subpoena.



Sec.  618.225  Criteria for certification of a group of workers.

    (a) Increased imports. (1) This paragraph (a) includes criteria for 
certification of a group of workers based upon increased imports of:
    (i) Articles like or directly competitive with the articles produced 
by the workers' firm;
    (ii) Services like or directly competitive with the services 
supplied by the workers' firm;
    (iii) Articles like or directly competitive with articles into which 
one or more component parts produced by the workers' firm are directly 
incorporated;
    (iv) Articles like or directly competitive with articles that are 
produced directly using services supplied by the workers' firm; or
    (v) Articles directly incorporating one or more component parts 
produced outside the United States that are like or directly competitive 
with imports of articles incorporating one or more component parts 
produced by the workers' firm.
    (2) After review of the relevant information necessary to make a 
determination, the Certifying Officer must certify a worker group as 
eligible to apply for TAA Program benefits and services as impacted by 
increased imports if all four of the criteria in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) 
through (iv) of this section are met.
    (i) Criterion 1. A significant number or proportion of the workers' 
firm, or appropriate subdivision thereof, have been totally or partially 
separated, or threatened with such separation, during the 1-year period 
prior to the petition date.
    (A) Information regarding separations may be obtained from:
    (1) A questionnaire;
    (2) State workforce agencies;
    (3) Unions;
    (4) Workers in the group of workers;
    (5) Public records; and
    (6) Other reliable sources.
    (B) Analysis of separation data must generally consist of a:
    (1) Comparison of employment on the petition date to employment on 
the date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (2) Review of employment activity during the 1-year period prior to 
the petition date; and
    (3) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding 
actual and threatened separations that occur, or are scheduled to occur, 
after the petition date.
    (C) Evidence of threat of separation includes, but is not limited 
to:

[[Page 123]]

    (1) A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notice (WARN) letter, or a 
notification issued under a similar State law;
    (2) A separation schedule;
    (3) Information provided to the public, such as a news release or 
notice on the workers' firm website;
    (4) Information provided to the worker group; or
    (5) Internal firm documents, including memoranda or a firm 
newsletter.
    (ii) Criterion 2. Sales or production, or both, of the workers' firm 
has decreased during the 1-year period prior to the petition date.
    (A) Information regarding sales or production may be collected from:
    (1) Questionnaires;
    (2) Public records; and
    (3) Other reliable sources.
    (B) Analysis of sales or production data must generally consist of a 
comparison of sales or production data on the petition date to sales or 
production data on the date that is 1 year prior to the petition date.
    (iii) Criterion 3. Imports of the article or service have increased 
during the 1-year period prior to the petition date.
    (A) Information regarding imports may be collected from:
    (1) Questionnaires issued to the workers' firm or customer(s);
    (2) Public records; and
    (3) Other reliable sources.
    (B) Analysis of the workers' firm import activity must generally 
consist of a comparison of the workers' firm import data on the petition 
date to the workers' firm import data on the date that is 1 year prior 
to the petition date.
    (C) Analysis of customer import activity must generally consist of a 
comparison of the aggregate of customer import data on the petition date 
to the aggregate of customer import data on the date that is 1 year 
prior to the petition date.
    (iv) Criterion 4. Increased imports have contributed importantly to 
worker separations, or threat of separation, and the decline in sales or 
production at the workers' firm.
    (A) Analysis of the impact of increased imports on worker 
separations and declines in sales or production at the workers' firm 
must generally consist of determining:
    (1) Whether there are one or more events, or factors, that lessen or 
sever the causal nexus between the increase in imports and worker 
separations or threat of separation, and the decline in sales and 
production at the workers' firm;
    (2) What percentage of the workers' firm sales or production 
declines was attributable to the firm's increased imports;
    (3) What percentage of the workers' firm customer(s) sales or 
production declines was attributable to the firm's increased imports; 
and
    (4) Whether there are other events or factors that mitigate or 
amplify the impact of increased imports on the workers' firm.
    (B) The impact may be determined using a quantitative or qualitative 
analysis.
    (b) Shift. (1) This paragraph (b) includes criteria for 
certification of a worker group based on a shift:
    (i) In production of like or directly competitive articles by the 
workers' firm to another country; or
    (ii) In the supply of like or directly competitive services by the 
workers' firm to another country.
    (2) After a review of relevant information necessary to make a 
determination, the Certifying Officer must certify a group of workers as 
eligible to apply for TAA Program benefits and services as impacted by a 
shift in production or supply of service if all of the criteria in 
paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section of are met.
    (i) Criterion 1. A significant number or proportion of the workers' 
firm, or appropriate subdivision thereof, have been totally or partially 
separated, or threatened with separation, during the 1-year period prior 
to the petition date.
    (A) Information regarding separations may be obtained from:
    (1) A questionnaire;
    (2) State workforce agencies;
    (3) Unions;
    (4) Workers in the group of workers;
    (5) Public records; and
    (6) Other reliable sources.
    (B) Analysis of separation data must generally consist of a:

[[Page 124]]

    (1) Comparison of employment on the petition date to employment on 
the date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (2) Review of employment activity during the 1-year period prior to 
the petition date; and
    (3) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding 
actual and threatened separations that occur, or are scheduled to occur, 
after the petition date.
    (C) Evidence of threat of separation includes, but is not limited 
to:
    (1) A WARN letter, or a notification issued under a similar State 
law;
    (2) A separation schedule;
    (3) Information provided to the public, such as a news release or 
notice on the workers' firm website;
    (4) Information provided to the worker group; or
    (5) Internal firm documents, including memoranda or a firm 
newsletter.
    (ii) Criterion 2. There has been a shift in the production or supply 
of services by the workers' firm to a foreign country.
    (A) Information regarding shift activity may be collected from:
    (1) A questionnaire;
    (2) Public records; and
    (3) Other reliable sources.
    (B) Analysis of shift activity must generally consist of a:
    (1) Comparison of shift data on the petition date to shift data on 
the date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (2) Review of shift activity during the 1-year period prior to the 
petition date; and
    (3) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding shift 
activity scheduled to occur after the petition date.
    (C) Evidence of future planned shift activity must include more than 
a stated intent to shift activity to a foreign country and includes, but 
is not limited to, a reassignment of production or service supply; a 
reassignment of discrete aspects or stages of production or service 
supply; securing a facility in a foreign country; shipping resources to 
a foreign country; or acquiring personnel in a foreign country.
    (iii) Criterion 3. The shift to a foreign country has contributed 
importantly to worker separations or threat of separation.
    (A) Analysis of impact of shift activity on worker separations must 
generally consist of determining:
    (1) Whether there are one or more events or factors that sever or 
lessen the causal nexus between the shift activity and worker 
separations or threat of separation;
    (2) What percentage of the workers' firm sales or production 
declines was attributable to the firm's shift activity;
    (3) Whether operations at the workers' firm domestic facility or 
facilities decreased at the same or at a greater rate than operations at 
the foreign facility or facilities; and
    (4) Whether there are other events or factors that mitigate or 
amplify the impact of shift activity on the workers' firm.
    (B) The impact may be determined using a quantitative or qualitative 
analysis.
    (c) Foreign acquisition. This paragraph (c) includes criteria for 
certification of a worker group based on a foreign acquisition of like 
or directly competitive articles by the workers' firm from another 
country. After review of relevant information necessary to make a 
determination, the Certifying Officer must certify a group of workers as 
eligible to apply for TAA Program benefits and services as impacted by a 
foreign acquisition of articles or services if all of the criteria in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (3) of this section are met.
    (1) Criterion 1. A significant number or proportion of the workers' 
firm, or appropriate subdivision thereof, have been totally or partially 
separated, or threatened with separation, during the 1-year period prior 
to the petition date.
    (i) Information regarding separations may be obtained from:
    (A) A questionnaire;
    (B) State workforce agencies;
    (C) Unions;
    (D) Workers in the group of workers;
    (E) Public records; and
    (F) Other reliable sources.
    (ii) Analysis of separation data must generally consist of a:
    (A) Comparison of employment on the petition date to employment on 
the

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date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (B) Review of employment activity during the 1-year period prior to 
the petition date; and
    (C) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding 
actual and threatened separations that occur, or are scheduled to occur, 
after the petition date.
    (iii) Evidence of threat of separation includes, but is not limited 
to:
    (A) A WARN letter, or a notification issued under a similar State 
law;
    (B) A separation schedule;
    (C) Information provided to the public, such as a news release or 
notice on the workers' firm website;
    (D) Information provided to the worker group; or
    (E) Internal firm documents, including memoranda or a firm 
newsletter.
    (2) Criterion 2. There has been an acquisition of articles or supply 
of services by the workers' firm from an entity in a foreign country.
    (i) Information regarding separations may be obtained from:
    (A) A questionnaire;
    (B) State workforce agencies;
    (C) Unions;
    (D) Workers in the group of workers;
    (E) Public records; and
    (F) Other reliable sources.
    (ii) Analysis of acquisition data must generally consist of a:
    (A) Comparison of acquisition data on the petition date to 
acquisition data on the date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (B) Review of acquisition data during the 1-year period prior to the 
petition date; and
    (C) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding 
acquisition activity scheduled to occur after the petition date.
    (iii) Evidence of future planned acquisitions requires more than a 
stated intent to procure production of an article or supply of services 
from an entity in a foreign country and may include, but is not limited 
to, entering into a contract with a licensee; reassignment of production 
or service supply to a contractor or licensee; and a reassignment of 
discrete aspects or stages of production or service supply to a 
contractor or licensee.
    (3) Criterion 3. The acquisition from a foreign country has 
contributed importantly to worker separations or threat of separation.
    (i) Analysis of impact of acquisition data on worker separations 
must generally consist of determining:
    (A) Whether there are one or more events or factors that lessen or 
sever the causal nexus between the acquisition activity and worker 
separations or threat of separation;
    (B) What percentage of the workers' firm sales or production 
declines was attributable to the firm's acquisition activity;
    (C) Whether operations at the workers' firm domestic facility or 
facilities decreased at the same or at a greater rate than contractor or 
licensee operations in the foreign country; and
    (D) Whether there are other events or factors that mitigate or 
amplify the impact of acquisition activity on the workers' firm.
    (ii) The impact may be determined using a quantitative or 
qualitative analysis.
    (d) Supplier of component parts or services. This paragraph (d) 
contains criteria for certification of a worker group as a supplier to a 
worker group. After review of relevant information necessary to make a 
determination, the Certifying Officer must certify a worker group as 
eligible to apply for TAA Program benefits and services as a supplier to 
a worker group if all of the criteria in paragraphs (d)(1) through (5) 
of this section are met.
    (1) Criterion 1. A significant number or proportion of the workers' 
firm, or appropriate subdivision thereof, have been totally or partially 
separated, or threatened with separation, during the 1-year period prior 
to the petition date.
    (i) Information regarding separations may be obtained from:
    (A) A questionnaire;
    (B) State workforce agencies;
    (C) Unions;
    (D) Workers in the group of workers;
    (E) Public records; and
    (F) Other reliable sources.
    (ii) Analysis of separation data must generally consist of a:
    (A) Comparison of employment on the petition date to employment on 
the

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date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (B) Review of employment activity during the 1-year period prior to 
the petition date; and
    (C) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding 
actual and threatened separations that occur, or are scheduled to occur, 
after the petition date.
    (iii) Evidence of threat of separation includes, but is not limited 
to:
    (A) A WARN letter, or a notification issued under a similar State 
law;
    (B) A separation schedule;
    (C) Information provided to the public, such as a news release or 
notice on the workers' firm website;
    (D) Information provided to the worker group; or
    (E) Internal firm documents, including memoranda or a firm 
newsletter.
    (2) Criterion 2. The certification of the worker group employed by 
the firm to which the workers' firm supplied component parts or services 
has not expired by the petition date.
    (3) Criterion 3. The workers' firm conducted business with the firm 
identified in paragraph (d)(2) of this section during the 1-year period 
prior to the petition date.
    (4) Criterion 4. The certification identified in paragraph (d)(2) of 
this section was based on an article or service related to the component 
part produced or service supplied by the workers' firm.
    (5) Criterion 5. The component parts supplied to the firm identified 
in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, represented at least 20 percent of 
the supplier's production or sales during the 1-year period prior to the 
petition date, or loss of business with the firm identified in paragraph 
(d)(2) of this section, during the 1-year period prior to the petition 
date, contributed importantly to separations or threat of separation at 
the workers' firm.
    (e) Downstream producer. After review of relevant information 
necessary to make a determination, the Certifying Officer must certify a 
worker group as eligible to apply for TAA Program benefits and services 
as a downstream producer if all of the criteria in paragraphs (e)(1) 
through (5) of this section are met.
    (1) Criterion 1. A significant number or proportion of the workers' 
firm, or appropriate subdivision thereof, have been totally or partially 
separated, or threatened with separation, during the 1-year period prior 
to the petition date.
    (i) Information regarding separations may be obtained from a 
questionnaire, State workforce agencies, unions, workers in the group of 
workers, public records, and other reliable sources.
    (ii) Analysis of separation data must generally consist of a:
    (A) Comparison of employment on the petition date to employment on 
the date that is 1 year prior to the petition date;
    (B) Review of employment activity during the 1-year period prior to 
the petition date; and
    (C) Review of evidence provided by the workers' firm regarding 
actual and threatened separations that occur, or are scheduled to occur, 
after the petition date.
    (iii) Evidence of threat of separation includes, but is not limited 
to:
    (A) A WARN letter, or a notification issued under a similar State 
law;
    (B) A separation schedule;
    (C) Information provided to the public, such as a news release or 
notice on the workers' firm website;
    (D) Information provided to the worker group; or
    (E) Internal firm documents, including memoranda or a firm 
newsletter.
    (2) Criterion 2. The certification of the worker group employed by 
the firm to which the workers' firm provided value-added production 
processes or services has not expired by the petition date.
    (3) Criterion 3. The workers' firm conducted business with the firm 
identified in paragraph (e)(2) of this section during the 1-year period 
prior to the petition date.
    (4) Criterion 4. The certification identified in paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section was based on an article or service related to the value-
added production processes or services supplied by the workers' firm.
    (5) Criterion 5. Loss of business with the firm identified in 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section during the 1-year period prior to the 
petition date contributed

[[Page 127]]

importantly to separations or threat of separation at the workers' firm.
    (f) ITC determinations. After review of relevant information 
necessary to make a determination, the Certifying Officer must certify a 
worker group as eligible to apply for TAA based on a determination 
issued by the ITC if all of the criteria in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(3) of this section are met.
    (1) Criterion 1. The ITC has publicly identified the workers' firm, 
by name, as a member of a domestic industry in an investigation 
resulting in:
    (i) An affirmative determination of serious injury or threat thereof 
under section 202(b)(1) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2252(b)(1));
    (ii) An affirmative determination of market disruption or threat 
thereof under section 421(b)(1) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2451(b)(1)); or
    (iii) An affirmative final determination of material injury or 
threat thereof under section 705(b)(1)(A) or 735(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff 
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671d(b)(1)(A) and 1673d(b)(1)(A)).
    (2) Criterion 2. The petition is filed during the 1-year period 
beginning on the date on which:
    (i) A summary of the report submitted to the President by the ITC 
under section 202(f)(1) of the Act with respect to the affirmative 
determination described in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section is 
published in the Federal Register under section 202(f)(3) of the Act; or
    (ii) Notice of an affirmative determination described in paragraph 
(f)(1)(ii) or (iii) of this section is published in the Federal 
Register.
    (3) Criterion 3. The workers have become totally or partially 
separated from the workers' firm within:
    (i) The 1-year period described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section; 
or
    (ii) The 1-year period preceding the 1-year period described in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
    (g) Sales or production decline criteria. For paragraphs (a) through 
(c) of this section, in assessing sales or production decline for the 
period 1 year prior to the petition date, the Department will use a 
comparison of the latest 2 full calendar year periods and will use a 
comparison of the year to date period (from the year the petition was 
filed) to the same year to date period from the prior year. This 
paragraph (g) does not apply to determining whether a significant number 
of workers have been separated or threatened with separation.
    (h) Oil and gas. For workers employed by firms engaged in 
exploration or drilling for crude oil and natural gas:
    (1) Any firm, or appropriate subdivision of a firm, that engages in 
exploration or drilling for oil or natural gas must be considered to be 
a firm producing oil or natural gas;
    (2) Any firm, or appropriate subdivision of a firm, that engages in 
exploration or drilling for oil or natural gas, or otherwise produces 
oil or natural gas, must be considered to be producing articles directly 
competitive with imports of oil and with imports of natural gas; and
    (3) The Department may conduct a parallel investigation to determine 
whether the group of workers meets the criteria for certification of 
worker groups under this section for the services provided by the group 
of workers. The Department will render a determination after all 
appropriate avenues are considered.
    (i) Staffed workers. The Department considers staffed workers to be 
members of a worker group even if they are not specifically mentioned 
within the determination document issued under Sec.  618.235. The 
Department will collect information from the workers' firm during the 
investigation to establish which leasing or staffing entity or entities 
the firm used under a contract. Once identified, an evaluation of 
operational control will occur. If a certification is rendered, the 
Department will notify States regarding the appropriate contact 
information of the known leasing or staffing entity or entities in order 
to expedite worker notification of their eligibility to apply 
individually for TAA Program benefits and services. Factors to be 
considered in evaluating operational control include:
    (1) Whether the contract workers perform only tasks that are 
independent, discrete projects for the workers' firm (as opposed to 
performing tasks that are part of the regular business operations of the 
firm);

[[Page 128]]

    (2) Whether the workers' firm has the discretion to hire, fire, and 
discipline the contract workers;
    (3) Whether the workers' firm has the ability to terminate the 
contract workers' employment with such firm through the staffing or 
leasing contracted firm;
    (4) Whether the workers' firm exercises the authority to supervise 
the contract workers' daily work activities, including assigning and 
managing work, and determining how, where, and when the work of contract 
worker takes place (e.g., factors such as the hours of work, the 
selection of work, and the manner in which the work is to be performed 
by each contract worker are relevant);
    (5) Whether the services of the contract workers are offered on the 
open market;
    (6) Whether the contract workers work exclusively for the workers' 
firm;
    (7) Whether the workers' firm is responsible for establishing wage 
rates and the payment of salaries of the contract workers;
    (8) Whether the workers' firm provides skills training to the 
contract workers; and
    (9) Whether there are other facts indicating that the workers' firm 
exercises control over the contract workers.
    (j) Teleworkers. The Department considers teleworkers (also known as 
remote, or home-based workers) to be members of a worker group even if 
they are not specifically mentioned within the determination document 
issued under Sec.  618.235 when they would be a part of the worker group 
if they worked on-site. Teleworkers do not have to be physically based 
at the location of the subject firm or in the same city or same State of 
the location that is identified on the determination document to be 
members of the certified worker group.
    (k) Successor-in-interest. The Department considers workers employed 
by a firm that is a successor-in-interest to be members of a worker 
group even if they are not mentioned specifically within the 
determination document issued under Sec.  618.235.



Sec.  618.230  Evidence.

    (a) The Department will verify information obtained during an 
investigation before considering such information in support of a 
petition.
    (b) Evidence may be accepted from such sources including, but not 
limited to, petitioners, company officials, current and former workers 
of the firm, customers of the firm, trade associations, union 
representatives, Federal agencies, and public sources such as State 
agencies and academic institutions.
    (c) The Department may share affidavits, testimonials, news 
articles, and other types of information proffered in support of a 
petition with appropriate parties for verification.



Sec.  618.235  Determinations.

    Based on the findings of the investigation as set forth in Sec.  
618.230, a Certifying Officer will make a determination on a petition as 
provided under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
    (a) Affirmative determination or certification. When the 
investigation establishes that a group of workers meets the eligibility 
criteria of Sec.  618.225, the Certifying Officer will issue a 
certification of worker group eligibility to apply for TAA Program 
benefits and services. The certification will include the name of the 
firm or appropriate subdivision thereof at which the trade-affected 
workers covered by the certification have been employed (which need not 
be limited to the unit specified in the petition), and may identify the 
worker group by name, as described in Sec.  618.225(i) and (j), the 
certification period, and the certification date.
    (1) A certification covers any worker in the worker group eligible 
to apply for assistance under sec. 222(a) and (b) of the Act, whose last 
total or partial separation, or threat of a separation, from a firm or 
appropriate subdivision took place within the certification period, 
which is the period:
    (i) Following the impact date, which is the date 1 year before the 
petition date; and
    (ii) On or before the day the certification expires, which is 2 
years after the certification date, or an earlier date on which the 
Certifying Officer

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determines that separations from adversely affected employment may no 
longer be attributed to the conditions underlying the certification, as 
described in Sec.  618.240, or the date identified in an amendment 
described in Sec.  618.250.
    (2) A certification covers any worker in the worker group eligible 
to apply for TAA Program benefits and services under section 222(e) 
whose last total or partial separation from a firm took place within the 
certification period, which is the period:
    (i) Following the impact date, which is the date 1 year before the 
ITC publication in the Federal Register; and
    (ii) On or before the day the certification expires, which is the 
date 1 year from the ITC publication in the Federal Register.
    (3) A trade-affected worker who is a member of the worker group 
covered by the certification may apply to the State for benefits and 
services under subparts C through G of this part.
    (b) Negative determination or denial. When the investigation 
establishes that the group of workers does not meet the criteria for 
eligibility, as described in Sec.  618.225, the Certifying Officer will 
issue a denial. The denial will include the name of the firm or 
appropriate subdivision thereof at which the workers covered by the 
denial have been employed (which need not be limited to the unit 
specified in the petition), and may identify the worker group by name, 
as described in Sec.  618.225(i) and (j).
    (c) Determination. The Certifying Officer issues a determination 
identifying the article(s) produced or service(s) provided and 
describing the worker group covered by the certification or denial and 
stating the reasons for the determination (excluding information 
designated as confidential business information). The Department will 
provide a copy of the determination to the petitioner(s) and to the 
State(s) covered by the determination. The Department will publish in 
the Federal Register, and on the Department's website, a summary of the 
determination issued under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, along 
with a general statement of the reasons for the determination (except 
for confidential business information).
    (d) Amended determination. The Department may amend a certification 
for any of the purposes described in Sec.  618.250(a), in response to a 
petition filed under Sec.  618.205, or without an outside request for an 
amendment. An amended determination will not take effect until the 
previous determination becomes final, either after the period in which 
to request reconsideration has lapsed or after the Department makes a 
determination on reconsideration. Amended certifications are discussed 
in more detail in Sec.  618.250.
    (e) Administrative action. The Department may, with or without an 
outside request, reconsider actions taken under Sec.  618.210(e), 
618.235(b), 618.240, 618.245, or 618.250.



Sec.  618.240  Termination of certification.

    (a) Initiation. Whenever the Administrator of the Office of Trade 
Adjustment Assistance has reason to believe, with respect to any 
nonexpired certification, that the total or partial separations or 
threat of separation from a firm, or appropriate subdivision thereof, 
are no longer attributable to the conditions specified in section 222 of 
the Act and Sec.  618.225, the Administrator must promptly conduct an 
investigation.
    (b) Notice. A notice of the initiation of an investigation to 
terminate a certification must be published in the Federal Register, and 
on the Department's website, and provided to the petitioner(s) of the 
certification under investigation, the firm official(s), and State(s) 
that contain the location(s) of the workers comprising the worker group 
covered by the certification. The State(s) must also promptly notify the 
workers in the worker group.
    (c) Opportunity for comment. Within 10 calendar days after 
publication of the notice under paragraph (b) of this section, members 
of the worker group or any other person who has a substantial interest 
in the matter may provide evidence in writing supporting the 
continuation of eligibility of certification to show why the 
certification should not be terminated. If a hearing is requested, it 
will be conducted in accordance with Sec.  618.215. If no evidence is

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provided by any interested party within 10 days from the date of 
publication to the Federal Register or on the Department's website, 
whichever is later, a determination must be issued once the 
investigation is complete. Evidence (except at a timely requested 
hearing) and hearing requests submitted outside the 10-day period will 
not be accepted.
    (d) Investigation of termination of a certification. The Department 
will conduct a review of the record on which the certification was 
based, any evidence timely filed under paragraph (c) of this section, 
and any data submitted with the petition or provided subsequent to the 
filing of the petition.
    (e) Determination to terminate or partially terminate a 
certification. A determination to terminate a certification may cover 
the entire worker group specified in the certification or a portion of 
that group. Such termination or partial termination must apply only with 
respect to total or partial separations occurring after the termination 
date specified in the determination notice and must only take effect 
after the determination becomes final, either after the period in which 
to request reconsideration has lapsed or after a determination on 
reconsideration is made.
    (1) Upon making a determination that the certification should be 
terminated for all or part of the worker group specified in the 
certification, the Department will issue a determination, which will 
contain the reasons for making such determination, and notify the 
petitioner(s) of the original certification, the firm official(s), and 
the State(s). The Department will also publish the notice in the Federal 
Register, and on the Department's website. The State will notify the 
worker group of the termination or partial termination.
    (2) The termination date specified in the determination notice must 
not be earlier than the date of publication in the Federal Register.
    (f) Determination of continuation of certification. After an 
investigation resulting in a decision that the certification should not 
be terminated, the Department will notify the petitioner(s) of the 
original certification, firm official(s), and the State(s). The State(s) 
will notify the worker group of the determination of continuation of 
certification. The Department will publish the determination in the 
Federal Register and on the Department's website. After receiving notice 
by the Department, the State(s) must notify the worker group of the 
continuation of certification.
    (g) Reconsideration of termination or partial termination of a 
certification. Any party that is eligible under Sec.  618.205 to submit 
a petition may file an application for reconsideration with the 
Department, following the procedures described in Sec.  618.245.



Sec.  618.245  Reconsideration of termination of an investigation, denial,
or termination or partial termination of certification.

    (a) Application for reconsideration; contents. (1) Any party who is 
eligible to file a petition under Sec.  618.205, and any worker in the 
group of workers, may file a written application seeking reconsideration 
of a termination of an investigation under Sec.  618.210(e); a negative 
determination issued under Sec.  618.235(b); or a termination or partial 
termination of certification issued under Sec.  618.240, via email: 
[email protected]; fax: (202) 693-3584 or (202) 693-3585; or 
mail: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 
Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20210.
    (2) An application for reconsideration must contain the following 
information to be complete and valid:
    (i) The name(s) and contact information of the applicant(s);
    (ii) The name or a description of the group of workers on whose 
behalf the application for reconsideration is filed in the case of an 
application for reconsideration of a termination of an investigation or 
a negative determination, or the name or a description of the worker 
group on whose behalf the application for reconsideration of a 
termination or partial termination of a certification is filed;
    (iii) The petition number identified on the petition or 
determination that is the subject of the application for 
reconsideration;

[[Page 131]]

    (iv) The reasons for believing that the termination of the 
investigation, negative determination, or termination or partial 
termination of a certification identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section is erroneous, including any issues that the applicant asserts 
require further investigation;
    (v) Any information that may support the application for 
reconsideration, including material not considered prior to the 
termination of the investigation, negative determination, or termination 
or partial termination of a certification; and
    (viii) The signature(s) of the party, or representative thereof, 
requesting reconsideration.
    (b) Time for filing. An application for reconsideration of the 
termination of the investigation, negative determination, or termination 
or partial termination of a certification must be filed no later than 30 
calendar days after the notice of the termination of the investigation, 
negative determination, or termination or partial termination of a 
certification has been published in the Federal Register. If an 
application is filed after that time, it will be returned as untimely 
filed.
    (c) Return of incomplete applications for reconsideration. The 
Department will review an application for reconsideration within 2 
business days upon its receipt to determine if the application contains 
all of the necessary information required under paragraph (a)(2) of this 
section. The Department will not accept an incomplete application for 
filing, but will return it to the applicant with a brief statement 
explaining why it is incomplete. Should an applicant wish to refile an 
application for reconsideration, the refiling must occur no later than 
30 calendar days after the notice of the determination has been 
published in the Federal Register, within the 30-day period identified 
in paragraph (b) of this section or, if the application is returned less 
than 5 days before the end of that period, within 5 days of receipt.
    (d) Notice of an application for reconsideration. After receipt of a 
complete and timely application for reconsideration, the Department will 
notify the applicant and publish in the Federal Register and on the 
Department's website the notice of the application and the initiation of 
an investigation on reconsideration of the termination of the 
investigation, negative determination, or termination or partial 
termination of a certification.
    (e) Opportunity for comment and submission of data on 
reconsideration. Within 10 calendar days after publication of a notice 
under paragraph (d) of this section, any party who is eligible to file a 
petition under Sec.  618.205 may make written submissions to show why 
the determination under reconsideration should or should not be 
modified.
    (f) Investigation on reconsideration. The Department will conduct a 
review of the record on which the termination of the investigation, 
negative determination, or termination or partial termination of a 
certification was based, any comments timely filed under paragraphs 
(a)(2)(iv), (a)(2)(v), or (e) of this section, and any data submitted 
with the original petition or provided subsequent to the filing of the 
petition. The period of investigation under reconsideration will remain 
the same as the period of investigation for the original petition.
    (g) Determinations on reconsideration. The Department will issue a 
final determination affirming, reversing, or modifying the termination 
of the investigation, negative determination, or termination or partial 
termination of a certification within 60 days after the date of 
receiving a complete and valid application for reconsideration. The 
Department will notify the applicant(s), the petitioner(s) of the 
original petition, firm official(s), and the State(s); and publish 
notice in the Federal Register of the determination on reconsideration 
and the reasons for it (redacting confidential business information). 
The State continues to be responsible for notifying trade-affected 
workers in a certified worker group of their eligibility to apply for 
TAA, in accordance with Sec.  618.820. If 60 days pass without a 
determination on reconsideration, the Department will contact the 
applicant to ascertain whether the applicant wishes the Department to 
continue the reconsideration investigation and issue a determination on 
reconsideration or wishes the Department to

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terminate the reconsideration investigation, which renders the initial 
determination as the Department's final determination.



Sec.  618.250  Amendments of certifications.

    (a) Reasons for amendments. A Certifying Officer may amend a 
certification. The Department retains the authority to amend a 
certification without a petition, where it has determined that an 
amendment is appropriate. Amendments must not extend the impact date 
more than 1 year prior to the petition date unless there is a statutory 
exception, as described in Sec.  618.235(a)(1)(ii). Reasons for 
amendments include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Identifying an ownership change affecting the applicable firm;
    (2) Correcting technical errors; or
    (3) Clarifying the identification of the worker group.
    (b) Petition filing. Amendments must be requested through the 
regular petition process described in Sec.  618.205.
    (c) Notification of amendment. The Department will publish the 
amended certification in the Federal Register and on the Department's 
website. The Department will also notify the affected States and the 
State must notify any additional certified trade-affected workers, as 
required by Sec.  618.820.



Sec.  618.255  Judicial review of determinations.

    (a) General. A worker, group of workers, certified or recognized 
union, or authorized representative of such worker or group may commence 
a civil action for review of the determination by filing a complaint 
with the United States Court of International Trade (USCIT) within 60 
days after the date of publication of the notice of a final 
determination in the Federal Register, as provided under section 284 of 
the Act (19 U.S.C. 2395).
    (b) Final determination. Only determinations issued under Sec.  
618.245(g) are final determinations for purposes of judicial review.
    (c) Certified record of the Department. Upon receiving a copy of the 
summons and complaint from the clerk of the USCIT, the Department will 
file with the court a certified record meeting the requirements of the 
rules of the USCIT. When the certified record contains confidential 
business information, the Department will file a public version of the 
record redacting the confidential business information, and a separate 
version that includes the confidential business information, in 
accordance with the rules of the USCIT.
    (d) Further proceedings. Upon remand by the USCIT, the Department 
will conduct an additional investigation and the Certifying Officer will 
make new or modified findings of fact and will modify or affirm the 
previous determination. Upon making this subsequent determination, the 
Certifying Officer will publish a summary of the determination and the 
reasons for the determination in the Federal Register, redacting any 
confidential business information from the published summary. The 
Certifying Officer also will file the determination upon remand and the 
record on which the determination is based with the USCIT, in accordance 
with the rules of USCIT.
    (e) Standard of review. The determination and findings of fact by 
the Certifying Officer are conclusive if the USCIT determines that they 
are supported by substantial evidence, as provided under section 284 of 
the Act (19 U.S.C. 2395).
    (f) Individual benefits denials. Appeals of denials of individual 
benefits are not determinations under section 222 of the Act and are not 
subject to review by the USCIT under section 284 of the Act.
    (g) Manner of filing. Requests for judicial review must be filed in 
accordance with the rules of the USCIT.



Sec.  618.260  Study regarding certain affirmative determinations by 
the Commission.

    (a) Upon notification from the Commission that it has begun an 
investigation under section 202 of the Act with respect to an industry, 
the Department must immediately begin a study of:
    (1) The number of workers in the domestic industry producing the 
like or directly competitive article who have been or are likely to be 
certified as eligible for adjustment assistance, which includes, but is 
not limited to, analysis of:

[[Page 133]]

    (i) The estimated number of certified workers within the domestic 
industry named in the ITC affirmative determination;
    (ii) Information obtained during the investigation of TAA Program 
determinations;
    (iii) Responses from Domestic Industry Study;
    (iv) Information obtained by consultation with ITC Commission 
industry experts; and
    (v) Other pertinent workforce and trade-impact data of companies who 
are currently participating in the industry.
    (2) The extent to which the adjustment of such workers to the import 
competition may be facilitated through the use of the TAA Program, other 
Departmental programs and resources, and programs administered by other 
Federal agencies.
    (b) The report of the Department's study under paragraph (a) of this 
section must be made to the President not later than 15 days after the 
day on which the Commission makes its report under section 202(f)(1) of 
the Act. The Department will also publish the report in the Federal 
Register and on the Department's website.



Sec.  618.265  Availability of information to the public.

    (a) Information available to the public. The Department posts all 
determinations on the Department's website at https://www.dol.gov/
agencies/eta/tradeact. The Department also posts redacted versions of 
all petitions on the same website. Upon request to the Administrator of 
the Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance, members of the public may 
inspect petitions and other documents filed with the Administrator, 
transcripts of testimony taken and exhibits submitted at public hearings 
held under the provisions of this subpart, public notices concerning 
trade-affected worker assistance under the Act, and other reports and 
documents issued for general distribution, in accordance with the 
Department's record retention schedule, FOIA, and the Privacy Act.
    (b) Information not available to the public. Confidential business 
information must not be made available to the public.



            Subpart C_Employment and Case Management Services



Sec.  618.300  Scope.

    This subpart describes the employment and case management services 
that the State must make available to trade-affected workers, either 
directly through the TAA Program or through arrangements with partner 
programs. This subpart requires States, under the Governor-Secretary 
Agreement at Sec.  618.804, to integrate the provision of benefits and 
services available to trade-affected workers under the TAA Program with 
the delivery of employment services and other assistance provided 
through the one-stop delivery system (established under title I of 
WIOA), as required by sections 235 and 239(a), (e), and (g) of the Act. 
It also implements the requirements of section 221(a)(2)(A) of the Act 
for the provision of rapid response assistance and appropriate career 
services described in Sec. Sec.  682.300 through 682.370, and 680.150 of 
this chapter, respectively, for workers upon receipt of a petition filed 
covering a group of workers.



Sec.  618.305  The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program as a one-stop 
partner.

    (a) As provided by WIOA section 121(b)(1)(B)(vii), the TAA Program 
is a required one-stop partner under WIOA.
    (b) The State must ensure that the TAA Program complies with WIOA's 
one-stop partnership requirements at WIOA section 121(b)(1)(A)(i) 
through (v). This includes, among the other requirements, paying 
infrastructure costs where the TAA Program is being carried out.
    (c) The TAA Program must also comply with, and be a party to, the 
memorandum of understanding required under the regulations implementing 
WIOA at Sec.  678.500 of this chapter, where the TAA Program is being 
carried out.



Sec.  618.310  Responsibilities for the delivery of employment and case
management services.

    (a) The State is responsible for providing information to workers 
about

[[Page 134]]

the TAA Program, as required in Sec.  618.816;
    (b) As part of the delivery of services, the State must:
    (1) Conduct intake, which includes interviewing each trade-affected 
worker and reviewing suitable training opportunities reasonably 
available to each worker under subpart F of this part;
    (2) Inform trade-affected workers of the employment services and 
allowances available under the Act and this part, including the 
application procedures, the filing requirements for such services, and 
enrollment deadlines for receiving TRA, as described in subpart G of 
this part;
    (3) Determine whether suitable employment, as defined in Sec.  
618.110, is available, and assist in job search activities related to 
securing suitable employment;
    (4) Accept applications for training;
    (5) Provide information on which training providers offer training 
programs at a reasonable cost and with a reasonable expectation of 
employment following the completion of such training, and assist in 
acquiring such training;
    (6) Monitor the progress and attendance of trade-affected workers in 
approved training programs;
    (7) Develop and implement a procedure for determining whether to 
issue a training waiver and to review waivers to determine whether the 
conditions under which they were issued have changed, in compliance with 
subpart G of this part;
    (8) Provide access to workshops and other resources related to job 
search strategies, resume building, interviewing, and other topics 
available through the TAA Program or through the one-stop delivery 
system; and
    (9) Coordinate the administration and delivery of additional 
appropriate employment services, benefits, training, supportive 
services, and supplemental assistance for workers with partner programs 
for which the trade-affected worker may be eligible.
    (c) The State must make available the employment and case management 
services in paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this section to trade-
affected workers who apply for or are seeking receipt of TAA Program 
benefits and services, and ensure that those workers are informed of the 
availability of:
    (1) Comprehensive and specialized assessment of skill levels and 
service needs, including through:
    (i) Diagnostic testing and use of other assessment tools; and
    (ii) In-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment 
barriers and appropriate employment goals.
    (2) Development of an individual employment plan (IEP) to identify 
employment goals and objectives, and appropriate training to achieve 
those goals and objectives.
    (3) Information on how to apply for financial aid, including 
referring workers to educational opportunity centers described in 
section 402F of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 
U.S.C. 1070a-16), where applicable, and notifying workers that they may 
request that financial aid administrators at institutions of higher 
education (as defined in section 102 of HEA (20 U.S.C. 1002)) use the 
administrators' discretion under section 479A of HEA (20 U.S.C. 1087tt) 
to use current-year income data, rather than preceding-year income data, 
for determining the amount of the workers' need for Federal financial 
assistance under title IV of HEA (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).
    (4) Short-term prevocational services, including development of 
learning skills, communications skills, interviewing skills, 
punctuality, personal maintenance skills, and professional conduct to 
prepare trade-affected workers for employment or training.
    (5) Individual and group career counseling, including job search and 
placement counseling, during the period in which the worker is receiving 
a trade adjustment allowance or training under this chapter, and after 
receiving such training for purposes of job placement and employment 
retention.
    (6) Provision of employment statistics information, including the 
provision of accurate information relating to local, regional, and 
national labor market areas, including:
    (i) Job-vacancy listings in such labor market areas;
    (ii) Information on the job skills necessary to obtain the jobs 
identified in

[[Page 135]]

the job-vacancy listings described in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this 
section;
    (iii) Information relating to local occupations that are in demand 
and the earning potential of those occupations; and
    (iv) Skills requirements for local occupations described in 
paragraph (c)(6)(iii) of this section.
    (7) Information relating to the availability of supportive services, 
available through partner programs, including services relating to 
childcare, transportation, dependent care, housing assistance, and needs 
related payments that are necessary to enable a trade-affected worker to 
participate in training.
    (d) To make available, with respect to the employment and case 
management services described in paragraph (c) of this section, means:
    (1) That the State must inform the trade-affected worker of the full 
suite of services available; and
    (2) That the State must offer and provide appropriate services to 
the trade-affected worker, as requested by the worker or deemed 
appropriate for the worker; and
    (3) That the State must document each service provided to the trade-
affected worker and document the reason any service listed in paragraph 
(c) of this section was not provided. The documentation must be included 
in the worker's case file, either through case notes or as a stand-alone 
document.



Sec.  618.325  Integrated service strategies and Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act co-enrollment.

    (a)(1) A State must co-enroll trade-affected workers who are 
eligible for WIOA's dislocated worker program. Workers may choose to 
decline co-enrollment in WIOA. A State cannot deny such a worker 
benefits or services under the TAA Program solely for declining co-
enrollment in WIOA.
    (2) A State must also make co-enrollment available to trade-affected 
workers who are eligible for other one-stop partner programs to ensure 
that all necessary and appropriate services, including supportive 
services, are available to the worker.
    (b)(1) Trade-affected worker dislocated worker eligibility. Most 
trade-affected workers meet the eligibility criteria of a dislocated 
worker defined at WIOA section 3(15).
    (2) Partially separated worker and AAIW dislocated worker 
eligibility. In certain circumstances, such as a general announcement of 
a closure, partially separated workers and AAIWs may meet the 
eligibility criteria as a dislocated worker under WIOA and must also be 
co-enrolled.
    (3) Trade-affected worker dislocated worker ineligibility. Some 
trade-affected workers are ineligible for the WIOA dislocated worker 
program, including those that do not meet the Selective Service 
registration requirement, and will be exempt from the co-enrollment 
requirement in this section.



Sec.  618.330  Assessment of trade-affected workers.

    (a) The assessment process forms the basis for determining which TAA 
Program benefits and services, including training, are most appropriate 
to enable trade-affected workers to successfully become reemployed.
    (b) The State must schedule an initial assessment that provides 
sufficient time and information for the trade-affected worker to 
consider, request, and enroll in training or obtain a waiver of the 
training requirement in Sec.  618.720(g) to protect the worker's 
eligibility to receive TRA under subpart G of this part.
    (c) Assessments are administered with the cooperation of the trade-
affected worker and should include discussion of the worker's interests, 
skills, aptitudes, and abilities.
    (d) The results of assessments must be documented in the case file, 
either through case notes or as a stand-alone document.
    (e) If an assessment has already been administered by a partner 
program, it must be reviewed once a worker becomes a trade-affected 
worker to ensure it has the required components as listed in Sec.  
618.335 for an initial assessment and, if necessary, Sec.  618.345 for a 
comprehensive and specialized assessment. If the assessment(s) does not 
contain the required components, the assessment(s) must be supplemented 
by the State, in conjunction with the trade-affected worker, to ensure 
it is

[[Page 136]]

fully compliant with TAA Program requirements in this part.
    (f) The State must make the trade-affected worker aware of the 
advantages of receiving an assessment(s). However, a worker may refuse 
an assessment. Since portions of the assessment(s) are necessary to 
determine eligibility for certain TAA Program benefits, a worker's 
refusal to provide necessary information, either as part of the 
assessment or outside of the assessment process, may result in a denial 
of a those benefits. This is detailed further in the applicable benefit 
sections throughout this part.



Sec.  618.335  Initial assessment of trade-affected workers.

    (a) A State must carry out an initial assessment for each trade-
affected worker as part of the intake process described in section 
239(g) of the Act. When applicable, a State must use the results of an 
assessment developed by a partner program, supplemented if necessary, as 
described in Sec.  618.330(e).
    (b) The results of the initial assessment will determine the best 
service strategy to assist the trade-affected worker in obtaining 
reemployment and provide insight into which benefits and services under 
the TAA Program and partner programs would be most beneficial to the 
worker. The initial assessment of the availability of suitable 
employment to the worker in the local labor market must take into 
consideration the following factors:
    (1) Prevailing local labor market conditions, including the 
unemployment rate, local employer skill demands and hiring 
prerequisites;
    (2) The worker's knowledge, skills, and abilities from his or her 
education and previous employment;
    (3) Transferable skills that the worker may possess that would be of 
interest to other local employers;
    (4) Evaluation of a worker's skill levels (including literacy, 
numeracy, and English language proficiency), aptitudes, abilities 
(including skills gaps), and supportive service needs; and
    (5) Any barriers to the worker's reemployment, such as:
    (i) Lack of applicability of skills from the worker's present 
occupation to other occupations;
    (ii) Skills that are in excess supply in the labor market area; or
    (iii) Other barriers as outlined in WIOA section 3(24).
    (c) Based upon the information gathered in the initial assessment, 
described in paragraph (a) of this section, the State may:
    (1) Determine that suitable employment is available to the trade-
affected worker, and if so, the State must make available employment and 
case management services. If the worker disagrees with the 
determination, the State must make available to the worker a 
comprehensive and specialized assessment (under Sec.  618.345) to obtain 
additional information to determine whether the initial assessment was 
correct.
    (2) Determine that no suitable employment is available to the worker 
and, if so, the State must make available services as described in Sec.  
618.310 (responsibilities for the delivery of employment and case 
management services) and a comprehensive and specialized assessment (as 
described in Sec.  618.345) to develop a comprehensive service strategy 
for the trade-affected worker.
    (d) If the State determines under paragraph (c) of this section that 
suitable employment is not available to a trade-affected worker, even 
with additional employment and case management services, the State must 
advise the worker to apply for training under subpart F of this part.



Sec.  618.345  Comprehensive and specialized assessment of trade-affected
workers.

    (a) The State must make available a comprehensive and specialized 
assessment to all trade-affected workers.
    (b) The comprehensive and specialized assessment must take into 
account the trade-affected worker's goals and interests as they relate 
to employment opportunities either in the worker's commuting area or, 
where there is no reasonable expectation of securing employment in the 
worker's commuting area and the worker is interested in relocation, the 
employment opportunities and demand in the area to which the worker 
proposes to relocate.

[[Page 137]]

    (c) The comprehensive and specialized assessment must expand upon 
the initial assessment regarding the trade-affected worker's interests, 
skills, aptitudes, and abilities. This may include use of diagnostic 
testing tools and instruments and in-depth interviewing and evaluation 
to identify barriers to employment and appropriate employment goals. The 
in-depth interviewing of trade-affected workers must include discussion 
of training opportunities reasonably available to each trade-affected 
worker, as described in subpart F of this part; reviewing the 
opportunities with each trade-affected worker; and informing each trade-
affected worker of the requirements for participating in training, 
including the enrollment deadlines required for TRA eligibility.
    (d) The State may use information from the comprehensive and 
specialized assessment to determine whether the trade-affected worker 
has met the six criteria for approval of training listed in subpart F of 
this part.



Sec.  618.350  Individual employment plans for trade-affected workers.

    (a) A State must:
    (1) Make available an IEP; and
    (2) Document an IEP for any trade-affected worker seeking training 
under subpart F of this part or a job search allowance under subpart D 
of this part, before the worker receives those benefits and services.
    (b) An IEP must use the results of the initial and, if available, 
comprehensive and specialized assessments to assist in documenting a 
strategy to provide the trade-affected worker with the services needed 
to obtain employment, including the items listed in paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (c) An IEP must document:
    (1) The trade-affected worker's employment goal, including the 
targeted occupation and industry;
    (2) The training program proposed, if any;
    (3) Any services that will be needed by the worker to obtain 
suitable employment, including career services, supportive services 
provided through partner programs, and post-training case management 
services;
    (4) If applicable, any supplemental assistance (subsistence or 
transportation payments) required for participation in training and the 
basis for their calculation; and
    (5) The worker's responsibilities under the plan.
    (d) If an IEP has been previously developed with a trade-affected 
worker by a partner program, it must be reviewed once the worker becomes 
TAA Program-eligible to ensure it has the components required by 
paragraph (c) of this section. If the IEP does not contain the 
components, the IEP must be supplemented by the State in conjunction 
with the worker to ensure it is fully compliant with the TAA Program 
requirements in this part.
    (e) The State must monitor the progress of the trade-affected worker 
in meeting the worker's responsibilities as listed in the IEP, including 
attendance and achievement in approved training programs.
    (f)(1) The State must modify the IEP as necessary to facilitate a 
successful performance outcome for the trade-affected worker.
    (2) The modification must be done with the worker's input.
    (3) At a minimum, the IEP must be modified when there is a change in 
the training program, receipt of supplemental assistance, or both.
    (g) The State must make the trade-affected worker aware of the 
advantages of receiving an IEP. However, a worker may refuse to complete 
an IEP. Since portions of the IEP are necessary to determine eligibility 
for job search allowances under subpart D of this part and training 
under subpart F of this part, a worker's refusal to provide necessary 
information, either as part of the IEP or outside of the IEP process, 
may result in a denial of a those benefits and services. This is 
detailed further in subparts D and F of this part.



Sec.  618.355  Knowledge, skills, and abilities of staff performing
assessments.

    (a) Staff performing either the initial or comprehensive and 
specialized assessment must possess the following knowledge and 
abilities:
    (1) Knowledge of the local labor market;

[[Page 138]]

    (2) Knowledge of local employer and occupation skill demands and 
hiring prerequisites, such as educational requirements and professional 
certifications;
    (3) The ability to identify transferable skills that a trade-
affected worker may possess that would be of interest to other local 
employers outside of the worker's present occupational area;
    (4) The ability to evaluate quickly a worker's ability to conduct a 
self-directed job search; and
    (5) The ability to identify barriers to a worker's employment that 
could be overcome with training and case management services.
    (b) The staff performing these initial and comprehensive and 
specialized assessments may be from any partner program.
    (c) Funds under section 235A(1) of the Act may be used to improve 
and maintain the knowledge and abilities of staff conducting assessments 
for trade-affected workers.



Sec.  618.360  Employment and case management services for trade-
affected workers in training.

    The State must make employment and case management services 
available, including placement and referrals to supportive services and 
follow-up services available through partner programs, to trade-affected 
workers during training, and after completion of training, and for AAWs 
on a waiver from training.



             Subpart D_Job Search and Relocation Allowances



Sec.  618.400  Scope.

    This subpart sets forth the conditions under which an AAW may apply 
for and receive a job search allowance to help the worker secure 
suitable employment outside the commuting area but within the United 
States. This subpart also sets forth the conditions under which an AAW 
may apply for and receive a relocation allowance to help the worker 
relocate to suitable employment secured outside the commuting area but 
within the United States.



Sec.  618.405  General.

    (a) A State must grant a job search allowance to an AAW to help the 
worker secure suitable employment within the United States if the AAW 
meets the requirements in this subpart. A job search allowance for 
activities outside of the worker's commuting area may be provided for 
costs including, but not limited to:
    (1) Travel to and attendance at job fairs and interviews;
    (2) Travel to and attendance at prevocational workshops;
    (3) Making an in-person visit with a potential employer who may 
reasonably be expected to have openings for suitable employment;
    (4) Completing a job application in person with a potential employer 
who may reasonably be expected to have openings for suitable employment;
    (5) Going to a local one-stop, copy shop, Post Office, or similar 
entity to print, copy, mail, email, or fax a job application, cover 
letter, and/or a resume;
    (6) Going to a local one-stop, public library, community center, or 
similar entity to use online job matching systems, to search for job 
matches, request referrals, submit applications/resumes, attend 
workshops, and/or apply for jobs; and,
    (7) Attending a professional association meeting for networking 
purposes.
    (b) A State must grant a relocation allowance to an AAW to help the 
worker and the worker's family relocate within the United States if the 
AAW meets the requirements in this subpart. A State may grant a 
relocation allowance to a worker only once under a certification. A 
State may grant a relocation allowance to only one member of a family 
for the same relocation, even if there are multiple AAWs in the same 
family. If more than one member of a family applies for a relocation 
allowance for the same relocation, then the State must pay the allowance 
to the AAW who files first, if that AAW is otherwise eligible.



Sec.  618.410  Applying for a job search allowance.

    (a) Forms. To receive a job search allowance, an AAW must apply to 
the State, using the State's process.

[[Page 139]]

    (b) Submittal. An AAW must apply for a job search allowance before 
beginning a job search to be funded by such an allowance.



Sec.  618.415  Eligibility for a job search allowance.

    (a) Conditions. To be eligible for a job search allowance an AAW 
must:
    (1) File an application before either:
    (i) The later of the 365th day after either the date of the 
certification under which the AAW is covered, or the 365th day after the 
AAW's last total separation; or
    (ii) The 182nd day after the date of concluding approved training;
    (2) Be an AAW totally separated from the job covered under the 
certification when beginning the job search;
    (3) Receive a determination by the State that the AAW:
    (i) Cannot reasonably expect to secure suitable employment in the 
commuting area; and
    (ii) Can reasonably expect to obtain, in the area of the job search, 
either:
    (A) Suitable employment; or
    (B) Employment that pays a wage of at least the 75th percentile of 
national wages, as determined by the National Occupational Employment 
Wage Estimates, and otherwise meets the definition of suitable 
employment;
    (4) Receive a determination by the State that the worker cannot 
reasonably expect to secure suitable employment by alternatives to being 
physically present in the area of the job search, such as by searching 
and interviewing for employment by means of the internet and other 
technology;
    (5) Not previously have received a relocation allowance under the 
same certification; and
    (6) Complete a State-approved job search within 30 calendar days 
after the worker leaves the commuting area to begin the job search.
    (b) Completion of job search. (1) An AAW has completed a job search 
when the worker either:
    (i) Obtains a bona fide offer of employment; or
    (ii) Has, with State verification, as provided in Sec.  
618.420(a)(2), contacted each employer the worker planned to contact, or 
to whom the State or other one-stop partner referred the worker as part 
of the job search.
    (2) The job search is complete when one of the actions in paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section occurs, whichever comes first. For purposes of 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, ``bona fide'' means the offer of 
suitable employment is made in good faith by a prospective employer.



Sec.  618.420  Findings required for a job search allowance.

    (a) Findings by liable State. Before a liable State may approve 
final payment of a job search allowance, the liable State must:
    (1) Find that the AAW meets the eligibility requirements for a job 
search allowance specified in Sec.  618.415(a)(1) through (6); and
    (2) Verify that the worker contacted each employer the State 
certified or to whom the State or one-stop center referred the worker as 
part of the job search and must find that the worker completed the job 
search, as described in Sec.  618.415(b) within the time limits stated 
in Sec.  618.415(a)(6).
    (b) Assistance by agent State. (1) When an AAW files an application 
for a job search allowance to conduct a job search in an agent State, 
the agent State in which the worker conducts the job search is 
responsible for assisting the worker in conducting the job search, for 
assisting the liable State by furnishing any information required for 
the liable State's determination of the claim, and for paying the job 
search allowance.
    (2) The agent State must cooperate fully with the liable State in 
carrying out its activities and functions with regard to such 
applications. When requested by the liable State, the agent State must 
verify with the employer and report to the liable State whether the 
worker has obtained suitable employment, or a bona fide offer of 
suitable employment.



Sec.  618.425  Amount of a job search allowance.

    (a) Computation. The job search allowance is 90 percent of the total 
costs of an AAW's travel (as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section) and lodging and meals (as defined in paragraph

[[Page 140]]

(a)(2) of this section), up to the limit in paragraph (b) of this 
section:
    (1) Travel. The worker's allowable travel expenses may not exceed 90 
percent of the prevailing cost per mile by privately owned vehicle under 
41 CFR chapters 300 through 304, the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), 
found at https://www.gsa.gov/, for round trip travel by the usual route 
from the worker's home to the job search area, though other forms of 
transportation may be utilized.
    (2) Lodging and meals. The worker's allowable lodging and meals 
costs cannot exceed the lesser of:
    (i) The actual cost for lodging and meals while engaged in the job 
search; or
    (ii) 50 percent of the prevailing per diem allowance under the FTR, 
found at https://www.gsa.gov/, for the worker's job search area.
    (b) Limit. The AAW's total job search allowance under a 
certification may not exceed $1,250, no matter how many job searches the 
worker undertakes. If the worker is entitled to be paid or reimbursed by 
another source for any of these travel, lodging, and meals expenses, the 
State must reduce the job search allowance by the amount of the payment 
or reimbursement.
    (c) Choice of mode of transportation. With respect to the limits 
established in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, an AAW may elect to use 
a different mode of transportation than the one for which the State 
calculated the applicable reimbursement amount. However, the State must 
limit the reimbursement to the worker to the amount calculated under 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section.



Sec.  618.430  Determination and payment of a job search allowance.

    (a) Determinations. The State must promptly make and record 
determinations necessary to assure an AAW's eligibility for a job search 
allowance. Sections 618.820 (determinations of eligibility; notices to 
individuals) and 618.828 (appeals and hearings) apply to these 
determinations. States must include copies of such applications and all 
determinations by the State in the AAW's case file.
    (b) Payment. If the AAW makes a timely application, is covered under 
a certification, and is otherwise eligible, the State must make payment 
promptly after the worker has completed a job search and complied with 
paragraph (d) of this section, provided that funds are available for job 
search allowances.
    (c) Advances. Once the State determines that the AAW is eligible for 
a job search allowance, it may advance the worker up to 60 percent of 
the estimated amount of the job search allowance subject to the limit in 
Sec.  618.425(b), but not exceeding $750, within 5 days before the 
commencement of a job search. The State must deduct the advance from any 
payment under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (d) Worker evidence. After the AAW completes a job search, the AAW 
must certify to the State as to the employer contacts made and must 
provide documentation of expenses in accordance with FTR and Uniform 
Guidance at 2 CFR part 200. This may include receipts for all lodging, 
purchased transportation, or other expenses. If an advance the worker 
received was more or less than the actual allowance, the State must make 
an appropriate adjustment and pay the balance entitled, or the worker 
must repay the excess received.



Sec.  618.435  Job search program participation.

    (a) Requirements. An AAW who participates in an approved job search 
program (JSP), may receive reimbursement for necessary expenses of 
subsistence and transportation incurred for the worker's participation 
in the approved JSP, regardless of the worker's approval for, or receipt 
of, a job search allowance under Sec. Sec.  618.420 and 618.430.
    (b) Approved JSP. A State may approve a JSP if:
    (1) The JSP is provided through WIOA, the public employment service, 
or any other Federal- or State-funded program, and meets the definition 
provided in Sec.  618.110; or
    (2) The JSP is sponsored by the firm from which the AAW has been 
separated.
    (c) JSP allowances. Subsistence and transportation costs, whether 
inside or outside the AAW's commuting area,

[[Page 141]]

must be approved for workers participating in JSPs in accordance with 
Sec.  618.640(a) and within available State funding levels.



Sec.  618.440  Applying for a relocation allowance.

    (a) Forms. To receive a relocation allowance, an AAW must apply to 
the State using the State's process.
    (b) Submittal. An AAW must apply for a relocation allowance and the 
State must approve the worker for a relocation allowance before the 
relocation begins. The State must make a timely determination on a 
relocation application submitted to allow the worker to promptly begin 
the relocation.



Sec.  618.445  Eligibility for a relocation allowance.

    (a) Conditions. To be eligible for a relocation allowance, the AAW 
must:
    (1) File an application before either:
    (i) The later of the 425th day after the date of the certification 
under which the worker is covered, or the 425th day after the date of 
the worker's last total separation; or
    (ii) The 182nd day after the date the worker concluded training;
    (2) Be an AAW totally separated from adversely affected employment 
when the relocation begins;
    (3) Not have already received a relocation allowance under the same 
certification;
    (4) Relocate within the United States but outside the worker's 
commuting area;
    (5) Receive a determination by the State that the worker has no 
reasonable expectation of securing suitable employment in the commuting 
area, and has obtained either suitable employment or employment that 
pays a wage of at least the 75th percentile of national wages, as 
determined by the National Occupational Employment Wage Estimates, and 
otherwise meets the suitable employment requirements, or a bona fide 
offer of such employment, in the area of intended relocation;
    (6) Begin the relocation as promptly as possible after the date of 
certification but no later than:
    (i) 182 days after the worker filed the application for a relocation 
allowance; or
    (ii) 182 days after the conclusion of an approved training program, 
if the worker entered a training program that received supplemental 
assistance approved under Sec.  618.640(c) (subsistence payments) and 
(d) (transportation payments), for training outside the worker's 
commuting area; and
    (7) Complete the relocation, as described in Sec.  618.460(f), 
within a reasonable time as determined in accordance with FTR with the 
State giving consideration to, among other factors, whether:
    (i) Suitable housing is available in the area of relocation;
    (ii) The worker can dispose of the worker's residence;
    (iii) The worker or a family member is ill; and
    (iv) A member of the family is attending school, and when the family 
can best transfer the member to a school in the area of relocation.
    (b) Job search allowances. The State may not approve a relocation 
allowance and a job search allowance for an AAW at the same time. 
However, if the worker has received a job search allowance, the worker 
may receive a relocation allowance at a later time or receive a 
relocation allowance as a result of a successful job search for which 
the worker received a job search allowance.



Sec.  618.450  Findings required for a relocation allowance.

    (a) Findings by liable State. Before the liable State may approve 
final payment of a relocation allowance, the liable State must make the 
following findings:
    (1) That the AAW meets the eligibility requirements for a relocation 
allowance specified in Sec.  618.445(a)(1) through (7) and is not also 
simultaneously receiving a job search allowance as specified in Sec.  
618.445(b);
    (2) That the worker submitted the application for a relocation 
allowance within the time limits specified in Sec.  618.445(a)(1);
    (3) That the worker began and completed the relocation within the 
time

[[Page 142]]

limitations specified in Sec.  618.445(a)(6) and (7); and
    (4) That the worker obtained suitable employment, or a bona fide 
offer of such suitable employment, in the area of intended relocation, 
in accordance with Sec.  618.445(a)(5). The liable State must verify 
(directly or through the agent State) the suitable employment, or the 
bona fide offer, with the employer.
    (b) Assistance by agent State. (1) When an AAW relocates to an agent 
State, the agent State is responsible for:
    (i) Assisting the worker in relocating to the State, completing an 
application for a relocation allowance with the liable State, and paying 
the relocation allowance; and
    (ii) Assisting the liable State by furnishing any information 
required for the liable State's determination on the claim.
    (2) The agent State must cooperate with the liable State in carrying 
out its activities and functions with regard to relocation applications. 
When requested by the liable State, the agent State must verify with the 
employer and report to the liable State whether the worker has obtained 
suitable employment, or a bona fide offer of suitable employment.



Sec.  618.455  Determining the amount of a relocation allowance.

    The AAW's relocation allowance includes the information in 
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, as applicable:
    (a) Reimbursement--(1) Travel. (i) The State may reimburse the AAW 
for up to 90 percent of the prevailing cost per mile by privately owned 
vehicle under the FTR, found at https://www.gsa.gov/, for travel from 
the AAW's old home to the AAW's new home.
    (ii) Separate travel of a family member or members who, for good 
cause and with the approval of the State, must travel separately to 
their new home, may also be reimbursed. For purposes of this paragraph 
(a)(1)(ii), good cause includes, but is not limited to, reasons such as 
a family member's health, schooling, job, or economic circumstances.
    (2) Lodging and meals. The State may reimburse the worker for 90 
percent of lodging and meal expenses for the worker and his or her 
family while they are in transit, but such costs may not exceed the 
lesser of:
    (i) The actual lodging and meals cost to the worker and his or her 
family while they are traveling; or
    (ii) 50 percent of the prevailing per diem allowance under the FTR, 
found at https://www.gsa.gov/, for the relocation area for those days 
while the worker and his or her family are traveling.
    (3) Movement of household goods. (i) The State may reimburse the 
worker for 90 percent of the allowable costs of moving the workers and 
family's household goods and personal effects in accordance with the FTR 
(41 CFR chapter 302). This includes 90 percent of the costs of moving by 
the most economical commercial carrier the State can reasonably expect 
the worker to use, moving by rental truck or trailer (for rental, 
mileage, and fuel), or moving a house trailer or mobile home. It also 
includes 90 percent of the costs of temporary storage of household goods 
for up to 60 days. In approving the move of a house trailer or mobile 
home, the State must follow the specific requirements of the FTR, found 
at https://www.gsa.gov.
    (ii) For a commercial carrier move of household goods or house 
trailer or mobile home, the worker must obtain an estimate of the moving 
cost and provide this to the liable State. The estimate may include the 
cost of insuring such goods and effects for their actual value or 
$40,000 as delineated in the FTR, whichever is less, against loss or 
damage in transit.
    (iii) If more economical, the State may make direct arrangements for 
moving and insuring a worker's household goods and personal effects with 
a carrier and insurer selected by the worker and may make payment of 90 
percent of moving and insurance costs directly to the carrier and 
insurer. No such arrangement releases a carrier from liability otherwise 
provided by law or contract for loss or damage to the worker's goods and 
effects. Any contract for moving and insuring an AAW's household goods 
must provide that the United States must not be or

[[Page 143]]

become liable to either party for personal injury or property loss 
damage under any circumstances.
    (iv) The maximum net weight of the household goods relocated from 
the worker's old home to the relocation area may not exceed that set by 
the FTR.
    (4) Lump sum. As part of the relocation allowance, the worker will 
receive a lump sum equivalent to three times the worker's average weekly 
wage, not to exceed $1,250.
    (b) Reduction. If the AAW is eligible to receive or has received 
moving expenses from any other source for the same relocation, the State 
must deduct the amount received from the amount of the relocation 
allowance as determined in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this 
section.
    (c) Limitation. In no case may the State pay a travel allowance for 
the AAW or a family member more than once for a single relocation.



Sec.  618.460  Determinations and payment of a relocation allowance.

    (a) Determinations. The State must promptly make and record 
determinations necessary to assure an AAW's eligibility for a relocation 
allowance. Sections 618.820 (determinations of eligibility; notices to 
individuals) and 618.828 (appeals and hearings) apply to these 
determinations. The State must include copies of such applications and 
all determinations by the State in the AAW's case file.
    (b) Payment. If the AAW makes a timely application, is covered under 
a certification, and is otherwise eligible, the State must make payment 
as promptly as possible.
    (c) Travel allowances--(1) Payment. The State must pay the 
allowances computed under Sec.  618.455 no earlier than 10 days in 
advance of, and no later than at the time of, the AAW's scheduled 
departure to begin relocation. The State must make the payment for a 
family member approved for separate travel 10 days in advance of, or at 
the time of that family member's scheduled departure.
    (2) Worker evidence. After an AAW completes the relocation, the AAW 
must certify to the State the expenses associated with the relocation, 
in accordance with the FTR and Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR part 200. This 
may include receipts for all lodging, purchased transportation, or other 
expenses. If an advance the worker received was more or less than the 
actual allowance, the State must make an appropriate adjustment and pay 
the balance entitled, if any, or the worker must repay any excess 
received, if any.
    (d) Movement of household goods. The State must pay the amount equal 
to 90 percent of the estimate of the costs of moving the AAW's household 
goods by the most economical commercial carrier the State can reasonably 
expect the worker to use (as described in Sec.  618.455(a)(3) 
(determining the amount of a relocation allowance) as follows:
    (1) Commercial carrier. If a commercial carrier moves the worker's 
household goods and personal effects, the State must provide the worker 
with an advance equal to 90 percent of the estimated cost of the move, 
including any other charges that the State has approved, such as 
insurance. The State must advance the funds to the worker no earlier 
than 10 days in advance of, and no later than at the time of, the 
scheduled shipment. If more economical, the State may make direct 
arrangements for moving and insuring a worker's household goods and 
personal effects with a carrier and insurer selected by the worker and 
may make payment of 90 percent of moving and insurance costs directly to 
the carrier and insurer subject to the conditions of Sec.  
618.455(a)(3)(iii). The State must deliver payment to the carrier and 
insurer no earlier than 10 days in advance of, and no later than at the 
time of, the scheduled shipment.
    (i) On completion of the move, as determined under paragraph (f) of 
this section, the worker must promptly submit to the State a copy of the 
carrier's bill of lading, including a receipt showing payment of moving 
costs.
    (ii) If the amount the worker received as an advance is greater than 
90 percent of the actual approved moving costs, the worker must 
reimburse the State for the difference. If the advance the worker 
received is less than 90 percent of the actual moving costs approved by 
the State, the State must reimburse the worker for the difference.

[[Page 144]]

    (2) Private truck and trailer, rental truck or trailer, or house 
trailer move--(i) Private vehicle with trailer. If the move is by 
private vehicle and trailer, the State must advance 90 percent of the 
estimated cost for the use of the private vehicle within 10 days in 
advance of the scheduled move.
    (ii) Truck and trailer rental. If the move is by rental truck or 
rental trailer, the State must advance 90 percent of the estimated 
rental cost within 10 days in advance of the scheduled move. The State 
may make payment to either the worker or the rental company.
    (iii) House trailer. If a house trailer or mobile home is moved by 
commercial carrier, the State must advance 90 percent of the approved 
estimated cost to the worker within 10 days in advance of the scheduled 
move. The State may make payment to either the worker or the carrier.
    (iv) Itemized receipt. Upon completion of the move, the worker must 
promptly submit an itemized receipt to the State for payment of the 
rental charges and fuel costs. If the amount the worker received as an 
advance is greater than 90 percent of the actual moving costs, the 
worker must reimburse the State for the difference. If the advance the 
worker received is less than 90 percent of the actual moving costs 
approved by the State, the State must pay the worker for the difference.
    (3) Temporary storage. If temporary storage, not to exceed 60 days, 
of household goods and personal effects is necessary for the relocation, 
then the State must advance 90 percent of the approved estimated cost 
within 10 days in advance of the scheduled move. The State may make 
payment to either the worker or the rental agency.
    (e) Lump sum allowance. The State must pay the lump sum allowance 
provided in Sec.  618.455(a)(4) when arrangements for the relocation are 
finalized, but not more than 10 days before the earlier of the AAW's 
anticipated departure from his or her old home, or the anticipated date 
of shipment of the worker's household goods and personal effects.
    (f) Relocation completed. An AAW completes a relocation when the 
worker and family, if any, along with household goods and personal 
effects are delivered to the new residence in the area of relocation or 
to temporary storage. If the worker moves no household goods and 
personal effects, then a worker completes relocation when the worker and 
family, if any, arrive in the area of relocation and establish a 
residence in the new area. When a family member is approved for separate 
travel, the later arrival of such family member does not alter the date 
on which the State must consider the relocation completed.



           Subpart E_Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance



Sec.  618.500  Scope.

    This subpart provides the rules for RTAA. RTAA, authorized under 
section 246 of the Act, provides 50 percent of the difference between 
the wages received by the AAW at the time of separation from adversely 
affected employment and the wages received by the worker from 
reemployment for workers aged 50 and older who meet the eligibility 
criteria described in this subpart. This subpart identifies the 
eligibility criteria and the benefits available to AAWs who are eligible 
for RTAA.



Sec.  618.505  Individual eligibility.

    (a) Eligibility criteria. An AAW from a worker group certified under 
Sec.  618.225 may elect to receive RTAA benefits if the AAW:
    (1) Is at least 50 years of age;
    (2) Earns not more than, or is projected to earn not more than, 
$50,000 in reemployment wages each year during the eligibility period, 
as further defined in Sec.  618.520(a);
    (3) Earns less than, or is projected to earn less than, the AAW's 
annualized wages at separation, as further defined in Sec.  618.520(a);
    (4)(i) Is employed on a full-time basis as defined by the law of the 
State in which the worker is employed and is not enrolled in any 
training program approved under subpart F of this part; or
    (ii) Is employed at least 20 hours per week and is enrolled in a TAA 
approved training program; and
    (5) Is not employed at the firm, as further defined in paragraph (b) 
of this

[[Page 145]]

section, from which the worker was separated.
    (b) Eligibility-relevant definitions. For purposes of RTAA, the 
following definitions apply:
    (1) Firm. The State must determine on a case-by-case basis what 
constitutes the ``firm'' for purposes of determining RTAA eligibility 
based on the certification. If the Department issues the certification 
under subpart B of this part for a worker group in an appropriate 
subdivision of a firm, an AAW in that group is not eligible for RTAA 
upon a return to employment within that subdivision, but may be eligible 
for RTAA upon a return to employment at another subdivision of the firm. 
If, however, the Department issues the certification for a worker group 
composed of all workers from the firm rather than from a subdivision, 
then the worker is not eligible for RTAA based on a return to employment 
in any subdivision of that firm.
    (2) Successor-in-interest. The State must determine if the firm now 
employing the AAW is the same firm as the one from which the AAW was 
separated.
    (i) In making its determination, the State should first review the 
certification under which the worker was covered, look for any 
amendments to the certification, and compare the name and address of the 
firm in the certification to the name and address of the firm in which 
the worker has found reemployment. If they are the same, this is, in 
most cases, dispositive: The firms are the same and the worker is not 
eligible for RTAA.
    (ii) If, despite the information gathered under paragraph (b)(2)(i) 
of this section, it nonetheless remains unclear whether the firms are 
the same, the State may need to obtain further information about the 
firm reemploying the worker, from the employer and otherwise, to make 
that determination. To do so, the State should determine whether the 
firm at which the worker found reemployment is a ``successor-in-
interest'' to the firm from which the worker was separated. If the 
reemploying firm merged with, acquired, or purchased the assets of the 
firm from which the worker was separated, then the reemploying firm is a 
successor-in-interest.
    (iii) If the reemploying firm does not meet the criteria in 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, or if that information is 
unavailable, then the State should consider the factors identified in 
paragraphs (b)(3)(i) through (vii) of this section to determine whether 
the reemploying firm is a successor-in-interest. If the State determines 
that the worker returned to employment with a successor-in-interest to 
the firm from which the worker was separated, then the worker is not 
eligible for RTAA. The State must make the determination based on the 
individual application of the worker. A firm, together with any 
predecessor or successor-in-interest, or together with any affiliated 
firm controlled or substantially owned by substantially the same 
persons, is considered a single firm. If the State determines that the 
reemployment is with a successor-in-interest the State also must seek to 
identify any additional members of the worker group and notify them of 
their potential eligibility under the TAA Program, as provided in Sec.  
618.816(e).
    (3) Successor-in-interest factors. A State may consider a firm a 
successor-in-interest to another firm, if a majority of the following 
factors are present:
    (i) There is continuity in business operations.
    (ii) There is continuity in location.
    (iii) There is continuity in the workforce.
    (iv) There is continuity in supervisory personnel.
    (v) The same jobs exist under similar conditions.
    (vi) There is continuity in machinery, equipment, and process.
    (vii) There is continuity in product/service.
    (4) Year. For purposes of RTAA, a year represents the 12-month 
period beginning with the first full week of qualifying reemployment.
    (c) Full-time employment. For purposes of RTAA, full-time employment 
is defined per State law in which the reemployment occurs.
    (1) If there is no State law addressing the definition of full-time 
employment referenced under paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section, the 
State must issue a

[[Page 146]]

definition of full-time employment for RTAA purposes.
    (2) The State must verify reemployment and do so in accordance with 
State policies.
    (3) Where an AAW seeks to establish RTAA eligibility based upon more 
than one job, the State must combine employment hours in order to 
determine whether the worker has the number of hours needed to qualify 
for RTAA.
    (4) If the AAW is employed in more than one State, the State must 
determine full-time employment for the entire duration of the AAW's RTAA 
eligibility under a single certification under the law of the State in 
which the AAW has the lowest threshold of hours required to meet the 
definition of full-time employment.
    (d) Relevance of UI eligibility. UI eligibility is not a requirement 
for RTAA eligibility.
    (e) Eligible employment. (1) Employment for purposes of paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section must be covered employment under State law; 
however, employment may not include activity that is unlawful under 
Federal, State, or local law.
    (2) Work involving wages plus commission or piece work may be 
considered qualifying employment for the purpose of establishing RTAA 
eligibility, if it otherwise meets the criteria in paragraph (e)(1) of 
this section.
    (3) For purposes of meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a)(4)(i) 
and (ii) of this section, employment may include one or more jobs 
unless, in the case of paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section, the law of 
the State in which the AAW is employed provides otherwise.
    (4) A State must count hours in which an AAW is on employer-
authorized leave as hours of work for purposes of meeting the 
requirements of paragraphs (a)(4)(i) and (ii) of this section unless, in 
the case of paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section, the law of the State in 
which the worker is employed provides otherwise.



Sec.  618.510  Eligibility period for payments of Reemployment Trade
Adjustment Assistance and application deadline.

    (a) Adversely affected worker who has not received TRA. (1) In the 
case of an AAW who has not received TRA, the worker may receive benefits 
as described in Sec.  618.520(a) for a period not to exceed 104 weeks 
beginning on the earlier of:
    (i) The date on which the worker exhausts all rights to UI based on 
the separation of the worker from the adversely affected employment that 
is the basis of the certification; or
    (ii) The date on which the worker first begins qualifying 
reemployment as described in Sec.  618.505(e).
    (2) Where a worker has more than one separation from adversely 
affected employment, the relevant separation for determining the date on 
which the ``worker exhausts all rights to UI'' referenced in paragraph 
(a)(1)(i) of this section is the worker's last separation from adversely 
affected employment that qualifies the worker as an AAW. The Department 
uses the last separation because that separation is the one that 
triggers the worker's application for RTAA. Accordingly, the State must 
determine the worker's last separation for lack of work from adversely 
affected employment before the RTAA application. This principle applies 
only to the determination of the eligibility period and does not apply 
to the calculation of RTAA payments, where wages at separation are 
defined as the annualized hourly rate at the time of the most recent 
separation, as explained in Sec.  618.520(a).
    (b) Adversely affected worker who has received TRA. In the case of 
an AAW who has received TRA, the worker may also receive RTAA benefits 
based on the same certification for a period of 104 weeks beginning on 
the date on which the worker first begins qualifying reemployment, 
reduced by the total number of weeks for which the worker received such 
TRA.
    (c) Applicable dates. To make the RTAA determination, the State will 
need to know the applicable dates for the AAW: The date of reemployment 
and either the date the worker exhausted all rights to UI, or the dates 
the worker began and ended receipt of TRA before the date of 
reemployment. These dates must occur within the 104-week eligibility 
period identified in the Act.

[[Page 147]]

    (d) Age of AAW when obtaining RTAA-qualifying employment. An AAW may 
obtain employment before turning 50 years old and receive RTAA benefits 
after turning 50 years old, if the employment is determined to be RTAA-
qualifying reemployment, as provided at Sec.  618.505(e), and the RTAA 
eligibility period established after obtaining such employment has not 
expired when the individual turned 50 years old.
    (e) Exception to filing deadline and eligibility periods. The filing 
deadline and eligibility periods in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section do not apply where:
    (1) A negative determination on a petition filed under subpart B of 
this part has been appealed to the USCIT;
    (2) A certification of the worker group covered by that petition is 
later made; and
    (3) The delay in the certification is not attributable to the 
petitioner or the AAW.
    (f) Reasonable accommodation of filing deadline and eligibility 
periods. In the event the filing deadline and eligibility periods in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply because the 
certification meets the conditions in paragraph (e) of this section, the 
filing deadline and eligibility periods for RTAA will be extended by the 
State for the period necessary to make RTAA reasonably available to 
AAWs.



Sec.  618.515  Continuing eligibility and timing of payments.

    (a) Continuing eligibility for RTAA. (1) Changing jobs during 
reemployment does not disqualify an otherwise eligible AAW from 
receiving subsequent RTAA payments for the remainder of the 104-week (2-
year) eligibility period if the new reemployment meets the requirements 
of Sec.  618.505.
    (2) An AAW already receiving RTAA payments who has a period of 
unemployment will not be eligible to receive RTAA for that period. Upon 
reemployment, the AAW must notify the State. If the new reemployment 
meets the requirements of Sec.  618.505 and the worker meets all other 
eligibility requirements in this part, the AAW will be eligible to 
receive RTAA in accordance with the requirements of this section for the 
remaining portion of the 104-week (2-year) eligibility period.
    (3) If during a year during the 2-year eligibility period an AAW's 
cumulative wages exceed, or are projected to exceed, $50,000, the AAW 
will no longer be eligible to receive additional RTAA payments within 
that year. The AAW will be eligible for RTAA benefits in the next year 
and RTAA payments will resume until wages exceed, or are projected to 
exceed, $50,000, or until the $10,000 benefit limit is reached.
    (4) If the worker is employed part-time (at least 20 hours per week) 
and receiving RTAA while in TAA approved training, the State must verify 
participation in training on a monthly basis. Verification of 
participation in TAA approved training will be conducted in accordance 
with State policies. States may use training benchmarks, described at 
Sec.  618.660, as a method of verification of participation.
    (b) Timing of RTAA payments. The State must make RTAA payments on a 
regular basis, either weekly, biweekly, or monthly, for no more than a 
104-week (2-year) period for an AAW under any one certification, 
beginning no earlier than the first day of reemployment that satisfies 
the requirements of Sec.  618.505. An AAW may receive retroactive 
payments, in a lump sum, for payments for which the AAW was eligible, 
but for which the AAW had not yet applied.
    (c) Periodic verification of employment and reemployment wages. No 
less than once a month, the State must review whether an AAW receiving 
RTAA payments continues to meet the eligibility requirements of Sec.  
618.505 and determine whether changes have occurred in the AAW's 
reemployment wages, as described in Sec.  618.520(a).
    (d) Change in reemployment wages. The State must recompute the 
appropriate amount of the RTAA payments if, during its review under 
paragraph (c) of this section, it determines that an AAW's reemployment 
wages have changed.
    (1) If reemployment wages exceed, or are projected to exceed, 
$50,000 in a year during the eligibility period, then the State must 
immediately issue a determination that the AAW is ineligible for further 
RTAA payments, notify the

[[Page 148]]

AAW of this determination, and cease such RTAA payments.
    (2) If reemployment wages change but do not exceed $50,000 in a year 
during the eligibility period then the RTAA payment must be recomputed 
every time such a change in reemployment wages occurs. The State must 
then continue periodic verification in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this section, or recommence periodic verification if RTAA payments 
resume in the second year after such scenario as described in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this section occurs.



Sec.  618.520  Benefits available to eligible adversely affected workers.

    (a) Payment. A RTAA-eligible AAW may receive a maximum of $10,000 
over a period of not more than 104 weeks (2 years). If the AAW received 
TRA, each week of TRA received reduces the total weeks of RTAA available 
by 1 week and reduces the total RTAA payment amount available in 
proportion to the reduction in the number of total weeks.
    (1) Total amount of benefits. RTAA supplements a worker's wages for 
up to 104 weeks (2 years) (reduced by the number of weeks of TRA 
received) or $10,000 (reduced in proportion to the reduction in the 
number of total weeks of TRA received), whichever occurs first, by an 
amount equal to the annualized wage differential as computed under 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section for an AAW employed full-time or 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section for an AAW employed less than full-
time.
    (2) Annualized wage differential for initial eligibility of an AAW 
employed full-time. This amount is equal to 50 percent of: The AAW's 
annualized separation wages (as computed under paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 
this section) minus the amount of the AAW's annualized reemployment 
wages (as computed under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section).
    (i) Annualized separation wages are the product of the AAW's hourly 
rate during the last full week of the AAW's regular schedule in 
adversely affected employment, multiplied by the number of hours the AAW 
worked during the last full week of such employment, multiplied by 52. 
The computation of annualized wages at separation excludes employer-paid 
health insurance premiums and employer pension contributions, as well as 
bonuses, severance payments, buyouts, and similar payments not 
reflective of the AAW's weekly pay. [(hourly rate x hours worked) x 52]
    (ii) Annualized reemployment wages are the product of the AAW's 
hourly rate during the first full week of reemployment, multiplied by 
the number of hours the AAW worked during the first full week of such 
reemployment, multiplied by 52 [(hourly rate x hours worked) x 52]. If 
the AAW's wages from reemployment change during the eligibility period, 
then the State must recompute the AAW's annualized wages from 
reemployment at the new hourly wage and must likewise recompute the 
appropriate RTAA payment as required by Sec.  618.515(d). The 
computation of annualized wages from reemployment excludes employer-paid 
health insurance premiums and employer pension contributions, as well as 
bonuses, severance payments, buyouts, and similar payments not 
reflective of the AAW's weekly pay.
    (3) Annualized wage differential for initial eligibility of an AAW 
employed less than full-time. This amount, for an AAW employed at least 
20 hours per week and enrolled in TAA approved training, is the 
annualized wages as computed under paragraph (a)(2) of this section 
multiplied by the ratio of the AAW's number of weekly hours of 
reemployment to the AAW's number of weekly hours of employment at the 
time of separation, but in no case more than 50 percent.
    (4) Adjustment to total amount of RTAA benefits for AAWs who 
received TRA. A State must adjust of the maximum RTAA benefit for an 
RTAA-eligible AAW who has received TRA. The RTAA-eligible AAW may 
receive up to the adjusted RTAA benefit as described in this section 
within the eligibility period as provided in Sec.  618.510(b). RTAA 
eligibility is terminated once the AAW reaches either the number of 
weeks permitted pursuant to Sec.  618.510 or the adjusted RTAA benefit. 
The adjusted RTAA benefit is calculated by subtracting the number of TRA 
paid weeks

[[Page 149]]

from the 104-week RTAA eligibility period to determine the percentage of 
reduced weeks that payments may be made. The maximum payable benefit of 
$10,000 is then reduced by the same percentage. Once the reduction in 
RTAA payable weeks and the reduction in the RTAA total payable are 
reduced by the same percentage, they become the new maximum number of 
payable weeks and maximum payable benefit.
    (b) Training and related services. Recipients of RTAA are eligible 
to receive training approved under subpart F of this part and employment 
and case management services under subpart C of this part.
    (c) Job search and relocation allowances. Recipients of RTAA are 
eligible to receive job search and relocation allowances under subpart D 
of this part, subject to the eligibility requirements and rules of 
subpart D.
    (d) HCTC. Recipients of RTAA are eligible to apply for or claim the 
HCTC, if available.
    (e) TRA. Once an AAW has received a payment under RTAA, the AAW is 
no longer eligible for TRA under the same petition. Receipt of TRA prior 
to RTAA will result in a reduction of RTAA benefits as described at 
paragraph (a)(4) of this section.



Sec.  618.525  Determinations, redeterminations, and appeals.

    (a) Determinations, redeterminations, and appeals. States must apply 
the requirements of Sec. Sec.  618.820 (determinations of eligibility; 
notices to individuals) and 618.828 (appeals and hearings), 
respectively, to all determinations, redeterminations, and appeals under 
this subpart.
    (1) Before issuing a determination or redetermination, the State 
must verify and document the AAW's age, reemployment, and wages in 
determining whether the worker has met eligibility requirements of Sec.  
618.505(a).
    (2) A determination of eligibility issued to an AAW must include a 
notice that the benefit amount will be regularly recomputed (as required 
by Sec.  618.515(d)) and will change if the eligible AAW's reemployment 
wages change.
    (3) An AAW denied individual eligibility based on nonqualifying 
reemployment may file a new application for a subsequent reemployment.
    (4) A State may approve an RTAA payment retroactively if an AAW 
becomes reemployed before the Department issues a certification under 
subpart B of this part, provided that the AAW otherwise meets the 
eligibility requirements of Sec.  618.505(a).
    (b) Recordkeeping requirements. The recordkeeping and disclosure of 
information requirements of Sec.  618.852 apply to the State's 
administration of RTAA.



Sec.  618.530  Reductions of Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance
payments; priority of payments.

    (a) Ordered child support payments. State laws regarding deductions 
of payments from UI, TRA, and RTAA must comply with the Social Security 
Act (SSA). SSA section 303(e)(1) defines child support obligations as 
only including obligations which are being enforced pursuant to a plan 
described in section 454 of SSA which has been approved by the Secretary 
of Health and Human Services under part D of title IV of SSA. SSA does 
not otherwise permit deductions for alimony or for child support.
    (b) Priority of UI payments. RTAA does not fit into priority of 
payments under UI because RTAA is related to employment, not 
unemployment. UI and RTAA are two separate programs that operate 
independently of one another.



                       Subpart F_Training Services



Sec.  618.600  Scope.

    This subpart sets forth the conditions and procedures under which a 
trade-affected worker may apply for and receive training to help secure 
reemployment. Training provided under this subpart must, at a reasonable 
cost and as quickly as possible, assist a trade-affected worker in 
obtaining the necessary skills to have a reasonable expectation of 
reemployment. All else being equal, States should prefer training that 
replaces 100 percent or more of a trade-affected worker's wages in 
adversely affected employment or that qualifies as suitable employment.

[[Page 150]]



Sec.  618.605  General procedures.

    (a) Assessments. The State must ensure and document that every 
trade-affected worker has an initial assessment and that a comprehensive 
and specialized assessment is made available, as described in subpart C 
of this part. If a worker refused to take an assessment, the information 
necessary to determine eligibility for training must be documented. If a 
trade-affected worker has an IEP, the assessment results must support 
the training program set out in the worker's IEP, as described in 
subpart C of this part, before an application for training is approved. 
As with assessments, if a worker refused to develop an IEP, the 
information necessary to determine eligibility for training must be 
documented.
    (b) Applications. Applications for training, including requests for 
TAA Program-funded transportation and subsistence payments, must be made 
to the State in accordance with any policies and procedures established 
by the State.
    (c) Determinations. Decisions on selection for, approval of, or 
referral of a trade-affected worker to training, including whether to 
provide TAA Program-funded transportation and subsistence payments, 
under this subpart, or a decision with respect to any specific training 
or nonselection, nonapproval, or nonreferral for any reason is a 
determination to which Sec. Sec.  618.820 (determinations of 
eligibility; notices to individuals), 618.824 (liable State and agent 
State responsibilities), and 618.828 (appeals and hearings) apply.
    (d) Training opportunities. (1) The State must explore, identify, 
and secure training opportunities to ensure trade-affected workers 
return to employment as soon as possible. States must use all necessary 
and reasonable means to find alternatives when local training resources 
cannot adequately train trade-affected workers for reemployment. 
Training resources may be inadequate when they cannot train workers 
quickly, or at a reasonable cost, or equip workers with skills that meet 
the demands of the job market.
    (2) When available training is inadequate, TAA Program funds may be 
used to create customized, group training opportunities in response to a 
particular dislocation event. Funds may be used for trainings that 
provide intensive remedial education classes, English language training, 
or contextualized occupational training, which combines academic and 
occupational training. These group trainings must adhere to the 
principles described in Sec.  618.600.
    (3) States are required to coordinate with other public and private 
agencies, in cooperation with local workforce development boards (LWDBs) 
established under WIOA, to ensure a wide-range of training opportunities 
are available to trade-affected workers in demand occupations.
    (e) Timing of application and approval of training. A trade-affected 
worker may apply for training and a State may approve training at any 
time after the certification date on which his or her worker group is 
certified under subpart B of this part, without regard to whether such 
worker has applied for or exhausted all rights to any UI to which the 
worker is entitled.



Sec.  618.610  Criteria for approval of training.

    The State must consult the trade-affected worker's assessment 
results and IEP, if available, as described respectively under 
Sec. Sec.  618.345 and 618.350, before approving an application for 
training. Training must be approved for a trade-affected worker if the 
State determines that all of the criteria in paragraphs (a) through (f) 
of this section are met:
    (a) Criterion 1. There is no suitable employment available for the 
trade-affected worker.
    (1) There is no suitable employment available for a trade-affected 
worker in either the commuting area or another area outside the 
commuting area to which the worker intends to relocate, and there is no 
reasonable prospect of such suitable employment becoming available for 
the worker in the foreseeable future.
    (2) If a training program, or an application for training, is denied 
under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the State must document the 
availability of suitable employment through traditional and real-time 
labor market information including, but not limited

[[Page 151]]

to, projections data, job postings, and job vacancy surveys.
    (b) Criterion 2. The trade-affected worker would benefit from 
appropriate training.
    (1) The worker would benefit from appropriate training when 
training, skills training, or remedial education would increase the 
likelihood of obtaining employment. Appropriate training should improve 
the worker's chances of obtaining employment at higher wages than in the 
absence of training or place the worker on a pathway to do so.
    (2) The worker must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to 
undertake, make satisfactory progress in, and complete the training 
program.
    (c) Criterion 3. There is a reasonable expectation of employment 
following completion of such training. Given the labor market conditions 
expected to exist at the time of the completion of the training program, 
a reasonable expectation, fairly and objectively considered, exists that 
the trade-affected worker is likely to find employment, using the skills 
and education acquired while in training, upon completion of approved 
training. The labor market conditions considered must be limited to 
those in the worker's commuting area, or in the area where the worker 
intends to relocate.
    (1) ``A reasonable expectation of employment'' does not require that 
employment opportunities for the worker be available, or offered, 
immediately upon the completion of the approved training program. When 
initially approving such training, there must be a projection, based on 
labor market information, of employment opportunities expected to exist 
at the time of completion of the training program.
    (2) The State must measure expected job market conditions using 
pertinent labor market data, including but not limited to job order 
activity, short-term projections data, job vacancy surveys, business 
visitation programs, and local and regional strategic plans. This labor 
market information should be documented in the trade-affected worker's 
case file. The State should also work with the LWDBs and their one-stop 
partners, especially business team members, to understand current labor 
market conditions and opportunities for work-based learning.
    (3) When a worker desires to relocate within the United States, but 
outside the worker's present commuting area, upon completion of 
training, the State must document the labor market information, 
described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, for the area of the 
planned relocation.
    (4) A reasonable expectation of employment may exist in a limited 
demand occupation for a single, trained worker in the worker's commuting 
area or in an area to which the worker desires to relocate. A limited 
demand for such an occupation does not preclude the approval of training 
in an occupation where the State has determined that there is a 
reasonable expectation that the worker can secure employment in that 
occupation. States must verify with businesses in the commuting area or 
in the area of intended relocation that demand exists for an individual 
with such training. These efforts must be documented in the trade-
affected workers case file. Before approving training in occupations 
with limited demand, the State must consider the number of individuals 
currently enrolled in training that are likely to meet that demand 
before enrolling additional workers in training for that occupation.
    (5) A State may approve a training program in an occupation if it 
finds that there is a reasonable expectation that the training will lead 
to self-employment in the occupation for which the worker requests 
training and that such self-employment will provide the worker with 
wages or earnings at or near the worker's wages in adversely affected 
employment.
    (6) Training programs that consist solely of OJT or contain an OJT 
component are not approvable if they are not expected to lead to 
suitable employment, with the employer providing the OJT, in compliance 
with section 236(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Act.
    (d) Criterion 4. Training is reasonably available to the trade-
affected worker. In determining whether training is reasonably 
available, States must first consider training opportunities available 
within the worker's commuting

[[Page 152]]

area. States may approve training outside the commuting area if none is 
available at the time in the worker's commuting area. Whether the 
training is in or outside the commuting area, the training program must 
be available at a reasonable cost as prescribed in paragraph (f) of this 
section.
    (e) Criterion 5. The trade-affected worker is qualified to undertake 
and complete such training. States must ensure the following:
    (1) The worker's knowledge, skills, abilities, educational 
background, work experience, and financial resources are adequate to 
undertake and complete the specific training program being considered.
    (2) Any initial assessment, comprehensive and specialized 
assessment, and IEP developed under subpart C of this part must be 
consulted to support the trade-affected worker's ability to undertake 
and complete the training program.
    (3) Where the worker's remaining available weeks of UI and TRA 
payments will not equal or exceed the duration of the training program, 
that the worker will have sufficient financial resources to support 
completion of the training program within the time limits noted in Sec.  
618.615(d). In making this determination, the State must consider:
    (i) The worker's remaining weeks of UI and TRA payments in relation 
to the duration of the proposed training program;
    (ii) Other sources of income support available to the worker, 
including severance, earnings of other family members, and other family 
resources;
    (iii) Other fixed financial obligations and expenses of the worker 
and family;
    (iv) The availability of Federal student financial assistance or any 
State-funded student financial assistance or any private funding 
designated for student financial assistance including, but not limited 
to, nongovernmental scholarships, awards, or grants; and
    (v) Whether or not the worker is employed while attending training.
    (4) The State must document whether or not the trade-affected worker 
has sufficient financial resources to complete the training program that 
exceeds the duration of UI and TRA payments.
    (5) If a worker has insufficient financial resources to complete the 
worker's proposed training program that exceeds the duration of UI and 
TRA payments, then the State must not approve that training program and 
must instead consider other training opportunities available to the 
worker.
    (f) Criterion 6. Such training is suitable for the trade-affected 
worker and available at a reasonable cost.
    (1) Suitable for the worker. The training program being considered 
must address the criteria set out in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this 
section and be determined by the State to be appropriate given the 
worker's knowledge, skills and abilities, background, and experience 
relative to the worker's employment goal, and criteria set out in 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) Available at a reasonable cost. (i) Costs of a training program 
may include, but are not limited to, tuition and related expenses (e.g., 
books, tools, computers and other electronic devices, internet access, 
uniforms and other training-related clothing such as goggles and work 
boots, laboratory fees, and other academic fees required as part of the 
approved training program) as well as supplemental assistance 
(subsistence expenses and transportation expenses as described in Sec.  
618.640(c) and (d)). States must pay the costs of initial licensing and 
certification tests and fees where a license or certification is 
required for employment.
    (A) The State must ensure and document that the training program 
costs are reasonable by researching costs for similar training programs, 
whether it is classroom or work-based training.
    (B) Related expenses must be necessary for the worker to complete 
the training program. Other options should be explored before purchasing 
equipment or related materials.
    (ii) Available at a reasonable cost means that training must not be 
approved at one provider when, all costs being considered, training 
better or substantially similar in quality, content, and results can be 
obtained from another provider at a lower total cost within a similar 
time frame. Training

[[Page 153]]

must not be approved when the costs of the training are unreasonably 
high in comparison with the average costs of training other workers in 
similar occupations at other providers. The State may approve a higher 
cost training if that training is reasonably expected to result in a 
higher likelihood of employment, employment retention, or greater 
earnings, or to return the worker to employment in a significantly 
shorter duration.
    (iii) Training at facilities outside the worker's commuting area 
requiring transportation or subsistence payments that add substantially 
to the total cost of the training program may not be approved if other 
appropriate training is available in the commuting area at a lower cost, 
unless the exception described in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section 
applies.
    (iv) Approval of training under paragraph (f) of this section 
(Criterion 6) is also subject to the provisions of Sec.  618.650.



Sec.  618.615  Limitations on training approval.

    (a) One training program per certification. (1) Except as provided 
under paragraph (d)(4) of this section, no trade-affected worker may 
receive more than one approved training program under a single 
certification.
    (2) A training program may be amended, as needed, in compliance with 
Sec.  618.665.
    (3) A training program may consist of multiple forms of training, 
including any or all of the types of training identified in Sec.  
618.620, subject to any restrictions or eligibility requirements that 
may exist.
    (b) Full-time or part-time training. A State may approve a training 
program on a full-time or part-time basis. A trade-affected worker's 
approved training program may consist of either part-time or full-time 
training, or a combination of both. A worker may switch from part-time 
to full-time training or from full-time to part-time training during the 
period of the worker's participation in the program. The training 
program must be amended each time this occurs, in accordance with Sec.  
618.665.
    (1) Full-time. Full-time training means that the training is in 
accordance with the definition of full-time training provided in Sec.  
618.110.
    (2) Part-time. (i) A State may approve part-time training. Part-time 
training is any training program that is not full-time in accordance 
with the established standards of the training provider. The maximum 
duration for approved training provided in paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this 
section also applies to part-time training.
    (ii) A worker enrolled in part-time training is not eligible for TRA 
under subpart G of this part, including a worker who ceases full-time 
training to engage in part-time training. The training approval 
requirements found in this section also apply to part-time training.
    (iii) A worker may participate in part-time training while employed 
in either part-time or full-time employment.
    (iv) The State must clearly inform the worker, before the worker 
chooses part-time training, that TRA is not available to workers in 
approved part-time training and that the worker may lose eligibility for 
the HCTC, if available, while engaged in part-time training.
    (v) As provided in Sec.  618.780(b)(1)(i), a worker may not be 
determined to be ineligible or disqualified for UI, because the worker 
is enrolled in training approved under Sec.  618.610, including part-
time training.
    (vi) As further described at Sec.  618.780(b)(1)(ii), State or 
Federal UI statutes relating to the able, available, or active work 
search requirements as well as refusal to accept work will not 
disqualify a worker for UI or other program benefits, during any week of 
training approved under Sec.  618.610, including part-time training.
    (c) Previous approval of training under other law. When a TAA 
Program petition has been filed by or on behalf of a group of workers 
but a determination of group eligibility has not been made, training may 
be approved for a worker under another State or Federal law or other 
authority. Training approved for a worker under another State or Federal 
law or other authority is not training approved under Sec.  618.610. 
After

[[Page 154]]

eligibility has been determined, any such training may be approved under 
Sec.  618.610 (criteria for approval of training), if it meets all of 
the requirements and limitations of Sec.  618.610 and the other 
provisions of this subpart. Such approval must not be retroactive for 
any of the purposes of this part, including payment of the costs of the 
training and payment of TRA to the trade-affected worker participating 
in the training, except in the case of a redetermination or decision 
reversing a training denial as addressed in Sec.  618.828(d), in which 
case the approval must be retroactive to the date of that denial. 
Systems must be in place to accommodate a change in funding seamlessly, 
as appropriate, after TAA Program training program approval is obtained. 
The cost of training must shift to the TAA Program at the next logical 
break in training--such as the end of a semester--for workers who become 
eligible for the TAA Program and whose training is approved under the 
TAA Program. Training approved under other programs may be amended by 
the TAA Program to allow a worker additional training in order to meet 
additional retraining needs identified in the worker's IEP.
    (d) Length of training. The State, in determining whether to approve 
a training program, must determine the appropriateness of the length of 
training, as follows:
    (1) Time necessary to achieve desired skill level. The training must 
be of suitable duration to achieve the desired skill level in the 
shortest possible time, and not in excess of, the limits established in 
paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (2) Factors. Factors that may impact the length of training include, 
but are not limited to, the trade-affected worker's employment status 
(full- or part-time) under Sec.  618.630 (Training of reemployed trade-
affected workers), the need for supportive services from partner 
programs, and breaks in training due to class schedules and 
availability.
    (3) Duration. (i) Except as otherwise provided for OJT, 
apprenticeship, and the exception provided in paragraph (d)(4) of this 
section, the maximum duration for approvable training under the TAA 
Program is 130 weeks.
    (ii) Only weeks spent in actual training are counted. Scheduled 
breaks in training, as provided in Sec.  618.760, are not counted.
    (iii) If a training program satisfies the duration requirement of 
paragraph (d)(3)(i) of this section but will extend beyond the period 
during which TRA is available, the State must determine, under Sec.  
618.610(e)(3) (criteria for approval of training), whether the worker 
has sufficient personal resources (i.e., funds for the worker's living 
expenses) to support himself or herself while completing the training, 
while not requiring the worker to obtain such funds as a condition of 
training approval. The worker must attest to the State that he or she 
has sufficient resources to sustain himself or herself while in 
training.
    (4) Exception for certain workers who perform a period of duty in 
the Uniformed Services. A member of one of the reserve components of the 
U.S. Armed Forces who serves a period of duty will have the period for 
training, under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, suspended upon being 
called up to duty, provided the requirements specified in paragraphs 
(a)(4)(i) through (iii) of this section are met. Any such reserve 
component member may either resume training upon discharge from active 
service for the training period that remained at the time the reservist 
left the training program to report for active duty, or be allowed to 
repeat portions of the training if doing so is necessary for completion 
of the approved training program or, where appropriate, begin a new 
approved training program. Where the reservist repeats a training 
program or begins a new training program, the reservist will be entitled 
to a new 130-week period to complete approved training. To be eligible 
to resume, repeat, or begin a new approved training program, the 
reservist must meet the following requirements:
    (i) Before completing training under this subpart, the worker has 
given prior oral or written notice of the active duty service to the 
State, unless providing such notice is precluded by military necessity 
or is otherwise impossible or unreasonable.

[[Page 155]]

    (ii) The returning service member must apply to the State for 
training within 90 days following release from active duty service.
    (iii) For purposes of the exception in this paragraph (d)(4), period 
of duty means:
    (A) Serves on active duty for a period of more than 30 days under a 
call or order to active duty of more than 30 days; or
    (B) In the case of a member of the Army National Guard of the United 
States or Air National Guard of the United States, performs full-time 
National Guard duty under 32 U.S.C. 502(f) for 30 consecutive days or 
more when authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense for 
the purpose of responding to a national emergency declared by the 
President and supported by Federal funds.
    (e) Training outside the United States. A trade-affected worker must 
not be approved for training under this subpart for any training that is 
conducted totally or partially at a location outside the United States 
or if the worker is physically located outside the United States while 
participating in training. For distance training, this means both the 
provider and participant must be located within the United States.



Sec.  618.620  Selection of training program.

    (a) Standards and procedures for selection of training. The State 
must document the standards and procedures used to select training 
providers and training(s) in which the training program under this 
subpart will be approved.
    (1) In determining the types of training to be approved and provided 
under the standards, the State should consult with partner agencies, 
including State partner agencies (e.g., State apprenticeship agencies or 
Federal Offices of Apprenticeship located in the States), WIOA one-stop 
partners, local employers, appropriate labor organizations, local 
educational organizations, the LWDB, State and local apprenticeship 
programs, local advisory councils established under the Strengthening 
Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Pub. L. 115-224 
(2018), as codified at 20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.), and postsecondary 
institutions.
    (2)(i) States may choose an eligible training provider (ETP) 
established under WIOA section 122 without establishing additional 
standards or procedures under the TAA Program.
    (ii) As provided in section 236 of the Act, States must not limit 
training approved under this section to only programs on the ETP list 
under title I of WIOA.
    (b) Training types. Eligible trade-affected workers must be provided 
training using either one, or a combination of, the following methods:
    (1) Work-based training, such as apprenticeships, OJT, or customized 
training, may be approved for AAWs. Customized training with the 
worker's current employer may only be approved for AAIWs if the training 
is for a position other than the AAIW's threatened position. See Sec.  
618.655(c)(2). AAIWs must not be approved for OJTs. See Sec.  
618.655(c)(1). The State must inform the worker of the potential 
negative effects of work-based training on TRA and the HCTC, if 
available; or
    (2) Institutional training, including training at public area career 
and technical education schools, as well as community colleges, may be 
approved alone or in combination with work-based training. This also 
includes distance learning, including online training, where a worker 
may complete all or part of an educational or vocational program in a 
geographical location apart from the institution hosting the training 
program, and where the final certificate or degree conferred is 
equivalent in standard of achievement and content to the same program 
completed on campus or at another institutional training location.
    (i) A provider of the distance learning must be based in the United 
States for training provided to be approved. In addition, the worker 
must be physically within the United States when participating in 
distance learning to remain eligible for benefits under the Act.
    (ii) Distance learning is subject to all training approval criteria 
described in this subpart.
    (iii) The State must establish and monitor the milestones of a 
distance-

[[Page 156]]

learning program based on the worker's IEP, as described in subpart C of 
this part, if available.
    (iv) A worker who does not meet the requirements or milestones of a 
distance-learning program may be determined to have ceased participation 
in training, as described in Sec.  618.780(b)(3)(ii).
    (3) Higher education includes any training or coursework at an 
accredited institution, as described in section 102 of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1002), including training 
or coursework for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certification, or 
for completing a degree or certification that the worker had begun 
previously at an accredited institution of higher education. Higher 
education may be approved alone or in combination with work-based 
training. The distance learning requirements in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section also apply to this paragraph (b)(3).
    (c) Other training. In addition to the training programs discussed 
in paragraph (b) of this section, training programs that may be approved 
under Sec.  618.610 (criteria for approval of training) include, but are 
not limited to:
    (1)(i) Any program of remedial education, including ABE courses and 
other remedial education courses, ELA courses, and HSE preparation 
courses.
    (ii) Remedial education may occur before, or while participating in, 
the requested training program;
    (2) Career and technical education;
    (3) Any training program approvable under Sec.  618.610 for which 
all, or any portion, of the costs of training the trade-affected worker 
are paid:
    (i) Under any other Federal or State program other than the TAA 
Program; or
    (ii) From any source other than this part;
    (4) Any training program provided by a State pursuant to title I of 
WIOA or any training program approved by an LWDB established under 
section 102 of WIOA;
    (5) Any program of prerequisite education or coursework required by 
a training provider before advancing to further training; or
    (6) Any other training program approved by the State that complies 
with this subpart.
    (d) Advanced degrees. Training programs that will lead to an 
advanced degree may be approved; however, the time limits described at 
Sec.  618.615(d)(3) must be met. States may not restrict access to 
advanced degrees where the other criteria of this subpart are met. All 
training programs must be evaluated on their individual merit.



Sec.  618.625  Payment restrictions for training programs.

    (a) Funding of training programs. The costs of a training program 
approved under the Act may be paid:
    (1) Solely from TAA Program funds;
    (2) Solely from other public or private funds; or
    (3) Partly from TAA Program funds and partly from other public or 
private funds.
    (b) No duplication of costs allowed. (1) Any use of TAA Program 
funds to duplicate the payment of training costs by another source is 
prohibited.
    (2) When the payment of the costs of training has already been made 
under any other Federal law, or the costs are reimbursable under any 
other Federal law and a portion of the costs has already been paid under 
other such Federal law, payment of such training costs may not be made 
from TAA Program funds.
    (3) When the direct costs of a training program approvable under 
Sec.  618.610 (criteria for approval of training) are payable from TAA 
Program funds and are also wholly or partially payable from any other 
source, the State must establish procedures to ensure TAA Program funds 
will not duplicate funds available from the other source(s). This 
preclusion of duplication does not prohibit and should not discourage 
sharing of costs under prearrangements authorized under paragraph (c)(2) 
of this section.
    (c) Cost sharing permitted. (1) TAA Program funds are the primary 
source of Federal assistance to trade-affected workers, as identified in 
Sec.  618.804(h)(4). If the costs of training a trade-affected worker 
can be paid under the TAA Program, no other payment for such costs

[[Page 157]]

may be made under any other provision of Federal law.
    (2) States may share training costs with authorities administering 
other non-Federal, State, and private funding sources. Sharing training 
costs with other Federal sources may only occur if TAA Program funds are 
not available to cover the total cost of training, as described in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (3) Sharing the future costs of training is authorized where prior 
costs were paid from another source, but this paragraph (c)(3) does not 
authorize reimbursement from TAA Program funds of any training costs 
that were accrued before the date the training program was approved 
under the TAA Program.
    (4) When a mix of TAA Program funds and other funds are used for 
paying the costs of a training program approved under this subpart, the 
State must enter into a prearrangement with any entity providing the 
other source of funds. Any such prearrangement must contain specific 
commitments from the other authorities to pay the costs they agree to 
assume and must comply with the nonduplication provisions contained in 
this part.
    (i) Agreements may be entered into on a case-by-case basis to 
address specific training situations of workers or they may be part of 
an overall statewide strategy to effectively use and maximize available 
resources from the TAA Program, workforce development, and other 
programs.
    (ii) Where training costs are shared between the TAA Program and any 
other funding source, the State must enter into a prearrangement with 
the other funding source to agree upon the proportion of TAA Program 
funds and other funds to be used to pay the costs of a training program. 
A prearrangement must be a specific, binding agreement with the other 
source(s) to pay the costs they agree to assume, and must be entered 
into before any TAA Program funds are obligated. If, after TAA Program 
funds are already committed to a training program, other funds become 
available to pay for that training, the State may decide to share the 
costs of the remainder of training program or the State may continue 
funding the training program in full using TAA Program funds. If the 
State decides to share the costs, it must enter into a prearrangement 
with respect to the newly available funds. If the State makes a change 
to how the training program will be funded going forward, the existing 
training program must be amended in accordance with Sec.  618.665.
    (iii) Before approving any training program under this subpart, 
which may involve the sharing of training costs under the authority of 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the State must require the worker to 
enter into a written agreement with the State, under which TAA Program 
funds will not be applied for or used to pay any portion of the costs of 
the training the worker has reason to believe will be paid by any other 
source.
    (5)(i) A State may not take into account Federal student financial 
assistance, including Pell Grants, or any funds provided under any other 
provision of Federal law that are used for purposes other than the 
direct payment of training costs, even though they may have the effect 
of indirectly paying all or a portion of the training costs.
    (ii) States must ensure that upon the approval of a training program 
under this subpart, payments of Federal student financial assistance 
cease to be applied to the training participant's tuition or other 
training-related costs covered by TAA Program funds.
    (iii) If payments of Federal student financial assistance or other 
training allowances from other Federal funding sources were made to the 
training provider instead of the worker and were applied towards the 
worker's approved training costs, the State must deduct the amount of 
those other payments from the amount of TAA Program funds payable to the 
training provider in order to prevent duplication in the payment of 
training costs.
    (iv) A worker may use Federal student financial assistance for other 
expenses, as allowable under applicable rules for such financial 
assistance.
    (6) If the worker's trade-affected firm agrees to fund all or a 
portion of the worker's training costs, the State must, if the training 
is otherwise approvable, enter into a prearrangement

[[Page 158]]

with the firm to assume any unfunded training costs on the worker's 
behalf.
    (d) No training fees or costs to be paid by trade-affected worker 
from TAA Program funds. (1) A training program must not be approved if 
the trade-affected worker is required to reimburse any portion of the 
costs of such training program from TAA Program funds, or from wages 
paid under such training program.
    (2)(i) A training program must not be approved if the trade-affected 
worker is required to pay any of the costs of the training program from 
funds belonging to the worker, including funds from relatives or 
friends, or from personal or educational loans that will require 
repayment.
    (ii) As required by Sec.  618.940, if the Department determines that 
the amount of funds necessary to provide Training and Other Activities 
(TaOA) will exceed the annual cap under Sec.  618.900 in a fiscal year, 
the Department will promptly inform the States. If a State estimates 
that it will exceed all available TAA Program training funds (including 
TaOA funds remaining from current or prior fiscal years) then the State 
must seek funding from other sources (other than from trade-affected 
workers), including WIOA national dislocated worker grants under part 
687 of this chapter to cover the costs of training approved under Sec.  
618.610. To the extent that a State is unable to fund training costs 
from those other sources, the agency may approve training where the 
worker pays those unfunded costs. Where the worker chooses to pay those 
unfunded costs under this paragraph (d)(2)(ii), the State is not liable 
for paying those costs and must document this prearrangement in the 
worker's case file. Where the worker chooses not to pay the unfunded 
costs, the State must waive the training requirement in Sec.  618.720(g) 
on the basis that training is not available, in order to preserve any 
remaining Basic TRA eligibility under Sec.  618.735(b)(3) (waiver of 
training requirement for Basic TRA).



Sec.  618.630  Training of reemployed trade-affected workers.

    (a) An AAW who obtains new employment and who has been approved for 
a training program may elect to terminate the employment, reduce the 
hours worked in the employment, or continue in full- or part-time 
employment. Such a worker is not subject to ineligibility or 
disqualification for UI or TRA as a result of such termination or 
reduction in employment. A worker who continues such full- or part-time 
employment while a participant in training is considered to be in 
training under Sec.  618.780(b) (disqualifications). If the worker 
continues in full- or part-time employment while a participant in an 
approved training program, the State must inform the worker in writing 
that such employment may have negative effects on UI and TRA benefit 
amounts and duration due to income earned from the employment (and also 
because a worker participating in part-time training is not eligible for 
TRA), which could also lead to the loss of the HCTC, if available. The 
State must apply the earnings disregard provisions in subpart G of this 
part, as appropriate.
    (b) An AAW who has been totally separated as described in paragraph 
(a) of this section may also be eligible for job search and relocation 
allowances under subpart D of this part.



Sec.  618.635  Work-based training.

    (a) OJT--(1) Description. OJT is work-based training provided under 
contract with an employer in the public, nonprofit, or private sector to 
an AAW who is employed by the employer. OJT may be approved if the 
worker meets the requirements under Sec. Sec.  618.610, 618.615, and 
618.665. The State must determine that the OJT in question:
    (i) Can reasonably be expected to lead to suitable employment with 
the employer offering the OJT;
    (ii) Is compatible with the skills of the worker;
    (iii) Includes a curriculum through which the worker will gain the 
knowledge or skills to become proficient in the job for which the worker 
is being trained; and
    (iv) Can be measured by standards or targets that indicate the 
worker is gaining such knowledge or skills.
    (2) Related education. Related skills training provided as part of 
the OJT

[[Page 159]]

contract and sponsored by the employer may be provided in conjunction 
with the OJT. Such training may be provided at the employment site, or 
at educational institutions, or other locations. TAA Program funds can 
be used to pay the OJT participant's expenses associated with the 
educational or instructional component (e.g., classroom and distance 
learning, tools, uniforms, equipment, and books) for an AAW's 
participation in an OJT program.
    (3) Duration. The OJT contract with the employer must specify the 
duration of the OJT. The duration of the OJT must be appropriate to the 
occupational goal for which the AAW is being trained, taking into 
consideration the skills requirements of the job for which the AAW is 
being trained, the academic and occupational skill level of the AAW, and 
the work experience of the AAW, as documented in the worker's IEP, if 
available. The duration of the training must be long enough for the 
worker to become sufficiently proficient in the occupation for which the 
training is being provided to enable the worker to perform as well as 
workers in comparable positions within the firm. The OJT:
    (i) Must not exceed the specific vocational preparation required for 
the occupation, as listed on O*NET (www.onetonline.org); and
    (ii) Must not exceed 104 weeks in any case.
    (4) Exclusion of certain employers. The State may not enter into a 
contract for OJT with an employer that exhibits a pattern of failing to 
provide workers receiving OJT from the employer with:
    (i) Continued long-term employment as regular employees; and
    (ii) Wages, benefits, and working conditions that are equivalent to 
the wages, benefits and working conditions provided to regular employees 
who have worked a similar period of time and are doing the same type of 
work as workers receiving the OJT from the employer.
    (5) Reimbursement. (i) Pursuant to the OJT contract, the employer is 
provided reimbursement of not more than 50 percent of the wage rate of 
the OJT participant, for the costs of providing the training and 
additional supervision related to the training.
    (ii) The reimbursement for OJT must be limited to the duration of 
approved training as specified in the OJT contract.
    (6) Approval of the costs of OJT. OJT costs for an AAW may be 
approved by a State only if a determination is made that:
    (i) No currently employed individual is displaced (including a 
partial displacement, such as a reduction in the hours of nonovertime 
work, wages, or employment benefits) by the AAW;
    (ii) Such training does not impair existing contracts for services 
or collective bargaining agreements;
    (iii) In the case of training that would be inconsistent with the 
terms of a collective bargaining agreement, written concurrence has been 
obtained from the concerned labor organization;
    (iv) No other individual is on layoff from the same or any 
substantially equivalent job for which the AAW is being trained;
    (v) The employer has not terminated the employment of any regular 
employee or otherwise reduced the workforce of the employer with the 
intention of filling the vacancy by hiring the AAW;
    (vi) The job for which the AAW is being trained is not being created 
in a promotional line that will infringe in any way upon the promotional 
opportunities of currently employed individuals;
    (vii) The training is not for the same occupation from which the AAW 
was separated with respect to which the AAW's worker group is covered 
under a certification rendered under subpart B of this part;
    (viii) The employer has not received payment under the TAA Program 
or under any other Federal law for any other OJT provided by such 
employer that failed to meet the requirements of this section or the 
requirements of the other Federal laws governing employment practices; 
and
    (ix) The employer has not taken, at any time, any action that 
violated the terms of this section with respect to any other OJT 
provided by the employer for which the State has made a payment under 
the TAA Program.
    (7) Payment of the costs of OJT. The costs of OJT that are paid from 
TAA

[[Page 160]]

Program funds must be paid in monthly installments.
    (8) TRA eligibility during OJT. Under Sec.  618.780(c), an AAW may 
not be paid TRA for any week during which the worker is in OJT and, 
therefore, may be ineligible for the HCTC, if available.
    (9) RTAA eligibility during OJT. Participants enrolled in OJT may be 
eligible for RTAA. All the requirements at subpart E of this part must 
be met.
    (10) Use of WIOA funds for OJT. TAA Program funds may be leveraged 
with WIOA funds to provide a reimbursement rate equal to that allowable 
under WIOA. See WIOA section 134(c)(3)(H) (29 U.S.C. 3174(b)(3)(H)).
    (11) No OJT for AAIWs. The State must not approve OJT for AAIWs.
    (b) Customized training. (1) Customized training is designed to meet 
the special requirements of a single employer or a group of employers. 
The training may be conducted by a training provider, a single employer, 
or group of employers.
    (2) Customized training must be conducted with a commitment by the 
employer or group of employers to employ an AAW upon successful 
completion of the training. For purposes of customized training, a 
commitment by the employer(s) to employ a worker upon successful 
completion of the training, as required by section 236(f)(2) of the Act, 
means that the employer(s) must enter into an agreement with the State 
that describes the conditions that must be met for successful completion 
of the training and the expectation of employment after the training is 
completed.
    (3) The employer must pay at least 50 percent for the cost of the 
training.
    (4) For AAIWs, approval is limited to customized training for a 
position other than their current position in adversely affected 
employment. See Sec.  618.655(c)(2).
    (c) Apprenticeship. Apprenticeship includes registered 
apprenticeships under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the 
National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et 
seq.), as well as other training programs that include a paid work-based 
learning component and required educational or instructional component 
that results in the issuance of a recognized postsecondary credential, 
which includes an industry-recognized credential.
    (1) Duration. Apprenticeships are not subject to the 104-week 
statutory duration of OJT training limit. The length of the paid work-
based learning component must not exceed 130 weeks. However, the length 
of the educational or instructional training component of the 
apprenticeship may exceed 130 weeks and continue through the scheduled 
completion of that specific apprenticeship training.
    (2) Eligible apprenticeship expenses. TAA Program funds can be used 
to pay for:
    (i) The expenses associated with the educational or instructional 
component (e.g., classroom and distance learning, tools, uniforms, 
equipment, and books) for the apprentice; and
    (ii) The employer may be reimbursed not more than 50 percent of the 
apprentice's regular wage rate for the cost of providing the training 
and additional supervision related to the work-based learning component 
provided by the employer.
    (3) Exclusion of certain employers. The State may not enter into a 
contract for apprenticeship with an employer that exhibits a pattern of 
failing to provide apprentices with successful attainment of an 
industry-recognized credential or the apprenticeship completion 
certificate in the case of registered apprenticeship, as issued by the 
U.S. Department of Labor or State apprenticeship agency.
    (4) Approval of the costs of apprenticeship--(i) Registered 
apprenticeships under the National Apprenticeship Act. Costs for an 
apprenticeship program may be approved by a State only if the 
requirements of the National Apprenticeship Act, 29 CFR parts 29 and 30, 
and Departmental administrative guidance are met.
    (ii) Other apprenticeships. Costs for an apprenticeship program may 
be approved by a State only if a determination is made that:
    (A) No currently employed worker is displaced (including a partial 
displacement, such as a reduction in the hours of nonovertime work, 
wages, or employment benefits) by the apprentice;

[[Page 161]]

    (B) Such training does not impair existing contracts for services or 
collective bargaining agreements;
    (C) In the case of training that would be inconsistent with the 
terms of a collective bargaining agreement, written concurrence has been 
obtained from the concerned labor organization;
    (D) No other worker is on layoff from the same or any substantially 
equivalent job for which the apprentice is being trained;
    (E) The employer has not terminated the employment of any regular 
employee or otherwise reduced the workforce of the employer with the 
intention of filling the vacancy so created by hiring the apprentice;
    (F) The job for which the apprentice is being trained is not being 
created in a promotional line that will infringe in any way upon the 
promotional opportunities of currently employed workers;
    (G) The training is not for the same occupation as the apprentice's 
adversely affected employment;
    (H) The employer has not received payment under the TAA Program or 
under any other Federal law for any other apprenticeship provided by 
such employer that failed to meet the requirements of this section or 
the requirements of the other Federal laws governing employment 
practices; and
    (I) The employer has not taken, at any time, any action that 
violated the terms of this section with respect to any other 
apprenticeship provided by the employer for which the State has made a 
payment under the TAA Program.
    (5) TRA and HCTC eligibility during apprenticeships. Workers 
enrolled in an apprenticeship program, in most cases, will not be able 
to access TRA income support due to their income earned through wages, 
but the State must still make individual determinations on TRA benefits. 
This could also impact HCTC eligibility, if HCTC is available. States 
must advise workers considering this training option of these issues.
    (6) RTAA eligibility during apprenticeships. AAWs age 50 or older 
enrolled in an apprenticeship program may be eligible for RTAA under 
subpart E of this part.
    (7) State contract with apprenticeship employer. The State must 
enter into a contract with the employer that provides the terms and 
conditions of the apprenticeship.



Sec.  618.640  Supplemental assistance.

    (a) General. Supplemental assistance in the form of subsistence and 
transportation payments must be provided to a trade-affected worker 
whose training program has been approved under Sec.  618.610 (Criteria 
for approval of training), to defray reasonable subsistence and 
transportation expenses while the worker attends training at a facility 
outside the worker's commuting area. The need for such subsistence and 
transportation payments must be documented on the worker's IEP, if 
available, or in the worker's case file. Subsistence and transportation 
payments may also be documented on a training approval form, or other 
such form as the State chooses, to ensure that the supplemental 
assistance is documented in the worker's case file.
    (b) Applications for supplemental assistance. A trade-affected 
worker must submit an application for subsistence or transportation 
payments in accordance with subpart H of this part and processes 
established by the State. A determination on an application submitted 
under this section is subject to Sec. Sec.  618.820 (determinations of 
eligibility; notices to individuals) and 618.828 (appeals and hearings).
    (c) Subsistence payments--(1) General. Subsistence payments must be 
made for the reasonable costs of meals and incidental expenses, and of 
separate maintenance, which means maintaining temporary living quarters, 
when the training facility is located outside the trade-affected 
worker's commuting area.
    (2) Requirements for subsistence payments. (i) A trade-affected 
worker must be reimbursed for subsistence only for the period when the 
worker is not receiving or authorized to receive reimbursement or 
separate payments for such costs from any other source.
    (ii) Subsistence payments must not be made for any day such worker 
receives a daily commuting transportation payment from TAA Program funds 
or from any other source, except

[[Page 162]]

as specified in paragraph (e) of this section.
    (iii) Subsistence payments must not be made for any day of unexcused 
absence from the training program, as certified by the training 
provider.
    (3) Amount of subsistence payments. The State may make a subsistence 
payment to a trade-affected worker only for the lesser of:
    (i) The worker's actual per diem expenses for subsistence; or
    (ii) 50 percent of the prevailing per diem allowance rate authorized 
under the FTR (see 41 CFR chapters 300 through 304) for the location of 
the training facility.
    (4) Timing of subsistence payments. The State must make subsistence 
payments upon a worker's completion of a week of training, but may 
advance a subsistence payment for a week if the State determines that 
such advance is necessary to enable the worker to participate in the 
approved training.
    (d) Transportation payments. A trade-affected worker must be 
reimbursed for transportation expenses when commuting to and from a 
training facility located outside the worker's commuting area. 
Transportation expenses, funded by the TAA Program, are payable only for 
the actual days traveled. Mileage eligible for reimbursement is, round-
trip, from the first mile outside the boundary of the worker's commuting 
area to the location of the training facility.
    (1) Transportation payments must not be paid when:
    (i) Transportation is arranged and paid for by the State for one or 
more workers;
    (ii) Such payments are being provided under any other law; or
    (iii) The worker is authorized to be paid or reimbursed for such 
expenses from any other source.
    (2) The daily transportation payment may not exceed the amount of a 
daily subsistence payment that would be payable under paragraph (c)(3) 
of this section if the worker resided temporarily in the area of the 
training.
    (3) In addition, while other forms of transportation may be used, 
transportation payments to a worker may not exceed the cost per mile at 
the prevailing personal vehicle mileage rate authorized under the FTR. 
See http://www.gsa.gov.
    (4) A worker must receive transportation payments promptly after 
completion of a week of approved training, but at a minimum on a monthly 
basis. These payments also may be made in advance in order to facilitate 
the worker's attendance at the training.
    (e) When payment can be made for both subsistence and 
transportation. A trade-affected worker receiving subsistence payments 
may also receive transportation payments only:
    (1) At the beginning of the training that the worker is attending 
outside the worker's commuting area and at the end of the training for 
travel back to the worker's commuting area; or
    (2) When the worker fails, for justifiable cause, as described in 
Sec.  618.780(b)(3)(iii), to complete the training outside the worker's 
commuting area, and must return home before the scheduled end of the 
training.
    (f) Adjustments to subsistence and transportation payment advances. 
If the State advances subsistence or transportation funds, the State 
must adjust subsequent subsistence and transportation payments to take 
into account the amount of the advance that is more or less than the 
amount that the trade-affected worker is entitled to receive under 
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
    (g) Worker evidence. The trade-affected worker must provide receipts 
for all lodging, purchased transportation expenses, and meals.



Sec.  618.645  Voluntary withdrawal from a training program.

    (a)(1) The State must advise a trade-affected worker who chooses to 
withdraw from a TAA approved training program that the withdrawal may, 
subject to the requirements in subpart H of this part, result in an 
overpayment.
    (2) The State must advise a worker who chooses to withdraw from a 
TAA approved training program that the withdrawal may, subject to the 
requirements in subpart G of this part, result in loss of eligibility 
for TRA.
    (b) A trade-affected worker who qualifies for an exception for 
service in

[[Page 163]]

the Uniformed Services, under the criteria set out in Sec.  
618.615(d)(4), may voluntarily withdraw from a training program.
    (c) A trade-affected worker who ceases participation in training for 
justifiable cause, as described in Sec.  618.780(b)(3)(iii) 
(disqualifications), may resume the approved training program.
    (d) The trade-affected worker's eligibility for job search and 
relocation allowances will not be affected by the decision to withdraw 
from training. To be eligible for these allowances, the worker must meet 
all eligibility requirements for these benefits as set forth in 
Sec. Sec.  618.410 (job search allowances) and 618.440 (relocation 
allowances).
    (e) If the trade-affected worker obtains suitable employment before 
training is completed yet remains in his or her training program:
    (1) The State must continue funding the approved training program if 
training benchmarks, described at Sec.  618.660, continue to be 
satisfactorily met.
    (2) The State must consider whether to amend the worker's training 
program; and
    (3) The State must discuss with the worker whether the training 
program continues to serve a useful purpose.



Sec.  618.650  State standards and procedures for establishing reasonable
cost of training.

    (a) A State is not prohibited from setting a statewide limit or 
limits for local workforce development areas on the amount of training 
costs considered reasonable and appropriate for training programs. Any 
limit(s) must reasonably take into account the costs of training 
available in the local workforce development areas throughout the State 
and the expenditure must be prudent under the standards of the Office of 
Management and Budget's (OMB's) Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.404) and its 
attendant interpretive administrative guidance. Additionally, States 
must comply with the standards for reasonableness in Sec.  
618.610(f)(2), including those permitting States to allow training other 
than the least-cost option if the extra cost is justified by better 
trade-affected worker outcomes or a faster return to the workforce. If 
the State chooses to implement a statewide limit, it must arrive at a 
reasonable limit based upon training costs throughout the State, 
recognizing that costs may vary significantly between urban areas and 
rural areas. The State must also develop and implement a method to 
exceed the limit(s), which must require the local area to secure State 
approval, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, before training 
is approved.
    (b) The State must develop transparent standards and procedures that 
provide for prompt consideration of any request for approval of training 
costs that exceed the established training cost limit(s) set by the 
State under paragraph (a) of this section. The review standards 
developed by the State under this paragraph (b) must allow for approval 
of costs that exceed the applicable training cost limit when a training 
program that exceeds the cost limit(s) will provide the most reasonable 
way of returning a particular trade-affected worker to employment at 
higher wages--or on a pathway to do so--than in the absence of training.
    (c) The State must propose an alternative training program 
consistent with the reasonable cost criteria, as described at Sec.  
618.610, when a training program is not approvable under the established 
limits and does not meet the requirements in paragraph (b) of this 
section.
    (d) The State must review any limits established under paragraph (a) 
of this section on an annual basis to determine whether they are still 
appropriate, and change or end such limits when they no longer 
reasonably reflect the average cost of training available in the local 
workforce development areas throughout the State.
    (e) Whenever a State establishes, changes, or ends State-established 
limits on training costs payable under paragraph (a) of this section, 
the State must provide written notice and full documentation supporting 
its action to the Department for review.
    (f) States are not required to establish a limit on training costs.

[[Page 164]]



Sec.  618.655  Training for adversely affected incumbent workers.

    (a) AAIW training. Pursuant to sections 236(a)(1) and 247(18) of the 
Act, a State may approve training for an AAIW, or training for a worker 
before separation occurs. An AAIW may apply for training and a State may 
approve training at any time after the date on which the AAIW is 
determined to be individually threatened with layoff without regard to 
whether such worker has applied for or exhausted all rights to any UI to 
which the worker is entitled.
    (b) Threat of layoff. A State may determine that a worker has been 
individually threatened with total or partial separation when the worker 
has received a notice of termination or layoff from employment. Other 
documentation of a threat of total or partial separation from the firm 
or other reliable source may be accepted.
    (c) Approval of training. Except as specified in this section, the 
provisions of this subpart extend to AAIWs. The following exceptions to 
the training approval requirements apply to AAIWs:
    (1) The State may not approve OJT under Sec.  618.635(a) for AAIWs.
    (2) Customized training for AAIWs under Sec.  618.635(b) may be 
approved only if the training is for a position other than the AAIW's 
adversely affected position.
    (d) Disqualification and restrictions. (1) The State must 
periodically verify that the threat of total or partial separation 
continues to exist for the AAIW for the duration of the approved 
training. This may be accomplished by verifying with the AAIW's employer 
that the threat of separation still exists before funding each 
subsequent portion of the training.
    (2) Funding of a training program must cease upon the removal of the 
threat. The AAIW must cease the training upon the conclusion of the most 
recently funded portion, semester or quarter for which expenses have 
already been accrued. No additional funding will be available while the 
threat of separation is removed. Funding may resume for the original 
training program that had been previously approved upon a determination 
by the State that the threat of separation has been reestablished, or 
upon total or partial separation from adversely affected employment, if 
the requirements under Sec.  618.610 are still met. The AAIW's approved 
training program must be amended, as appropriate, in compliance with 
Sec.  618.665.
    (3) The one training program per certification rule, as described 
under Sec.  618.615, is applicable to AAIWs. Thus, a training program 
begun prior to separation and while under a threat of layoff constitutes 
the one allowed training program available to that AAIW.
    (4) The duration of training limitations, at Sec.  618.615(d)(3) are 
applicable to AAIWs.
    (5) An AAIW will not be eligible for a new training program when 
total or partial separation occurs; however, the existing training may 
be amended under the provisions of Sec.  618.665.
    (6) The State must not consider the AAIW's threatened employment to 
be suitable employment under Sec.  618.610(a).
    (e) Separation from threatened employment. (1) Upon a total or 
partial separation from threatened employment, an AAIW becomes an AAW 
under the following conditions:
    (i) The separation must occur prior to the expiration of the 
certification period under which the worker was determined to be 
threatened; and
    (ii) The total or partial separation must be for lack of work.
    (2) When an AAIW becomes an AAW under the conditions in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section:
    (i) The State must amend the worker's approved training program, as 
described in Sec.  618.665; and
    (ii) The State must determine what other benefits under the TAA 
Program the worker may now be eligible for, including TRA. Any time 
spent in training as an AAIW applies to the duration limits contained in 
Sec.  618.615.



Sec.  618.660  Training benchmarks.

    (a) Requirement for training benchmarks. A State must establish and 
document training benchmarks, as provided in paragraph (f) of this 
section, for individual AAWs so that they can meet Completion TRA 
eligibility requirements, described at Sec.  618.765. The benchmarks 
must be established when the worker enrolls in an approved training 
program, so that the State

[[Page 165]]

can monitor the worker's progress toward completing the approved 
training duration limits established at Sec.  618.615.
    (b) Scope of requirement. Training benchmarks must be established 
for all but short-term training programs.
    (c) Measurement against training benchmark. To review the AAW's 
progress against the benchmarks, States may request that the training 
provider provide documentation of the worker's satisfactory progress, 
including instructor attestations, progress reports, etc. The case 
manager may attest to the worker's progress after consultation with the 
training provider and the worker.
    (d) Must be included in IEP. The training benchmarks must be 
described in the AAW's IEP, if available, or otherwise documented in the 
worker's case file.
    (e) Benchmark qualities. Benchmarks must be flexible enough to allow 
for some variability, and both practical and measurable enough to allow 
administration across a broad spectrum of training scenarios.
    (f) Review of benchmarks. The State must evaluate and document 
satisfactory progress against the benchmarks in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(2) of this section at intervals of not more than 60 days, beginning 
with the start of the approved training program:
    (1) The AAW is maintaining satisfactory academic standing (e.g., not 
on probation or determined to be ``at risk'' by the instructor or 
training provider); and
    (2) The AAW is on schedule to complete training within the timeframe 
identified in the approved training program.
    (g) Actions following failure to meet a benchmark. (1) Upon failure 
to meet a benchmark, the State must provide a warning to the AAW that 
his or her eligibility for Completion TRA is in jeopardy. The warning 
may be provided verbally, in writing, or both, and must be documented in 
the worker's case file. In consultation with the worker, the State may 
amend a worker's training program as described in Sec.  618.665.
    (2) If a worker who has previously failed to meet a benchmark under 
paragraph (g)(1) of this section fails to meet a benchmark during a 
subsequent review under paragraph (f) of this section, the State must 
notify the worker of his or her ineligibility for Completion TRA. The 
worker may elect to continue in the approved training but will not 
receive any Completion TRA payments; or the training program must be 
amended, according to Sec.  618.665, and Completion TRA may resume.



Sec.  618.665  Amending approved training.

    (a) Conditions for amending approved training. The State must, with 
the cooperation of the trade-affected worker, amend a worker's approved 
training program under the following conditions:
    (1) The State determines that one or more of these conditions are 
present:
    (i) A course or courses designed to satisfy unforeseen needs of the 
worker, such as remedial education or new employer skills requirements, 
are necessary;
    (ii) A course or courses added to the training program will enhance 
and complement the worker's original training program, such as 
preparatory courses to obtain an industry-recognized credential, 
certification, or license that will improve the worker's chance of being 
hired;
    (iii) Additional assistance such as tutoring or the use of 
translators would benefit the worker, keep the worker qualified for the 
training in which he or she is enrolled, and be sufficient for the 
worker to complete the training program;
    (iv) Approval of a longerterm training program that will improve the 
likelihood of employment upon the completion of such training;
    (v) The originally approved training program cannot be successfully 
completed by the worker;
    (vi) The originally approved training program is determined to be of 
inferior quality;
    (vii) Training in another occupation will lead to a greater 
likelihood of training completion or a better employment outcome, as a 
result of a change in labor market conditions or the worker's experience 
in the originally approved training program, or other similar factor;

[[Page 166]]

    (viii) The worker is moving from full-time training to part-time 
training or from part-time training to full-time training;
    (ix) An AAIW has been separated from adversely affected employment 
and has transitioned to become an AAW, or an AAIW is continuing training 
after a threat of separation was first removed, then resumed; or
    (x) An additional source of funding becomes available for which a 
prearrangement is required under Sec.  618.625(c)(4).
    (2) The combination of time spent in the originally approved 
training program and the time it will take to complete the amended 
training program will not exceed the duration of training limit for the 
type of training included in the training program, as provided at Sec.  
618.615(d)(3).
    (3) Amending the approved training program occurs before a worker 
finishes the originally approved training program and prior to the 
originally scheduled date of completion.
    (b) Criteria for amending a training program. The State must 
determine that the following criteria are met before amending a training 
program:
    (1) Criterion 1: A reasonable expectation of employment following 
completion of such training continues to exist. Given the labor market 
conditions expected to exist at the time of the completion of the 
training program, a reasonable expectation, fairly and objectively 
considered, exists that the trade-affected worker is likely to find 
employment, using the skills and education acquired while in training, 
upon completion of approved training. The labor market conditions 
considered must be limited to those in the worker's commuting area, or 
in the area where the worker intends to relocate.
    (i) ``A reasonable expectation of employment'' does not require that 
employment opportunities for the worker be available, or offered, 
immediately upon the completion of the approved training.
    (ii) The State must review the expected job market conditions using 
pertinent labor market data in the worker's case file to ensure it 
continues to apply to the amended training program and the worker's 
occupational goal as identified on the worker's IEP, if available, and 
in the worker's case file.
    (iii) When a worker desires to relocate within the United States but 
outside the worker's present commuting area upon completion of training, 
the State must ensure the labor market information (described in Sec.  
618.610(c)(2)) supports the determination that a reasonable expectation 
of employment continues to exist within the area of the planned 
relocation. The labor market information must be in the area of planned 
relocation.
    (iv) A reasonable expectation of employment may exist in a limited 
demand occupation for a single, trained worker in the worker's commuting 
area or in the area to which the worker desires to relocate. The State 
must determine that there continues to be a reasonable expectation that 
the worker can secure employment in the limited demand occupation.
    (v) A State may approve an amended training program in an occupation 
if it finds that there is a reasonable expectation that the additional 
training will lead to self-employment in the occupation for which the 
worker requests training, and that such self-employment will provide the 
worker with wages or earnings at or near the worker's wages in adversely 
affected employment.
    (vi) Amended training programs that consist of solely OJT or contain 
an OJT component are not approvable if they are not expected to lead to 
suitable employment, with the employer providing the OJT, in compliance 
with section 236(c)(1)(B)(i) of the Act.
    (2) Criterion 2: Training continues to be reasonably available to 
the worker. In determining whether training continues to be reasonably 
available to the worker, the State must first consider training 
opportunities available in the worker's commuting area. States may 
approve training outside the commuting area if none is available at the 
time in the worker's commuting area. Whether the training is in or 
outside the commuting area, the amended training program must be 
available at a reasonable cost as prescribed in paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section.

[[Page 167]]

    (3) Criterion 3: The worker continues to be qualified to undertake 
and complete such amended training. States must ensure the following:
    (i) The worker's knowledge, skills, and abilities, educational 
background, work experience, and financial resources remain sufficient 
to undertake and complete the specific amendment to the training program 
being considered.
    (ii) The initial assessment or comprehensive and specialized 
assessment, and IEP, if available, developed under subpart C of this 
part are to be consulted in order to support the trade-affected worker's 
ability to undertake and complete the proposed amended training program.
    (iii) Where the worker's remaining available weeks of UI and TRA 
payments will not equal or exceed the duration of the amended training 
program, that the worker will have sufficient financial resources to 
support completion of the training program within the time limits noted 
in Sec.  618.615(d) (limitations on training approval). In making this 
determination, the State must consider:
    (A) The worker's remaining weeks of UI and TRA payments in relation 
to the duration of the proposed amended training program;
    (B) Other sources of income support available to the worker 
including severance, earnings of other family members, and other family 
resources;
    (C) Other fixed financial obligations and expenses of the worker and 
family;
    (D) The availability of Federal student financial assistance or any 
State-funded student financial assistance or any private funding 
designated for student financial assistance, including, but not limited 
to, nongovernmental scholarships, awards, or grants; and
    (E) Whether or not the worker is employed while attending training.
    (iv) The State must document whether or not the trade-affected 
worker has sufficient financial resources to complete the amended 
training program that exceeds the duration of UI and TRA payments.
    (v) If a worker has insufficient financial resources to complete the 
proposed amended training program that exceeds the duration of UI and 
TRA payments, then the State must not approve that amended training and 
must instead consider resuming the originally approved training program 
or other training opportunities available to the worker.
    (4) Criterion 4: Such amended training continues to be suitable for 
the worker and available at a reasonable cost--(i) Suitable for the 
worker. The amended training being considered must address the criteria 
set out in paragraph (b)(3) of this section (Criterion 3), this 
paragraph (b)(4), and be determined by the State to be appropriate given 
the worker's knowledge, skills, and abilities, background, and 
experience relative to the worker's employment goal, and criteria set 
out in paragraph (b)(1) of this section (Criterion 1).
    (ii) Available at a reasonable cost. (A) Costs of an amended 
training program may include, but are not limited to, tuition and 
related expenses (e.g., books, tools, computers and other electronic 
devices, internet access, uniforms and other training-related clothing 
such as goggles and work boots, laboratory fees, and other academic fees 
required as part of the amended training program) as well as 
supplemental assistance (subsistence expenses and transportation 
expenses as described in Sec.  618.640(c) and (d)). States must pay the 
costs of initial licensing and certification tests and fees where a 
license or certification is required for employment.
    (1) The State must ensure and document that the amended training 
program costs are reasonable by researching costs for similar training 
programs, whether it is classroom or work-based training.
    (2) Related expenses must be necessary for the worker to complete 
the amended training program. Other options should be explored before 
purchasing equipment or related materials.
    (B) Available at a reasonable cost means that amended training must 
not be approved at one provider when, all costs being considered, 
training better or substantially similar in quality, content and results 
can be obtained from another provider at a lower total cost within a 
similar time frame.

[[Page 168]]

Amended training must not be approved when the costs of the training are 
unreasonably high in comparison with the average costs of training other 
workers in similar occupations at other providers. The State may approve 
a higher cost training if that training is reasonably expected to result 
in a higher likelihood of employment, employment retention, or greater 
earnings, or to return the worker to employment in a significantly 
shorter duration.
    (C) Training at facilities outside the worker's commuting area 
requiring transportation or subsistence payments that add substantially 
to the total cost of the amended training program may not be approved if 
other appropriate training is available in the commuting area at a lower 
cost, unless the exception described in paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(B) of this 
section applies.
    (D) Approval of amended training under paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section (Criterion 4) is also subject to the provisions of Sec.  
618.650.



                 Subpart G_Trade Readjustment Allowances



Sec.  618.700  Scope.

    This subpart explains the requirements for eligibility, amounts, and 
duration of Basic TRA, Additional TRA, and Completion TRA, all of which 
are income support in the form of cash payments for an AAW.



Sec.  618.705  Definitions.

    (a) For purposes of TRA, an AAW is ``participating in approved 
training'' if:
    (1) The worker is either attending and taking part in all scheduled 
classes, required activities, and required events in a given week, or 
the training provider has excused the worker's absence or failure to 
take part in accordance with its written policies.
    (2) In the case of distance learning, the worker is either meeting 
all the requirements of the training provider in a given week in 
accordance with its rules, regulations, and standards, or the training 
provider has excused the worker's failure to meet those requirements in 
accordance with its written policies.
    (b) For purposes of TRA, the term ``training allowance'' means any 
assistance or payment, excluding Federal student financial assistance, 
that can be used for the same purpose as funds for the costs of training 
covered by the TAA Program, and that is given or paid directly to the 
AAW.
    (c) For purposes of TRA, the term ``adversely affected employment'' 
includes employment at a successor-in-interest, and such wages reported 
to the State or received by an AAW from a successor-in-interest are 
included as wages under Sec.  618.720(c).



Sec.  618.710  Categories of Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) Basic TRA. Basic TRA is payable to an AAW who meets the 
requirements of Sec.  618.720. Basic TRA is payable for weeks of 
unemployment after the worker meets the criteria for exhaustion of UI 
under Sec.  618.720(e) and, consistent with Sec.  618.725, for weeks of 
unemployment during which the worker either is enrolled in, is 
participating in, or has completed approved training, or has received a 
waiver of the training requirement under Sec.  618.735.
    (b) Additional TRA. Additional TRA is payable to an AAW who meets 
the requirements of Sec.  618.760. Additional TRA is payable only for 
weeks of unemployment during which the worker is participating in 
approved training.
    (c) Completion TRA. Completion TRA is payable to an AAW who meets 
the requirements of Sec.  618.765. Completion TRA is payable only for 
weeks of unemployment during which the worker is participating in 
approved training. Completion TRA is payable only after the worker has 
exhausted all rights to Basic and Additional TRA.



Sec.  618.715  Applications for Trade Readjustment Allowances and payment.

    (a) Timing of applications. (1) An initial application for TRA must 
be filed after certification of the appropriate worker group has been 
made.
    (2) An application for TRA must be filed within the time limit 
applicable to claims for regular compensation under the applicable State 
law.
    (b) Applicable procedures. Applications must be filed in accordance 
with this subpart and on forms furnished to

[[Page 169]]

AAWs by the State. The State's procedures for filing applications for 
TRA, and for reporting, must be consistent with this part and the 
Department's ``Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, Job 
Finding, and Employment Services,'' Employment Security Manual, part V, 
sections 5000 through 5004 (appendix A to this part), except that such 
procedures may allow for the filing and processing of applications by 
paper, telephone, the internet, or other similar methods as provided for 
in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
    (c) Treatment of determinations. Determinations on TRA applications 
are determinations to which Sec. Sec.  618.820 (determinations of 
eligibility; notices to individuals), 618.824 (liable State and agent 
State responsibilities), and 618.828 (appeals and hearings) apply. 
Copies of such applications for TRA and all determinations by the State 
on such applications must be included in the AAW's case file.
    (d) Payment of TRA. (1) A State must not make any payment of TRA 
until a certification is issued and the State determines that the AAW is 
a member of a worker group covered under the specified certification.
    (2) An AAW, if he or she otherwise meets the eligibility 
requirements of this subpart, including exhaustion of UI, may be 
entitled to TRA for any week of unemployment that begins on or after the 
date of the applicable certification.
    (3) An AAW may receive only one form of TRA (Basic, Additional, or 
Completion) for any given week.
    (e) Taking of applications. (1) An initial application is required 
for TRA and a separate application is required for Completion TRA.
    (2) Applications may be filed and processed by any means allowed for 
UI claims in the State.
    (3) States must provide notice to the worker when a worker begins 
receipt of Additional TRA. That notice must include the eligibility 
requirements under which Additional TRA is payable.



Sec.  618.720  Qualifying requirements for Basic Trade Readjustment
Allowances.

    To qualify for Basic TRA for a week of unemployment, an AAW must 
meet each of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this 
section:
    (a) Certification. The AAW must be a member of a worker group 
certified under subpart B of this part.
    (b) Separation. The AAW must have experienced a qualifying 
separation during the certification period of the certification in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Wages and employment. The AAW must meet the following wage and 
other requirements:
    (1) In the 52-week period (i.e., 52 consecutive calendar weeks) 
ending with the week of the AAW's total or partial separation from 
adversely affected employment during the certification period, the 
worker must have had at least 26 weeks of employment at wages of $30 or 
more a week in adversely affected employment with a single firm or, 
where there is more than one subdivision, the appropriate subdivision of 
that firm. Evidence that the worker meets the requirement in this 
paragraph (c)(1) must be obtained as provided in Sec.  618.740. 
Employment and wages covered under more than one certification may not 
be combined to qualify for TRA.
    (2) The categories of weeks in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (iv) of 
this section also must be treated as weeks of employment at wages of $30 
or more (for purposes of paragraph (c)(1) of this section), regardless 
of whether the AAW actually receives any wages during such weeks:
    (i) All weeks, up to a maximum of 7 weeks, during which the AAW is 
on employer-authorized leave for vacation, sickness, injury, maternity, 
or inactive duty or active duty military service for training;
    (ii) All weeks, up to a maximum of 7 weeks, during which the AAW had 
adversely affected employment interrupted to serve as a full-time 
representative of a labor organization in the firm or subdivision 
referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section;
    (iii) All weeks, up to a maximum of 26 weeks, during which the AAW 
has a

[[Page 170]]

disability compensable under a workers' compensation law or plan of a 
State or the United States; and
    (iv) All weeks, up to a maximum of 26 weeks, during which the AAW is 
on call-up for the purpose of active duty in a reserve status in the 
Armed Forces of the United States, if such active duty is ``Federal 
service'' as defined in 5 U.S.C. 8521(a)(1), but not more than 7 weeks, 
in the case of weeks described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) or (ii) of this 
section that occur during the active duty. States may waive provisions 
of this paragraph (c)(2)(iv) consistent with Sec.  618.884.
    (d) Entitlement to UI. The AAW must have been entitled to (or would 
have been entitled to if the worker had applied therefor) UI for a week 
within the first benefit period.
    (e) Exhaustion of UI. The AAW must meet the following requirements:
    (1) The AAW must have exhausted all rights to any UI, except 
additional compensation that is funded by a State and not reimbursed 
from any Federal funds to which such worker was entitled (or would have 
been entitled had such worker applied therefor), and not have any 
unexpired waiting period applicable to the worker for any such UI, 
except as provided at Sec.  618.720(e)(2).
    (2) The AAW may elect to receive TRA instead of UI during any week 
with respect to which the worker:
    (i) Is entitled and is able to receive UI as a result of a new 
benefit year based on employment in which the worker engaged after 
establishing TRA eligibility following a total separation from adversely 
affected employment. The entitlement must be after the first UI benefit 
period. It must also be based in whole or in part upon part-time or 
short-term employment in which the worker engaged after the worker's 
most recent total separation from adversely affected employment that 
established such first UI benefit period. This new employment may 
include the same adversely affected employment; and
    (ii) Is otherwise entitled to TRA, except that the AAW need not have 
exhausted all rights to UI in the new benefit year.
    (3) For AAWs meeting the requirements in paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section, the State must provide the AAW a summary of his or her 
potential UI benefits and potential TRA benefits in writing and document 
the AAW's choice in the case file.
    (4) State law governs the status of the UI claim in the second 
benefit year when the AAW elects to receive TRA instead of UI.
    (5) If the AAW elects to receive UI benefits in the second benefit 
year or any subsequent benefit period thereafter in which the option is 
available, the AAW must exhaust all UI entitlement before resuming TRA 
eligibility.
    (6) The AAW must have no unexpired waiting period applicable to such 
worker for any UI.
    (f) Extended Benefits (EB) work test. The AAW must be able to work 
and be available for work, as defined in the EB work test in the 
applicable State law for UI claimants, and must be furnished a 
classification and a determination as to his or her job prospects as 
required by 20 CFR 615.8(d). The EB work test must be met for each week 
by the means described in this paragraph (f), unless an exception in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section applies.
    (1) Criteria. The EB work test requirement must be met by:
    (i) Registering for work with the State, in accordance with the 
applicable provisions of State law that apply to EB claimants and that 
are consistent with part 615 of this chapter;
    (ii) Actively engaging in seeking work;
    (iii) Furnishing the State with tangible evidence of work search 
efforts each week; and
    (iv) Accepting any offer of suitable work, including those referred 
by the State.
    (2) Exceptions. The able and available requirement and the EB work 
test requirement in this paragraph (f) do not apply for purposes of TRA 
eligibility:
    (i) When the AAW is enrolled in or participating in approved 
training;
    (ii) During a break in training; or
    (iii) With respect to claims for TRA for those weeks of unemployment 
beginning before the filing of an initial claim for TRA, or for any week 
that begins before the AAW is notified of coverage by a certification 
and is fully

[[Page 171]]

informed of the EB work test requirements. Before such notification and 
advice, the worker must not be subject to the EB work test requirements 
for TRA eligibility purposes, nor to any State timely filing 
requirement, but must be required to be unemployed and able to work and 
available for work under State law with respect to any such week except 
as provided in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section for AAWs 
enrolled in or participating in approved training.
    (3) Suitable work. (i) For purposes of this subpart, suitable work 
means, with respect to a worker, whichever of the following laws is 
applicable:
    (A) Suitable work as defined in the applicable State law for 
claimants for regular compensation; or
    (B) Suitable work as defined in applicable State law provisions 
consistent with section 202(a)(3) of EUCA.
    (ii) Regardless of which of the laws in paragraph (f)(3)(i)(A) or 
(B) of this section apply, suitable work does not in any case include 
self-employment or employment as an independent contractor.
    (g) Participation in approved training. (1) As a condition for 
receiving Basic TRA, except as provided for in Sec.  618.730, the AAW, 
after a total or partial separation from the adversely affected 
employment within the certification period, and by the applicable 
deadlines in Sec.  618.725 must:
    (i) Be enrolled in training, as defined in subpart A of this part;
    (ii) Be participating in approved training (as defined in Sec.  
618.705); or
    (iii) Have a waiver granted under Sec.  618.735 in effect.
    (2) An AAW who has not met the requirements in paragraph (g)(1) of 
this section may, if otherwise eligible, receive Basic TRA before 
expiration of the applicable training enrollment deadline in Sec.  
618.725. Once the training enrollment deadline is reached, the training 
requirements in paragraph (g)(1) of this section must be met. Basic TRA 
payments must cease beginning the first week for which the requirements 
in paragraph (g)(1) of this section were required but not met.
    (3) The requirements in paragraph (g)(1) of this section do not 
apply to an AAW with respect to claims for Basic TRA for weeks of 
unemployment beginning before the filing of an initial claim for TRA 
after publication of the certification of the appropriate worker group 
as provided in Sec.  618.715(a), nor for any week that begins before the 
AAW is notified that he or she is covered by a certification and is 
fully informed of the requirements of this section.
    (4) An AAW who meets the participation in approved training 
requirement in paragraph (g)(1) of this section by the applicable 
deadlines in Sec.  618.725 may continue to receive Basic TRA after the 
AAW has completed training, even if such participation in training was 
on a part-time basis, provided that the worker meets all other 
eligibility requirements for Basic TRA.



Sec.  618.725  Training enrollment deadlines.

    (a) Training enrollment deadlines. As a condition for receiving 
Basic TRA, an AAW must meet the participation in approved training 
requirement in Sec.  618.720(g)(1) no later than the latest of:
    (1) The last day of the 26th week after the AAW's most recent 
qualifying separation;
    (2) The last day of the 26th week after the week in which the 
certification was issued; or
    (3) 45 days after the later of the dates specified in paragraph 
(a)(1) or (2) of this section, if there are extenuating circumstances 
that justify an extension of the enrollment period. Extenuating 
circumstances that justify the 45-day extension are circumstances that 
would constitute good cause, as established by Sec.  618.730; that is, 
circumstances under which the AAW acted diligently yet was unable to 
enroll because of exigent circumstances.
    (4) In the case of an AAW who fails to enroll by the date required 
by paragraph (a)(1), (2), or (3) of this section due to a failure by the 
State to provide the AAW with timely information regarding the 
applicable training enrollment deadline, the AAW must be enrolled in 
training or obtain a waiver by the Monday of the first week occurring 60 
consecutive calendar days following the date the worker was properly 
notified; or

[[Page 172]]

    (5) The Monday of the first week occurring 30 consecutive calendar 
days (or, if the State is closed that last day because that day falls on 
a weekend or holiday or for any other reason, the next business day) 
following the day of termination, whether by revocation or expiration or 
revocation of a waiver under Sec.  618.735.
    (b) Exceptions--(1) Extended training enrollment deadline for 
delayed approval of application for TRA. (i) The training enrollment 
deadlines of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply where:
    (A) A State's negative determination on an initial application for 
TRA under Sec.  618.715 has been reversed through redetermination or 
appeal;
    (B) The AAW is unable to meet the training enrollment deadline 
because of the delay in obtaining the reversal of the negative 
determination; and
    (C) The delay in obtaining the reversal is not attributable to the 
AAW.
    (ii) Where the conditions of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section are 
met, the AAW will have until the last day of the 26th week following the 
date on which the negative determination was reversed to enroll in 
training or have a training waiver in effect.
    (2) Extended training enrollment deadline for period of duty in 
military service. If an AAW who is a member of a reserve component of 
the Armed Forces and has served a period of duty during the AAW's Basic 
TRA eligibility period but before enrolling in training, the AAW's 
training enrollment deadline will be the last day of the 26th week 
following the last day of the AAW's period of duty.
    (3) Good cause. The training enrollment deadline may be extended for 
good cause as provided for in Sec.  618.730.



Sec.  618.730  Good cause.

    (a) States must waive the time limitations with respect to an 
application for TRA, enrollment in training, or receipt of a training 
waiver in this subpart if the AAW shows good cause.
    (b) Good cause exists if the AAW acted diligently yet was unable to 
complete in a timely manner the relevant task at issue described in 
paragraph (a) of this section because of exigent circumstances.
    (c) The State must determine good cause on a worker-by-worker basis.



Sec.  618.735  Waiver of training requirement for Basic Trade 
Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) Waiver for Basic TRA. A State may issue a waiver of the 
requirement in Sec.  618.720(g) that an AAW be enrolled in or 
participating in approved training as a condition of Basic TRA 
eligibility upon a finding that training for such worker is not feasible 
or appropriate for one or more reasons identified in paragraph (b) of 
this section. The waiver must contain the information required in 
paragraph (c) of this section. No waiver of the training requirement is 
permitted for Additional TRA or Completion TRA eligibility. Waivers must 
be issued no later than the latest of the applicable deadlines described 
in Sec.  618.725.
    (b) Bases for a waiver. The State, in order to issue a written 
waiver to an AAW, must conclude after assessing the worker that training 
is not feasible or appropriate for one or more of the reasons in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section, which must be cited on 
the waiver:
    (1) Health. The worker is unable to participate in training due to 
the health of the worker. A waiver granted for this reason does not 
exempt the worker from requirements relating to the availability for 
work, active search for work, or refusal to accept work under Federal or 
State unemployment compensation laws.
    (2) Enrollment unavailable. The first available enrollment date for 
approved training is within 60 consecutive calendar days after the date 
on which a waiver determination is made or, if later, there are 
extenuating circumstances, as determined under the criteria in Sec.  
618.725(a)(3), that apply to the delay in enrollment in training.
    (3) Training not available. Approved training is not reasonably 
available to the worker from governmental agencies or private sources 
(which may include area vocational education schools, as defined in 
section 3 of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 
21st Century Act (20

[[Page 173]]

U.S.C. 2302), and employers), or suitable training is not available at a 
reasonable cost, or no training funds are available.
    (c) Contents of a waiver. (1) A waiver issued under this section may 
not take effect unless it contains, at a minimum, the following 
information:
    (i) The AAW's name and a unique identifying designation used by the 
State;
    (ii) The name and location of the worker group and the petition 
number under which the AAW's group was certified;
    (iii) A statement of the reasons why training is not feasible or 
appropriate for the AAW, citing to one or more reasons identified in 
paragraph (b) of this section;
    (iv) The effective date and expiration date of the waiver;
    (v) A statement that the waiver must be revoked immediately upon a 
determination that the basis or bases for the waiver no longer apply; 
and
    (vi) The signature of an official of the State authorized to grant 
the waiver, and the signature of the AAW or other evidence of the 
worker's acknowledgement of receipt of the waiver.
    (2) Waivers and the required signatures may be issued and maintained 
electronically.
    (d) Request for a waiver. States may analyze whether an AAW may 
qualify for a waiver as part of the AAW's initial assessment, as 
described in subpart C of this part. An AAW may also request a waiver 
from the State before the applicable deadline in Sec.  618.725.
    (e) Denial of a waiver. In any case in which a determination is made 
to deny a waiver under this section, the AAW to whom the denial pertains 
must be furnished with a notice of the denial of waiver. The notice of 
denial of waiver must contain, at minimum, the information in paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i), (ii), and (vi) of this section; the specific reason(s) for 
the denial; the date of the denial; and notice of the AAW's appeal 
rights.
    (f) Duration of a waiver. (1) A waiver issued under this section may 
be for a period not to exceed 6 months, or the AAW's period of Basic TRA 
entitlement, whichever ends first;
    (2) Notwithstanding the 6-month limitation in paragraph (f)(1) of 
this section, a State may extend an AAW's waiver beyond 6 months if:
    (i) Training continues not to be feasible or appropriate for such 
worker for one or more of the reasons described in paragraph (b) of this 
section; and
    (ii) Such worker has not yet exhausted his or her Basic TRA 
entitlement.
    (3) Waivers must be reviewed 3 months after the date on which the 
State issues the waiver to determine if one or more of the bases in 
paragraph (b) of this section continue to apply, and every 30 
consecutive calendar days thereafter.
    (g) Revocation of a waiver. The State must revoke a waiver issued 
under this section if the waiver criteria are no longer met. The State 
must notify the AAW of the revocation. The notice of revocation must be 
appealable and must contain the same information as a denial of waiver 
issued under paragraph (e) of this section.
    (h) Submission of waivers and notices. The State must develop 
procedures for compiling and reporting on the number of waivers issued 
and revoked, by reason, and must submit to the Department, only upon 
specific request, a record or copy of any or all waivers issued under 
this section together with a statement of reasons for each such waiver, 
and a record or copy of any or all notices of revocation of waiver 
issued under this section together with a statement of reasons for each 
such revocation. The statements of reason required under paragraphs 
(c)(1)(iii) and (e) of this section, as applicable, fulfill the 
requirement for a statement of reasons under this paragraph (h). 
Electronic records and copies are acceptable.



Sec.  618.740  Evidence of qualification for Basic, Additional, and
Completion Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) State action. When an AAW applies for Basic, Additional, or 
Completion TRA, the State having jurisdiction under Sec.  618.820 
(determinations of eligibility; notices to individuals) must obtain 
information necessary to establish:

[[Page 174]]

    (1) Whether the AAW meets the qualifying requirements in Sec.  
618.720 for Basic TRA, in Sec.  618.760 for Additional TRA, or in Sec.  
618.765 for Completion TRA; and
    (2) For a partially separated AAW, the average weekly hours and 
average weekly wage in adversely affected employment.
    (b) Insufficient data. If information specified in paragraph (a) of 
this section is not available from State records or from any employer, 
the State must require the AAW to submit a signed statement setting 
forth such information as may be required for the State to make the 
determinations required by paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Verification. A statement made under paragraph (b) of this 
section must be certified by the AAW to be true to the best of the 
worker's knowledge and belief and must be supported by evidence 
including W-2 forms, paycheck stubs, union records, income tax returns, 
or statements of fellow workers, and must, whenever possible, be 
verified by the employer.
    (d) Determinations. The State must make the necessary determinations 
on the basis of information obtained under this section, except that if, 
after reviewing information obtained under paragraphs (b) and (c) of 
this section against other available data, including agency records, it 
concludes that such information is not reasonably accurate, it must make 
the determination on the basis of the best available information.
    (e) Timing. The State must follow the established method used for 
processing regular UI claims. If an employer does not respond within the 
timeframe established for UI claims, then the State must act on the best 
available information.



Sec.  618.745  Weekly amounts of Basic, Additional, and Completion 
Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) TRA amount. The amount of Basic, Additional, or Completion TRA 
payable for a week of unemployment (including a week of approved 
training) is an amount equal to the most recent weekly benefit amount of 
UI (including dependents' allowances) payable to the AAW for a week of 
total unemployment preceding the worker's first exhaustion of UI 
following the worker's first qualifying separation, except that:
    (1) Where a State calculates a base period amount of UI and 
calculates dependents' allowances on a weekly supplemental basis, TRA 
weekly benefit amounts must be calculated in the same manner and under 
the same terms and conditions as apply to claimants for UI except that 
the base amount must not change.
    (2) For partially separated workers, the weekly amount of TRA must 
be calculated as determined under the applicable State law.
    (b) Workers who are undergoing training. Any AAW in approved 
training who is thereby entitled for any week to TRA and a training 
allowance (as defined in Sec.  618.705) under any other Federal law for 
the training of workers, will be paid for each week in which the AAW is 
undergoing approved training, TRA in the amount (computed for each week) 
equal to the amount computed under paragraph (a) of this section or, if 
greater, the amount of any weekly allowance for such training to which 
the AAW would be entitled under any other Federal law for the training 
of workers, if the AAW applied for such allowance. TRA must be paid in 
lieu of any payment for training made directly to the AAW to which the 
AAW is entitled under such other Federal law.
    (c) Reductions to the TRA weekly amount. The weekly amount of TRA 
payable under this section will be reduced (but not below zero) by:
    (1) Income that is deductible from UI under the disqualifying income 
provisions of the applicable State law or Federal UI law, except that in 
the case of an AAW who is participating in approved training, such 
income must not include earnings from work for such week that are equal 
to or less than the most recent weekly benefit amount of the UI payable 
to the worker for a week of total unemployment preceding the worker's 
first exhaustion of UI (as determined for purposes of section 
231(a)(3)(B) of the Act).
    (2) If the amount of a training allowance as defined in Sec.  
618.705 (including a training allowance referred to in paragraph (b) of 
this section) under any Federal law that the AAW receives for

[[Page 175]]

such week is less than the amount of TRA otherwise payable to the AAW 
for a week, the AAW must, when applying for TRA for the week, be paid 
TRA in an amount not to exceed the difference between the AAW's regular 
weekly TRA amount, as determined under Sec.  618.745(a) (regular 
allowance), and the amount of the training allowance paid to the AAW for 
the week.
    (3) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, if a 
training allowance under any Federal law other than the Act, is paid to 
an AAW for any week of unemployment with respect to which the AAW would 
be entitled (determined without regard to any disqualification under 
paragraph (b) of this section) to TRA, if the AAW applied for TRA, each 
such week must be deducted from the total number of weeks of TRA 
otherwise payable to the AAW when the worker applies for and is 
determined to be entitled to TRA. If such training allowance paid 
directly to the worker for any week of unemployment is less than the 
amount of TRA to which the AAW would be entitled if the worker had 
applied for it, the AAW must receive (when the worker applies for and is 
determined to be entitled to TRA) TRA for such week equal to such 
difference.
    (4) If the training allowance (as defined in Sec.  618.705) referred 
to in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section is Federal student 
financial assistance, then the amount of TRA will not be reduced. In the 
case of an AAW to whom the Federal student financial assistance is 
available, the State will rely on prearrangements for the sharing of 
training costs under Sec.  618.625(c)(2) (payment restrictions for 
training programs) in order to harmonize the provision of Federal 
student financial assistance with the worker's TRA.
    (5) Any amount that would be deductible from UI for days of absence 
from training under the provisions of the applicable State law that 
applies to AAWs in approved training.



Sec.  618.750  Maximum amount of Basic Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the maximum amount of Basic TRA payable to an AAW is the 
product of 52 multiplied by the TRA weekly amount for a week of total 
unemployment, calculated under Sec.  618.745(a) (weekly amounts of TRA), 
reduced by the total sum of UI (except State-funded additional 
compensation) that the AAW was entitled or would have been entitled to 
had the worker applied in such worker's first benefit period.
    (b) Exceptions. The maximum amount of TRA determined under paragraph 
(a) of this section does not include:
    (1) The amount of dependents' allowances paid as a supplement to the 
base weekly amount determined under Sec.  618.745; or
    (2) The amount of the difference between the AAW's weekly increased 
allowances determined under Sec.  618.745(b) and such worker's weekly 
amount determined under Sec.  618.745(a).



Sec.  618.755  Eligibility period for Basic Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an AAW is 
ineligible to receive Basic TRA for any week of unemployment beginning 
after the close of the 104-week period beginning with the first week 
following the week in which the AAW's most recent qualifying separation 
occurred or after certification, whichever is later.
    (b) A State may not count any period during which a judicial or 
administrative appeal is pending with respect to a denial of a petition 
filed under subpart B of this part for the purpose of calculating the 
period of separation described in paragraph (a) of this section. The 
separation will be deemed as having occurred on the certification date 
and the Basic TRA eligibility period will begin on the week that follows 
the certification date.



Sec.  618.760  Qualifying requirements for, and timing and duration of,
Additional Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) Qualifying requirements for Additional TRA. An AAW is eligible 
to receive Additional TRA for any week only if:
    (1) The worker meets all qualifying requirements for receipt of 
Basic TRA in Sec.  618.720; and

[[Page 176]]

    (2) Except as provided in Sec.  618.775 for a break in training, the 
AAW is participating in approved training.
    (b) Timing and duration of Additional TRA. Additional TRA is payable 
for up to 65 weeks during the 78 consecutive calendar week period that:
    (1) Immediately follows the last week of entitlement to Basic TRA 
otherwise payable to the AAW;
    (2) Begins with the first week of approved training, if such 
training begins after the last week described in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section; or
    (3) Begins with the first week in which such training is approved 
under subpart F of this part, if such training is approved after the 
training already has commenced (although Additional TRA or training 
costs may not be paid for any week before the week in which the TAA 
approved training was approved).



Sec.  618.765  Qualifying requirements for, and timing and duration of,
Completion Trade Readjustment Allowances.

    (a) Qualifying requirements for Completion TRA. An AAW is eligible 
to receive Completion TRA if such worker meets all qualifying 
requirements for receipt of Basic TRA in Sec.  618.720 and Additional 
TRA in Sec.  618.760, and if the eligibility criteria in paragraphs 
(a)(1) through (3) of this section are met for that week. The 
requirements in this paragraph (a) are applied at the time the State 
approves payment for a week of Completion TRA. The eligibility criteria 
are:
    (1) Payment of Completion TRA is necessary for an AAW to complete 
the approved training described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
    (2) The AAW is participating in approved training each week that 
leads to the completion of a degree or industry-recognized credential 
and the worker's training program will extend for a period longer than 
the periods during which Basic and Additional TRA are payable under 
Sec. Sec.  618.755 (eligibility period for Basic TRA) and 618.760 
(qualifying requirements for, timing and duration of, Additional TRA), 
and the requested weeks are necessary for the worker to complete 
training.
    (3) The worker-
    (i) Has substantially met the performance benchmarks in Sec.  
618.660 (training benchmarks) established as part of the approved 
training under subpart F of this part;
    (ii) Is expected to continue to make progress toward the completion 
of the approved training; and
    (iii) Will complete the approved training during the period of 
eligibility described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (4) If, during the period in which an AAW is eligible to receive 
Completion TRA, the worker ceases to meet any of the eligibility 
criteria in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section, no further 
Completion TRA is payable to such worker.
    (b) Weeks payable. A total of up to 13 weeks of payments are 
allowable during the period of eligibility described in paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (c) Eligibility period. Completion TRA may be payable during the 
period of 20-week consecutive calendar period that begins with the first 
week in which an AAW files a claim for Completion TRA and seeks 
compensation for such week, regardless of when the first payment is 
received. The eligibility period may be extended if justifiable cause 
exists, in accordance with Sec.  618.770(a).
    (d) Start date of Completion TRA. The State must have a process to 
take applications for Completion TRA. States must not automatically 
establish the 20-week period for Completion TRA as the week following 
either expiration of the eligibility period for Additional TRA, or the 
exhaustion of Additional TRA; filing a claim after either of those first 
weeks is permitted. Since training that leads to a degree or industry-
recognized credential must be completed during the eligibility period 
described in paragraph (c) of this section, the first week of Completion 
TRA claimed should be carefully considered in coordination with case 
management while the AAW's training program is being developed.



Sec.  618.770  Special rule for justifiable cause.

    (a) The eligibility period during which Basic, Additional, and 
Completion TRA are payable to an AAW may be extended for justifiable 
cause, which

[[Page 177]]

has the same meaning as good cause in Sec.  618.730.
    (b) While the eligibility period for Basic, Additional, and 
Completion TRA may be extended for justifiable cause as determined by 
the State, the maximum benefit amount and number of weeks this benefit 
may be received must not change.



Sec.  618.775  Payment of Trade Readjustment Allowances during breaks
in training.

    (a) Basic and Additional TRA are payable to an otherwise eligible 
AAW during breaks in training (periods within or between courses, terms 
(quarters or semesters), and academic years) that do not exceed 30 days 
(counted in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section), only if:
    (1) The AAW participated in approved training of this part 
immediately before the beginning of the break in training;
    (2) The break in training was provided in the established schedule 
of the training provider; and
    (3) The AAW resumes participation in the approved training 
immediately after the break ends.
    (b) For the purpose of determining whether a break in training is 
within the 30-day maximum allowed under this section, all calendar days 
beginning with the first day of the training break and ending with the 
last day of the break, as provided in the published schedule of the 
training provider, must be counted. However, any Saturday, Sunday, or 
official State or national holiday occurring during the scheduled break 
in training is excluded from the 30-day count if training normally would 
not be scheduled in the training program during those days if there was 
no break.
    (c) For Completion TRA, breaks in training are permissible during 
the 20-week eligibility period. However, payments during breaks in 
training are not allowed.



Sec.  618.780  Disqualifications.

    (a) General rule. Except as stated in paragraph (b)(1) or (c) of 
this section and in Sec.  618.832(b)(2) (overpayments; penalties for 
fraud), an AAW may not be paid TRA for any week of unemployment such 
worker is or would be disqualified from receiving UI under the 
disqualification provisions of the applicable State law, including the 
provisions of the applicable State law that apply to EB claimants and 
are consistent with EUCA.
    (b) Disqualification of trainees--(1) State law inapplicable. A 
State law may not be applied to disqualify an AAW from receiving UI or 
TRA because:
    (i) Such worker is enrolled in or participating in an approved 
training program;
    (ii) Such worker refuses work to which the State referred such 
worker because such work either would require discontinuation of 
approved training or interfere with successful participation in TAA 
approved training, except that this paragraph (b)(1)(ii) does not apply 
to an AAW who is ineligible under paragraph (b)(2) of this section;
    (iii) Such worker quits work that was not suitable employment and it 
was reasonable and necessary to quit in order to begin or continue 
approved training. This includes temporary employment the worker may 
have engaged in during a break in training;
    (iv) Such worker continues full-time or part-time employment while 
participating in approved training; or
    (v) Such worker leaves OJT within the first 30 days because the OJT 
is not meeting requirements of section 236(c)(1)(B) of the Act.
    (2) Disqualifications. An AAW who, without justifiable cause (as 
described in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section), fails to begin 
participation (as described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section) in 
approved training, or ceases participation (as described in paragraph 
(b)(3)(ii) of this section) in such training, or for whom a waiver is 
revoked under Sec.  618.735(f) (waiver of training requirement for Basic 
TRA), may not receive Basic TRA for any week in which such failure, 
cessation, or revocation occurred. The disqualification will continue 
for any succeeding week thereafter until the week in which such worker 
begins or resumes participation in an approved training program. A 
worker who has justifiable cause (as described in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) 
of this section) for such failure to begin, or for ceasing, 
participation in training may

[[Page 178]]

receive Basic TRA for any week in which such failure or cessation 
occurred if the worker otherwise meets the requirements of this subpart. 
Such failure, cessation, or revocation normally does not change the 
eligibility periods defined in Sec. Sec.  618.755, 618.760(b), and 
618.765(b) and (c).
    (3) Disqualification conditions. For determining the 
disqualification of trainees for all TAA approved training, the 
following provisions apply:
    (i) Failed to begin participation. A worker will be determined to 
have failed to begin participation in an approved training program when 
the worker fails to attend one or more scheduled training classes and 
other training activities in the first week of the approved training 
program, without justifiable cause.
    (ii) Ceased participation. A worker will be determined to have 
ceased participation in an approved training program when the worker 
fails to attend all scheduled training classes and other training 
activities scheduled by the training provider in any week of the 
approved training program, without justifiable cause.
    (iii) Justifiable cause. For purposes of this section, justifiable 
cause has the same meaning as good cause under Sec.  618.730, except 
that good cause for absence also includes an absence excused under a 
training provider's written policy.
    (c) Disqualification while in OJT. An AAW may not be paid any TRA 
for any week during which such worker is engaged in OJT, in accordance 
with Sec.  618.635.
    (d) Disqualification while in part-time training. An AAW may not be 
paid any TRA for any week in which the worker is participating in 
approved training that is part-time. Part-time training is any approved 
training that does not meet the definition of ``full-time training'' as 
defined in Sec.  618.110.



          Subpart H_Administration by Applicable State Agencies



Sec.  618.800  Scope.

    This subpart covers the general administrative requirements a State 
must follow in providing the benefits and services available under the 
TAA Program. The requirements in this subpart include: The provision of 
rapid response and appropriate career services to groups of workers for 
whom a petition is filed, delivering TAA Program benefits and services 
to trade-affected workers, assisting in the filing of petitions for 
those likely to be eligible for benefits under this part, conducting 
outreach to groups of workers covered under a petition for TAA filed 
under subpart B of this part, and notifying UI claimants of the TAA 
Program.



Sec.  618.804  Agreements with the Secretary of Labor.

    (a) Authority. A State or CSA must, before performing any function 
or exercising any jurisdiction under the Act and this part, execute an 
Agreement meeting the requirements of the Act with the Secretary.
    (b) Execution. (1) An Agreement under paragraph (a) of this section 
must be signed and dated on behalf of the State or the CSA by an 
authorized official whose authority is certified by the State Attorney 
General or counsel for the CSA, unless the Agreement is signed by the 
Governor or the chief elected official of the State. In the event that a 
State does not execute an Agreement under paragraph (a) of this section, 
then section 3302(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended 
(26 U.S.C. 3302(c)(3)) (loss of unemployment tax credits under section 
3302(a) and (b)), applies.
    (2) A State or CSA must execute an amended Agreement with the 
Secretary, upon the request of the Secretary, in response to legislative 
or regulatory changes to the TAA Program.
    (3) The Secretary will execute an Agreement on behalf of the United 
States.
    (c) Public access to Agreements. The CSA must make available for 
inspection and copying, an accurate copy of its Agreement under this 
section to any individual or organization that requests it. The CSA may 
furnish copies of the Agreement upon payment of the same charges, if 
any, as apply to the furnishing of copies of other records of the CSA.
    (d) Agent of the United States. A State that has executed an 
Agreement under

[[Page 179]]

this section is an agent of the United States for purposes of receiving 
applications for and providing payments on the basis provided in this 
part and must carry out fully the purposes of the Act and this part.
    (e) Breach. If the Secretary determines that the State or CSA has 
not fulfilled its commitments under its Agreement stated in this 
section, the Secretary may terminate the Agreement. The Secretary must 
provide the State or CSA reasonable notice and an opportunity for a 
hearing before the Secretary makes a finding that the State has not 
fulfilled its commitments under its Agreement. In the event that the 
Secretary determines the State or CSA has not fulfilled its commitments 
under its Agreement, section 3302(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986, as amended (regarding loss of unemployment tax credits under 
section 3302(a) and (b)), applies.
    (f) Review of State and CSA compliance. The Department is 
responsible for monitoring and reviewing State and CSA compliance with 
the Agreement entered into under the Act and this section.
    (g) Merit staffing. States must comply with the staffing flexibility 
provisions contained in Sec.  618.890.
    (h) Contents. Each Agreement under this section must contain 
provisions including, but not limited to, the following:
    (1) Provisions consistent with the requirements of section 239 of 
the Act (19 U.S.C. 2311);
    (2) Authorization for the State to issue waivers under Sec.  618.735 
(waiver of training requirement for Basic TRA) and the requirement that 
the State submit, upon request, to the Department a copy of each such 
waiver and, if not already contained within each waiver, a statement of 
the reasons for such waiver;
    (3) The requirement that the State supply data to the Department on 
national TAA Program performance goals identified in applicable 
regulations, the Department's written directives, or any other written 
means used to communicate such goals; and
    (4) Provisions establishing TAA Program funds as the primary source 
of Federal assistance to trade-affected workers. This means that 
following certification of a petition under subpart B of this part, the 
costs for providing services to a worker group should shift from WIOA 
and other programs to the TAA Program.
    (i) Administration absent State Agreement. (1) In any State in which 
no Agreement under this section is in effect, the Secretary will 
administer the Act and this part through appropriate arrangements made 
by the Department.
    (2) The Secretary will administer TAA in accordance with this part 
and the provisions of the applicable State law, except to the extent 
that such State law is inconsistent with this part, section 303 of SSA 
(42 U.S.C. 503), or section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986, as amended (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)).
    (3) The Secretary will provide for a fair hearing for any individual 
whose application for TAA is denied. A final determination as to 
eligibility for TAA will be subject to review as provided in 42 U.S.C 
405(g), as required by section 240(b) of the Act.
    (4)(i) The Department will issue administrative guidance providing 
additional detail on the operation of the TAA Program within that State.
    (ii) Prior to providing administrative guidance, the Department will 
consult with the Governor, other State agencies, neighboring States, and 
other organizations to determine how best to ensure access to the TAA 
Program within that State. Options to administer the program that the 
Department may consider include, but are not limited to:
    (A) Executing an agreement with another State to operate the TAA 
Program;
    (B) Executing an agreement with a qualified organization within the 
State that adheres to all TAA Program requirements in this part to 
operate the TAA Program; and
    (C) Directly administering the TAA Program.
    (j) Program coordination. State agencies providing employment and 
case management services under subpart C of this part and training under 
subpart F of this part must, in accordance with their Agreements under 
this section,

[[Page 180]]

coordinate such services and payments with programs and services 
provided by WIOA and with the State agency administering the State law. 
Any agency of the State jointly administering such provisions under this 
Agreement must be considered to be a CSA for purposes of this part.



Sec.  618.808  State rulemaking.

    (a) A State may establish laws, regulations, procedures, or 
policies, not inconsistent with the Act or this part, or administrative 
guidance issued by the Department.
    (b) The State must submit the exact text of such proposed law, 
regulation, procedure, or policy, certified as accurate by a responsible 
official, employee, or counsel of the State, to the Department.
    (c) No law, regulation, procedure, or policy proposed under 
paragraph (a) of this section may become effective unless and until 
approved by the Department. The Department may grant approval on a 
temporary basis, not to exceed 90 days, in cases of administrative 
necessity.
    (d) The Department may withdraw approval at any time with reasonable 
notice of no less than 30 days to a State.
    (e) If public notice and opportunity for hearing would be required 
under State law for adoption of a similar law, regulation, procedure, or 
policy involving UI or other State or Federal law, the State must 
provide such public notice and opportunity for hearing.



Sec.  618.812  Subpoenas.

    (a) A State may require by subpoena the attendance of witnesses and 
production of evidence necessary for use in the determination of an 
individual's eligibility for TAA Program services and benefits or to 
obtain information needed to assist the Department in the petition 
determination process.
    (b) This power includes the ability of the State to subpoena an 
employer for information necessary to determine whether a certification 
covers a worker, including the name, address, and Social Security number 
of the worker.
    (c) The State may enforce compliance with subpoenas as provided 
under State law and, if a State court declines to enforce a subpoena 
issued under this section, or the State does not attempt a subpoena 
under State law, the State must petition for an order requiring 
compliance with such subpoena to the District Court of the United States 
with jurisdiction over the proceeding.



Sec.  618.816  Trade Adjustment Assistance Program benefit information
and provision of services to workers.

    (a) Providing information to workers. State agencies must provide 
information to each worker who applies for UI about the benefit 
allowances, training, and other services available under this part, and 
about the application procedures, and the appropriate filing dates, for 
such allowances, training, and other services.
    (b) Rapid response and appropriate career services. States must 
ensure that rapid response assistance and appropriate career services, 
as described in section 134 of WIOA, are made available to members of a 
group of workers for whom a petition under subpart B of this part has 
been filed.
    (c) Providing reemployment services. (1) For trade-affected workers 
covered by a certification, States must:
    (i) Make available employment and case management services described 
in subpart C of this part, including testing, counseling, assessment, 
and placement services; and
    (ii) Provide referrals to, assistance in securing of, and approvals 
of training under subpart F of this part.
    (2) If funds provided to carry out this part are insufficient to 
make such services available, States must arrange to make such services 
available through other Federal programs.
    (d) Petition filing assistance. (1) States must facilitate the early 
filing of petitions for a group of workers that the State considers are 
likely to be eligible for TAA Program benefits.
    (2) For purposes of paragraph (d)(1) of this section, ``likely to be 
eligible'' means the State has a reasonable belief that a certification 
will be issued for the group of workers based on observations made by 
State staff; existence of certifications within the same industry, 
sector, or supply chain; or information or statements from the firm,

[[Page 181]]

union, workers, media coverage, or other reports.
    (3) States must provide assistance to enable individuals and other 
entities eligible to file to prepare petitions or applications for 
program benefits.
    (4) Petitions must be filed under paragraph (d)(1) of this section 
even if the firm, a union, elected officials, or members of the group of 
workers oppose the filing.
    (e) Providing information after issuance of a certification. (1) 
States must inform the State's board on vocational and technical 
education (also called the eligible agency, as defined in 20 U.S.C. 
2302(12)) or the equivalent agency in the State and other public or 
private agencies, institutions, and employers, as appropriate, of each 
certification issued under subpart B of this part and of projections, if 
available, of the needs for training under subpart F of this part as a 
result of such certification.
    (2) Upon receipt of a certification issued under subpart B of this 
part by the Department, the State must provide a written notice through 
the mail, of the benefits available under this part to each worker known 
to be covered by the certification when the worker becomes partially or 
totally separated or as soon as possible after the certification is 
issued if the worker is already partially or totally separated from 
adversely affected employment. The State must also provide notice to all 
workers threatened with separation who may be AAIWs. These notices must 
contain the following information:
    (i) The worker group(s) covered by the TAA certification and the 
article(s) produced or services rendered as specified in the copy of the 
certification furnished to the State;
    (ii) The name and the address or location of workers' firm;
    (iii) The impact, certification, and expiration dates in the 
certification document.
    (iv) A summary of benefits and services available to the workers;
    (v) An explanation of how, when, and where the workers may apply for 
TAA Program benefits and services;
    (vi) The training enrollment deadlines (set forth in Sec.  618.725) 
for TRA qualification;
    (vii) Whom to contact to get additional information on the 
certification; and
    (viii) A Babel notice (a short notice in multiple languages 
informing the reader that the communication contains vital information 
and explaining how to access language services to have the contents of 
the communication provided in other languages).
    (3) In order to identify these workers, the State must obtain from 
the firm, or another reliable source, the names and addresses of all 
workers who were partially or totally separated from adversely affected 
employment before the agency received the certification, and of all 
workers who are thereafter partially or totally separated or threatened 
with separation within the certification period. Provision of this 
information may be compelled under the subpoena provisions at Sec.  
618.812.
    (4) Upon receipt of a copy of a certification issued by the 
Department affecting workers in a State, the State must publish a notice 
of the certification in a newspaper of general circulation in areas in 
which such workers reside. The published notice must include the same 
information identified in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (viii) of this 
section. The notice may be filed in a print version of the newspaper, or 
in the online or digital version of the newspaper if it can be 
reasonably expected to reach the interested parties.
    (5) Upon receipt of a copy of a certification issued by the 
Department, the State must perform outreach to, intake of, and 
orientation for trade-affected workers covered by the certification with 
respect to assistance and benefits available under this part.
    (6) In addition to the mailed written notice under paragraph (e)(2) 
of this section, States must also give notice to each worker by at least 
one method of modern electronic communication reasonably calculated to 
reach each worker. For example, States may give notice via email to a 
worker with a known email address, or by text to a worker with a known 
mobile phone number.
    (7) States may also use other modern methods of communication, such 
as

[[Page 182]]

websites and social media, to reach members of certified worker groups.
    (f) Specific benefit assistance to workers. States must:
    (1) Advise each trade-affected worker, as soon as practicable after 
the worker is separated from adversely affected employment or, if later, 
after a certification is issued, or upon notice of the worker's 
threatened status, of the benefits and services available under this 
part, including the qualifying requirements, procedures, and deadlines 
for applying for such benefits and services.
    (2) Perform an intake interview for each trade-affected worker 
(unless the worker declines the interview) as soon as practicable after 
the worker is separated from adversely affected employment, after a 
certification is issued, or upon notice of the worker's threatened 
status. The interview must be scheduled in time for the worker to meet 
the training enrollment deadline set forth in proposed Sec.  618.725(a). 
During the interview, States must provide information about all of the 
benefits available under this part.



Sec.  618.820  Determinations of eligibility; notices to individuals.

    (a) Determinations on initial applications. The State whose State 
law is the applicable State law must, upon the filing of an initial 
application by an individual, promptly determine the individual's 
eligibility for TAA Program benefits under this part and may accept for 
such purposes information and findings supplied by another State.
    (b) Determinations on subsequent applications. The State must, upon 
the filing of an application for payment of TRA, RTAA, subsistence and 
transportation, job search allowance, or relocation allowance, promptly 
determine whether the individual is eligible for such payment and, if 
eligible, the amount of such payment.
    (c) Redeterminations. The provision for redeterminations under the 
applicable State law applies to determinations of eligibility for any 
benefit under this part.
    (d) Use of State law. In making determinations or redeterminations 
under this section, or in reviewing such determinations or 
redeterminations under Sec.  618.820, a State must apply the regulations 
in this part. As to matters committed by this part to be decided under 
the applicable State law, a CSA, a hearing officer, or a State court 
must apply the applicable State law and regulations thereunder, 
including the procedural requirements of the applicable State law or 
regulations, except that no provision of State law or State regulations 
on good cause for waiver of any time limit, or for late filing of any 
claim, will apply to any time limitation referred to or specified in 
this part, unless such State law or regulation is made applicable by a 
specific provision of this part. However, States must follow the good 
cause provision at Sec.  618.730.
    (e) Notices to individuals. The State must notify individuals in 
writing of any determination or redetermination of eligibility to TAA 
Program benefits. Each determination or redetermination must inform the 
individual of the reason for the determination or redetermination and of 
the right to reconsideration or appeal in the same manner as 
determinations of entitlement to UI are subject to redetermination or 
appeal under the applicable State law.
    (f) Promptness. States must make full payment of TAA Program 
benefits when due with the greatest promptness that is administratively 
feasible.
    (g) Procedure. Except where otherwise required by the Act or this 
part, the procedures for making and furnishing determinations, the 
promptness standards, and written notices of determinations to 
individuals, must be consistent with the Department's ``Standard for 
Claim Determinations--Separation Information,'' Employment Security 
Manual, part V, sections 6010 through 6015 (appendix B of this part).
    (h) Successor-in-interest. (1) States are authorized to determine 
whether a firm is a successor-in-interest to a firm named as the 
employer of a worker group on a determination issued under subpart B of 
this part.
    (2) The factors to be used to determine whether or not there is a 
successor-in-interest are established in Sec.  618.110.
    (3) If, after reviewing the successor-in-interest factors, the State 
believes that a denial of benefits is warranted,

[[Page 183]]

the State must file a new petition requesting an amendment to the 
certification under Sec.  618.250.



Sec.  618.824  Liable State and agent State responsibilities.

    (a) Liable State. The liable State, as defined in Sec.  618.110, is 
responsible for:
    (1) Making all determinations, redeterminations, and decisions on 
appeals on all claims for program benefits under this part, including 
job search and relocation allowances under subpart D of this part; RTAA 
under subpart E of this part; training under subpart F of this part; 
subsistence and transportation payments under subpart F of this part; 
Basic, Additional, and Completion TRA under subpart G of this part; and 
waivers and revocations of waivers under subpart G of this part;
    (2) Providing workers with general program information and 
assistance under Sec.  618.816;
    (3)(i) Providing rapid response assistance and appropriate career 
services, as described under section 134 of WIOA, to the group of 
workers in the State covered by the petition upon receiving notice of 
any such workers for whom a petition is filed.
    (ii) This includes making career services authorized under other 
Federal laws available to the workers covered by the petition to the 
extent authorized under such laws.
    (iii) In certain situations, based on the residency of the group of 
workers, it may be appropriate for agent States to also be involved in 
the provision of these services, but in all instances the liable State 
must be ultimately responsible for ensuring the provision of these 
services;
    (4) Providing information and assistance to trade-affected workers 
under Sec.  618.816(c) (providing reemployment services), (e) (providing 
information after issuance of a certification), and (f) (specific 
benefit assistance to workers) upon receiving a certification issued by 
the Department with respect to affected workers at a firm or appropriate 
subdivision in the State;
    (5) Providing a list of eligible TAA recipients and eligible RTAA 
recipients, for HCTC purposes, to the Internal Revenue Service if HCTC 
is available; and
    (6) Assisting in other activities and functions required by the 
Governor-Secretary Agreement at Sec.  618.804, including assisting the 
Department in the review of petitions by verifying such information and 
providing such other assistance as the Department may request.
    (b) Agent State. The agent State, as defined in Sec.  618.110, is 
responsible for:
    (1) Providing interstate claimants with general program information 
and assistance under Sec.  618.816(a) and petition filing assistance 
under Sec.  618.816(d);
    (2) Cooperating fully with and assisting the liable State in 
carrying out its responsibilities, activities, and functions, including 
the provision of rapid response and appropriate career services, as 
needed;
    (3) Cooperating with the liable State in taking applications and 
claims for TAA Program benefits under this part;
    (4) Providing employment and case management services, as described 
in subpart C of this part, to trade-affected workers covered by a 
certification issued by the Department under this part;
    (5) Cooperating with the liable State by providing information that 
the liable State needs for it to issue determinations, redeterminations, 
and decisions on appeals on all claims for program benefits under this 
part, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section;
    (6) Securing, and paying the cost of, any approved training under 
subpart F of this part, and payment of subsistence and transportation 
under subpart F of this part, according to determinations issued by the 
liable State;
    (7) Paying costs under subpart D of this part for job search and 
relocation allowances; and
    (8) Assisting in other activities and functions required by the 
Agreement under Sec.  618.804, including assisting in the review of 
petitions by verifying information and providing such other assistance 
as the Department may request.
    (c) Responsibilities under this section. In most instances, the 
liable State and agent State will be the same State and is responsible 
for all of the activities and functions described in paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section.

[[Page 184]]



Sec.  618.828  Appeals and hearings.

    (a) Applicable State law. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of 
this section, a determination or redetermination under this part (other 
than a determination on the eligibility of a group of workers under 
subpart B of this part, which is subject to review by the USCIT) is 
subject to review in the same manner and to the same extent as 
determinations and redeterminations under the applicable State law, and 
only in that manner and to that extent. Proceedings for review of a 
determination or redetermination may be consolidated or joined with 
proceedings for review of other determinations or redeterminations under 
the applicable State law where convenient or necessary. The right of 
appeal and opportunity for fair hearing for these proceedings must be 
consistent with section 303(a)(1) and (3) of SSA (42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1) 
and (3)).
    (b) Allegations of discrimination. Complaints alleging that a 
determination or redetermination under this part violates applicable 
Federal nondiscrimination laws administered by the U.S. Department of 
Labor must be handled in accordance with the procedures of 29 CFR parts 
31, 32, 35, 36, and 38, as applicable, and as provided in Sec.  618.894 
(nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements).
    (c) Appeals promptness. Appeals under paragraph (a) of this section 
must be decided with a degree of promptness meeting the Department's 
``Standard for Appeals Promptness--Unemployment Compensation'' (20 CFR 
part 650). Any provisions of the applicable State law for advancement or 
priority of UI cases on judicial calendars, or other provisions intended 
to provide for prompt payment of UI when due, must apply equally to 
proceedings involving eligibility for TAA Program benefits and services 
under this part.
    (d) Retroactivity. In the case of a redetermination or decision 
reversing a training denial, the redetermination or decision must be 
given effect retroactively to the date of issuance of the determination 
that was subsequently reversed. However, no costs of training may be 
paid unless such costs actually were incurred for training in which the 
individual participated. In addition, if a TRA application was filed and 
denied as a result of the training denial, TRA may only be paid with 
respect to any week during which the individual was actually 
participating in the training.



Sec.  618.832  Overpayments; penalties for fraud.

    (a) Determinations and repayment. (1) If a State, the Department, or 
a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any person has 
received any payment under this part to which the person was not 
entitled, including a payment referred to in paragraph (b) of this 
section, such person is required to repay such amount to the State or 
the Department, as appropriate, except that the State or the Department 
must waive such repayment if such State or the Department determines 
that:
    (i) The payment was made without fault on the part of such person; 
and
    (ii) Requiring such repayment would cause a financial hardship for 
the person (or the person's household, if applicable).
    (2) States must provide persons determined to have received TAA 
overpayments a reasonable opportunity to demonstrate their eligibility 
for waiver under the criteria in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this 
section.
    (3) A financial hardship exists if recovery of the overpayment would 
result in the person's (or the person's household's) loss of or 
inability to pay for ordinary and necessary living expenses. This 
determination must take into account the income and resources (including 
liquid financial resources) reasonably available to the person (and the 
person's household).
    (4) Fault exists for purposes of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section 
if any of the following criteria are met:
    (i) Whether a material statement or representation was made by the 
person or individual in connection with the application for TAA that 
resulted in the overpayment, and whether the person knew or should have 
known that the statement or representation was inaccurate;
    (ii) Whether the person failed or caused another to fail to disclose 
a material fact in connection with an application for TAA that resulted 
in the overpayment, and whether the person

[[Page 185]]

knew or should have known that the fact was material;
    (iii) Whether the person knew or should have known that the person 
or individual was not entitled to the TAA payment;
    (iv) Whether, for any other reason, the overpayment resulted 
directly or indirectly, and partially or totally, from any act or 
omission of the person or of which the person or individual had 
knowledge, and that was erroneous or inaccurate or otherwise wrong; or
    (v) Whether there has been a determination of fraud under paragraph 
(b) of this section.
    (b) False representation or nondisclosure of material fact. In 
addition to any other penalty provided by law, a person will be 
permanently ineligible for any further payments under this part if a 
State, the Department, or a court of competent jurisdiction determines 
that:
    (1) Such person:
    (i) Knowingly made, or caused another to make, a false statement or 
representation of a material fact; or
    (ii) Knowingly failed, or caused another to fail, to disclose a 
material fact; and
    (2) As a result of such false statement or representation, or of 
such nondisclosure, such person has received any payment under this part 
to which the person was not entitled.
    (c) Notice of determination, fair hearing, and finality. Except for 
overpayments determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, no 
repayment may be required, and no deduction may be made, under this 
section until a determination under paragraph (a)(1) of this section by 
the State or the Department, as appropriate, has been made, notice of 
the determination and an opportunity for a fair hearing thereon has been 
given to the person concerned, and the determination has become final.
    (d) Training, job search and relocation allowances, and RTAA. (1) If 
a trade-affected worker fails, with good cause, to complete training, a 
job search, or a relocation, any payment or portion of a payment made 
under this part to such person or individual properly and necessarily 
expended in attempting to complete such training, job search, or 
relocation is not an overpayment.
    (2) If a trade-affected worker fails, without good cause, to 
complete training, a job search, or a relocation, then the portion of a 
payment for the noncompleted component of a benefit is an overpayment. 
Costs for the completed portions of the training program, job search, or 
relocation are not an overpayment.
    (3) For purposes of this paragraph (d), good cause exists if the 
worker acted diligently yet was unable to complete training, a job 
search, or relocation because of exigent circumstances. The State must 
determine good cause on a worker-by-worker basis.
    (4) An overpayment established under this paragraph (d) must be 
recovered or waived as provided in this section.
    (5) For RTAA, an individual meets the ``earns not more than $50,000 
each year in wages from reemployment'' requirement in section 246 of the 
Act for a given month if the monthly determination of annualized wages 
is accurate and complete at the time it is made. Payments derived from 
the annualized wage projection based on complete and accurate 
information at the time are valid payments that the individual was 
entitled to and are not overpayments.
    (e) Overpayment recovery of TAA Program funds by offset. Unless an 
overpayment is otherwise recovered or is waived, the State-
    (1) Must, subject to the limitation in paragraph (e)(3) of this 
section, recover the overpayment by deduction from any sums payable to 
such person under:
    (i) This part;
    (ii) Any Federal UI law administered by the State; or
    (iii) Any other Federal law administered by the State that provides 
for the payment of unemployment assistance or an allowance with respect 
to unemployment.
    (2) Must recover the overpayment from UI payable to such person 
under the applicable State law.
    (3) Must not allow any single deduction under this paragraph (e) to 
exceed 50 percent of the amount otherwise payable to the person; except 
that if the applicable State law provides for

[[Page 186]]

an overpayment recovery deduction that is less than 50 percent of the 
amount otherwise payable, such recovery must be equal to that lesser 
percentage.
    (f) Fraud detection and prevention. State procedures for the 
detection and prevention of fraudulent overpayments of TAA benefits must 
be, at a minimum, the same as the procedures adopted by the State with 
respect to State unemployment compensation, and consistent with the 
Department's ``Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection,'' 
Employment Security Manual, part V, sections 7510 through 7515 (appendix 
C to this part).
    (g) Person. For purposes of this section and Sec.  618.836 (recovery 
of debts due the United States or others by TAA offset), a person 
includes, in addition to a trade-affected worker or other individual, 
any employer or other entity or organization as well as the officers and 
officials thereof, including any training provider as well as the 
officers and officials thereof, who may bear individual responsibility 
for the overpayment.
    (h) Criminal penalties. (1) Any person who makes a false statement 
of a material fact knowing it to be false, or knowingly fails to 
disclose a material fact under the circumstances described in paragraph 
(h)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, must be imprisoned for not more than 
1 year, fined under title 18, United States Code, or both.
    (i) For the purpose of obtaining or increasing for that person or 
for any other person any payment authorized to be furnished under the 
Act or pursuant to a Governor-Secretary Agreement under section 239 of 
the Act; or
    (ii) When providing information during an investigation of a 
petition under section 221 of the Act.
    (2) Whenever a violation under paragraph (h)(1) of this section is 
suspected, the State or the Department must refer the conduct to the 
U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.



Sec.  618.836  Recovery of debts due the United States or to others by
Trade Adjustment Assistance offset.

    (a) Debt due the United States. Notwithstanding any other provision 
of this part, the State must apply TAA benefits, payable under this part 
to a person (as described in Sec.  618.832(g)), for the recovery by 
offset of any debt due the United States from the person.
    (b) Debt due to others. The State must not apply TAA Program 
benefits for the payment of any debt of any person to any State or any 
other entity or person, except for TRA and RTAA benefits as required by 
Federal UI law.



Sec.  618.840  Uniform interpretation and application of this part.

    (a) First rule of construction. The implementing regulations in this 
part will be construed liberally to carry out the purposes of the Act.
    (b) Second rule of construction. The implementing regulations in 
this part will be construed to assure, insofar as possible, the uniform 
interpretation and application of the Act and this part throughout the 
United States.
    (c) Effectuating purposes and rules of construction. (1) To 
effectuate the purposes of the Act and this part and to assure uniform 
interpretation and application of the Act and this part throughout the 
United States:
    (i) A State must, upon request, forward to the Department, not later 
than 10 days from the date of the request, a copy of any administrative 
ruling on an individual's eligibility to TAA benefits under this part.
    (ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, a State 
must forward to the Department a copy of any determination or 
redetermination on an individual's eligibility to TAA benefits under 
this part appealed to the State's highest UI administrative appeals 
authority.
    (iii) A State must forward to the Department a copy of notice of the 
institution of a State or Federal court proceeding and any State or 
Federal court ruling on an individual's eligibility to TAA Program 
benefits under this part, within 10 days of the notice or ruling.
    (2) If the Department concludes that a determination, 
redetermination, or decision is inconsistent with the Department's 
interpretation of the Act or this part, the Department may at any time 
notify the State of the Department's view. Thereafter, the State must 
issue a redetermination or appeal

[[Page 187]]

if possible and must not follow such determination, redetermination, or 
decision as a precedent; and, in any subsequent proceedings that involve 
such determination, redetermination, or decision, or wherein such 
determination, redetermination, or decision is cited as precedent or 
otherwise relied upon, the State must inform the claims deputy or 
hearing officer or court of the Department's view and must make all 
reasonable efforts, including appeal or other proceedings in an 
appropriate forum, to obtain modification, limitation, or overruling of 
the determination, redetermination, or decision.
    (3) If the Department concludes that a determination, 
redetermination, or decision is patently and flagrantly violates of the 
Act or this part, the Department may at any time notify the State of the 
Department's view. If the determination, redetermination, or decision in 
question denies TAA to an individual, the State must follow the steps 
outlined in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. If the determination, 
redetermination, or decision in question awards TAA to an individual, 
the benefits are ``due'' within the meaning of section 303(a)(1) of SSA 
(42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1)), and therefore must be paid promptly to the 
individual. However, the State must take the steps outlined in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section, and payments to the individual may be 
temporarily delayed if redetermination or appeal action is taken not 
more than 1 business day following the day on which the first payment 
otherwise would be issued to the individual; and the redetermination 
action is taken or appeal is filed to obtain a reversal of the award of 
TAA and a ruling consistent with the Department's view; and the 
redetermination action or appeal seeks an expedited redetermination or 
appeal within not more than 2 weeks after the redetermination action is 
taken. If redetermination action is not taken or appeal is not filed 
within the above time limit, or a redetermination or decision is not 
obtained within the 2-week limit, or any redetermination or decision or 
order is issued that affirms the determination, redetermination, or 
decision awarding TAA or allows it to stand in whole or in part, the 
benefits awarded must be paid promptly to the individual.
    (4)(i) If any determination, redetermination, or decision, referred 
to in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this section, is treated as a precedent 
for any future application for TAA, the Secretary will decide whether 
the Agreement with the State entered into under the Act and this part 
will be terminated and Sec.  618.804(e) applied.
    (ii) In the case of any determination, redetermination, or decision 
that is not legally warranted under the Act or this part, including any 
determination, redetermination, or decision referred to in paragraph 
(c)(2) or (3) of this section, the Secretary will decide whether the 
State must restore the funds of the United States for any sums paid 
under such a determination, redetermination, or decision, and whether, 
in the absence of such restoration, the Agreement with the State will be 
terminated and Sec.  618.804(e) applied and whether other action must be 
taken to recover such sums for the United States.
    (5) A State may request, in writing, within 10 calendar days of 
receiving a notice under paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this section, 
reconsideration of the notice. The State will have an opportunity to 
present its views and arguments if desired. The State must submit such a 
request to the Secretary and may include views and arguments on the 
matters the Secretary is to decide under paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section. The Secretary must respond to the State's reconsideration 
request within 30 calendar days of receiving the request.
    (6) Concurrence of the Department with a determination, 
redetermination, or decision must not be presumed from the absence of a 
notice issued pursuant to this section.
    (d) Payment when due. If the determination, redetermination, or 
decision in question awards TAA Program benefits to an individual, the 
benefits are ``due'' within the meaning of section 303(a)(1) of SSA (42 
U.S.C. 503(a)(1)), and therefore must be paid promptly to the 
individual. Payments to the individual may be temporarily delayed if a 
redetermination is issued not more than 1 business day following the day 
on which the first payment otherwise

[[Page 188]]

would be issued to the individual; and the State seeks an expedited 
appeal decision within not more than 2 calendar weeks after the appeal 
is filed. If the redetermination is not issued or the appeal is not 
filed within the time limit in the preceding sentence, or the decision 
on appeal is not obtained within the 2-calendar week limit in the 
preceding sentence, or any decision on appeal is issued that affirms the 
determination, redetermination, or decision awarding benefits under this 
part or allows it to stand in whole or in part, the benefits awarded 
must be paid promptly to the individual.



Sec.  618.844  Inviolate rights to Trade Adjustment Assistance or 
Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance.

    (a) Except as specifically provided in this part, the rights of 
individuals to TAA Program benefits will be protected in the same manner 
and to the same extent as the rights of persons to UI are protected 
under the applicable State law. Such measures must include protection of 
applicants for TAA Program benefits from waiver, release, assignment, 
pledge, encumbrance, levy, execution, attachment, and garnishment of 
their rights to TAA Program benefits, except as provided in Sec. Sec.  
618.832 (overpayments; penalties for fraud) and 618.836 (recovery of 
debts due the United States or others by TAA offset).
    (b) In the same manner and to the same extent as the rights of 
persons to UI are protected under the applicable State law, individuals 
must be protected from discrimination and obstruction in regard to the 
right to seek, apply for, and receive any TAA Program benefit.



Sec.  618.848  Veterans' priority of service.

    The State must give priority for approval and funding of TAA Program 
benefits (including training, where the approval of training criteria 
are met) to a trade-affected worker meeting the veterans' priority of 
service criteria established under 38 U.S.C. 4215.



Sec.  618.852  Recordkeeping and disclosure of information requirements.

    (a) Recordkeeping. (1) Each State must make and maintain such 
records pertaining to the administration of the Act as the Department 
requires and must make all such records available for inspection, 
examination, and audit by such Federal officials as the Department may 
designate or as may be required by law.
    (2)(i) States must maintain records that contain any information 
that the Department determines to be appropriate in support of any 
reports that the Department may require, including those reports 
specified in Sec. Sec.  618.860(f) (general fiscal and administrative 
requirements and cost classification) and 618.864(e) (TAA Program 
performance).
    (ii) States must maintain records as required by 2 CFR 200.333 for 3 
years, or as indicated at 2 CFR 200.333(a) through (f).
    (3) States must comply with the records requirements established in 
the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.333 through 200.337.
    (4) States must document that they provided or offered the 
employment and case management services described in subpart C of this 
part to all trade-affected workers, either in a paper-based or 
electronic case management system. States must make these systems 
available for review upon request by the Department. Additionally, the 
case management file of each participant must demonstrate that the State 
notified each worker of the training enrollment deadlines set forth in 
proposed Sec.  618.725(a).
    (b) Disclosure of information. (1) Information in records maintained 
by a State in administering the Act must be kept confidential, and 
information in such records may be disclosed only in the same manner and 
to the same extent as information with respect to UI and the entitlement 
of individuals thereto may be disclosed under the applicable State law. 
Such information must not, however, be disclosed to an employer or any 
other person except to the extent necessary to obtain information from 
the employer or other person for the purposes of this part. The 
provision in this paragraph (b)(1) on the confidentiality of information 
maintained in the administration of the Act does not apply in the 
following circumstances:
    (i) Disclosures to the Department;

[[Page 189]]

    (ii) For the purposes of Sec.  618.832 or paragraph (a) of this 
section;
    (iii) For providing information, reports, and studies required by 
Sec.  618.856 (information, reports, and studies); or
    (iv) Where nondisclosure would be inconsistent with the Freedom of 
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) or the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 
552a).
    (2) Where a State obtains confidential business information as part 
of assisting in an investigation under subpart B of this part, it must 
protect that information as required under that subpart.
    (c) Format of records and forms. Forms and records used and 
maintained by States in the administration of this part may exist in 
paper or electronic form or a combination thereof. Regardless of the 
medium, these records must be available and accessible as required under 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section for oversight purposes.
    (d) Electronic signatures. Electronic signatures are allowed where 
such use is in accordance with the Electronic Signatures in Global and 
National Commerce Act (Pub. L. 106-229).



Sec.  618.856  Information, reports, and studies.

    A State must furnish to the Department such information and reports 
and conduct such studies as the Department determines are necessary or 
appropriate for carrying out the purposes of the Act and this part.



Sec.  618.860  General fiscal and administrative requirements and cost
classification.

    (a) Uniform fiscal and administrative requirements. (1) Each State 
receiving funds allocated for the TAA Program from the Department as an 
agent of the United States, must administer the TAA Program in 
accordance with the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR part 200 and 2 CFR part 
2900 and with the funding agreement.
    (2) A State may expend funds awarded to it during a Federal fiscal 
year to carry out TAA Program activities under sections 235 through 238 
of the Act during that Federal fiscal year and the succeeding 2 Federal 
fiscal years.
    (3) Equipment, as described in 2 CFR 200.33 and computing devices, 
as described in 2 CFR 200.20, includes equipment acquired with TAA funds 
under both current and prior Agreements.
    (4) The addition method, described at 2 CFR 200.307, must be used 
for all program income earned under TAA grants. When the cost of 
generating program income has been charged to such grant, the gross 
amount earned must be added to such grant. However, when these costs 
have not been charged to such grant, the cost of generating program 
income must be subtracted from the amount earned to establish the net 
amount of program income available for use under such grant.
    (b) Administrative costs. (1) The administrative cost limit for the 
fiscal year program funding allocation for training, job search 
assistance, and relocation allowances is included in the TAA Program 
Annual Funding Agreement, with which States must comply.
    (2) For purposes of the TAA Program, the costs of administration are 
the costs associated with performing the overall general administrative 
functions of the TAA Program in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (xviii) of 
this section and the coordination thereof within the American Job Center 
network established under WIOA:
    (i) Accounting, budgeting, financial and cash management functions;
    (ii) Procurement and purchasing functions;
    (iii) Property management functions;
    (iv) Personnel management functions;
    (v) Payroll functions;
    (vi) Coordinating the resolution of findings arising from audits, 
reviews, investigations, and incident reports;
    (vii) Audit functions;
    (viii) General legal services functions;
    (ix) Developing systems and procedures, including information 
systems, required for these administrative functions;
    (x) Processing applications for benefits under the Act;
    (xi) Rendering and issuing eligibility determinations under the Act;
    (xii) Performing oversight and monitoring responsibilities related 
to administrative functions;
    (xiii) Costs of goods and services required for administrative 
functions of

[[Page 190]]

the program, including goods and services such as rental or purchase of 
equipment, utilities, office supplies, postage, and rental and 
maintenance of office space;
    (xiv) Travel costs incurred for official business in carrying out 
administrative activities or the overall management of the TAA Program;
    (xv) Costs of information systems related to administrative 
functions (i.e., personnel, procurement, purchasing, property 
management, accounting, and payroll systems), including the purchase, 
systems development, and operating costs of such systems;
    (xvi) Processing waivers of training requirements under subpart G of 
this part;
    (xvii) Collecting, validating, and reporting data required under the 
Act; and
    (xviii) Providing RTAA under subpart E of this part.
    (3) Awards to subrecipients or contractors that are solely for the 
performance of administrative functions constitute administrative costs.
    (4) Personnel and related nonpersonnel costs of staff that perform 
both administrative functions specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section and programmatic services or activities must be allocated as 
administrative or program costs to the benefitting cost objectives/
categories based on documented distributions of actual time worked or 
other equitable cost allocation methods.
    (5) Costs of the information systems in paragraphs (b)(5)(i) through 
(iii) of this section, including the purchase, systems development, and 
operational costs, are charged to the program category:
    (i) Tracking or monitoring of participant and performance 
information, including employment and case management services and 
activities;
    (ii) Employment statistics information, including job listing 
information, job skills information, and demand occupation information. 
States must leverage existing resources provided under other Federal 
programs; and
    (iii) Maintenance and enhancement of the systems specified in 
paragraphs (b)(5)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (6) Wherever possible, States must make efforts to streamline the 
administrative activities and services listed in this section by 
minimizing duplication and effectively using information technology to 
improve services and leveraging resources across programs.
    (c) Prior approval. (1) Equipment purchases under the TAA Program 
are subject to the provisions at 2 CFR 200.313. In compliance with 2 CFR 
2900.16, prior approval is hereby provided for equipment purchases under 
the TAA Program.
    (2) As provided in 2 CFR 200.439(b)(1), the Department retains the 
prior approval requirement related to capital expenditures (2 CFR 
200.13) and for capital assets (2 CFR 200.12) other than equipment.
    (d) Audit and oversight requirements. (1) All States, local 
governments, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities that are 
recipients or subrecipients of TAA Program funds must follow the audit 
requirements under 2 CFR 200.500 through 200.521 and 2 CFR 2900.20.
    (2)(i) Oversight and monitoring. Each recipient and subrecipient of 
funds under the Act must conduct regular oversight and monitoring of its 
program and those of any subrecipients and contractors, as required 
under section 239(i) of the Act, as well as under 2 CFR part 200, 
including 2 CFR 200.328, 200.330, and 200.331, and Department exceptions 
at 2 CFR part 2900, in order to:
    (A) Determine that expenditures have been made against the proper 
cost categories and within the cost limitations specified in the Act, 
the regulations in this part, and administrative guidance;
    (B) Determine whether there is compliance with other provisions of 
the Act, the regulations in this part, and administrative guidance;
    (C) Assure compliance with 2 CFR part 200 and the Department's 
exceptions at 2 CFR part 2900; and
    (D) Determine compliance with the nondiscrimination, disability, and 
equal opportunity requirements of section 188 of WIOA, including the 
Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3003).

[[Page 191]]

    (ii) Resolution of subrecipient-level findings. (A) The Governor is 
responsible for resolving findings that arise from the monitoring 
reviews, investigations, other Federal monitoring reviews, and audits 
(including under 2 CFR part 200) of subrecipients awarded funds through 
the Act.
    (B) A State must use the written monitoring and audit resolution, 
debt collection and appeal procedures that it uses for other Federal 
grant programs.
    (C) If a State does not have such written procedures as described in 
paragraph (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, it must prescribe standards and 
procedures to govern this grant program.
    (D) For subrecipients awarded funds through a recipient of grant 
funds, the direct recipient of the grant funds must have written 
monitoring and resolution procedures in place that are consistent with 2 
CFR part 200.
    (iii) Resolution of State findings. (A) The Secretary is responsible 
for resolving findings that arise from Federal audits, monitoring 
reviews, investigations, incident reports, and audits under 2 CFR part 
200 for direct recipients of Federal awards under the Act.
    (B) The Secretary will use the Department's audit resolution 
process, consistent with 2 CFR part 2900, subpart F.
    (C) A final determination issued by a Grant Officer under the 
process in this paragraph (d)(2)(iii) may be appealed to the DOL Office 
of Administrative Law Judges under the procedures in 2 CFR 2900.22.
    (e) Government-wide debarment and suspension, and government-wide 
drug-free workplace requirements. All TAA Program fund recipients and 
subrecipients must comply with the Government-wide requirements for 
debarment and suspension under subparts G and H of 2 CFR part 180 and 
the Government-wide requirements for a drug-free workplace at 29 CFR 
part 98.
    (f) Fiscal reporting requirements for States. (1) In accordance with 
2 CFR 200.327 and 2 CFR 2900.14, each State must submit a quarterly 
financial report to the Department as specified in the reporting 
instructions approved by OMB.
    (2) States must report financial data on an accrual basis, and 
cumulatively by funding year of appropriation. Financial data may also 
be required on specific program activities as specified in the reporting 
instructions as approved by OMB.
    (3) If the State's accounting system is not on the accrual basis of 
accounting, the State must develop accrual information through best 
estimates based on an analysis of the documentation on hand.
    (4) The State must:
    (i) Obligate funds on not less than a quarterly basis; and
    (ii) Periodically review obligations and, in an appropriate and 
timely manner, de-obligate funds when a participant drops, completes, or 
is no longer eligible for training.
    (g) Use of funds. Of the funds awarded to the States to carry out 
sections 235 through 238 of the Act for a fiscal year, the State must 
use:
    (1) Not more than 10 percent for the costs of administration, 
provided in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section; and
    (2) Not less than 5 percent for employment and case management 
services under section 235 of the Act.
    (h) Technology. States must maintain sufficient and effective 
technology for the purpose of tracking and reporting required 
participant data, and to provide appropriate services under the TAA 
Program.
    (i) Designation of resources for Management Information Systems 
(MIS) development. States are required to dedicate an appropriate 
portion of administrative and employment and case management funding 
under TAA for management information systems development, upgrades, and 
ongoing maintenance.



Sec.  618.864  Trade Adjustment Assistance Program performance.

    (a) General rule. Each State must report to the Department 
comprehensive performance accountability measures, to consist of:
    (1) The primary indicators of performance described in paragraph (b) 
of this section;
    (2) The additional indicators of performance established under 
paragraph (c) of this section, if any; and

[[Page 192]]

    (3) A description of efforts made to improve outcomes for workers 
under the TAA Program that promote efficient and effective program 
performance as provided in this section.
    (b) Primary indicators of performance--(1) Primary indicators. The 
primary indicators of performance shall consist of:
    (i) The percentage and number of workers who received benefits under 
the TAA Program who are in unsubsidized employment during the second 
calendar quarter after exit from the program;
    (ii) The percentage and number of workers who received benefits 
under the TAA Program who are in unsubsidized employment during the 
fourth calendar quarter after exit from the program;
    (iii) The median earnings of workers who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the second quarter after exit from the program;
    (iv) The percentage of those participants enrolled in a training 
program under subpart F (excluding those in OJT and customized training) 
who attained a recognized postsecondary credential or a secondary school 
diploma, or its recognized equivalent, during participation in or within 
1 year after exit from the program; and
    (v) The percentage and number of workers who received benefits under 
the TAA Program who, during a year while receiving such benefits, are in 
an education or training program that leads to a recognized 
postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable 
gains in skills toward such a credential or employment.
    (2) Indicator relating to credential attainment. For purposes of 
paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section, a worker who received benefits 
under the TAA Program who obtained a secondary school diploma or its 
recognized equivalent is included in the percentage counted for purposes 
of paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section only if the worker, in addition 
to obtaining such a diploma or its recognized equivalent, has obtained 
or retained employment or is in an education or training program leading 
to a recognized postsecondary credential within 1 year after exit from 
the program.
    (c) Additional indicators. The Department and a State may agree upon 
additional indicators of performance for the TAA Program, as 
appropriate.
    (d) Use of wage records. States must, consistent with State law, use 
quarterly wage record information, as defined in 20 CFR 677.175, in 
measuring the progress on program performance indicators in paragraphs 
(b) and (c) of this section.
    (1) The use of Social Security numbers from participants and such 
other information as is necessary to measure the progress of those 
participants through quarterly wage record information is authorized.
    (2) States that participate in data sharing agreements for the 
purposes of obtaining wage record information may use such data sharing 
agreements to obtain wage record information for workers who received 
benefits under the TAA Program.
    (3) To the extent that quarterly wage records are not available for 
a participant, States may use other information as is necessary to 
measure the progress of the participant.
    (e) Reporting requirements--(1) Data required. States must report 
TAA Program demographics, performance, and services data, identified in 
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, to the Department on such forms 
and in such manner as the Department may prescribe.
    (2) Data reliability and validity. States are required to establish 
procedures that are consistent with administrative guidance the 
Department issues to ensure the data States submit are valid and 
reliable.
    (f) Publication of performance results. The Department will publish, 
annually, through electronic means, including posting on the 
Department's website, the TAA Program performance results of the States.
    (g) Control measures--(1) In general. Each State must implement 
effective control measures to effectively oversee the operation and 
administration of the TAA Program and ensure the accurate collection of 
program data.
    (2) Location. The control measures must be internal to a system used 
by the State to collect data.

[[Page 193]]

    (3) Purpose. States will implement these control measures in order 
to:
    (i) Oversee the operation and administration of the TAA Program 
under this part;
    (ii) Improve the timeliness and verifiability of reported data; and
    (iii) Verify the accuracy of reported data, and must require:
    (A) Periodic staff training;
    (B) Participation in data validation and integrity efforts, as 
directed by the Department;
    (C) Data analysis and monitoring on a quarterly basis to identify 
inaccurate data input;
    (D) Data analysis and monitoring on a quarterly basis to identify 
missing data; and
    (E) Resubmission of required reports upon correcting data the State 
identifies as a result of paragraphs (g)(3)(iii)(B) through (D) of this 
section.
    (4) Monitoring program. In order to ensure the effective and 
efficient operation of the TAA Program, States must adopt a formal 
monitoring program designed to review and audit worker files.
    (i) The monitoring program must be designed to identify and share 
best practices, identify and correct deficiencies, and identify and 
address staff training needs.
    (ii) A minimum quarterly random sample of 20 cases must be audited 
as part of the monitoring program and must include cases from at least 2 
certifications issued under subpart B of this part.
    (iii) The four quarterly samples within a calendar year must also 
cover at least four different areas of the State administering the 
program.
    (iv) If circumstances preclude a State from meeting the criteria in 
paragraphs (g)(4)(ii) and (iii) of this section, the State must contact 
the appropriate ETA regional office to design a monitoring program that 
better suits the TAA Program in that State, and make sure it is 
sufficient to ensure the accuracy and verifiability of such data.
    (h) Data on benefits received, training, outcomes, rapid response 
activities, and spending. Data submitted by the States must be 
sufficient to provide, at a minimum, the information required in section 
249B of the Act, including the following information:
    (1) The number of workers receiving benefits under the TAA Program;
    (2) The number of workers receiving each type of benefit, including 
employment and case management services, training, job search and 
relocation allowances, TRA (Basic, Additional, and Completion) and RTAA 
payments, and, to the extent feasible, the HCTC, if available;
    (3) The average time during which such workers receive each type of 
benefit;
    (4) The average number of weeks TRA were paid to workers;
    (5) The number of workers who report that they have received 
benefits under a prior certification in any of the 10 fiscal years 
preceding the fiscal year for which the data are collected under this 
section;
    (6) The number of workers who received TAA approved training, 
classified by major types of training, including but not limited to, 
classroom training, training through distance learning, training leading 
to an associate's degree, remedial education, prerequisite education, 
OJT, and customized training;
    (7) The number of workers who exited TAA approved training, 
including who received prelayoff training or part-time training at any 
time during that training;
    (8) The average duration of training and the average duration of 
training that does not include remedial or prerequisite education;
    (9) The number of training waivers granted, classified by type of 
waiver;
    (10) The number of workers who exited training and the average 
duration of such training;
    (11) The number of workers who do not complete training and the 
average duration of the training such workers completed;
    (12) The average cost per worker of receiving TAA approved training;
    (13) The percentage of workers who received TAA approved training 
and obtained unsubsidized employment in a field related to that 
training;
    (14) The age, preprogram educational level, and post-program 
credential attainment of the workers;

[[Page 194]]

    (15) The median earnings of workers during the second calendar 
quarter after exit from the program, expressed as a percentage of the 
median earnings of such workers before the calendar quarter in which 
such workers began receiving benefits under this part;
    (16) The sectors in which workers are employed after receiving 
benefits under this part;
    (17) Whether rapid response activities were provided with respect to 
each petition filed;
    (18) The total amount of funds used to pay for TRA by the State; and
    (19) The total amount of the TaOA payments to the State.



Sec.  618.868  Unemployment Insurance.

    UI payable to an AAW shall not be denied or reduced for any week by 
reason of any right to a payment of TAA under the Act and this part.



Sec.  618.872  Travel under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.

    (a) TAA Program participants are subject to the FTR at 41 CFR 
chapters 300 through 304 for all travel paid for with TAA Program funds.
    (b) Except for the definition of ``commuting area,'' States may not 
apply State or local travel policies and restrictions to TAA Program 
participants receiving reimbursements for travel under the Act.
    (c) In instances where the FTR is silent or defers to the Federal 
agency's travel policies, the State must apply the relevant policies of 
the Department.



Sec.  618.876  Verification of eligibility for program benefits.

    (a) Overall program eligibility. In addition to all other 
eligibility criteria contained in this part, an individual must also be 
authorized to work in the United States to receive benefits under the 
TAA Program. States are required to verify the status of participants 
who are not a citizen or national of the United States.
    (b) Initial verification. All States are required, under section 
1137(d) of SSA (42 U.S.C. 1320b-7(d)), to initially verify the 
immigration status of self-reporting aliens who apply for UI through the 
system designated by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (or 
USCIS), currently the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (or 
SAVE) program. No further verification is required except as described 
in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Reverification. (1) Once a State has verified satisfactory 
immigration status initially, the State must reverify the worker's 
immigration status if the documentation provided during initial 
verification will expire during the period in which that worker is 
potentially eligible to receive benefits under this subchapter.
    (2) The State must conduct such redetermination in a timely manner, 
using the immigration status verification system described in section 
1137(d) of SSA (42 U.S.C. 1320b-7(d)) or by review of other 
documentation, as described in that provision.



Sec.  618.884  Special rule with respect to military service.

    (a) In general. Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, a 
State may waive any requirement of this part that the States determines 
is necessary to ensure that an AAW who is a member of a reserve 
component of the Armed Forces and serves a period of duty described in 
paragraph (b) of this section is eligible to receive a trade 
readjustment allowance, training, and other benefits under this part in 
the same manner and to the same extent as if the worker had not served 
the period of duty.
    (b) Period of duty described. An AAW serves a period of duty 
described in paragraph (a) of this section if, before completing 
training under section 236 of the Act, the worker:
    (1) Serves on active duty for a period of more than 30 days under a 
call or order to active duty of more than 30 days; or
    (2) In the case of a member of the Army National Guard of the United 
States or Air National Guard of the United States, performs full-time 
National Guard duty under 32 U.S.C. 502(f) for 30 consecutive days or 
more when authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense for 
the purpose of responding to a national emergency declared by the 
President and supported by Federal funds.

[[Page 195]]



Sec.  618.888  Equitable tolling.

    (a) A TAA Program deadline must be equitably tolled when:
    (1) An extraordinary circumstance prevented an individual's timely 
action; and
    (2) The individual otherwise acted with diligence.
    (b)(1) When an individual fails to take timely action because the 
State failed to give notice required under this part, that failure is 
prima facie evidence of an extraordinary circumstance.
    (2) If the individual did not receive the required notice, but 
otherwise received actual notice with sufficient time to take timely 
action, the lack of receipt of the required notice is not evidence of an 
extraordinary circumstance.
    (c) A TAA Program deadline equitably tolled under this section is 
tolled for the time period during which the extraordinary circumstance 
exists. Once that circumstance is resolved, the time period that was 
tolled begins to run again.
    (d) Equitable tolling may extend an otherwise expired TAA Program 
deadline by no more than 36 months.



Sec.  618.890  Staffing flexibility.

    (a) Staff employed under a merit personnel system as provided in 
section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act must be used for all 
reviews of benefit determinations under applicable State law.
    (b) All determinations on eligibility for TAA Program benefits must 
be made by State staff, with the exception of the functions in paragraph 
(a) of this section, which must be made by staff meeting the criteria in 
paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) All other functions under the TAA Program, not subject to 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, may be provided under a variety 
of staffing models.



Sec.  618.894  Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements.

    (a) States and subrecipients of financial assistance under the TAA 
Program are required to comply with the nondiscrimination and equal 
opportunity provisions codified in the Department's regulations at 29 
CFR parts 31, 32, 35, and 36.
    (b) States and subrecipients of financial assistance under the TAA 
Program are required to comply with the nondiscrimination and equal 
opportunity requirements of WIOA section 188 and its implementing 
regulations at 29 CFR part 38 if the agency or subrecipient:
    (1) Operates its TAA programs and activities as part of the one-stop 
delivery system established under the WIOA; or
    (2) Otherwise satisfies the definition of ``recipient'' in 29 CFR 
38.4(zz).
    (c) Questions about the nondiscrimination requirements cited in this 
section may be directed to the Director, Civil Rights Center, U.S. 
Department of Labor, Room N-4123, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, 
Washington, DC 20210.
    (d)(1) This section does not affect the rights and protections (and 
exceptions thereto) available under any other Federal law or regulation 
regarding discrimination.
    (2) This section does not affect the rights and protections (and 
exceptions thereto) available under any other State or local law or 
regulation regarding discrimination, except as provided in paragraph 
(d)(3) of this section.
    (3) No State may discriminate on any basis protected by 29 CFR parts 
31, 32, 35, 36, and 38 (and exceptions thereto), as applicable, in 
determining an individual's eligibility for any of the following:
    (i) Receiving aid, benefits, services, training, or employment;
    (ii) Participating in any TAA program or activity;
    (iii) Being employed by any State; or
    (iv) Practicing any occupation or profession.



Sec.  618.898  Applicable State law.

    (a) The applicable State law for an AAW remains the applicable State 
law for such worker until such worker becomes entitled to UI under the 
State law of another State (whether or not such worker files a UI claim 
in that other State).
    (b) For purposes of determining the applicable State law for UI 
entitlement:

[[Page 196]]

    (1) A worker is deemed entitled to UI under a State law if such 
worker satisfies the base period employment and wage qualifying 
requirements of such State law;
    (2) In the case of a combined-wage claim, UI entitlement must be 
determined under the law of the paying State; and
    (3) In case of a Federal UI claim, or a joint State and Federal UI 
claim, UI entitlement must be determined under the law of the applicable 
State for such claims.



     Subpart I_Allocation of Funds to States for Training and Other 
                               Activities



Sec.  618.900  Annual cap on funds available for Training and Other
Activities.

    (a) The total amount of funds made available for the costs of 
carrying out sections 235 through 238 of the Act, referenced here as 
Training and Other Activities (TaOA), will not exceed the annual cap 
established under section 236(a)(2)(A) of the Act. For each of Fiscal 
Years (FYs) 2015 through 2021, this cap is $450,000,000.
    (b) Funds obligated during a fiscal year to carry out activities 
under sections 235 through 238 of the Act may be expended by the State 
receiving such funds during that fiscal year and the succeeding 2 fiscal 
years.



Sec.  618.910  Initial allocation of funds.

    (a) Initial allocation. In the initial allocation for a fiscal year, 
the Department will allocate 65 percent of the funds available under 
section 236(a)(2)(A) of the Act for that fiscal year. The Department 
will announce the amount of each State's initial allocation of funds, 
determined in accordance with the requirements of this section, at the 
beginning of each fiscal year. The Department will determine this 
initial allocation on the basis of the total funds available under the 
annual cap for that year, even if the full amount has not been 
appropriated to the Department at that time.
    (b) Timing of the distribution of the initial allocation. The 
Department will, as soon as practical, distribute the initial allocation 
announced under paragraph (a) of this section. However, the Department 
will not distribute the full amount of the initial allocation until it 
receives the entire fiscal year's appropriation of funds for TaOA. If 
the full year's appropriated amount for TaOA is less than the annual cap 
on funds available for TaOA, then the Department will distribute 65 
percent of the amount appropriated.
    (c) Hold harmless provision. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of 
this section, or required by the appropriation, in no case will the 
amount of the initial allocation to a State in a fiscal year be less 
than 25 percent of the initial allocation to that State in the preceding 
fiscal year.
    (d) Minimum initial allocation. If a State has an adjusted initial 
allocation of less than $100,000, as calculated in accordance with 
paragraph (e)(2) of this section, that State will not receive an initial 
allocation, and the funds that otherwise would have been allocated to 
that State instead will be allocated among the other States in 
accordance with this section. A State that does not receive an initial 
allocation may apply to the Department under Sec.  618.920(b) for 
reserve funds to obtain funding for TaOA.
    (e) Process of determining initial allocation. (1) The Department 
will first apply the factors described in paragraph (f) of this section 
to determine an unadjusted initial allocation for each State.
    (2) The Department will then apply the hold harmless provision of 
paragraph (c) of this section to the unadjusted initial allocation, as 
follows:
    (i) A State whose unadjusted initial allocation is less than its 
hold harmless amount but is $100,000 or more will have its initial 
allocation adjusted up to its hold harmless amount in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this section. If a State's unadjusted allocation is 
less than $100,000, the State will receive no initial allocation, in 
accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, and those funds will be 
distributed among the other States as provided in paragraph (e)(3) of 
this section.
    (ii) A State whose unadjusted initial allocation is no less than its 
hold harmless threshold will receive its hold

[[Page 197]]

harmless amount and, in addition, will receive an adjustment equal to 
the State's share of the remaining initial allocation funds, as provided 
in paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
    (3) Any initial allocation funds remaining after the adjustments to 
initial allocations are applied as described in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of 
this section will be distributed among the States with unadjusted 
initial allocations that were no less than their respective hold 
harmless amounts, as described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section 
(the remaining States). The distribution of the remaining initial 
allocation funds among the remaining States will be made by using the 
formula in paragraph (f) of this section. This recalculation will 
disregard States receiving only their hold harmless amount under 
paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, so that the combined percentages of 
the remaining States total 100 percent.
    (f) Initial allocation factors. (1) In determining how to make the 
initial allocation of funds, the Department will apply, as provided in 
paragraph (f)(3) of this section, the following factors with respect to 
each State:
    (i) Factor 1: The trend in the number of trade-affected workers 
covered by certifications during the most recent 4 consecutive calendar 
quarters for which data are available. The trend will be established by 
assigning a greater weight to the most recent quarters, giving those 
quarters a larger share of the factor;
    (ii) Factor 2: The trend in the number of workers participating in 
training during the most recent 4 consecutive calendar quarters for 
which data are available. The trend will be established by assigning a 
greater weight to the most recent quarters, giving those quarters a 
larger share of the factor;
    (iii) Factor 3: The number of workers estimated to be participating 
in training during the fiscal year. The estimate will be calculated by 
dividing the weighted average number of workers in training for the 
State determined in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section by the sum of 
the weighted averages for all States and multiplying the resulting ratio 
by the projected national average of workers in training for the fiscal 
year, using the projection methodology underlying the Department's most 
recent budget submission or update; and
    (iv) Factor 4: The amount of funding estimated to be necessary to 
provide TAA approved training to such workers during the fiscal year. 
The estimate will be calculated by multiplying the estimated number of 
training participants in paragraph (f)(1)(iii) of this section by the 
average training cost for the State. The average training cost will be 
calculated by dividing total training expenditures for the most recent 4 
quarters by the average number of training participants for the same 
time period.
    (2) The four factors listed in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iv) of 
this section are given equal weight.
    (3) For each of the factors in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iv) of 
this section, the Department will determine the national total and each 
State's percentage of the national total. Based on a State's percentage 
of each of these factors, the Department will determine the percentage 
that the State will receive of the total amount available for initial 
allocation for that fiscal year. The percentages of the initial 
allocation amount for all States combined will total 100 percent of the 
total amount of the initial allocation.



Sec.  618.920  Reserve fund distributions.

    (a) The 35 percent of the TaOA funds for a fiscal year that remains 
after the initial allocation will be held by the Department as a 
reserve. Reserve funds will be used, as needed, for additional 
distributions to States during the remainder of the fiscal year, 
including distributions to those States that did not receive an initial 
allocation. The amount of any distributions of reserve funds will be 
determined by the Department within the time frame described in Sec.  
618.930, as appropriate, considering the information provided in reserve 
fund requests submitted by States as described in paragraph (b) of this 
section and the level of reserve funds available.
    (b) A State requesting reserve funds must demonstrate that:
    (1) At least 50 percent of its TaOA funds from the current year (if 
any

[[Page 198]]

were received) and previous fiscal years have been expended; or
    (2) The State needs additional TaOA funds to meet demands for 
services due to unusual and unexpected events, which includes an 
unexpected increase in the number of trade-affected workers eligible for 
TaOA.
    (c) A State requesting reserve funds under paragraph (b) of this 
section also must provide a documented estimate of funding needs through 
the end of the fiscal year. That estimate must be based on an analysis 
that includes at least the following:
    (1) The average cost of training in the State;
    (2) The expected number of participants in training through the end 
of the fiscal year; and
    (3) The remaining TaOA funds the State has available.



Sec.  618.930  Second distribution.

    The Department will distribute at least 90 percent of the total TaOA 
funds (including Sec.  618.920 reserve funds) for a fiscal year to the 
States no later than July 15 of that fiscal year. The Department will 
first fund all acceptable requests for reserve funds filed before June 
1. After these requests are satisfied, any funds remaining will be 
distributed to those States that received an initial allocation in an 
amount greater than their hold harmless amount, using the methodology 
described in Sec.  618.910. Any funds remaining after the second 
distribution will be available for allotment under Sec.  618.920.



Sec.  618.940  Insufficient funds.

    If, during a fiscal year, the Department estimates that the amount 
of funds necessary to provide TaOA will exceed the annual cap under 
Sec.  618.900, the Department will decide how the available funds that 
have not been distributed at the time of the estimate will be allocated 
among the States for the remainder of the fiscal year, and will 
communicate this decision to States through administrative guidance.



Sec.  618.950  Recapture and reallocation of Training and Other Activities
funds.

    (a) The Department may:
    (1) Recapture funds that were allocated to any State to carry out 
sections 235 through 238 of the Act and that remain unobligated by the 
State during the second or third fiscal year after the fiscal year in 
which the funds were provided to the State; and
    (2) Reallocate recaptured funds to States to carry out sections 235 
through 238 of the Act, in accordance with procedures established in 
this section.
    (b) The Department may recapture and reallocate funds as authorized 
by paragraph (a) of this section if the Department determines:
    (1) There are, or are projected to be, insufficient funds in a State 
or States to carry out the activities described in sections 235 through 
238 of the Act for a fiscal year; or
    (2) The recapture and reallocation of funds would likely promote the 
more efficient and effective use of funds among States to carry out the 
activities described in sections 235 through 238 of the Act for a fiscal 
year.
    (c) If the Department makes a determination described in paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section for a fiscal year, the Department may recapture 
funds, to the extent needed, from one or more of the State or States 
that have the highest percentage of unobligated or unexpended funds from 
the second or third fiscal year after the fiscal year in which the funds 
initially were allocated to such States, as determined by the 
Department, and reallocate those funds to the States with, or projected 
to have, insufficient funds. In making the determination that a State 
has or is projected to have insufficient funds to carry out the 
activities described in sections 235 through 238 of the Act for a fiscal 
year, the Department may consider a request submitted by the State in 
accordance with information required under Sec.  618.920(b) or base such 
determination on other information the Department determines is 
appropriate.
    (d) If the Department makes a determination described in paragraph 
(b)(2)

[[Page 199]]

of this section for a fiscal year, the Department may recapture funds 
from the State or States that have the highest percentage of unobligated 
or unexpended funds from the second or third fiscal year after the 
fiscal year in which the funds were initially allocated to such States, 
as determined by the Department, and reallocate those funds to:
    (1) The States with the lowest percentage of unobligated or 
unexpended funds from the second or third fiscal year after the fiscal 
year in which the funds initially were allocated to such States as 
determined by the Department, based on such additional factor or factors 
as the Department determines is or are appropriate; or
    (2) All States from which funds are not being recaptured, in 
accordance with the formula factors described in Sec.  618.910(f), 
relating to the initial distribution of funds.
    (e) If the Department determines to recapture and reallocate funds 
pursuant to this section, an administrative notice must be issued to the 
States describing the methodology used and the amounts to be recaptured 
from and reallocated to each affected State, not less than 15 business 
days in advance of the recapture of funds.
    (f) The reallocation of funds under this section does not extend the 
period of availability for the expenditure of those funds, which 
expenditure period remains 2 fiscal years after the fiscal year in which 
the funds were initially allocated by the Department to the State from 
which the funds are recaptured.



    Sec. Appendix A to Part 618--Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant 
             Reporting, Job Finding, and Employment Services

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 5000-5004)

                         5000-5099 Claims Filing

  5000 Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, Job Finding, and 
                           Employment Services

    A. Federal law requirements. Section 3304(a)(1) of the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act and section 303(a)(2) of the Social Security Act 
require that a State law provide for:
    ``Payment of unemployment compensation solely through public 
employment offices or such other agencies as the Secretary may 
approve.''
    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law provide 
for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation * * *''
    Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act requires that the State 
law provide for:
    ``Such methods of administration * * * as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    B. Secretary's interpretation of federal law requirements.
    1. The Secretary interprets section 3304(a)(1) of the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act and section 303(a)(2) of the Social Security Act to 
require that a State law provide for payment of unemployment 
compensation solely through public employment offices or claims offices 
administered by the State employment security agency if such agency 
provides for such coordination in the operations of its public 
employment offices and claims offices as will insure (a) the payment of 
benefits only to individuals who are unemployed and who are able to work 
and available for work, and (b) that individuals claiming unemployment 
compensation (claimants) are afforded such placement and other 
employment services as are necessary and appropriate to return them to 
suitable work as soon as possible.
    2. The Secretary interprets all the above sections to require that a 
State law provide for:
    a. Such contact by claimants with public employment offices or 
claims offices or both, (1) as will reasonably insure the payment of 
unemployment compensation only to individuals who are unemployed and who 
are able to work and available for work, and (2) that claimants are 
afforded such placement and other employment services as are necessary 
and appropriate to facilitate their return to suitable work as soon as 
possible; and
    b. Methods of administration which do not unreasonably limit the 
opportunity of individuals to establish their right to unemployment 
compensation due under such States law.

   5001 Claim Filing and Claimant Reporting Requirements Designed To 
                   Satisfy Secretary's Interpretation

    A. Claim filing--total or part-total unemployment
    1. Individuals claiming unemployment compensation for total or part-
total unemployment are required to file a claim weekly

[[Page 200]]

or biweekly, in person or by mail, at a public employment office or a 
claims office (these terms include offices at itinerant points) as set 
forth below.
    2. Except as provided in paragraph 3, a claimant is required to file 
in person.
    a. His new claim with respect to a benefit year, or his continued 
claim for a waiting week or for his first compensable week of 
unemployment in such year; and
    b. Any other claim, when requested to do so by the claims personnel 
at the office at which he files his claim(s) because questions about his 
right to benefits are raised by circumstances such as the following:
    (1) The conditions or circumstances of his separation from 
employment;
    (2) The claimant's answers to questions on mail claim(s) indicate 
that he may be unable to work or that there may be undue restrictions on 
his availability for work or that his search for work may be inadequate 
or that he may be disqualified;
    (3) The claimant's answers to questions on mail claims create 
uncertainty about his credibility or indicate a lack of understanding of 
the applicable requirements; or
    (4) The claimant's record shows that he has previously filed a 
fraudulent claim.
    In such circumstances, the claimant is required to continue to file 
claims in person each week (or biweekly) until the State agency 
determines that filing claims in person is no longer required for the 
resolution of such questions.
    3. A claimant must be permitted to file a claim by mail in any of 
the following circumstances:
    a. He is located in an area requiring the expenditure of an 
unreasonable amount of time or money in traveling to the nearest 
facility established by the State agency for filing claims in person;
    b. Conditions make it impracticable for the agency to take claims in 
person;
    c. He has returned to full-time work on or before the scheduled date 
for his filing a claim, unless the agency makes provision for in-person 
filing at a time and place that does not interfere with his employment;
    d. The agency finds that he has good cause for failing to file a 
claim in person.
    4. A claimant who has been receiving benefits for partial 
unemployment may continue to file claims as if he were a partially 
unemployed worker for the first four consecutive weeks of total or part-
total unemployment immediately following his period of partial 
unemployment so long as he remains attached to his regular employer.
    B. Claim filing--partial unemployment. Each individual claiming 
unemployment compensation for a week (or other claim period) during 
which, because of lack of work, he is working less than his normal 
customary full-time hours for his regular employer and is earning less 
than the earnings limit provided in the State law, shall not be required 
to file a claim for such week or other claim period earlier than 2 weeks 
from the date that wages are paid for such claim period or, if a low 
earnings report is required by the State law, from the date the employer 
furnished such report to the individual. State agencies may permit 
claims for partial unemployment to be filed either in person or by mail, 
except that in the circumstances set forth in section A 3, filing by 
mail must be permitted, and in the circumstances set forth in section A 
2 b, filing in person may be required.

   5002 Requirement for Job Finding, Placement, and Other Employment 
         Services Designed To Satisfy Secretary's Interpretation

    A. Claims personnel are required to assure that each claimant is 
doing what a reasonable individual in his circumstances would do to 
obtain suitable work.
    B. In the discretion of the State agency:
    1. The claims personnel are required to give each claimant such 
necessary and appropriate assistance as they reasonably can in finding 
suitable work and at their discretion determine when more complete 
placement and employment services are necessary and appropriate for a 
claimant; and if they determine more complete services are necessary and 
appropriate, the claims personnel are to refer him to employment service 
personnel in the public employment office in which he has been filing 
claim(s), or, if he has been filing in a claims office, in the public 
employment office most accessible to him; or
    2. All placement and employment services are required to be afforded 
to each claimant by employment service personnel in the public 
employment office most accessible to him in which case the claims 
personnel in the office in which the claimant files his claim are to 
refer him to the employment service personnel when placement or other 
employment services are necessary and appropriate for him.
    C. The personnel to whom the State agency assigns the 
responsibilities outlined in paragraph B above are required to give 
claimants such job-finding assistance, placement, and other employment 
services as are necessary and appropriate to facilitate their return to 
suitable work as soon as possible.
    In some circumstances, no such services or only limited services may 
be required. For example, if a claimant is on a short-term temporary 
layoff with a fixed return date, the only service necessary and 
appropriate to be given to him during the period of the layoff is a 
referral to suitable temporary work if such work is being performed in 
the labor market area.
    Similarly, claimants whose unemployment is caused by a labor dispute 
presumably will return to work with their employer as soon

[[Page 201]]

as the labor dispute is settled. They generally do not need services, 
nor do individuals in occupations where placement customarily is made by 
other nonfee charging placement facilities such as unions and 
professional associations.
    Claimants who fall within the classes which ordinarily would require 
limited services or no services shall, if they request placement and 
employment services, be afforded such services as are necessary and 
appropriate for them to obtain suitable work or to achieve their 
reasonable employment goals.
    On the other hand, a claimant who is permanently separated from his 
job is likely to require some services. He may need only some direction 
in how to get a job; he may need placement services if he is in an 
occupation for which there is some demand in the labor market area; if 
his occupation is outdated, he may require counseling and referral to a 
suitable training course. The extent and character of the services to be 
given any particular claimant may change with the length of his 
unemployment and depend not only on his own circumstances and 
conditions, but also on the condition of the labor market in the area.
    D. Claimants are required to report to employment service personnel, 
as directed, but such personnel and the claims personnel required to so 
arrange and coordinate the contacts required of a claimant as not to 
place an unreasonable burden on him or unreasonably limit his 
opportunity to establish his rights to compensation. As a general rule, 
a claimant is not required to contact in person claims personnel or 
employment service personnel more frequently than once a week, unless he 
is directed to report more frequently for a specific service such as 
referral to a job or a training course or counseling which cannot be 
completed in one visit.
    E. Employment service personnel are required to report promptly to 
claims personnel in the office in which the claimant files his claim(s): 
(1) his failure to apply for or accept work to which he was referred by 
such personnel or when known, by any other nonfee-charging placement 
facility such as a union or a professional association; and (2) any 
information which becomes available to it that may have a bearing on the 
claimant's ability to work or availability for work, or on the 
suitability of work to which he was referred or which was offered to 
him.

             5004 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions

    If the State law provisions do not conform to the ``suggested State 
law requirements'' set forth in sections 5001 and 5002, but the State 
law contains alternative provisions, the Manpower Administrator, in 
collaboration with the State agency, will study the actual or 
anticipated affect of the alternative provisions. If the Manpower 
Administrator concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy the 
requirements of the Federal law as construed by the Secretary (see 
section 5000 B) he will so notify the State agency. If he does not so 
conclude, he will submit the matter to the Secretary. If the Secretary 
concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy such requirements, the 
State agency will be so notified. If the Secretary concludes that there 
is a question as to whether the alternative provisions satisfy such 
requirements, the State agency will be advised that unless the State law 
provisions are appropriately revised, a notice of hearing will be issued 
as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, section 601.3.

[59 FR 943, Jan. 6, 1994. Redesignated at 85 FR 51972, Aug. 21, 2020.]



    Sec. Appendix B to Part 618--Standard for Claim Determinations--
                         Separation Information

    6010 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social 
Security Act requires that a State law include provision for:
    ``Such methods of administration . . . as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act requires that a State 
law include provision for:
    ``Opportunity for a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal, for 
all individuals whose claims for unemployment compensation are denied.''
    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation. . . .
    Section 3306(h) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''
    6011 Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary interprets the above sections to require that a State law 
include provisions which will insure that:
    A. Individuals who may be entitled to unemployment compensation are 
furnished such information as will reasonably afford them an opportunity 
to know, establish, and protect their rights under the unemployment 
compensation law of such State, and
    B. The State agency obtains and records in time for the prompt 
determination and review of benefit claims such information as will 
reasonably insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom 
benefits are due.

[[Page 202]]

    6012 Criteria for Review of State Law Conformity with Federal 
Requirements:
    In determining the conformity of a State law with the above 
requirements of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and the Social Security 
Act as interpreted by the Secretary, the following criteria will be 
applied:
    A. Is it required that individuals who may be entitled to 
unemployment compensation be furnished such information of their 
potential rights to benefits, including the manner and places of filing 
claims, the reasons for determinations, and their rights of appeal, as 
will insure them a reasonable opportunity to know, establish, and 
protect their rights under the law of the State?
    B. Is the State agency required to obtain, in time for prompt 
determination of rights to benefits such information as will reasonably 
insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom benefits are due?
    C. Is the State agency required to keep records of the facts 
considered in reaching determinations of rights to benefits?
    6013 Claim Determinations Requirements Designed To Meet Department 
of Labor Criteria:
    A. Investigation of claims. The State agency is required to obtain 
promptly and prior to a determination of an individual's right to 
benefits, such facts pertaining thereto as will be sufficient reasonably 
to insure the payment of benefits when due.
    This requirement embraces five separate elements:
    1. It is the responsibility of the agency to take the initiative in 
the discovery of information. This responsibility may not be passed on 
to the claimant or the employer. In addition to the agency's own 
records, this information may be obtained from the worker, the employer, 
or other sources. If the information obtained in the first instance 
discloses no essential disagreement and provides a sufficient basis for 
a fair determination, no further investigation is necessary. If the 
information obtained from other sources differs essentially from that 
furnished by the claimant, the agency, in order to meet its 
responsibility, is required to inform the claimant of such information 
from other sources and to afford the claimant an opportunity to furnish 
any further facts he may have.
    2. Evidentiary facts must be obtained as distinguished from ultimate 
facts or conclusions. That a worker was discharged for misconduct is an 
ultimate fact or conclusion; that he destroyed a machine upon which he 
was working is a primary or evidentiary fact, and the sort of fact that 
the requirement refers to.
    3. The information obtained must be sufficient reasonably to insure 
the payment of benefits when due. In general, the investigation made by 
the agency must be complete enough to provide information upon which the 
agency may act with reasonable assurance that its decision is consistent 
with the unemployment compensation law. On the other hand, the 
investigation should not be so exhaustive and time-consuming as unduly 
to delay the payment of benefits and to result in excessive costs.
    4. Information must be obtained promptly so that the payment of 
benefits is not unduly delayed.
    5. If the State agency requires any particular evidence from the 
worker, it must give him a reasonable opportunity to obtain such 
evidence.
    B. Recording of facts. The agency must keep a written record of the 
facts considered in reaching its determinations.
    C. Determination notices:
    1. The agency must give each claimant a written notice of:
    a. Any monetary determination with respect to his benefit year;
    b. Any determination with respect to purging a disqualification if, 
under the State law, a condition or qualification must be satisfied with 
respect to each week of disqualification; but in lieu of giving written 
notice of each determination for each week in which it is determined 
that the claimant has met the requirements for purging, the agency may 
inform the claimant that he has purged the disqualification for a week 
by notation on his applicant identification card or otherwise in 
writing.
    c. Any other determination which adversely affects his rights to 
benefits, except that written notice of determination need not be given 
with respect to:
    (1) A week in a benefit year for which the claimant's weekly benefit 
amount is reduced in whole or in part by earnings if, the first time in 
the benefit year that there is such a reduction, he is required to be 
furnished a booklet or leaflet containing the information set forth 
below in paragraph 2f(1). However, a written notice of determination is 
required if: (a) there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to any week (e.g., as to the amount computed as the appropriate 
reduction, etc.); or (b) there is a change in the State law (or in the 
application thereof) affecting the reduction; or
    (2) Any week in a benefit year subsequent to the first week in such 
benefit year in which benefits were denied, or reduced in whole or in 
part for reasons other than earnings, if denial or reduction for such 
subsequent week is based on the same reason and the same facts as for 
the first week, and if written notice of determination is required to be 
given to the claimant with respect to such first week, and with such 
notice of determination, he is required to be given a booklet or 
pamphlet containing the information set forth below in paragraph 2f(2) 
and 2h. However, a written notice of determination is required if: (a) 
there is a dispute concerning the denial or reduction of benefits with 
respect to such week; or (b) there is a

[[Page 203]]

change in the State law (or in the application thereof) affecting the 
denial or reduction; or (c) there is a change in the amount of the 
reduction except as to the balance covered by the last reduction in a 
series of reductions.

    Note: This procedure may be applied to determinations made with 
respect to any subsequent weeks for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts: (a) that claimant is unable to work, unavailable for 
work, or is disqualified under the labor dispute provision; and (b) 
reducing claimant's weekly benefit amount because of income other than 
earnings or offset by reason of overpayment.

    2. The agency must include in written notices of determinations 
furnished to claimants sufficient information to enable them to 
understand the determinations, the reasons therefor, and their rights to 
protest, request reconsideration, or appeal.
    The written notice of monetary determination must contain the 
information specified in the following items (except h) unless an item 
is specifically not applicable. A written notice of any other 
determination must contain the information specified in as many of the 
following items as are necessary to enable the claimant to understand 
the determination and to inform him of his appeal rights. Information 
specifically applicable to the individual claimant must be contained in 
the written notice of determination. Information of general application 
such as (but not limited to) the explanation of benefits for partial 
unemployment, information as to deductions, seasonality factors, and 
information as to the manner and place of taking an appeal, extension of 
the appeal period, and where to obtain information and assistance may be 
contained in a booklet or leaflet which is given the claimant with his 
monetary determination.
    a. Base period wages. The statement concerning base-period wages 
must be in sufficient detail to show the basis of computation of 
eligibility and weekly and maximum benefit amounts. (If maximum benefits 
are allowed, it may not be necessary to show details of earnings.)
    b. Employer name. The name of the employer who reported the wage is 
necessary so that the worker may check the wage transcript and know 
whether it is correct. If the worker is given only the employer number, 
he may not be able to check the accuracy of the wage transcript.
    c. Explanation of benefit formula--weekly and maximum benefit 
amounts. Sufficient information must be given the worker so that he will 
understand how his weekly benefit amount, including allowances for 
dependents, and his maximum benefit amount were figured. If benefits are 
computed by means of a table contained in the law, the table must be 
furnished with the notice of determination whether benefits are granted 
or denied.
    The written notice of determination must show clearly the weekly 
benefit amount and the maximum potential benefits to which the claimant 
is entitled.
    The notice to a claimant found ineligible by reason of insufficient 
earnings in the base period must inform him clearly of the reason for 
ineligibility. An explanation of the benefit formula contained in a 
booklet or pamphlet should be given to each claimant at or prior to the 
time he receives written notice of a monetary determination.
    d. Benefit year. An explanation of what is meant by the benefit year 
and identification of the claimant's benefit year must be included in 
the notice of determination.
    e. Information as to benefits for partial unemployment. There must 
be included either in the written notice of determination or in a 
booklet or pamphlet accompanying the notice an explanation of the 
claimant's rights to partial benefits for any week with respect to which 
he is working less than his normal customary full-time workweek because 
of lack of work and for which he earns less than his weekly benefit 
amount or weekly benefit amount plus earnings, whichever is provided by 
the State law. If the explanation is contained in the notice of 
determination, reference to the item in the notice in which his weekly 
benefit amount is entered should be made.
    f. Deductions from weekly benefits:
    (1) Earnings. Although written notice of determinations deducting 
earnings from a claimant's weekly benefit amount is generally not 
required (see paragraph 1 c (1) above), where written notice of 
determination is required (or given) it shall set forth the amount of 
earnings, the method of computing the deduction in sufficient detail to 
enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, and appeal. Where a written 
notice of determination is given to the claimant because there has been 
a change in the State law or in the application of the law, an 
explanation of the change shall be included.
    When claimant is not required to receive a written notice of 
determination, he must be given a booklet or pamphlet the first time in 
his benefit year that there is a deduction for earnings which shall 
include the following information:
    (a) The method of computing deductions for earnings in sufficient 
detail to enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction;
    (b) That he will not automatically be given a written notice of 
determination for a week with respect to which there is a deduction for 
earnings (unless there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to a week or there has been a change in the State law

[[Page 204]]

or in the application of the law affecting the deduction) but that he 
may obtain such a written notice upon request; and
    (c) A clear statement of his right to protest, request a 
redetermination, and appeal from any determination deducting earnings 
from his weekly benefit amount even though he does not automatically 
receive a written notice of determination; and if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    (2) Other deductions:
    (a) A written notice of determination is required with respect to 
the first week in claimant's benefit year in which there is a reduction 
from his benefits for a reason other than earnings. This notice must 
describe the deduction made from claimant's weekly benefit amount, the 
reason for the deduction, the method of computing it in sufficient 
detail to enable him to verify the accuracy of such deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, or appeal.
    (b) A written notice of determination is not required for subsequent 
weeks that a deduction is made for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts, if the notice of determination pursuant to (2) (a), or a 
booklet or pamphlet given him with such notice explains (i) the several 
kinds of deductions which may be made under the State law (e.g., 
retirement pensions, vacation pay, and overpayments); (ii) the method of 
computing each kind of deduction in sufficient detail that claimant will 
be able to verify the accuracy of deductions made from his weekly 
benefit payments; (iii) any limitation on the amount of any deduction or 
the time in which any deduction may be made; (iv) that he will not 
automatically be given a written notice of determination for subsequent 
weeks with respect to which there is a deduction for the same reason and 
on the basis of the same facts, but that he may obtain a written notice 
of determination upon request; (v) his right to protest, request 
redetermination, or appeal with respect to subsequent weeks for which 
there is a reduction from his benefits for the same reason, and on the 
basis of the same facts even though he does not automatically receive a 
written notice of determination; and (vi) that if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    g. Seasonality factors. If the individual's determination is 
affected by seasonality factors under the State law, an adequate 
explanation must be made. General explanations of seasonality factors 
which may affect determinations for subsequent weeks may be included in 
a booklet or pamphlet given claimant with his notice of monetary 
determinations.
    h. Disqualification or ineligibility. If a disqualification is 
imposed, or if the claimant is declared ineligible for one or more 
weeks, he must be given not only a statement of the period of 
disqualification or ineligibility and the amount of wage-credit 
reductions, if any, but also an explanation of the reason for the 
ineligibility or disqualification. This explanation must be sufficiently 
detailed so that he will understand why he is ineligible or why he has 
been disqualified, and what he must do in order to requalify for 
benefits or purge the disqualification. The statement must be 
individualized to indicate the facts upon which the determination was 
based, e.g., state, ``It is found that you left your work with Blank 
Company because you were tired of working; the separation was voluntary, 
and the reason does not constitute good cause,'' rather than merely the 
phrase ``voluntary quit.'' Checking a box as to the reason for the 
disqualification is not a sufficiently detailed explanation. However, 
this statement of the reason for the disqualification need not be a 
restatement of all facts considered in arriving at the determination.
    i. Appeal rights. The claimant must be given information with 
respect to his appeal rights.
    (1) The following information shall be included in the notice of 
determination:
    (a) A statement that he may appeal or, if the State law requires or 
permits a protest or redetermination before an appeal, that he may 
protest or request a redetermination.
    (b) The period within which an appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed. The number of days provided by statute 
must be shown as well as either the beginning date or ending date of the 
period. (It is recommended that the ending date of the appeal period be 
shown, as this is the more understandable of the alternatives.)
    (2) The following information must be included either in the notice 
of determination or in separate informational material referred to in 
the notice:
    (a) The manner in which the appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed, e.g., by signed letter, written 
statement, or on a prescribed form, and the place or places to which the 
appeal, protest, or request for redetermination may be mailed or hand-
delivered.
    (b) An explanation of any circumstances (such as nonworkdays, good 
cause, etc.) which will extend the period for the appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination beyond the date stated or identified in the 
notice of determination.
    (c) That any further information claimant may need or desire can be 
obtained together with assistance in filing his appeal, protest,

[[Page 205]]

or request for redetermination from the local office.
    If the information is given in separate material, the notice of 
determination would adequately refer to such material if it said, for 
example, ``For other information about your (appeal), (protest), 
(redetermination) rights, see pages ---- to ---- of the ---- (name of 
pamphlet or booklet) heretofore furnished to you.''
    6014 Separation Information Requirements Designed To Meet Department 
of Labor Criteria:
    A. Information to agency. Where workers are separated, employers are 
required to furnish the agency promptly, either upon agency request or 
upon such separation, a notice describing the reasons for and the 
circumstances of the separation and any additional information which 
might affect a claimant's right to benefits. Where workers are working 
less than full time, employers are required to furnish the agency 
promptly, upon agency request, information concerning a claimant's hours 
of work and his wages during the claim periods involved, and other facts 
which might affect a claimant's eligibility for benefits during such 
periods.
    When workers are separated and the notices are obtained on a request 
basis, or when workers are working less than full time and the agency 
requests information, it is essential to the prompt processing of claims 
that the request be sent out promptly after the claim is filed and the 
employer be given a specific period within which to return the notice, 
preferably within 2 working days.
    When workers are separated and notices are obtained upon separation, 
it is essential that the employer be required to send the notice to the 
agency with sufficient promptness to insure that, if a claim is filed, 
it may be processed promptly. Normally, it is desirable that such a 
notice be sent to the central office of the agency, since the employer 
may not know in which local office the worker will file his claim. The 
usual procedure is for the employer to give the worker a copy of the 
notice sent by the employer to the agency.
    B. Information to worker:
    1. Information required to be given. Employers are required to give 
their employees information and instructions concerning the employees' 
potential rights to benefits and concerning registration for work and 
filing claims for benefits.
    The information furnished to employees under such a requirement need 
not be elaborate; it need only be adequate to insure that the worker who 
is separated or who is working less than full time knows he is 
potentially eligible for benefits and is informed as to what he is to do 
or where he is to go to file his claim and register for work. When he 
files his claim, he can obtain more detailed information.
    In States that do not require employers to furnish periodically to 
the State agency detailed reports of the wages paid to their employees, 
each employer is required to furnish to his employees information as to 
(a) the name under which he is registered by the State agency, (b) the 
address where he maintains his payroll records, and (c) the workers' 
need for this information if and when they file claims for benefits.
    2. Methods for giving information. The information and instructions 
required above may be given in any of the following ways:
    a. Posters prominently displayed in the employer's establishment. 
The State agency should supply employers with a sufficient number of 
posters for distribution throughout their places of business and should 
see that the posters are conspicuously displayed at all times.
    b. Leaflets. Leaflets distributed either periodically or at the time 
of separation or reduction of hours. The State agency should supply 
employers with a sufficient number of leaflets.
    c. Individual notices. Individual notices given to each employee at 
the time of separation or reduction in hours.
    It is recommended that the State agency's publicity program be used 
to supplement the employer-information requirements. Such a program 
should stress the availability and location of claim-filing offices and 
the importance of visiting those offices whenever the worker is 
unemployed, wishes to apply for benefits, and to seek a job.
    6015 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to 
Claim Determinations and Separation Information. If the State law 
provisions do not conform to the suggested requirements set forth in 
sections 6013 and 6014, but the State law contains alternative 
provisions, the Bureau of Employment Security, in collaboration with the 
State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effects of the 
alternative provisions. If the Administrator of the Bureau concludes 
that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria in section 6012, he 
will so notify the State agency. If the Administrator of the Bureau does 
not so conclude, he will submit the matter to the Secretary. If the 
Secretary concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria 
in section 6012, the State agency will be so notified. If the Secretary 
concludes that there is a question as to whether the alternative 
provisions satisfy the criteria, the State agency will be advised that 
unless the State law provisions are appropriately revised, a notice of 
hearing will be issued as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, 
title 20, Sec.  601.5.

[51 FR 45848, Dec. 22, 1986. Redesignated at 59 FR 943, Jan. 6, 1994. 
Further redesignated at 85 FR 51972, Aug. 21, 2020]

[[Page 206]]



    Sec. Appendix C to Part 618--Standard for Fraud and Overpayment 
                                Detection

    7510 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social 
Security Act requires that a State law include provision for:
    ``Such methods of administration . . . as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 1603(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and section 
3030(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation . . .''
    Section 1607(h) of the Internal Revenue Code defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''
    7511 The Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary of Labor interprets the above sections to require that a State 
law include provision for such methods of administration as are, within 
reason, calculated (1) to detect benefits paid through error by the 
agency or through willful misrepresentation or error by the claimant or 
others, and (2) to deter claimants from obtaining benefits through 
willful misrepresentation.
    7513 Criteria for Review of State Conformity With Federal 
Requirements. In determining State conformity with the above 
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act, 
as interpreted by the Secretary of Labor, the following criteria will be 
applied:
    A. Are investigations required to be made after the payment of 
benefits, (or, in the case of interstate claims, are investigations made 
by the agent State after the processing of claims) as to claimants' 
entitlement to benefits paid to them in a sufficient proportion of cases 
to test the effectiveness of the agency's procedures for the prevention 
of payments which are not due? To carry out investigations, has the 
agency assigned to some individual or unit, as a basic function, the 
responsibility of making or functionally directing such investigations?
    Explanation: It is not feasible to prescribe the extent to which the 
above activities are required; however, they should always be carried on 
to such an extent that they will show whether or not error or willful 
misrepresentation is increasing or decreasing, and will reveal problem 
areas. The extent and nature of the above activities should be varied 
according to the seriousness of the problem in the State. The 
responsible individual or unit should:
    1. Check paid claims for overpayment and investigate for willful 
misrepresentation or, alternatively, advise and assist the operating 
units in the performance of such functions, or both;
    2. Perform consultative services with respect to methods and 
procedures for the prevention and detection of fraud; and
    3. Perform other services which are closely related to the above.
    Although a State agency is expected to make a full-time assignment 
of responsibility to a unit or individual to carry on the functions 
described above, a small State agency might make these functions a part-
time responsibility of one individual. In connection with the detection 
of overpayments, such a unit or individual might, for example:
    (a) Investigate information on suspected benefit fraud received from 
any agency personnel, and from sources outside the agency, including 
anonymous complaints;
    (b) Investigate information secured from comparisons of benefit 
payments with employment records to detect cases of concurrent working 
(whether in covered or noncovered work) and claiming of benefits 
(including benefit payments in which the agency acted as agent for 
another State).
    The benefit fraud referred to herein may involve employers, agency 
employees, and witnesses, as well as claimants.
    Comparisons of benefit payments with employment records are comonly 
made either by post-audit or by industry surveys. The so-called ``post-
audit'' is a matching of central office wage-record files against 
benefit payments for the same period. ``Industry surveys'' or ``mass 
audits'' are done in some States by going directly to employers for pay-
roll information to be checked against concurrent benefit lists. A plan 
of investigation based on a sample post-audit will be considered as 
partial fulfillment of the investigation program; it would need to be 
supplemented by other methods capable of detecting overpayments to 
persons who have moved into noncovered occupations or are claiming 
interstate benefits.
    B. Are adequate records maintained by which the results of 
investigations may be evaluated?
    Explanation. To meet this criterion, the State agency will be 
expected to maintain records of all its activities in the detection of 
overpayments, showing whether attributable to error or willful 
misrepresentation, measuring the results obtained through various 
methods, and noting the remedial action taken in each case. The adequacy 
and effectiveness of various methods of checking for willful 
misrepresentation can be evaluated only if records are kept of the 
results obtained. Internal reports on fraudulent and erroneous 
overpayments are needed by State agencies for self-evaluation. Detailed 
records should be maintained in order that the State agency may 
determine, for example, which of several methods of checking currently 
used are the most productive. Such records

[[Page 207]]

also will provide the basis for drawing a clear distinction between 
fraud and error.
    C. Does the agency take adequate action with respect to publicity 
concerning willful misrepresentation and its legal consequences to deter 
fraud by claimants?
    Explanation. To meet this criterion, the State agency must issue 
adequate material of claimant eligibility requirements and must take 
necessary action to obtain publicity on the legal consequences of 
willful misrepresentation or willful nondisclosure of facts.
    Public announcements on convictions and resulting penalties for 
fraud are generally considered necessary as a deterrent to other 
persons, and to inform the public that the agency is carrying on an 
effective program to prevent fraud. This alone is not considered 
adequate publicity. It is important that information be circulated which 
will explain clearly and understandably the claimant's rights, and the 
obligations which he must fulfill to be eligible for benefits. Leaflets 
for distribution and posters placed in local offices are appropriate 
media for such information.
    *7515 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to 
Erroneous and Illegal Payments. If the methods of administration 
provided for by the State law do not conform to the suggested methods of 
meeting the requirements set forth in section 7511, but a State law does 
provide for alternative methods of administration designed to accomplish 
the same results, the Bureau of Employment Security, in collaboration 
with the State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effect of 
the alternative methods of administration. If the Bureau concludes that 
the alternative methods satisfy the criteria in section 7513, it will so 
notify the State agency. If the Bureau does not so conclude, it will 
submit to the Secretary the results of the study for his determination 
of whether the State's alternative methods of administration meet the 
criteria.

[51 FR 45848, Dec. 22, 1986. Redesignated at 59 FR 943, Jan. 6, 1994. 
Further redesignated at 85 FR 51972, Aug. 21, 2020.]



PART 619_UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION DATA EXCHANGE STANDARDIZATION FOR
IMPROVED INTEROPERABILITY--Table of Contents



Sec.
619.1 Definitions.
619.2 Data exchange standardization for ICON.
619.3 Data exchange standardization for SIDES.
619.4 Data exchange standardization for the UI Benefits and Tax Systems.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1111; Section 2104(b) of Pub. L. 112-96; 42 
U.S.C. 1302(a).

    Source: 79 FR 9411, Feb. 19, 2014, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  619.1  Definitions.

    As used in this part--
    Administrator of the Office of Unemployment Insurance means the 
Department's Employment and Training Administration's chief 
administrative officer directly responsible for the operation of the 
Unemployment Insurance (UI) program and oversight of the Unemployment 
Compensation (UC) program and UC laws.
    Department means the United States Department of Labor.
    eXtensible Markup Language or XML means a markup language that 
defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format designed to 
structure, store and transport data between applications or systems over 
the Internet. This term includes any future upgrades, iterations, or 
releases of XML-based language.
    Federal funds or Federally-funded means funds that include, but are 
not limited to:
    (1) Supplemental budget funds that are designated by the Department 
for State IT modernization efforts;
    (2) General State UI administration funding for State program 
operations (an administrative grant issued by the Department at the 
beginning of each fiscal year); and
    (3) Special UI funding distributions.
    Interstate Connection Network or ICON means a secure multi-purpose 
telecommunications network that supports the transfer of data among the 
SWAs.
    Interstate Wages and Benefits Inquiries/Responses means the ICON 
application which supports online transmission of interstate wages and 
benefits inquiries and responses between SWAs.
    Major IT Modernization Project means conversion, re-engineering, 
rewriting, or transferring of an existing system to a modernized 
framework such as transferring a process from mainframe operations to 
Web-based operations, converting to modern computer programming 
languages, or upgrading software libraries, protocols, or hardware 
platform and infrastructure. These are projects to upgrade UI Benefits 
and

[[Page 208]]

Tax Systems by SWAs using Federal funds.
    State or States refers to, individually or collectively, the 50 
States of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
    State Identification Inquiry means the ICON application which allows 
SWAs to inquire about wages reported to other SWAs by Social Security 
Number.
    State Information Data Exchange System or SIDES means an automated 
response system used by SWAs to collect claim-related information from 
employers and third-party administrators.
    State unemployment compensation law or UC law means the law of a 
State approved under Section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)).
    State Workforce Agency or SWA means the agency of the State charged 
with the administration of the State's Unemployment Compensation (UC) 
law.
    Unemployment Compensation or UC means cash benefits payable to 
individuals with respect to their unemployment, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 
3306(h).
    Unemployment Insurance or UI means the Federal-State system and 
operations administering and implementing UC law.
    Withdrawn/Invalid Claims means the ICON application which allows for 
the posting and viewing of withdrawn or invalid claim information for 
SWAs.



Sec.  619.2  Data exchange standardization for ICON.

    (a) XML is the data exchange standard for the real-time ICON 
applications. These applications are: Interstate Wages and Benefits 
Inquiries/Responses; Withdrawn/Invalid Claims; and State Identification 
Inquiry.
    (b) All SWAs using real-time ICON applications must comply with this 
XML data exchange standard no later than September 30, 2018. A SWA may 
request an extension of this deadline if it demonstrates that resources 
are not available to meet this requirement. These requests must be 
submitted in writing to the Administrator of the Office of Unemployment 
Insurance no later than 6 months before the deadline; requests will be 
approved or denied within 30 days.



Sec.  619.3  Data exchange standardization for SIDES.

    (a) XML is the data exchange standard for SIDES.
    (b) This standard applies to any Federally-funded SIDES consortium, 
and any future agents of the Department providing vendor services for 
the development, maintenance, support, and operations of the SIDES, and 
for any State that adopts SIDES. A SIDES consortium involves a group of 
two or more States jointly establishing a project team to oversee the 
design, development, and implementation of a new SIDES data exchange 
module. As States implement SIDES or new data exchange modules of SIDES, 
they must conform to this data exchange standard by application design.
    (c) XML is designated as the data exchange standard to govern the 
reporting of information through SIDES data exchange modules. The 
regulation applies to current SIDES data exchange modules and any future 
SIDES data exchange modules developed with Federal funds.
    (d) The standard designated in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this 
section is effective March 21, 2014.



Sec.  619.4  Data exchange standardization for the UI Benefits and Tax
Systems.

    (a) XML is the data exchange standard for the real time ICON 
applications set out in Sec.  619.2 and for the SIDES exchanges set out 
in Sec.  619.3 associated with major IT modernization projects, to 
upgrade UI Benefits and Tax Systems by SWAs using Federal funds.
    (b) The standard designated in paragraph (a) of this section is 
effective March 21, 2014.



PART 620_DRUG TESTING FOR STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ELIGIBILITY
DETERMINATION PURPOSES--Table of Contents



Sec.
620.1 Purpose.
620.2 Definitions.
620.3 Occupations that regularly conduct drug testing for purposes of 
          determining

[[Page 209]]

          which applicants may be drug tested when applying for State 
          unemployment compensation.
620.4 Testing of unemployment compensation applicants for the unlawful 
          use of a controlled substance.
620.5 Conformity and substantial compliance.

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302(a); 42 U.S.C. 503(l)(1)(A)(ii).

    Source: 84 FR 53051, Oct. 4, 2019, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  620.1  Purpose.

    The regulations in this part implement 42 U.S.C. 503(l). 42 U.S.C. 
503(l) permits States to enact legislation to provide for State-
conducted testing of an unemployment compensation applicant for the 
unlawful use of controlled substances, as a condition of unemployment 
compensation eligibility, if the applicant was discharged for unlawful 
use of controlled substances by his or her most recent employer, or if 
suitable work (as defined under the State unemployment compensation law) 
is only available in an occupation for which drug testing is regularly 
conducted (as determined under this part). 42 U.S.C. 503(l)(1)(A)(ii) 
provides that the occupations that regularly conduct drug testing will 
be determined under regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor.



Sec.  620.2  Definitions.

    As used in this part--
    Applicant means an individual who files an initial claim for 
unemployment compensation under State law. Applicant excludes an 
individual already found initially eligible and filing a continued 
claim.
    Controlled substance means a drug or other substance, or immediate 
precursor, included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of 21 
U.S.C. 801 et seq., as defined in Sec. 102 of the Controlled Substances 
Act (21 U.S.C. 802). The term does not include distilled spirits, wine, 
malt beverages, or tobacco, as those terms are defined or used in 
subtitle E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    Occupation means a position or class of positions with similar 
functions and duties. Federal and State laws governing drug testing 
refer to classes of positions that are required to be drug tested. Other 
taxonomies of occupations, such as those in the Standard Occupational 
Classification (SOC) system, may be used by States in determining the 
boundaries of a position or class of positions with similar functions 
and duties under Sec.  620.3. Use of the SOC codes, however, is not 
required, and States may use other taxonomies to identify a position or 
class of positions with similar functions and duties.
    Suitable work means suitable work as defined by the unemployment 
compensation law of a State against which the claim is filed. It must be 
the same definition the State law otherwise uses for determining the 
type of work an individual must seek, given the individual's education, 
experience, and previous level of remuneration.
    Unemployment compensation means any cash benefits payable to an 
individual with respect to the individual's unemployment under the State 
law (including amounts payable under an agreement under a Federal 
unemployment compensation law).



Sec.  620.3  Occupations that regularly conduct drug testing for purposes
of determining which applicants may be drug tested when applying for State 
unemployment compensation.

    In electing to test applicants for unemployment compensation under 
this part, States may enact legislation to require drug testing for 
applicants for whom the only suitable work is in one or more of the 
following occupations that regularly conduct drug testing, for purposes 
of Sec.  620.4:
    (a) An occupation that requires the employee to carry a firearm;
    (b) An occupation identified in 14 CFR 120.105 by the Federal 
Aviation Administration, in which the employee must be tested;
    (c) An occupation identified in 49 CFR 382.103 by the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, in which the employee must be tested;
    (d) An occupation identified in 49 CFR 219.3 by the Federal Railroad 
Administration, in which the employee must be tested;

[[Page 210]]

    (e) An occupation identified in 49 CFR 655.3 by the Federal Transit 
Administration, in which the employee must be tested;
    (f) An occupation identified in 49 CFR 199.2 by the Pipeline and 
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in which the employee must be 
tested;
    (g) An occupation identified in 46 CFR 16.201 by the United States 
Coast Guard, in which the employee must be tested;
    (h) An occupation specifically identified in Federal law as 
requiring an employee to be tested for controlled substances;
    (i) An occupation specifically identified in the State law of that 
State as requiring an employee to be tested for controlled substances; 
and
    (j) An occupation where the State has a factual basis for finding 
that employers hiring employees in that occupation conduct pre- or post-
hire drug testing as a standard eligibility requirement for obtaining or 
maintaining employment in the occupation.



Sec.  620.4  Testing of unemployment compensation applicants for the 
unlawful use of a controlled substance.

    (a) States may require drug testing for unemployment compensation 
applicants, as defined in Sec.  620.2, for the unlawful use of one or 
more controlled substances, as defined in Sec.  [thinsp]620.2, as a 
condition of eligibility for unemployment compensation, if the 
individual is one for whom suitable work, as defined in State law, as 
defined in Sec.  620.2, is only available in an occupation that 
regularly conducts drug testing as identified under Sec.  [thinsp]620.3.
    (b) A State conducting drug testing as a condition of unemployment 
compensation eligibility, as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, 
may only elect to require drug testing of applicants for whom the only 
suitable work is available in one or more of the occupations listed 
under Sec.  620.3. States are not required to apply drug testing to any 
applicants for whom the only suitable work is available in any or all of 
the occupations listed.
    (c) No State is required to drug test UC applicants under this part 
620.



Sec.  620.5  Conformity and substantial compliance.

    (a) In general. A State law implementing the drug testing of 
applicants for unemployment compensation must conform with--and the 
law's administration must substantially comply with--the requirements of 
this part 620 for purposes of certification under 42 U.S.C. 502(a), 
governing State eligibility to receive Federal grants for the 
administration of its UC program.
    (b) Resolving issues of conformity and substantial compliance. For 
the purposes of resolving issues of conformity and substantial 
compliance with the requirements of this part 620, the provisions of 20 
CFR 601.5 apply.

                           PART 621 [RESERVED]



PART 625_DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE--Table of Contents



Sec.
625.1 Purpose; rules of construction.
625.2 Definitions.
625.3 Reemployment assistance.
625.4 Eligibility requirements for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
625.5 Unemployment caused by a major disaster.
625.6 Weekly amount; jurisdictions; reductions.
625.7 Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Duration.
625.8 Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
625.9 Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual.
625.10 Appeal and review.
625.11 Provisions of State law applicable.
625.12 The applicable State for an individual.
625.13 Restrictions on entitlement; disqualification.
625.14 Overpayments; disqualification for fraud.
625.15 Inviolate rights to DUA.
625.16 Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.
625.17 Announcement of the beginning of a Disaster Assistance Period.
625.18 Public access to Agreements.
625.19 Information, reports and studies.
625.20 [Reserved]
625.30 Appeal Procedures for Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the 
          Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, 
          Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of 
          the Pacific Islands.

[[Page 211]]


Appendix A to Part 625--Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, 
          Job Finding, and Employment Services
Appendix B to Part 625--Standard for Claim Determinations--Separation 
          Information
Appendix C to Part 625--Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302; 42 U.S.C. 5164; 42 U.S.C. 5189a(c); 42 
U.S.C. 5201(a); Executive Order 12673 of March 23, 1989 (54 FR 12571); 
delegation of authority from the Director of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency to the Secretary of Labor, effective December 1, 1985 
(51 FR 4988); Secretary's Order No. 4-75 (40 FR 18515).

    Source: 42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  625.1  Purpose; rules of construction.

    (a) Purpose. Section 410 of ``The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act'' amended the program for the payment of 
unemployment assistance to unemployed individuals whose unemployment is 
caused by a major disaster, and to provide reemployment assistance 
services to those individuals. The unemployment assistance provided for 
in section 410 of the Act is hereinafter referred to as Disaster 
Unemployment Assistance, or DUA. The regulations in this part are issued 
to implement sections 410 and 423 of the Act.
    (b) First rule of construction. Sections 410 and 423 of the Act and 
the implementing regulations in this part shall be construed liberally 
so as to carry out the purposes of the Act.
    (c) Second rule of construction. Sections 410 and 423 of the Act and 
the implementing regulations in this part shall be construed so as to 
assure insofar as possible the uniform interpretation and application of 
the Act throughout the United States.
    (d) Effectuating purpose and rules of construction. (1) In order to 
effectuate the provisions of this section, each State agency shall 
forward to the United States Department of Labor, on receipt of a 
request from the Department, a copy of any determination or 
redetermination ruling on an individual's entitlement to DUA.
    (2) If the Department believes a determination or redetermination is 
inconsistent with the Secretary's interpretation of the Act, the 
Department may at any time notify the State agency of the department's 
view. Thereafter, the State agency shall appeal if possible, and shall 
not follow such determination or redetermination as a precedent; and in 
any subsequent proceedings which involve such determination or 
redetermination, or wherein such determination or redetermination is 
cited as precedent or otherwise relied upon, the State agency shall 
inform the hearing officer of the Department's view and shall make all 
reasonable efforts to obtain modification, limitation, or overruling of 
the determination or redetermination.
    (3) A State agency may request reconsideration of a notice that a 
determination or redetermination is inconsistent with the Act, and shall 
be given an opportunity to present views and arguments if desired. If a 
determination or redetermination setting a precedent becomes final, 
which the Department believes to be inconsistent with the Act, the 
Secretary will decide whether the Agreement with the State shall be 
terminated.
    (4) Concurrence of the Department in a determination or 
redetermination shall not be presumed from the absence of a notice 
issued pursuant to this paragraph.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 554, Jan. 5, 1990]



Sec.  625.2  Definitions.

    For the purposes of the Act and this part:
    (a) Act means sections 410 and 423 of The Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (formerly section 407 of 
the ``Disaster Relief Act of 1974'', Pub. L. 93-288, 88 Stat. 143, 156, 
approved May 22, 1974), 42 U.S.C. 5177, 5189a, as amended by The 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988, Pub. L. 
100-707, 102 Stat. 4689, 4704, 4705, approved November 23, 1988.
    (b) Agreement means the Agreement entered into pursuant to the Act, 
between a State and the Secretary of Labor of the United States, under 
which the State agency of the State agrees to make payments of Disaster 
Unemployment Assistance in accordance with the Act and the regulations

[[Page 212]]

and procedures thereunder prescribed by the Secretary.
    (c) Announcement date means the first day on which the State agency 
publicly announces the availability of Disaster Unemployment Assistance 
in the State, pursuant to Sec.  625.17.
    (d) Compensation means unemployment compensation as defined in 
section 85(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and shall include 
any assistance or allowance payable to an individual with respect to 
such individual's unemployment under any State law or Federal 
unemployment compensation law unless such governmental unemployment 
compensation program payments are not considered ``compensation'' by 
ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or specific provision of Federal 
and/or State law because such payments are based on employee 
contributions which are not deductible from Federal income tax liability 
until the total nondeductible contributions paid by the employee to such 
program has been paid or are not ``compensation'' as defined under 
paragraph (d)(5) of this section. Governmental unemployment compensation 
programs include (but are not limited to) programs established under: a 
State law approved by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to section 3304 of 
the Internal Revenue Code, chapter 85 of title 5 of the United States 
Code, the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.), 
any Federal supplementary compensation law, and trade readjustment 
allowances payable under chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 
(19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq.). ``Compensation'' also includes ``regular 
compensation'', ``additional compensation'', ``extended compensation'', 
``Federal supplementary compensation'', and ``disability payments'' 
defined as follows:
    (1) Regular compensation means compensation payable to an individual 
under any State law or the unemployment compensation plan of a political 
subdivision of a State and, when so payable, includes compensation 
payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85 (parts 609 and 614 of this 
chapter), but not including extended compensation or additional 
compensation.
    (2) Additional compensation means compensation totally financed by a 
State and payable under a State law by reason of conditions of high 
unemployment or by reason of other special factors, and, when so 
payable, includes compensation payable pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85.
    (3) Extended compensation means compensation payable to an 
individual for weeks of unemployment in an extended benefit period, 
under those provisions of a State law which satisfy the requirements of 
the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (title 
II, Pub. L. 91-373; 84 Stat. 695, 708; part 615 of this chapter), as 
amended with respect to the payment of extended compensation, and, when 
so payable, includes additional compensation and compensation payable 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. chapter 85.
    (4) Federal supplementary compensation means supplemental 
compensation payable under a temporary Federal law after exhaustion of 
regular and extended compensation.
    (5) Disability payments means cash disability payments made pursuant 
to a governmental program as a substitute for cash unemployment payments 
to an individual who is ineligible for such payments solely because of 
the disability, except for payments made under workmen's compensation 
acts for personal injuries or sickness.
    (e) Date the major disaster began means the date a major disaster 
first occurred, as specified in the understanding between the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency and the Governor of the State in which the 
major disaster occurred.
    (f) Disaster Assistance Period means the period beginning with the 
first week following the date the major disaster began, and ending with 
the 26th week subsequent to the date the major disaster was declared.
    (g) Disaster Unemployment Assistance means the assistance payable to 
an individual eligible for the assistance under the Act and this part, 
and which is referred to as DUA.
    (h) Federal Coordinating Officer means the official appointed 
pursuant to section 302 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act, to operate in the affected major disaster 
area.

[[Page 213]]

    (i) Governor means the chief executive of a State.
    (j) Initial application means the first application for DUA filed by 
an individual, on the basis of which the individual's eligibility for 
DUA is determined.
    (k) Major disaster means a major disaster as declared by the 
President pursuant to section 401 of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
    (l) Major disaster area means the area identified as eligible for 
Federal assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, pursuant 
to a Presidential declaration of a major disaster.
    (m) Secretary means the Secretary of Labor of the United States.
    (n) Self-employed individual means an individual whose primary 
reliance for income is on the performance of services in the 
individual's own business, or on the individual's own farm.
    (o) Self-employment means services performed as a self-employed 
individual.
    (p) State means any State of the United States, the District of 
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin 
Islands, the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of 
the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
    (q) State agency means--
    (1) In all States except the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of 
Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of 
the Pacific Islands, the agency administering the State law; and
    (2) In the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of 
the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the 
agency designated in the Agreement entered into by the State.
    (r)(1) State law means, with respect to--
    (i) The States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, the unemployment 
compensation law of the State which has been approved under section 
3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3304(a)); and
    (ii) The Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of 
the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the 
Hawaii Employment Security Law.
    (2) Applicable State law means, for an individual, the State law of 
the applicable State for an individual as provided in Sec.  625.12.
    (s) Unemployed worker means an individual who was employed in or was 
to commence employment in the major disaster area at the time the major 
disaster began, and whose principal source of income and livelihood is 
dependent upon the individual's employment for wages, and whose 
unemployment is caused by a major disaster as provided in Sec.  
625.5(a).
    (t) Unemployed self-employed individual means an individual who was 
self-employed in or was to commence self-employment in the major 
disaster area at the time the major disaster began, and whose principal 
source of income and livelihood is dependent upon the individual's 
performance of service in self-employment, and whose unemployment is 
caused by a major disaster as provided in Sec.  625.5(b).
    (u) Wages means remuneration for services performed for another, 
and, with respect to a self-employed individual, net income from 
services performed in self-employment.
    (v) Week means a week as defined in the applicable State law.
    (w) Week of unemployment means--
    (1) For an unemployed worker, any week during which the individual 
is totally, part-totally, or partially unemployed. A week of total 
unemployment is a week during which the individual performs no work and 
earns no wages, or has less than full-time work and earns wages not 
exceeding the minimum earnings allowance prescribed in the applicable 
State law. A week of part-total unemployment is a week of otherwise 
total unemployment during which the individual has odd jobs or 
subsidiary work and earns wages not

[[Page 214]]

exceeding the maximum earnings allowance prescribed in the applicable 
State law. A week of partial unemployment is a week during which the 
individual works less than regular, full-time hours for the individual's 
regular employer, as a direct result of the major disaster, and earns 
wages not exceeding the maximum earnings allowance prescribed by the 
applicable State law.
    (2) For an unemployed self-employed individual, any week during 
which the individual is totally, part-totally, or partially unemployed. 
A week of total unemployment is a week during which the individual 
performs no services in self-employment or in an employer-employee 
relationship, or performs services less than full-time and earns wages 
not exceeding the minimum earnings allowance prescribed in the 
applicable State law. A week of part-total unemployment is a week of 
otherwise total unemployment during which the individual has odd jobs or 
subsidiary work and earns wages not exceeding the maximum earnings 
allowance prescribed in the applicable State law. A week of partial 
unemployment is a week during which the individual performs less than 
the customary full-time services in self-employment, as a direct result 
of the major disaster, and earns wages not exceeding the maximum 
earnings allowance prescribed by the applicable State law, or during 
which the only activities or services performed are for the sole purpose 
of enabling the individual to resume self-employment.
    (3) If the week of unemployment for which an individual claims DUA 
is a week with respect to which the individual is reemployed in a 
suitable position or has commenced services in self-employment, that 
week shall be treated as a week of partial unemployment if the week 
qualifies as a week of partial unemployment as defined in this 
paragraph.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 554, Jan. 5, 1990; 56 
FR 22805, May 16, 1991]



Sec.  625.3  Reemployment assistance.

    (a) State assistance. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the applicable State shall provide, without reimbursement from 
any funds provided under the Act, reemployment assistance services under 
any other law administered by the State to individuals applying for DUA 
and all other individuals who are unemployed because of a major 
disaster. Such services shall include, but are not limited to, 
counseling, referrals to suitable work opportunities, and suitable 
training, to assist the individuals in obtaining reemployment in 
suitable positions as soon as possible.
    (b) Federal assistance. In the case of American Samoa, Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, 
Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
Islands, the Department of Labor, in consultation with the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, will determine what reemployment services 
are needed by DUA applicants, and if any available Federal programs of 
reemployment assistance services can be implemented in that 
jurisdiction.

[55 FR 554, Jan. 5, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 22806, May 16, 1991]



Sec.  625.4  Eligibility requirements for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

    An individual shall be eligible to receive a payment of DUA with 
respect to a week of unemployment, in accordance with the provisions of 
the Act and this part if:
    (a) That week begins during a Disaster Assistance Period;
    (b) The applicable State for the individual has entered into an 
Agreement which is in effect with respect to that week;
    (c) The individual is an unemployed worker or an unemployed self-
employed individual;
    (d) The individual's unemployment with respect to that week is 
caused by a major disaster, as provided in Sec.  625.5;
    (e) The individual has filed a timely initial application for DUA 
and, as appropriate, a timely application for a payment of DUA with 
respect to that week;
    (f) That week is a week of unemployment for the individual;
    (g) The individual is able to work and available for work within the 
meaning of the applicable State law: Provided, That an individual shall 
be deemed to

[[Page 215]]

meet this requirement if any injury caused by the major disaster is the 
reason for inability to work or engage in self-employment; or, in the 
case of an unemployed self-employed individual, the individual performs 
service or activities which are solely for the purpose of enabling the 
individual to resume self-employment;
    (h) The individual has not refused a bona fide offer of employment 
in a suitable position, or refused without good cause to resume or 
commence suitable self-employment, if the employment or self-employment 
could have been undertaken in that week or in any prior week in the 
Disaster Assistance Period; and
    (i) The individual is not eligible for compensation (as defined in 
Sec.  625.2(d)) or for waiting period credit for such week under any 
other Federal or State law, except that an individual determined 
ineligible because of the receipt of disqualifying income shall be 
considered eligible for such compensation or waiting period credit. An 
individual shall be considered ineligible for compensation or waiting 
period credit (and thus potentially eligible for DUA) if the individual 
is under a disqualification for a cause that occurred prior to the 
individual's unemployment due to the disaster, or for any other reason 
is ineligible for compensation or waiting period credit as a direct 
result of the major disaster.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 555, Jan. 5, 1990]



Sec.  625.5  Unemployment caused by a major disaster.

    (a) Unemployed worker. The unemployment of an unemployed worker is 
caused by a major disaster if--
    (1) The individual has a ``week of unemployment'' as defined in 
Sec.  625.2(w)(1) following the ``date the major disaster began'' as 
defined in Sec.  625.2(e), and such unemployment is a direct result of 
the major disaster; or
    (2) The individual is unable to reach the place of employment as a 
direct result of the major disaster; or
    (3) The individual was to commence employment and does not have a 
job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of the major 
disaster; or
    (4) The individual has become the breadwinner or major support for a 
household because the head of the household has died as a direct result 
of the major disaster; or
    (5) The individual cannot work because of an injury caused as a 
direct result of the major disaster.
    (b) Unemployed self-employed individual. The unemployment of an 
unemployed self-employed individual is caused by a major disaster if--
    (1) The individual has a ``week of unemployment'' as defined in 
Sec.  625.2(w)(2) following the ``date the major disaster began'' as 
defined in Sec.  625.2(e), and such unemployment is a direct result of 
the major disaster; or
    (2) The individual is unable to reach the place where services as a 
self-employed individual are performed, as a direct result of the major 
disaster; or
    (3) The individual was to commence regular services as a self-
employed individual, but does not have a place or is unable to reach the 
place where the services as a self-employed individual were to be 
performed, as a direct result of the major disaster; or
    (4) The individual cannot perform services as a self-employed 
individual because of an injury caused as a direct result of the major 
disaster.
    (c) Unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster. For the 
purposes of paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(1) of this section, a worker's or 
self-employed individual's unemployment is a direct result of the major 
disaster where the unemployment is an immediate result of the major 
disaster itself, and not the result of a longer chain of events 
precipitated or exacerbated by the disaster. Such an individual's 
unemployment is a direct result of the major disaster if the 
unemployment resulted from:
    (1) The physical damage or destruction of the place of employment;
    (2) The physical inaccessibility of the place of employment in the 
major disaster area due to its closure by or at the request of the 
federal, state or local government, in immediate response to the 
disaster; or
    (3) Lack of work, or loss of revenues, provided that, prior to the 
disaster, the employer, or the business in the case of a self-employed 
individual, received at

[[Page 216]]

least a majority of its revenue or income from an entity in the major 
disaster area that was either damaged or destroyed in the disaster, or 
an entity in the major disaster area closed by the federal, state or 
local government in immediate response to the disaster.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 555, Jan. 5, 1990; 56 
FR 22806, May 16, 1991; 66 FR 56962, Nov. 13, 2001; 68 FR 10937, Mar. 6, 
2003]



Sec.  625.6  Weekly amount; jurisdictions; reductions.

    (a) In all States, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of 
this section, the amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or 
unemployed self-employed individual for a week of total unemployment 
shall be the weekly amount of compensation the individual would have 
been paid as regular compensation, as computed under the provisions of 
the applicable State law for a week of total unemployment. In no event 
shall such amount be in excess of the maximum amount of regular 
compensation authorized under the applicable State law for that week.
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) or (b) of this section, 
in computing an individual's weekly amount of DUA, qualifying employment 
and wage requirements and benefit formula of the applicable State law 
shall be applied; and for purposes of this section, employment, wages, 
and self-employment which are not covered by the applicable State law 
shall be treated in the same manner and with the same effect as covered 
employment and wages, but shall not include employment or self-
employment, or wages earned or paid for employment or self-employment, 
which is contrary to or prohibited by any Federal law, such as, but not 
limited to, section 3304(a)(14)(A) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act 
(26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(14)(A)).
    (2) For purposes of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the base 
period to be utilized in computing the DUA weekly amount shall be the 
most recent tax year that has ended for the individual (whether an 
employee or self-employed) prior to the individual's unemployment that 
was a direct result of the major disaster. The self-employment income to 
be treated as wages for purposes of computing the weekly amount under 
this paragraph (a) shall be the net income reported on the tax return of 
the individual as income from all self-employment that was dependent 
upon the performance of services by the individual. If an individual has 
not filed a tax return for the most recent tax year that has ended at 
the time of such individual's initial application for DUA, such 
individual shall have a weekly amount determined in accordance with 
paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
    (3) As of the date of filing an initial application for DUA, family 
members over the age of majority, as defined under the statutes of the 
applicable State, who were customarily or routinely employed or self-
employed as a family unit or in the same self-employment business prior 
to the individuals' unemployment that was a direct result of the major 
disaster, shall have the wages from such employment or net income from 
the self-employment allocated equally among such adult family members 
for purposes of computing a weekly amount under this paragraph (a), 
unless the documentation to substantiate employment or self-employment 
and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-employment 
submitted as required by paragraph (e) of this section supports a 
different allocation. Family members under the age of majority as of the 
date of filing an initial application for DUA shall have a weekly amount 
computed under this paragraph (a) based on the actual wages earned or 
paid for employment or self-employment rather than an equal allocation.
    (b) If the weekly amount computed under paragraph (a) of this 
section is less than 50 percent of the average weekly payment of regular 
compensation in the State, as provided quarterly by the Department, or, 
if the individual has insufficient wages from employment or insufficient 
or no net income from self-employment (which includes individuals 
falling within paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(3) of Sec.  625.5) in the 
applicable base period to compute a weekly amount under paragraph (a) of 
this section, the individual shall be determined entitled to a weekly 
amount equal to 50 percent of the average

[[Page 217]]

weekly payment of regular compensation in the State.
    (1) If an individual was customarily or routinely employed or self-
employed less than full-time prior to the individual's unemployment as a 
direct result of the major disaster, such individual's weekly amount 
under this paragraph (b)(1) shall be determined by calculating the 
percent of time the individual was employed or self-employed compared to 
the customary and usual hours per week that would constitute the average 
per week hours for year-round full-time employment or self-employment 
for the occupation, then applying the percentage to the determined 50 
percent of the average weekly amount of regular compensation paid in the 
State. The State agency shall utilize information furnished by the 
applicant at the time of filing an initial application for DUA and any 
labor market or occupational information available within the State 
agency to determine the average per week hours for full-time employment 
or self-employment for the occupation. If the weekly amount computed for 
an individual under this paragraph (b)(1) is less than the weekly amount 
computed under paragraph (a) of this section for the individual, the 
individual shall be entitled to the higher weekly amount.
    (2) The weekly amount so determined under paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, if not an even dollar amount, shall be rounded in accordance 
with the applicable State law.
    (c) In the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, the amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or 
unemployed self-employed individual for a week of total unemployment 
shall be the average of the payments of regular compensation made under 
all State laws referred to in Sec.  625.2(r)(1)(i) for weeks of total 
unemployment in the first four of the last five completed calendar 
quarters immediately preceding the quarter in which the major disaster 
began. The weekly amount so determined, if not an even dollar amount, 
shall be rounded to the next higher dollar.
    (d) In American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of 
the Marshall Islands and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the 
amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or unemployed self-
employed individual for a week of total unemployment shall be the amount 
agreed upon by the Regional Administrator, Employment and Training 
Administration, for Region VI (San Francisco), and the Federal 
Coordinating Officer, which shall approximate 50 percent of the area-
wide average of the weekly wages paid to individuals in the major 
disaster area in the quarter immediately preceding the quarter in which 
the major disaster began. The weekly amount so determined, if not an 
even dollar amount, shall be rounded to the next higher dollar.
    (e) The State agency shall immediately determine, upon the filing of 
an initial application for DUA, a weekly amount under the provisions of 
paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, as the case may be, based on 
the individual's statement of employment or self-employment preceding 
the individual's unemployment that was a direct result of the major 
disaster, and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-
employment. An immediate determination of a weekly amount shall also be 
made where, in conjunction with the filing of an initial application for 
DUA, the individual submits documentation substantiating employment or 
self-employment and wages earned or paid for such employment or self-
employment, or, in the absence of documentation, where any State agency 
records of employment or self-employment and wages earned or paid for 
such employment or self-employment, justify the determination of a 
weekly amount. An immediate determination shall also be made based on 
the individual's statement or in conjunction with the submittal of 
documentation in those cases where the individual was to commence 
employment or self-employment on or after the date the major disaster 
began but was prevented from doing so as a direct result of the 
disaster.
    (1) In the case of a weekly amount determined in accordance with 
paragraph (e) of this section, based only on the individual's statement 
of earnings, the individual shall furnish documentation to substantiate 
the employment or self-employment or wages

[[Page 218]]

earned from or paid for such employment or self-employment or 
documentation to support that the individual was to commence employment 
or self-employment on or after the date the major disaster began. In 
either case, documentation shall be submitted within 21 calendar days of 
the filing of the initial application for DUA.
    (2) Any individual who fails to submit documentation to substantiate 
employment or self-employment or the planned commencement of employment 
or self-employment in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this section, 
shall be determined ineligible for the payment of DUA for any week of 
unemployment due to the disaster. Any weeks for which DUA was already 
paid on the application prior to the date of the determination of 
ineligibility under this paragraph (e)(2) are overpaid and a 
determination shall be issued in accordance with Sec.  625.14(a). In 
addition, the State agency shall consider whether the individual is 
subject to a disqualification for fraud in accordance with the 
provisions set forth in Sec.  625.14(i).
    (3) For purposes of a computation of a weekly amount under paragraph 
(a) of this section, if an individual submits documentation to 
substantiate employment or self-employment in accordance with paragraph 
(e)(1), but not documentation of wages earned or paid during the base 
period set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, including those 
cases where the individual has not filed a tax return for the most 
recent tax year that has ended, the State agency shall immediately 
redetermine the weekly amount of DUA payable to the individual in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
    (4) Any individual determined eligible for a weekly amount of DUA 
under the provisions of paragraph (e)(3) of this section may submit 
necessary documentation to substantiate wages earned or paid during the 
base period set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, including 
those cases where the individual has not filed a tax return for the most 
recent tax year that has ended, at any time prior to the end of the 
disaster assistance period. A redetermination of the weekly amount 
payable, as previously determined under paragraph (b) of this section, 
shall immediately be made if the wages earned or paid for services 
performed in employment or self-employment reflected in such 
documentation is sufficient to permit a computation under paragraph (a) 
of this section of a weekly amount higher than was determined under 
paragraph (b) of this section. Any higher amount so determined shall be 
applicable to all weeks during the disaster assistance period for which 
the individual was eligible for the payment of DUA.
    (f)(1) The weekly amount of DUA payable to an unemployed worker or 
unemployed self-employed individual for a week of partial or part-total 
unemployment shall be the weekly amount determined under paragraph (a), 
(b), (c) or (d) of this section, as the case may be, reduced (but not 
below zero) by the amount of wages that the individual earned in that 
week as determined by applying to such wages the earnings allowance for 
partial or part-total employment prescribed by the applicable State law.
    (2) The weekly amount of DUA payable to an unemployed self-employed 
individual for a week of unemployment shall be the weekly amount 
determined under paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section, as the 
case may be, reduced (but not below zero) by the full amount of any 
income received during the week for the performance of services in self-
employment, regardless of whether or not any services were performed 
during the week, by applying the earnings allowance as set forth in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section. Notwithstanding the definition of 
``wages'' for a self-employed individual under Sec.  625.2(u), the term 
``any income'' for purposes of this paragraph (f)(2) means gross income.

[60 FR 25568, May 11, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35516, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  625.7  Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Duration.

    DUA shall be payable to an eligible unemployed worker or eligible 
unemployed self-employed individual for all weeks of unemployment which 
begin during a Disaster Assistance Period.

[[Page 219]]



Sec.  625.8  Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

    (a) Initial application. An initial application for DUA shall be 
filed by an individual with the State agency of the applicable State 
within 30 days after the announcement date of the major disaster as the 
result of which the individual became unemployed, and on a form 
prescribed by the Secretary which shall be furnished to the individual 
by the State agency. An initial application filed later than 30 days 
after the announcement date of the major disaster shall be accepted as 
timely by the State agency if the applicant had good cause for the late 
filing, but in no event shall an initial application be accepted by the 
State agency if it is filed after the expiration of the Disaster 
Assistance Period. If the 30th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a 
legal holiday in the major disaster area, the 30-day time limit shall be 
extended to the next business day.
    (b) Weekly applications. Applications for DUA for weeks of 
unemployment shall be filed with respect to the individual's applicable 
State at the times and in the manner as claims for regular compensation 
are filed under the applicable State law, and on forms prescribed by the 
Secretary which shall be furnished to the individual by the State 
agency.
    (c) Filing in person. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section, all applications for DUA, including initial applications, 
shall be filed in person.
    (2) Whenever an individual has good cause for not filing any 
application for DUA in person, the application shall be filed at such 
time, in such place, and in such a manner as directed by the State 
agency and in accordance with this part and procedures prescribed by the 
Secretary.
    (d) IBPP. The ``Interstate Benefit Payment Plan'' shall apply, where 
appropriate, to an individual filing applications for DUA.
    (e) Wage combining. The ``Interstate Arrangement for Combining 
Employment and Wages'' (part 616 of this chapter) shall apply, where 
appropriate, to an individual filing applications for DUA: Provided, 
That the ``Paying State'' shall be the applicable State for the 
individual as prescribed in Sec.  625.12.
    (f) Procedural requirements. (1) The procedures for reporting and 
filing applications for DUA shall be consistent with this part, and with 
the Secretary's ``Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, Job 
Finding and Employment Services,'' Employment Security Manual. Part V, 
sections 5000 et seq. (appendix A of this part), insofar as such 
standard is not inconsistent with this part.
    (2) The provisions of the applicable State law which apply hereunder 
to applications for and the payment of DUA shall be applied consistent 
with the requirements of title III of the Social Security Act and the 
Federal Unemployment Tax Act which are pertinent in the case of regular 
compensation, including but not limited to those standards and 
requirements specifically referred to in the provisions of this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0051)

(Pub. L. No. 96-511)

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 
55 FR 555, Jan. 5, 1990]



Sec.  625.9  Determinations of entitlement; notices to individual.

    (a) Determination of initial application. (1) The State agency shall 
promptly, upon the filing of an initial application for DUA, determine 
whether the individual is eligible, and if the individual is found to be 
eligible, the weekly amount of DUA payable to the individual and the 
period during which DUA is payable.
    (2) An individual's eligibility for DUA shall be determined, where a 
reliable record of employment, self-employment and wages is not 
obtainable, on the basis of an affidavit submitted to the State agency 
by the individual, and on a form prescribed by the Secretary which shall 
be furnished to the individual by the State agency.
    (b) Determinations of weekly applications. The State agency shall 
promptly, upon the filing of an application for a payment of DUA with 
respect to a week of unemployment, determine whether the individual is 
entitled to a payment of DUA with respect to that week, and, if 
entitled, the amount of

[[Page 220]]

DUA to which the individual is entitled.
    (c) Redetermination. The provisions of the applicable State law 
concerning the right to request, or authority to undertake, 
reconsideration of a determination pertaining to regular compensation 
under the applicable State law shall apply to determinations pertaining 
to DUA.
    (d) Notices to individual. The State agency shall give notice in 
writing to the individual, by the most expeditious method, of any 
determination or redetermination of an initial application, and of any 
determination of an application for DUA with respect to a week of 
unemployment which denies DUA or reduces the weekly amount initially 
determined to be payable, and of any redetermination of an application 
for DUA with respect to a week of unemployment. Each notice of 
determination or redetermination shall include such information 
regarding the determination or redetermination and notice of right to 
reconsideration or appeal, or both, as is furnished with written notices 
of determination and written notices of redeterminations with respect to 
claims for regular compensation.
    (e) Promptness. Full payment of DUA when due shall be made with the 
greatest promptness that is administratively feasible.
    (f) Secretary's Standard. The procedures for making determinations 
and redeterminations, and furnishing written notices of determinations, 
redeterminations, and rights of appeal to individuals applying for DUA, 
shall be consistent with this part and with the Secretary's ``Standard 
for Claim Determinations--Separation Information,'' Employment Security 
Manual. Part V, sections 6010 et seq. (Appendix B of this part).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0051)

(Pub. L. No. 96-511)

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 
55 FR 555, Jan. 5, 1990]



Sec.  625.10  Appeal and review.

    (a) States of the United States. (1) Any determination or 
redetermination made pursuant to Sec.  625.9, by the State agency of a 
State (other than the State agency of the Territory of Guam, American 
Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of 
Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Trust Territory of 
the Pacific Islands) may be appealed by the applicant in accordance with 
the applicable State law to the first-stage administrative appellate 
authority in the same manner and to the same extent as a determination 
or redetermination of a right to regular compensation may be appealed 
under the applicable State law, except that the period for appealing 
shall be 60 days from the date the determination or redetermination is 
issued or mailed instead of the appeal period provided for in the 
applicable State law. Any decision on a DUA first-stage appeal must be 
made and issued within 30 days after receipt of the appeal by the State.
    (2) Notice of the decision on appeal, and the reasons therefor, 
shall be given to the individual by delivering the notice to such 
individual personally or by mailing it to the individual's last known 
address, whichever is most expeditious. The decision shall contain 
information as to the individual's right to review of the decision by 
the appropriate Regional Administrator, Employment and Training 
Administration, if requested within 15 days after the decision was 
mailed or delivered in person to the individual. The notice will include 
the manner of requesting such review, and the complete address of the 
Regional Administrator. Notice of the decision on appeal shall be given 
also to the State agency (with the same notice of right to review) and 
to the appropriate Regional Administrator.
    (b) Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific 
Islands. (1) In the case of an appeal by an individual from a 
determination or redetermination by the State agency of the Territory of 
Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the 
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the individual shall be entitled 
to a hearing and decision in accordance with Sec.  625.30 of this part.

[[Page 221]]

    (2) Notice of the referee's decision, and the reasons therefor, 
shall be given to the individual by delivering the notice to the 
individual personally or by mailing it to the individual's last known 
address, whichever is most expeditious. The notice of decision shall 
contain information as to the individual's right to review of the 
decision by the Regional Administrator, Employment and Training 
Administration, for Region VI (San Francisco), and the manner of 
obtaining such review, including the address of the Regional 
Administrator. Notice of the decision on appeal shall be given also to 
the State agency and to the Regional Administrator.
    (c) Review by Regional Administrator. (1) The appropriate Regional 
Administrator, Employment and Training Administration, upon request for 
review by an applicant or the State agency shall, or upon the Regional 
Administrator's own motion may, review a decision on appeal issued 
pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
    (2) Any request for review by an applicant or a State agency shall 
be filed, and any review on the Regional Administrator's own motion 
shall be undertaken, within 15 days after notice of the decision on 
appeal was delivered or mailed to the individual.
    (3)(i) A request for review by an individual may be filed with the 
appropriate State agency, which shall forward the request to the 
appropriate Regional Administrator, Employment and Training 
Administration, or may be filed directly with the appropriate Regional 
Administrator.
    (ii) A request for review by a State agency shall be filed with the 
appropriate Regional Administrator, and a copy shall be served on the 
individual by delivery to the individual personally or by mail to the 
individual's last known address.
    (iii) When a Regional Administrator undertakes a review of a 
decision on the Regional Administrator's own motion, notice thereof 
shall be served promptly on the individual and the State agency.
    (iv) Whenever review by a Regional Administrator is undertaken 
pursuant to an appeal or on the Regional Administrator's own motion, the 
State agency shall promptly forward to the Regional Administrator the 
entire record of the case.
    (v) Where service on the individual is required by paragraph 
(c)(3)(ii) of this section, adequate proof of service shall be furnished 
for the record before the Regional Administrator, and be a condition of 
the Regional Administrator undertaking review pursuant to this 
paragraph.
    (4) The decision of the Regional Administrator on review shall be 
rendered promptly, and not later than the earlier of--
    (i) 45 days after the appeal is received or is undertaken by the 
Regional Administrator, or
    (ii) 90 days from the date the individual's appeal from the 
determination or redetermination was received by the State agency.
    (5) Notice of the Regional Administrator's decision shall be mailed 
promptly to the last known address of the individual, to the State 
agency of the applicable State, and to the Administrator, Office of 
Workforce Security. The decision of the Regional Administrator shall be 
the final decision under the Act and this part, unless there is further 
review by the Assistant Secretary as provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section.
    (d) Further review by the Assistant Secretary. (1) The Assistant 
Secretary for Employment and Training on his or her own motion may 
review any decision by a Regional Administrator issued pursuant to 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (2) Notice of a motion for review by the Assistant Secretary shall 
be given to the applicant, the State agency of the applicable State, the 
appropriate Regional Administrator, and the Administrator, Office of 
Workforce Security.
    (3) When the Regional Administrator and the State agency are 
notified of the Assistant Secretary's motion for review, they shall 
forward all records in the case to the Assistant Secretary.
    (4) Review by the Assistant Secretary shall be solely on the record 
in the case, any other written contentions or evidence requested by the 
Assistant Secretary, and any further evidence or arguments offered by 
the individual,

[[Page 222]]

the State agency, the Regional Administrator, or the Administrator, 
Office of Workforce Security, which are mailed to the Assistant 
Secretary within 15 days after mailing the notice of motion for review.
    (5) Upon review of a case under this paragraph, the Assistant 
Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the Regional 
Administrator, and may remand the case for further proceedings and 
decision in accordance with the Assistant Secretary's decision.
    (6) The decision of the Assistant Secretary shall be made promptly, 
and notice thereof shall be sent to the applicant, the State agency, the 
Regional Administrator, and the Administrator, Office of Workforce 
Security.
    (7) The decision of the Assistant Secretary shall be final and 
conclusive, and binding on all interested parties, and shall be a 
precedent applicable throughout the States.
    (e) Procedural requirements. (1) All decisions on first-stage 
appeals from determinations or redeterminations by the State agencies 
must be made within 30 days of the appeal; therefore, the Secretary's 
``Standard for Appeals Promptness-Unemployment Compensation'' in part 
650 of this chapter shall not apply to the DUA program.
    (2) The provisions on right of appeal and opportunity for hearing 
and review with respect to applications for DUA shall be consistent with 
this part and with sections 303(a)(1) and 303(a)(3) of the Social 
Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1) and 503(a)(3).
    (3) Any petition or other matter required to be filed within a time 
limit under this section shall be deemed to be filed at the time it is 
delivered to an appropriate office, or at the time of the postmark if it 
is mailed via the United States Postal Service to an appropriate office.
    (4) If any limited time period specified in this section ends on a 
Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday in the major disaster area, the 
time limit shall be extended to the next business day.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 555, Jan. 5, 1990; 56 
FR 22805, May 16, 1991; 71 FR 35516, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  625.11  Provisions of State law applicable.

    The terms and conditions of the State law of the applicable State 
for an individual, which apply to claims for, and the payment of regular 
compensation, shall apply to applications for, and the payment of, DUA 
to each such individual, only as specifically set forth in the 
provisions of this part.



Sec.  625.12  The applicable State for an individual.

    (a) Applicable State. The applicable State for an individual shall 
be that State in which the individual's unemployment is the result of a 
major disaster.
    (b) Limitation. DUA is payable to an individual only by an 
applicable State as determined pursuant to paragraph (a) of this 
section, and--
    (1) Only pursuant to an Agreement entered into pursuant to the Act 
and this part, and with respect to weeks in which the Agreement is in 
effect; and
    (2) Only with respect to weeks of unemployment that begin during a 
Disaster Assistance Period.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 556, Jan. 5, 1990; 71 
FR 35516, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  625.13  Restrictions on entitlement; disqualification.

    (a) Income reductions. The amount of DUA payable to an individual 
for a week of unemployment, as computed pursuant to Sec.  625.6, shall 
be reduced by the amount of any of the following that an individual has 
received for the week or would receive for the week if the individual 
filed a claim or application therefor and took all procedural steps 
necessary under the appropriate law, contract, or policy to receive such 
payment:
    (1) Any benefits or insurance proceed from any source not defined as 
``compensation'' under Sec.  625.2(d) for loss of wages due to illness 
or disability;
    (2) A supplemental unemployment benefit pursuant to a collective 
bargaining agreement.
    (3) Private income protection insurance;
    (4) Any workers' compensation by virtue of the death of the head of 
the household as the result of the major disaster in the major disaster 
area,

[[Page 223]]

prorated by weeks, if the individual has become the head of the 
household and is seeking suitable work because the head of the household 
died as the result of the major disaster in the major disaster area; and
    (5) The prorated amount of a retirement pension or annuity under a 
public or private retirement plan or system, prorated, where necessary, 
by weeks, but only if, and to the extent that, such amount would be 
deducted from regular compensation payable under the applicable State 
law.
    (6) The prorated amount of primary benefits under title II of the 
Social Security Act, but only to the extent that such benefits would be 
deduced from regular compensation if payable to the individual under the 
applicable State law.
    (b) Disqualification. (1) An individual shall not be entitled to DUA 
for any week after the week in which the individual is reemployed in a 
suitable position.
    (2) An individual who refuses without good cause to accept a bona 
fide offer of reemployment in a position suitable to the individual, or 
to investigate or accept a referral to a position which is suitable to 
and available to the individual, shall not be entitled to DUA with 
respect to the week in which such refusal occurs or in any subsequent 
week in the Disaster Assistance Period. For the purposes of this 
paragraph, a position shall not be deemed to be suitable for an 
individual if the circumstances present any unusual risk to the health, 
safety, or morals of the individual, if it is impracticable for the 
individual to accept the position, or if acceptance for the position 
would, as to the individual, be inconsistent with any labor standard in 
section 3304(a)(5) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, 26 U.S.C. 
3304(a)(5), or the comparable provisions of the applicable State law.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 556, Jan. 5, 1990]



Sec.  625.14  Overpayments; disqualification for fraud.

    (a) Finding and repayment. If the State agency of the applicable 
State finds that an individual has received a payment of DUA to which 
the individual was not entitled under the Act and this part, whether or 
not the payment was due to the individual's fault or misrepresentation, 
the individual shall be liable to repay to the applicable State the 
total sum of the payment to which the individual was not entitled, and 
the State agency shall take all reasonable measures authorized under any 
State law or Federal law to recover for the account of the United States 
the total sum of the payment to which the individual was not entitled.
    (b) Recovery by offset. (1) The State agency shall recover, insofar 
as is possible, the amount of any outstanding overpayment of DUA made to 
the individual by the State, by deductions from any DUA payable to the 
individual under the Act and this part, or from any compensation payable 
to the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation law 
administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or allowance 
payable to the individual with respect to unemployment under any other 
Federal law administered by the State agency.
    (2) The State agency shall also recover, insofar as possible, the 
amount of any outstanding overpayment of DUA made to the individual by 
another State, by deductions from any DUA payable by the State agency to 
the individual under the Act and this part, or from any compensation 
payable to the individual under any Federal unemployment compensation 
law administered by the State agency, or from any assistance or 
allowance payable to the individual with respect to unemployment under 
any other Federal law administered by the State agency.
    (3) If the State has in effect an agreement to implement the cross-
program offset provisions of section 303(g)(2) of the Social Security 
Act (42 U.S.C. 503(g)(2)), the State shall apply the provisions of such 
agreement to the recovery of outstanding DUA overpayments.
    (c) Debts due the United States. DUA payable to an individual shall 
be applied by the State agency for the recovery by offset of any debt 
due to the United States from the individual, but shall not be applied 
or used by the State agency in any manner for the payment of any debt of 
the individual to any State or any other entity or person.

[[Page 224]]

    (d) Recovered overpayments. Overpayments recovered in any manner 
shall be credited or returned, as the case may be, to the appropriate 
account of the United States.
    (e) Application of State law. Any provision of State law authorizing 
waiver of recovery of overpayments of compensation shall not be 
applicable to DUA.
    (f) Final decision. Recovery of any overpayment of DUA shall not be 
enforced by the State agency until the determination establishing the 
overpayment has become final, or if appeal is taken from the 
determination, until the decision after opportunity for a fair hearing 
has become final.
    (g) Procedural requirements. (1) The provisions of paragraphs (c), 
(d), and (f) of Sec.  625.9 shall apply to determinations and 
redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
    (2) The provisions of Sec.  625.10 shall apply to determinations and 
redeterminations made pursuant to this section.
    (h) Fraud detection and prevention. Provisions in the procedures of 
each State with respect to detection and prevention of fraudulent 
overpayments of DUA shall be, as a minimum, commensurate with the 
procedures adopted by the State with respect to regular compensation and 
consistent with the Secretary's ``Standard for Fraud and Overpayment 
Detection,'' Employment Security Manual, part V, sections 7510 et seq. 
(Appendix C of this part).
    (i) Disqualification for fraud. Any individual who, with respect to 
a major disaster, makes or causes another to make a false statement or 
misrepresentation of a material fact, knowing it to be false, or 
knowingly fails or causes another to fail to disclose a material fact, 
in order to obtain for the individual or any other person a payment of 
DUA to which the individual or any other person is not entitled, shall 
be disqualified as follows:
    (1) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure 
pertains to an initial application for DUA--
    (i) The individual making the false statement, misrepresentation, or 
nondisclosure shall be disqualified from the receipt of any DUA with 
respect to that major disaster; and
    (ii) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure was 
made on behalf of another individual, and was known to such other 
individual to be a false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure, 
such other individual shall be disqualified from the receipt of any DUA 
with respect to that major disaster; and
    (2) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure 
pertains to a week for which application for a payment of DUA is made--
    (i) The individual making the false statement, misrepresentation, or 
nondisclosure shall be disqualified from the receipt of DUA for that 
week and the first two compensable weeks in the Disaster Assistance 
Period that immediately follow that week, with respect to which the 
individual is otherwise entitled to a payment of DUA; and
    (ii) If the false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure was 
made on behalf of another individual, and was known to such other 
individual to be a false statement, misrepresentation, or nondisclosure, 
such other individual shall be disqualified from the receipt of DUA for 
that week and the first two compensable weeks in the Disaster Assistance 
Period that immediately follow that week, with respect to which the 
individual is otherwise entitled to a payment of DUA.
    (j) Criminal penalties. The provisions of this section on recovery 
of overpayments and disqualification for fraudulently claiming or 
receiving any DUA to which an individual was not entitled under the Act 
and this part shall be in addition to and shall not preclude any 
applicable criminal prosecution and penalties under State or Federal 
law.

[42 FR 46712, Sept. 16, 1977, as amended at 55 FR 556, Jan. 5, 1990; 71 
FR 35516, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  625.15  Inviolate rights to DUA.

    Except as specifically provided in this part, the right of 
individuals to DUA shall be protected in the same manner and to the same 
extent as the rights of persons to regular unemployment compensation are 
protected under the applicable State law. Such measures shall include 
protection of applicants for DUA from waiver, release, assignment, 
pledge, encumbrance, levy, execution, attachment,

[[Page 225]]

and garnishment, of their rights to DUA. In the same manner and to the 
same extent, individuals shall be protected from discrimination and 
obstruction in regard to seeking, applying for and receiving any right 
to DUA.



Sec.  625.16  Recordkeeping; disclosure of information.

    (a) Recordkeeping. Each State agency will make and maintain records 
pertaining to the administration of the Act as the Secretary requires, 
and will make all such records available for inspection, examination, 
and audit by such Federal officials or employees as the Secretary may 
designate or as may be required by law.
    (b) Disclosure of information. Information in records made and 
maintained by a State agency in administering the Act shall be kept 
confidential, and information in such records may be disclosed only in 
the same manner and to the same extent as information with respect to 
regular compensation and the entitlement of individuals thereto may be 
disclosed under the applicable State law, and consistently with section 
303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1). This 
provision on the confidentiality of information obtained in the 
administration of the Act shall not apply, however, to the United States 
Department of Labor, or in the case of information, reports and studies 
requested pursuant to Sec.  625.19, or where the result would be 
inconsistent with the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), the 
Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), or regulations of the United States 
Department of Labor promulgated thereunder.



Sec.  625.17  Announcement of the beginning of a Disaster Assistance Period.

    Whenever a major disaster is declared in a State, the State agency 
shall promptly announce throughout the major disaster area by all 
appropriate news media that individuals who are unemployed as the result 
of the major disaster may be entitled to DUA; that they should file 
initial applications for DUA as soon as possible, but not later than the 
30th day after the announcement date; the beginning date of the Disaster 
Assistance Period; and where individuals may obtain further information 
and file applications for DUA.



Sec.  625.18  Public access to Agreements.

    The State agency of a State will make available to any individual or 
organization a true copy of the Agreement with the State for inspection 
and copying. Copies of an Agreement may be furnished on request to any 
individual or organization upon payment of the same charges, if any, as 
apply to the furnishing of copies of other records of the State agency.



Sec.  625.19  Information, reports and studies.

    (a) Routine responses. State agencies shall furnish to the Secretary 
such information and reports and make such studies as the Secretary 
decides are necessary or appropriate for carrying out the purposes of 
the Act and this part.
    (b) Final report. In addition to such other reports as may be 
required by the Secretary, within 60 days after all payments of Disaster 
Unemployment Assistance as the result of a major disaster in the State 
have been made, the State agency shall submit a final report to the 
Secretary. A final report shall contain a narrative summary, a 
chronological list of significant events, pertinent statistics about the 
Disaster Unemployment Assistance provided to disaster victims, brief 
statements of major problems encountered, discussion of lessons learned, 
and suggestions for improvement of the program during future major 
disasters.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0051)

(Pub. L. No. 96-511)

[15 FR 5886, Aug. 31, 1950; 23 FR 1267, Mar. 1, 1958, as amended at 49 
FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984]



Sec.  625.20  [Reserved]



Sec.  625.30  Appeal Procedures for Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic
of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

    (a) Designation of referee. The Director of the Unemployment 
Insurance

[[Page 226]]

Service shall designate a referee of a State agency to hear and decide 
appeals under this section from determinations and redeterminations by 
the State agencies of the Territory of Guam, American Samoa, 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of 
Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Trust Territory of 
the Pacific Islands.
    (b) Appeals to referee. (1) A DUA applicant may appeal from a 
determination or redetermination issued by the State agency of the 
Territory of Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands within 60 days 
after the mailing of notice and a copy of such determination or 
redetermination to such applicant's last known address, or in the 
absence of mailing within 60 days after delivery in person thereof to 
such applicant. The appeal shall be in writing and may be filed with any 
office of the State agency.
    (2) Notice that an appeal has been filed may be given or mailed, in 
the discretion of the referee, to any person who has offered or is 
believed to have evidence with respect to the claim.
    (3) An appeal shall be promptly scheduled and heard, in order that a 
decision on the appeal can be issued within 30 days after receipt of the 
appeal by the State agency. Written notice of hearing, specifying the 
time and place thereof and those questions known to be in dispute, shall 
be given or mailed to the applicant, the State agency, and any person 
who has offered or is believed to have evidence with respect to the 
claim 7 days or more before the hearing, except that a shorter notice 
period may be used with the consent of the applicant.
    (c) Conduct of hearings. Hearings before the referee shall be 
informal, fair, and impartial, and shall be conducted in such manner as 
may be best suited to determine the DUA applicants' right to 
compensation. Hearings shall be open to the public unless sufficient 
cause for a closed hearing is shown. The referee shall open a hearing by 
ascertaining and summarizing the issue or issues involved in the appeal. 
The applicant may examine and cross-examine witnesses, inspect 
documents, and explain or rebut any evidence. An opportunity to present 
argument shall be afforded such applicant, and such argument shall be 
made part of the record. The referee shall give such applicant, if not 
represented by counsel or other representative, every assistance that 
does not interfere with the impartial discharge of the referee's duties. 
The referee may examine such applicant and other witnesses to such 
extent as the referee deems necessary. Any issue involved in the claim 
shall be considered and passed upon even though such issue was not set 
forth as a ground of appeal.
    (d) Evidence. Oral or written evidence of any nature, whether or not 
conforming to the legal rules of evidence, may be accepted. Any official 
record of the State agency, including reports submitted in connection 
with administration of the DUA program, may be included in the record if 
the applicant is given an opportunity to examine and rebut the same. A 
written statement under oath or affirmation may be accepted when it 
appears impossible or unduly burdensome to require the attendance of a 
witness, but a DUA applicant adversely affected by such a statement must 
be given the opportunity to examine such statement, to comment on or 
rebut any or all portions thereof, and whenever possible to cross-
examine a witness whose testimony has been introduced in written form by 
submitting written questions to be answered in writing.
    (e) Record. All oral testimony before the referee shall be taken 
under oath or affirmation and a transcript thereof shall be made and 
kept. Such transcript together with all exhibits, papers, and requests 
filed in the proceeding shall constitute the record for decision.
    (f) Withdrawal of appeal. A DUA applicant who has filed an appeal 
may withdraw such appeal with the approval of the referee.
    (g) Nonappearance of DUA applicant. Failure of a DUA applicant to 
appear at a hearing shall not result in a decision being automatically 
rendered against such applicant. The referee

[[Page 227]]

shall render a decision on the basis of whatever evidence is properly 
before him/her unless there appears to be a good reason for continuing 
the hearing. An applicant who fails to appear at a hearing with respect 
to his/her appeal may within seven days thereafter petition for a 
reopening of the hearing. Such petition shall be granted if it appears 
to the referee that such applicant has shown good cause for his/her 
failure to attend.
    (h) Notice of referee's decision and further review--(1) Decision. A 
copy of the referee's decision, which shall include findings and 
conclusions, shall promptly be given or mailed to the applicant, the 
State agency, and to the Regional Administrator, Employment and Training 
Administration, for Region VI (San Francisco). The decision of the 
referee shall be accompanied by an explanation of the right of such 
applicant or State agency to request review by the Regional 
Administrator and the time and manner in which such review may be 
instituted, as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of Sec.  625.10.
    (2) Time limit for decision. A decision on an appeal to a referee 
under this section shall be made and issued by the referee not later 
than 30 days after receipt of the appeal by the State agency.
    (3) Further review. Further review by the Regional Administrator or 
the Assistant Secretary with respect to an appeal under this section 
shall be in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of Sec.  625.10.
    (i) Consolidation of appeals. The referee may consolidate appeals 
and conduct joint hearings thereon where the same or substantially 
similar evidence is relevant and material to the matters in issue. 
Reasonable notice of consolidation and the time and place of hearing 
shall be given or mailed to the applicants or their representatives, the 
State agency, and to persons who have offered or are believed to have 
evidence with respect to the DUA claims.
    (j) Representation. A DUA applicant may be represented by counsel or 
other representative in any proceedings before the referee or the 
Regional Administrator. Any such representative may appear at any 
hearing or take any other action which such applicant may take under 
this part. The referee, for cause, may bar any person from representing 
an applicant, in which event such action shall be set forth in the 
record. No representative shall charge an applicant more than an amount 
fixed by the referee for representing the applicant in any proceeding 
under this section.
    (k) Postponement, continuance, and adjournment of hearings. A 
hearing before the referee shall be postponed, continued, or adjourned 
when such action is necessary to afford a DUA applicant reasonable 
opportunity for a fair hearing. In such case notice of the subsequent 
hearing shall be given to any person who received notice of the prior 
hearing.
    (l) Information from agency records. Information shall be available 
to a DUA applicant, either from the records of the State agency or as 
obtained in any proceeding herein provided for, to the extent necessary 
for proper presentation of his/her case. All requests for information 
shall state the nature of the information desired as clearly as possible 
and shall be in writing unless made at a hearing.
    (m) Filing of decisions. Copies of all decisions of the referee 
shall be kept on file at his/her office or agency for at least 3 years.

[55 FR 557, Jan. 5, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 22805, May 16, 1991; 71 FR 
35516, June 21, 2006]



    Sec. Appendix A to Part 625--Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant 
             Reporting, Job Finding, and Employment Services

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 5000-5004)

  5000 Standard for Claim Filing, Claimant Reporting, Job Finding, and 
                           Employment Services

    A. Federal law requirements. Section 3304(a)(1) of the Federal 
Unemployment Tax Act and section 303(a)(2) of the Social Security Act 
require that a State law provide for: ``Payment of unemployment 
compensation solely through public employment offices or such other 
agencies as the Secretary may approve.''
    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law provide 
for: ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such

[[Page 228]]

State, in the payment of unemployment compensation * * *''
    Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act requires that the State 
law provide for: ``Such methods of administration . . . as are found by 
the Secretary to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of 
unemployment compensation when due.''
    B. Secretary's interpretation of federal law requirements: 1. The 
Secretary interprets section 3304(a)(1) of the Federal Unemployment Tax 
Act and section 303(a)(2) of the Social Security Act to require that a 
State law provide for payment of unemployment compensation solely 
through public employment offices or claims offices administered by the 
State employment security agency if such agency provides for such 
coordination in the operations of its public employment offices and 
claims offices as will insure (a) the payment of benefits only to 
individuals who are unemployed and who are able to work and available 
for work, and (b) that individuals claiming unemployment compensation 
(claimants) are afforded such placement and other employment services as 
are necessary and appropriate to return them to suitable work as soon as 
possible.
    2. The Secretary interprets all the above sections to require that a 
State law provide for: a. Such contact by claimants with public 
employment offices or claims offices or both, (1) as will reasonably 
insure the payment of unemployment compensation only to individuals who 
are unemployed and who are able to work and available for work, and (2) 
that claimants are afforded such placement and other employment services 
as are necessary and appropriate to facilitate their return to suitable 
work as soon as possible; and b. Methods of administration which do not 
unreasonably limit the opportunity of individuals to establish their 
right to unemployment compensation due under such State law.

   5001 Claim Filing and Claimant Reporting Requirements Designed To 
                   Satisfy Secretary's Interpretation

    A. Claim filing--total or part-total unemployment: 1. Individuals 
claiming unemployment compensation for total or part-total unemployment 
are required to file a claim weekly or biweekly, in person or by mail, 
at a public employment office or a claims office (these terms include 
offices at itinerant points) as set forth below.
    2. Except as provided in paragraph 3, a claimant is required to file 
in person: a. His new claim with respect to a benefit year, or his 
continued claim for a waiting week or for his first compensable week of 
unemployment in such year; and b. Any other claim, when requested to do 
so by the claims personnel at the office at which he files his claim(s) 
because questions about his right to benefits are raised by 
circumstances such as the following:
    (1) The conditions or circumstances of his separation from 
employment;
    (2) The claimant's answers to questions on mail claim(s) indicate 
that he may be unable to work or that there may be undue restrictions on 
his availability for work or that his search for work may be inadequate 
or that he may be disqualified;
    (3) The claimant's answers to questions on mail claims create 
uncertainty about his credibility or indicate a lack of understanding of 
the applicable requirements; or
    (4) The claimant's record shows that he has previously filed a 
fraudulent claim.
    In such circumstances, the claimant is required to continue to file 
claims in person each week (or biweekly) until the State agency 
determines that filing claims in person is no longer required for the 
resolution of such questions.
    3. A claimant must be permitted to file a claim by mail in any of 
the following circumstances: a. He is located in an area requiring the 
expenditure of an unreasonable amount of time or money in traveling to 
the nearest facility established by the State agency for filing claims 
in person; b. Conditions make it impracticable for the agency to take 
claims in person; c. He has returned to full-time work on or before the 
scheduled date for his filing a claim, unless the agency makes provision 
for in-person filing at a time and place that does not interfere with 
his employment; d. The agency finds that he has good cause for failing 
to file a claim in person.
    4. A claimant who has been receiving benefits for partial 
unemployment may continue to file claims as if he were a partially 
unemployed worker for the first four consecutive weeks of total or part-
total unemployment immediately following his period of partial 
unemployment so long as he remains attached to his regular employer.
    B. Claim filing--partial unemployment. Each individual claiming 
unemployment compensation for a week (or other claim period) during 
which, because of lack of work, he is working less than his normal 
customary full-time hours for his regular employer and is earning less 
than the earnings limit provided in the State law, shall not be required 
to file a claim for such week or other claim period earlier than 2 weeks 
from the date that wages are paid for such claim period or, if a low 
earnings report is required by the State law, from the date the employer 
furnished such report to the individual. State agencies may permit 
claims for partial unemployment to be filed either in person or by mail, 
except that in the circumstances set forth in section A 3, filing by 
mail must be permitted, and in the circumstances set forth in section A 
2 b, filing in person may be required.

[[Page 229]]

   5002 Requirement for Job Finding, Placement, and other Employment 
         Services Designed To Satisfy Secretary's Interpretation

    A. Claims personnel are required to assure that each claimant is 
doing what a reasonable individual in his circumstances would do to 
obtain suitable work.
    B. In the discretion of the State agency: 1. The claims personnel 
are required to give each claimant such necessary and appropriate 
assistance as they reasonably can in finding suitable work and at their 
discretion determine when more complete placement and employment 
services are necessary and appropriate for a claimant; and if they 
determine more complete services are necessary and appropriate, the 
claims personnel are to refer him to employment service personnel in the 
public employment office in which he has been filing claim(s), or, if he 
has been filing in a claims office, in the public employment office most 
accessible to him; or
    2. All placement and employment services are required to be afforded 
to each claimant by employment service personnel in the public 
employment office most accessible to him in which case the claims 
personnel in the office in which the claimant files his claim are to 
refer him to the employment service personnel when placement or other 
employment services are necessary and appropriate for him.
    C. The personnel to whom the State agency assigns the 
responsibilities outlined in paragraph B above are required to give 
claimants such job-finding assistance, placement, and other employment 
services as are necessary and appropriate to facilitate their return to 
suitable work as soon as possible.
    In some circumstances, no such services or only limited services may 
be required. For example, if a claimant is on a short-term temporary 
layoff with a fixed return date, the only service necessary and 
appropriate to be given to him during the period of the layoff is a 
referral to suitable temporary work if such work is being performed in 
the labor market area.
    Similarly, claimants whose unemployment is caused by a labor dispute 
presumably will return to work with their employer as soon as the labor 
dispute is settled. They generally do not need services, nor do 
individuals in occupations where placement customarily is made by other 
nonfee charging placement facilities such as unions and professional 
associations.
    Claimants who fall within the classes which ordinarily would require 
limited services or no services shall, if they request placement and 
employment services, be afforded such services as are necessary and 
appropriate for them to obtain suitable work or to achieve their 
reasonable employment goals.
    On the other hand, a claimant who is permanently separated from his 
job is likely to require some services. He may need only some direction 
in how to get a job; he may need placement services if he is in an 
occupation for which there is some demand in the labor market area; if 
his occupation is outdated, he may require counseling and referral to a 
suitable training course. The extent and character of the services to be 
given any particular claimant may change with the length of his 
unemployment and depend not only on his own circumstances and 
conditions, but also on the condition of the labor market in the area.
    D. Claimants are required to report to employment service personnel, 
as directed, but such personnel and the claims personnel are required to 
so arrange and coordinate the contracts required of a claimant as not to 
place an unreasonable burden on him or unreasonably limit his 
opportunity to establish his rights to compensation. As a general rule, 
a claimant is not required to contact in person claims personnel or 
employment service personnel more frequently than once a week, unless he 
is directed to report more frequently for a specific service such as 
referral to a job or a training course or counseling which cannot be 
completed in one visit.
    E. Employment service personnel are required to report promptly to 
claims personnel in the office in which the claimant files his claim(s): 
(1) his failure to apply for or accept work to which he was referred by 
such personnel or when known, by any other nonfee-charging placement 
facility such as a union or a professional association; and (2) any 
information which becomes available to it that may have a bearing on the 
claimant's ability to work or availability for work, or on the 
suitability of work to which he was referred or which was offered to 
him.

             5004 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions

    If the State law provisions do not conform to the ``suggested State 
law requirements'' set forth in sections 5001 and 5002, but the State 
law contains alternative provisions, the Manpower Administrator, in 
collaboration with the State agency, will study the actual or 
anticipated affect of the alternative provisions. If the Manpower 
Administrator concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy the 
requirements of the Federal law as construed by the Secretary (see 
section 5000 B) he will so notify the State agency. If he does not so 
conclude, he will submit the matter to the Secretary. If the Secretary 
concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy such requirements, the 
State agency will be so notified. If the Secretary concludes that there 
is a question as to whether the alternative provisions satisfy such 
requirements, the State agency will be advised

[[Page 230]]

that unless the State law provisions are appropriately revised, a notice 
of hearing will be issued as required by the Code of Federal 
Regulations, title 20, section 601.5.

[55 FR 558, Jan. 5, 1990]



    Sec. Appendix B to Part 625--Standard for Claim Determinations--
                         Separation Information

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 6010-6015)

   6010-6019 Standard for Claim Determinations--Separation Information

    6010 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social 
Security Act requires that a State law include provision for: ``Such 
methods of administration . . . as are found by the Secretary to be 
reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act requires that a State 
law include provision for: ``Opportunity for a fair hearing before an 
impartial tribunal, for all individuals whose claims for unemployment 
compensation are denied.''
    Section 3304(a)(4) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and section 
303(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for: ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment 
fund of such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation . . . 
.''
    Section 3306(h) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''
    6011 Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary interprets the above sections to require that a State law 
include provisions which will insure that: A. Individuals who may be 
entitled to unemployment compensation are furnished such information as 
will reasonably afford them an opportunity to know, establish, and 
protect their rights under the unemployment compensation law of such 
State, and
    B. The State agency obtains and records in time for the prompt 
determination and review of benefit claims such information as will 
reasonably insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom 
benefits are due.
    6012 Criteria for Review of State Law Conformity with Federal 
Requirements. In determining the conformity of a State law with the 
above requirements of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and the Social 
Security Act as interpreted by the Secretary, the following criteria 
will be applied:
    A. Is it required that individuals who may be entitled to 
unemployment compensation be furnished such information of their 
potential rights to benefits, including the manner and places of filing 
claims, the reasons for determinations, and their rights of appeal, as 
will insure them a reasonable opportunity to know, establish, and 
protect their rights under the law of the State?
    B. Is the State agency required to obtain, in time for prompt 
determination of rights to benefits such information as will reasonably 
insure the payment of benefits to individuals to whom benefits are due?
    C. Is the State agency required to keep records of the facts 
considered in reaching determinations of rights to benefits?

 6013 Claim Determinations Requirements Designed To Meet Department of 
                             Labor Criteria.

    A. Investigation of claims. The State agency is required to obtain 
promptly and prior to a determination of an individual's right to 
benefits, such facts pertaining thereto as will be sufficient reasonably 
to insure the payment of benefits when due.
    This requirement embraces five separate elements:
    1. It is the responsibility of the agency to take the initiative in 
the discovery of information. This responsibility may not be passed on 
to the claimant or the employer. In addition to the agency's own 
records, this information may be obtained from the worker, the employer, 
or other sources. If the information obtained in the first instance 
discloses no essential disagreement and provides a sufficient basis for 
a fair determination, no further investigation is necessary. If the 
information obtained from other sources differs essentially from that 
furnished by the claimant, the agency, in order to meet its 
responsibility, is required to inform the claimant of such information 
from other sources and to afford the claimant an opportunity to furnish 
any further facts he may have.
    2. Evidentiary facts must be obtained as distinguished from ultimate 
facts or conclusions. That a worker was discharged for misconduct is an 
ultimate fact or conclusion; that he destroyed a machine upon which he 
was working is a primary or evidentiary fact, and the sort of fact that 
the requirement refers to.
    3. The information obtained must be sufficient reasonably to insure 
the payment of benefits when due. In general, the investigation made by 
the agency must be complete enough to provide information upon which the 
agency may act with reasonable assurance that its decision is consistent 
with the unemployment compensation law. On the other hand, the 
investigation should not be so exhaustive and time-consuming as unduly 
to delay the payment of benefits and to result in excessive costs.
    4. Information must be obtained promptly so that the payment of 
benefits is not unduly delayed.
    5. If the State agency requires any particular evidence from the 
worker, it must

[[Page 231]]

give him a reasonable opportunity to obtain such evidence.
    B. Recording of facts. The agency must keep a written record of the 
facts considered in reaching its determinations.
    C. Determination notices
    1. The agency must give each claimant a written notice of:
    a. Any monetary determination with respect to his benefit year;
    b. Any determination with respect to purging a disqualification if, 
under the State law, a condition or qualification must be satisfied with 
respect to each week of disqualification; but in lieu of giving written 
notice of each determination for each week in which it is determined 
that the claimant has met the requirements for purging, the agency may 
inform the claimant that he has purged the disqualification for a week 
by notation on his application identification card or otherwise in 
writing.
    c. Any other determination which adversely affects \1\ his rights to 
benefits, except that written notice of determination need not be given 
with respect to:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A determination ``adversely affects'' claimant's right to 
benefits if it (1) results in a denial to him of benefits (including a 
cancellation of benefits or wage credits or any reduction in whole or in 
part below the weekly or maximum amount established by his monetary 
determination) for any week or other period; or (2) denies credit for a 
waiting week; or (3) applies any disqualification or penalty; or (4) 
determines that he has not satisfied a condition of eligibility, 
requalification for benefits, or purging a disqualification; or (5) 
determines that an overpayment has been made or orders repayment or 
recoupment of any sum paid to him; or (6) applies a previously 
determined overpayment, penalty, or order for repayment or recoupment; 
or (7) in any other way denies claimant a right to benefits under the 
State law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) A week in a benefit year for which the claimant's weekly benefit 
amount is reduced in whole or in part by earnings if, the first time in 
the benefit year that there is such a reduction, he is required to be 
furnished a booklet or leaflet containing the information set forth 
below in paragraph 2 f (1). However, a written notice of determination 
is required if: (a) there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to any week (e.g., as to the amount computed as the appropriate 
reduction, etc.); or (b) there is a change in the State law (or in the 
application thereof) affecting the reduction; or
    (2) Any week in a benefit year subsequent to the first week in such 
benefit year in which benefits were denied, or reduced in whole or in 
part for reasons other than earnings, if denial or reduction for such 
subsequent week is based on the same reason and the same facts as for 
the first week, and if written notice of determination is required to be 
given to the claimant with respect to such first week, and with such 
notice of determination, he is required to be given a booklet or 
pamphlet containing the information set forth below in paragraphs 2 f 
(2) and 2 h. However, a written notice of determination is required if: 
(a) there is a dispute concerning the denial or reduction of benefits 
with respect to such week; or (b) there is a change in the State law (or 
in the application thereof) affecting the denial or reduction; or (c) 
there is a change in the amount of the reduction except as to the 
balance covered by the last reduction in a series of reductions.

    Note: This procedure may be applied to determinations made with 
respect to any subsequent weeks for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts: (a) that claimant is unable to work, unavailable for 
work, or is disqualified under the labor dispute provision; and (b) 
reducing claimant's weekly benefit amount because of income other than 
earnings or offset by reason of overpayment.

    2. The agency must include in written notices of determinations 
furnished to claimants sufficient information to enable them to 
understand the determinations, the reasons therefor, and their rights to 
protest, request reconsideration, or appeal.
    The written notice of monetary determination must contain the 
information specified in the following items (except h) unless an item 
is specifically not applicable. A written notice of any other 
determination must contain the information specified in as many of the 
following items as are necessary to enable the claimant to understand 
the determination and to inform him of his appeal rights. Information 
specifically applicable to the individual claimant must be contained in 
the written notice of determination. Information of general application 
such as (but not limited to) the explanation of benefits for partial 
unemployment, information as to deductions, seasonality factors, and 
information as to the manner and place of taking an appeal, extension of 
the appeal period, and where to obtain information and assistance may be 
contained in a booklet or leaflet which is given the claimant with his 
monetary determination.
    a. Base period wages. The statement concerning base-period wages 
must be in sufficient detail to show the basis of computation of 
eligibility and weekly and maximum benefit amounts. (If maximum benefits 
are allowed, it may not be necessary to show details of earnings.)
    b. Employer name. The name of the employer who reported the wages is 
necessary so that the worker may check the wage transcript and know 
whether it is correct. If the

[[Page 232]]

worker is given only the employer number, he may not be able to check 
the accuracy of the wage transcript.
    c. Explanation of benefit formula--weekly and maximum benefit 
amounts. Sufficient information must be given the worker so that he will 
understand how his weekly benefit amount, including allowances for 
dependents, and his maximum benefit amount were figured. If benefits are 
computed by means of a table contained in the law, the table must be 
furnished with the notice of determination whether benefits are granted 
or denied.
    The written notice of determination must show clearly the weekly 
benefit amount and the maximum potential benefits to which the claimant 
is entitled.
    The notice to a claimant found ineligible by reason of insufficient 
earnings in the base period must inform him clearly of the reason for 
ineligibility. An explanation of the benefit formula contained in a 
booklet or pamphlet should be given to each claimant at or prior to the 
time he receives written notice of a monetary determination.
    d. Benefit year. An explanation of what is meant by the benefit year 
and identification of the claimant's benefit year must be included in 
the notice of determination.
    e. Information as to benefits for partial unemployment. There must 
be included either in the written notice of determination or in a 
booklet or pamphlet accompanying the notice an explanation of the 
claimant's rights to partial benefits for any week with respect to which 
he is working less than his normal customary full-time workweek because 
of lack of work and for which he earns less than his weekly benefit 
amount or weekly benefit amount plus earnings, whichever is provided by 
the State law. If the explanation is contained in the notice of 
determination, reference to the item in the notice in which his weekly 
benefit amount is entered should be made.
    f. Deductions from weekly benefits
    (1) Earnings. Although written notice of determinations deducting 
earnings from a claimant's weekly benefit amount is generally not 
required (see paragraph 1 c(1) above), where written notice of 
determination is required (or given) it shall set forth the amount of 
earnings, the method of computing the deduction in sufficient detail to 
enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, and appeal. Where a written 
notice of determination is given to the claimant because there has been 
a change in the State law or in the application of the law, an 
explanation of the change shall be included.
    Where claimant is not required to receive a written notice of 
determination, he must be given a booklet or pamphlet the first time in 
his benefit year that there is a deduction for earnings which shall 
include the following information:
    (a) The method of computing deductions for earnings in sufficient 
detail to enable the claimant to verify the accuracy of the deduction;
    (b) That he will not automatically be given a written notice of 
determination for a week with respect to which there is a deduction for 
earnings (unless there is a dispute concerning the reduction with 
respect to a week or there has been a change in the State law or in the 
application of the law affecting the deduction) but that he may obtain 
such a written notice upon request; and
    (c) A clear statement of his right to protest, request a 
redetermination, and appeal from any determination deducting earnings 
from his weekly benefit amount even though he does not automatically 
receive a written notice of determination; and if the State law requires 
written notice of determination in order to effectuate a protest, 
redetermination, or appeal, he must be so advised and advised also that 
he must request a written notice of determination before he takes any 
such action.
    (2) Other deductions
    (a) A written notice of determination is required with respect to 
the first week in claimant's benefit year in which there is a reduction 
from his benefits for a reason other than earnings. This notice must 
describe the deduction made from claimaint's weekly benefit amount, the 
reason for the deduction, the method of computing it in sufficient 
detail to enable him to verify the accuracy of such deduction, and his 
right to protest, request redetermination, or appeal.
    (b) A written notice of determination is not required for subsequent 
weeks that a deduction is made for the same reason and on the basis of 
the same facts, if the notice of determination pursuant to (2)(a), or a 
booklet or pamphlet given him with such notice explains (i) the several 
kinds of deductions which may be made under the State law (e.g., 
retirement pensions, vacation pay, and overpayments); (ii) the method of 
computing each kind of deduction in sufficient detail that claimant will 
be able to verify the accuracy of deductions made from his weekly 
benefit payments; (iii) any limitation on the amount of any deduction or 
the time in which any deduction may be made; (iv) that he will not 
automatically be given a written notice of determination for subsequent 
weeks with respect to which there is a deduction for the same reason and 
on the basis of the same facts, but that he may obtain a written notice 
of determination upon request; (v) his right to protest, request 
redetermination, or appeal with respect to subsequent weeks for which 
there is a reduction from his benefits for the same reason, and on the 
basis of the same facts even though he

[[Page 233]]

does not automatically receive a written notice of determination; and 
(vi) that if the State law requires written notice of determination in 
order to effectuate a protest, redetermination, or appeal, he must be so 
advised and advised also that he must request a written notice of 
determination before he takes any such action.
    g. Seasonality factors. If the individual's determination is 
affected by seasonality factors under the State law, an adequate 
explanation must be made. General explanations of seasonality factors 
which may affect determinations for subsequent weeks may be included in 
a booklet or pamphlet given claimant with his notice of monetary 
determination.
    h. Disqualification or ineligibility. If a disqualification is 
imposed, or if the claimant is declared ineligible for one or more 
weeks, he must be given not only a statement of the period of 
disqualification or ineligibility and the amount of wage-credit 
reductions, if any, but also an explanation of the reason for the 
ineligibility or disqualification. This explanation must be sufficiently 
detailed so that he will understand why he is ineligible or why he has 
been disqualified, and what he must do in order to requalify for 
benefits or purge the disqualification. The statement must be 
individualized to indicate the facts upon which the determination was 
based, e.g., state, ``It is found that you left your work with Blank 
Company because you were tired of working; the separation was voluntary, 
and the reason does not constitute good cause,'' rather than merely the 
phrase ``voluntary quit.'' Checking a box as to the reason for the 
disqualification is not a sufficiently detailed explanation. However, 
this statement of the reason for the disqualification need not be a 
restatement of all facts considered in arriving at the determination.
    1. Appeal rights. The claimant must be given information with 
respect to his appeal rights.
    (1) The following information shall be included in the notice of 
determination:
    (a) A statement that he may appeal or, if the State law requires or 
permits a protest or redetermination before an appeal, that he may 
protest or request a redetermination.
    (b) The period within which an appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed. The number of days provided by statute 
must be shown as well as either the beginning date or ending date of the 
period. (It is recommended that the ending date of the appeal period be 
shown, as this is the more understandable of the alternatives.)
    (2) The following information must be included either in the notice 
of determination or in separate informational material referred to in 
the notice:
    (a) The manner in which the appeal, protest, or request for 
redetermination must be filed, e.g., by signed letter, written 
statement, or on a prescribed form, and the place or places to which the 
appeal, protest, or request for redetermination may be mailed or hand-
delivered.
    (b) An explanation of any circumstances (such as nonworkdays, good 
cause, etc.) which will extend the period for the appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination beyond the date stated or identified in the 
notice of determination.
    (c) That any further information claimant may need or desire can be 
obtained together with assistance in filing his appeal, protest, or 
request for redetermination from the local office.
    If the information is given in separate material, the notice of 
determination would adequately refer to such material if it said, for 
example, ``For other information about your (appeal), (protest), 
(redetermination) rights, see pages ---- to ---- of the ---------------- 
(name of pamphlet or booklet) heretofore furnished to you.''

6014 Separation Information Requirements Designed To Meet Department of 
                             Labor Criteria

    A. Information to agency. Where workers are separated, employers are 
required to furnish the agency promptly, either upon agency request or 
upon such separation, a notice describing the reasons for and the 
circumstances of the separation and any additional information which 
might affect a claimant's right to benefits. Where workers are working 
less than full time, employers are required to furnish the agency 
promptly, upon agency request, information concerning a claimant's hours 
of work and his wages during the claim periods involved, and other facts 
which might affect a claimant's eligibility for benefits during such 
periods.
    When workers are separated and the notices are obtained on a request 
basis, or when workers are working less than full time and the agency 
requests information, it is essential to the prompt processing of claims 
that the request be sent out promptly after the claim is filed and the 
employer be given a specific period within which to return the notice, 
preferably within 2 working days.
    When workers are separated and notices are obtained upon separation, 
it is essential that the employer be required to send the notice to the 
agency with sufficient promptness to insure that, if a claim is filed, 
it may be processed promptly. Normally, it is desirable that such a 
notice be sent to the central office of the agency, since the employer 
may not know in which local office the worker will file his claim. The 
usual procedure is for the employer to give the worker a copy of the 
notice sent by the employer to the agency.
    B. Information of worker. 1. Information required to be given. 
Employers are required to

[[Page 234]]

give their employees information and instructions concerning the 
employees' potential rights to benefits and concerning registration for 
work and filing claims for benefits.
    The information furnished to employees under such a requirement need 
not be elaborate; it need only be adequate to insure that the worker who 
is separated or who is working less than full time knows he is 
potentially eligible for benefits and is informed as to what he is to do 
or where he is to go to file his claim and register for work. When he 
files his claim, he can obtain more detailed information.
    In States that do not require employers to furnish periodically to 
the State agency detailed reports of the wages paid to their employees, 
each employer is required to furnish to his employees information as to 
(a) the name under which he is registered by the State agency, (b) the 
address where he maintains his payroll records, and (c) the workers' 
need for this information if and when they file claims for benefits.
    2. Methods for giving information. The information and instructions 
required above may be given in any of the following ways:
    a. Posters prominently displayed in the employer's establishment. 
The State agency should supply employers with a sufficient number of 
posters for distribution throughout their places of business and should 
see that the posters are conspicuously displayed at all times.
    b. Leaflets. Leaflets distributed either periodically or at the time 
of separation or reduction of hours. The State agency should supply 
employers with a sufficient number of leaflets.
    c. Individual notices. Individual notices given to each employee at 
the time of separation or reduction in hours.
    It is recommended that the State agency's publicity program be used 
to supplement the employer-information requirements. Such a program 
should stress the availability and location of claim-filing offices and 
the importance of visiting those offices whenever the worker is 
unemployed, wishes to apply for benefits, and to seek a job.
    6015 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to 
Claim Determinations and Separation Information. If the State law 
provisions do not conform to the suggested requirements set forth in 
sections 6013 and 6014, but the State law contains alternative 
provisions, the Bureau of Employment Security, in collaboration with the 
State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effects of the 
alternative provisions. If the Administrator of the Bureau concludes 
that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria in section 6012, he 
will so notify the State agency. If the Administrator of the Bureau does 
not so conclude, he will submit the matter to the Secretary. If the 
Secretary concludes that the alternative provisions satisfy the criteria 
in section 6012, the State agency will be so notified. If the Secretary 
concludes that there is a question as to whether the alternative 
provisions satisfy the criteria, the State agency will be advised that 
unless the State law provisions are appropriately revised, a notice of 
hearing will be issued as required by the Code of Federal Regulations, 
title 20, section 601.5.

[55 FR 559, Jan. 5, 1990]



    Sec. Appendix C to Part 625--Standard for Fraud and Overpayment 
                                Detection

         Employment Security Manual (Part V, Sections 7510-7515)

         7510-7519 Standard for Fraud and Overpayment Detection

    7510 Federal Law Requirements. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social 
Security Act requires that a State law include provision for:
    ``Such methods of administration * * * as are found by the Secretary 
to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.''
    Section 1603(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and section 
3030(a)(5) of the Social Security Act require that a State law include 
provision for:
    ``Expenditure of all money withdrawn from an unemployment fund of 
such State, in the payment of unemployment compensation * * *''
    Section 1607(h) of the Internal Revenue Code defines 
``compensation'' as ``cash benefits payable to individuals with respect 
to their unemployment.''
    7511 The Secretary's Interpretation of Federal Law Requirements. The 
Secretary of Labor interprets the above sections to require that a State 
law include provision for such methods of administration as are, within 
reason, calculated (1) to detect benefits paid through error by the 
agency or through willful misrepresentation or error by the claimant or 
others, and (2) to deter claimants from obtaining benefits through 
willful misrepresentation.
    7513 Criteria for Review of State Conformity With Federal 
Requirements. In determining State conformity with the above 
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and the Social Security Act, 
as interpreted by the Secretary of Labor, the following criteria will be 
applied:
    A. Are investigations required to be made after the payment of 
benefits, (or, in the case of interstate claims, are investigations made 
by the agent State after the processing of claims) as to claimants' 
entitlement to benefits paid to them in a sufficient proportion of cases 
to test the effectiveness of the agency's procedures for the prevention 
of payments which are not due? To

[[Page 235]]

carry out investigations, has the agency assigned to some individual or 
unit, as a basic function, the responsibility of making or functionally 
directing such investigations?
    Explanation: It is not feasible to prescribe the extent to which the 
above activities are required; however, they should always be carried on 
to such an extent that they will show whether or not error or willful 
misrepresentation is increasing or decreasing, and will reveal problem 
areas. The extent and nature of the above activities should be varied 
according to the seriousness of the problem in the State. The 
responsible individual or unit should:
    1. Check paid claims for overpayment and investigate for willful 
misrepresentation or, alternatively, advise and assist the operating 
units in the performance of such functions, or both;
    2. Perform consultative services with respect to methods and 
procedures for the prevention and detection of fraud; and
    3. Perform other services which are closely related to the above.
    Although a State agency is expected to make a full-time assignment 
of responsibility to a unit or individual to carry on the functions 
described above, a small State agency might make these functions a part-
time responsibility of one individual. In connection with the detection 
of overpayments, such a unit or individual might, for example:
    (a) Investigate information on suspected benefit fraud received from 
any agency personnel, and from sources outside the agency, including 
anonymous complaints;
    (b) Investigate information secured from comparisons of benefit 
payments with employment records to detect cases of concurrent working 
(whether in covered or noncovered work) and claiming of benefits 
(including benefit payments in which the agency acted as agency for 
another State).
    The benefit fraud referred to herein may involve employers, agency 
employees, and witnesses, as well as claimants.
    Comparisons of benefit payments with employment records are commonly 
made either by post-audit or by industry surveys. The so-called ``post-
audit'' is a matching of central office wage-record files against 
benefit payments for the same period. ``Industry surveys'' or ``mass 
audits'' are done in some States by going directly to employers for pay-
roll information to be checked against concurrent benefit lists. A plan
    A. of investigation based on a sample post-audit will be considered 
as partial fulfillment of the investigation program; it would need to be 
supplemented by other methods capable of detecting overpayments to 
persons who have moved into noncovered occupations or are claiming 
interstate benefits.
    B. Are adequate records maintained by which the results of 
investigations may be evaluated?
    Explanation: To meet this criterion, the State agency will be 
expected to maintain records of all its activities in the detection of 
overpayments, showing whether attributable to error or willful 
misrepresentation, measuring the results obtained through various 
methods, and noting the remedial action taken in each case. The adequacy 
and effectiveness of various methods of checking for willful 
misrepresentation can be evaluated only if records are kept of the 
results obtained. Internal reports on fraudulent and erroneous 
overpayments are needed by State agencies for self-evaluation. Detailed 
records should be maintained in order that the State agency may 
determine, for example, which of several methods of checking currently 
used are the most productive. Such records also will provide the basis 
for drawing a clear distinction between fraud and error.
    C. Does the agency take adequate action with respect to publicity 
concerning willful misrepresentation and its legal consequences to deter 
fraud by claimants?
    Explanation: To meet this criterion, the State agency must issue 
adequate material on claimant eligibility requirements and must take 
necessary action to obtain publicity on the legal consequences of 
willful misrepresentation or willful nondisclosure of facts.
    Public announcements on convictions and resulting penalties for 
fraud are generally considered necessary as a deterrent to other 
persons, and to inform the public that the agency is carrying on an 
effective program to prevent fraud. This alone is not considered 
adequate publicity. It is important that information be circulated which 
will explain clearly and understandably the claimant's rights, and the 
obligations which he must fulfill to be eligible for benefits. Leaflets 
for distribution and posters placed in local offices are appropriate 
media for such information.
    7515 Evaluation of Alternative State Provisions with Respect to 
Erroneous and Illegal Payments. If the methods of administration 
provided for by the State law do not conform to the suggested methods of 
meeting the requirements set forth in section 7511, but a State law does 
provide for alternative methods of administration designed to accomplish 
the same results, the Bureau of Employment Security, in collaboration 
with the State agency, will study the actual or anticipated effect of 
the alternative methods of administration. If the Bureau concludes that 
the alternative methods satisfy the criteria in section 7513, it will so 
notify the State agency. If the Bureau does not so conclude, it will 
submit to the Secretary the results of the study for his determination 
of whether the State's alternative methods of administration meet the 
criteria.

[55 FR 562, Jan. 5, 1990]

[[Page 236]]

                        PARTS 626	634 [RESERVED]

                        PARTS 636	638 [RESERVED]



PART 639_WORKER ADJUSTMENT AND RETRAINING NOTIFICATION--Table of Contents



Sec.
639.1 Purpose and scope.
639.2 What does WARN require?
639.3 Definitions.
639.4 Who must give notice?
639.5 When must notice be given?
639.6 Who must receive notice?
639.7 What must the notice contain?
639.8 How is the notice served?
639.9 When may notice be given less than 60 days in advance?
639.10 When may notice be extended?

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 2107(a).

    Source: 54 FR 16064, Apr. 20, 1989, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  639.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Purpose of WARN. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining 
Notification Act (WARN or the Act) provides protection to workers, their 
families and communities by requiring employers to provide notification 
60 calendar days in advance of plant closings and mass layoffs. Advance 
notice provides workers and their families some transition time to 
adjust to the prospective loss of employment, to seek and obtain 
alternative jobs and, if necessary, to enter skill training or 
retraining that will allow these workers to successfully compete in the 
job market. WARN also provides for notice to State dislocated worker 
units so that dislocated worker assistance can be promptly provided.
    (b) Scope of these regulations. These regulations establish basic 
definitions and rules for giving notice, implementing the provisions of 
WARN. The Department's objective is to establish clear principles and 
broad guidelines which can be applied in specific circumstances. 
However, the Department recognizes that Federal rulemaking cannot 
address the multitude of industry and company-specific situations in 
which advance notice will be given.
    (c) Notice encouraged where not required. Section 7 of the Act 
states:

It is the sense of Congress that an employer who is not required to 
comply with the notice requirements of section 3 should, to the extent 
possible, provide notice to its employees about a proposal to close a 
plant or permanently reduce its workforce.

    (d) WARN enforcement. Enforcement of WARN will be through the 
courts, as provided in section 5 of the statute. Employees, their 
representatives and units of local government may initiate civil actions 
against employers believed to be in violation of Sec.  3 of the Act. The 
Department of Labor has no legal standing in any enforcement action and, 
therefore, will not be in a position to issue advisory opinions of 
specific cases. The Department will provide assistance in understanding 
these regulations and may revise them from time to time as may be 
necessary.
    (e) Notice in ambiguous situations. It is civically desirable and it 
would appear to be good business practice for an employer to provide 
advance notice to its workers or unions, local government and the State 
when terminating a significant number of employees. In practical terms, 
there are some questions and ambiguities of interpretation inherent in 
the application of WARN to business practices in the market economy that 
cannot be addressed in these regulations. It is therefore prudent for 
employers to weigh the desirability of advance notice against the 
possibility of expensive and time-consuming litigation to resolve 
disputes where notice has not been given. The Department encourages 
employers to give notice in all circumstances.
    (f) Coordination with job placement and retraining programs. The 
Department, through these regulations and through the Trade Adjustment 
Assistance Program (TAA) and Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment 
Assistance Act (EDWAA) regulations, encourages maximum coordination of 
the actions and activities of these programs to assure that the negative 
impact of dislocation on workers is lessened to the extent possible. By 
providing for notice to the State dislocated worker unit, WARN notice 
begins the process of assisting workers who will be dislocated.
    (g) WARN not to supersede other laws and contracts. The provisions 
of WARN do not supersede any laws or collective bargaining agreements 
that provide for additional notice or additional rights and remedies. If 
such law or agreement

[[Page 237]]

provides for a longer notice period, WARN notice shall run concurrently 
with that additional notice period. Collective bargaining agreements may 
be used to clarify or amplify the terms and conditions of WARN, but may 
not reduce WARN rights.



Sec.  639.2  What does WARN require?

    WARN requires employers who are planning a plant closing or a mass 
layoff to give affected employees at least 60 days' notice of such an 
employment action. While the 60-day period is the minimum for advance 
notice, this provision is not intended to discourage employers from 
voluntarily providing longer periods of advance notice. Not all plant 
closings and layoffs are subject to the Act, and certain employment 
thresholds must be reached before the Act applies. WARN sets out 
specific exemptions, and provides for a reduction in the notification 
period in particular circumstances. Damages and civil penalties can be 
assessed against employers who violate the Act.



Sec.  639.3  Definitions.

    (a) Employer. (1) The term ``employer'' means any business 
enterprise that employs--
    (i) 100 or more employees, excluding part-time employees; or
    (ii) 100 or more employees, including part-time employees, who in 
the aggregate work at least 4,000 hours per week, exclusive of hours of 
overtime.

Workers on temporary layoff or on leave who have a reasonable 
expectation of recall are counted as employees. An employee has a 
``reasonable expectation of recall'' when he/she understands, through 
notification or through industry practice, that his/her employment with 
the employer has been temporarily interrupted and that he/she will be 
recalled to the same or to a similar job. The term ``employer'' includes 
non-profit organizations of the requisite size. Regular Federal, State, 
local and federally recognized Indian tribal governments are not 
covered. However, the term ``employer'' includes public and quasi-public 
entities which engage in business (i.e., take part in a commercial or 
industrial enterprise, supply a service or good on a mercantile basis, 
or provide independent management of public assets, raising revenue and 
making desired investments), and which are separately organized from the 
regular government, which have their own governing bodies and which have 
independent authority to manage their personnel and assets.
    (2) Under existing legal rules, independent contractors and 
subsidiaries which are wholly or partially owned by a parent company are 
treated as separate employers or as a part of the parent or contracting 
company depending upon the degree of their independence from the parent. 
Some of the factors to be considered in making this determination are 
(i) common ownership, (ii) common directors and/or officers, (iii) de 
facto exercise of control, (iv) unity of personnel policies emanating 
from a common source, and (v) the dependency of operations.
    (3) Workers, other than part-time workers, who are exempt from 
notice under section 4 of WARN are nonetheless counted as employees for 
purposes of determining coverage as an employer.
    (4) An employer may have one or more sites of employment under 
common ownership or control. An example would be a major auto maker 
which has dozens of automobile plants throughout the country. Each plant 
would be considered a site of employment, but there is only one 
``employer'', the auto maker.
    (b) Plant closing. The term ``plant closing'' means the permanent or 
temporary shutdown of a ``single site of employment'', or one or more 
``facilities or operating units'' within a single site of employment, if 
the shutdown results in an ``employment loss'' during any 30-day period 
at the single site of employment for 50 or more employees, excluding any 
part-time employees. An employment action that results in the effective 
cessation of production or the work performed by a unit, even if a few 
employees remain, is a shutdown. A ``temporary shutdown'' triggers the 
notice requirement only if there are a sufficient number of 
terminations, layoffs exceeding 6 months, or reductions in hours of work 
as specified under the definition of ``employment loss.''

[[Page 238]]

    (c) Mass layoff. (1) The term ``mass layoff'' means a reduction in 
force which first, is not the result of a plant closing, and second, 
results in an employment loss at the single site of employment during 
any 30-day period for:
    (i) At least 33 percent of the active employees, excluding part-time 
employees, and
    (ii) At least 50 employees, excluding part-time employees.

Where 500 or more employees (excluding part-time employees) are 
affected, the 33% requirement does not apply, and notice is required if 
the other criteria are met. Plant closings involve employment loss which 
results from the shutdown of one or more distinct units within a single 
site or the entire site. A mass layoff involves employment loss, 
regardless of whether one or more units are shut down at the site.
    (2) Workers, other than part-time workers, who are exempt from 
notice under section 4 of WARN are nonetheless counted as employees for 
purposes of determining coverage as a plant closing or mass layoff. For 
example, if an employer closes a temporary project on which 10 permanent 
and 40 temporary workers are employed, a covered plant closing has 
occurred although only 10 workers are entitled to notice.
    (d) Representative. The term ``representative'' means an exclusive 
representative of employees within the meaning of section 9(a) or 8(f) 
of the National Labor Relations Act or section 2 of the Railway Labor 
Act.
    (e) Affected employees. The term ``affected employees'' means 
employees who may reasonably be expected to experience an employment 
loss as a consequence of a proposed plant closing or mass layoff by 
their employer. This includes individually identifiable employees who 
will likely lose their jobs because of bumping rights or other factors, 
to the extent that such individual workers reasonably can be identified 
at the time notice is required to be given. The term ``affected 
employees'' includes managerial and supervisory employees, but does not 
include business partners. Consultant or contract employees who have a 
separate employment relationship with another employer and are paid by 
that other employer, or who are self-employed, are not ``affected 
employees'' of the business to which they are assigned. In addition, for 
purposes of determining whether coverage thresholds are met, either 
incumbent workers in jobs being eliminated or, if known 60 days in 
advance, the actual employees who suffer an employment loss may be 
counted.
    (f) Employment loss. (1) The term ``employment loss'' means (i) an 
employment termination, other than a discharge for cause, voluntary 
departure, or retirement, (ii) a layoff exceeding 6 months, or (iii) a 
reduction in hours of work of individual employees of more than 50% 
during each month of any 6-month period.
    (2) Where a termination or a layoff (see paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and 
(ii) of this section) is involved, an employment loss does not occur 
when an employee is reassigned or transferred to employer-sponsored 
programs, such as retraining or job search activities, as long as the 
reassignment does not constitute a constructive discharge or other 
involuntary termination.
    (3) An employee is not considered to have experienced an employment 
loss if the closing or layoff is the result of the relocation or 
consolidation of part or all of the employer's business and, prior to 
the closing or layoff--
    (i) The employer offers to transfer the employee to a different site 
of employment within a reasonable commuting distance with no more than a 
6-month break in employment, or
    (ii) The employer offers to transfer the employee to any other site 
of employment regardless of distance with no more than a 6-month break 
in employment, and the employee accepts within 30 days of the offer or 
of the closing or layoff, whichever is later.
    (4) A ``relocation or consolidation'' of part or all of an 
employer's business, for purposes of paragraph Sec.  639.3(h)(4), means 
that some definable business, whether customer orders, product lines, or 
operations, is transferred to a different site of employment and that 
transfer results in a plant closing or mass layoff.
    (g) Unit of local government. The term ``unit of local government'' 
means any general purpose political subdivision of a State, which has 
the power to levy

[[Page 239]]

taxes and spend funds and which also has general corporate and police 
powers. When a covered employment site is located in more than one unit 
of local government, the employer must give notice to the unit to which 
it determines it directly paid the highest taxes for the year preceding 
the year for which the determination is made. All local taxes directly 
paid to the local government should be aggregated for this purpose.
    (h) Part-time employee. The term ``part-time'' employee means an 
employee who is employed for an average of fewer than 20 hours per week 
or who has been employed for fewer than 6 of the 12 months preceding the 
date on which notice is required, including workers who work full-time. 
This term may include workers who would traditionally be understood as 
``seasonal'' employees. The period to be used for calculating whether a 
worker has worked ``an average of fewer than 20 hours per week'' is the 
shorter of the actual time the worker has been employed or the most 
recent 90 days.
    (i) Single site of employment. (1) A single site of employment can 
refer to either a single location or a group of contiguous locations. 
Groups of structures which form a campus or industrial park, or separate 
facilities across the street from one another, may be considered a 
single site of employment.
    (2) There may be several single sites of employment within a single 
building, such as an office building, if separate employers conduct 
activities within such a building. For example, an office building 
housing 50 different businesses will contain 50 single sites of 
employment. The offices of each employer will be its single site of 
employment.
    (3) Separate buildings or areas which are not directly connected or 
in immediate proximity may be considered a single site of employment if 
they are in reasonable geographic proximity, used for the same purpose, 
and share the same staff and equipment. An example is an employer who 
manages a number of warehouses in an area but who regularly shifts or 
rotates the same employees from one building to another.
    (4) Non-contiguous sites in the same geographic area which do not 
share the same staff or operational purpose should not be considered a 
single site. For example, assembly plants which are located on opposite 
sides of a town and which are managed by a single employer are separate 
sites if they employ different workers.
    (5) Contiguous buildings owned by the same employer which have 
separate management, produce different products, and have separate 
workforces are considered separate single sites of employment.
    (6) For workers whose primary duties require travel from point to 
point, who are outstationed, or whose primary duties involve work 
outside any of the employer's regular employment sites (e.g., railroad 
workers, bus drivers, salespersons), the single site of employment to 
which they are assigned as their home base, from which their work is 
assigned, or to which they report will be the single site in which they 
are covered for WARN purposes.
    (7) Foreign sites of employment are not covered under WARN. U.S. 
workers at such sites are counted to determine whether an employer is 
covered as an employer under Sec.  639.3(a).
    (8) The term ``single site of employment'' may also apply to truly 
unusual organizational situations where the above criteria do not 
reasonably apply. The application of this definition with the intent to 
evade the purpose of the Act to provide notice is not acceptable.
    (j) Facility or operating unit. The term ``facility'' refers to a 
building or buildings. The term ``operating unit'' refers to an 
organizationally or operationally distinct product, operation, or 
specific work function within or across facilities at the single site.
    (k) State dislocated worker unit. The term ``State dislocated worker 
unit'' means a unit designated or created in each State by the Governor 
under title III of the Job Training Partnership Act, as amended by 
EDWAA.
    (l) State. For the purpose of WARN, the term ``State'' includes the 
50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 
and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

[[Page 240]]



Sec.  639.4  Who must give notice?

    Section 3(a) of WARN states that ``an employer shall not order a 
plant closing or mass layoff until the end of a 60-day period after the 
employer serves written notice of such an order * * *.'' Therefore, an 
employer who is anticipating carrying out a plant closing or mass layoff 
is required to give notice to affected employees or their 
representative(s), the State dislocated worker unit and the chief 
elected official of a unit of local government. (See definitions in 
Sec.  639.3 of this part.)
    (a) It is the responsibility of the employer to decide the most 
appropriate person within the employer's organization to prepare and 
deliver the notice to affected employees or their representative(s), the 
State dislocated worker unit and the chief elected official of a unit of 
local government. In most instances, this may be the local site plant 
manager, the local personnel director or a labor relations officer.
    (b) An employer who has previously announced and carried out a 
short-term layoff (6 months or less) which is being extended beyond 6 
months due to business circumstances (including unforeseeable changes in 
price or cost) not reasonably foreseeable at the time of the initial 
layoff is required to give notice when it becomes reasonably foreseeable 
that the extension is required. A layoff extending beyond 6 months from 
the date the layoff commenced for any other reason shall be treated as 
an employment loss from the date of its commencement.
    (c) In the case of the sale of part or all of a business, section 
2(b)(1) of WARN defines who the ``employer'' is. The seller is 
responsible for providing notice of any plant closing or mass layoff 
which takes place up to and including the effective date (time) of the 
sale, and the buyer is responsible for providing notice of any plant 
closing or mass layoff that takes place thereafter. Affected employees 
are always entitled to notice; at all times the employer is responsible 
for providing notice.
    (1) If the seller is made aware of any definite plans on the part of 
the buyer to carry out a plant closing or mass layoff within 60 days of 
purchase, the seller may give notice to affected employees as an agent 
of the buyer, if so empowered. If the seller does not give notice, the 
buyer is, nevertheless, responsible to give notice. If the seller gives 
notice as the buyer's agent, the responsibility for notice still remains 
with the buyer.
    (2) It may be prudent for the buyer and seller to determine the 
impacts of the sale on workers, and to arrange between them for advance 
notice to be given to affected employees or their representative(s), if 
a mass layoff or plant closing is planned.



Sec.  639.5  When must notice be given?

    (a) General rule. (1) With certain exceptions discussed in 
paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section and in Sec.  639.9 of this 
part, notice must be given at least 60 calendar days prior to any 
planned plant closing or mass layoff, as defined in these regulations. 
When all employees are not terminated on the same date, the date of the 
first individual termination within the statutory 30-day or 90-day 
period triggers the 60-day notice requirement. A worker's last day of 
employment is considered the date of that worker's layoff. The first and 
each subsequent group of terminees are entitled to a full 60 days' 
notice. In order for an employer to decide whether issuing notice is 
required, the employer should--
    (i) Look ahead 30 days and behind 30 days to determine whether 
employment actions both taken and planned will, in the aggregate for any 
30-day period, reach the minimum numbers for a plant closing or a mass 
layoff and thus trigger the notice requirement; and
    (ii) Look ahead 90 days and behind 90 days to determine whether 
employment actions both taken and planned each of which separately is 
not of sufficient size to trigger WARN coverage will, in the aggregate 
for any 90-day period, reach the minimum numbers for a plant closing or 
a mass layoff and thus trigger the notice requirement. An employer is 
not, however, required under section 3(d) to give notice if the employer 
demonstrates that the separate employment losses are the result of 
separate and distinct actions and causes, and are not an attempt to 
evade the requirements of WARN.
    (2) The point in time at which the number of employees is to be 
measured

[[Page 241]]

for the purpose of determining coverage is the date the first notice is 
required to be given. If this ``snapshot'' of the number of employees 
employed on that date is clearly unrepresentative of the ordinary or 
average employment level, then a more representative number can be used 
to determine coverage. Examples of unrepresentative employment levels 
include cases when the level is near the peak or trough of an employment 
cycle or when large upward or downward shifts in the number of employees 
occur around the time notice is to be given. A more representative 
number may be an average number of employees over a recent period of 
time or the number of employees on an alternative date which is more 
representative of normal employment levels. Alternative methods cannot 
be used to evade the purpose of WARN, and should only be used in unusual 
circumstances.
    (b) Transfers. (1) Notice is not required in certain cases involving 
transfers, as described under the definition of ``employment loss'' at 
Sec.  639.3(f) of this part.
    (2) An offer of reassignment to a different site of employment 
should not be deemed to be a ``transfer'' if the new job constitutes a 
constructive discharge.
    (3) The meaning of the term ``reasonable commuting distance'' will 
vary with local and industry conditions. In determining what is a 
``reasonable commuting distance'', consideration should be given to the 
following factors: geographic accessibility of the place of work, the 
quality of the roads, customarily available transportation, and the 
usual travel time.
    (4) In cases where the transfer is beyond reasonable commuting 
distance, the employer may become liable for failure to give notice if 
an offer to transfer is not accepted within 30 days of the offer or of 
the closing or layoff (whichever is later). Depending upon when the 
offer of transfer was made by the employer, the normal 60-day notice 
period may have expired and the plant closing or mass layoff may have 
occurred. An employer is, therefore, well advised to provide 60-day 
advance notice as part of the transfer offer.
    (c) Temporary employment. (1) No notice is required if the closing 
is of a temporary facility, or if the closing or layoff is the result of 
the completion of a particular project or undertaking, and the affected 
employees were hired with the understanding that their employment was 
limited to the duration of the facility or the project or undertaking.
    (2) Employees must clearly understand at the time of hire that their 
employment is temporary. When such understandings exist will be 
determined by reference to employment contracts, collective bargaining 
agreements, or employment practices of an industry or a locality, but 
the burden of proof will lie with the employer to show that the 
temporary nature of the project or facility was clearly communicated 
should questions arise regarding the temporary employment 
understandings.
    (3) Employers in agriculture and construction frequently hire 
workers for harvesting, processing, or for work on a particular building 
or project. Such work may be seasonal but recurring. Such work falls 
under this exemption if the workers understood at the time they were 
hired that their work was temporary. In uncertain situations, it may be 
prudent for employers to clarify temporary work understandings in 
writing when workers are hired. The same employers may also have 
permanent employees who work on a variety of jobs and tasks continuously 
through most of the calendar year. Such employees are not included under 
this exemption. Giving written notice that a project is temporary will 
not convert permanent employment into temporary work, making jobs exempt 
from WARN.
    (4) Certain jobs may be related to a specific contract or order. 
Whether such jobs are temporary depends on whether the contract or order 
is part of a long-term relationship. For example, an aircraft 
manufacturer hires workers to produce a standard airplane for the U.S. 
fleet under a contract with the U.S. Air Force with the expectation that 
its contract will continue to be renewed during the foreseeable future. 
The employees of this manufacturer would not be considered temporary.

[[Page 242]]

    (d) Strikes or lockouts. The statute provides an exemption for 
strikes and lockouts which are not intended to evade the requirements of 
the Act. A lockout occurs when, for tactical or defensive reasons during 
the course of collective bargaining or during a labor dispute, an 
employer lawfully refuses to utilize some or all of its employees for 
the performance of available work. A lockout not related to collective 
bargaining which is intended as a subterfuge to evade the Act does not 
qualify for this exemption. A plant closing or mass layoff at a site of 
employment where a strike or lockout is taking place, which occurs for 
reasons unrelated to a strike or lockout, is not covered by this 
exemption. An employer need not give notice when permanently replacing a 
person who is deemed to be an economic striker under the National Labor 
Relations Act. Non-striking employees at the same single site of 
employment who experience a covered employment loss as a result of a 
strike are entitled to notice; however, situations in which a strike or 
lockout affects non-striking employees at the same plant may constitute 
an unforeseeable business circumstance, as discussed in Sec.  639.9, and 
reduced notice may apply. Similarly, the ``faltering company'' 
exception, also discussed in Sec.  639.9 may apply in strike situations. 
Where a union which is on strike represents more than one bargaining 
unit at the single site, non-strikers includes the non-striking 
bargaining unit(s). Notice also is due to those workers who are not a 
part of the bargaining unit(s) which is involved in the labor 
negotiations that led to the lockout. Employees at other plants which 
have not been struck, but at which covered plant closings or mass 
layoffs occur as a direct or indirect result of a strike or lockout are 
not covered by the strike/lockout exemption. The unforeseeable business 
circumstances exception to 60 days' notice also may apply to these 
closings or layoffs at other plants.



Sec.  639.6  Who must receive notice?

    Section 3(a) of WARN provides for notice to each representative of 
the affected employees as of the time notice is required to be given or, 
if there is no such representative at that time, to each affected 
employee. Notice also must be served on the State dislocated worker unit 
and the chief elected official of the unit of local government within 
which a closing or layoff is to occur. Section 2(b)(1) of the Act states 
that ``any person who is an employee of the seller (other than a 
parttime employee) as of the effective date [time] of the sale shall be 
considered an employee of the purchaser immediately after the effective 
date [time] of the sale.'' This provision preserves the notice rights of 
the employees of a business that has been sold, but creates no other 
employment rights. Although a technical termination of the seller's 
employees may be deemed to have occurred when a sale becomes effective, 
WARN notice is only required where the employees, in fact, experience a 
covered employment loss.
    (a) Representative(s) of affected employees. Written notice is to be 
served upon the chief elected officer of the exclusive representative(s) 
or bargaining agent(s) of affected employees at the time of the notice. 
If this person is not the same as the officer of the local union(s) 
representing affected employees, it is recommended that a copy also be 
given to the local union official(s).
    (b) Affected employees. Notice is required to be given to employees 
who may reasonably be expected to experience an employment loss. This 
includes employees who will likely lose their jobs because of bumping 
rights or other factors, to the extent that such workers can be 
identified at the time notice is required to be given. If, at the time 
notice is required to be given, the employer cannot identify the 
employee who may reasonably be expected to experience an employment loss 
due to the elimination of a particular position, the employer must 
provide notice to the incumbent in that position. While part-time 
employees are not counted in determining whether plant closing or mass 
layoff thresholds are reached, such workers are due notice.
    (c) State dislocated worker unit. Notice is to be served upon the 
State dislocated worker unit. Since the States are restructuring to 
implement training under EDWAA, service of notice upon the State 
Governor constitutes

[[Page 243]]

service upon the State dislocated worker unit until such time as the 
Governor makes public State procedures for serving notice to this unit.
    (d) Chief elected official of the unit of local government. The 
identity of the chief elected official will vary according to the local 
government structure. In the case of elected boards, the notice is to be 
served upon the board's chairperson.



Sec.  639.7  What must the notice contain?

    (a) Notice must be specific. (1) All notice must be specific.
    (2) Where voluntary notice has been given more than 60 days in 
advance, but does not contain all of the required elements set out in 
this section, the employer must ensure that all of the information 
required by this section is provided in writing to the parties listed in 
Sec.  639.6 at least 60 days in advance of a covered employment action.
    (3) Notice may be given conditional upon the occurrence or 
nonoccurrence of an event, such as the renewal of a major contract, only 
when the event is definite and the consequences of its occurrence or 
nonoccurrence will necessarily, in the normal course of business, lead 
to a covered plant closing or mass layoff less than 60 days after the 
event. For example, if the non-renewal of a major contract will lead to 
the closing of the plant that produces the articles supplied under the 
contract 30 days after the contract expires, the employer may give 
notice at least 60 days in advance of the projected closing date which 
states that if the contract is not renewed, the plant closing will occur 
on the projected date. The notice must contain each of the elements set 
out in this section.
    (4) The information provided in the notice shall be based on the 
best information available to the employer at the time the notice is 
served. It is not the intent of the regulations, that errors in the 
information provided in a notice that occur because events subsequently 
change or that are minor, inadvertent errors are to be the basis for 
finding a violation of WARN.
    (b) As used in this section, the term ``date'' refers to a specific 
date or to a 14-day period during which a separation or separations are 
expected to occur. If separations are planned according to a schedule, 
the schedule should indicate the specific dates on which or the 
beginning date of each 14-day period during which any separations are 
expected to occur. Where a 14-day period is used, notice must be given 
at least 60 days in advance of the first day of the period.
    (c) Notice to each representative of affected employees is to 
contain:
    (1) The name and address of the employment site where the plant 
closing or mass layoff will occur, and the name and telephone number of 
a company official to contact for further information;
    (2) A statement as to whether the planned action is expected to be 
permanent or temporary and, if the entire plant is to be closed, a 
statement to that effect;
    (3) The expected date of the first separation and the anticipated 
schedule for making separations;
    (4) The job titles of positions to be affected and the names of the 
workers currently holding affected jobs.

The notice may include additional information useful to the employees 
such as information on available dislocated worker assistance, and, if 
the planned action is expected to be temporary, the estimated duration, 
if known.
    (d) Notice to each affected employee who does not have a 
representative is to be written in language understandable to the 
employees and is to contain:
    (1) A statement as to whether the planned action is expected to be 
permanent or temporary and, if the entire plant is to be closed, a 
statement to that effect;
    (2) The expected date when the plant closing or mass layoff will 
commence and the expected date when the individual employee will be 
separated;
    (3) An indication whether or not bumping rights exist;
    (4) The name and telephone number of a company official to contact 
for further information.

The notice may include additional information useful to the employees 
such as information on available dislocated worker assistance, and, if 
the planned action is expected to be temporary, the estimated duration, 
if known.

[[Page 244]]

    (e) The notices separately provided to the State dislocated worker 
unit and to the chief elected official of the unit of local government 
are to contain:
    (1) The name and address of the employment site where the plant 
closing or mass layoff will occur, and the name and telephone number of 
a company official to contact for further information;
    (2) A statement as to whether the planned action is expected to be 
permanent or temporary and, if the entire plant is to be closed, a 
statement to that effect;
    (3) The expected date of the first separation, and the anticipated 
schedule for making separations;
    (4) The job titles of positions to be affected, and the number of 
affected employees in each job classification;
    (5) An indication as to whether or not bumping rights exist;
    (6) The name of each union representing affected employees, and the 
name and address of the chief elected officer of each union.

The notice may include additional information useful to the employees 
such as a statement of whether the planned action is expected to be 
temporary and, if so, its expected duration.
    (f) As an alternative to the notices outlined in paragraph (e) 
above, an employer may give notice to the State dislocated worker unit 
and to the unit of local government by providing them with a written 
notice stating the name of address of the employment site where the 
plant closing or mass layoff will occur; the name and telephone number 
of a company official to contact for further information; the expected 
date of the first separation; and the number of affected employees. The 
employer is required to maintain the other information listed in Sec.  
639.7(e) on site and readily accessible to the State disclocated worker 
unit and to the unit of general local government. Should this 
information not be available when requested, it will be deemed a failure 
to give required notice.



Sec.  639.8  How is the notice served?

    Any reasonable method of delivery to the parties listed under Sec.  
639.6 of this part which is designed to ensure receipt of notice of 
least 60 days before separation is acceptable (e.g., first class mail, 
personal delivery with optional signed receipt). In the case of 
notification directly to affected employees, insertion of notice into 
pay envelopes is another viable option. A ticketed notice, i.e., 
preprinted notice regularly included in each employee's pay check or pay 
envelope, does not meet the requirements of WARN.



Sec.  639.9  When may notice be given less than 60 days in advance?

    Section 3(b) of WARN sets forth three conditions under which the 
notification period may be reduced to less than 60 days. The employer 
bears the burden of proof that conditions for the exceptions have been 
met. If one of the exceptions is applicable, the employer must give as 
much notice as is practicable to the union, non-represented employees, 
the State dislocated worker unit, and the unit of local government and 
this may, in some circumstances, be notice after the fact. The employer 
must, at the time notice actually is given, provide a brief statement of 
the reason for reducing the notice period, in addition to the other 
elements set out in Sec.  639.7.
    (a) The exception under section 3(b)(1) of WARN, termed ``faltering 
company'', applies to plant closings but not to mass layoffs and should 
be narrowly construed. To qualify for reduced notice under this 
exception:
    (1) An employer must have been actively seeking capital or business 
at the time that 60-day notice would have been required. That is, the 
employer must have been seeking financing or refinancing through the 
arrangement of loans, the issuance of stocks, bonds, or other methods of 
internally generated financing; or the employer must have been seeking 
additional money, credit, or business through any other commercially 
reasonable method. The employer must be able to identify specific 
actions taken to obtain capital or business.
    (2) There must have been a realistic opportunity to obtain the 
financing or business sought.
    (3) The financing or business sought must have been sufficient, if 
obtained, to have enabled the employer to avoid

[[Page 245]]

or postpone the shutdown. The employer must be able to objectively 
demonstrate that the amount of capital or the volume of new business 
sought would have enabled the employer to keep the facility, operating 
unit, or site open for a reasonable period of time.
    (4) The employer reasonably and in good faith must have believed 
that giving the required notice would have precluded the employer from 
obtaining the needed capital or business. The employer must be able to 
objectively demonstrate that it reasonably thought that a potential 
customer or source of financing would have been unwilling to provide the 
new business or capital if notice were given, that is, if the employees, 
customers, or the public were aware that the facility, operating unit, 
or site might have to close. This condition may be satisfied if the 
employer can show that the financing or business source would not choose 
to do business with a troubled company or with a company whose workforce 
would be looking for other jobs. The actions of an employer relying on 
the ``faltering company'' exception will be viewed in a company-wide 
context. Thus, a company with access to capital markets or with cash 
reserves may not avail itself of this exception by looking solely at the 
financial condition of the facility, operating unit, or site to be 
closed.
    (b) The ``unforeseeable business circumstances'' exception under 
section 3(b)(2)(A) of WARN applies to plant closings and mass layoffs 
caused by business circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable at 
the time that 60-day notice would have been required.
    (1) An important indicator of a business circumstance that is not 
reasonably foreseeable is that the circumstance is caused by some 
sudden, dramatic, and unexpected action or condition outside the 
employer's control. A principal client's sudden and unexpected 
termination of a major contract with the employer, a strike at a major 
supplier of the employer, and an unanticipated and dramatic major 
economic downturn might each be considered a business circumstance that 
is not reasonably foreseeable. A government ordered closing of an 
employment site that occurs without prior notice also may be an 
unforeseeable business circumstance.
    (2) The test for determining when business circumstances are not 
reasonably foreseeable focuses on an employer's business judgment. The 
employer must exercise such commercially reasonable business judgment as 
would a similarly situated employer in predicting the demands of its 
particular market. The employer is not required, however, to accurately 
predict general economic conditions that also may affect demand for its 
products or services.
    (c) The ``natural disaster'' exception in section 3(b)(2)(B) of WARN 
applies to plant closings and mass layoffs due to any form of a natural 
disaster.
    (1) Floods, earthquakes, droughts, storms, tidal waves or tsunamis 
and similar effects of nature are natural disasters under this 
provision.
    (2) To qualify for this exception, an employer must be able to 
demonstrate that its plant closing or mass layoff is a direct result of 
a natural disaster.
    (3) While a disaster may preclude full or any advance notice, such 
notice as is practicable, containing as much of the information required 
in Sec.  639.7 as is available in the circumstances of the disaster 
still must be given, whether in advance or after the fact of an 
employment loss caused by a natural disaster.
    (4) Where a plant closing or mass layoff occurs as an indirect 
result of a natural disaster, the exception does not apply but the 
``unforeseeable business circumstance'' exception described in paragraph 
(b) of this section may be applicable.



Sec.  639.10  When may notice be extended?

    Additional notice is required when the date or schedule of dates of 
a planned plant closing or mass layoff is extended beyond the date or 
the ending date of any 14-day period announced in the original notice as 
follows:
    (a) If the postponement is for less than 60 days, the additional 
notice should be given as soon as possible to the parties identified in 
Sec.  639.6 and should include reference to the earlier notice, the date 
(or 14-day period) to which the planned action is postponed, and the 
reasons for the postponement. The notice should be given in a manner

[[Page 246]]

which will provide the information to all affected employees.
    (b) If the postponement is for 60 days or more, the additional 
notice should be treated as new notice subject to the provisions of 
Sec. Sec.  639.5, 639.6 and 639.7 of this part. Rolling notice, in the 
sense of routine periodic notice, given whether or not a plant closing 
or mass layoff is impending, and with the intent to evade the purpose of 
the Act rather than give specific notice as required by WARN, is not 
acceptable.



PART 640_STANDARD FOR BENEFIT PAYMENT PROMPTNESS_UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
640.1 Purpose and scope.
640.2 Federal law requirements.
640.3 Interpretation of Federal law requirements.
640.4 Standard for conformity.
640.5 Criteria for compliance.
640.6 Review of State compliance.
640.7 Benefit payment performance plans.
640.8 Enforcement of the standard.
640.9 Information, reports and studies.

    Authority: Sec. 1102, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1302); 
Secretary's order No. 4-75, dated April 16, 1975 (40 FR 18515) (5 U.S.C. 
553). Interpret and apply secs. 303(a)(1) and 303(b)(2) of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(a)(1), 503(b)(2)).

    Source: 43 FR 33225, July 28, 1978, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  640.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Purpose. (1) Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act 
requires, for the purposes of title III of that Act, that a State 
unemployment compensation law include provision for methods of 
administration of the law that are reasonably calculated to insure the 
full payment of unemployment compensation when determined under the 
State law to be due to claimants. The standard in this part is issued to 
implement section 303(a)(1) in regard to promptness in the payment of 
unemployment benefits to eligible claimants.
    (2) Although the standard applies to the promptness of all benefit 
payments and the criteria apply directly to the promptness of first 
benefit payments, it is recognized that adequate performance is 
contingent upon the prompt determination of eligibility by the State as 
a condition for the payment or denial of benefits. Accordingly, implicit 
in prompt performance with respect to benefit payments is the 
corresponding need for promptness by the State in making determinations 
of eligibility. However, applicable Federal laws provide no authority 
for the Secretary of Labor to determine the eligibility of individuals 
under a State law.
    (b) Scope. (1) The standard in this part applies to all State laws 
approved by the Secretary of Labor under the Federal Unemployment Tax 
Act (section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. 3304), 
and to the administration of the State laws.
    (2) The standard specified in Sec.  640.4 applies to all claims for 
unemployment compensation. The criteria for State compliance in Sec.  
640.5 apply to first payments of unemployment compensation under the 
State law to eligible claimants following the filing of initial claims 
and first compensable claims.

[43 FR 33225, July 28, 1978, as amended at 71 FR 35516, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  640.2  Federal law requirements.

    (a) Conformity. Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act, 42 
U.S.C. 503(a)(1), requires that a State law include provision for:

    Such methods of administration * * * as are found by the Secretary 
of Labor to be reasonably calculated to insure full payment of 
unemployment compensation when due.

    (b) Compliance. Section 303(b)(2) of the Social Security Act, 42 
U.S.C. 503(b)(2), provides in part that:

    Whenever the Secretary of Labor, after reasonable notice and 
opportunity for hearing to the State agency charged with the 
administration of the State law, finds that in the administration of the 
law there is:
    (1) * * *
    (2) a failure to comply substantially with any provision specified 
in subsection (a) of this section;

the Secretary of Labor shall notify such State agency that further 
payments will not be made to the State until the Secretary of Labor is 
satisfied that there is no longer any such * * * failure to comply.

    Until he is so satisfied, he shall make no further certification to 
the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to such State * * *.

[[Page 247]]



Sec.  640.3  Interpretation of Federal law requirements.

    (a) Section 303(a)(1). The Secretary interprets section 303(a)(1) of 
the Social Security Act to require that a State law include provision 
for such methods of administration as will reasonable insure the full 
payment of unemployment benefits to eligible claimants with the greatest 
promptness that is administratively feasible.
    (b) Section 303(b)(2). (1) The Secretary interprets section 
303(b)(2) of the Social Security Act to require that, in the 
administration of a State law, there shall be substantial compliance 
with the provision required by section 303(a)(1).
    (2) The greatest promptness that is administratively feasible will 
depend upon the circumstances in each State that impacts upon its 
performance in paying benefits. Factors reasonably beyond a State's 
control may cause its performance to drop below the level of adequacy 
expressed in the table below as criteria for substantial compliance 
applicable to all States. Where it is demonstrated that failure to meet 
the criteria of adequacy is attributable to factors reasonably beyond 
the State's control and, in light of those factors, the State has 
performed at the highest level administratively feasible, it will be 
considered that the State is in substantial compliance with the Standard 
for conformity. Whether or not the State is in substantial compliance, 
the remedial provisions of Sec. Sec.  640.7 and 640.8 will be applicable 
when the pertinent criteria are not met.



Sec.  640.4  Standard for conformity.

    A State law will satisfy the requirement of section 303(a)(1), if it 
contains a provision requiring, or which is construed to require, such 
methods of administration as will reasonably insure the full payment of 
unemployment benefits to eligible claimants with the greatest promptness 
that is administratively feasible.



Sec.  640.5  Criteria for compliance.

    The criteria in the schedule below shall apply in determining 
whether, in the administration of a State law, there has been 
substantial compliance with the provision required by section 303(a)(1) 
in the issuance of benefit payments to eligible claimants for the first 
compensable weeks of unemployment in their benefit years:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Percentage of first payments
                                           issued--days following end of
                                              first compensable week
                                         -------------------------------
                                          14 days,   21 days,
                                           waiting  nonwaiting  35 days,
                                            week       week        all
                                           States   States \1\   States
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Intrastate Claims
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance to be achieved for the 12-          87         87         93
 mo. period ending on March 31 of each
 year...................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Interstate Claims
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance to be achieved for the 12-          70         70        78
 mo. period ending on March 31 of each
 year...................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ A nonwaiting week State is any State whose law does not require that
  a non-compensable period of unemployment be served before the payment
  of benefits commences.


A State will be deemed to comply substantially, as set out in Sec. Sec.  
640.2(b) and 640.3(b), if its average performance, for the period of 
review, meets or exceeds the applicable criteria set forth above.

[43 FR 33225, July 28, 1978, as amended at 71 FR 35516, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  640.6  Review of State compliance.

    (a) Annual reviews. The administration of each State law shall be 
reviewed annually for compliance, as set out in Sec. Sec.  640.2(b) and 
640.3(b). Annual reviews shall be for the 12-month period ending on 
March 31 of each year. An annual review with respect to any State shall 
be based upon the monthly reports of performance submitted to the 
Department by the State agency, any special reports of performance 
submitted to the Department by the State agency, any benefit payment 
performance plan applicable to the period being reviewed, any study or 
anylysis of performance relevant to the period being reviewed, and any 
other audit, study, or analysis as directed by the Department of Labor.
    (b) Periodic review. The administration of any State law may be 
reviewed at any other time, when there is reason to believe that there 
may be failure of compliance as set out in Sec. Sec.  640.2(b) and 
640.3(b). Such a review shall be based

[[Page 248]]

upon the same elements as may be required for an annual review.



Sec.  640.7  Benefit payment performance plans.

    (a) Annual plan. An annual benefit payment performance plan shall be 
submitted by a State agency to the Department of Labor when average 
performance over a 12-month period ending on March 31 of any year does 
not meet the criteria specified in Sec.  640.5. An annual plan shall be 
submitted by July 31 following the applicable March 31, and shall be a 
plan for the fiscal year that begins on the succeeding October 1. An 
annual plan shall be subject to continuing appraisal during the period 
it is in effect, and shall be subject to modification from time to time 
as may be directed by the Department of Labor after consultation with 
the State agency.
    (b) Periodic plan. A periodic benefit payment performance plan shall 
be submitted by a State agency when directed by the Department of Labor. 
A periodic plan may be in addition to, or a modification of an annual 
plan and may be required even though an annual plan covering the same 
period is not required. A periodic plan shall be subject to continuing 
appraisal during the period it is in effect, and shall be subject to 
modification from time to time as may be directed by the Department of 
Labor.
    (c) Content of plan. An annual plan or periodic plan shall set forth 
such corrective actions, performance and evaluation plans, and other 
matters as the Department of Labor directs, after consultation with the 
State agency.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0132)

(Pub. L. No. 96-511)

[43 FR 33225, July 28, 1978, as amended at 49 FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984]



Sec.  640.8  Enforcement of the standard.

    (a) Action by the Department of Labor. When a State agency fails, 
for an extended period, to meet the standard set forth in Sec.  640.4 or 
the criteria specified in Sec.  640.5, or fails to show satisfactory 
improvement after having submitted a benefit payment performance plan of 
action, the Department of Labor shall pursue any of the following 
remedial steps that it deems necessary before considering application of 
the provisions of Sec.  640.2:
    (1) Initiate informal discussion with State agency officials 
pursuant to Sec.  601.5(b) of this chapter.
    (2) Conduct an evaluation of the State's benefit payment processes 
and analyze the reasons for the State's failure to meet the standard.
    (3) Recommend specific actions for the State to take to improve its 
benefit payment performance.
    (4) Request the State to submit a plan for complying with the 
standard by a prescribed date.
    (5) Initiate special reporting requirements for a specified period 
of time.
    (6) Consult with the Governor of the State regarding the 
consequences of the State's noncompliance with the standard.
    (7) Propose to the Governor of the State and on an agreed upon basis 
arrange for the use of expert Federal staff to furnish technical 
assistance to the State agency with respect to its payment operations.
    (b) Action by the Assistant Secretary. If, after all remedial steps 
have been exhausted, a State fails to take appropriate action, or 
otherwise fails to meet the standard specified in Sec.  640.4, the 
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training shall, after taking all 
factors into consideration, recommend to the Secretary of Labor that 
appropriate notice be sent to the State agency and that an opportunity 
for a hearing be extended in accordance with section 303(b) of the 
Social Security Act.



Sec.  640.9  Information, reports and studies.

    A State shall furnish to the Secretary of Labor such information and 
reports and make such studies as the Secretary decides are necessary or 
appropriate to carry out this part.

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PART 641_PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT
PROGRAM--Table of Contents



                    Subpart A_Purpose and Definitions

Sec.
641.100 What does this part cover?
641.110 What is the SCSEP?
641.120 What are the purposes of the SCSEP?
641.130 What is the scope of this part?
641.140 What definitions apply to this part?

Subpart B_Coordination With the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

641.200 What is the relationship between the SCSEP and the Workforce 
          Innovation and Opportunity Act?
641.210 What services, in addition to the applicable career services, 
          must SCSEP grantees and sub-recipients provide through the 
          One-Stop delivery system?
641.220 Does title I of WIOA require the SCSEP to use OAA funds for 
          individuals who are not eligible for SCSEP services or for 
          services that are not authorized under the OAA?
641.230 Must the individual assessment conducted by the SCSEP grantee or 
          sub-recipient and the assessment performed by the One-Stop 
          delivery system be accepted for use by either entity to 
          determine the individual's need for services in the SCSEP and 
          adult programs under title I, subtitle B of WIOA?
641.240 Are SCSEP participants eligible for career and training services 
          under title I of WIOA?

                        Subpart C_The State Plan

641.300 What is the State Plan?
641.302 What is a four-year strategy?
641.305 Who is responsible for developing and submitting the State Plan?
641.310 May the Governor, or the highest government official, delegate 
          responsibility for developing and submitting the State Plan?
641.315 Who participates in developing the State Plan?
641.320 Must all national grantees operating within a State participate 
          in the State planning process?
641.325 What information must be provided in the State Plan?
641.330 How should the State Plan reflect community service needs?
641.335 How should the Governor, or the highest government official, 
          address the coordination of SCSEP services with activities 
          funded under title I of WOIA?
641.340 How often must the Governor, or the highest government official, 
          update the State Plan?
641.345 What are the requirements for modifying the State Plan?
641.350 How should public comments be solicited and collected?
641.355 Who may comment on the State Plan?
641.360 How does the State Plan relate to the equitable distribution 
          report?
641.365 How must the equitable distribution provisions be reconciled 
          with the provision that disruptions to current participants 
          should be avoided?
641.370 May a State incorporate its 4-year plan for SCSEP into a 
          Combined State Plan under WIOA?

 Subpart D_Grant Application and Responsibility Review Requirements for 
                     State and National SCSEP Grants

641.400 What entities are eligible to apply to the Department for funds 
          to administer SCSEP projects?
641.410 How does an eligible entity apply?
641.420 What are the eligibility criteria that each applicant must meet?
641.430 What are the responsibility conditions that an applicant must 
          meet?
641.440 Are there responsibility conditions that alone will disqualify 
          an applicant?
641.450 How will the Department examine the responsibility of eligible 
          entities?
641.460 What factors will the Department consider in selecting national 
          grantees?
641.465 Under what circumstances may the Department reject an 
          application?
641.470 What happens if an applicant's application is rejected?
641.480 May the Governor, or the highest government official, make 
          recommendations to the Department on national grant 
          applications?
641.490 When will the Department compete SCSEP grant awards?
641.495 When must a State compete its SCSEP award?

                   Subpart E_Services to Participants

641.500 Who is eligible to participate in the SCSEP?
641.505 When is eligibility determined?
641.507 How is applicant income computed?
641.510 What types of income are included and excluded for participant 
          eligibility determinations?
641.512 May grantees and sub-recipients enroll otherwise eligible job 
          ready individuals and place them directly into unsubsidized 
          employment?
641.515 How must grantees and sub-recipients recruit and select eligible 
          individuals for participation in the SCSEP?

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641.520 Are there any priorities that grantees and sub-recipients must 
          use in selecting eligible individuals for participation in the 
          SCSEP?
641.535 What services must grantees and sub-recipients provide to 
          participants?
641.540 What types of training may grantees and sub-recipients provide 
          to SCSEP participants in addition to the training received at 
          the community service assignment?
641.545 What supportive services may grantees and sub-recipients provide 
          to participants?
641.550 What responsibility do grantees and sub-recipients have to place 
          participants in unsubsidized employment?
641.565 What policies govern the provision of wages and benefits to 
          participants?
641.570 Is there a time limit for participation in the program?
641.575 May a grantee or sub-recipient establish a limit on the amount 
          of time its participants may spend at a host agency?
641.577 Is there a limit on community service assignment hours?
641.580 Under what circumstances may a grantee or sub-recipient 
          terminate a participant?
641.585 What is the employment status of SCSEP participants?

         Subpart F_Pilot, Demonstration, and Evaluation Projects

641.600 What is the purpose of the pilot, demonstration, and evaluation 
          projects authorized under Sec.  502(e) of the OAA?
641.610 How are pilot, demonstration, and evaluation projects 
          administered?
641.620 How may an organization apply for pilot, demonstration, and 
          evaluation project funding?
641.630 What pilot, demonstration, and evaluation project activities are 
          allowable under the Older Americans Act?
641.640 Should pilot, demonstration, and evaluation project entities 
          coordinate with SCSEP grantees and sub-recipients, including 
          area agencies on aging?

                  Subpart G_Performance Accountability

641.700 What performance measures apply to Senior Community Service 
          Employment Program grantees?
641.710 How are the performance measures defined?
641.720 How will the Department and grantees initially determine and 
          then adjust expected levels of the core performance measures?
641.730 How will the Department assist grantees in the transition to the 
          new core performance measures?
641.740 How will the Department determine whether a grantee fails, 
          meets, or exceeds the expected levels of performance and what 
          will be the consequences of failing to meet expected levels of 
          performance?
641.750 Will there be performance-related incentives?

                  Subpart H_Administrative Requirements

641.800 What uniform administrative requirements apply to the use of 
          SCSEP funds?
641.803 What is program income?
641.806 How must SCSEP program income be used?
641.809 What non-Federal share (matching) requirements apply to the use 
          of SCSEP funds?
641.812 What is the period of availability of SCSEP funds?
641.815 May the period of availability be extended?
641.821 What audit requirements apply to the use of SCSEP funds?
641.824 What lobbying requirements apply to the use of SCSEP funds?
641.827 What general nondiscrimination requirements apply to the use of 
          SCSEP funds?
641.833 What policies govern political patronage?
641.836 What policies govern political activities?
641.839 What policies govern union organizing activities?
641.841 What policies govern nepotism?
641.844 What maintenance of effort requirements apply to the use of 
          SCSEP funds?
641.847 What uniform allowable cost requirements apply to the use of 
          SCSEP funds?
641.850 Are there other specific allowable and unallowable cost 
          requirements for the SCSEP?
641.853 How are costs classified?
641.856 What functions and activities constitute administrative costs?
641.859 What other special rules govern the classification of costs as 
          administrative costs or programmatic activity costs?
641.861 Must SCSEP recipients provide funding for the administrative 
          costs of sub-recipients?
641.864 What functions and activities constitute programmatic activity 
          costs?
641.867 What are the limitations on the amount of SCSEP administrative 
          costs?
641.870 Under what circumstances may the administrative cost limitation 
          be increased?
641.873 What minimum expenditure levels are required for participant 
          wages and benefits?
641.874 What conditions apply to a SCSEP grantee request to use 
          additional funds for training and supportive service costs?

[[Page 251]]

641.876 How will compliance with cost limitations and minimum 
          expenditure levels be determined?
641.879 What are the financial and performance reporting requirements 
          for recipients?
641.881 What are the SCSEP recipient's responsibilities relating to 
          awards to sub-recipients?
641.884 What are the grant closeout procedures?

           Subpart I_Grievance Procedures and Appeals Process

641.900 What appeal process is available to an applicant that does not 
          receive a grant?
641.910 What grievance procedures must grantees make available to 
          applicants, employees, and participants?
641.920 What actions of the Department may a grantee appeal and what 
          procedures apply to those appeals?
641.930 Is there an alternative dispute resolution process that may be 
          used in place of an OALJ hearing?

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq.; Pub. L. 114-144, 130 Stat. 334 
(Apr. 19, 2016).

    Source: 75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, unless otherwise noted.



                    Subpart A_Purpose and Definitions



Sec.  641.100  What does this part cover?

    Part 641 contains the Department of Labor's regulations for the 
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), authorized under 
title V of the Older Americans Act (OAA), 42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq., as 
amended by the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016, Public 
Law 114-144 (Apr. 19, 2016). This part and other pertinent regulations 
set forth the regulations applicable to the SCSEP.
    (a) Subpart A of this part contains introductory provisions and 
definitions that apply to this part.
    (b) Subpart B of this part describes the required relationship 
between the OAA and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), 
Public Law 113-128 (July 22, 2014). These provisions discuss the 
coordinated efforts to provide services through the integration of the 
SCSEP within the One-Stop delivery system.
    (c) Subpart C of this part sets forth the requirements for the State 
Plan, such as the four-year strategy, required coordination efforts, 
public comments, and equitable distribution.
    (d) Subpart D of this part establishes grant planning and 
application requirements, including grantee eligibility and 
responsibility review provisions that apply to the Department's award of 
SCSEP funds for State and national grants.
    (e) Subpart E of this part details SCSEP participant services.
    (f) Subpart F of this part provides the rules for pilot, 
demonstration, and evaluation projects.
    (g) Subpart G of this part outlines the performance accountability 
requirements. This subpart establishes requirements for performance 
measures, defines such measures, and establishes corrective actions for 
failure to meet core performance measures.
    (h) Subpart H of this part sets forth the administrative 
requirements for SCSEP funds.
    (i) Subpart I of this part describes the grievance and appeals 
processes and requirements.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56880, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.110  What is the SCSEP?

    The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a program 
administered by the Department of Labor that serves unemployed low-
income persons who are 55 years of age and older and who have poor 
employment prospects by training them in part-time community service 
assignments and by assisting them in developing skills and experience to 
facilitate their transition to unsubsidized employment.



Sec.  641.120  What are the purposes of the SCSEP?

    The purposes of the SCSEP are to foster individual economic self-
sufficiency and promote useful part-time opportunities in community 
service assignments for unemployed low-income persons who are 55 years 
of age or older, particularly persons who have poor employment 
prospects, and to increase the number of older persons who may enjoy the 
benefits of unsubsidized employment in both the public and private 
sectors. (OAA Sec.  502(a)(1)).

[[Page 252]]



Sec.  641.130  What is the scope of this part?

    The regulations in this part address the requirements that apply to 
the SCSEP. More detailed policies and procedures are contained in 
administrative guidelines issued by the Department. Throughout this 
part, phrases such as, ``according to instructions (procedures) issued 
by the Department'' or ``additional guidance will be provided through 
administrative issuance'' refer to the documents issued under the 
Secretary's authority to administer the SCSEP, such as Training and 
Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs), Training and Employment Notices 
(TENs), previously issued SCSEP Older Worker Bulletins that are still in 
effect, technical assistance guides, and other SCSEP guidance.



Sec.  641.140  What definitions apply to this part?

    The following definitions apply to this part:
    At risk for homelessness means an individual is likely to become 
homeless and the individual lacks the resources and support networks 
needed to obtain housing.
    Authorized position level means the number of SCSEP enrollment 
opportunities that can be supported for a 12-month period based on the 
average national unit cost. The authorized position level is derived by 
dividing the total amount of funds appropriated for a Program Year by 
the national average unit cost per participant for that Program Year as 
determined by the Department. The national average unit cost includes 
all costs of administration, other participant costs, and participant 
wage and benefit costs as defined in Sec.  506(g) of the OAA.
    Career services means those services described in sec. 134(c)(2) of 
WIOA.
    Co-enrollment applies to any individual who meets the qualifications 
for SCSEP participation and is also enrolled as a participant in WIOA or 
another employment and training program, as provided in the Individual 
Employment Plan (IEP).
    Community service means:
    (1) Social, health, welfare, and educational services (including 
literacy tutoring), legal and other counseling services and assistance, 
including tax counseling and assistance and financial counseling, and 
library, recreational, and other similar services;
    (2) Conservation, maintenance, or restoration of natural resources;
    (3) Community betterment or beautification;
    (4) Antipollution and environmental quality efforts;
    (5) Weatherization activities;
    (6) Economic development; and
    (7) Other such services essential and necessary to the community as 
the Secretary determines by rule to be appropriate. (OAA Sec.  
518(a)(1)).
    Community service assignment means part-time, temporary employment 
paid with grant funds in projects at host agencies through which 
eligible individuals are engaged in community service and receive work 
experience and job skills that can lead to unsubsidized employment. (OAA 
Sec.  518(a)(2)).
    Community Service Employment means part-time, temporary employment 
paid with grant funds in projects at host agencies through which 
eligible individuals are engaged in community service and receive work 
experience and job skills that can lead to unsubsidized employment. (OAA 
sec. 518(a)(2).) The term community service assignment is used 
interchangeably with community service employment.
    Core measures means hours (in the aggregate) of community service 
employment; the percentage of project participants who are in 
unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the 
project; the percentage of project participants who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the project; the 
median earnings of project participants who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the second quarter after exit from the project; 
indicators of effectiveness in serving employers, host agencies, and 
project participants; the number of eligible individuals served; and 
most-in-need (the number of individuals described in sec. 
518(a)(3)(B)(ii) or (b)(2) of the OAA). (OAA sec. 513(b)(1).)
    Department or DOL means the United States Department of Labor, 
including its agencies and organizational units.

[[Page 253]]

    Disability means a disability attributable to a mental or physical 
impairment, or a combination of mental and physical impairments, that 
results in substantial functional limitations in one or more of the 
following areas of major life activity:
    (1) Self-care;
    (2) Receptive and expressive language;
    (3) Learning;
    (4) Mobility;
    (5) Self-direction;
    (6) Capacity for independent living;
    (7) Economic self-sufficiency;
    (8) Cognitive functioning; and
    (9) Emotional adjustment. (42 U.S.C. 3002(13)).
    Equitable distribution report means a report based on the latest 
available Census or other reliable data, which lists the optimum number 
of participant positions in each designated area in the State, and the 
number of authorized participant positions each grantee serves in that 
area, taking into account the needs of underserved counties and 
incorporated cities as necessary. This report provides a basis for 
improving the distribution of SCSEP positions.
    Frail means an individual 55 years of age or older who is determined 
to be functionally impaired because the individual--
    (1)(i) Is unable to perform at least two activities of daily living 
without substantial human assistance, including verbal reminding, 
physical cueing, or supervision; or
    (ii) At the option of the State, is unable to perform at least three 
such activities without such assistance; or
    (2) Due to a cognitive or other mental impairment, requires 
substantial supervision because the individual behaves in a manner that 
poses a serious health or safety hazard to the individual or to another 
individual. (42 U.S.C. 3002(22)).
    Grant period means the time period between the effective date of the 
grant award and the ending date of the award, which includes any 
modifications extending the period of performance, whether by the 
Department's exercise of options contained in the grant agreement or 
otherwise. This is also referred to as ``project period'' or ``award 
period.''
    Grantee means an entity receiving financial assistance directly from 
the Department to carry out SCSEP activities. The grantee is the legal 
entity that receives the award and is legally responsible for carrying 
out the SCSEP, even if only a particular component of the entity is 
designated in the grant award document. Grantees include public and 
nonprofit private agencies and organizations, agencies of a State, 
tribal organizations, and Territories, that receive SCSEP grants from 
the Department. (OAA Sec. Sec.  502(b)(1), 506(a)(2)). As used here, 
``grantee'' includes ``grantee'' as defined in 29 CFR 97.3 and 
``recipient'' as defined in 29 CFR 95.2(gg).
    Greatest economic need means the need resulting from an income level 
at or below the poverty guidelines established by the Department of 
Health and Human Services and approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB). (42 U.S.C. 3002(23)).
    Greatest social need means the need caused by non-economic factors, 
which include: Physical and mental disabilities; language barriers; and 
cultural, social, or geographical isolation, including isolation caused 
by racial or ethnic status, which restricts the ability of an individual 
to perform normal daily tasks or threatens the capacity of the 
individual to live independently. (42 U.S.C. 3002(24)).
    Homeless includes:
    (1) An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime 
residence; and
    (2) An individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is:
    (i) A supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to 
provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, 
congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill);
    (ii) An institution that provides a temporary residence for 
individuals intended to be institutionalized; or
    (iii) A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used 
as, regular sleeping accommodations for human beings. (42 U.S.C. 
11302(a)).

[[Page 254]]

    Host agency means a public agency or a private nonprofit 
organization exempt from taxation under Sec.  501(c)(3) of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 which provides a training work site and supervision 
for one or more participants. Political parties cannot be host agencies. 
A host agency may be a religious organization as long as the projects in 
which participants are being trained do not involve the construction, 
operation, or maintenance of any facility used or to be used as a place 
for sectarian religious instruction or worship. (OAA Sec.  
502(b)(1)(D)).
    Indian means a person who is a member of an Indian tribe. (42 U.S.C. 
3002(26)).
    Indian tribe means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group 
or community of Indians (including Alaska Native village or regional or 
village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) which: (1) Is 
recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by 
the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians; or (2) 
is located on, or in proximity to, a Federal or State reservation or 
Rancheria. (42 U.S.C. 3002(27)).
    Individual employment plan (IEP) means a plan for a participant that 
is based on an assessment of that participant conducted by the grantee 
or sub-recipient, or a recent assessment or plan developed by another 
employment and training program, and a related service strategy. The IEP 
must include an appropriate employment goal (except that after the first 
IEP, subsequent IEPs need not contain an employment goal if such a goal 
is not feasible), objectives that lead to the goal, a timeline for the 
achievement of the objectives; and be jointly agreed upon with the 
participant. (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(N)).
    Jobs for Veterans Act means Public Law 107-288 (2002). Section 2(a) 
of the Jobs for Veterans Act, codified at 38 U.S.C. 4215(a), provides a 
priority of service for Department of Labor employment and training 
programs for veterans, and certain spouses of veterans, who otherwise 
meet the eligibility requirements for participation. Priority is 
extended to veterans. Priority is also extended to the spouse of a 
veteran who died of a service-connected disability; the spouse of a 
member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been listed for a 
total of more than 90 days as missing in action, captured in the line of 
duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained by a foreign government or 
power; the spouse of any veteran who has a total disability resulting 
from a service-connected disability; and the spouse of any veteran who 
died while a disability so evaluated was in existence. (See Sec.  
641.520(b)).
    Job ready refers to individuals who do not require further education 
or training to perform work that is available in their labor market.
    Limited English proficiency means individuals who do not speak 
English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to 
read, speak, write, or understand English.
    Local Board means a Local Workforce Development Board established 
under sec. 107 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
    Local Workforce Development Area or local area means an area 
designated by the Governor of a State under sec. 106 of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act.
    Low employment prospects means the likelihood that an individual 
will not obtain employment without the assistance of the SCSEP or 
another workforce development program. Persons with low employment 
prospects have a significant barrier to employment. Significant barriers 
to employment may include but are not limited to: Lacking a substantial 
employment history, basic skills, and/or English-language proficiency; 
lacking a high school diploma or the equivalent; having a disability; 
being homeless; or residing in socially and economically isolated rural 
or urban areas where employment opportunities are limited.
    Low literacy skills means the individual computes or solves 
problems, reads, writes, or speaks at or below the 8th grade level or is 
unable to compute or solve problems, read, write, or speak at a level 
necessary to function on the job, in the individual's family, or in 
society.

[[Page 255]]

    Most-in-need means participants with one or more of the following 
characteristics: Have a severe disability; are frail; are age 75 or 
older; are age-eligible but not receiving benefits under title II of the 
Social Security Act; reside in an area with persistent unemployment and 
have severely limited employment prospects; have limited English 
proficiency; have low literacy skills; have a disability; reside in a 
rural area; are veterans; have low employment prospects; have failed to 
find employment after using services provided under title I of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; or are homeless or at risk for 
homelessness. (OAA sec. 513(b)(1)(F).)
    National grantee means a public or non-profit private agency or 
organization, or Tribal organization, that receives a grant under title 
V of the OAA (42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq.) to administer a SCSEP project. 
(See OAA Sec.  506(g)(5)).
    OAA means the Older Americans Act, 42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq., as 
amended.
    One-Stop Center means the One-Stop Center system in a WIOA local 
area, which must include a comprehensive One-Stop Center through which 
One-Stop partners provide applicable career services and which provides 
access to other programs and services carried out by the One-Stop 
partners. (See WIOA sec. 121(e)(2).)
    One-Stop delivery system means a system under which employment and 
training programs, services, and activities are available through a 
network of eligible One-Stop partners, which assures that information 
about and access to career services are available regardless of where 
the individuals initially enter the workforce development system. (See 
WIOA sec. 121(e)(2).)
    One-Stop partner means an entity described in sec. 121(b)(1) of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, i.e., required partners, or an 
entity described in sec. 121(b)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act, i.e., additional partners.
    Other participant (enrollee) costs means the costs of participant 
training, including the payment of reasonable costs to instructors, 
classroom rental, training supplies, materials, equipment, and tuition, 
and which may be provided before or during a community service 
assignment, in a classroom setting, or under other appropriate 
arrangements; job placement assistance, including job development and 
job search assistance; participant supportive services to enable a 
participant to successfully participate in a project, including the 
payment of reasonable costs of transportation, health care and medical 
services, special job-related or personal counseling, incidentals (such 
as work shoes, badges, uniforms, eyeglasses, and tools), child and adult 
care, temporary shelter, and follow-up services; and outreach, 
recruitment and selection, intake orientation, and assessments. (OAA 
Sec.  502(c)(6)(A)(ii)-(v)).
    Pacific Island and Asian Americans means Americans having origins in 
any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian 
Subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. (OAA sec. 518(a)(6).)
    Participant means an individual who is determined to be eligible for 
the SCSEP, is given a community service assignment, and is receiving any 
service funded by the program as described in subpart E.
    Persistent unemployment means that the annual average unemployment 
rate for a county or city is more than 20 percent higher than the 
national average for two out of the last three years.
    Poor employment prospects means the significant likelihood that an 
individual will not obtain employment without the assistance of the 
SCSEP or another workforce development program. Persons with poor 
employment prospects have a significant barrier to employment; 
significant barriers to employment include but are not limited to: 
lacking a substantial employment history, basic skills, and/or English-
language proficiency; lacking a high school diploma or the equivalent; 
having a disability; being homeless; or residing in socially and 
economically isolated rural or urban areas where employment 
opportunities are limited.
    Program operator means a grantee or sub-recipient that receives 
SCSEP funds from a SCSEP grantee or a higher-tier SCSEP sub-recipient 
and performs the following activities for all

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its participants: Eligibility determination, participant assessment, and 
development of and placement into community service assignments.
    Program Year means the one-year period beginning on July 1 and 
ending on June 30.
    Project means an undertaking by a grantee or sub-recipient in 
accordance with a grant or contract agreement that provides service to 
communities and training and employment opportunities to eligible 
individuals.
    Recipient means grantee. As used here, ``recipient'' includes 
``recipient'' as defined in 29 CFR 95.2(gg) and ``grantee'' as defined 
in 29 CFR 97.3.
    Residence means an individual's declared dwelling place or address 
as demonstrated by appropriate documentation.
    Rural means an area not designated as a metropolitan statistical 
area by the Census Bureau; segments within metropolitan counties 
identified by codes 4 through 10 in the Rural Urban Commuting Area 
(RUCA) system; and RUCA codes 2 and 3 for census tracts that are larger 
than 400 square miles and have population density of less than 30 people 
per square mile.
    SCSEP means the Senior Community Service Employment Program 
authorized under title V of the OAA.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor.
    Service area means the geographic area served by a local SCSEP 
project in accordance with a grant agreement.
    Severe disability means a severe, chronic disability attributable to 
mental or physical impairment, or a combination of mental and physical 
impairments, that--
    (1) Is likely to continue indefinitely; and
    (2) Results in substantial functional limitation in 3 or more of the 
following areas of major life activity:
    (i) Self-care;
    (ii) Receptive and expressive language;
    (iii) Learning;
    (iv) Mobility;
    (v) Self-direction;
    (vi) Capacity for independent living;
    (vii) Economic self-sufficiency. (42 U.S.C. 3002(48)).
    Severely limited employment prospects means the substantial 
likelihood that an individual will not obtain employment without the 
assistance of the SCSEP or another workforce development program. 
Persons with severely limited employment prospects have more than one 
significant barrier to employment; significant barriers to employment 
may include but are not limited to: Lacking a substantial employment 
history, basic skills, and/or English-language proficiency; lacking a 
high school diploma or the equivalent; having a disability; being 
homeless; or residing in socially and economically isolated rural or 
urban areas where employment opportunities are limited.
    State Board means a State Workforce Development Board established 
under WIOA sec. 101.
    State grantee means the entity designated by the Governor, or the 
highest government official, to enter into a grant with the Department 
to administer a State or Territory SCSEP project under the OAA. Except 
as applied to funding distributions under Sec.  506 of the OAA, this 
definition applies to the 50 States, Puerto Rico, the District of 
Columbia and the following Territories: Guam, American Samoa, U.S. 
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    State Plan means a plan that the Governor, or the highest government 
official, of a State must submit to the Secretary that outlines a four-
year strategy, and describes the planning and implementation process, 
for the statewide provision of community service employment and other 
authorized activities for eligible individuals under SCSEP. (See Sec.  
641.300).
    Sub-recipient means the legal entity to which a sub-award of 
financial assistance is made by the grantee (or by a higher-tier sub-
recipient), and that is accountable to the grantee for the use of the 
funds provided. As used here, ``sub-recipient'' includes ``sub-grantee'' 
as defined in 29 CFR 97.3 and ``sub-recipient'' as defined in 29 CFR 
95.2(kk).
    Supportive services means services, such as transportation, health 
and medical services, special job-related or personal counseling, 
incidentals (such

[[Page 257]]

as work shoes, badges, uniforms, eye-glasses, and tools), child and 
adult care, housing, including temporary shelter, follow-up services, 
and needs-related payments, which are necessary to enable an individual 
to participate in activities authorized under the SCSEP. (OAA secs. 
502(c)(6)(A)(iv) and 518(a)(8).)
    Title V of the OAA means 42 U.S.C. 3056 et seq., as amended.
    Training services means those services authorized by WIOA sec. 
134(c)(3).
    Tribal organization means the recognized governing body of any 
Indian tribe, or any legally established organization of Indians which 
is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body. (42 
U.S.C. 3002(54)).
    Unemployed means an individual who is without a job and who wants 
and is available for work, including an individual who may have 
occasional employment that does not result in a constant source of 
income. (OAA sec. 518(a)(9).)
    Veteran means an individual who is a ``covered person'' for purposes 
of the Jobs for Veterans Act, 38 U.S.C. 4215(a)(1).
    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) means the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act, Public Law 113-128 (July 22, 2014), as 
amended.
    Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) regulations means 
the regulations in parts 675 through 688 of this chapter, the Wagner-
Peyser Act regulations in parts 651 through 654 and part 658 of this 
chapter, and the regulations implementing WIOA sec. 188 in 29 CFR part 
38.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 77 FR 4661, Jan. 31, 2012; 82 
FR 56880, Dec. 1, 2017]



Subpart B_Coordination With the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

    Source: 82 FR 56881, Dec. 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  641.200  What is the relationship between the SCSEP and the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

    The SCSEP is a required partner under the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act. As such, it is a part of the One-Stop delivery system. 
When acting in their capacity as WIOA partners, SCSEP grantees and sub-
recipients are required to follow all applicable rules under WIOA and 
its regulations. See WIOA sec. 121(b)(1)(B)(v) and 20 CFR 678.400 
through 678.440.



Sec.  641.210  What services, in addition to the applicable career 
services, must SCSEP grantees and sub-recipients provide through the
One-Stop delivery system?

    In addition to providing career services, as defined at 20 CFR 
678.430, SCSEP grantees and sub-recipients must make arrangements 
through the One-Stop delivery system to provide eligible and ineligible 
individuals with referrals to WIOA career and training services and 
access to other activities and programs carried out by other One-Stop 
partners.



Sec.  641.220  Does title I of WIOA require the SCSEP to use OAA funds 
for individuals who are not eligible for SCSEP services or for services
that are not authorized under the OAA?

    No, SCSEP requirements continue to apply. OAA title V resources may 
not be used to serve individuals who are not SCSEP-eligible. The 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act creates a seamless service 
delivery system for individuals seeking workforce development services 
by linking the One-Stop partners in the One-Stop delivery system. 
Although the overall effect is to provide universal access to career 
services, SCSEP resources may only be used to provide services that are 
authorized and provided under the SCSEP to eligible individuals. Note, 
however, that one allowable SCSEP cost is a SCSEP project's 
proportionate share of One-Stop costs. See Sec.  641.850(d). Title V 
funds can be used to pay wages to SCSEP participants receiving career 
and training services under title I of WIOA provided that the SCSEP 
participants have each received a community service assignment. All 
other individuals who are in need of the services provided under the 
SCSEP, but who do not meet the eligibility criteria to enroll in the 
SCSEP, should be referred to or enrolled in WIOA or other appropriate 
partner programs. WIOA sec.

[[Page 258]]

121(b)(1). These arrangements should be negotiated in the Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU), which is an agreement developed and executed 
between the Local Workforce Development Board, with the agreement of the 
chief local elected official, and the One-Stop partners relating to the 
operation of the One-Stop delivery system in the local area. The MOU is 
further described in the WIOA regulations at 20 CFR 678.500 through 
678.510.



Sec.  641.230  Must the individual assessment conducted by the SCSEP
grantee or sub-recipient and the assessment performed by the One-Stop
delivery system be 
          accepted for use by either entity to determine the 
          individual's need for services in the SCSEP and adult programs 
          under title I, subtitle B of WIOA?

    Yes, sec. 502(b)(3) of the OAA provides that an assessment or IEP 
completed by the SCSEP satisfies any condition for an assessment, 
service strategy, or IEP completed at the One-Stop and vice-versa. (OAA 
sec. 502(b)(3).) These reciprocal arrangements and the contents of the 
SCSEP IEP and WIOA IEP should be negotiated in the MOU.



Sec.  641.240  Are SCSEP participants eligible for career and training
services under title I of WIOA?

    (a) Although SCSEP participants are not automatically eligible for 
career and training services under title I of WIOA, local boards may 
deem SCSEP participants, either individually or as a group, as 
satisfying the requirements for receiving adult career and training 
services under title I of WIOA.
    (b) SCSEP participants who have been assessed and for whom an IEP 
has been developed have received a career service under 20 CFR 
680.220(a) of the WIOA regulations. In order to enhance skill 
development related to the IEP, it may be necessary to provide training 
beyond the community service assignment to enable participants to meet 
their unsubsidized employment objectives. The SCSEP grantee or sub-
recipient, the host agency, the WIOA program, or another One-Stop 
partner may provide training as appropriate and as negotiated in the 
MOU. (See Sec.  641.540 for a further discussion of training for SCSEP 
participants.)



                        Subpart C_The State Plan



Sec.  641.300  What is the State Plan?

    The State Plan is a plan, submitted by the Governor, or the highest 
government official, in each State, as an independent document or as 
part of the WIOA Combined State Plan, that outlines a 4-year strategy 
for the statewide provision of community service employment and other 
authorized activities for eligible individuals under the SCSEP as 
described in Sec.  641.302. The State Plan also describes the planning 
and implementation process for SCSEP services in the State, taking into 
account the relative distribution of eligible individuals and employment 
opportunities within the State. The State Plan is intended to foster 
coordination among the various SCSEP grantees and sub-recipients 
operating within the State and to facilitate the efforts of 
stakeholders, including State and local boards under WIOA, to work 
collaboratively through a participatory process to accomplish the 
SCSEP's goals. (OAA sec. 503(a)(1).) The State Plan provisions are 
listed in Sec.  641.325.

[82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.302  What is a four-year strategy?

    The State Plan must outline a four-year strategy for the statewide 
provision of community service employment and other authorized 
activities for eligible individuals under the SCSEP program. (OAA Sec.  
503(a)(1)). The four-year strategy must specifically address the 
following:
    (a) The State's long-term strategy for achieving an equitable 
distribution of SCSEP positions within the State that:
    (1) Moves positions from over-served to underserved locations within 
the State, under Sec.  641.365;
    (2) Equitably serves rural and urban areas; and
    (3) Serves individuals afforded priority for service, pursuant to 
Sec.  641.520;
    (b) The State's long-term strategy for avoiding disruptions to the 
program when new Census or other reliable data

[[Page 259]]

become available, or when there is over-enrollment for any other reason;
    (c) The State's long-term strategy for serving minority older 
individuals under SCSEP;
    (d) Long-term projections for job growth in industries and 
occupations in the State that may provide employment opportunities for 
older workers, and how those relate to the types of unsubsidized jobs 
for which SCSEP participants will be trained, and the types of skill 
training to be provided;
    (e) The State's long-term strategy for engaging employers to develop 
and promote opportunities for the placement of SCSEP participants in 
unsubsidized employment;
    (f) The State's strategy for continuous improvement in the level of 
performance for entry into unsubsidized employment;
    (g) Planned actions to coordinate activities of SCSEP grantees with 
the activities being carried out in the State under title I of WIOA, 
including plans for using the WIOA One-Stop delivery system and its 
partners to serve individuals aged 55 and older;
    (h) Planned actions to coordinate activities of SCSEP grantees with 
the activities being carried out in the State under other titles of the 
OAA;
    (i) Planned actions to coordinate the SCSEP with other public and 
private entities and programs that provide services to older Americans, 
such as community and faith-based organizations, transportation 
programs, and programs for those with special needs or disabilities;
    (j) Planned actions to coordinate the SCSEP with other labor market 
and job training initiatives; and
    (k) The State's long-term strategy to improve SCSEP services, 
including planned longer-term changes to the design of the program 
within the State, and planned changes in the use of SCSEP grantees and 
program operators to better achieve the goals of the program; this may 
include recommendations to the Department, as appropriate.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.305  Who is responsible for developing and submitting the
State Plan?

    The Governor, or the highest governmental official, of each State is 
responsible for developing and submitting the State Plan to the 
Department.



Sec.  641.310  May the Governor, or the highest government official,
delegate responsibility for developing and submitting the State Plan?

    (a) Yes, the Governor, or the highest governmental official of each 
State, may delegate responsibility for developing and submitting the 
State Plan, provided that any such delegation is consistent with State 
law and regulations.
    (b) To delegate responsibility, the Governor, or the highest 
government official, must submit to the Department a signed statement 
indicating the individual and/or organization that will be submitting 
the State Plan on his or her behalf.



Sec.  641.315  Who participates in developing the State Plan?

    (a) In developing the State Plan the Governor, or the highest 
government official, must seek the advice and recommendations of 
representatives from:
    (1) The State and area agencies on aging;
    (2) State and local boards under WIOA;
    (3) Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations 
providing employment services, including each grantee operating a SCSEP 
project within the State, except as provided in Sec.  641.320(b);
    (4) Social service organizations providing services to older 
individuals;
    (5) Grantees under title III of the OAA;
    (6) Affected communities;
    (7) Unemployed older individuals;
    (8) Community-based organizations serving older individuals;
    (9) Business organizations; and
    (10) Labor organizations.
    (b) The Governor, or the highest government official, may also 
obtain the advice and recommendations of other

[[Page 260]]

interested organizations and individuals, including SCSEP program 
participants, in developing the State Plan. (OAA Sec.  503(a)(2)).

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.320  Must all national grantees operating within a State
participate in the State planning process?

    (a) The eligibility provision at OAA Sec.  514(c)(6) requires 
national grantees to coordinate activities with other organizations at 
the State and local levels. Therefore, except as provided in paragraph 
(b) of this section, any national grantee that does not participate in 
the State planning process may be deemed ineligible to receive SCSEP 
funds in the following Program Year.
    (b) National grantees serving older American Indians, or Pacific 
Island and Asian Americans, with funds reserved under OAA sec. 
506(a)(3), are exempted from the requirement to participate in the State 
planning processes under sec. 503(a)(9) of the OAA. Although these 
national grantees may choose not to participate in the State planning 
process, the Department encourages their participation. Only those 
grantees using reserved funds are exempt; if a grantee is awarded one 
grant with reserved funds and another grant with non-reserved funds, the 
grantee is required under paragraph (a) of this section to participate 
in the State planning process for purposes of the non-reserved funds 
grant.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.325  What information must be provided in the State Plan?

    The Department issues instructions detailing the information that 
must be provided in the State Plan. At a minimum, the State Plan must 
include the State's four-year strategy, as described in Sec.  641.302, 
and information on the following:
    (a) The ratio of eligible individuals in each service area to the 
total eligible population in the State;
    (b) The relative distribution of:
    (1) Eligible individuals residing in urban and rural areas within 
the State;
    (2) Eligible individuals who have the greatest economic need;
    (3) Eligible individuals who are minorities;
    (4) Eligible individuals who are limited English proficient; and
    (5) Eligible individuals who have the greatest social need;
    (c) The current and projected employment opportunities in the State 
(such as by providing information available under sec. 15 of the Wagner-
Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2) by occupation), and the types of skills 
possessed by eligible individuals;
    (d) The localities and populations for which projects of the type 
authorized by OAA title V are most needed;
    (e) Actions taken and/or planned to coordinate activities of SCSEP 
grantees in the State with activities carried out in the State under 
title I of WIOA;
    (f) A description of the process used to obtain advice and 
recommendations on the State Plan from representatives of organizations 
and individuals listed in Sec.  641.315, and advice and recommendations 
on steps to coordinate SCSEP services with activities funded under title 
I of WIOA from representatives of organizations listed in Sec.  641.335;
    (g) A description of the State's procedures and time line for 
ensuring an open and inclusive planning process that provides meaningful 
opportunity for public comment as required by Sec.  641.350;
    (h) Public comments received, and a summary of the comments;
    (i) A description of the steps taken to avoid disruptions to the 
greatest extent possible as provided in Sec.  641.365; and
    (j) Such other information as the Department may require in the 
State Plan instructions. (OAA Sec.  503(a)).

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.330  How should the State Plan reflect community service needs?

    The Governor, or the highest government official, must ensure that 
the State Plan identifies the types of community services that are 
needed and the places where these services are most needed. The State 
Plan should specifically identify the needs and locations of those 
individuals most in need of community services and the

[[Page 261]]

groups working to meet their needs. (OAA Sec.  503(a)(4)(E)).



Sec.  641.335  How should the Governor, or the highest government 
official, address the coordination of SCSEP services with activities 
funded under title I of WIOA?

    The Governor, or the highest government official, must seek the 
advice and recommendations from representatives of the State and local 
area agencies on aging in the State and the State and local boards 
established under title I of WIOA. (OAA sec. 503(a)(2).) The State Plan 
must describe the steps that are being taken to coordinate SCSEP 
activities within the State with activities being carried out under 
title I of WIOA. (OAA sec. 503(a)(4)(F).) The State Plan must describe 
the steps being taken to ensure that the SCSEP is an active partner in 
each One-Stop delivery system and the steps that will be taken to 
encourage and improve coordination with the One-Stop delivery system.

[82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.340  How often must the Governor, or the highest government
official, update the State Plan?

    (a) Under instructions issued by the Department, the Governor, or 
the highest government official, must review the State Plan and submit 
an update to the State Plan to the Secretary for consideration and 
approval not less often than every two years. OAA Sec.  503(a)(1). 
States are encouraged to review their State Plan more frequently than 
every two years, however, and make modifications as circumstances 
warrant, under Sec.  641.345.
    (b) Before development of the update to the State Plan, the 
Governor, or the highest government official, must seek the advice and 
recommendations of the individuals and organizations identified in Sec.  
641.315 about what, if any, changes are needed, and must publish the 
State Plan, showing the changes, for public comment. OAA Sec.  section 
503(a)(2), 503(a)(3).



Sec.  641.345  What are the requirements for modifying the State Plan?

    (a) Modifications may be submitted anytime circumstances warrant.
    (b) Modifications to the State Plan are required when:
    (1) There are changes in Federal or State law or policy that 
substantially change the assumptions upon which the State Plan is based;
    (2) There are significant changes in the State's vision, four-year 
strategy, policies, performance indicators, or organizational 
responsibilities; or
    (3) There is a change in a grantee or grantees.
    (c) Modifications to the State Plan are subject to the same public 
comment requirements that apply to the development of the State Plan 
under Sec.  641.350.
    (d) States are not required to seek the advice and recommendations 
of the individuals and organizations identified in Sec.  641.315 when 
modifying the State Plan, except that States must seek the advice and 
recommendations of any national grantees operating in the State. While 
not required, states are strongly encouraged to seek the advice and 
recommendation of the relevant entities listed in Sec.  641.315 when or 
if modifying the State Plan becomes necessary.
    (e) The Department will issue additional instructions for the 
procedures that must be followed when requesting modifications to the 
State Plan.



Sec.  641.350  How should public comments be solicited and collected?

    The Governor, or the highest government official, should follow 
established State procedures to solicit and collect public comments. The 
State Plan must include a description of the State's procedures and 
schedule for ensuring an open and inclusive planning process that 
provides meaningful opportunity for public comment.



Sec.  641.355  Who may comment on the State Plan?

    Any individual or organization may comment on the Plan.



Sec.  641.360  How does the State Plan relate to the equitable 
distribution report?

    The two documents address some of the same areas, but are prepared 
at different points in time. The equitable distribution report is 
prepared by State

[[Page 262]]

grantees at the beginning of each fiscal year and provides a 
``snapshot'' of the actual distribution of all of the authorized 
positions within the State, grantee-by-grantee, and the optimum number 
of participant positions in each designated area based on the latest 
available Census or other reliable data. The State Plan is prepared by 
the Governor, or the highest government official, and covers many areas 
in addition to equitable distribution, as discussed in Sec.  641.325, 
and sets forth a proposed plan for distribution of authorized positions 
in the State. Any distribution or redistribution of positions made as a 
result of a State Plan proposal will be reflected in the next equitable 
distribution report, which then forms the basis for the proposed 
distribution in the next State Plan update. This process is iterative in 
that it moves the authorized positions from overserved areas to 
underserved areas over a period of time.



Sec.  641.365  How must the equitable distribution provisions be 
reconciled with the provision that disruptions to current participants
should be avoided?

    (a) Governors, or highest government officials, must describe in the 
State Plan the steps that are being taken to comply with the statutory 
requirement to avoid disruptions in the provision of services for 
participants. (OAA sec. 503(a)(7).)
    (b) When there is new Census or other reliable data indicating that 
there has been a shift in the location of the eligible population or 
when there is over-enrollment for any other reason, the Department 
recommends a gradual shift in positions as they become vacant to areas 
where there has been an increase in the eligible population.
    (c) The Department does not define disruptions to mean that 
participants are entitled to remain in a subsidized community service 
assignment indefinitely. As discussed in Sec.  641.570, there is a time 
limit on SCSEP participation, thus permitting positions to be 
transferred over time.
    (d) Grantees and sub-recipients must not transfer positions from one 
geographic area to another without first notifying the State agency 
responsible for preparing the State Plan and equitable distribution 
report.
    (e) Grantees must submit, in writing, any proposed changes in 
distribution that occur after submission of the equitable distribution 
report to the Department for approval.
    (f) All grantees are required to coordinate any proposed changes in 
position distribution with the other grantees in the State, including 
the State project director, before submitting the proposed changes to 
the Department for approval. The request for the Department's approval 
must include the comments of the State project director, which the 
Department will consider in making its decision.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56882, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.370  May a State incorporate its 4-year plan for SCSEP into
a Combined State Plan under WIOA?

    Yes. A State may include its 4-year plan for SCSEP in its WIOA 
Combined State Plan according to the requirements in 20 CFR 676.140 
through 676.145. For a State that obtains approval of that Combined 
State Plan under 20 CFR 676.143, the requirements of sec. 103 of WIOA 
and 20 CFR part 676 will apply in lieu of sec. 503(a) of the OAA and 
this subpart, and any reference in this part to a ``State Plan'' will be 
considered to be a reference to that Combined State Plan.

[82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



 Subpart D_Grant Application and Responsibility Review Requirements for 
                     State and National SCSEP Grants



Sec.  641.400  What entities are eligible to apply to the Department for
funds to administer SCSEP projects?

    (a) National grants. Entities eligible to apply for national grants 
include nonprofit organizations, Federal public agencies, and tribal 
organizations. These entities must provide information to establish that 
they are capable of administering a multi-State program, as required by 
the Secretary. State and local agencies may not apply for these funds.

[[Page 263]]

    (b) State grants. (1) Section 506(e) of the OAA requires the 
Department to award each State a grant to provide SCSEP services. 
Governors, or highest government officials, designate an individual 
State agency as the organization to administer SCSEP funds.
    (2) If the State fails to meet its expected levels of performance 
for the core indicators for three consecutive years, it is not eligible 
to designate an agency to administer SCSEP funds in the following year. 
Instead, the State must conduct a competition to select an organization 
as the grantee of the funds allotted to the State under Sec.  506(e). 
Public and nonprofit private agencies and organizations, State agencies 
other than the previously designated, failed agency, and tribal 
organizations, are eligible to be selected as a grantee for the funds. 
Other States may not be selected as a grantee for this funding.



Sec.  641.410  How does an eligible entity apply?

    (a) General. An eligible entity must follow the application 
guidelines issued by the Department. The Department will issue 
application guidelines announcing the availability of national funds and 
State funds, whether they are awarded on a competitive or noncompetitive 
basis. The guidelines will contain application due dates, application 
instructions, evaluation criteria, and other necessary information.
    (b) National grant applicants. All applicants for SCSEP national 
grant funds, except for applications for grants proposing to serve older 
Indians and Pacific Island and Asian Americans with funds reserved under 
OAA Sec.  506(a)(3), must submit their applications to the Governor, or 
the highest government official, of each State in which projects are 
proposed so that he or she has a reasonable opportunity to make the 
recommendations described in Sec.  641.480, before submitting the 
application to the Department. (OAA Sec.  503(a)(5)).
    (c) State applicants. A State that submits a Combined State Plan 
under sec. 103 of WIOA may include the State's SCSEP grant application 
in its Combined State Plan. Any State that submits a SCSEP grant 
application as part of its WIOA Combined State Plan must address all of 
the application requirements as published in the Department's 
instructions. Sections 641.300 through 641.370 address State Plans and 
modifications.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.420  What are the eligibility criteria that each applicant
must meet?

    To be eligible to receive SCSEP funds, each applicant must 
demonstrate:
    (a) An ability to administer a program that serves the greatest 
number of eligible participants, giving particular consideration to 
individuals with greatest economic need, individuals with greatest 
social need, and individuals described in Sec.  641.570(b) or Sec.  
641.520(a)(2) through (a)(8).
    (b) An ability to administer a program that provides employment in 
community service assignments for eligible individuals in communities in 
which they reside, or in nearby communities, that will contribute to the 
general welfare of the community;
    (c) An ability to administer a program that moves eligible 
participants into unsubsidized employment;
    (d) Where the applicant has previously received a SCSEP grant, the 
applicant's prior performance in meeting SCSEP core measures of 
performance and addressing SCSEP additional measures of performance; and 
where the applicant has not received a SCSEP grant, the applicant's 
prior performance under other Federal or State programs; relevant past 
performance will also be used for scoring criterion and will be set 
forth more fully in the Solicitation for Grant Applications (see Sec.  
641.460);
    (e) An ability to move participants with multiple barriers to 
employment, including individuals described in Sec.  641.570(b) or Sec.  
641.520(a)(2) through (a)(8), into unsubsidized employment;
    (f) An ability to coordinate activities with other organizations at 
the State and local levels, including the One-Stop delivery system;
    (g) An ability to properly manage the program, as reflected in its 
plan for fiscal management of the SCSEP;

[[Page 264]]

    (h) An ability to administer a project that provides community 
service;
    (i) An ability to minimize program disruption for current 
participants and in community services provided if there is a change in 
project sponsor and/or location, and its plan for minimizing 
disruptions;
    (j) Any additional criteria that the Department deems appropriate to 
minimize disruptions for current participants. (OAA Sec.  514(c)).



Sec.  641.430  What are the responsibility conditions that an applicant
must meet?

    Subject to Sec.  641.440, each applicant must meet the listed 
responsibility ``tests'' by not having committed the following acts:
    (a) The Department has been unable to recover a debt from the 
applicant, whether incurred by the applicant or by one of its sub-
recipients, or the applicant has failed to comply with a debt repayment 
plan to which it agreed. In this context, a debt is established by final 
agency action, followed by three demand letters to the applicant, 
without payment in full by the applicant.
    (b) Established fraud or criminal activity of a significant nature 
within the applicant's organization.
    (c) Serious administrative deficiencies identified by the 
Department, such as failure to maintain a financial management system as 
required by Federal regulations.
    (d) Willful obstruction of the auditing or monitoring process.
    (e) Failure to provide services to applicants as agreed to in a 
current or recent grant or to meet applicable core performance measures 
or address other applicable indicators of performance.
    (f) Failure to correct deficiencies brought to the grantee's 
attention in writing as a result of monitoring activities, reviews, 
assessments, or other activities.
    (g) Failure to return a grant closeout package or outstanding 
advances within 90 days after the grant expiration date or receipt of 
closeout package, whichever is later, unless an extension has been 
requested and granted.
    (h) Failure to submit required reports.
    (i) Failure to properly report and dispose of Government property as 
instructed by the Department.
    (j) Failure to have maintained effective cash management or cost 
controls resulting in excess cash on hand.
    (k) Failure to ensure that a sub-recipient complies with applicable 
audit requirements, including OMB Circular A-133 and the audit 
requirements specified at Sec.  641.821.
    (l) Failure to audit a sub-recipient within the period required 
under Sec.  641.821.
    (m) Final disallowed costs in excess of five percent of the grant or 
contract award if, in the judgment of the Grant Officer, the 
disallowances are egregious findings.
    (n) Failure to establish a mechanism to resolve a sub-recipient's 
audit in a timely fashion. (OAA Sec.  514(d)(4)).



Sec.  641.440  Are there responsibility conditions that alone will 
disqualify an applicant?

    (a) Yes, an applicant may be disqualified if
    (1) Either of the first two responsibility tests, a or b, listed in 
Sec.  641.430 is not met, or
    (2) The applicant substantially, or persistently for two or more 
consecutive years, fails one of the other responsibility tests listed in 
Sec.  641.430.
    (b) The second responsibility test addresses ``fraud or criminal 
activity of a significant nature.'' The Department will determine the 
existence of significant fraud or criminal activity which typically will 
include willful or grossly negligent disregard for the use or handling 
of, or other fiduciary duties concerning, Federal funding, where the 
grantee has no effective systems, checks, or safeguards to detect or 
prevent fraud or criminal activity. Additionally, significant fraud or 
criminal activity will typically include coordinated patterns or 
behaviors that pervade a grantee's administration or are committed by 
the higher levels of a grantee's management or authority. The Department 
will determine whether ``fraud or criminal activity of a significant 
nature'' has occurred on a case-by-case basis, regardless of what party 
identifies the alleged fraud or criminal activity.

[[Page 265]]



Sec.  641.450  How will the Department examine the responsibility of
eligible entities?

    The Department will review available records to assess each 
applicant's overall fiscal and administrative ability to manage Federal 
funds. The Department's responsibility review may consider all relevant 
information, including the organization's history of managing other 
grants awarded by the Department or by other Federal agencies. (OAA 
Sec.  514(d)(1) and (d)(2)).



Sec.  641.460  What factors will the Department consider in selecting 
national grantees?

    The Department will select national grantees from among applicants 
that are able to meet the eligibility and responsibility review criteria 
at Sec.  514 of the OAA. (Section 641.420 contains the eligibility 
criteria and Sec. Sec.  641.430 and 641.440 contain the responsibility 
criteria.) The Department also will take the rating criteria described 
in the Solicitation for Grant Applications or other instrument into 
consideration. These rating criteria will include relevant past 
performance.



Sec.  641.465  Under what circumstances may the Department reject an
application?

    (a) The Department may question any proposed project component of an 
application if it believes that the component will not serve the 
purposes of the SCSEP. The Department may reject the application if the 
applicant does not submit or negotiate an acceptable alternative.
    (b) The Department may reject any application that the Grant Officer 
determines unacceptable based on the content of the application, rating 
score, past performance, fiscal management, or any other factor the 
Grant Officer believes serves the best interest of the program, 
including the application's comparative rating in a competition.



Sec.  641.470  What happens if an applicant's application is rejected?

    (a) Any entity whose application is rejected in whole or in part 
will be informed that it has not been selected. The non-selected entity 
may request an explanation of the Department's basis for its rejection. 
If requested, the Department will provide the entity with feedback on 
its proposal. The non-selected entity may follow the procedures in Sec.  
641.900.
    (b) Incumbent grantees will not have an opportunity to obtain 
technical assistance provided by the Department under OAA Sec.  
513(d)(2)(B)(i) to cure, in an open competition, any deficiency in a 
proposal because that will create inequity in favor of incumbents. Nor, 
during an open competition, will the Department provide assistance to 
any applicant to improve its application.
    (c) If the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) rules, under Sec.  
641.900, that the organization should have been selected, in whole or in 
part, the matter must be remanded to the Grant Officer. The Grant 
Officer must, within 10 working days, determine whether the organization 
continues to meet the requirements of this part, and whether the 
positions which are the subject of the ALJ's decision will be awarded, 
in whole or in part, to the organization and the timing of the award. In 
making this determination, the Grant Officer must take into account 
disruption to participants, disruption to grantees, and the operational 
needs of the SCSEP.
    (d) In the event that the Grant Officer determines that it is not 
feasible to award any positions to the appealing applicant, the 
applicant will be awarded its bid preparation costs, or a pro rata share 
of those costs if the Grant Officer's finding applies to only a portion 
of the funds that would be awarded. If positions are awarded to the 
appealing applicant, that applicant is not entitled to the full grant 
amount but will only receive the funds remaining in the grant that have 
not been expended by the current grantee through its operation of the 
grant and its subsequent closeout. The available remedy in a SCSEP non-
selection appeal is neither retroactive nor immediately effective 
selection; rather it is the potential to be selected as a SCSEP grantee 
as quickly as administratively feasible in the future, for the remainder 
of the grant cycle.

[[Page 266]]

    (e) In the event that any party notifies the Grant Officer that it 
is not satisfied with the Grant Officer's decision, the Grant Officer 
must return the decision to the ALJ for review.
    (f) Any organization selected and/or funded as a SCSEP grantee is 
subject to having its positions reduced or to being removed as a SCSEP 
grantee if an ALJ decision so orders. The Grant Officer provides 
instructions on transition and closeout to both the newly designated 
grantee and to the grantee whose positions are affected or which is 
being removed. All parties must agree to the provisions of this 
paragraph as a condition of being a SCSEP grantee.



Sec.  641.480  May the Governor, or the highest government official,
make recommendations to the Department on national grant applications?

    (a) Yes, in accordance with Sec.  641.410(b), each Governor, or 
highest government official, will have a reasonable opportunity to make 
comments on any application to operate a SCSEP project located in the 
Governor's, or the highest government official's, State before the 
Department makes a final decision on a grant award. The Governor's, or 
the highest government official's, comments should be directed to the 
Department and may include the anticipated effect of the proposal on the 
overall distribution of program positions within the State; 
recommendations for redistribution of positions to underserved areas as 
vacancies occur in previously encumbered positions in other areas; and 
recommendations for distributing any new positions that may become 
available as a result of an increase in funding for the State. The 
Governor's, or the highest government official's, recommendations should 
be consistent with the State Plan. (OAA Sec.  503(a)(5)).
    (b) The Governor, or the highest government official, has the option 
of making the authorized recommendations on all applications or only on 
those applications proposed for award following the rating process. It 
is incumbent on each Governor, or the highest government official, to 
inform the Department of his or her intent to review the applications 
before or after the rating process.



Sec.  641.490  When will the Department compete SCSEP grant awards?

    (a)(1) The Department will hold a full and open competition for 
national grants every four years. (OAA Sec.  514(a)(1)).
    (2) If a national grantee meets the expected level of performance 
for each of the core indicators for each of the four years, the 
Department may provide an additional one-year grant to the national 
grantee. (OAA Sec.  514(a)(2)).



Sec.  641.495  When must a State compete its SCSEP award?

    If a State grantee fails to meet its expected levels of performance 
for three consecutive Program Years, the State must hold a full and open 
competition, under such conditions as the Secretary may provide, for the 
State SCSEP funds for the full Program Year following the determination 
of consecutive failure. (OAA Sec.  513(d)(3)(B)(iii)). The incumbent 
(failed) grantee is not eligible to compete. Other states are also not 
eligible to compete for these funds. Sec.  641.400(b)(2).



                   Subpart E_Services to Participants



Sec.  641.500  Who is eligible to participate in the SCSEP?

    Anyone who is at least 55 years old, unemployed (as defined in Sec.  
641.140), and who is a member of a family with an income that is not 
more than 125 percent of the family income levels prepared by the 
Department of Health and Human Services and approved by OMB (Federal 
poverty guidelines) is eligible to participate in the SCSEP. (OAA sec. 
518(a)(3), (9).) A person with a disability may be treated as a ``family 
of one'' for income eligibility determination purposes at the option of 
the applicant.

[82 FR 56883, Dec. 17, 2017]



Sec.  641.505  When is eligibility determined?

    Initial eligibility is determined at the time individuals apply to 
participate in the SCSEP. Once individuals become SCSEP participants, 
the grantee or sub-recipient is responsible for verifying their 
continued eligibility at least once every 12 months. Grantees

[[Page 267]]

and sub-recipients may also verify an individual's eligibility as 
circumstances require, including instances when enrollment is delayed.



Sec.  641.507  How is applicant income computed?

    An applicant's income is computed by calculating the includable 
income received by the applicant during the 12-month period ending on 
the date an individual submits an application to participate in the 
SCSEP, or the annualized income for the 6-month period ending on the 
application date. The Department requires grantees to use whichever 
method is more favorable to the individual. (OAA Sec.  518(a)(4)).



Sec.  641.510  What types of income are included and excluded for 
participant eligibility determinations?

    (a) With certain exceptions, the Department will use the definition 
of income from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS) 
as the standard for determining SCSEP applicant income eligibility.
    (b) Any income that is unemployment compensation, a benefit received 
under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), a 
payment made to or on behalf of veterans or former members of the Armed 
Forces under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, 
or 25 percent of a benefit received under title II of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), must be excluded from SCSEP income 
eligibility determinations. (OAA Sec.  518(a)(3)(A)).
    (c) The Department has issued administrative guidance on income 
inclusions and exclusions and procedures for determining SCSEP income 
eligibility. This guidance may be updated periodically.



Sec.  641.512  May grantees and sub-recipients enroll otherwise eligible
job ready individuals and place them directly into unsubsidized employment?

    No, grantees and sub-recipients may not enroll as SCSEP participants 
job-ready individuals who can be directly placed into unsubsidized 
employment. Such individuals should be referred to an employment 
provider, such as the One-Stop Center for job placement assistance under 
WIOA or another employment program.

[82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.515  How must grantees and sub-recipients recruit and select
eligible individuals for participation in the SCSEP?

    (a) Grantees and sub-recipients must develop methods of recruitment 
and selection that assure that the maximum number of eligible 
individuals have an opportunity to participate in the program. To the 
extent feasible, grantees and sub-recipients should seek to enroll 
minority and Indian eligible individuals, eligible individuals with 
limited English proficiency, and eligible individuals with greatest 
economic need, at least in proportion to their numbers in the area, 
taking into consideration their rates of poverty and unemployment. (OAA 
Sec.  502(b)(1)(M)).
    (b) Grantees and sub-recipients must use the One-Stop delivery 
system as one method in the recruitment and selection of eligible 
individuals to ensure that the maximum number of eligible individuals 
have an opportunity to participate in the project. (OAA Sec.  
502(b)(1)(H)).
    (c) States may enter into agreements among themselves to permit 
cross-border enrollment of eligible participants. Such agreements should 
cover both State and national grantee positions and must be submitted to 
the Department for approval in the grant application or a modification 
of the grant.



Sec.  641.520  Are there any priorities that grantees and sub-recipients
must use in selecting eligible individuals for participation in the SCSEP?

    (a) Yes, in selecting eligible individuals for participation in the 
SCSEP, priority must be given to individuals who have one or more of the 
following characteristics:
    (1) Are 65 years of age or older;
    (2) Have a disability;
    (3) Have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills;
    (4) Reside in a rural area;
    (5) Are veterans (or, in some cases, spouses of veterans) for 
purposes of Sec.  2(a) of the Jobs for Veterans Act, 38 U.S.C. 4215(a) 
as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section;

[[Page 268]]

    (6) Have low employment prospects;
    (7) Have failed to find employment after using services provided 
through the One-Stop delivery system; or
    (8) Are homeless or are at risk for homelessness. (OAA Sec.  
518(b)).
    (b) Section 2(a) of the Jobs for Veterans Act creates a priority for 
service for veterans (and, in some cases, spouses of veterans) who 
otherwise meet the program eligibility criteria for the SCSEP. 38 U.S.C. 
4215(a). Priority is extended to veterans. Priority is also extended to 
the spouse of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability; the 
spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who has been 
listed for a total of more than 90 days as missing in action, captured 
in the line of duty by a hostile force, or forcibly detained by a 
foreign government or power; the spouse of any veteran who has a total 
disability resulting from a service-connected disability; and the spouse 
of any veteran who died while a disability so evaluated was in 
existence.
    (c) Grantees and sub-recipients must apply these priorities in the 
following order:
    (1) Persons who qualify as a veteran or qualified spouse under Sec.  
2(a) of the Jobs for Veterans Act, 38 U.S.C. 4215(a), and who possess at 
least one of the other priority characteristics;
    (2) Persons who qualify as a veteran or qualified spouse under Sec.  
2(a) of the Jobs for Veterans Act, 38 U.S.C. 4215(a), who do not possess 
any other of the priority characteristics;
    (3) Persons who do not qualify as a veteran or qualified spouse 
under Sec.  2(a) of the Jobs for Veterans Act (non-veterans), and who 
possess at least one of the other priority characteristics.



Sec.  641.535  What services must grantees and sub-recipients provide
to participants?

    (a) When individuals are selected for participation in the SCSEP, 
the grantee or sub-recipient is responsible for:
    (1) Providing orientation to the SCSEP, including information on 
project goals and objectives, community service assignments, training 
opportunities, available supportive services, the availability of a free 
physical examination, participant rights and responsibilities, and 
permitted and prohibited political activities;
    (2)(i) Assessing participants' work history, skills and interests, 
talents, physical capabilities, aptitudes, needs for supportive 
services, occupational preferences, training needs, potential for 
performing community service assignments, and potential for transition 
to unsubsidized employment;
    (ii) Performing an initial assessment upon program entry, unless an 
assessment has already been performed under title I of WIOA as provided 
in Sec.  641.230. Subsequent assessments may be made as necessary, but 
must be made no less frequently than two times during a 12-month period 
(including the initial assessment);
    (3)(i) Using the information gathered during the initial assessment 
to develop an IEP that includes an appropriate employment goal for each 
participant, except that if an assessment has already been performed and 
an IEP developed under title I of WIOA, the WIOA assessment and IEP will 
satisfy the requirement for a SCSEP assessment and IEP as provided in 
Sec.  641.230;
    (ii) Updating the IEP as necessary to reflect information gathered 
during the subsequent participant assessments (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(N));
    (iii) The initial IEP should include an appropriate employment goal 
for each participant. Thereafter, if the grantee determines that the 
participant is not likely to obtain unsubsidized employment, the IEP 
must reflect other approaches to help the participant achieve self-
sufficiency, including the transition to other services or programs.
    (4) Placing participants in appropriate community service 
assignments in the community in which they reside, or in a nearby 
community (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(B));
    (5) Providing or arranging for training identified in participants' 
IEPs and consistent with the SCSEP's goal of unsubsidized employment 
(OAA Sec.  502(a)(1), 502(b)(1)(B), 502(b)(1)(I), 502(b)(1)(N)(ii));
    (6) Assisting participants in obtaining needed supportive services 
identified in their IEPs (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(N));
    (7) Providing appropriate services for participants, or referring 
participants

[[Page 269]]

to appropriate services, through the One-Stop delivery system 
established under WIOA (OAA sec. 502(b)(1)(O));
    (8) Providing counseling on participants' progress in meeting the 
goals and objectives identified in their IEPs, and in meeting their 
supportive service needs (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(N)(iii));
    (9) Providing participants with wages and benefits for time spent in 
the community service assignment, orientation, and training (OAA Sec.  
502(b)(1)(I), 502(b)(1)(J), 502(c)(6)(A)(i)) (see also Sec. Sec.  
641.565 and 641.540(f), addressing wages and benefits);
    (10) Ensuring that participants have safe and healthy working 
conditions at their community service employment worksites (OAA Sec.  
502(b)(1)(J));
    (11) Assisting participants in obtaining unsubsidized employment, 
including providing or arranging for employment counseling in support of 
their IEPs;
    (b) The Department may issue administrative guidance that clarifies 
the requirements of paragraph (a).
    (c) Grantees may not use SCSEP funds for job ready individuals who 
only need job search assistance or job referral services. Grantees may 
provide job search assistance and job club activities to participants 
who are enrolled in the SCSEP and are assigned to community service 
assignments. (See also Sec.  641.512).

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.540  What types of training may grantees and sub-recipients
provide to SCSEP participants in addition to the training received at
a community service assignment?

    (a) In addition to the training provided in a community service 
assignment, grantees and sub-recipients may arrange skill training 
provided that it:
    (1) Is realistic and consistent with the participants' IEP;
    (2) Makes the most effective use of the participant's skills and 
talents; and
    (3) Prepares the participant for unsubsidized employment.
    (b) Training may be provided before or during a community service 
assignment.
    (c) Training may be in the form of lectures, seminars, classroom 
instruction, individual instruction, online instruction, and on-the-job 
experiences. Training may be provided by the grantee or through other 
arrangements, including but not limited to, arrangements with other 
workforce development programs such as WIOA. (OAA sec. 
502(c)(6)(A)(ii).)
    (d) Grantees and sub-recipients are encouraged to obtain training 
through locally available resources, including host agencies, at no cost 
or reduced cost to the SCSEP.
    (e) Grantees and sub-recipients may pay for participant training, 
including the payment of reasonable costs of instructors, classroom 
rental, training supplies, materials, equipment, and tuition. (OAA Sec.  
502(c)(6)(A)(ii)).
    (f) Participants must be paid wages while in training, as described 
in Sec.  641.565(a). (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(I)).
    (g) As provided in Sec.  641.545, grantees and sub-recipients may 
pay for costs associated with supportive services, such as 
transportation, necessary to participate in training. (OAA Sec.  
502(b)(1)(L)).
    (h) Nothing in this section prevents or limits participants from 
engaging in self-development training available through other sources, 
at their own expense, during hours when not performing their community 
service assignments.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.545  What supportive services may grantees and sub-recipients
provide to participants?

    (a) Grantees and sub-recipients are required to assess all 
participants' need for supportive services and to make every effort to 
assist participants in obtaining needed supportive services. Grantees 
and sub-recipients may provide directly or arrange for supportive 
services that are necessary to enable an individual to successfully 
participate in a SCSEP project, including but not limited to payment of 
reasonable costs of transportation; health and medical services; special 
job-related or personal counseling; incidentals such as work shoes, 
badges, uniforms, eyeglasses, and tools; dependent care; housing, 
including temporary shelter; needs-related payments; and follow-up

[[Page 270]]

services. (OAA secs. 502(c)(6)(A)(iv), 518(a)(8).)
    (b) To the extent practicable, the grantee or sub-recipient should 
arrange for the payment of these expenses from other resources.
    (c) Grantees and sub-recipients are encouraged to contact placed 
participants throughout the first 12 months following placement to 
determine if they have the necessary supportive services to remain in 
the job and to provide or arrange to provide such services if feasible.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.550  What responsibility do grantees and sub-recipients have
to place participants in unsubsidized employment?

    For those participants whose IEPs include a goal of unsubsidized 
employment, grantees and sub-recipients are responsible for working with 
participants to ensure that the participants are receiving services and 
taking actions designed to help them achieve this goal. Grantees and 
sub-recipients must contact private and public employers directly or 
through the One-Stop delivery system to develop or identify suitable 
unsubsidized employment opportunities. They must also encourage host 
agencies to assist participants in their transition to unsubsidized 
employment, including unsubsidized employment with the host agency.



Sec.  641.565  What policies govern the provision of wages and benefits
to participants?

    (a) Wages. (1)(i) Grantees and sub-recipients must pay participants 
the highest applicable required wage for time spent in orientation, 
training, and community service assignments.
    (ii) SCSEP participants may be paid the highest applicable required 
wage while receiving WIOA career services.
    (2) The highest applicable required wage is either the minimum wage 
applicable under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; the State or 
local minimum wage for the most nearly comparable covered employment; or 
the prevailing rate of pay for persons employed in similar public 
occupations by the same employer.
    (3) Grantees and sub-recipients must make any adjustments to minimum 
wage rates payable to participants as may be required by Federal, State, 
or local statute during the grant term.
    (b) Benefits--(1) Required benefits. Except as provided in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section, grantees and sub-recipients must ensure that 
participants receive such benefits as are required by law.
    (i) Grantees and sub-recipients must provide benefits uniformly to 
all participants within a project or subproject, unless the Department 
agrees to waive this provision due to a determination that such a waiver 
is in the best interests of applicants, participants, and project 
administration.
    (ii) Grantees and sub-recipients must offer participants the 
opportunity to receive physical examinations annually.
    (A) Physical examinations are a benefit, and not an eligibility 
criterion. The examining physician must provide, to the participant 
only, a written report of the results of the examination.
    (B) Participants may choose not to accept the physical examination. 
In that case, the grantee or sub-recipient must document this refusal, 
through a signed statement, within 60 workdays after commencement of the 
community service assignment. Each year thereafter, grantees and sub-
recipients must offer the physical examination and document the offer 
and any participant's refusal.
    (C) Grantees and sub-recipients may use SCSEP funds to pay the costs 
of physical examinations.
    (iii) When participants are not covered by the State workers' 
compensation law, the grantee or sub-recipient must provide participants 
with workers' compensation benefits equal to those provided by law for 
covered employment. OAA Sec.  504(b).
    (iv) If required by State law, grantees/sub-recipients must provide 
unemployment compensation coverage for participants.
    (v) Grantees and sub-recipients must provide compensation for 
scheduled work hours during which a host agency's business is closed for 
a Federal

[[Page 271]]

holiday, which may be paid or in the form of rescheduled work time.
    (vi) Grantees and sub-recipients must provide necessary sick leave 
that is not part of an accumulated sick leave program, which may be paid 
or in the form of rescheduled work time.
    (2) Prohibited wage and benefits costs. (i) Participants may not 
carry over allowable benefits from one Program Year to the next;
    (ii) Grantees and sub-recipients may not provide payment or 
otherwise compensate participants for unused benefits such as sick leave 
or holidays;
    (iii) Grantees and sub-recipients may not use SCSEP funds to cover 
costs associated with the following participant benefits:
    (A) Retirement. Grantees and sub-recipients may not use SCSEP funds 
to provide contributions into a retirement system or plan, or to pay the 
cost of pension benefits for program participants.
    (B) Annual leave.
    (C) Accumulated sick leave.
    (D) Bonuses. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(6)(A)(i)).

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56883, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.570  Is there a time limit for participation in the program?

    (a) Individual time limit. (1) Eligible individuals may participate 
in the program for a maximum duration of 48 months in the aggregate 
(whether or not consecutive), from the later of July 1, 2007, or the 
date of the individual's enrollment in the program.
    (2) At the time of enrollment, the grantee or sub-recipient must 
inform the participant of this time limit and the possible extension 
available under paragraph (b) of this section, and the grantee or sub-
recipient must provide for a system to transition participants to 
unsubsidized employment or other assistance before the maximum 
enrollment duration has expired. Provisions for transition must be 
reflected in the participant's IEP.
    (3) If requested by a grantee or sub-recipient, the Department will 
authorize an extension for individuals who meet the criteria in 
paragraph (b) of this section. Notwithstanding any individual extensions 
granted, grantees and sub-recipients must ensure that projects do not 
exceed the overall average participation cap for all participants, as 
described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (b) Increased periods of individual participation. If requested by a 
grantee, the Department will authorize increased periods of 
participation for individuals who:
    (1) Have a severe disability;
    (2) Are frail or are age 75 or older;
    (3) Meet the eligibility requirements related to age for, but do not 
receive, benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
401 et seq.);
    (4) Live in an area with persistent unemployment and are individuals 
with severely limited employment prospects; or
    (5) Have limited English proficiency or low literacy skills.
    (c) Average grantee participation cap. (1) Notwithstanding any 
individual extension authorized under paragraph (b) of this section, 
each grantee must manage its SCSEP project in such a way that the 
grantee does not exceed an average participation cap for all 
participants of 27 months (in the aggregate).
    (2) A grantee may request, and the Department may authorize, an 
extended average participation period of up to 36 months (in the 
aggregate) for a particular project area in a given Program Year if the 
Department determines that extenuating circumstances exist to justify an 
extension, due to one more of the following factors:
    (i) High rates of unemployment or of poverty or of participation in 
the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy 
families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security 
Act, in the areas served by a grantee, relative to other areas of the 
State involved or the Nation;
    (ii) Significant downturns in the economy of an area served by the 
grantee or in the national economy;
    (iii) Significant numbers or proportions of participants with one or 
more barriers to employment, including ``most-in-need'' individuals 
described in Sec.  641.710(a)(6), served by a grantee relative to such 
numbers or proportions for grantees serving other areas of the State or 
Nation;

[[Page 272]]

    (iv) Changes in Federal, State, or local minimum wage requirements; 
or
    (v) Limited economies of scale for the provision of community 
service employment and other authorized activities in the areas served 
by the grantee.
    (3) For purposes of the average participation cap, each grantee will 
be considered to be one project.
    (d) Authorized break in participation. On occasion a participant 
takes an authorized break in participation from the program, such as a 
formal leave of absence necessitated by personal circumstances or a 
break caused because a suitable community service assignment is not 
available. Such an authorized break, if taken under a formal grantee 
policy allowing such breaks and formally entered into the SCSEP 
Performance and Results Quarterly Performance Reporting (SPARQ) system, 
will not count toward the individual time limit described in paragraph 
(a) or the average participation cap described in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (e) Administrative guidance. The Department will issue 
administrative guidance detailing the process by which a grantee may 
request increased periods of individual participation, and the process 
by which a grantee may request an extension of the average participation 
cap. The process will require that the determination of individual 
participant extension requests is made in a fair and equitable manner.
    (f) Grantee authority. Grantees may limit the time of participation 
for individuals to less than the 48 months described in paragraph (a) of 
this section, if the grantee uniformly applies the lower participation 
limit, and if the grantee submits a description of the lower 
participation limit policy in its grant application or modification of 
the grant and the Department approves the policy. (OAA Sec. Sec.  
502(b)(1)(C), 518(a)(3)(B)).



Sec.  641.575  May a grantee or sub-recipient establish a limit on the
amount of time its participants may spend at a host agency?

    Yes, grantees and sub-recipients may establish limits on the amount 
of time that participants spend at a particular host agency, and are 
encouraged to rotate participants among different host agencies, or to 
different assignments within the same host agency, as such rotations may 
increase participants' skills development and employment opportunities. 
Such limits must be established in the grant agreement or modification 
of the grant, and approved by the Department. The Department will not 
approve any limit that does not require an individualized determination 
that rotation is in the best interest of the participant and will 
further the acquisition of skills listed in the IEP. Host agency 
rotations have no effect on either the individual participation limit or 
the average participation cap.



Sec.  641.577  Is there a limit on community service assignment hours?

    While there is no specific limit on the number of hours that may be 
worked in a community service assignment, a community service assignment 
must be a part-time position. However, the Department strongly 
encourages grantees to use 1,300 hours as a benchmark and good practice 
for monitoring community service hours.



Sec.  641.580  Under what circumstances may a grantee or sub-recipient
terminate a participant?

    (a) If, at any time, a grantee or sub-recipient determines that a 
participant was incorrectly declared eligible as a result of false 
information knowingly given by that individual, the grantee or sub-
recipient must give the participant immediate written notice explaining 
the reason(s) for termination and may terminate the participant 30 days 
after it has provided the participant with written notice.
    (b) If, during eligibility verification under Sec.  641.505, a 
grantee or sub-recipient finds a participant to be no longer eligible 
for enrollment, the grantee or sub-recipient must give the participant 
written notice explaining the reason(s) for termination and may 
terminate the participant 30 days after it has provided the participant 
with written notice.
    (c) If, at any time, the grantee or sub-recipient determines that it 
incorrectly determined a participant to be

[[Page 273]]

eligible for the program through no fault of the participant, the 
grantee or sub-recipient must give the participant immediate written 
notice explaining the reason(s) for termination and may terminate the 
participant 30 days after it has provided the participant with written 
notice.
    (d) A grantee or sub-recipient may terminate a participant for 
cause. Grantees must include their policies concerning for-cause 
terminations in the grant application and obtain the Department's 
approval. The grantee or sub-recipient must give the participant written 
notice explaining the reason(s) for termination and may terminate the 
participant 30 days after it has provided the participant with written 
notice.
    (e) A grantee or sub-recipient may terminate a participant if the 
participant refuses to accept a reasonable number of job offers or 
referrals to unsubsidized employment consistent with the IEP and there 
are no extenuating circumstances that would hinder the participant from 
moving to unsubsidized employment. The grantee or sub-recipient must 
give the participant written notice explaining the reason(s) for 
termination and may terminate the participant 30 days after it has 
provided the participant with written notice.
    (f) When a grantee or sub-recipient makes an unfavorable 
determination of enrollment eligibility under paragraph (b) or (c) of 
this section, it should refer the individual to other potential sources 
of assistance, such as the One-Stop delivery system. When a grantee or 
sub-recipient terminates a participant under paragraph (d) or (e) of 
this section, it may refer the individual to other potential sources of 
assistance, such as the One-Stop delivery system.
    (g) Grantees and sub-recipients must provide each participant at the 
time of enrollment with a written copy of its policies for terminating a 
participant for cause or otherwise, and must verbally review those 
policies with each participant.
    (h) Any termination, as described in paragraphs (a) through (e) of 
this section, must be consistent with administrative guidelines issued 
by the Department and the termination notice must inform the participant 
of the grantee's grievance procedure, and the termination must be 
subject to the applicable grievance procedures described in Sec.  
641.910.
    (i) Participants may not be terminated from the program solely on 
the basis of their age. Grantees and sub-recipients may not impose an 
upper age limit for participation in the SCSEP.



Sec.  641.585  What is the employment status of SCSEP participants?

    (a) Participants are not considered Federal employees solely as a 
result of their participation in the SCSEP. (OAA Sec.  504(a)).
    (b) Grantees must determine whether or not a participant qualifies 
as an employee of the grantee, sub-recipient, local project, or host 
agency, under applicable law. Responsibility for this determination 
rests with the grantee even when a Federal agency is a grantee or host 
agency.



         Subpart F_Pilot, Demonstration, and Evaluation Projects



Sec.  641.600  What is the purpose of the pilot, demonstration, and
evaluation projects authorized under Sec.  502(e) of the OAA?

    The purpose of the pilot, demonstration, and evaluation projects 
authorized under Sec.  502(e) of the OAA is to develop and implement 
techniques and approaches, and to demonstrate the effectiveness of these 
techniques and approaches, in addressing the employment and training 
needs of individuals eligible for SCSEP.



Sec.  641.610  How are pilot, demonstration, and evaluation projects
administered?

    The Department may enter into agreements with States, public 
agencies, nonprofit private organizations, or private business concerns, 
as may be necessary, to conduct pilot, demonstration, and evaluation 
projects.



Sec.  641.620  How may an organization apply for pilot, demonstration,
and evaluation project funding?

    Organizations applying for pilot, demonstration, and evaluation 
project funding must follow the instructions

[[Page 274]]

issued by the Department. Instructions for these unique funding 
opportunities are published in TEGLs available at http://www.doleta.gov/
Seniors.



Sec.  641.630  What pilot, demonstration, and evaluation project activities
are allowable under the Older Americans Act?

    Allowable pilot, demonstration and evaluation projects include:
    (a) Activities linking businesses and eligible individuals, 
including activities providing assistance to participants transitioning 
from subsidized activities to private sector employment;
    (b) Demonstration projects and pilot projects designed to:
    (1) Attract more eligible individuals into the labor force;
    (2) Improve the provision of services to eligible individuals under 
One-Stop delivery systems established under title I of WIOA;
    (3) Enhance the technological skills of eligible individuals; and
    (4) Provide incentives to SCSEP grantees for exemplary performance 
and incentives to businesses to promote their participation in the 
SCSEP;
    (c) Demonstration projects and pilot projects, as described in 
paragraph (b) of this section, for workers who are older individuals 
(but targeted to eligible individuals) only if such demonstration 
projects and pilot projects are designed to assist in developing and 
implementing techniques and approaches in addressing the employment and 
training needs of eligible individuals;
    (d) Provision of training and technical assistance to support a 
SCSEP project;
    (e) Dissemination of best practices relating to employment of 
eligible individuals; and
    (f) Evaluation of SCSEP activities.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56884, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.640  Should pilot, demonstration, and evaluation project 
entities coordinate with SCSEP grantees and sub-recipients, including
area agencies on aging?

    (a) To the extent practicable, the Department will provide an 
opportunity, before the development of a demonstration or pilot project, 
for the appropriate area agency on aging and SCSEP grantees and sub-
grantees to submit comments on the project in order to ensure 
coordination of SCSEP activities with activities carried out under this 
subpart.
    (b) To the extent practicable, entities carrying out pilot, 
demonstration, and evaluation projects must consult with appropriate 
area agencies on aging, SCSEP grantees and sub-grantees, and other 
appropriate agencies and entities to promote coordination of SCSEP and 
pilot, demonstration, and evaluation activities. (OAA Sec.  502(e)).



                  Subpart G_Performance Accountability

    Source: 82 FR 56884, Dec. 1, 2017, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  641.700  What performance measures apply to Senior Community 
Service Employment Program grantees?

    (a) Measures of performance. There are seven core performance 
measures. Core measures (defined in Sec.  641.710) are subject to goal-
setting and corrective action (described in Sec.  641.720); that is, 
performance level goals for each core measure must be agreed upon 
between the Department and each grantee as described in Sec.  641.720, 
and if a grantee fails to meet the performance level goals for the core 
measures, that grantee is subject to corrective action.
    (b) Core measures. Section 513(b)(1) of the OAA establishes the 
following core measures of performance:
    (1) Hours (in the aggregate) of community service employment;
    (2) The percentage of project participants who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the second quarter after exit from the project;
    (3) The percentage of project participants who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the project;
    (4) The median earnings of project participants who are in 
unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the 
project;
    (5) Indicators of effectiveness in serving employers, host agencies, 
and project participants;
    (6) The number of eligible individuals served; and

[[Page 275]]

    (7) The number of most-in-need individuals served (the number of 
participating individuals described in OAA sec. 518(a)(3)(B)(ii) or 
(b)(2)).
    (c) Affected entities. The core measures of performance are 
applicable to each grantee without regard to whether such grantee 
operates the program directly or through sub-contracts, sub-grants, or 
agreements with other entities. Grantees must assure that their sub-
grantees and lower-tier sub-grantees are collecting and reporting 
program data.
    (d) Required evaluation and reporting. An agreement to be evaluated 
on the core measures of performance is a requirement for application 
for, and is a condition of, all SCSEP grants.



Sec.  641.710  How are the performance measures defined?

    The core measures are defined as follows:
    (a) ``Hours of community service employment'' is defined as the 
total number of hours of community service provided by SCSEP 
participants divided by the number of hours of community service funded 
by the grantee's grant, after adjusting for differences in minimum wage 
among the States and areas. Paid training hours are excluded from this 
measure.
    (b) ``The percentage of project participants who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the second quarter after exit from the project'' is 
defined by the formula: The number of participants who exited during the 
reporting period who are employed in unsubsidized employment during the 
second quarter after the exit quarter divided by the number of 
participants who exited during the reporting period multiplied by 100.
    (c) ``The percentage of project participants who are in unsubsidized 
employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the project'' is 
defined by the formula: The number of participants who exited during the 
reporting period who are employed in unsubsidized employment during the 
fourth quarter after the exit quarter divided by the number of 
participants who exited during the reporting period multiplied by 100.
    (d) ``The median earnings of project participants who are in 
unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the 
project'' is defined by the formula: For all participants who exited and 
are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after the exit 
quarter: The wage that is at the midpoint (of all the wages) between the 
highest and lowest wage earned in the second quarter after the exit 
quarter.
    (e) ``Indicators of effectiveness in serving employers, host 
agencies, and project participants'' is defined as the combined results 
of customer assessments of the services received by each of these three 
customer groups.
    (f) ``The number of eligible individuals served'' is defined as the 
total number of participants served divided by a grantee's authorized 
number of positions, after adjusting for differences in minimum wage 
among the States and areas.
    (g) ``Most-in-need'' or the number of participating individuals 
described in OAA sec. 518(a)(3)(B)(ii) or (b)(2) is defined by counting 
the total number of the following characteristics for all participants 
and dividing by the number of participants served. Participants are 
characterized as most-in-need if they:
    (1) Have a severe disability;
    (2) Are frail;
    (3) Are age 75 or older;
    (4) Meet the eligibility requirements related to age for, but do not 
receive, benefits under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
401 et seq.);
    (5) Live in an area with persistent unemployment and are individuals 
with severely limited employment prospects;
    (6) Have limited English proficiency;
    (7) Have low literacy skills;
    (8) Have a disability;
    (9) Reside in a rural area;
    (10) Are veterans;
    (11) Have low employment prospects;
    (12) Have failed to find employment after utilizing services 
provided under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; 
or
    (13) Are homeless or at risk for homelessness.

[[Page 276]]



Sec.  641.720  How will the Department and grantees initially determine
and then adjust expected levels of the core performance measures?

    (a) First 2 years. Before the beginning of the first program year of 
the grant, each grantee must reach agreement with the Department on 
levels of performance for each measure listed in Sec.  641.700 for each 
of the first 2 program years covered by the grant agreement. In reaching 
the agreement, the grantee and the Department must take into account the 
expected levels of performance proposed by the grantee and the factors 
described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    The levels agreed to will be considered the expected levels of 
performance for the grantee for such program years. Funds may not be 
awarded under the grant until such agreement is reached. At the 
conclusion of negotiations concerning the performance levels with all 
grantees, the Department will make available for public review the final 
negotiated expected levels of performance for each grantee, including 
any comments submitted by the grantee regarding the grantee's 
satisfaction with the negotiated levels.
    (b) Third and fourth year. Each grantee must reach agreement with 
the Department prior to the third program year covered by the grant 
agreement, on levels of performance for each measure listed in Sec.  
641.700, for each of the third and fourth program years so covered. In 
reaching the agreement, the grantee and the Department must take into 
account the expected levels of performance proposed by the grantee and 
the factors described in paragraph (c) of this section. The levels 
agreed to will be considered to be the expected levels of performance 
for the grantee for such program years. Funds may not be awarded under 
the grant until such agreement is reached. At the conclusion of 
negotiations concerning the performance levels with all grantees, the 
Department will make available for public review the final negotiated 
expected levels of performance for each grantee, including any comments 
submitted by the grantee regarding the grantee's satisfaction with the 
negotiated levels.
    (c) Factors. In reaching the agreements described in paragraphs (a) 
and (b) of this section, each grantee and the Department must:
    (1) Take into account how the levels involved compare with the 
expected levels of performance established for other grantees;
    (2) Ensure that the levels involved are adjusted, using an objective 
statistical model based on the model established by the Secretary of 
Labor with the Secretary of Education in accordance with sec. 
116(b)(3)(A)(viii) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
U.S.C. 3141(b)(3)(A)(viii)); and
    (3) Take into account the extent to which the levels involved 
promote continuous improvement in performance accountability on the core 
measures and ensure optimal return on the investment of Federal funds.
    (d) Adjustments based on economic conditions and individuals served 
during the program year. The Department will, in accordance with the 
objective statistical model developed pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section, adjust the expected levels of performance for a program 
year for grantees to reflect the actual economic conditions and 
characteristics of participants in the corresponding projects during 
such program year.



Sec.  641.730  How will the Department assist grantees in the transition
to the new core performance measures?

    As soon as practicable after January 2, 2018, the Department will 
determine if a SCSEP grantee's performance under the measures in effect 
prior to January 2, 2018 would have met the expected levels of 
performance for the Program Year 2018. If the Department determines that 
the grantee would have failed to meet the Program Year 2018 expected 
levels of performance, the Department will provide technical assistance 
to help the grantee to transition to eventually meet the expected levels 
of performance under the measures in Sec.  641.700.

[[Page 277]]



Sec.  641.740  How will the Department determine whether a grantee fails,
meets, or exceeds the expected levels of performance and what will be the 
consequences of failing to meet expected levels of performance?

    (a) Aggregate calculation of performance. Not later than 120 days 
after the end of each program year, the Department will determine if a 
grantee has met the expected levels of performance including any 
adjustments to such levels made in accordance with Sec.  641.720(d) by 
aggregating the grantee's core measures. The aggregate is calculated by 
combining the percentage of goal achieved on each of the individual core 
measures to obtain an average score. A grantee will fail to meet its 
performance measures when it is does not meet 80 percent of the agreed-
upon level of performance for the aggregate of all the core measures. 
Performance in the range of 80 to 100 percent constitutes meeting the 
level for the core performance measures. Performance in excess of 100 
percent constitutes exceeding the level for the core performance 
measures.
    (b) Consequences--(1) National grantees. (i) If the Department 
determines that a national grantee fails to meet the expected levels of 
performance in a program year, as described in paragraph (a) of this 
section, the Department, after each year of such failure, will provide 
technical assistance and will require such grantee to submit a 
corrective action plan not later than 160 days after the end of the 
program year.
    (ii) The corrective action plan must detail the steps the grantee 
will take to meet the expected levels of performance in the next program 
year.
    (iii) Any national grantee that has failed to meet the expected 
levels of performance for 4 consecutive years will not be allowed to 
compete in the subsequent grant competition, but may compete in the next 
grant competition after that subsequent competition.
    (2) State grantees. (i) If the Department determines that a State 
fails to meet the expected levels of performance, as described in 
paragraph (a) of this section, the Department, after each year of such 
failure, will provide technical assistance and will require the State to 
submit a corrective action plan not later than 160 days after the end of 
the program year.
    (ii) The corrective action plan must detail the steps the State will 
take to meet the expected levels of performance in the next program 
year.
    (iii) If the Department determines that the State fails to meet the 
expected levels of performance for 3 consecutive program years the 
Department will require the State to conduct a competition to award the 
funds allotted to the State under sec. 506(e) of the OAA for the first 
full program year following the Department's determination. The new 
grantee will be responsible for administering the SCSEP in the State and 
will be subject to the same requirements and responsibilities as had 
been the State grantee.
    (c) Evaluation. The Department will annually evaluate, publish and 
make available for public review, information on the actual performance 
of each grantee with respect to the levels achieved for each of the core 
measures of performance, compared to the expected levels of performance 
established under Sec.  641.720 (including any adjustments to such 
levels made in accordance with Sec.  641.720(d)). The results of the 
Department's annual evaluation will be reported to Congress.



Sec.  641.750  Will there be performance-related incentives?

    The Department is authorized by OAA secs. 502(e)(2)(B)(iv) and 
517(c)(1) to use recaptured SCSEP funds to provide incentive awards. The 
Department will exercise this authority at its discretion.



                  Subpart H_Administrative Requirements



Sec.  641.800  What uniform administrative requirements apply to the use
of SCSEP funds?

    (a) SCSEP recipients and sub-recipients must follow the uniform 
administrative requirements and allowable cost requirements that apply 
to their type of organization. (OAA Sec.  503(f)(2)).
    (b) Governments, State, local, and Indian tribal organizations that 
receive

[[Page 278]]

SCSEP funds under grants or cooperative agreements must follow the 
common rule implementing OMB Circular A-102, ``Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements with State and Local Governments'' (10/07/1994) (further 
amended 08/29/1997), codified at 29 CFR part 97.
    (c) Nonprofit and commercial organizations, institutions of higher 
education, hospitals, other nonprofit organizations, and commercial 
organizations that receive SCSEP funds under grants or cooperative 
agreements must follow the common rule implementing OMB Circular A-110, 
codified at 29 CFR part 95.



Sec.  641.803  What is program income?

    Program income, as described in 29 CFR 97.25 (State and local 
governments) and 29 CFR 95.2(bb) (non-profit and commercial 
organizations), is income earned by the recipient or sub-recipient 
during the grant period that is directly generated by an allowable 
activity supported by grant funds or earned as a result of the award of 
grant funds. Program income includes income earned from license fees and 
royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, 
trademarks, and inventions produced under an award. (See 29 CFR 95.24(e) 
(non-profit and commercial organizations) and 29 CFR 97.25(e) (State and 
local governments)). Costs of generating SCSEP program income may be 
deducted from gross income received by SCSEP recipients and sub-
recipients to determine SCSEP program income earned or generated 
provided these costs have not been charged to the SCSEP.



Sec.  641.806  How must SCSEP program income be used?

    (a) SCSEP recipients that earn or generate program income during the 
grant period must add the program income to the Federal and non-Federal 
funds committed to the SCSEP and must use it to further the purposes of 
the program and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant 
award. Program income may only be spent during the grant period in which 
it was earned (except as provided for in paragraph (b)), as provided in 
29 CFR 95.24(a) (non-profit and commercial organizations) or 29 CFR 
97.25(g) (2) (State and local governments), as applicable.
    (b)(1) Except as provided for in paragraph (b)(2), recipients that 
continue to receive a SCSEP grant from the Department must spend program 
income earned from SCSEP-funded activities in the Program Year in which 
the earned income was received.
    (2) Any program income remaining at the end of the Program Year in 
which it was earned will remain available for expenditure in the 
subsequent Program Year only. Any program income remaining after the 
second Program Year must be remitted to the Department.
    (c) Recipients that do not continue to receive a SCSEP grant from 
the Department must remit unexpended program income earned during the 
grant period from SCSEP funded activities to the Department at the end 
of the grant period. These recipients have no obligation to the 
Department for program income earned after the end of the grant period.



Sec.  641.809  What non-Federal share (matching) requirements apply to
the use of SCSEP funds?

    (a) The Department will pay no more than 90 percent of the total 
cost of activities carried out under a SCSEP grant. (OAA sec. 
502(c)(1)).
    (b) All SCSEP recipients, including Federal agencies if there is no 
statutory exemption, must provide or ensure that at least 10 percent of 
the total cost of activities carried out under a SCSEP grant (non-
Federal share of costs) consists of allowable costs paid for with non-
Federal funds, except as provided in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this 
section.
    (c) Recipients must determine the non-Federal share of costs in 
accordance with 29 CFR 97.24 for governmental units, or 29 CFR 95.23 for 
nonprofit and commercial organizations.
    (d) The non-Federal share of costs may be provided in cash, or in-
kind, or a combination of the two. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(2)).
    (e) A recipient may not require a sub-recipient or host agency to 
provide non-Federal resources for the use of the SCSEP project as a 
condition of entering into a sub-recipient or host

[[Page 279]]

agency relationship. This does not preclude a sub-recipient or host 
agency from voluntarily contributing non-Federal resources for the use 
of the SCSEP project.
    (f) The Department may pay all of the costs of activities in an 
emergency or disaster project or a project in an economically distressed 
area. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(1)(B)).



Sec.  641.812  What is the period of availability of SCSEP funds?

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  641.815, recipients must expend 
SCSEP funds during the Program Year for which they are awarded (July 1-
June 30). (OAA Sec.  517(b)).
    (b) SCSEP recipients must ensure that no sub-agreement provides for 
the expenditure of any SCSEP funds before the start of the grant year, 
or after the end of the grant period, except as provided in Sec.  
641.815.



Sec.  641.815  May the period of availability be extended?

    SCSEP recipients may request in writing, and the Department may 
grant, an extension of the period during which SCSEP funds may be 
obligated or expended. SCSEP recipients requesting an extension must 
justify that an extension is necessary. (OAA Sec.  517(b)). The 
Department will notify recipients in writing of the approval or 
disapproval of any such requests.



Sec.  641.821  What audit requirements apply to the use of SCSEP funds?

    (a) Recipients and sub-recipients receiving Federal awards of SCSEP 
funds must follow the audit requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of 
this section that apply to their type of organization. As used here, 
Federal awards of SCSEP funds include Federal financial assistance and 
Federal cost-reimbursement contracts received directly from the 
Department or indirectly under awards by SCSEP recipients or higher-tier 
sub-recipients. (OAA Sec.  503(f)(2)).
    (b) All governmental and nonprofit organizations that are recipients 
or sub-recipients must follow the audit requirements of OMB Circular A-
133. These requirements are codified at 29 CFR parts 96 and 99 and 
referenced in 29 CFR 97.26 for governmental organizations and in 29 CFR 
95.26 for institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other 
nonprofit organizations.
    (c)(1) The Department is responsible for audits of SCSEP recipients 
that are commercial organizations.
    (2) Commercial organizations that are sub-recipients under the SCSEP 
and that expend more than the minimum level specified in OMB Circular A-
133 ($500,000, for fiscal years ending after December 31, 2003) must 
have either an organization-wide audit or a program-specific financial 
and compliance audit conducted in accordance with OMB Circular A-133.



Sec.  641.824  What lobbying requirements apply to the use of SCSEP funds?

    SCSEP recipients and sub-recipients must comply with the 
restrictions on lobbying codified in the Department's regulations at 29 
CFR part 93. (Also refer to Sec.  641.850(c), ``Lobbying costs.'')



Sec.  641.827  What general nondiscrimination requirements apply to the
use of SCSEP funds?

    (a) SCSEP recipients, sub-recipients, and host agencies are required 
to comply with the nondiscrimination provisions codified in the 
Department's regulations at 29 CFR parts 31 and 32 and the provisions on 
the equal treatment of religious organizations at 29 CFR part 2 subpart 
D.
    (b) Recipients and sub-recipients of SCSEP funds are required to 
comply with the nondiscrimination provisions codified in the 
Department's regulations at 29 CFR part 38 if:
    (1) The recipient:
    (i) Is a One-Stop partner listed in sec. 121(b) of WIOA, and
    (ii) Operates programs and activities that are part of the One-Stop 
delivery system established under WIOA; or
    (2) The recipient otherwise satisfies the definition of 
``recipient'' in 29 CFR 38.4.
    (c) Recipients must ensure that participants are provided 
informational materials relating to age discrimination and/or their 
rights under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975 that are 
distributed to recipients by the Department as required by Sec.  
503(b)(3) of the OAA.

[[Page 280]]

    (d) Questions about or complaints alleging a violation of the 
nondiscrimination requirements cited in this section may be directed or 
mailed to the Director, Civil Rights Center, U.S. Department of Labor, 
Room N-4123, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, 20210, for 
processing. (See Sec.  641.910(d)).
    (e) The specification of any right or protection against 
discrimination in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section must not be 
interpreted to exclude or diminish any other right or protection against 
discrimination in connection with a SCSEP project that may be available 
to any participant, applicant for participation, or other individual 
under any applicable Federal, State, or local laws prohibiting 
discrimination, or their implementing regulations.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56886, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.833  What policies govern political patronage?

    (a) A recipient or sub-recipient must not select, reject, promote, 
or terminate an individual based on political services provided by the 
individual or on the individual's political affiliations or beliefs. In 
addition, as provided in Sec.  641.827(b), certain recipients and sub-
recipients of SCSEP funds are required to comply with WIOA 
nondiscrimination regulations in 29 CFR part 38. These regulations 
prohibit discrimination on the basis of political affiliation or belief.
    (b) A recipient or sub-recipient must not provide, or refuse to 
provide, funds to any sub-recipient, host agency, or other entity based 
on political affiliation.
    (c) SCSEP recipients must ensure that every entity that receives 
SCSEP funds through the recipient is applying the policies stated in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56886, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.836  What policies govern political activities?

    (a) No project under title V of the OAA may involve political 
activities. SCSEP recipients must ensure compliance with the 
requirements and prohibitions involving political activities described 
in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
    (b) State and local employees involved in the administration of 
SCSEP activities may not engage in political activities prohibited under 
the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 15), including:
    (1) Seeking partisan elective office;
    (2) Using official authority or influence for the purpose of 
affecting elections, nominations for office, or fund-raising for 
political purposes. (5 U.S.C. 1502).
    (c) SCSEP recipients must provide all persons associated with SCSEP 
activities with a written explanation of allowable and unallowable 
political activities under the Hatch Act. A notice explaining these 
allowable and unallowable political activities must be posted in every 
workplace in which SCSEP activities are conducted. The Department will 
provide the form and content of the notice and explanatory material by 
administrative issuance. (OAA Sec.  502(b)(l)(P)).
    (d) SCSEP recipients must ensure that:
    (1) No SCSEP participants or staff persons engage in partisan or 
nonpartisan political activities during hours for which they are being 
paid with SCSEP funds.
    (2) No participants or staff persons engage in partisan political 
activities in which such participants or staff persons represent 
themselves as spokespersons for the SCSEP.
    (3) No participants are employed or out-stationed in the offices of 
a Member of Congress, a State or local legislator, or on the staff of 
any legislative committee.
    (4) No participants are employed or out-stationed in the immediate 
offices of any elected chief executive officer of a State or unit of 
general government, except that:
    (i) Units of local government may serve as host agencies for 
participants, provided that their assignments are non-political; and
    (ii) While assignments may place participants in such offices, such 
assignments actually must be concerned with program and service 
activities and not in any way involved in political functions.

[[Page 281]]

    (5) No participants are assigned to perform political activities in 
the offices of other elected officials. Placement of participants in 
such offices in non-political assignments is permissible, however, 
provided that:
    (i) SCSEP recipients develop safeguards to ensure that participants 
placed in these assignments are not involved in political activities; 
and
    (ii) These safeguards are described in the grant agreement and are 
approved by the Department and are subject to review and monitoring by 
the SCSEP recipient and by the Department.



Sec.  641.839  What policies govern union organizing activities?

    Recipients must ensure that SCSEP funds are not used in any way to 
assist, promote, or deter union organizing.



Sec.  641.841  What policies govern nepotism?

    (a) SCSEP recipients must ensure that no recipient or sub-recipient 
hires, and no host agency serves as a worksite for, a person who works 
in a SCSEP community service assignment if a member of that person's 
immediate family is engaged in a decision-making capacity (whether 
compensated or not) for that project, subproject, recipient, sub-
recipient, or host agency. The Department may exempt worksites on Native 
American reservations and in rural areas from this requirement provided 
that adequate justification can be documented, such as that no other 
persons are eligible and available for participation in the program.
    (b) To the extent that an applicable State or local legal nepotism 
requirement is more restrictive than this provision, SCSEP recipients 
must ensure that the more restrictive requirement is followed.
    (c) For purposes of this section, ``immediate family'' means wife, 
husband, son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, son-in-law, 
daughter-in-law, mother- in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-
in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, 
or grandchild.



Sec.  641.844  What maintenance of effort requirements apply to the use
of SCSEP funds?

    (a) A community service assignment for a participant under title V 
of the OAA is permissible only when specific maintenance of effort 
requirements are met.
    (b) Each project funded under title V:
    (1) Must not reduce the number of employment opportunities or 
vacancies that would otherwise be available to individuals not 
participating in the program;
    (2) Must not displace currently employed workers (including partial 
displacement, such as a reduction in the hours of non-overtime work, 
wages, or employment benefits);
    (3) Must not impair existing contracts or result in the substitution 
of Federal funds for other funds in connection with work that would 
otherwise be performed; and
    (4) Must not employ or continue to employ any eligible individual to 
perform the same work or substantially the same work as that performed 
by any other individual who is on layoff. (OAA Sec.  502(b)(1)(G)).



Sec.  641.847  What uniform allowable cost requirements apply to the use
of SCSEP funds?

    (a) General. Unless specified otherwise in this part or the grant 
agreement, recipients and sub-recipients must follow the uniform 
allowable cost requirements that apply to their type of organization. 
For example, a local government sub-recipient receiving SCSEP funds from 
a nonprofit organization must use the allowable cost requirements for 
governmental organizations in OMB Circular A-87. The Department's 
regulations at 29 CFR 95.27 (non-profit and commercial organizations) 
and 29 CFR 97.22 (State and local governments) identify the Federal 
principles for determining allowable costs that each kind of 
organization must follow. The applicable Federal principles for each 
kind of organization are described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(5) 
of this section. (OAA Sec.  503(f)(2)).
    (b) Allowable costs/cost principles. (1) Allowable costs for State, 
local, and Indian tribal government organizations

[[Page 282]]

must be determined under OMB Circular A-87, ``Cost Principles for State, 
Local and Indian Tribal Governments.''
    (2) Allowable costs for nonprofit organizations must be determined 
under OMB Circular A-122, ``Cost Principles for Non-Profit 
Organizations.''
    (3) Allowable costs for institutions of higher education must be 
determined under OMB Circular A-21, ``Cost Principles for Educational 
Institutions.''
    (4) Allowable costs for hospitals must be determined in accordance 
with appendix E of 45 CFR part 74, ``Principles for Determining Costs 
Applicable to Research and Development Under Grants and Contracts with 
Hospitals.''
    (5) Allowable costs for commercial organizations and those nonprofit 
organizations listed in Attachment C to OMB Circular A-122 must be 
determined under the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR), at 48 CFR part 31.



Sec.  641.850  Are there other specific allowable and unallowable cost
requirements for the SCSEP?

    (a) Yes, in addition to the generally applicable cost principles in 
Sec.  641.847(b), the cost principles in paragraphs (b) through (g) of 
this section apply to SCSEP grants.
    (b) Claims against the Government. For all types of entities, legal 
expenses for the prosecution of claims against the Federal Government, 
including appeals to an Administrative Law Judge, are unallowable.
    (c) Lobbying costs. In addition to the prohibition contained in 29 
CFR part 93, SCSEP funds must not be used to pay any salaries or 
expenses related to any activity designed to influence legislation or 
appropriations pending before the Congress of the United States or any 
State legislature. (See Sec.  641.824).
    (d) One-Stop costs. Costs of participating as a required partner in 
the One-Stop delivery system established in accordance with sec. 121(e) 
of WIOA are allowable, provided that SCSEP services and funding are 
provided in accordance with the MOU required by WIOA and OAA sec. 
502(b)(1)(O), and costs are determined in accordance with the applicable 
cost principles. The costs of services provided by the SCSEP, including 
those provided by participants/enrollees, may comprise a portion or the 
total of a SCSEP project's proportionate share of One-Stop costs.
    (e) Building repairs and acquisition costs. Except as provided in 
this paragraph and as an exception to the allowable cost principles in 
Sec.  641.847(b), no SCSEP funds may be used for the purchase, 
construction, or renovation of any building except for the labor 
involved in:
    (1) Minor remodeling of a public building necessary to make it 
suitable for use for project purposes;
    (2) Minor repair and rehabilitation of publicly used facilities for 
the general benefit of the community; and
    (3) Repair and rehabilitation by participants of housing occupied by 
persons with low incomes who are declared eligible for such services by 
authorized local agencies.
    (f) Accessibility and reasonable accommodation. Recipients and sub-
recipients may use SCSEP funds to meet their obligations under Sec.  504 
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, and any other applicable Federal 
disability nondiscrimination laws, to provide physical and programmatic 
accessibility and reasonable accommodation/modifications for, and 
effective communications with, individuals with disabilities. (29 U.S.C. 
794).
    (g) Participants' benefit costs. Recipients and sub-recipients may 
use SCSEP funds for participant benefit costs only under the conditions 
set forth in Sec.  641.565.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56886, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.853  How are costs classified?

    (a) All costs must be classified as ``administrative costs'' or 
``programmatic activity costs.'' (OAA Sec.  502(c)(6)).
    (b) Recipients and sub-recipients must assign participants' wage and 
benefit costs and other participant (enrollee) costs such as supportive 
services to the programmatic activity cost category. (See Sec.  
641.864). When a participant's community service assignment involves 
functions whose costs

[[Page 283]]

are normally classified as administrative costs, compensation provided 
to the participants must be charged as programmatic activity costs 
instead of administrative costs, since participant wage and benefit 
costs are always charged to the programmatic activity cost category.



Sec.  641.856  What functions and activities constitute administrative
costs?

    (a) Administrative costs are that allocable portion of necessary and 
reasonable allowable costs of recipients and program operators that are 
associated with those specific functions identified in paragraph (b) of 
this section and that are not related to the direct provision of 
programmatic activities specified in Sec.  641.864. These costs may be 
both personnel and non-personnel and both direct and indirect costs.
    (b) Administrative costs are the costs associated with:
    (1) Performing general administrative and coordination functions, 
including:
    (i) Accounting, budgeting, financial, and cash management functions;
    (ii) Procurement and purchasing functions;
    (iii) Property management functions;
    (iv) Personnel management functions;
    (v) Payroll functions;
    (vi) Coordinating the resolution of findings arising from audits, 
reviews, investigations, and incident reports;
    (vii) Audit functions;
    (viii) General legal services functions;
    (ix) Developing systems and procedures, including information 
systems, required for these administrative functions;
    (x) Preparing administrative reports; and
    (xi) Other activities necessary for general administration of 
government funds and associated programs.
    (2) Oversight and monitoring responsibilities related to 
administrative functions;
    (3) Costs of goods and services used for administrative functions of 
the program, including goods and services such as rental or purchase of 
equipment, utilities, office supplies, postage, and rental and 
maintenance of office space;
    (4) Travel costs incurred for official business in carrying out 
administrative activities or the overall management of the program;
    (5) Costs of information systems related to administrative functions 
(for example, personnel, procurement, purchasing, property management, 
accounting, and payroll systems) including the purchase, systems 
development, and operating costs of such systems and;
    (6) Costs of technical assistance, professional organization 
membership dues, and evaluating results obtained by the project involved 
against stated objectives. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(4)).



Sec.  641.859  What other special rules govern the classification of costs
as administrative costs or programmatic activity costs?

    (a) Recipients and sub-recipients must comply with the special rules 
for classifying costs as administrative costs or programmatic activity 
costs set forth in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.
    (b)(1) Costs of awards by recipients and program operators that are 
solely for the performance of their own administrative functions are 
classified as administrative costs.
    (2) Costs incurred by recipients and program operators for 
administrative functions listed in Sec.  641.856(b) are classified as 
administrative costs.
    (3) Costs incurred by vendors and sub-recipients performing the 
administrative functions of recipients and program operators are 
classified as administrative costs. (See 29 CFR 99.210 for a discussion 
of factors differentiating sub-recipients from vendors.)
    (4) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, all 
costs incurred by all vendors, and only those sub-recipients below 
program operators, are classified as programmatic activity costs. (See 
29 CFR 99.210 for a discussion of factors differentiating sub-recipients 
from vendors.)
    (c) Personnel and related non-personnel costs of staff who perform 
both administrative functions specified in Sec.  641.856(b) and 
programmatic services

[[Page 284]]

or activities must be allocated as administrative or programmatic 
activity costs to the benefiting cost objectives/categories based on 
documented distributions of actual time worked or other equitable cost 
allocation methods.
    (d) The allocable share of indirect or overhead costs charged to the 
SCSEP grant are to be allocated to the administrative and programmatic 
activity cost categories in the same proportion as the costs in the 
overhead or indirect cost pool are classified as programmatic activity 
or administrative costs.
    (e) Costs of the following information systems including the 
purchase, systems development and operating (e.g., data entry) costs are 
charged to the programmatic activity cost category:
    (1) Tracking or monitoring of participant and performance 
information;
    (2) Employment statistics information, including job listing 
information, job skills information, and demand occupation information; 
and
    (3) Local area performance information.



Sec.  641.861  Must SCSEP recipients provide funding for the administrative
costs of sub-recipients?

    (a) Recipients and sub-recipients must obtain funding for 
administrative costs to the extent practicable from non-Federal sources. 
(OAA Sec.  502(c)(5)).
    (b) SCSEP recipients must ensure that sufficient funding is provided 
for the administrative activities of sub-recipients that receive SCSEP 
funding through the recipient. Each SCSEP recipient must describe in its 
grant application the methodology used to ensure that sub-recipients 
receive sufficient funding for their administrative activities. (OAA 
Sec.  502(b)(1)(R)).



Sec.  641.864  What functions and activities constitute programmatic
activity costs?

    Programmatic activity costs include, but are not limited to, the 
costs of the following functions:
    (a) Participant wages, such benefits as are required by law (such as 
workers' compensation or unemployment compensation), the costs of 
physical examinations, compensation for scheduled work hours during 
which a host agency is closed for a Federal holiday, and necessary sick 
leave that is not part of an accumulated sick leave program, except that 
no amounts provided under the grant may be used to pay the cost of 
pension benefits, annual leave, accumulated sick leave, or bonuses, as 
described in Sec.  641.565;
    (b) Outreach, recruitment and selection, intake, orientation, 
assessment, and preparation and updating of IEPs;
    (c) Participant training, as described in Sec.  641.540, which may 
be provided before commencing or during a community service assignment, 
and which may be provided at a host agency, in a classroom setting, or 
using other appropriate arrangements, which may include reasonable costs 
of instructors' salaries, classroom space, training supplies, materials, 
equipment, and tuition;
    (d) Subject to the restrictions in Sec.  641.535(c), job placement 
assistance, including job development and job search assistance, job 
fairs, job clubs, and job referrals; and
    (e) Participant supportive services, to enable an individual to 
successfully participate in a SCSEP project, as described in Sec.  
641.545. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(6)(A)).



Sec.  641.867  What are the limitations on the amount of SCSEP
administrative costs?

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no more than 13.5 percent 
of the SCSEP funds received for a Program Year may be used for 
administrative costs.
    (b) The Department may increase the amount available for 
administrative costs to not more than 15 percent, in accordance with 
Sec.  641.870. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(3)).



Sec.  641.870  Under what circumstances may the administrative cost
limitation be increased?

    (a) SCSEP recipients may request that the Department increase the 
amount available for administrative costs. The Department may honor the 
request if:
    (1) The Department determines that it is necessary to carry out the 
project; and
    (2) The recipient demonstrates that:

[[Page 285]]

    (i) Major administrative cost increases are being incurred in 
necessary program components, such as liability insurance, payments for 
workers' compensation for staff, costs associated with achieving 
unsubsidized placement goals, and other operation requirements imposed 
by the Department;
    (ii) The number of community service assignment positions in the 
project or the number of minority eligible individuals participating in 
the project will decline if the amount available for paying the cost of 
administration is not increased; or
    (iii) The size of the project is so small that the amount of 
administrative costs incurred to carry out the project necessarily 
exceeds 13.5 percent of the grant amount. (OAA Sec.  502(c)(3)).
    (b) A request by a recipient or prospective recipient for an 
increase in the amount available for administrative costs may be 
submitted as part of the grant application or as a separate submission 
at any time after the grant award.



Sec.  641.873  What minimum expenditure levels are required for 
participant wages and benefits?

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  641.874 or in paragraph (c) of this 
section, not less than 75 percent of the SCSEP funds provided under a 
grant from the Department must be used to pay for wages and benefits of 
participants as described in Sec.  641.864(a). (OAA Sec.  502(c)(6)(B)).
    (b) A SCSEP recipient is in compliance with this provision if at 
least 75 percent of the total expenditure of SCSEP funds provided to the 
recipient was for wages and benefits, even if one or more sub-recipients 
did not expend at least 75 percent of their SCSEP sub-recipient award 
for wages and benefits.
    (c) A SCSEP grantee may submit to the Department a request for 
approval to use not less than 65 percent of the grant funds to pay wages 
and benefits under Sec.  641.874.



Sec.  641.874  What conditions apply to a SCSEP grantee request to use
additional funds for training and supportive service costs?

    (a) A grantee may submit to the Department a request for approval--
    (1) To use not less than 65 percent of the grant funds to pay the 
wages and benefits described in Sec.  641.864(a);
    (2) To use the percentage of grant funds specified in Sec.  641.867 
to pay for administrative costs as described in Sec.  641.856;
    (3) To use the 10 percent of grant funds that would otherwise be 
devoted to wages and benefits under Sec.  641.873 to provide participant 
training (as described in Sec.  641.540(e)) and participant supportive 
services to enable participants to successfully participate in a SCSEP 
project (as described in Sec.  641.545), in which case the grantee must 
provide (from the funds described in this paragraph) the wages for those 
individual participants who are receiving training from the funds 
described in this paragraph, but may not use the funds described in this 
paragraph to pay for any administrative costs; and
    (4) To use the remaining grant funds to provide participant 
training, job placement assistance, participant supportive services, and 
outreach, recruitment and selection, intake, orientation and assessment.
    (b) In submitting the request the grantee must include in the 
request--
    (1) A description of the activities for which the grantee will spend 
the grant funds described in paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this 
section;
    (2) An explanation documenting how the provision of such activities 
will improve the effectiveness of the project, including an explanation 
of whether any displacement of eligible individuals or elimination of 
positions for such individuals will occur, information on the number of 
such individuals to be displaced and of such positions to be eliminated, 
and an explanation of how the activities will improve employment 
outcomes for the individuals served, based on the assessment conducted 
under Sec.  641.535(a)(2); and
    (3) A proposed budget and work plan for the activities, including a 
detailed description of how the funds will be spent on the activities 
described in paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section.
    (c)(1) If a grantee wishes to amend an existing grant agreement to 
use additional funds for training and supportive service costs, the 
grantee must

[[Page 286]]

submit such a request not later than 90 days before the proposed date of 
implementation contained in the request. Not later than 30 days before 
the proposed date of implementation, the Department will approve, 
approve as modified, or reject the request, on the basis of the 
information included in the request.
    (2) If a grantee submits a request to use additional funds for 
training and supportive service costs in the grant application, the 
request will be accepted and processed as a part of the grant review 
process.
    (d) Grantees may apply this provision to individual sub-recipients 
but need not provide this opportunity to all their sub-recipients.



Sec.  641.876  How will compliance with cost limitations and minimum
expenditure levels be determined?

    The Department will determine compliance by examining expenditures 
of SCSEP funds. The cost limitations and minimum expenditure level 
requirements must be met at the time all such funds have been expended 
or the period of availability of such funds has expired, whichever comes 
first.



Sec.  641.879  What are the financial and performance reporting requirements
for recipients?

    (a) In accordance with 29 CFR 97.41 (State and local governments) or 
29 CFR 95.52 (non-profit and commercial organizations), each SCSEP 
recipient must submit a SCSEP Financial Status Report (FSR, ETA Form 
9130) in electronic format to the Department via the Internet within 45 
days after the ending of each quarter of the Program Year. Each SCSEP 
recipient must also submit a final closeout FSR to the Department via 
the Internet within 90 days after the end of the grant period. The 
Department will provide instructions for the preparation of this report. 
(OAA Sec.  503(f)(3)).
    (1) Financial data must be reported on an accrual basis, and 
cumulatively by funding year of appropriation. Financial data may also 
be required on specific program activities as required by the 
Department.
    (2) If the SCSEP recipient's accounting records are not normally 
kept on the accrual basis of accounting, the SCSEP recipient must 
develop accrual information through an analysis of the documentation on 
hand.
    (b) In accordance with 29 CFR 97.40 (State and local governments) or 
29 CFR 95.51 (non-profit and commercial organizations), each SCSEP 
recipient must submit updated data on participants (including data on 
demographic characteristics and data regarding the performance 
measures), host agencies, and employers in an electronic format 
specified by the Department via the Internet within 30 days after the 
end of each of the first three quarters of the Program Year, on the last 
day of the fourth quarter of the Program Year, and within 90 days after 
the last day of the Program Year. Recipients wishing to correct data 
errors or omissions for their final Program Year report must do so 
within 90 days after the end of the Program Year. The Department will 
generate SCSEP Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs), as well as the final 
QPR, as soon as possible after receipt of the data. (OAA Sec.  
503(f)(3)).
    (c) Each State agency receiving title V funds must annually submit 
an equitable distribution report of SCSEP positions by all recipients in 
the State. The Department will provide instructions for the preparation 
of this report. (OAA Sec.  508).
    (d) In addition to the data required to be submitted under paragraph 
(b) of this section, each SCSEP recipient may be required to collect 
data and submit reports on the performance measures. See subpart G. The 
Department will provide instructions detailing these measures and how 
recipients must prepare this report.
    (e) In addition to the data required to be submitted under paragraph 
(b) of this section, each SCSEP recipient may be required to collect 
data and submit reports about the demographic characteristics of program 
participants. The Department will provide instructions detailing these 
measures and how recipients must prepare these reports.
    (f) Federal agencies that receive and use SCSEP funds under 
interagency agreements must submit project financial and progress 
reports in accordance with this section. Federal recipients

[[Page 287]]

must maintain the necessary records that support required reports 
according to instructions provided by the Department. (OAA Sec.  
503(f)(3)).
    (g) Recipients may be required to maintain records that contain any 
other information that the Department determines to be appropriate in 
support of any other reports that the Department may require. (OAA Sec.  
503(f)(3)).
    (h) Grantees submitting reports that cannot be validated or verified 
as accurately counting and reporting activities in accordance with the 
reporting instructions may be treated as failing to submit reports, 
which may result in failing one of the responsibility tests outlined in 
Sec.  641.430 and OAA Sec.  514(d).



Sec.  641.881  What are the SCSEP recipient's responsibilities relating
to awards to sub-recipients?

    (a) Recipients are responsible for ensuring that all awards to sub-
recipients are conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent 
practicable, full and open competition in accordance with the 
procurement procedures in 29 CFR 95.43 (non-profit and commercial 
organizations) and 29 CFR 97.36 (State and local governments).
    (b) The SCSEP recipient is responsible for all grant activities, 
including the performance of SCSEP activities by sub-recipients, and 
ensuring that sub-recipients comply with the OAA and this part. (See 
also OAA Sec.  514(d) and Sec.  641.430 of this part on responsibility 
tests).
    (c) Recipients must follow their own procedures for allocating funds 
to other entities. The Department will not grant funds to another entity 
on the recipient's behalf.
    (d)(1) National grantees that receive grants to provide services in 
an area where a substantial population of individuals with barriers to 
employment exists must, in selecting sub-recipients, give special 
consideration to organizations (including former national grant 
recipients) with demonstrated expertise in serving such individuals. 
(OAA Sec.  514(e)(2)).
    (2) For purposes of this section, the term ``individuals with 
barriers to employment'' means minority individuals, Indian individuals, 
individuals with greatest economic need, and most-in-need individuals. 
(OAA Sec.  514(e)(1)).



Sec.  641.884  What are the grant closeout procedures?

    SCSEP recipients must follow the grant closeout procedures at 29 CFR 
97.50 (State and local governments) or 29 CFR 95.71 (non-profit and 
government organizations), as appropriate. The Department will issue 
supplementary closeout instructions to OAA title V recipients as 
necessary.



           Subpart I_Grievance Procedures and Appeals Process



Sec.  641.900  What appeal process is available to an applicant that
does not receive a grant?

    (a) An applicant for financial assistance under title V of the OAA 
that is dissatisfied because it was not awarded financial assistance in 
whole or in part may request that the Grant Officer provide an 
explanation for not awarding financial assistance to that applicant. The 
request must be filed within 10 days of the date of notification 
indicating that financial assistance would not be awarded. The Grant 
Officer must provide the protesting applicant with feedback concerning 
its proposal within 21 days of the protest. Applicants may appeal to the 
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), 
within 21 days of the date of the Grant Officer's feedback on the 
proposal, or within 21 days of the Grant Officer's notification that 
financial assistance would not be awarded if the applicant does not 
request feedback on its proposal. The appeal may be for a part or the 
whole of the denied funding. This appeal will not in any way interfere 
with the Department's decisions to fund other organizations to provide 
services during the appeal period.
    (b) Failure to file an appeal within the 21 days provided in 
paragraph (a) of this section constitutes a waiver of the right to a 
hearing.
    (c) A request for a hearing under this section must state 
specifically those issues in the Grant Officer's notification upon which 
review is requested. Those provisions of the Grant Officer's 
notification not specified for review

[[Page 288]]

are considered resolved and not subject to further review.
    (d) A request for a hearing must be filed with the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, with one copy to the 
Departmental official who issued the determination.
    (e) The decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action unless, 
within 21 days of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the ALJ's 
decision, in whole or in part, has filed a petition for review with the 
Administrative Review Board (ARB) (established under Secretary's Order 
No. 01-2020), specifically identifying the procedure, fact, law, or 
policy to which exception is taken, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. 
The Department will deem any exception not specifically urged to have 
been waived. A copy of the petition for review must be sent to the grant 
officer at that time. If, within 30 days of the filing of the petition 
for review, the ARB does not notify the parties that the case has been 
accepted for review, then the decision of the ALJ constitutes final 
agency action. In any case accepted by the ARB, a decision must be 
issued by the ARB within 180 days of acceptance. If a decision is not so 
issued, the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action.
    (f) The Rules of Practice and Procedures for Administrative Hearings 
Before the Office of Administrative Law Judges, at 29 CFR part 18, 
govern the conduct of hearings under this section, except that:
    (1) The appeal is not considered a complaint; and
    (2) Technical rules of evidence, such as the Federal Rules of 
Evidence and subpart B of 29 CFR part 18, will not apply to any hearing 
conducted under this section. However, rules designed to assure 
production of the most credible evidence available and to subject 
testimony to test by cross-examination will be applied when the ALJ 
conducting the hearing considers them reasonably necessary. The 
certified copy of the administrative file transmitted to the ALJ by the 
official issuing the notification not to award financial assistance must 
be part of the evidentiary record of the case and need not be moved into 
evidence.
    (g) The ALJ should render a written decision no later than 90 days 
after the closing of the record.
    (h) The remedies available are provided in Sec.  641.470.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 13028, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30614, May 20, 2020; 86 FR 1777, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec.  641.910  What grievance procedures must grantees make available
to applicants, employees, and participants?

    (a) Each grantee must establish, and describe in the grant 
agreement, grievance procedures for resolving complaints, other than 
those described by paragraph (d) of this section, arising between the 
grantee, employees of the grantee, sub-recipients, and applicants or 
participants.
    (b) The Department will not review final determinations made under 
paragraph (a) of this section, except to determine whether the grantee's 
grievance procedures were followed, and according to paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (c) Allegations of violations of Federal law, other than those 
described in paragraph (d) of this section, which are not resolved 
within 60 days under the grantee's procedures, may be filed with the 
Chief, Division of Adult Services, Employment and Training 
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Washington, DC 20210. Allegations determined to be substantial and 
credible will be investigated and addressed.
    (d) Questions about, or complaints alleging a violation of, the 
nondiscrimination requirements of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964, sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, sec. 188 of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), or their implementing 
regulations, may be directed or mailed to the Director, Civil Rights 
Center, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-4123, 200 Constitution Avenue 
NW., Washington, DC 20210. In the alternative, complaints alleging 
violations of WIOA sec. 188 may be filed initially at the grantee level. 
See 29 CFR 38.69, 38.72. In such cases, the grantee must use complaint 
processing procedures meeting the requirements

[[Page 289]]

of 29 CFR 38.69 through 38.76 to resolve the complaint.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56886, Dec. 1, 2017]



Sec.  641.920  What actions of the Department may a grantee appeal and 
what procedures apply to those appeals?

    (a) Appeals from a final disallowance of costs as a result of an 
audit must be made under 29 CFR 96.63.
    (b) Appeals of suspension or termination actions taken on the 
grounds of discrimination are processed under 29 CFR part 31 or 29 CFR 
part 38, as appropriate.
    (c) Protests and appeals of decisions not to award a grant, in whole 
or in part, will be handled under Sec.  641.900.
    (d) Upon a grantee's receipt of the Department's final determination 
relating to costs (except final disallowance of costs as a result of an 
audit, as described in paragraph (a) of this section), payment, 
suspension or termination, or the imposition of sanctions, the grantee 
may appeal the final determination to the Department's Office of 
Administrative Law Judges, as follows:
    (1) Within 21 days of receipt of the Department's final 
determination, the grantee may file a request for a hearing with the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge, United States Department of Labor, in 
accordance with 29 CFR part 18, with a copy to the Department official 
who signed the final determination.
    (2) The request for hearing must be accompanied by a copy of the 
final determination, and must state specifically those issues of the 
determination upon which review is requested. Those provisions of the 
determination not specified for review, or the entire determination when 
no hearing has been requested within the 21 days, are considered 
resolved and not subject to further review.
    (3) The Rules of Practice and Procedures for Administrative Hearings 
Before the Office of Administrative Law Judges, at 29 CFR part 18, 
govern the conduct of hearings under this section, except that:
    (i) The appeal is not considered as a complaint; and
    (ii) Technical rules of evidence, such as the Federal Rules of 
Evidence and subpart B of 29 CFR part 18, will not apply to any hearing 
conducted under this section. However, rules designed to assure 
production of the most credible evidence available and to subject 
testimony to test by cross-examination will be applied when the 
Administrative Law Judge conducting the hearing considers them 
reasonably necessary. The certified copy of the administrative file 
transmitted to the Administrative Law Judge by the official issuing the 
final determination must be part of the evidentiary record of the case 
and need not be moved into evidence.
    (4) The Administrative Law Judge should render a written decision no 
later than 90 days after the closing of the record. In ordering relief, 
the ALJ may exercise the full authority of the Secretary under the OAA.
    (5) The decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action unless, 
within 21 days of the decision, a party dissatisfied with the ALJ's 
decision, in whole or in part, has filed a petition for review with the 
ARB (established under Secretary's Order No. 01-2020), specifically 
identifying the procedure, fact, law, or policy to which exception is 
taken, in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. The Department will deem any 
exception not specifically argued to have been waived. A copy of the 
petition for review must be sent to the grant officer at that time. If, 
within 30 days of the filing of the petition for review, the ARB does 
not notify the parties that the case has been accepted for review, then 
the decision of the ALJ constitutes final agency action. In any case 
accepted by the ARB, a decision must be issued by the ARB within 180 
days of acceptance. If a decision is not so issued, the decision of the 
ALJ constitutes final agency action.

[75 FR 53812, Sept. 1, 2010, as amended at 82 FR 56886, Dec. 1, 2017; 85 
FR 13028, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 FR 30614, May 20, 2020; 86 FR 1777, Jan. 11, 
2021]



Sec.  641.930  Is there an alternative dispute resolution process that
may be used in place of an OALJ hearing?

    (a) Parties to a complaint that has been filed according to the 
requirements of Sec.  641.920 (a), (c), and (d) may

[[Page 290]]

choose to waive their rights to an administrative hearing before the 
OALJ. Instead, they may choose to transfer the settlement of their 
dispute to an individual acceptable to all parties who will conduct an 
informal review of the stipulated facts and render a decision in 
accordance with applicable law. A written decision must be issued within 
60 days after submission of the matter for informal review.
    (b) Unless the parties agree in writing to extend the period, the 
waiver of the right to request a hearing before the OALJ will 
automatically be revoked if a settlement has not been reached or a 
decision has not been issued within the 60 days provided in paragraph 
(a) of this section.
    (c) The decision rendered under this informal review process will be 
treated as the final agency decision.

                           PART 646 [RESERVED]



PART 650_STANDARD FOR APPEALS PROMPTNESS_UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
650.1 Nature and purpose of the standard.
650.2 Federal law requirements.
650.3 Secretary's interpretation of Federal law requirements.
650.4 Review of State law and criteria for review of State compliance.
650.5 Annual appeals performance plan.

    Authority: Sec. 1102 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1302; 
Secretary's Order No. 4-75, dated April 16, 1975. Interpret and apply 
secs. 303(a)(1), 303(a)(3), and 303(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 
U.S.C. 503(a)(1), 503(a)(3), 503(b)(2)).

    Source: 37 FR 16173, Aug. 11, 1972, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  650.1  Nature and purpose of the standard.

    (a) This standard is responsive to the overriding concern of the 
U.S. Supreme Court in California Department of Human Resources v. Java, 
402 U.S. 121 (1971), and that of other courts with delay in payment of 
unemployment compensation to eligible individuals, including delays 
caused specifically by the adjudication process. The standard seeks to 
assure that all administrative appeals affecting benefit rights are 
heard and decided with the greatest promptness that is administratively 
feasible.
    (b) Sections 303(a) (1) and (3) of the Social Security Act require, 
as a condition for the receipt of granted funds, that State laws include 
provisions for methods of administration reasonably calculated to insure 
full payment of unemployment compensation when due, and opportunity for 
a fair hearing for all individuals whose claims for unemployment 
compensation are denied. The Secretary has construed these provisions to 
require, as a condition for receipt of granted funds, that State laws 
include provisions for hearing and deciding appeals for all unemployment 
insurance claimants who are parties to an administrative benefit appeal 
with the greatest promptness that is administratively feasible. What is 
the greatest promptness that is administratively feasible in an 
individual case depends on the facts and circumstances of that case. For 
example, the greatest promptness that is administratively feasible will 
be longer in cases that involve interstate appeals, complex issues of 
fact or law, reasonable requests by parties for continuances or 
rescheduling of hearings or other unforeseen and uncontrollable factors 
than it will be for other cases.
    (c) In addition, the Secretary has construed section 303(b)(2) of 
the Social Security Act as requiring States to comply substantially with 
the required provisions of State law. The Secretary considers as 
substantial compliance the issuance of minimum percentages of first 
level benefit appeal decisions within the periods of time specified in 
Sec.  650.4.
    (d) Although the interpretation of Federal law requirements in Sec.  
650.3 below applies to both first and second level administrative 
benefit appeals, the criteria for review of State compliance in Sec.  
650.3(b) apply only to first level benefit appeals.



Sec.  650.2  Federal law requirements.

    (a) Section 303(a)(1) of the Social Security Act requires that a 
State law include provision for:

    Such methods of administration * * * as are found by the Secretary 
of Labor to be

[[Page 291]]

reasonably calculated to insure full payment of unemployment 
compensation when due.

    (b) Section 303(a)(3) of the Social Security Act requires that a 
State law include provision for:

    Opportunity for a fair hearing, before an impartial tribunal, for 
all individuals whose claims for unemployment compensation are denied.

    (c) Section 303(b)(2) of the Social Security Act provides that:

    Whenever the Secretary of Labor, after reasonable notice and 
opportunity for hearing to the State agency charged with the 
administration of the State law, finds that in the administration of the 
law there is--
    (1) * * *
    (2) A failure to comply substantially with any provision specified 
in subsection (a) [303(a)]; the Secretary of Labor shall notify such 
State agency that further payments will not be made to the State until 
he is satisfied that there is no longer any such denial or failure to 
comply. Until the Secretary of Labor is so satisfied, he shall make no 
further certification to the Secretary of the Treasury with respect to 
such State * * *



Sec.  650.3  Secretary's interpretation of Federal law requirements.

    (a) The Secretary interprets sections 303(a)(1) and 303(a)(3) above 
to require that a State law include provision for--
    (1) Hearing and decision for claimants who are parties to an appeal 
from a benefit determination to an administrative tribunal with the 
greatest promptness that is administratively feasible, and
    (2) Such methods of administration of the appeals process as will 
reasonably assure hearing and decision with the greatest promptness that 
is administratively feasible.
    (b) The Secretary interprets section 303(b)(2) above to require a 
State to comply substantially with provisions specified in paragraph (a) 
of this section.



Sec.  650.4  Review of State law and criteria for review of State 
compliance.

    (a) A State law will satisfy the requirements of Sec.  650.3(a) if 
it contains a provision requiring, or is construed to require, hearing 
and decision for claimants who are parties to an administrative appeal 
affecting benefit rights with the greatest promptness that is 
administratively feasible.
    (b) A State will be deemed to comply substantially with the State 
law requirements set forth in Sec.  650.3(a) with respect to first level 
appeals, the State has issued at least 60 percent of all first level 
benefit appeal decisions within 30 days of the date of appeal, and at 
least 80 percent of all first level benefit appeal decisions within 45 
days. These computations will be derived from the State's regular 
reports required pursuant to the Unemployment Compensation Manual, part 
III, sections 4400-4450. \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The Unemployment Compensation Manual is available at each 
regional office of the Department of Labor and at the headquarters' 
office of each State unemployment compensation agency.

[37 FR 16173, Aug. 11, 1972, as amended at 41 FR 6757, Feb. 13, 1976; 71 
FR 35517, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  650.5  Annual appeals performance plan.

    No later than December 15 of each year, each State shall submit an 
appeals performance plan showing how it will operate during the 
following calendar year so as to achieve or maintain the issuance of at 
least 60 percent of all first level benefit appeals decisions within 30 
days of the date of appeal, and 80 percent within 45 days.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0132)

(Pub. L. No. 96-511)

[41 FR 6757, Feb. 13, 1976, as amended at 49 FR 18295, Apr. 30, 1984; 71 
FR 35517, June 21, 2006]



PART 651_GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT EMPLOYMENT
SERVICE--Table of Contents



    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 49a; 38 U.S.C. part III, 4101, 4211; Secs. 503, 
3, 189, Pub. L. 113-128, 128 Stat. 1425 (Jul. 22, 2014).



Sec.  651.10  Definitions of terms used in this part and parts 652, 653,
654, and 658 of this chapter.

    In addition to the definitions set forth in sec. 3 of WIOA, the 
following

[[Page 292]]

definitions apply to the regulations in parts 652, 653, 654, and 658 of 
this chapter:
    Act means the Wagner-Peyser Act (codified at 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.).
    Administrator, Office of Workforce Investment (OWI Administrator) 
means the chief official of the Office of Workforce Investment (OWI) or 
the Administrator's designee.
    Agricultural employer means any employer as defined in this part who 
owns or operates a farm, ranch, processing establishment, cannery, gin, 
packing shed or nursery, or who produces or conditions seed, and who 
either recruits, solicits, hires, employs, furnishes, or transports any 
migrant or seasonal farmworker or any agricultural employer as described 
in 29 U.S.C. 1802(2).
    Agricultural worker see Farmworker.
    Applicant holding office means a Wagner-Peyser Act Employment 
Service (ES) office that is in receipt of a clearance order and has 
access to U.S. workers who may be willing and available to perform 
farmwork on a less than year-round basis.
    Applicant Holding State means a State Workforce Agency that is in 
receipt of a clearance order from another State and potentially has U.S. 
workers who may be willing and available to perform farmwork on a less 
than year-round basis.
    Bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) means that an employment 
decision or request based on age, sex, national origin or religion is 
based on a finding that such characteristic is necessary to the 
individual's ability to perform the job in question. Since a BFOQ is an 
exception to the general prohibition against discrimination on the basis 
of age, sex, national origin, or religion, it must be interpreted 
narrowly in accordance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 
regulations set forth at 29 CFR parts 1604, 1605, and 1627.
    Career services means the services described in sec. 134(c)(2) of 
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Sec.  678.430 of 
this chapter.
    Clearance order means a job order that is processed through the 
clearance system under the Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS).
    Clearance system means the orderly movement of U.S. job seekers as 
they are referred through the employment placement process by an ES 
office. This includes joint action of local ES offices in different 
labor market areas and/or States.
    Complainant means the individual, employer, organization, 
association, or other entity filing a complaint.
    Complaint means a representation made or referred to a State or ES 
office of an alleged violation of the ES regulations and/or other 
Federal laws enforced by the Department's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) 
or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as 
other Federal, State, or local agencies enforcing employment-related 
law.
    Complaint System Representative means the ES staff individual at the 
local or State level who is responsible for handling complaints.
    Decertification means the rescission by the Secretary of the year-
end certification made under sec. 7 of the Wagner-Peyser Act to the 
Secretary of the Treasury that the State agency may receive funds 
authorized by the Wagner-Peyser Act.
    Department means the United States Department of Labor, including 
its agencies and organizational units.
    Employer means a person, firm, corporation, or other association or 
organization which currently has a location within the United States to 
which U.S. workers may be referred for employment, and which proposes to 
employ a worker at a place within the United States and which has an 
employer relationship with respect to employees under this subpart as 
indicated by the fact that it hires, pays, fires, supervises, and 
otherwise controls the work of such employees. An association of 
employers is considered an employer if it has all of the indicia of an 
employer set forth in this definition. Such an association, however, is 
considered as a joint employer with the employer member if either shares 
in exercising one or more of the definitional indicia.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the component of 
the Department of Labor that administers Federal government job training 
and worker dislocation programs, Federal

[[Page 293]]

grants to States for public ES programs, and unemployment insurance 
benefits. These services are provided primarily through State and local 
workforce development systems.
    Employment-related laws means those laws that relate to the 
employment relationship, such as those enforced by the Department's WHD, 
OSHA, or by other Federal, State, or local agencies.
    Employment Service (ES) office means a site that provides Wagner-
Peyser Act services as a one-stop partner program. A site must be 
colocated in a one-stop center consistent with the requirements of 
Sec. Sec.  678.305 through 678.315 of this chapter.
    Employment Service (ES) Office Manager means the individual in 
charge of all ES activities in a one-stop center.
    Employment Service (ES) regulations means the Federal regulations at 
this part and parts 652, 653, 654, 658 of this chapter, and 29 CFR part 
75.
    Employment Service (ES) staff means individuals, including but not 
limited to State employees and staff of a subrecipient, who are funded, 
in whole or in part, by Wagner-Peyser Act funds to carry out activities 
authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act.
    Establishment means a public or private economic employing unit 
generally at a single physical location which produces and/or sells 
goods or services, for example, a mine, factory, store, farm, orchard or 
ranch. It is usually engaged in one, or predominantly one, type of 
commercial or governmental activity. Each branch or subsidiary unit of a 
large employer in a geographical area or community must be considered an 
individual establishment, except that all such units in the same 
physical location is considered a single establishment. A component of 
an establishment which may not be located in the same physical structure 
(such as the warehouse of a department store) also must be considered as 
part of the parent establishment. For the purpose of the ``seasonal 
farmworker'' definition, farm labor contractors and crew leaders are not 
considered establishments; it is the organizations to which they supply 
the workers that are the establishments.
    Farmwork means the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, 
the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural 
or horticultural commodities. This includes the raising of livestock, 
bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry, the farming of fish, and any 
practices (including any forestry or lumbering operations) performed by 
a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such 
farming operations, including preparation for market, delivery to 
storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market. It 
also includes the handling, planting, drying, packing, packaging, 
processing, freezing, or grading prior to delivery for storage of any 
agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state. For 
the purposes of this definition, agricultural commodities means all 
commodities produced on a farm including crude gum (oleoresin) from a 
living tree products processed by the original producer of the crude gum 
(oleoresin) from which they are derived, including gum spirits of 
turpentine and gum rosin. Farmwork also means any service or activity 
covered under Sec.  655.103(c) of this chapter and/or 29 CFR 500.20(e) 
and any service or activity so identified through official Department 
guidance such as a Training and Employment Guidance Letter.
    Farmworker means an individual employed in farmwork, as defined in 
this section.
    Field checks means random, unannounced appearances by ES staff and/
or Federal staff at agricultural worksites to which ES placements have 
been made through the intrastate or interstate clearance system to 
ensure that conditions are as stated on the job order and that the 
employer is not violating an employment-related law.
    Field visits means appearances by Monitor Advocates or outreach 
staff to the working and living areas of migrant and seasonal 
farmworkers (MSFWs), to discuss employment services and other 
employment-related programs with MSFWs, crew leaders, and employers. 
Monitor Advocates or outreach staff must keep records of each such 
visit.
    Governor means the chief executive of a State or an outlying area.
    Hearing Officer means a Department of Labor Administrative Law 
Judge,

[[Page 294]]

designated to preside at Department administrative hearings.
    Individual with a disability means an individual with a disability 
as defined in sec. 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
U.S.C. 12102).
    Interstate clearance order means an agricultural job order for 
temporary employment (employment on a less than year-round basis) 
describing one or more hard-to-fill job openings, which an ES office 
uses to request recruitment assistance from other ES offices in a 
different State.
    Intrastate clearance order means an agricultural job order for 
temporary employment (employment on a less than year-round basis) 
describing one or more hard-to-fill job openings, which an ES office 
uses to request recruitment assistance from other ES offices within the 
State.
    Job development means the process of securing a job interview with a 
public or private employer for a specific participant for whom the ES 
office has no suitable opening on file.
    Job information means information derived from data compiled in the 
normal course of ES activities from reports, job orders, applications, 
and the like.
    Job opening means a single job opportunity for which the ES office 
has on file a request to select and refer participants.
    Job order means the document containing the material terms and 
conditions of employment relating to wages, hours, working conditions, 
worksite and other benefits, submitted by an employer.
    Job referral means:
    (1) The act of bringing to the attention of an employer a 
participant or group of participants who are available for specific job 
openings or for a potential job; and
    (2) The record of such referral. ``Job referral'' means the same as 
``referral to a job.''
    Labor market area means an economically integrated geographic area 
within which individuals can reside and find employment within a 
reasonable distance or can readily change employment without changing 
their place of residence. Such an area must be identified in accordance 
with criteria used by the Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics in 
defining such areas or similar criteria established by a Governor.
    Local Workforce Development Board or Local WDB means a Local 
Workforce Development Board established under sec. 107 of WIOA.
    Migrant farmworker means a seasonal farmworker (as defined in this 
section) who travels to the job site so that the farmworker is not 
reasonably able to return to his/her permanent residence within the same 
day. Full-time students traveling in organized groups rather than with 
their families are excluded.
    Migrant food processing worker see Migrant Farmworker.
    MSFW means a migrant farmworker or a seasonal farmworker.
    Occupational Information Network (O*NET) system means the online 
reference database which contains detailed descriptions of U.S. 
occupations, distinguishing characteristics, classification codes, and 
information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and work activities 
as well as information on interests, work styles, and work values.
    One-stop center means a physical center within the one-stop delivery 
system, as described in sec. 121(e)(2)(A) of WIOA.
    One-stop delivery system means a one-stop delivery system described 
in sec. 121(e) of WIOA.
    One-stop partner means an entity described in sec. 121(b) of WIOA 
and Sec.  678.400 of this chapter that is participating in the operation 
of a one-stop delivery system.
    O*NET-SOC means the occupational codes and titles used in the O*NET 
system, based on and grounded in the Standard Occupational 
Classification (SOC), which are the titles and codes utilized by Federal 
statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories 
for the purpose of collecting, calculating, and disseminating data. The 
SOC system is issued by the Office of Management and Budget and the 
Department of Labor is authorized to develop additional detailed O*NET 
occupations within existing SOC categories. The Department uses O*NET-
SOC titles and codes for the purposes of

[[Page 295]]

collecting descriptive occupational information and for State reporting 
of data on training, credential attainment, and placement in employment 
by occupation.
    Onsite review means an appearance by the State Monitor Advocate and/
or Federal staff at an ES office to monitor the delivery of services and 
protections afforded by ES regulations to MSFWs by the State Workforce 
Agency and local ES offices.
    Order holding office means an ES office that has accepted a 
clearance order from an employer seeking U.S. workers to perform 
farmwork on a less than year-round basis through the Agricultural 
Recruitment System.
    Outreach contact means each MSFW that receives the presentation of 
information, offering of assistance, or follow-up activity from outreach 
staff.
    Outreach staff means ES staff with the responsibilities described in 
Sec.  653.107(b) of this chapter.
    Participant means a reportable individual who has received services 
other than the services described in Sec.  677.150(a)(3) of this 
chapter, after satisfying all applicable programmatic requirements for 
the provision of services, such as eligibility determination. (See Sec.  
677.150(a) of this chapter.)
    (1) The following individuals are not Participants, subject to Sec.  
677.150(a)(3)(ii) and(iii) of this chapter:
    (i) Individuals who only use the self-service system; and
    (ii) Individuals who receive information-only services or 
activities.
    (2) Wagner-Peyser Act participants must be included in the program's 
performance calculations
    Placement means the hiring by a public or private employer of an 
individual referred by the ES office for a job or an interview, provided 
that the employment office completed all of the following steps:
    (1) Prepared a job order form prior to referral, except in the case 
of a job development contact on behalf of a specific participant;
    (2) Made prior arrangements with the employer for the referral of an 
individual or individuals;
    (3) Referred an individual who had not been specifically designated 
by the employer, except for referrals on agricultural job orders for a 
specific crew leader or worker;
    (4) Verified from a reliable source, preferably the employer, that 
the individual had entered on a job; and
    (5) Appropriately recorded the placement.
    Public housing means housing operated by or on behalf of any public 
agency.
    Regional Administrator (RA) means the chief Department of Labor 
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) official in each Department 
regional office.
    Reportable individual means an individual who has taken action that 
demonstrates an intent to use Wagner-Peyser Act services and who meets 
specific reporting criteria of the Wagner-Peyser Act (see Sec.  
677.150(b) of this chapter), including:
    (1) Individuals who provide identifying information;
    (2) Individuals who only use the self-service system; or
    (3) Individuals who only receive information-only services or 
activities.
    Respondent means the individual or entity alleged to have committed 
the violation described in the complaint, such as the employer, service 
provider, or State agency (including a State agency official).
    Seasonal farmworker means an individual who is employed, or was 
employed in the past 12 months, in farmwork (as defined in this section) 
of a seasonal or other temporary nature and is not required to be absent 
overnight from his/her permanent place of residence. Non-migrant 
individuals who are full-time students are excluded. Labor is performed 
on a seasonal basis where, ordinarily, the employment pertains to or is 
of the kind exclusively performed at certain seasons or periods of the 
year and which, from its nature, may not be continuous or carried on 
throughout the year. A worker who moves from one seasonal activity to 
another, while employed in farmwork, is employed on a seasonal basis 
even though he/she may continue to be employed during a major portion of 
the year. A worker is employed on other temporary basis where he/she is 
employed for a limited time only or his/her performance is contemplated

[[Page 296]]

for a particular piece of work, usually of short duration. Generally, 
employment which is contemplated to continue indefinitely is not 
temporary.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor or the 
Secretary's designee.
    Significant MSFW one-stop centers are those designated annually by 
the Department and include those ES offices where MSFWs account for 10 
percent or more of annual participants in employment services and those 
local ES offices which the administrator determines must be included due 
to special circumstances such as an estimated large number of MSFWs in 
the service area. In no event may the number of significant MSFW one-
stop centers be less than 100 centers on a nationwide basis.
    Significant MSFW States are those States designated annually by the 
Department and must include the 20 States with the highest number of 
MSFW participants.
    Significant multilingual MSFW one-stop centers are those designated 
annually by the Department and include those significant MSFW ES offices 
where 10 percent or more of MSFW participants are estimated to require 
service provisions in a language(s) other than English unless the 
administrator determines other one-stop centers also must be included 
due to special circumstances.
    Solicitor means the chief legal officer of the U.S. Department of 
Labor or the Solicitor's designee.
    Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) means a metropolitan 
area designated by the Bureau of Census which contains:
    (1) At least 1city of 50,000 inhabitants or more; or
    (2) Twin cities with a combined population of at least 50,000.
    State means any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, 
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
    State Administrator means the chief official of the SWA.
    State agency or State Workforce Agency (SWA) means the State ES 
agency designated under sec. 4 of the Wagner-Peyser Act.
    State hearing official means a State official designated to preside 
at State administrative hearings convened to resolve complaints 
involving ES regulations pursuant to subpart E of part 658 of this 
chapter.
    State Workforce Agency (SWA) official means an individual employed 
by the State Workforce Agency or any of its subdivisions.
    State Workforce Development Board or State WDB means the entity 
within a State appointed by the Governor under sec. 101 of WIOA.
    Supply State(s) means a State that potentially has U.S. workers who 
may be recruited for referral through the Agricultural Recruitment 
System to the area of intended employment in a different State.
    Supportive services means services that are necessary to enable an 
individual to participate in activities authorized under WIOA or the 
Wagner-Peyser Act. These services may include, but are not limited to, 
the following:
    (1) Linkages to community services;
    (2) Assistance with transportation;
    (3) Assistance with child care and dependent care;
    (4) Assistance with housing;
    (5) Needs-related payments;
    (6) Assistance with educational testing;
    (7) Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities;
    (8) Referrals to health care;
    (9) Assistance with uniforms or other appropriate work attire and 
work-related tools, including such items as eyeglasses and protective 
eye gear;
    (10) Assistance with books, fees, school supplies, and other 
necessary items for students enrolled in postsecondary education 
classes; and
    (11) Payments and fees for employment and training-related 
applications, tests, and certifications.
    Tests means a standardized method of measuring an individual's 
possession of, interest in, or ability to acquire, job skills and 
knowledge. Use of tests by one-stop staff must be in accordance with the 
provisions of:
    (1) Title 41 CFR part 60-3, Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection 
Procedures;

[[Page 297]]

    (2) Title 29 CFR part 1627, Records To Be Made or Kept Relating to 
Age; Notices To Be Posted; Administrative Exemptions; and
    (3) The Department of Labor's regulations on Nondiscrimination on 
the Basis of Handicap in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefiting 
from Federal Financial Assistance, which have been published as 29 CFR 
part 32.
    Training services means services described in sec. 134(c)(3) of 
WIOA.
    Unemployment insurance claimant means a person who files a claim for 
benefits under any State or Federal unemployment compensation law.
    Veteran means a person who served in the active military, naval, or 
air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under 
conditions other than dishonorable, as defined under 38 U.S.C. 101 and 
sec. 3(63)(A) of WIOA.
    Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) also known as Employment 
Service (ES) means the national system of public ES offices described 
under the Wagner-Peyser Act. Employment services are delivered through a 
nationwide system of one-stop centers, and are managed by State 
Workforce Agencies and the various local offices of the State Workforce 
Agencies, and funded by the United States Department of Labor.
    WIOA means the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (codified at 
29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).
    Workforce and Labor Market Information (WLMI) means the body of 
knowledge that describes the relationship between labor demand and 
supply. This includes identification and analysis of the socio-economic 
factors that influence employment, training, and business decisions, 
such as worker preparation, educational program offerings and related 
policy decisions within national, State, Substate, and local labor 
market areas. WLMI includes, but is not limited to:
    (1) Employment numbers by occupation and industry;
    (2) Unemployment numbers and rates;
    (3) Short- and long-term industry and occupational employment 
projections;
    (4) Information on business employment dynamics, including the 
number and nature of business establishments, and share and location of 
industrial production;
    (5) Local employment dynamics, including business turnover rates; 
new hires, job separations, net job losses;
    (6) Job vacancy counts;
    (7) Job seeker and job posting data from the public labor exchange 
system;
    (8) Identification of high growth and high demand industries, 
occupations, and jobs;
    (9) Information on employment and earnings for wage and salary 
workers and for the self-employed;
    (10) Information on work hours, benefits, unionization, trade 
disputes, conditions of employment, and retirement;
    (11) Information on occupation-specific requirements regarding 
education, training, skills, knowledge, and experience;
    WLMI also may include, as either source data or as outputs of 
analysis of source data:
    (12) Population and workforce growth and decline, classified by age, 
sex, race, and other demographic characteristics;
    (13) Identification of emerging occupations and evolving skill 
demands;
    (14) Business skill and hiring requirements;
    (15) Workforce characteristics, which may include skills, 
experience, education, credential attainment, competencies, etc.;
    (16) Workforce available in geographic areas;
    (17) Information on regional and local economic development 
activity, including job creation through business start-ups and 
expansions;
    (18) Enrollments in and completers from educational programs, 
training and registered apprenticeship;
    (19) Trends in industrial and occupational restructuring;
    (20) Shifts in consumer demands;
    (21) Data contained in governmental or administrative reporting 
including wage records as identified in Sec.  652.301 of this chapter;
    (22) Labor market intelligence gained from interaction with 
businesses, industry or trade associations, education agencies, 
government entities, and the public; and
    (23) Other economic factors.
    Workforce and Labor Market Information System (WLMIS) means the 
system

[[Page 298]]

that collects, analyzes, interprets, and disseminates workforce 
characteristics and employment-related data, statistics, and information 
at national, State, and local labor market areas and makes that 
information available to the public, workforce development system, one-
stop partner programs, and the education and economic development 
communities.
    Workforce development activity means an activity carried out through 
a workforce development program as defined in sec. 3 of WIOA.
    Working days or business days means those days that the order-
holding ES office is open for public business, for purposes of the 
Agricultural Recruitment System.
    Work test means activities designed to ensure that an individual 
whom a State determines to be eligible for unemployment insurance 
benefits is able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work 
in accordance with the State's unemployment compensation law.

[81 FR 56333, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 625, Jan. 6, 2020]



PART 652_ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONING OF STATE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE-
-Table of Contents



                 Subpart A_Employment Service Operations

Sec.
652.1 Introduction.
652.2 Scope and purpose of the Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service.
652.3 Public labor exchange services system.
652.4 Allotment of funds and grant agreement.
652.5 Services authorized.
652.6-652.7 [Reserved]
652.8 Administrative provisions.
652.9 Labor disputes.

                     Subpart B_Services for Veterans

652.100 Services for veterans.

   Subpart C_Wagner-Peyser Act Services in a One-Stop Delivery System 
                               Environment

652.200 What is the purpose of this subpart?
652.201 What is the role of the State Workforce Agency in the one-stop 
          delivery system?
652.202 May local Employment Service offices exist outside of the one-
          stop delivery system?
652.203 Who is responsible for funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser 
          Act in the workforce development system?
652.204 Must funds authorized under section 7(b) of the Wagner-Peyser 
          Act (the Governor's Reserve) flow through the one-stop 
          delivery system?
652.205 May funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act be used to 
          supplement funding for labor exchange programs authorized 
          under separate legislation?
652.206 May a State use funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act to 
          provide applicable ``career services,'' as defined in the 
          Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
652.207 How does a State meet the requirement for universal access to 
          services provided under the Wagner-Peyser Act?
652.208 How are applicable career services related to the methods of 
          service delivery described in this part?
652.209 What are the requirements under the Wagner-Peyser Act for 
          providing reemployment services and other activities to 
          referred unemployment insurance claimants?
652.210 What are the Wagner-Peyser Act's requirements for administration 
          of the work test, including eligibility assessments, as 
          appropriate, and assistance to unemployment insurance 
          claimants?
652.211 What are State planning requirements under the Wagner-Peyser 
          Act?
652.215 Can Wagner-Peyser Act-funded activities be provided through a 
          variety of staffing models?
652.216 May the one-stop operator provide guidance to Employment Service 
          staff in accordance with the Wagner-Peyser Act?

            Subpart D_Workforce and Labor Market Information

652.300 What role does the Secretary of Labor have concerning the 
          Workforce and Labor Market Information System?
652.301 What are wage records for purposes of the Wagner-Peyser Act?
652.302 How do the Secretary of Labor's responsibilities described in 
          this part apply to State wage records?
652.303 How do the requirements of part 603 of this chapter apply to 
          wage records?

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 49l-2; Secs. 189 and 503, Public Law 113-128, 
128 Stat. 1425 (Jul. 22, 2014).

    Source: 81 FR 56337, Aug. 19, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 299]]



                 Subpart A_Employment Service Operations



Sec.  652.1  Introduction.

    These regulations implement the provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act, 
known hereafter as the Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended by title III of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Public Law 113-128. The 
Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) is a core program under the 
WIOA, and an integral component of the one-stop delivery system. 
Congress intended that the States exercise broad authority in 
implementing provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act.



Sec.  652.2  Scope and purpose of the Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service.

    The basic purpose of the ES is to improve the functioning of the 
nation's labor markets by bringing together individuals who are seeking 
employment and employers who are seeking workers.



Sec.  652.3  Public labor exchange services system.

    At a minimum, each State must administer a labor exchange system 
which has the capacity, to:
    (a) Assist job seekers in finding employment, including promoting 
their familiarity with the Department's electronic tools;
    (b) Assist employers in filling jobs;
    (c) Facilitate the match between job seekers and employers;
    (d) Participate in a system for clearing labor among the States, 
including the use of standardized classification systems issued by the 
Secretary, under sec. 15 of the Wagner-Peyser Act;
    (e) Meet the work test requirements of the State unemployment 
compensation system; and
    (f) Provide labor exchange services as identified in Sec.  
678.430(a) of this chapter, sec. 7(a) of the Wagner-Peyser Act, and sec. 
134(c)(2)(A)(iv) of WIOA.



Sec.  652.4  Allotment of funds and grant agreement.

    (a) Allotments. The Secretary must provide planning estimates in 
accordance with sec. 6(b)(5) of the Wagner-Peyser Act. Within 30 days of 
receipt of planning estimates from the Secretary, the State must make 
public the sub-State resource distributions, and describe the process 
and schedule under which these resources will be issued, planned, and 
committed. This notification must include a description of the 
procedures by which the public may review and comment on the sub-State 
distributions, including a process by which the State will resolve any 
complaints.
    (b) Grant agreement. To establish a continuing relationship under 
the Wagner-Peyser Act, the Governor and the Secretary must sign a grant 
agreement, including a statement assuring that the State must comply 
with the Wagner-Peyser Act and all applicable rules and regulations. 
Consistent with this agreement and sec. 6 of the Wagner-Peyser Act, 
State allotments will be obligated through a notification of obligation.



Sec.  652.5  Services authorized.

    The funds allotted to each State under sec. 6 of the Wagner-Peyser 
Act must be expended consistent with an approved plan under Sec. Sec.  
676.100 through 676.145 of this chapter and Sec.  652.211. At a minimum, 
each State must provide the minimum labor exchange elements listed at 
Sec.  652.3.



Sec. Sec.  652.6-652.7  [Reserved]



Sec.  652.8  Administrative provisions.

    (a) Administrative requirements. The Employment Security Manual is 
not applicable to funds appropriated under the Wagner-Peyser Act. Except 
as provided for in paragraph (f) of this section, administrative 
requirements and cost principles applicable to grants under this part 
are as specified in 2 CFR parts 200 and 2900 which govern the Uniform 
Guidelines, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards.
    (b) Management systems, reporting, and recordkeeping. (1) The State 
must ensure that a financial system provides fiscal control and 
accounting procedures sufficient to permit preparation of required 
reports, and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditure adequate to 
establish that funds have not

[[Page 300]]

been expended in violation of the restrictions on the use of such funds. 
(sec. 10(a) of the Wagner-Peyser Act)
    (2) The financial management system and the program information 
system must provide Federally-required records and reports that are 
uniform in definition, accessible to authorized Federal and State staff, 
and verifiable for monitoring, reporting, audit and evaluation purposes. 
(sec. 10(c) of the Wagner-Peyser Act)
    (c) Reports required. (1) Each State must make reports pursuant to 
instructions issued by the Secretary and in such format as the Secretary 
prescribes.
    (2) The Secretary is authorized to monitor and investigate pursuant 
to sec. 10 of the Wagner-Peyser Act.
    (d) Special administrative and cost provisions. (1) Neither the 
Department nor the State is a guarantor of the accuracy or truthfulness 
of information obtained from employers or applicants in the process of 
operating a labor exchange activity.
    (2) Prior approval authority--as described in various sections of 29 
CFR part 97, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and 
Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments, and Office of 
Management and Budget Circular A-87 (Revised)--is delegated to the State 
except that the Secretary reserves the right to require transfer of 
title on nonexpendable Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADPE), in 
accordance with provisions contained in 2 CFR parts 200 and 2900. The 
Secretary reserves the right to exercise prior approval authority in 
other areas, after providing advance notice to the State.
    (3) Application for financial assistance and modification 
requirements must be as specified under this part.
    (4) Cost of promotional and informational activities consistent with 
the provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act, describing services offered by 
employment security agencies, job openings, labor market information, 
and similar items are allowable.
    (5) Each State must retain basic documents for the minimum period 
specified below, consistent with 2 CFR parts 200 and 2900:
    (i) Work application: 3 years.
    (ii) Job order: 3 years.
    (6) Payments from the State's Wagner-Peyser Act allotment made into 
a State's account in the Unemployment Trust Fund for the purpose of 
reducing charges against Reed Act funds (sec. 903(c) of the Social 
Security Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1103(c)) are allowable costs, 
provided that:
    (i) The charges against Reed Act funds were for amounts 
appropriated, obligated, and expended for the acquisition of automatic 
data processing installations or for the acquisition or major renovation 
of State-owned office building; and
    (ii) With respect to each acquisition of improvement of property 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section, the payments are 
accounted for in the State's records as credits against equivalent 
amounts of Reed Act funds used for administrative expenditures.
    (e) Disclosure of information. (1) The State must assure the proper 
disclosure of information pursuant to sec. 3(b) of the Wagner-Peyser 
Act.
    (2) The information specified in sec. 3(b) and other sections of the 
Wagner-Peyser Act, also must be provided to officers or any employee of 
the Federal government or of a State government lawfully charged with 
administration of unemployment compensation laws, ES activities under 
the Wagner-Peyser Act or other related legislation, but only for 
purposes reasonably necessary for the proper administration of such 
laws.
    (f) Audits. (1) The State must follow the audit requirements found 
at Sec.  683.210 of this chapter, except that funds expended pursuant to 
sec. 7(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act must be audited annually.
    (2) The Comptroller General and the Inspector General of the 
Department have the authority to conduct audits, evaluations or 
investigations necessary to meet their responsibilities under sec. 
9(b)(1) and 9(b)(2), respectively, of the Wagner-Peyser Act.
    (3) The audit, conducted pursuant to paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this 
section, must be submitted to the Secretary who will follow the 
resolution process specified in Sec. Sec.  683.420 through 683.440 of 
this chapter.

[[Page 301]]

    (g) Sanctions for violation of the Wagner-Peyser Act. (1) The 
Secretary may impose appropriate sanctions and corrective actions for 
violation of the Wagner-Peyser Act, regulations, or State Plan, 
including the following:
    (i) Requiring repayment, for debts owed the government under the 
grant, from non-Federal funds;
    (ii) Offsetting debts arising from the misexpenditure of grant 
funds, against amounts to which the State is or may be entitled under 
the Wagner-Peyser Act, provided that debts arising from gross negligence 
or willful misuse of funds may not be offset against future grants. When 
the Secretary reduces amounts allotted to the State by the amount of the 
misexpenditure, the debt must be fully satisfied;
    (iii) Determining the amount of Federal cash maintained by the State 
or a subrecipient in excess of reasonable grant needs, establishing a 
debt for the amount of such excessive cash, and charging interest on 
that debt; and
    (iv) Imposing other appropriate sanctions or corrective actions, 
except where specifically prohibited by the Wagner-Peyser Act or 
regulations.
    (2) To impose a sanction or corrective action, the Secretary must 
utilize the initial and final determination procedures outlined in 
paragraph (f)(3) of this section and specified in the administrative 
provisions at Sec. Sec.  683.420 through 683.440 of this chapter.
    (h) Other violations. Violations or alleged violations of the 
Wagner-Peyser Act, regulations, or grant terms and conditions except 
those pertaining to audits or discrimination must be determined and 
handled in accordance with part 658, subpart H, of this chapter.
    (i) Fraud and abuse. Any persons having knowledge of fraud, criminal 
activity or other abuse must report such information directly and 
immediately to the Secretary, including all complaints involving such 
matters.
    (j) Nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements. States 
must:
    (1) Assure that no individual be excluded from participation in, 
denied the benefits of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied 
employment in the administration or in connection with any services or 
activities authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act in violation of any 
applicable nondiscrimination law. All complaints alleging discrimination 
must be filed and processed according to the procedures in the 
applicable Department of Labor nondiscrimination regulations.
    (2) Assure that discriminatory job orders will not be accepted, 
except where the stated requirement is a bona fide occupational 
qualification (BFOQ). See, generally, 42 U.S.C. 2000(e)-2(e), 29 CFR 
parts 1604, 1606, and 1625.
    (3) Assure that employers' valid affirmative action requests will be 
accepted and a significant number of qualified applicants from the 
target group(s) will be included to enable the employer to meet its 
affirmative action obligations.
    (4) Assure that employment testing programs will comply with 41 CFR 
part 60-3 and 29 CFR part 32 and 29 CFR 1627.3(b)(1)(iv).
    (5) Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements and 
procedures, including complaint processing and compliance reviews, will 
be governed by the applicable Department of Labor nondiscrimination 
regulations.



Sec.  652.9  Labor disputes.

    (a) State agencies may not make a job referral on job orders which 
will aid directly or indirectly in the filling of a job opening which is 
vacant because the former occupant is on strike, or is being locked out 
in the course of a labor dispute, or the filling of which is otherwise 
an issue in a labor dispute involving a work stoppage.
    (b) Written notification must be provided to all applicants referred 
to jobs not at issue in the labor dispute that a labor dispute exists in 
the employing establishment and that the job to which the applicant is 
being referred is not at issue in the dispute.
    (c) When a job order is received from an employer reportedly 
involved in a labor dispute involving a work stoppage, State agencies 
must:
    (1) Verify the existence of the labor dispute and determine its 
significance with respect to each vacancy involved in the job order; and
    (2) Notify all potentially affected staff concerning the labor 
dispute.
    (d) State agencies must resume full referral services when they have 
been

[[Page 302]]

notified of, and verified with the employer and workers' 
representative(s), that the labor dispute has been terminated.
    (e) State agencies must notify the regional office in writing of the 
existence of labor disputes which:
    (1) Result in a work stoppage at an establishment involving a 
significant number of workers; or
    (2) Involve multi-establishment employers with other establishments 
outside the reporting State.



                     Subpart B_Services for Veterans



Sec.  652.100  Services for veterans.

    Veterans receive priority of service for all Department-funded 
employment and training programs as described in 20 CFR part 1010. The 
Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) 
administers the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program under 
chapter 41 of title 38 of the U.S. Code and other activities and 
training programs which provide services to specific populations of 
eligible veterans. VETS' general regulations are located in parts 1001, 
1002, and 1010 of this title.



   Subpart C_Wagner-Peyser Act Services in a One-Stop Delivery System 
                               Environment



Sec.  652.200  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    (a) This subpart provides guidance to States to implement the 
services provided under the Wagner-Peyser Act, as amended by WIOA, in a 
one-stop delivery system environment.
    (b) Except as otherwise provided, the definitions contained in part 
651 of this chapter and sec. 2 of the Wagner-Peyser Act apply to this 
subpart.



Sec.  652.201  What is the role of the State Workforce Agency in the 
one-stop delivery system?

    (a) The role of the State Workforce Agency (SWA) in the one-stop 
delivery system is to ensure the delivery of services authorized under 
sec. 7(a) of the Wagner-Peyser Act. The SWA is a required one-stop 
partner in each local one-stop delivery system and is subject to the 
provisions relating to such partners that are described at part 678 of 
this chapter.
    (b) Consistent with those provisions, the State agency must:
    (1) Participate in the one-stop delivery system in accordance with 
sec. 7(e) of the Wagner-Peyser Act;
    (2) Be represented on the Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) that 
oversee the local and State one-stop delivery system and be a party to 
the Memorandum of Understanding, described at Sec.  678.500 of this 
chapter, addressing the operation of the one-stop delivery system; and
    (3) Provide these services as part of the one-stop delivery system.



Sec.  652.202  May local Employment Service offices exist outside of 
the one-stop delivery system?

    No. Local ES offices may not exist outside of the one-stop service 
delivery system. A State must colocate ES, as provided in Sec. Sec.  
678.310 through 678.315 of this chapter.



Sec.  652.203  Who is responsible for funds authorized under the
Wagner-Peyser Act in the workforce development system?

    The SWA retains responsibility for all funds authorized under the 
Wagner-Peyser Act, including those funds authorized under sec. 7(a) 
required for providing the services and activities delivered as part of 
the one-stop delivery system.



Sec.  652.204  Must funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act 
(the Governor's Reserve) flow through the one-stop delivery system?

    No, sec. 7(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act provides that 10 percent of 
the State's allotment under the Wagner-Peyser Act is reserved for use by 
the Governor for performance incentives, supporting exemplary models of 
service delivery, professional development and career advancement of SWA 
officials as applicable, and services for groups with special needs. 
However, these funds may flow through the one-stop delivery system.

[81 FR 56337, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]

[[Page 303]]



Sec.  652.205  May funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act be used
to supplement funding for labor exchange programs authorized under
separate legislation?

    (a) Section 7(c) of the Wagner-Peyser Act enables States to use 
funds authorized under sec. 7(a) or 7(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act to 
supplement funding of any workforce activity carried out under WIOA.
    (b) Funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act may be used under 
sec. 7(c) to provide additional funding to other activities authorized 
under WIOA if:
    (1) The activity meets the requirements of the Wagner-Peyser Act, 
and its own requirements;
    (2) The activity serves the same individuals as are served under the 
Wagner-Peyser Act;
    (3) The activity provides services that are coordinated with 
services under the Wagner-Peyser Act; and
    (4) The funds supplement, rather than supplant, funds provided from 
non-Federal sources.



Sec.  652.206  May a State use funds authorized under the Wagner-Peyser
Act to provide applicable ``career services,'' as defined in the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?

    Yes, funds authorized under sec. 7(a) of the Wagner-Peyser Act must 
be used to provide basic career services as identified in Sec.  
678.430(a) of this chapter and secs. 134(c)(2)(A)(i)-(xi) of WIOA, and 
may be used to provide individualized career services as identified in 
Sec.  678.430(b) of this chapter and sec. 134(c)(2)(A)(xii) of WIOA. 
Funds authorized under sec. 7(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act may be used to 
provide career services. Career services must be provided consistent 
with the requirements of the Wagner-Peyser Act.



Sec.  652.207  How does a State meet the requirement for universal
access to services provided under the Wagner-Peyser Act?

    (a) A State has discretion in how it meets the requirement for 
universal access to services provided under the Wagner-Peyser Act. In 
exercising this discretion, a State must meet the Wagner-Peyser Act's 
requirements.
    (b) These requirements are:
    (1) Labor exchange services must be available to all employers and 
job seekers, including unemployment insurance (UI) claimants, veterans, 
migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and individuals with disabilities;
    (2) The State must have the capacity to deliver labor exchange 
services to employers and job seekers, as described in the Wagner-Peyser 
Act, on a statewide basis through:
    (i) Self-service, including virtual services;
    (ii) Facilitated self-help service; and
    (iii) Staff-assisted service;
    (3) In each local area, in at least one comprehensive physical 
center, ES staff must provide labor exchange services (including staff-
assisted labor exchange services) and career services as described in 
Sec.  652.206; and
    (4) Those labor exchange services provided under the Wagner-Peyser 
Act in a local area must be described in the Memorandum of Understanding 
(MOU) described in Sec.  678.500 of this chapter.

[81 FR 56337, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  652.208  How are applicable career services related to the methods
of service delivery described in in this part?

    Career services may be delivered through any of the applicable three 
methods of service delivery described in Sec.  652.207(b)(2). These 
methods are:
    (a) Self-service, including virtual services;
    (b) Facilitated self-help service; and
    (c) Staff-assisted service.



Sec.  652.209  What are the requirements under the Wagner-Peyser Act for
providing reemployment services and other activities to referred 
unemployment insurance claimants?

    (a) In accordance with sec. 3(c)(3) of the Wagner-Peyser Act, the 
SWA, as part of the one-stop delivery system, must provide reemployment 
services to UI claimants for whom such services are required as a 
condition for receipt of UI benefits. Services must be appropriate to 
the needs of UI claimants who are referred to reemployment services 
under any Federal or State UI law.
    (b) The SWA also must provide other activities, including:

[[Page 304]]

    (1) Coordination of labor exchange services with the provision of UI 
eligibility services as required by sec. 5(b)(2) of the Wagner-Peyser 
Act;
    (2) Administration of the work test, conducting eligibility 
assessments, and registering UI claimants for employment services in 
accordance with a State's unemployment compensation law, and provision 
of job finding and placement services as required by sec. 3(c)(3) and 
described in sec. 7(a)(3)(F) of the Wagner-Peyser Act; and
    (3) Referring UI claimants to, and providing application assistance 
for, training and education resources and programs, including Federal 
Pell grants and other student assistance under title IV of the Higher 
Education Act, the Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and other 
Veterans Educational Assistance, training provided for youth, and adult 
and dislocated workers, as well as other employment training programs 
under WIOA, and for Vocational Rehabilitation Services under title I of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.



Sec.  652.210  What are the Wagner-Peyser Act's requirements for 
administration of the work test, including eligibility assessments,
as appropriate, and assistance to unemployment insurance claimants?

    (a) State UI law or rules establish the requirements under which UI 
claimants must register and search for work in order to fulfill the UI 
work test requirements.
    (b) ES staff must assure that:
    (1) UI claimants receive the full range of labor exchange services 
available under the Wagner-Peyser Act that are necessary and appropriate 
to facilitate their earliest return to work, including career services 
specified in Sec.  652.206 and listed in sec. 134(c)(2)A) of WIOA;
    (2) UI claimants requiring assistance in seeking work receive the 
necessary guidance and counseling to ensure they make a meaningful and 
realistic work search; and
    (3) ES staff will provide UI program staff with information about UI 
claimants' ability or availability for work, or the suitability of work 
offered to them.

[81 FR 56337, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  652.211  What are State planning requirements under the 
Wagner-Peyser Act?

    The ES is a core program identified in WIOA and must be included as 
part of each State's Unified or Combined State Plans. See Sec. Sec.  
676.105 through 676.125 of this chapter for planning requirements for 
the core programs.



Sec.  652.215  Can Wagner-Peyser Act-funded activities be provided
through a variety of staffing models?

    Yes, Wagner-Peyser Act-funded activities can be provided through a 
variety of staffing models. They are not required to be provided by 
State merit-staff employees; however, States may still choose to do so.

[85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]
    No, the Secretary requires that labor exchange services provided 
under the authority of the Wagner-Peyser Act, including services to 
veterans, be provided by State merit-staff employees. This 
interpretation is authorized by and consistent with the provisions in 
secs. 3(a) and 5(b) of the Wagner-Peyser Act and the Intergovernmental 
Personnel Act (42 U.S.C 4701 et seq.). The Secretary has and has 
exercised the legal authority under sec. 3(a) of the Wagner-Peyser Act 
to set additional staffing standards and requirements and to conduct 
demonstrations to ensure the effective delivery of services provided 
under the Wagner-Peyser Act. No additional exemptions, other than the 
ones previously authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act as amended by 
WIA, will be authorized.



Sec.  652.216  May the one-stop operator provide guidance to Employment
Service staff in accordance with the Wagner-Peyser Act?

    (a) Yes, the one-stop delivery system envisions a partnership in 
which Wagner-Peyser Act labor exchange services are coordinated with 
other activities provided by other partners in a one-stop setting. As 
part of the local MOU described in Sec.  678.500 of this chapter, the 
SWA, as a one-stop partner, may

[[Page 305]]

agree to have ES staff receive guidance from the one-stop operator 
regarding the provision of labor exchange services.
    (b) The guidance given to ES staff must be consistent with the 
provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act, the local MOU, and applicable 
collective bargaining agreements.

[85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]



            Subpart D_Workforce and Labor Market Information



Sec.  652.300  What role does the Secretary of Labor have concerning
the Workforce and Labor Market Information System?

    (a) The Secretary of Labor must oversee the development, 
maintenance, and continuous improvement of the workforce and labor 
market information system defined in Wagner-Peyser Act sec. 15 and Sec.  
651.10 of this chapter. The Department also will identify parameters of 
continuous improvement. The Secretary will consult with the Workforce 
Information Advisory Council on these matters and consider the council's 
recommendations.
    (b) With respect to data collection, analysis, and dissemination of 
workforce and labor market information as defined in Wagner-Peyser Act 
sec. 15 and Sec.  651.10 of this chapter, the Secretary must:
    (1) Assign responsibilities within the Department of Labor for 
elements of the workforce and labor market information system described 
in sec. 15(a) of the Wagner-Peyser Act to ensure that the statistical 
and administrative data collected are consistent with appropriate Bureau 
of Labor Statistics standards and definitions, and that the information 
is accessible and understandable to users of such data;
    (2) Actively seek the cooperation of heads of other Federal agencies 
to establish and maintain mechanisms for ensuring complementarity and 
non-duplication in the development and operation of statistical and 
administrative data collection activities;
    (3) Solicit, receive, and evaluate the recommendations of the 
Workforce Information Advisory Council established by Wagner-Peyser Act 
sec. 15(d);
    (4) Eliminate gaps and duplication in statistical undertakings;
    (5) Through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Employment and 
Training Administration, and in collaboration with States, develop and 
maintain the elements of the workforce and labor market information 
system, including the development of consistent procedures and 
definitions for use by States in collecting and reporting the workforce 
and labor market information data described in Wagner-Peyser Act sec. 15 
and defined in Sec.  651.10 of this chapter;
    (6) Establish procedures for the system to ensure that the data and 
information are timely, and paperwork and reporting for the system are 
reduced to a minimum; and
    (7) Prepare a 2-year plan for the workforce and labor market 
information system, as described in the Wagner-Peyser Act sec. 15(c), as 
amended by WIOA sec. 308(d).



Sec.  652.301  What are wage records for purposes of the Wagner-Peyser
Act?

    Wage records, for purposes of the Wagner-Peyser Act, are records 
that contain ``wage information'' as defined in Sec.  603.2(k) of this 
chapter. In this part, ``State wage records'' refers to wage records 
produced or maintained by a State.



Sec.  652.302  How do the Secretary of Labor's responsibilities described
in this part apply to State wage records?

    (a) A significant portion of the workforce and labor market 
information--defined in Sec.  651.10 of this chapter--are developed 
using State wage records.
    (b) Based on the Secretary of Labor's responsibilities described in 
Wagner-Peyser Act sec. 15 and Sec.  652.300, the Secretary of Labor 
will, in consultation with Federal agencies, and States, and considering 
recommendations from the Workforce Information Advisory Council 
described in Wagner-Peyser Act sec. 15(d), develop:
    (1) Standardized definitions for the data elements comprising ``wage 
records'' as defined in Sec.  652.301; and
    (2) Improved processes and systems for the collection and reporting 
of wage records.

[[Page 306]]

    (c) In carrying out these activities, the Secretary also may consult 
with other stakeholders, such as employers.



Sec.  652.303  How do the requirements of part 603 of this chapter apply
to wage records?

    All information collected by the State in wage records referred to 
in Sec.  652.302 is subject to the confidentiality regulations at part 
603 of this chapter.



PART 653_SERVICES OF THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT EMPLOYMENT SERVICE SYSTEM-
-Table of Contents



Subpart A [Reserved]

     Subpart B_Services for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs)

Sec.
653.100 Purpose and scope of subpart.
653.101 Provision of services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
653.102 Job information.
653.103 Process for migrant and seasonal farmworkers to participate in 
          workforce development activities.
653.104-653.106 [Reserved]
653.107 Outreach and Agricultural Outreach Plan.
653.108 State Workforce Agency and State Monitor Advocate 
          responsibilities.
653.109 Data collection and performance accountability measures.
653.110 Disclosure of data.
653.111 State Workforce Agency staffing requirements.

Subparts C-E [Reserved]

    Subpart F_Agricultural Recruitment System for U.S. Workers (ARS)

653.500 Purpose and scope of subpart.
653.501 Requirements for processing clearance orders.
653.502 Conditional access to the Agricultural Recruitment System.
653.503 Field checks.

    Authority: Secs. 167, 189, 503, Public Law 113-128, 128 Stat. 1425 
(Jul. 22, 2014); 29 U.S.C. chapter 4B; 38 U.S.C. part III, chapters 41 
and 42.

    Source: 81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A [Reserved]



     Subpart B_Services for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs)



Sec.  653.100  Purpose and scope of subpart.

    (a) This subpart sets forth the principal regulations of the Wagner-
Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) concerning the provision of services 
for MSFWs consistent with the requirement that all services of the 
workforce development system be available to all job seekers in an 
equitable fashion. This includes ensuring MSFWs have access to these 
services in a way that meets their unique needs. MSFWs must receive 
services on a basis which is qualitatively equivalent and quantitatively 
proportionate to services provided to non-MSFWs.
    (b) This subpart contains requirements that State Workforce Agencies 
(SWAs) establish a system to monitor their own compliance with ES 
regulations governing services to MSFWs.
    (c) Established under this subpart are special services to ensure 
MSFWs receive the full range of career services as defined in WIOA sec. 
134(c)(2).



Sec.  653.101  Provision of services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

    Each one-stop center must offer MSFWs the full range of career and 
supportive services, benefits and protections, and job and training 
referral services as are provided to non-MSFWs. In providing such 
services, the one-stop centers must consider and be sensitive to the 
preferences, needs, and skills of individual MSFWs and the availability 
of job and training opportunities.



Sec.  653.102  Job information.

    All SWAs must make job order information conspicuous and available 
to MSFWs by all reasonable means. Such information must, at minimum, be 
available through internet labor exchange systems and through the one-
stop centers. One-stop centers must provide adequate assistance to MSFWs 
to access job order information easily and efficiently. In designated 
significant MSFW multilingual offices, such assistance must be provided 
to MSFWs

[[Page 307]]

in their native language, whenever requested or necessary.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  653.103  Process for migrant and seasonal farmworkers to participate
in workforce development activities.

    (a) Each one-stop center must determine whether participants are 
MSFWs as defined at Sec.  651.10 of this chapter.
    (b) All SWAs will ensure that MSFWs who are English Language 
Learners (ELLs) receive, free of charge, the language assistance 
necessary to afford them meaningful access to the programs, services, 
and information offered by the one-stop centers.
    (c) One-stop centers must provide MSFWs a list of available career 
and supportive services in their native language.
    (d) One-stop centers must refer and/or register MSFWs for services, 
as appropriate, if the MSFW is interested in obtaining such services.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec. Sec.  653.104-653.106  [Reserved]



Sec.  653.107  Outreach and Agricultural Outreach Plan.

    (a) State Workforce Agency (SWA) outreach responsibilities. (1) Each 
SWA must provide an adequate number of outreach staff to conduct MSFW 
outreach in their service areas. SWA Administrators must ensure State 
Monitor Advocates (SMAs) and outreach staff coordinate their outreach 
efforts with WIOA title I sec. 167 grantees as well as with public and 
private community service agencies and MSFW groups.
    (2) As part of their outreach, SWAs must ensure outreach staff:
    (i) Communicate the full range of workforce development services to 
MSFWs.
    (ii) Conduct thorough outreach efforts with extensive follow-up 
activities in supply States.
    (3) For purposes of providing and assigning outreach staff to 
conduct outreach duties, and to facilitate the delivery of employment 
services tailored to the special needs of MSFWs, SWAs must seek 
qualified candidates who speak the language of a significant proportion 
of the State MSFW population; and
    (i) Who are from MSFW backgrounds; or
    (ii) Who have substantial work experience in farmworker activities.
    (4) In the 20 States with the highest estimated year-round MSFW 
activity, as identified in guidance issued by the Secretary, there must 
be full-time, year-round outreach staff to conduct outreach duties. For 
the remainder of the States, there must be year-round part-time outreach 
staff, and during periods of the highest MSFW activity, there must be 
full-time outreach staff. All outreach staff must be multilingual, if 
warranted by the characteristics of the MSFW population in the State, 
and must spend a majority of their time in the field.
    (5) The SWA must publicize the availability of employment services 
through such means as newspaper and electronic media publicity. Contacts 
with public and private community agencies, employers and/or employer 
organizations, and MSFW groups also must be utilized to facilitate the 
widest possible distribution of information concerning employment 
services.
    (6) SWAs must ensure each outreach staff member is provided with an 
identification card or other materials identifying them as 
representatives of the State.
    (b) Outreach staff responsibilities. Outreach staff must locate and 
contact MSFWs who are not being reached by the normal intake activities 
conducted by the ES offices. Outreach staff responsibilities include:
    (1) Explaining to MSFWs at their working, living, or gathering areas 
(including day-haul sites), by means of written and oral presentations 
either spontaneous or recorded, in a language readily understood by 
them, the following:
    (i) The services available at the local one-stop center (which 
includes the availability of referrals to training, supportive services, 
and career services, as well as specific employment opportunities), and 
other related services;
    (ii) Information on the Employment Service and Employment-related 
Law Complaint System;

[[Page 308]]

    (iii) Information on the other organizations serving MSFWs in the 
area; and
    (iv) A basic summary of farmworker rights, including farmworker 
rights with respect to the terms and conditions of employment.
    (2) Outreach staff must not enter work areas to perform outreach 
duties described in this section on an employer's property without 
permission of the employer unless otherwise authorized to enter by law; 
must not enter workers' living areas without the permission of the 
workers; and must comply with appropriate State laws regarding access.
    (3) After making the presentation, outreach workers must urge the 
MSFWs to go to the local one-stop center to obtain the full range of 
employment and training services.
    (4) If an MSFW cannot or does not wish to visit the local one-stop 
center, the outreach worker must offer to provide on-site the following:
    (i) Assistance in the preparation of applications for employment 
services;
    (ii) Assistance in obtaining referral(s) to current and future 
employment opportunities;
    (iii) Assistance in the preparation of either ES or employment-
related law complaints;
    (iv) Referral of complaints to the ES office Complaint System 
Representative or ES Office Manager;
    (v) Referral to supportive services and/or career services in which 
the individual or a family member may be interested; and
    (vi) As needed, assistance in making appointments and arranging 
transportation for individual MSFW(s) or members of his/her family to 
and from local one-stop centers or other appropriate agencies.
    (5) Outreach staff must make follow-up contacts as necessary and 
appropriate to provide the assistance specified in paragraphs (b)(1) 
through (4) of this section.
    (6) Outreach staff must be alert to observe the working and living 
conditions of MSFWs and, upon observation or upon receipt of information 
regarding a suspected violation of Federal or State employment-related 
law, document and refer information to the ES Office Manager for 
processing in accordance with Sec.  658.411 of this chapter. 
Additionally, if an outreach staff member observes or receives 
information about apparent violations (as described in Sec.  658.419 of 
this chapter), the outreach staff member must document and refer the 
information to the appropriate ES Office Manager.
    (7) Outreach staff must be trained in local office procedures and in 
the services, benefits, and protections afforded MSFWs by the ES, 
including training on protecting farmworkers against sexual harassment. 
While sexual harassment is the primary requirement, training also may 
include similar issues, such as sexual coercion, assault, and human 
trafficking. Such trainings are intended to help outreach staff identify 
when such issues may be occurring in the fields and how to document and 
refer the cases to the appropriate enforcement agencies. They also must 
be trained in the procedure for informal resolution of complaints. The 
program for such training must be formulated by the State Administrator, 
pursuant to uniform guidelines developed by ETA. The SMA must be given 
an opportunity to review and comment on the State's program.
    (8) Outreach staff must maintain complete records of their contacts 
with MSFWs and the services they perform. These records must include a 
daily log, a copy of which must be sent monthly to the ES Office Manager 
and maintained on file for at least 2 years. These records must include 
the number of contacts, the names of contacts (if available), and the 
services provided (e.g., whether a complaint was received and if the 
complaint or apparent violation was resolved informally or referred to 
the appropriate enforcement agency, and whether a request for career 
services was received). Outreach staff also must maintain records of 
each possible violation or complaint of which they have knowledge, and 
their actions in ascertaining the facts and referring the matters as 
provided herein. These records must include a description of the 
circumstances and names of any employers who have refused outreach staff 
access to MSFWs pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

[[Page 309]]

    (9) Outreach staff must not engage in political, unionization, or 
anti-unionization activities during the performance of their duties.
    (10) Outreach staff must be provided with, carry, and display, upon 
request, identification cards or other material identifying them as 
representatives of the State.
    (11) Outreach staff in significant MSFW local offices must conduct 
especially vigorous outreach in their service areas.
    (c) ES office outreach responsibilities. Each ES Office Manager must 
file with the SMA a monthly summary report of outreach efforts. These 
reports must summarize information collected, pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(8) of this section. The ES Office Manager and/or other appropriate 
staff must assess the performance of outreach staff by examining the 
overall quality and productivity of their work, including the services 
provided and the methods and tools used to offer services. Performance 
must not be judged solely by the number of contacts made by the outreach 
staff. The monthly reports and daily outreach logs must be made 
available to the SMA and Federal onsite review teams.
    (d) State Agricultural Outreach Plan (AOP). (1) Each SWA must 
develop an AOP every 4 years as part of the Unified or Combined State 
Plans required under sec. 102 or 103 of WIOA.
    (2) The AOP must:
    (i) Provide an assessment of the unique needs of MSFWs in the area 
based on past and projected agricultural and MSFW activity in the State;
    (ii) Provide an assessment of available resources for outreach;
    (iii) Describe the SWA's proposed outreach activities including 
strategies on how to contact MSFWs who are not being reached by the 
normal intake activities conducted by the one-stop center;
    (iv) Describe the activities planned for providing the full range of 
employment and training services to the agricultural community, 
including both MSFWs and agricultural employers, through the one-stop 
centers; and
    (v) Provide an assurance that the SWA is complying with the 
requirements under Sec.  653.111 if the State has significant MSFW one-
stop centers.
    (3) In developing the AOP, the SWA must solicit information and 
suggestions from WIOA sec. 167 National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) 
grantees, other appropriate MSFW groups, public agencies, agricultural 
employer organizations, and other interested organizations. In addition, 
at least 45 calendar days before submitting its final AOP to the 
Department, the SWA must provide the proposed AOP to NFJP grantees, 
public agencies, agricultural employer organizations, and other 
organizations expressing an interest and allow at least 30 calendar days 
for review and comment. The SWA must:
    (i) Consider any comments received in formulating its final proposed 
AOP.
    (ii) Inform all commenting parties in writing whether their comments 
have been incorporated and, if not, the reasons therefore.
    (iii) Transmit the comments and recommendations received and its 
responses to the Department with the submission of the AOP. (If the 
comments are received after the submission of the AOP, they may be sent 
separately to the Department.)
    (4) The AOP must be submitted in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this section and planning guidance issued by the Department.
    (5) The Annual Summaries required at Sec.  653.108(s) must update 
the Department on the SWA's progress toward meetings its goals set forth 
in the AOP.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 626, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  653.108  State Workforce Agency and State Monitor Advocate 
responsibilities.

    (a) State Administrators must ensure their SWAs monitor their own 
compliance with ES regulations in serving MSFWs on an ongoing basis. The 
State Administrator has overall responsibility for SWA self-monitoring.
    (b) The State Administrator must appoint an SMA who must be a SWA 
official. The State Administrator must inform farmworker organizations 
and

[[Page 310]]

other organizations with expertise concerning MSFWs of the opening and 
encourage them to refer qualified applicants to apply. Among qualified 
candidates, the SWAs must seek persons:
    (1) Who are from MSFW backgrounds; or
    (2) Who speak the language of a significant proportion of the State 
MSFW population; or
    (3) Who have substantial work experience in farmworker activities.
    (c) The SMA must have direct, personal access, when necessary, to 
the State Administrator.
    (d) The SMA must have ES staff necessary to fulfill effectively all 
of the duties set forth in this subpart. The number of ES staff 
positions must be determined by reference to the number of MSFWs in the 
State, as measured at the time of the peak MSFW population, and the need 
for monitoring activity in the State. The SMA must devote full time to 
Monitor Advocate functions. Any State that proposes less than full-time 
dedication must demonstrate to its Regional Administrator that the SMA 
function can be effectively performed with part-time staffing.
    (e) All SMAs and their staff must attend, within the first 3 months 
of their tenure, a training session conducted by the Regional Monitor 
Advocate. They also must attend whatever additional training sessions 
are required by the Regional or National Monitor Advocate.
    (f) The SMA must provide any relevant documentation requested from 
the SWA by the Regional Monitor Advocate or the National Monitor 
Advocate.
    (g) The SMA must:
    (1) Conduct an ongoing review of the delivery of services and 
protections afforded by the ES regulations to MSFWs by the SWA and ES 
offices (including efforts to provide ES staff in accordance with Sec.  
653.111, and the appropriateness of informal complaint and apparent 
violation resolutions as documented in the complaint logs). The SMA, 
without delay, must advise the SWA and local offices of problems, 
deficiencies, or improper practices in the delivery of services and 
protections afforded by these regulations and may request a corrective 
action plan to address these deficiencies. The SMA must advise the SWA 
on means to improve the delivery of services.
    (2) Participate in on-site reviews on a regular basis, using the 
following procedures:
    (i) Before beginning an onsite review, the SMA or review staff must 
study:
    (A) Program performance data;
    (B) Reports of previous reviews;
    (C) Corrective action plans developed as a result of previous 
reviews;
    (D) Complaint logs including logs documenting the informal 
resolution of complaints and apparent violations; and
    (E) Complaints elevated from the office or concerning the office.
    (ii) Ensure that the onsite review format, developed by ETA, is used 
as a guideline for onsite reviews.
    (iii) Upon completion of an onsite monitoring review, the SMA must 
hold one or more wrap-up sessions with the ES office manager and staff 
to discuss any findings and offer initial recommendations and 
appropriate technical assistance.
    (iv) After each review the SMA must conduct an in-depth analysis of 
the review data. The conclusions and recommendations of the SMA must be 
put in writing and must be sent to the State Administrator, to the 
official of the SWA with authority over the ES office, and other 
appropriate SWA officials.
    (v) If the review results in any findings of noncompliance with the 
regulations under this chapter, the ES office manager must develop and 
propose a written corrective action plan. The plan must be approved or 
revised by SWA officials and the SMA. The plan must include actions 
required to correct or to take major steps to correct any compliance 
issues within 30 business days, and if the plan allows for more than 30 
business days for full compliance, the length of, and the reasons for, 
the extended period must be specifically stated. SWAs are responsible 
for assuring and documenting that the ES office is in compliance within 
the time period designated in the plan.
    (vi) SWAs must submit to the appropriate ETA regional office copies 
of the

[[Page 311]]

onsite review reports and corrective action plans for ES offices.
    (vii) The SMA may recommend that the review described in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this section be delegated to a SWA official, if and when the 
State Administrator finds such delegation necessary. In such event, the 
SMA is responsible for and must approve the written report of the 
review.
    (3) Ensure all significant MSFW one-stop centers not reviewed onsite 
by Federal staff are reviewed at least once per year by a SWA official, 
and that, if necessary, those ES offices in which significant problems 
are revealed by required reports, management information, the Complaint 
System, or other means are reviewed as soon as possible.
    (4) Review and approve the SWA's Agricultural Outreach Plan (AOP).
    (5) On a random basis, review outreach workers' daily logs and other 
reports including those showing or reflecting the workers' activities.
    (6) Write and submit annual summaries to the State Administrator 
with a copy to the Regional Administrator as described in paragraph (s) 
of this section.
    (h) The SMA must participate in Federal reviews conducted pursuant 
to part 658, subpart G, of this chapter.
    (i) At the discretion of the State Administrator, the SMA may be 
assigned the responsibility as the Complaint System Representative. The 
SMA must participate in and monitor the performance of the Complaint 
System, as set forth at Sec. Sec.  658.400 and 658.401 of this chapter. 
The SMA must review the ES office's informal resolution of complaints 
relating to MSFWs and must ensure that the ES office manager transmits 
copies of the Complaint System logs pursuant to part 658, subpart E, of 
this chapter to the SWA.
    (j) The SMA must serve as an advocate to improve services for MSFWs.
    (k) The SMA must establish an ongoing liaison with WIOA sec. 167 
National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) grantees and other organizations 
serving farmworkers, employers, and employer organizations in the State.
    (l) The SMA must meet (either in person or by alternative means), at 
minimum, quarterly, with representatives of the organizations pursuant 
to paragraph (k) of this section, to receive complaints, assist in 
referrals of alleged violations to enforcement agencies, receive input 
on improving coordination with ES offices or improving the coordination 
of services to MSFWs. To foster such collaboration, the SMAs must 
establish Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the NFJP grantees and 
may establish MOUs with other organizations serving farm workers as 
appropriate.
    (m) The SMA must conduct frequent field visits to the working, 
living, and gathering areas of MSFWs, and must discuss employment 
services and other employment-related programs with MSFWs, crew leaders, 
and employers. Records must be kept of each such field visit.
    (n) The SMA must participate in the appropriate regional public 
meeting(s) held by the Department of Labor Regional Farm Labor 
Coordinated Enforcement Committee, other Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration and Wage and Hour Division task forces, and other 
committees as appropriate.
    (o) The SMA must ensure that outreach efforts in all significant 
MSFW one-stop centers are reviewed at least yearly. This review will 
include accompanying at least one outreach staff from each significant 
MSFW one-stop center on field visits to MSFWs' working, living, and/or 
gathering areas. The SMA must review findings from these reviews with 
the ES office managers.
    (p) The SMA must review on at least a quarterly basis all 
statistical and other MSFW-related data reported by ES offices in order:
    (1) To determine the extent to which the SWA has complied with the 
ES regulations; and
    (2) To identify the areas of non-compliance.
    (q) The SMA must have full access to all statistical and other MSFW-
related information gathered by SWAs and ES offices, and may interview 
SWA and ES office staff with respect to reporting methods. Subsequent to 
each review, the SMA must consult, as necessary, with the SWA and ES 
offices and provide technical assistance to ensure accurate reporting.

[[Page 312]]

    (r) The SMA must review and comment on proposed State ES directives, 
manuals, and operating instructions relating to MSFWs and must ensure:
    (1) That they accurately reflect the requirements of the 
regulations; and
    (2) That they are clear and workable. The SMA also must explain and 
make available at the requestor's cost, pertinent directives and 
procedures to employers, employer organizations, farmworkers, farmworker 
organizations, and other parties expressing an interest in a readily 
identifiable directive or procedure issued and receive suggestions on 
how these documents can be improved.
    (s) The SMA must prepare for the State Administrator, the Regional 
Monitor Advocate, and the National Monitor Advocate an Annual Summary 
describing how the State provided employment services to MSFWs within 
the State based on statistical data, reviews, and other activities as 
required in this chapter. The summary must include:
    (1) A description of the activities undertaken during the program 
year by the SMA pertaining to his/her responsibilities set forth in this 
section and other applicable regulations in this chapter.
    (2) An assurance that the SMA has direct, personal access, whenever 
he/she finds it necessary, to the State Administrator.
    (3) An assurance the SMA devotes all of his/her time to Monitor 
Advocate functions. Or, if the SMA conducts his/her functions on a part-
time basis, an explanation of how the SMA functions are effectively 
performed with part-time staffing.
    (4) A summary of the monitoring reviews conducted by the SMA, 
including:
    (i) A description of any problems, deficiencies, or improper 
practices the SMA identified in the delivery of services;
    (ii) A summary of the actions taken by the SWA to resolve the 
problems, deficiencies, or improper practices described in its service 
delivery; and
    (iii) A summary of any technical assistance the SMA provided for the 
SWA and the ES offices.
    (5) A summary of the outreach efforts undertaken by all significant 
and non-significant MSFW ES offices.
    (6) A summary of the State's actions taken under the Complaint 
System described in part 658, subpart E, of this chapter, identifying 
any challenges, complaint trends, findings from reviews of the Complaint 
System, trainings offered throughout the year, and steps taken to inform 
MSFWs and employers, and farmworker advocacy groups about the Complaint 
System.
    (7) A summary of how the SMA is working with WIOA sec. 167 NFJP 
grantees and other organizations serving farmworkers, employers and 
employer organizations, in the State, and an assurance that the SMA is 
meeting at least quarterly with representatives of these organizations.
    (8) A summary of the statistical and other MSFW-related data and 
reports gathered by SWAs and ES offices for the year, including an 
overview of the SMA's involvement in the SWA's reporting systems.
    (9) A summary of the training conducted for ES staff on techniques 
for accurately reporting data.
    (10) A summary of activities related to the AOP and an explanation 
of how those activities helped the State reach the goals and objectives 
described in the AOP. At the end of the 4-year AOP cycle, the summary 
must include a synopsis of the SWA's achievements over the previous 4 
years to accomplish the goals set forth in the AOP, and a description of 
the goals which were not achieved and the steps the SWA will take to 
address those deficiencies.
    (11) For significant MSFW ES offices, a summary of the State's 
efforts to provide ES staff in accordance with Sec.  653.111.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 627, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  653.109  Data collection and performance accountability measures.

    SWAs must:
    (a) Collect career service indicator data for the career services 
specified in WIOA sec. 134(c)(2)(A)(xii).
    (b) Collect data, in accordance with applicable ETA Reports and 
Guidance, on:

[[Page 313]]

    (1) The number of MSFWs contacted through outreach activities;
    (2) The number of MSFWs and non-MSFWs registered for career 
services;
    (3) The number of MSFWs referred to and placed in agricultural jobs;
    (4) The number of MSFWs referred to and placed in non-agricultural 
jobs;
    (5) The percentage of MSFW program participants who are in 
unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the 
program;
    (6) The median earnings of MSFW program participants who are in 
unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the 
program;
    (7) The percentage of MSFW program participants who are in 
unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the 
program;
    (8) The number of MSFWs served who identified themselves as male, 
female, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African-American, American Indian 
or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or White;
    (9) Agricultural clearance orders (including field checks), MSFW 
complaints and apparent violations, and monitoring activities; and
    (10) Any other data required by the Department.
    (c) Provide necessary training to ES staff on techniques for 
accurately reporting data.
    (d) Collect and submit data on MSFWs required by the Unified or 
Combined State Plan, as directed by the Department.
    (e) Periodically verify data required to be collected under this 
section, take necessary steps to ensure its validity, and submit the 
data for verification to the Department, as directed by the Department.
    (f) Submit additional reports to the Department as directed.
    (g) Meet equity indicators that address ES controllable services and 
include, at a minimum, individuals referred to a job, receiving job 
development, and referred to supportive or career services.
    (h) Meet minimum levels of service in significant MSFW States. That 
is, only significant MSFW SWAs will be required to meet minimum levels 
of service to MSFWs. Minimum level of service indicators must include, 
at a minimum, individuals placed in a job, individuals placed long-term 
(150 days or more) in a non-agricultural job, a review of significant 
MSFW ES offices, field checks conducted, outreach contacts per week, and 
processing of complaints. The determination of the minimum service 
levels required of significant MSFW States for each year must be based 
on the following:
    (1) Past SWA performance in serving MSFWs, as reflected in on-site 
reviews and data collected under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (2) The need for services to MSFWs in the upcoming year, comparing 
prior and projected levels of MSFW activity.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 628, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  653.110  Disclosure of data.

    (a) SWAs must disclose to the public, on written request, in 
conformance with applicable State and Federal law, the data collected by 
SWAs and ES offices pursuant to Sec.  653.109, if possible within 10 
business days after receipt of the request.
    (b) If a request for data held by a SWA is made to the ETA national 
or regional office, the ETA must forward the request to the SWA for 
response.
    (c) If the SWA cannot supply the requested data within 10 business 
days after receipt of the request, the SWA must respond to the requestor 
in writing, giving the reason for the delay and specifying the date by 
which it expects to be able to comply.
    (d) SWA intra-agency memoranda and reports (or parts thereof) and 
memoranda and reports (or parts thereof) between the SWA and the ETA, to 
the extent that they contain statements of opinion rather than facts, 
may be withheld from public disclosure provided the reason for 
withholding is given to the requestor in writing. Similarly, documents 
or parts thereof, which, if disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted 
invasion of personal or employer privacy, also may be withheld provided 
the reason is given to the requestor in writing.

[[Page 314]]



Sec.  653.111  State Workforce Agency staffing requirements.

    (a) The SWA must implement and maintain a program for staffing 
significant MSFW one-stop centers by providing ES staff in a manner 
facilitating the delivery of employment services tailored to the special 
needs of MSFWs, including by seeking ES staff that meet the criteria in 
Sec.  653.107(a)(3).
    (b) The SMA, Regional Monitor Advocate, or the National Monitor 
Advocate, as part of his/her regular reviews of SWA compliance with 
these regulations, must monitor the extent to which the SWA has complied 
with its obligations under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) SWAs remain subject to all applicable Federal laws prohibiting 
discrimination and protecting equal employment opportunity.

[85 FR 628, Jan. 6, 2020]

Subparts C-E [Reserved]



    Subpart F_Agricultural Recruitment System for U.S. Workers (ARS)



Sec.  653.500  Purpose and scope of subpart.

    This subpart includes the requirements for the acceptance of 
intrastate and interstate job clearance orders which seek U.S. workers 
to perform farmwork on a temporary, less than year-round basis. Orders 
seeking workers to perform farmwork on a year-round basis are not 
subject to the requirements of this subpart. This subpart affects all 
job orders for workers who are recruited through the ES intrastate and 
interstate clearance systems for less than year-round farmwork, 
including both MSFWs and non-MSFW job seekers.



Sec.  653.501  Requirements for processing clearance orders.

    (a) Assessment of need. No ES office or SWA official may place a job 
order seeking workers to perform farmwork into intrastate or interstate 
clearance unless:
    (1) The ES office and employer have attempted and have not been able 
to obtain sufficient workers within the local labor market area; or
    (2) The ES office anticipates a shortage of local workers.
    (b) ES office responsibilities. (1) Each ES office must ensure the 
agricultural clearance form prescribed by the Department (ETA Form 790 
or its subsequently issued form), and its attachments are complete when 
placing intrastate or interstate clearance orders seeking workers.
    (2) All clearance orders must be posted in accordance with 
applicable ETA guidance. If the job order for the ES office incorporates 
offices beyond the local office commuting area, the ES office must 
suppress the employer information in order to facilitate the orderly 
movement of workers within the ES.
    (3) ES staff must determine, through a preoccupancy housing 
inspection performed by ES staff or an appropriate public agency, that 
the housing assured by the employer is either available and meets the 
applicable housing standards or has been approved for conditional access 
to the clearance system as set forth in Sec.  653.502; except that 
mobile range housing for sheepherders and goatherders must meet existing 
Departmental guidelines and/or applicable regulations.
    (c) SWA responsibilities. (1) SWAs must ensure intrastate and 
interstate clearance orders:
    (i) Include the following language: ``In view of the statutorily 
established basic function of the ES as a no-fee labor exchange, that 
is, as a forum for bringing together employers and job seekers, neither 
the ETA nor the SWAs are guarantors of the accuracy or truthfulness of 
information contained on job orders submitted by employers. Nor does any 
job order accepted or recruited upon by the ES constitute a contractual 
job offer to which the ETA or a SWA is in any way a party;''
    (ii) Do not contain an unlawful discriminatory specification 
including, for beneficiaries (as defined in 29 CFR 38.4) only, on the 
basis of citizenship status or participant status;
    (iii) Are signed by the employer; and
    (iv) State all the material terms and conditions of the employment, 
including:

[[Page 315]]

    (A) The crop;
    (B) The nature of the work;
    (C) The anticipated period and hours of employment;
    (D) The anticipated starting and ending date of employment and the 
anticipated number of days and hours per week for which work will be 
available;
    (E) The hourly wage rate or the piece rate estimated in hourly wage 
rate equivalents for each activity and unit size;
    (F) Any deductions to be made from wages;
    (G) A specification of any non-monetary benefits to be provided by 
the employer;
    (H) Any hours, days, or weeks for which work is guaranteed, and, for 
each guaranteed week of work except as provided in paragraph (c)(3)(i) 
of this section, the exclusive manner in which the guarantee may be 
abated due to weather conditions or other acts of God beyond the 
employer's control; and
    (I) Any bonus or work incentive payments or other expenses which 
will be paid by the employer in addition to the basic wage rate, 
including the anticipated time period(s) within which such payments will 
be made.
    (2) SWAs must ensure:
    (i) The wages and working conditions offered are not less than the 
prevailing wages and working conditions among similarly employed 
farmworkers in the area of intended employment or the applicable Federal 
or State minimum wage, whichever is higher. If the wages offered are 
expressed as piece rates or as base rates and bonuses, the employer must 
make the method of calculating the wage and supporting materials 
available to ES staff who must check if the employer's calculation of 
the estimated hourly wage rate is reasonably accurate and is not less 
than the prevailing wage rate or applicable Federal or State minimum 
wage, whichever is higher; and
    (ii) The employer has agreed to provide or pay for the 
transportation of the workers and their families at or before the end of 
the period of employment specified in the job order on at least the same 
terms as transportation is commonly provided by employers in the area of 
intended employment to farmworkers and their families recruited from the 
same area of supply. Under no circumstances may the payment or provision 
of transportation occur later than the departure time needed to return 
home to begin the school year, in the case of any worker with children 
18 years old or younger, or be conditioned on the farmworker performing 
work after the period of employment specified in the job order.
    (3) SWAs must ensure the clearance order includes the following 
assurances:
    (i) The employer will provide to workers referred through the 
clearance system the number of hours of work cited in paragraph 
(c)(1)(iv)(D) of this section for the week beginning with the 
anticipated date of need, unless the employer has amended the date of 
need at least 10 business days prior to the original date of need 
(pursuant to paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this section) by so notifying the 
order-holding office in writing (email notification may be acceptable). 
The SWA must make a record of this notification and must attempt to 
inform referred workers of the change expeditiously.
    (ii) No extension of employment beyond the period of employment 
specified in the clearance order may relieve the employer from paying 
the wages already earned, or if specified in the clearance order as a 
term of employment, providing transportation or paying transportation 
expenses to the worker's home.
    (iii) The working conditions comply with applicable Federal and 
State minimum wage, child labor, social security, health and safety, 
farm labor contractor registration and other employment-related laws.
    (iv) The employer will expeditiously notify the order-holding office 
or SWA by emailing and telephoning immediately upon learning that a crop 
is maturing earlier or later, or that weather conditions, over-
recruitment or other factors have changed the terms and conditions of 
employment.
    (v) The employer, if acting as a farm labor contractor (``FLC'') or 
farm labor contractor employee (``FLCE'') on the order, has a valid 
Federal FLC certificate or Federal FLCE identification

[[Page 316]]

card and when appropriate, any required State farm labor contractor 
certificate.
    (vi) The availability of no cost or public housing which meets the 
Federal standards and which is sufficient to house the specified number 
of workers requested through the clearance system. This assurance must 
cover the availability of housing for only those workers, and when 
applicable, family members who are not reasonably able to return to 
their residence in the same day.
    (vii) Outreach staff must have reasonable access to the workers in 
the conduct of outreach activities pursuant to Sec.  653.107.
    (viii) The job order contains all the material terms and conditions 
of the job. The employer must assure this by signing the following 
statement in the clearance order: ``This clearance order describes the 
actual terms and conditions of the employment being offered by me and 
contains all the material terms and conditions of the job.''
    (4) If a SWA discovers that an employer's clearance order contains a 
material misrepresentation, the SWA may initiate the Discontinuation of 
Services as set forth in part 658, subpart F of this chapter.
    (5) If there is a change to the anticipated date of need and the 
employer fails to notify the order-holding office at least 10 business 
days prior to the original date of need the employer must pay eligible 
(pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) of this section) workers referred through 
the clearance system the specified hourly rate of pay, or if the pay is 
piece-rate, the higher of the Federal or State minimum wage for the 
first week starting with the originally anticipated date of need or 
provide alternative work if such alternative work is stated on the 
clearance order. If an employer fails to comply under this section the 
order holding office may notify the Department's Wage and Hour Division 
for possible enforcement.
    (d) Processing clearance orders. (1) The order-holding office must 
transmit an electronic copy of the approved clearance order to its SWA. 
The SWA must distribute additional electronic copies of the form with 
all attachments (except that the SWA may, at its discretion, delegate 
this distribution to the local office) as follows:
    (i) At least one copy of the clearance order must be sent to each of 
the SWAs selected for recruitment (areas of supply);
    (ii) At least one copy of the clearance order must be sent to each 
applicant-holding ETA regional office;
    (iii) At least one copy of the clearance order must be sent to the 
order-holding ETA regional office; and
    (iv) At least one copy of the clearance order must be sent to the 
Regional Farm Labor Coordinated Enforcement Committee and/or other 
Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Wage and Hour Division 
regional agricultural coordinators, and/or other committees as 
appropriate in the area of employment.
    (2) The ES office may place an intrastate or interstate order 
seeking workers to perform farmwork for a specific farm labor contractor 
or for a worker preferred by an employer provided the order meets ES 
nondiscrimination criteria. The order would not meet such criteria, for 
example, if it requested a ``white male crew leader'' or ``any white 
male crew leader.''
    (3) The approval process described in paragraph (d)(3) of this 
section does not apply to clearance orders that are attached to 
applications for foreign temporary agricultural workers pursuant to part 
655, subpart B, of this chapter; such clearance orders must be sent to 
the processing center as directed by ETA in guidance. For non-criteria 
clearance orders (orders that are not attached to applications under 
part 655, subpart B, of this chapter), the ETA regional office must 
review and approve the order within 10 business days of its receipt of 
the order, and the Regional Administrator or his/her designee must 
approve the areas of supply to which the order will be extended. Any 
denial by the Regional Administrator or his/her designee must be in 
writing and state the reasons for the denial.
    (4) The applicant holding office must notify all referred 
farmworkers, farm labor contractors on behalf of farmworkers, or family 
heads on behalf of farmworker family members, to contact an ES office, 
preferably the order-

[[Page 317]]

holding office, to verify the date of need cited in the clearance order 
between 9 and 5 business days prior to the original date of need cited 
in the clearance order; and that failure to do so will disqualify the 
referred farmworker from the first weeks' pay as described in paragraph 
(c)(3)(i) of this section. The SWA must make a record of this 
notification.
    (5) If the worker referred through the clearance system contacts an 
ES office (in any State) other than the order holding office, that ES 
office must assist the referred worker in contacting the order holding 
office on a timely basis. Such assistance must include, if necessary, 
contacting the order holding office by telephone or other timely means 
on behalf of the worker referred through the clearance system.
    (6) ES staff must assist all farmworkers, upon request in their 
native language, to understand the terms and conditions of employment 
set forth in intrastate and interstate clearance orders and must provide 
such workers with checklists in their native language showing wage 
payment schedules, working conditions, and other material specifications 
of the clearance order.
    (7) If an order holding office learns that a crop is maturing 
earlier than expected or that other material factors, including weather 
conditions and recruitment levels have changed since the date the 
clearance order was accepted, the SWA must contact immediately the 
applicant holding office which must inform immediately crews and 
families scheduled to report to the job site of the changed 
circumstances and must adjust arrangements on behalf of such crews and 
families.
    (8) When there is a delay in the date of need, SWAs must document 
notifications by employers and contacts by individual farmworkers or 
crew leaders on behalf of farmworkers or family heads on behalf of 
farmworker family members to verify the date of need.
    (9) If weather conditions, over-recruitment, or other conditions 
have eliminated the scheduled job opportunities, the SWAs involved must 
make every effort to place the workers in alternate job opportunities as 
soon as possible, especially if the worker(s) is/are already en route or 
at the job site. ES staff must keep records of actions under this 
section.
    (10) Applicant-holding offices must provide workers referred on 
clearance orders with a checklist summarizing wages, working conditions 
and other material specifications in the clearance order. Such 
checklists, where necessary, must be in the workers' native language. 
The checklist must include language notifying the worker that a copy of 
the original clearance order is available upon request. SWAs must use a 
standard checklist format provided by the Department (such as in Form 
WH516 or a successor form).
    (11) The applicant-holding office must give each referred worker a 
copy of the list of worker's rights described in the Department's ARS 
Handbook.
    (12) If the labor supply SWA accepts a clearance order, the SWA must 
actively recruit workers for referral. In the event a potential labor 
supply SWA rejects a clearance order, the reasons for rejection must be 
documented and submitted to the Regional Administrator having 
jurisdiction over the SWA. The Regional Administrator will examine the 
reasons for rejection, and, if the Regional Administrator agrees, will 
inform the Regional Administrator with jurisdiction over the order-
holding SWA of the rejection and the reasons. If the Regional 
Administrator who receives the notification of rejection does not concur 
with the reasons for rejection, that Regional Administrator will inform 
the National Monitor Advocate, who, in consultation with the appropriate 
ETA higher authority, will make a final determination on the acceptance 
or rejection of the order.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 628, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  653.502  Conditional access to the Agricultural Recruitment System.

    (a) Filing requests for conditional access--(1) ``Noncriteria'' 
employers. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, an 
employer whose housing does not meet applicable standards may file with 
the ES office serving the area in which its housing is located, a 
written request for its clearance orders to be conditionally allowed 
into the

[[Page 318]]

intrastate or interstate clearance system, provided that the employer's 
request assures its housing will be in full compliance with the 
requirements of the applicable housing standards at least 20 calendar 
days (giving the specific date) before the housing is to be occupied.
    (2) ``Criteria'' employers. If the request for conditional access 
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is from an employer filing 
a clearance order pursuant to an application for temporary alien 
agricultural labor certification for H-2A workers under subpart B of 
part 655 of this chapter, the request must be filed with the Certifying 
Officer (CO) at the processing center designated by ETA in guidance to 
make determinations on applications for temporary employment 
certification under the H-2A program.
    (3) Assurance. The employer's request pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) 
or (2) of this section must contain an assurance that the housing will 
be in full compliance with the applicable housing standards at least 20 
calendar days (stating the specific date) before the housing is to be 
occupied.
    (b) Processing requests--(1) SWA processing. Upon receipt of a 
written request for conditional access to the intrastate or interstate 
clearance system under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the ES office 
must send the request to the SWA, which, in turn, must forward it to the 
Regional Administrator.
    (2) Regional office processing and determination. Upon receipt of a 
request for conditional access pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section, the Regional Administrator must review the matter and, as 
appropriate, must either grant or deny the request.
    (c) Authorization. The authorization for conditional access to the 
intrastate or interstate clearance system must be in writing, and must 
state that although the housing does not comply with the applicable 
standards, the employer's job order may be placed into intrastate or 
interstate clearance until a specified date. The Regional Administrator 
must send the authorization to the employer and must send copies (hard 
copy or electronic) to the appropriate SWA and ES office. The employer 
must submit and the ES office must attach copies of the authorization to 
each of the employer's clearance orders which is placed into intrastate 
or interstate clearance.
    (d) Notice of denial. If the Regional Administrator denies the 
request for conditional access to the intrastate or interstate clearance 
system he/she must provide written notice to the employer, the 
appropriate SWA, and the ES office, stating the reasons for the denial.
    (e) Inspection. The ES office serving the area containing the 
housing of any employer granted conditional access to the intrastate or 
interstate clearance system must assure that the housing is inspected no 
later than the date by which the employer has promised to have its 
housing in compliance with the applicable housing standards. An employer 
however, may request an earlier preliminary inspection. If, on the date 
set forth in the authorization, the housing is not in full compliance 
with the applicable housing standards as assured in the request for 
conditional access, the ES office must afford the employer 5 calendar 
days to bring the housing into full compliance. After the 5-calendar-day 
period, if the housing is not in full compliance with the applicable 
housing standards as assured in the request for conditional access, the 
ES office must immediately:
    (1) Notify the RA or the NPC designated by the Regional 
Administrator;
    (2) With the approval of an appropriate SWA official, remove the 
employer's clearance orders from intrastate and interstate clearance; 
and
    (3) If workers have been recruited against these orders, in 
cooperation with the ES agencies in other States, make every reasonable 
attempt to locate and notify the appropriate crew leaders or workers, 
and to find alternative and comparable employment for the workers.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 628, Jan. 6, 2020]



Sec.  653.503  Field checks.

    (a) If a worker is placed on a clearance order, the SWA must notify 
the employer in writing that the SWA, through its ES offices, and/or 
Federal

[[Page 319]]

staff, must conduct random, unannounced field checks to determine and 
document whether wages, hours, and working and housing conditions are 
being provided as specified in the clearance order.
    (b) Where the SWA has made placements on 10 or more agricultural 
clearance orders (pursuant to this subpart) during the quarter, the SWA 
must conduct field checks on at least 25 percent of the total of such 
orders. Where the SWA has made placements on nine or fewer job orders 
during the quarter (but at least one job order), the SWA must conduct 
field checks on 100 percent of all such orders. This requirement must be 
met on a quarterly basis.
    (c) Field checks must include visit(s) to the worksite at a time 
when workers are present. When conducting field checks, ES staff must 
consult both the employees and the employer to ensure compliance with 
the full terms and conditions of employment.
    (d) If the individual conducting the field check observes or 
receives information, or otherwise has reason to believe that conditions 
are not as stated in the clearance order or that an employer is 
violating an employment-related law, the individual must document the 
finding and attempt informal resolution where appropriate (for example, 
informal resolution must not be attempted in certain cases, such as 
E.O.-related issues and others identified by the Department through 
guidance). If the matter has not been resolved within 5 business days, 
the SWA must initiate the Discontinuation of Services as set forth at 
part 658, subpart F of this chapter and must refer apparent violations 
of employment-related laws to appropriate enforcement agencies in 
writing.
    (e) SWA officials may enter into formal or informal arrangements 
with appropriate State and Federal enforcement agencies where the 
enforcement agency staff may conduct field checks instead of and on 
behalf of the SWA. The agreement may include the sharing of information 
and any actions taken regarding violations of the terms and conditions 
of the employment as stated in the clearance order and any other 
violations of employment-related laws. An enforcement agency field check 
must satisfy the requirement for SWA field checks where all aspects of 
wages, hours, and working and housing conditions have been reviewed by 
the enforcement agency. The SWA must supplement enforcement agency 
efforts with field checks focusing on areas not addressed by enforcement 
agencies.
    (f) ES staff must keep records of all field checks.

[81 FR 56341, Aug. 19, 2016, as amended at 85 FR 628, Jan. 6, 2020]



PART 654_SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE SYSTEM-
-Table of Contents



         Subpart A_Responsibilities Under Executive Order 12073

Sec.
654.1 Purpose of subpart.
654.3 Description of Executive Order 12073.
654.4 Definitions.
654.5 Classification of labor surplus areas.
654.6 Termination of classification.
654.7 Publication of area classifications.
654.8 Services to firms and individuals in labor surplus areas.
654.9 Filing of complaints.
654.10 Transition provisions.

         Subpart B_Responsibilities Under Executive Order 10582

654.11 Purpose of subpart.
654.12 Description of Executive Order 10582.
654.13 Determination of areas of substantial unemployment.
654.14 Filing of complaints.

Subparts C-D [Reserved]

                    Subpart E_Housing for Farmworkers

                        Purpose and Applicability

654.400 Scope and purpose.
654.401 Applicability.
654.402 Variances.
654.403 [Reserved]

                            Housing Standards

654.404 Housing site.
654.405 Water supply.
654.406 Excreta and liquid waste disposal.
654.407 Housing.
654.408 Screening.
654.409 Heating.
654.410 Electricity and lighting.
654.411 Toilets.
654.412 Bathing, laundry, and hand washing.
654.413 Cooking and eating facilities.
654.414 Garbage and other refuse.

[[Page 320]]

654.415 Insect and rodent control.
654.416 Sleeping facilities.
654.417 Fire, safety, and first aid.

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 49k; 8 U.S.C. 1188(c)(4); 41 Op.A.G. 406 
(1959).

    Source: 44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, unless otherwise noted.



         Subpart A_Responsibilities Under Executive Order 12073

    Authority: 41 U.S.C. 10a et seq; 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq; 15 U.S.C. 
644(n); E.O. 12073; 10582, as amended by E.O. 11051 and 12148.



Sec.  654.1  Purpose of subpart.

    This subpart implements the responsibilities of the Secretary of 
Labor in classifying labor surplus areas in accordance with Executive 
Order 12073 (Federal Procurement in Labor Surplus Areas). The Secretary 
of Labor has delegated responsibilities to the Assistant Secretary, 
Employment and Training Administration.

[44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]



Sec.  654.3  Description of Executive Order 12073.

    Executive Order 12073 requires executive agencies to emphasize 
procurement set-asides in labor surplus areas. The Secretary of Labor is 
responsible under this order for classifying and designating labor 
surplus areas.

[44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]



Sec.  654.4  Definitions.

    (a) Assistant Secretary shall mean Assistant Secretary for 
Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor.
    (b) Civil jurisdiction shall mean:
    (1) Cities of 25,000 or more population on the basis of the most 
recently available Bureau of the Census estimates; or
    (2) Towns and townships in the States of New Jersey, New York, 
Michigan, and Pennsylvania of 25,000 or more population and which 
possess powers and functions similar to cities; or
    (3) All counties, except those counties which contain any of the 
types of political jurisdictions defined in paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) 
of this section; or
    (4) All other counties are defined as ``balance of county'' (i.e., 
total county less component cities and townships identified in 
paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section); or
    (5) County equivalents which are towns in the States of 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
    (c) Labor surplus area shall mean a civil jurisdiction that, in 
accordance with the criteria specified in Sec.  654.5, has been 
classified as a labor surplus area.
    (d) Reference period shall mean the two year period ending December 
31 of the year prior to the October 1 annual date of eligibility 
determination.

[44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, as amended at 44 FR 26071, May 5, 1979; 48 FR 
15616, Apr. 12, 1983; 53 FR 23347, June 21, 1988]



Sec.  654.5  Classification of labor surplus areas.

    (a) Basic criteria. The Assistant Secretary shall classify a civil 
jurisdiction as a labor surplus area whenever, as determined by the 
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average unemployment rate for all 
civilian workers in the civil jurisdiction for the reference period is 
(1) 120 percent of the national average unemployment rate for civilian 
workers or higher for the reference period as determined by the Bureau 
of Labor Statistics, or (2) 10 percent or higher. No civil jurisdiction 
shall be classified as a labor surplus area if the average unemployment 
rate for all civilian workers for the reference period is less than 6.0 
percent.
    (b) Criteria for exceptional circumstances. The Assistant Secretary, 
upon petition submitted by the appropriate State Workforce Agency, may 
classify a civil jurisdiction, a Metropolitan Statistical Area, or a 
Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area as a labor surplus area whenever 
such an area meets or is expected to meet the unemployment tests 
established under Sec.  654.5(a) as a result of exceptional 
circumstances. For purposes of this paragraph ``exceptional 
circumstances'' shall mean catastrophic events, such as natural 
disasters, plant closings, and contract cancellations expected to have a 
long-term impact on labor market area conditions, discounting temporary 
or seasonal factors. For purposes of this paragraph, ``Metropolitan

[[Page 321]]

Statistical Area'' and ``Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area'' shall 
mean the areas officially defined and designated as such by the Office 
of Management and Budget.

(Approved by OMB under control number 1205-0207)

[48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983, as amended at 53 FR 23347, June 21, 1988; 
71 FR 35518, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  654.6  Termination of classification.

    (a) Basic procedure. The Assistant Secretary shall terminate the 
classification of a civil jurisdiction as a labor surplus area after any 
year in which the Assistant Secretary determines that the criteria 
established under Sec.  654.5 (a) are no longer met.
    (b) Procedure for exceptional circumstances. The Assistant Secretary 
shall terminate the classification of a civil jurisdiction classified as 
a labor surplus area pursuant to the provisions of Sec.  654.5(b) after 
any year in which the Assistant Secretary determines that the 
exceptional circumstances criteria of that paragraph are no longer met.

[44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]



Sec.  654.7  Publication of area classifications.

    The Assistant Secretary shall publish annually a list of labor 
surplus areas together with geographic descriptions thereof. The 
Assistant Secretary periodically may cause these lists to be published 
in the Federal Register.

[44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]



Sec.  654.8  Services to firms and individuals in labor surplus areas.

    To carry out the purposes and policy objectives of Executive Order 
12073 and Executive Order 10582, the Assistant Secretary shall cooperate 
with and assist the State Workforce Agencies and the Secretary of 
Commerce, as appropriate, to:
    (a) Provide relevant labor market data and related economic 
information to assist in the initiation of industrial expansion programs 
in labor surplus areas;
    (b) Identify upon request the skills and numbers of unemployed 
persons available for work in labor surplus areas, providing such 
information to firms interested in establishing new plants and 
facilities or expanding existing plants and facilities in such areas;
    (c) Identify the occupational composition and skill requirements of 
industries contemplating locating in labor surplus areas and make such 
information available to training and apprenticeship agencies and 
resources in the community for purposes of appropriate training and 
skill development;
    (d) Identify unemployed individuals in need of, and having the 
potential for, training in occupations and skills required by new or 
expanding industries and refer such individuals to appropriate training 
opportunities;
    (e) Receive job openings on a voluntary basis and/or under the 
mandatory listing program provided by 38 U.S.C. 2012 and Executive Order 
11701 and refer qualified unemployed workers to such openings, making 
appropriate efforts to refer to such openings qualified individuals who 
reside in the labor surplus area.

[44 FR 1689, Jan. 5, 1979, as amended at 48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983; 71 
FR 35518, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  654.9  Filing of complaints.

    Complaints alleging that the Department of Labor has violated the 
labor surplus area regulations should be mailed to the Assistant 
Secretary for Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor, 
Washington, DC 20210. Such complaints should include: (a) The 
allegations of wrongdoing; (b) the date of the incident; and (c) any 
other relevant information available to the complainant. The Assistant 
Secretary shall make a determination and respond to the complainant 
after investigation of the incident. If the complaint is not resolved 
following this investigation, the Assistant Secretary, at his 
discretion, may offer, in writing by certified mail, the complainant a 
hearing before a Department of Labor Administrative Law Judge, provided 
that the complainant requests such a hearing from the Assistant 
Secretary within 20 working days of the certified

[[Page 322]]

date of receipt of the Assistant Secretary's offer of a hearing.

[48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]



Sec.  654.10  Transition provisions.

    The annual list of labor surplus areas for the period June 1, 1982, 
through May 31, 1983, shall be extended through September 30, 1983.

[48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]



         Subpart B_Responsibilities Under Executive Order 10582

    Authority: 41 U.S.C. 10a et seq.; 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 
644(n); E.O. 12073, E.O. 10582 as amended by E.O. 11051 and 12148.



Sec.  654.11  Purpose of subpart.

    This subpart implements the responsibilities of the Secretary of 
Labor in determining areas of substantial unemployment in accordance 
with Executive Order 10582 issued pursuant to the Buy American Act, 41 
U.S.C. 10a et seq.



Sec.  654.12  Description of Executive Order 10582.

    (a) Under the Buy American Act, heads of executive agencies are 
required to determine, as a condition precedent to the purchase by their 
agencies of materials of foreign origin for public use within the United 
States, (1) that the price of like materials of domestic origin is 
unreasonable, or (2) that the purchase of like materials of domestic 
origin is inconsistent with the public interest.
    (b) Section 3(c) of Executive Order 10582 issued pursuant to the Buy 
American Act permits executive agencies to reject a bid or offer to 
furnish materials of foreign origin in any situation in which the 
domestic supplier, offering the lowest price for furnishing the desired 
materials, undertakes to produce substantially all of the materials in 
areas of substantial unemployment, as determined by the Secretary of 
Labor.



Sec.  654.13  Determination of areas of substantial unemployment.

    An area of substantial unemployment, for purposes of Executive Order 
10582, shall be any area classified as a labor surplus area at Sec.  
654.5 of this part pursuant to the procedures set forth at subpart A of 
this part.



Sec.  654.14  Filing of complaints.

    Complaints arising under subpart B of this part alleging that the 
Department of Labor has violated the labor surplus area regulations 
shall be made pursuant to the procedures set forth at Sec.  654.9 of 
this part.

[48 FR 15616, Apr. 12, 1983]

Subparts C-D [Reserved]



                    Subpart E_Housing for Farmworkers

    Source: 81 FR 56349, Aug. 19, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

                        Purpose and Applicability



Sec.  654.400  Scope and purpose.

    (a) This subpart sets forth the Department's Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA) standards for agricultural housing and variances. 
Local Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service (ES) offices, as part of the 
State ES agencies and in cooperation with the ES program, assist 
employers in recruiting farmworkers from places outside the area of 
intended employment. The experiences of the ES agencies indicate that 
employees so referred have on many occasions been provided with 
inadequate, unsafe, and unsanitary housing conditions. To discourage 
this practice, it is the policy of the Federal-State ES system to deny 
its intrastate and interstate recruitment services to employers until 
the State ES agency has ascertained that the employer's housing meets 
certain standards.
    (b) To implement this policy, Sec.  653.501 of this chapter provides 
that recruitment services must be denied unless the employer has signed 
an assurance that if the workers are to be housed, a preoccupancy 
inspection has been conducted, and the ES staff has ascertained that, 
with respect to intrastate or interstate clearance orders, the 
employer's housing meets the full set of standards set forth at 29 CFR 
1910.142 or this subpart, except that mobile range housing for 
sheepherders

[[Page 323]]

or goatherders must meet existing Departmental guidelines and/or 
applicable regulations.



Sec.  654.401  Applicability.

    (a) Employers whose housing was completed or under construction 
prior to April 3, 1980, or was under a signed contract for construction 
prior to March 4, 1980, may continue to follow the full set of the 
Department's ETA standards set forth in this subpart.
    (b) The Department will consider agricultural housing which complies 
with ETA transitional standards set forth in this subpart also to comply 
with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) temporary 
labor camp standards at 29 CFR 1910.142.



Sec.  654.402  Variances.

    (a) An employer may apply for a structural variance from a specific 
standard(s) in this subpart by filing a written application for such a 
variance with the local ES office serving the area in which the housing 
is located. This application must:
    (1) Clearly specify the standard(s) from which the variance is 
desired;
    (2) Adequately justify that the variance is necessary to obtain a 
beneficial use of an existing facility, and to prevent a practical 
difficulty or unnecessary hardship; and
    (3) Clearly set forth the specific alternative measures which the 
employer has taken to protect the health and safety of workers and 
adequately show that such alternative measures have achieved the same 
result as the standard(s) from which the employer desires the variance.
    (b) Upon receipt of a written request for a variance under paragraph 
(a) of this section, the local ES office must send the request to the 
State office which, in turn, must forward it to the ETA Regional 
Administrator (RA). The RA must review the matter and, after 
consultation with OSHA, must either grant or deny the request for a 
variance.
    (c) The variance granted by the RA must be in writing, must state 
the particular standard(s) involved, and must state as conditions of the 
variance the specific alternative measures which have been taken to 
protect the health and safety of the workers. The RA must send the 
approved variance to the employer and must send copies to OSHA's 
Regional Administrator, the Regional Administrator of the Wage and Hour 
Division (WHD), and the appropriate State Workforce Agency (SWA) and the 
local ES office. The employer must submit and the local ES office must 
attach copies of the approved variance to each of the employer's job 
orders which is placed into intrastate or interstate clearance.
    (d) If the RA denies the request for a variance, the RA must provide 
written notice stating the reasons for the denial to the employer, the 
appropriate SWA, and the local ES office. The notice also must offer the 
employer an opportunity to request a hearing before a Department of 
Labor Hearing Officer, provided the employer requests such a hearing 
from the RA within 30 calendar days of the date of the notice. The 
request for a hearing must be handled in accordance with the complaint 
procedures set forth at Sec. Sec.  658.424 and 658.425 of this chapter.
    (e) The procedures of paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section 
only apply to an employer who has chosen, as evidenced by its written 
request for a variance, to comply with the ETA housing standards at 
Sec. Sec.  654.404 through 654.417.



Sec.  654.403  [Reserved]

                            Housing Standards



Sec.  654.404  Housing site.

    (a) Housing sites must be well drained and free from depressions in 
which water may stagnate. They must be located where the disposal of 
sewage is provided in a manner which neither creates nor is likely to 
create a nuisance, or a hazard to health.
    (b) Housing must not be subject to, or in proximity to, conditions 
that create or are likely to create offensive odors, flies, noise, 
traffic, or any similar hazards.
    (c) Grounds within the housing site must be free from debris, 
noxious plants (poison ivy, etc.) and uncontrolled weeds or brush.
    (d) The housing site must provide a space for recreation reasonably 
related

[[Page 324]]

to the size of the facility and the type of occupancy.



Sec.  654.405  Water supply.

    (a) An adequate and convenient supply of water that meets the 
standards of the State health authority must be provided.
    (b) A cold water tap must be available within 100 feet of each 
individual living unit when water is not provided in the unit. Adequate 
drainage facilities must be provided for overflow and spillage.
    (c) Common drinking cups are not permitted.



Sec.  654.406  Excreta and liquid waste disposal.

    (a) Facilities must be provided and maintained for effective 
disposal of excreta and liquid waste. Raw or treated liquid waste may 
not be discharged or allowed to accumulate on the ground surface.
    (b) Where public sewer systems are available, all facilities for 
disposal of excreta and liquid wastes must be connected thereto.
    (c) Where public sewers are not available, a subsurface septic tank-
seepage system or other type of liquid waste treatment and disposal 
system, privies or portable toilets must be provided. Any requirements 
of the State health authority must be complied with.



Sec.  654.407  Housing.

    (a) Housing must be structurally sound, in good repair, in a 
sanitary condition and must provide protection to the occupants against 
the elements.
    (b) Housing must have flooring constructed of rigid materials, 
smooth finished, readily cleanable, and so located as to prevent the 
entrance of ground and surface water.
    (c) The following space requirements must be provided:
    (1) For sleeping purposes only in family units and in dormitory 
accommodations using single beds, not less than 50 square feet of floor 
space per occupant;
    (2) For sleeping purposes in dormitory accommodations using double 
bunk beds only, not less than 40 square feet per occupant; and
    (3) For combined cooking, eating, and sleeping purposes not less 
than 60 square feet of floor space per occupant.
    (d) Housing used for families with one or more children over 6 years 
of age must have a room or partitioned sleeping area for the husband and 
wife. The partition must be of rigid materials and installed so as to 
provide reasonable privacy.
    (e) Separate sleeping accommodations must be provided for each sex 
or each family.
    (f) Adequate and separate arrangements for hanging clothing and 
storing personal effects for each person or family must be provided.
    (g) At least one-half of the floor area in each living unit must 
have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet. No floor space may be counted 
toward minimum requirements where the ceiling height is less than 5 
feet.
    (h) Each habitable room (not including partitioned areas) must have 
at least one window or skylight opening directly to the out-of-doors. 
The minimum total window or skylight area, including windows in doors, 
must equal at least 10 percent of the usable floor area. The total 
openable area must equal at least 45 percent of the minimum window or 
skylight area required, except where comparably adequate ventilation is 
supplied by mechanical or some other method.



Sec.  654.408  Screening.

    (a) All outside openings must be protected with screening of not 
less than 16 mesh.
    (b) All screen doors must be tight fitting, in good repair, and 
equipped with self-closing devices.



Sec.  654.409  Heating.

    (a) All living quarters and service rooms must be provided with 
properly installed, operable heating equipment capable of maintaining a 
temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit ( [deg]F) if during the 
period of normal occupancy the temperature in such quarters falls below 
68 [deg]F.
    (b) Any stoves or other sources of heat utilizing combustible fuel 
must be installed and vented in such a manner

[[Page 325]]

as to prevent fire hazards and a dangerous concentration of gases. No 
portable heaters other than those operated by electricity may be 
provided. If a solid or liquid fuel stove is used in a room with wooden 
or other combustible flooring, there must be a concrete slab, insulated 
metal sheet, or other fireproof material on the floor under each stove, 
extending at least 18 inches beyond the perimeter of the base of the 
stove.
    (c) Any wall or ceiling within 18 inches of a solid or liquid fuel 
stove or a stovepipe must be of fireproof material. A vented metal 
collar must be installed around a stovepipe, or vent passing through a 
wall, ceiling, floor, or roof.
    (d) When a heating system has automatic controls, the controls must 
be of the type which cut off the fuel supply upon the failure or 
interruption of the flame or ignition, or whenever a predetermined safe 
temperature or pressure is exceeded.



Sec.  654.410  Electricity and lighting.

    (a) All housing sites must be provided with electric service.
    (b) Each habitable room and all common use rooms, and areas such as: 
laundry rooms, toilets, privies, hallways, stairways, etc., must contain 
adequate ceiling or wall-type light fixtures. At least one wall-type 
electrical convenience outlet must be provided in each individual living 
room.
    (c) Adequate lighting must be provided for the yard area, and 
pathways to common use facilities.
    (d) All wiring and lighting fixtures must be installed and 
maintained in a safe condition.



Sec.  654.411  Toilets.

    (a) Toilets must be constructed, located, and maintained so as to 
prevent any nuisance or public health hazard.
    (b) Water closets or privy seats for each sex must be in the ratio 
of not less than one such unit for each 15 occupants, with a minimum of 
one unit for each sex in common use facilities.
    (c) Urinals, constructed of nonabsorbent materials, may be 
substituted for men's toilet seats on the basis of one urinal or 24 
inches of trough-type urinal for one toilet seat up to a maximum of one-
third of the required toilet seats.
    (d) Except in individual family units, separate toilet 
accommodations for men and women must be provided. If toilet facilities 
for men and women are in the same building, they must be separated by a 
solid wall from floor to roof or ceiling. Toilets must be distinctly 
marked ``men'' and ``women'' in English and in the native language of 
the persons expected to occupy the housing.
    (e) Where common use toilet facilities are provided, an adequate and 
accessible supply of toilet tissue, with holders, must be furnished.
    (f) Common use toilets and privies must be well lighted and 
ventilated and must be clean and sanitary.
    (g) Toilet facilities must be located within 200 feet of each living 
unit.
    (h) Privies may not be located closer than 50 feet from any living 
unit or any facility where food is prepared or served.
    (i) Privy structures and pits must be fly-tight. Privy pits must 
have adequate capacity for the required seats.



Sec.  654.412  Bathing, laundry, and hand washing.

    (a) Bathing and hand washing facilities, supplied with hot and cold 
water under pressure, must be provided for the use of all occupants. 
These facilities must be clean and sanitary and located within 200 feet 
of each living unit.
    (b) There must be a minimum of 1 showerhead per 15 persons. 
Showerheads must be spaced at least 3 feet apart, with a minimum of 9 
square feet of floor space per unit. Adequate, dry dressing space must 
be provided in common use facilities. Shower floors must be constructed 
of nonabsorbent nonskid materials and sloped to properly constructed 
floor drains. Except in individual family units, separate shower 
facilities must be provided each sex. When common use shower facilities 
for both sexes are in the same building they must be separated by a 
solid nonabsorbent wall extending from the floor to ceiling, or roof, 
and must be plainly designated ``men'' or ``women'' in English and in 
the native language

[[Page 326]]

of the persons expected to occupy the housing.
    (c) Lavatories or equivalent units must be provided in a ratio of 1 
per 15 persons.
    (d) Laundry facilities, supplied with hot and cold water under 
pressure, must be provided for the use of all occupants. Laundry trays 
or tubs must be provided in the ratio of 1 per 25 persons. Mechanical 
washers may be provided in the ratio of 1 per 50 persons in lieu of 
laundry trays, although a minimum of 1 laundry tray per 100 persons must 
be provided in addition to the mechanical washers.



Sec.  654.413  Cooking and eating facilities.

    (a) When workers or their families are permitted or required to cook 
in their individual unit, a space must be provided and equipped for 
cooking and eating. Such space must be provided with:
    (1) A cookstove or hot plate with a minimum of two burners;
    (2) Adequate food storage shelves and a counter for food 
preparation;
    (3) Provisions for mechanical refrigeration of food at a temperature 
of not more than 45 [deg]F;
    (4) A table and chairs or equivalent seating and eating 
arrangements, all commensurate with the capacity of the unit; and
    (5) Adequate lighting and ventilation.
    (b) When workers or their families are permitted or required to cook 
and eat in a common facility, a room or building separate from the 
sleeping facilities must be provided for cooking and eating. Such room 
or building must be provided with:
    (1) Stoves or hot plates, with a minimum equivalent of 2 burners, in 
a ratio of 1 stove or hot plate to 10 persons, or 1 stove or hot plate 
to 2 families;
    (2) Adequate food storage shelves and a counter for food 
preparation;
    (3) Mechanical refrigeration for food at a temperature of not more 
than 45 [deg]F;
    (4) Tables and chairs or equivalent seating adequate for the 
intended use of the facility;
    (5) Adequate sinks with hot and cold water under pressure;
    (6) Adequate lighting and ventilation; and
    (7) Floors must be of nonabsorbent, easily cleaned materials.
    (c) When central mess facilities are provided, the kitchen and mess 
hall must be in proper proportion to the capacity of the housing and 
must be separate from the sleeping quarters. The physical facilities, 
equipment, and operation must be in accordance with provisions of 
applicable State codes.
    (d) Wall surface adjacent to all food preparation and cooking areas 
must be of nonabsorbent, easily cleaned material. In addition, the wall 
surface adjacent to cooking areas must be of fire-resistant material.



Sec.  654.414  Garbage and other refuse.

    (a) Durable, fly-tight, clean containers in good condition of a 
minimum capacity of 20 gallons, must be provided adjacent to each 
housing unit for the storage of garbage and other refuse. Such 
containers must be provided in a minimum ratio of 1 per 15 persons.
    (b) Provisions must be made for collection of refuse at least twice 
a week, or more often if necessary. The disposal of refuse, which 
includes garbage, must be in accordance with State and local law.



Sec.  654.415  Insect and rodent control.

    Housing and facilities must be free of insects, rodents, and other 
vermin.



Sec.  654.416  Sleeping facilities.

    (a) Sleeping facilities must be provided for each person. Such 
facilities must consist of comfortable beds, cots, or bunks, provided 
with clean mattresses.
    (b) Any bedding provided by the housing operator must be clean and 
sanitary.
    (c) Triple deck bunks may not be provided.
    (d) The clear space above the top of the lower mattress of a double 
deck bunk and the bottom of the upper bunk must be a minimum of 27 
inches. The distance from the top of the upper mattress to the ceiling 
must be a minimum of 36 inches.

[[Page 327]]

    (e) Beds used for double occupancy may be provided only in family 
accommodations.



Sec.  654.417  Fire, safety, and first aid.

    (a) All buildings in which people sleep or eat must be constructed 
and maintained in accordance with applicable State or local fire and 
safety laws.
    (b) In family housing and housing units for less than 10 persons, of 
one story construction, two means of escape must be provided. One of the 
two required means of escape may be a readily accessible window with an 
openable space of not less than 24 x 24 inches.
    (c) All sleeping quarters intended for use by 10 or more persons, 
central dining facilities, and common assembly rooms must have at least 
two doors remotely separated so as to provide alternate means of escape 
to the outside or to an interior hall.
    (d) Sleeping quarters and common assembly rooms on the second story 
must have a stairway, and a permanent, affixed exterior ladder or a 
second stairway.
    (e) Sleeping and common assembly rooms located above the second 
story must comply with the State and local fire and building codes 
relative to multiple story dwellings.
    (f) Fire extinguishing equipment must be provided in a readily 
accessible place located not more than 100 feet from each housing unit. 
Such equipment must provide protection equal to a 2\1/2\ gallon stored 
pressure or 5-gallon pump-type water extinguisher.
    (g) First aid facilities must be provided and readily accessible for 
use at all time. Such facilities must be equivalent to the 16 unit first 
aid kit recommended by the American Red Cross, and provided in a ratio 
of 1 per 50 persons.
    (h) No flammable or volatile liquids or materials must be stored in 
or adjacent to rooms used for living purposes, except for those needed 
for current household use.
    (i) Agricultural pesticides and toxic chemicals may not be stored in 
the housing area.



PART 655_TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES-
-Table of Contents



Sec.
655.0 Purpose and scope of part.
655.00 Authority of the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) 
          Administrator under subparts A, B, and C.

  Subpart A_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Non-Agricultural 
             Employment in the United States (H	2B Workers)

655.1 Scope and purpose of this subpart.
655.2 Authority of the agencies, offices, and divisions in the 
          Department of Labor.
655.3 Territory of Guam.
655.4 Transition procedures.
655.5 Definition of terms.
655.6 Temporary need.
655.7 Persons and entities authorized to file.
655.8 Requirements for agents.
655.9 Disclosure of foreign worker recruitment.

                          Prefiling Procedures

655.10 Determination of prevailing wage for temporary labor 
          certification purposes.
655.11 Registration of H-2B employers.
655.12 Use of registration of H-2B employers.
655.13 Review of PWDs.
655.14 [Reserved]

  Application for Temporary Employment Certification Filing Procedures

655.15 Application filing requirements.
655.16 Filing of the job order at the SWA.
655.17 Emergency situations.
655.18 Job order assurances and contents.
655.19 Job contractor filing requirements.

                       Assurances and Obligations

655.20 Assurances and obligations of H-2B employers.
655.21-655.29 [Reserved]

   Processing of An Application for Temporary Employment Certification

655.30 Processing of an application and job order.
655.31 Notice of deficiency.
655.32 Submission of a modified application or job order.
655.33 Notice of acceptance.
655.34 Electronic job registry.
655.35 Amendments to an application or job order.
655.36-655.39 [Reserved]

                      Post-Acceptance Requirements

655.40 Employer-conducted recruitment.
655.41 Advertising requirements.

[[Page 328]]

655.42 [Reserved]
655.43 Contact with former U.S. employees.
655.44 [Reserved]
655.45 Contact with bargaining representative, posting and other contact 
          requirements.
655.46 Additional employer-conducted recruitment.
655.47 Referrals of U.S. workers.
655.48 Recruitment report.
655.49 [Reserved]

                   Labor Certification Determinations

655.50 Determinations.
655.51 Criteria for certification.
655.52 Approved certification.
655.53 Denied certification.
655.54 Partial certification.
655.55 Validity of temporary labor certification.
655.56 Document retention requirements of H-2B employers.
655.57 Request for determination based on nonavailability of U.S. 
          workers.
655.5-655.59 [Reserved]

                      Post Certification Activities

655.60 Extensions.
655.61 Administrative review.
655.62 Withdrawal of an Application for Temporary Employment 
          Certification.
655.63 Public disclosure.
655.66 Special document retention provisions for Fiscal Years 2018 
          through 2021 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, 
          Public Law 115-141.
655.67 Special document retention provisions for Fiscal Years 2019 
          through 2022 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019.
655.68-655.69 [Reserved]

                           Integrity Measures

655.70 Audits.
655.71 CO-ordered assisted recruitment.
655.72 Revocation.
655.73 Debarment.
655.74-655.76 [Reserved]
655.80-655.99 [Reserved]

    Subpart B_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Agricultural 
             Employment in the United States (H	2A Workers)

655.100 Scope and purpose of subpart B.
655.101 Authority of the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) 
          administrator.
655.102 Special procedures.
655.103 Overview of this subpart and definition of terms.

                          Prefiling Procedures

655.120 Offered wage rate.
655.121 Job orders.
655.122 Contents of job offers.

  Application for Temporary Employment Certification Filing Procedures

655.130 Application filing requirements.
655.131 Association filing requirements.
655.132 H-2A labor contractor (H-2ALC) filing requirements.
655.133 Requirements for agents.
655.134 Emergency situations.
655.135 Assurances and obligations of H-2A employers.

    Processing of Application for Temporary Employment Certification

655.140 Review of applications.
655.141 Notice of deficiency.
655.142 Submission of modified applications.
655.143 Notice of acceptance.
655.144 Electronic job registry.
655.145 Amendments to applications for temporary employment 
          certification.

                      Post-Acceptance Requirements

655.150 Interstate clearance of job order.
655.151-655.152 [Reserved]
655.153 Contact with former U.S. employees.
655.154 Additional positive recruitment.
655.155 Referrals of U.S. workers.
655.156 Recruitment report.
655.157 Withholding of U.S. workers prohibited.
655.158 Duration of positive recruitment.

                   Labor Certification Determinations

655.160 Determinations.
655.161 Criteria for certification.
655.162 Approved certification.
655.163 Certification fee.
655.164 Denied certification.
655.165 Partial certification.
655.166 Requests for determinations based on nonavailability of U.S. 
          workers.
655.167 Document retention requirements.

                           Post Certification

655.170 Extensions.
655.171 Appeals.
655.172 Withdrawal of job order and application for temporary employment 
          certification.
655.173 Setting meal charges; petition for higher meal charges.
655.174 Public disclosure.

                           Integrity Measures

655.180 Audit.
655.181 Revocation.
655.182 Debarment.
655.183 Less than substantial violations.
655.184 Applications involving fraud or willful misrepresentation.
655.185 Job service complaint system; enforcement of work contracts.

[[Page 329]]

  Labor Certification Process for Temporary Agricultural Employment in 
     Range Sheep Herding, Goat Herding, and Production of Livestock 
                               Occupations

655.200 Scope and purpose of herding and range livestock regulations.
655.201 Definition of herding and range livestock terms.
655.205 Herding and range livestock job orders.
655.210 Contents of herding and range livestock job orders.
655.211 Herding and range livestock wage rate.
655.215 Procedures for filing herding and range livestock applications 
          for temporary employment certification.
655.220 Processing herding and range livestock applications for 
          temporary employment certification.
655.225 Post-acceptance requirements for herding and range livestock.
655.230 Range housing.
655.235 Standards for range housing.

Subparts C-D [Reserved]

 Subpart E_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Employment in the 
      Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CW	1 Workers)

655.400 Scope and purpose of this subpart.
655.401 Authority of the agencies, offices, and divisions in the 
          Department of Labor.
655.402 Definition of terms.
655.403 Persons and entities authorized to file.
655.404 Requirements for agents.
655.405-655.409 [Reserved]

                          Prefiling Procedures

655.410 Offered wage rate and determination of prevailing wage.
655.411 Review of prevailing wage determinations.
655.412-655.419 [Reserved]

     CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification Filing 
                               Procedures

655.420 Application filing requirements.
655.421 Job contractor filing requirements.
655.422 Emergency situations.
655.423 Assurances and obligations of CW-1 employers.
655.424-655.429 [Reserved]

Processing of an CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification

655.430 Review of applications.
655.431 Notice of Deficiency.
655.432 Submission of modified applications.
655.433 Notice of Acceptance.
655.434 Amendments to an application.
655.435-655.439 [Reserved]

                      Post Acceptance Requirements

655.440 Employer-conducted recruitment.
655.441 Job offer assurances and advertising contents.
655.442 Place advertisement with CNMI Department of Labor.
655.443 Contact with former U.S. workers.
655.444 Notice of posting requirement.
655.445 Additional employer-conducted recruitment.
655.446 Recruitment report.
655.447-655.449 [Reserved]

                   Labor Certification Determinations

655.450 Determinations.
655.451 Criteria for temporary labor certification.
655.452 Approved certification.
655.453 Denied certification.
655.454 Partial certification.
655.455 Validity of temporary labor certification.
655.456 Document retention requirements for CW-1 employers.
655.457-655.459 [Reserved]

                      Post Certification Activities

655.460 Extensions.
655.461 Administrative review.
655.462 Withdrawal of a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
          Certification.
655.463 Public disclosure.
655.464-655.469 [Reserved]

                           Integrity Measures

655.470 Audits.
655.471 Assisted recruitment.
655.472 Revocation.
655.473 Debarment.
655.474-655.499 [Reserved]

    Subpart F_Attestations by Employers Using Alien Crewmembers for 
                   Longshore Activities in U.S. Ports

                           General Provisions

655.500 Purpose, procedure and applicability of subparts F and G of this 
          part.
655.501 Overview of responsibilities.
655.502 Definitions.
655.510 Employer attestations.
655.520 Special provisions regarding automated vessels.

                            Alaska Exception

655.530 Special provisions regarding the performance of longshore 
          activities at locations in the State of Alaska.
655.531 Who may submit attestations for locations in Alaska?
655.532 Where and when should attestations be submitted for locations in 
          Alaska?

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655.533 What should be submitted for locations in Alaska?
655.534 The first attestation element for locations in Alaska: Bona fide 
          request for dispatch of United States longshore workers.
655.535 The second attestation element for locations in Alaska: 
          Employment of United States longshore workers.
655.536 The third attestation element for locations in Alaska: No 
          intention or design to influence bargaining representative 
          election.
655.537 The fourth attestation element for locations in Alaska: Notice 
          of filing.
655.538 Actions on attestations submitted for filing for locations in 
          Alaska.
655.539 Effective date and validity of filed attestations for locations 
          in Alaska.
655.540 Suspension or invalidation of filed attestations for locations 
          in Alaska.
655.541 Withdrawal of accepted attestations for locations in Alaska.

                              Public Access

655.550 Public access.

Appendix A to Subpart F of Part 655--U.S. Seaports

  Subpart G_Enforcement of the Limitations Imposed on Employers Using 
        Alien Crewmembers for Longshore Activities in U.S. Ports

655.600 Enforcement authority of Administrator, Wage and Hour Division.
655.605 Complaints and investigative procedures.
655.610 Automated vessel exception to prohibition on utilization of 
          alien crewmember(s) to perform longshore activity(ies) at a 
          U.S. port.
655.615 Cease and desist order.
655.620 Civil money penalties and other remedies.
655.625 Written notice, service and Federal Register publication of 
          Administrator's determination.
655.630 Request for hearing.
655.635 Rules of practice for administrative law judge proceedings.
655.640 Service and computation of time.
655.645 Administrative law judge proceedings.
655.650 Decision and order of administrative law judge.
655.655 Secretary's review of administrative law judge's decision.
655.660 Administrative record.
655.665 Notice to the Department of Homeland Security and the Employment 
          and Training Administration.
655.670 Federal Register notice of determination of prevailing practice.
655.675 Non-applicability of the Equal Access to Justice Act.

 Subpart H_Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers 
 Seeking To Employ Nonimmigrants on H	1b Visas in Specialty Occupations 
and as Fashion Models, and Requirements for Employers Seeking To Employ 
      Nonimmigrants on H 1b1 and E 3 Visas in Specialty Occupations

655.700 What statutory provisions govern the employment of H-1B, H-1B1, 
          and E-3 nonimmigrants and how do employers apply for H-1B, H-
          1B1, and E-3 visas?
655.705 What Federal agencies are involved in the H-1B and H-1B1 
          programs, and what are the responsibilities of those agencies 
          and of employers?
655.710 What is the procedure for filing a complaint?
655.715 Definitions
655.720 Where are labor condition applications (LCAs) to be filed and 
          processed?
655.721 [Reserved]
655.730 What is the process for filing a labor condition application?
655.731 What is the first LCA requirement, regarding wages?
655.732 What is the second LCA requirement, regarding working 
          conditions?
655.733 What is the third LCA requirement, regarding strikes and 
          lockouts?
655.734 What is the fourth LCA requirement, regarding notice?
655.735 What are the special provisions for short-term placement of H-1B 
          nonimmigrants at place(s) of employment outside the area(s) of 
          intended employment listed on the LCA?
655.736 What are H-1B-dependent employers and willful violators?
655.737 What are ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants, and how does their 
          employment affect the additional attestation obligations of H-
          1B-dependent employers and willful violator employers?
655.738 What are the ``non-displacement of U.S. workers'' obligations 
          that apply to H-1B-dependent employers and willful violators, 
          and how do they operate?
655.739 What is the ``recruitment of U.S. workers'' obligation that 
          applies to H-1B-dependent employers and willful violators, and 
          how does it operate?
655.740 What actions are taken on labor condition applications?
655.750 What is the validity period of the labor condition application?

[[Page 331]]

655.760 What records are to be made available to the public, and what 
          records are to be retained?

Subpart I_Enforcement of H	1B Labor Condition Applications and
H	1B1 and E   3 Labor Attestations

655.800 Who will enforce the LCAs and how will they be enforced?
655.801 What protection do employees have from retaliation?
655.805 What violations may the Administrator investigate?
655.806 Who may file a complaint and how is it processed?
655.807 How may someone who is not an ``aggrieved party'' allege 
          violations, and how will those allegations be processed?
655.808 Under what circumstances may random investigations be conducted?
655.810 What remedies may be ordered if violations are found?
655.815 What are the requirements for the Administrator's determination?
655.820 How is a hearing requested?
655.825 What rules of practice apply to the hearing?
655.830 What rules apply to service of pleadings?
655.835 How will the administrative law judge conduct the proceeding?
655.840 What are the requirements for a decision and order of the 
          administrative law judge?
655.845 What rules apply to appeal of the decision of the administrative 
          law judge?
655.850 Who has custody of the administrative record?
655.855 What notice shall be given to the Employment and Training 
          Administration and the DHS of the decision regarding 
          violations?

Subparts J-K [Reserved]

    Subpart L_What requirements must a facility meet to employ H 1C 
               nonimmigrant workers as registered nurses?

655.1100 What are the purposes, procedures and applicability of the 
          regulations in subparts L and M of this part?
655.1101 What are the responsibilities of the government agencies and 
          the facilities that participate in the H-1C program?
655.1102 What are the definitions of terms that are used in these 
          regulations?
655.1110 What requirements are imposed in the filing of an attestation?
655.1111 Element I--What hospitals are eligible to participate in the H-
          1C program?
655.1112 Element II--What does ``no adverse effect on wages and working 
          conditions'' mean?
655.1113 Element III--What does ``facility wage rate'' mean?
655.1114 Element IV--What are the timely and significant steps an H-1C 
          employer must take to recruit and retain U.S. nurses?
655.1115 Element V--What does ``no strike/lockout or layoff'' mean?
655.1116 Element VI--What notification must facilities provide to 
          registered nurses?
655.1117 Element VII--What are the limitations as to the number of H-1C 
          nonimmigrants that a facility may employ?
655.1118 Element VIII--What are the limitations as to where the H-1C 
          nonimmigrant may be employed?
655.1130 What criteria does the Department use to determine whether or 
          not to certify an Attestation?
655.1132 When will the Department suspend or invalidate an already-
          approved Attestation?
655.1135 What appeals procedures are available concerning ETA's actions 
          on a facility's Attestation?
655.1150 What materials must be available to the public?

Subpart M_What are the Department's enforcement obligations with respect 
                          to H	1C Attestations?

655.1200 What enforcement authority does the Department have with 
          respect to a facility's H-1C Attestation?
655.1205 What is the Administrator's responsibility with respect to 
          complaints and investigations?
655.1210 What penalties and other remedies may the Administrator impose?
655.1215 How are the Administrator's investigation findings issued?
655.1220 Who can appeal the Administrator's findings and what is the 
          process?
655.1225 What are the rules of practice before an ALJ?
655.1230 What time limits are imposed in ALJ proceedings?
655.1235 What are the ALJ proceedings?
655.1240 When and how does an ALJ issue a decision?
655.1245 Who can appeal the ALJ's decision and what is the process?
655.1250 Who is the official record keeper for these administrative 
          appeals?
655.1255 What are the procedures for the debarment of a facility based 
          on a finding of violation?
655.1260 Can Equal Access to Justice Act attorney fees be awarded?

    Subpart N_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Agricultural 
             Employment in the United States (H	2A Workers)

655.1290 Purpose and scope of subpart B.
655.1292 Authority of ETA-OFLC.
655.1293 Special procedures.

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655.1300 Overview of subpart B and definition of terms.
655.1301 Applications for temporary employment certification in 
          agriculture.
655.1302 Required pre-filing activity.
655.1303 Advertising requirements.
655.1304 Contents of job offers.
655.1305 Assurances and obligations of H-2A employers.
655.1306 Assurances and obligations of H-2A Labor Contractors.
655.1307 Processing of applications.
655.1308 Offered wage rate.
655.1309 Labor certification determinations.
655.1310 Validity and scope of temporary labor certifications.
655.1311 Required departure.
655.1312 Audits.
655.1313 H-2A applications involving fraud or willful misrepresentation.
655.1314 Setting meal charges; petition for higher meal charges.
655.1315 Administrative review and de novo hearing before an 
          administrative law judge.
655.1316 Job Service Complaint System; enforcement of work contracts.
655.1317 Revocation of approved labor certifications.
655.1318 Debarment.
655.1319 Document retention requirements.

    Authority: Section 655.0 issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii), 
1101(a)(15)(H)(i) and (ii), 8 U.S.C. 1103(a)(6), 1182(m), (n), (p), and 
(t), 1184(c), (g), and (j), 1188, and 1288(c) and (d); sec. 3(c)(1), 
Pub. L. 101-238, 103 Stat. 2099, 2102 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 221(a), 
Pub. L. 101-649, 104 Stat. 4978, 5027 (8 U.S.C. 1184 note); sec. 
303(a)(8), Pub. L. 102-232, 105 Stat. 1733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); 
sec. 323(c), Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2428; sec. 412(e), Pub. L. 105-
277, 112 Stat. 2681 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 
Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); 29 U.S.C. 49k; Pub. L. 107-296, 
116 Stat. 2135, as amended; Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(4)(i); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii); and sec. 6, Pub. L. 115-218, 132 
Stat. 1547 (48 U.S.C. 1806).
    Subpart A issued under 8 CFR 214.2(h).
    Subpart B issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 1184(c), and 
1188; and 8 CFR 214.2(h).
    Subpart E issued under 48 U.S.C. 1806.
    Subparts F and G issued under 8 U.S.C. 1288(c) and (d); sec. 323(c), 
Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2428; and 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, Pub. L. 114-74 
at section 701.
    Subparts H and I issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) and 
(b)(1), 1182(n), (p), and (t), and 1184(g) and (j); sec. 303(a)(8), Pub. 
L. 102-232, 105 Stat. 1733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); sec. 412(e), Pub. 
L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681; 8 CFR 214.2(h); and 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, 
Pub. L. 114-74 at section 701.
    Subparts L and M issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) and 
1182(m); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C. 1182 
note); Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; and 8 CFR 214.2(h).

    Effective Date Note: At 86 FR 3672, Jan. 14, 2021, the authority 
citation for part 655 was revised, effective Mar. 15, 2021. At 86 FR 
13996, Mar. 12, 2021, the effective date was delayed until May 14, 2021. 
For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:
    Authority: Section 655.0 issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii), 
1101(a)(15)(H)(i) and (ii), 8 U.S.C. 1103(a)(6), 1182(m), (n), (p), and 
(t), 1184(c), (g), and (j), 1188, and 1288(c) and (d); sec. 3(c)(1), 
Pub. L. 101-238, 103 Stat. 2099, 2102 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 221(a), 
Pub. L. 101-649, 104 Stat. 4978, 5027 (8 U.S.C. 1184 note); sec. 
303(a)(8), Pub. L. 102-232, 105 Stat. 1733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); 
sec. 323(c), Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2428; sec. 412(e), Pub. L. 105-
277, 112 Stat. 2681 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 
Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); 29 U.S.C. 49k; Pub. L. 107-296, 
116 Stat. 2135, as amended; Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(4)(i); 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii); and sec. 6, Pub. L. 115-218, 132 
Stat. 1547 (48 U.S.C. 1806).
    Subpart A issued under 8 CFR 214.2(h).
    Subpart B issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 1184(c), and 
1188; and 8 CFR 214.2(h).
    Subpart E issued under 48 U.S.C. 1806.
    Subparts F and G issued under 8 U.S.C. 1288(c) and (d); sec. 323(c), 
Public Law 103-206, 107 Stat. 2428; and 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, Public Law 
114-74 at section 701.
    Subparts H and I issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) and 
(b)(1), 1182(n), (p), and (t), and 1184(g) and (j); sec. 303(a)(8), 
Public Law 102-232, 105 Stat. 1733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); sec. 
412(e), Public Law 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681; 8 CFR 214.2(h); and 28 
U.S.C. 2461 note, Public Law 114-74 at section 701.
    Subparts L and M issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) and 
1182(m); sec. 2(d), Public Law 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C. 
1182 note); Public Law 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; and 8 CFR 214.2(h).

    Source: 42 FR 45899, Sept. 13, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 655 appear at 71 FR 
35521, 35522, June 21, 2006.



Sec.  655.0  Scope and purpose of part.

    (a) Subparts A, B, and C--(1) General. Subparts A, B, and C of this 
part set out the procedures adopted by the Secretary to secure 
information sufficient to make factual determinations of: (i) Whether 
U.S. workers are available to perform temporary employment in the United 
States, for which an employer

[[Page 333]]

desires to employ nonimmigrant foreign workers, and (ii) whether the 
employment of aliens for such temporary work will adversely affect the 
wages or working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. These 
factual determinations (or a determination that there are not sufficient 
facts to make one or both of these determinations) are required to carry 
out the policies of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), that a 
nonimmigrant alien worker not be admitted to fill a particular temporary 
job opportunity unless no qualifed U.S. worker is available to fill the 
job opportunity, and unless the employment of the foreign worker in the 
job opportunity will not adversely affect the wages or working 
conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
    (2) The Secretary's determinations. Before any factual determination 
can be made concerning the availability of U.S. workers to perform 
particular job opportunities, two steps must be taken. First, the 
minimum level of wages, terms, benefits, and conditions for the 
particular job opportunities, below which similarly employed U.S. 
workers would be adversely affected, must be established. (The 
regulations in this part establish such minimum levels for wages, terms, 
benefits, and conditions of employment.) Second, the wages, terms, 
benefits, and conditions offered and afforded to the aliens must be 
compared to the established minimum levels. If it is concluded that 
adverse effect would result, the ultimate determination of availability 
within the meaning of the INA cannot be made since U.S. workers cannot 
be expected to accept employment under conditions below the established 
minimum levels. Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. v. Usery, 531 F. 2d 299 
(5th Cir. 1976).

Once a determination of no adverse effect has been made, the 
availability of U.S. workers can be tested only if U.S. workers are 
actively recruited through the offer of wages, terms, benefits, and 
conditions at least at the minimum level or the level offered to the 
aliens, whichever is higher. The regulations in this part set forth 
requirements for recruiting U.S. workers in accordance with this 
principle.
    (3) Construction. This part and its subparts shall be construed to 
effectuate the purpose of the INA that U.S. workers rather than aliens 
be employed wherever possible. Elton Orchards, Inc. v. Brennan, 508 F. 
2d 493, 500 (1st Cir. 1974), Flecha v. Quiros, 567 F. 2d 1154 (1st Cir. 
1977). Where temporary alien workers are admitted, the terms and 
conditions of their employment must not result in a lowering of the 
terms and conditions of domestic workers similarly employed, Williams v. 
Usery, 531 F. 2d 305 (5th Cir. 1976); Florida Sugar Cane League, Inc. v. 
Usery, 531 F. 2d 299 (5th Cir. 1976), and the job benefits extended to 
any U.S. workers shall be at least those extended to the alien workers.
    (b) Subparts D and E. Subparts D and E of this part set forth the 
process by which health care facilities can file attestations with the 
Department of Labor for the purpose of employing or otherwise using 
nonimmigrant registered nurses under H-1A visas.
    (c) Subparts F and G. Subparts F and G of this part set forth the 
process by which employers can file attestations with the Department of 
Labor for the purpose of employing alien crewmembers in longshore work 
under D-visas and enforcement provisions relating thereto.
    (d) Subparts H and I of this part. Subpart H of this part sets forth 
the process by which employers can file labor condition applications 
(LCAs) with, and the requirements for obtaining approval from, the 
Department of Labor to temporarily employ the following three categories 
of nonimmigrants in the United States: (1) H-1B visas for temporary 
employment in specialty occupations or as fashion models of 
distinguished merit and ability; (2) H-1B1 visas for temporary 
employment in specialty occupations of nonimmigrant professionals from 
countries with which the United States has entered into certain 
agreements identified in section 214(g)(8)(A) of the INA; and (3) E-3 
visas for nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia for temporary 
employment in specialty occupations. Subpart I of this part establishes 
the enforcement provisions that apply to the H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visa 
programs.

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    (e) Subparts J and K of this part. Subparts J and K of this part set 
forth the process by which employers can file attestations with the 
Department of Labor for the purpose of employing nonimmigrant alien 
students on F-visas in off-campus employment and enforcement provisions 
relating thereto.

[43 FR 10312, Mar. 10, 1978, as amended at 52 FR 20507, June 1, 1987; 55 
FR 50510, Dec. 6, 1990; 56 FR 24667, May 30, 1991; 56 FR 54738, Oct. 22, 
1991; 56 FR 56875, Nov. 6, 1991; 57 FR 1337, Jan. 13, 1992; 57 FR 40989, 
Sept. 8, 1992; 69 FR 68226, Nov. 23, 2004; 73 FR 19947, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.00  Authority of the Office of Foreign Labor Certification 
(OFLC) Administrator under subparts A, B, and C.

    Pursuant to the regulations under this part, temporary labor 
certification determinations under subparts A, B, and C of this part are 
ordinarily made by the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) 
Administrator (OFLC Administrator) of the Employment and Training 
Administration. The OFLC Administrator will informally advise the 
employer or agent of the name of the official who will make 
determinations with respect to the application.

[71 FR 35518, June 21, 2006]



  Subpart A_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Non-Agricultural 
             Employment in the United States (H	2B Workers)

    Source: 80 FR 24108, Apr. 29, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  655.1  Scope and purpose of this subpart.

    Section 214(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 
U.S.C. 1184(c)(1), requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
consult with appropriate agencies before authorizing the classification 
of aliens as H-2B workers. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 
regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)(D) designate the Secretary of 
Labor as an appropriate authority with whom DHS consults regarding the 
H-2B program, and specifies that the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out 
this consultative function, shall issue regulations regarding the 
issuance of temporary labor certifications. DHS regulations at 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(6)(iv) further provide that an employer's petition to employ H-
2B nonimmigrant workers for temporary non-agricultural employment in the 
United States (U.S.), except for Guam, must be accompanied by an 
approved temporary labor certification from the Secretary of Labor 
(Secretary).
    (a) Purpose. The temporary labor certification reflects a 
determination by the Secretary that:
    (1) There are not sufficient U.S. workers who are qualified and who 
will be available to perform the temporary services or labor for which 
an employer desires to hire foreign workers, and that
    (2) The employment of the H-2B worker(s) will not adversely affect 
the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed.
    (b) Scope. This subpart sets forth the procedures governing the 
labor certification process for the temporary employment of nonimmigrant 
foreign workers in the H-2B nonimmigrant classification, as defined in 8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b), section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the INA. 
It also establishes obligations with respect to the terms and conditions 
of the temporary labor certification with which H-2B employers must 
comply, as well as their obligations to H-2B workers and workers in 
corresponding employment. Additionally, this subpart sets forth 
integrity measures for ensuring employers' continued compliance with the 
terms and conditions of the temporary labor certification.



Sec.  655.2  Authority of the agencies, offices, and divisions in the
Department of Labor.

    (a) Authority and role of the Office of Foreign Labor Certification 
(OFLC). The Secretary has delegated authority to make determinations 
under this subpart, pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(iii)(D) and 
(h)(6)(iv), to the Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training 
Administration (ETA), who in turn has delegated that authority to OFLC. 
Determinations on

[[Page 335]]

an Application for Temporary Employment Certification in the H-2B 
program are made by the Administrator, OFLC who, in turn, may delegate 
this responsibility to designated staff members, e.g., a Certifying 
Officer (CO).
    (b) Authority of the Wage and Hour Division (WHD). Pursuant to its 
authority under section 214(c)(14)(B) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 
1184(c)(l4)(B), DHS has delegated to the Secretary certain investigatory 
and enforcement functions with respect to terms and conditions of 
employment in the H-2B program. The Secretary has, in turn, delegated 
that authority to WHD. The regulations governing WHD investigation and 
enforcement functions, including those related to the enforcement of 
temporary labor certifications, issued under this subpart, may be found 
in 29 CFR part 503.
    (c) Concurrent authority. OFLC and WHD have concurrent authority to 
impose a debarment remedy under Sec.  655.73 or under 29 CFR 503.24.



Sec.  655.3  Territory of Guam.

    This subpart does not apply to temporary employment in the Territory 
of Guam, except that an employer who applies for a temporary labor 
certification for a job opportunity on Guam will need to obtain a 
prevailing wage from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in accordance 
with Sec.  655.10, subject to the transfer of authority to set the 
prevailing wage for a job opportunity on Guam to DOL in title 8 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations. DOL does not certify to DHS the temporary 
employment of H-2B nonimmigrant foreign workers, or enforce compliance 
with the provisions of the H-2B visa program, in the Territory of Guam.



Sec.  655.4  Transition procedures.

    (a) The NPWC shall continue to process an Application for Prevailing 
Wage Determination submitted prior to April 29, 2015, in accordance with 
the prevailing wage methodology at 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, revised 
as of April 1, 2009, except for Sec.  655.10(b)(2), see 20 CFR part 655, 
subpart A, revised as of April 1, 2014. Employers with a pending 
Application for Prevailing Wage Determination who seek a prevailing wage 
based on an alternate wage source must submit a new Application for 
Prevailing Wage Determination.
    (b) The NPWC shall process an Application for a Prevailing Wage 
Determination submitted on or after April 29, 2015, in accordance with 
the wage methodology established in Sec.  655.10 of the final prevailing 
wage rule.
    (c) The NPC shall continue to process an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification submitted prior to April 29, 2015, in 
accordance with 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, revised as of April 1, 2009.
    (d) The NPC shall process an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification submitted on or after April 29, 2015, and that has a start 
date of need prior to October 1, 2015, as follows:
    (1) Employers will be permitted to file an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification job order with the NPC using the emergency 
situations provision at Sec.  655.17. The Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification must include a signed and dated copy of the new 
Appendix B associated with the ETA Form 9142B containing the requisite 
program assurances and obligations under this rule. In the case of a job 
contractor filing as a joint employer with its employer-client, the NPC 
must receive a separate attachment containing the employer-client's 
business and contact information (i.e., sections C and D of the ETA Form 
9142B) as well as a separate signed and dated copy of the Appendix B for 
its employer-client, as required by Sec.  655.19.
    (2) The NPC will waive the regulatory filing timeframe under Sec.  
655.15 and process the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and job order in a manner consistent with the handling of 
applications under Sec.  655.17 for emergency situations, including the 
recruitment of U.S. workers on an expedited basis, and make a 
determination as required by Sec.  655.50. The recruitment of U.S. 
workers on an expedited basis will consist of placing a new job order 
with the SWA serving the area of intended employment that contains the 
job assurances and contents set forth in Sec.  655.18 for a period of 
not less than 10 calendar days. In addition, employers who have not 
placed any newspaper advertisements under the rule published at 20 CFR 
part 655, subpart

[[Page 336]]

A, revised as of April 1, 2009. must place one newspaper advertisement, 
which may be published on any day of the week, meeting the advertising 
requirements of Sec.  655.41, during the period of time the SWA is 
actively circulating the job order for intrastate clearance.
    (3) If the Chicago NPC grants a temporary labor certification, the 
employer will receive an original certified ETA Form 9142B and a Final 
Determination letter. Upon receipt of the original certified ETA Form 
9142B, the employer or its agent or attorney, if applicable, must 
complete the footer on the original Appendix B of the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, retain the original Appendix B, and 
submit a signed copy of Appendix B, together with the original certified 
ETA Form 9142B directly to USCIS. Under the document retention 
requirements in Sec.  655.56, the employer must retain a copy of the 
temporary labor certification and the original signed Appendix B.
    (4) An employer who did not submit an Application for a Prevailing 
Wage Determination prior to April 29, 2015, but who has a start date of 
need prior to October 1, 2015 may submit a completed Application for a 
Prevailing Wage Determination to the NPC with its emergency Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification requesting a prevailing wage 
determination for the job opportunity. Upon receipt, the NPC will 
transmit, on behalf of the employer, a copy of the Application for a 
Prevailing Wage Determination to the NPWC for processing and issuance of 
a prevailing wage determination using the wage methodology established 
in Sec.  655.10.
    (e) The NPC shall process an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification submitted on or after April 29, 2015, and that has a start 
date of need after October 1, 2015, in accordance with all application 
filing requirements under this rule, and the employer must obtain a 
valid prevailing wage determination under the wage methodology 
established in Sec.  655.10 prior to filing the job order with the SWA 
under Sec.  655.16.
    (f) Employers with a prevailing wage determination issued by the 
NPWC, or who have a pending or granted Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification on April 29, 2015, may seek a supplemental 
prevailing wage determination (SPWD) in order to obtain a prevailing 
wage based on an alternate wage source under this rule.
    (1) The SPWD will apply during the validity period of the 
certification, except that such SPWD will be applicable only to those H-
2B workers who are not yet employed in the certified position on the 
date of the issuance of the SPWD. The SPWD will not be applicable to H-
2B workers who are already employed in the certified position at the 
time of the issuance of the SPWD, and it will not apply to U.S. workers 
recruited and hired under the original job order. For seafood employers 
whose workers' entry into the U.S. may be staggered under Sec.  
655.15(f), an SPWD issued under this provision will apply only to those 
H-2B workers who have not yet entered the U.S. and are therefore not yet 
employed in the certified position at the time of the issuance of the 
SPWD.
    (2) In order to receive an SPWD under this provision, the employer 
must submit a new ETA Form 9141 to the NPWC that contains in Section 
E.a.5 Job Duties the original PWD tracking number (starting with P-400), 
the H-2B temporary employment certification application number (starting 
with H-400), and the words ``Request for a Supplemental Prevailing Wage 
Determination.'' Electronic submission through the iCERT Visa Portal 
System is preferred. Upon receipt of the request, the NPWC will issue to 
the employer, or if applicable, the employer's attorney or agent, an 
SPWD in an expedited manner and provide a copy to the Chicago NPC.



Sec.  655.5  Definition of terms.

    For purposes of this subpart:
    Act means the Immigration and Nationality Act or INA, as amended, 8 
U.S.C. 1101 et seq.
    Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) means a person within the 
Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges appointed under 5 
U.S.C. 3105.
    Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means 
the primary official of the Office of Foreign Labor

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Certification, ETA, or the Administrator's designee.
    Administrator, Wage and Hour Division (WHD) means the primary 
official of the WHD, or the Administrator's designee.
    Agent means:
    (1) A legal entity or person who:
    (i) Is authorized to act on behalf of an employer for temporary 
nonagricultural labor certification purposes;
    (ii) Is not itself an employer, or a joint employer, as defined in 
this part with respect to a specific application; and
    (iii) Is not an association or other organization of employers.
    (2) No agent who is under suspension, debarment, expulsion, 
disbarment, or otherwise restricted from practice before any court, the 
Department of Labor, the Executive Office for Immigration Review under 8 
CFR 1003.101, or DHS under 8 CFR 292.3 may represent an employer under 
this part.
    Agricultural labor or services means those duties and occupations 
defined in subpart B of this part.
    Applicant means a U.S. worker who is applying for a job opportunity 
for which an employer has filed an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification (ETA Form 9142B and the appropriate appendices).
    Application for Temporary Employment Certification means the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved ETA Form 9142B and the 
appropriate appendices, a valid wage determination, as required by Sec.  
655.10, and a subsequently-filed U.S. worker recruitment report, 
submitted by an employer to secure a temporary labor certification 
determination from DOL.
    Area of intended employment means the geographic area within normal 
commuting distance of the place (worksite address) of the job 
opportunity for which the certification is sought. There is no rigid 
measure of distance that constitutes a normal commuting distance or 
normal commuting area, because there may be widely varying factual 
circumstances among different areas (e.g., average commuting times, 
barriers to reaching the worksite, or quality of the regional 
transportation network). If the place of intended employment is within a 
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), including a multistate MSA, any 
place within the MSA is deemed to be within normal commuting distance of 
the place of intended employment. The borders of MSAs are not 
controlling in the identification of the normal commuting area; a 
location outside of an MSA may be within normal commuting distance of a 
location that is inside (e.g., near the border of) the MSA.
    Area of substantial unemployment means a contiguous area with a 
population of at least 10,000 in which there is an average unemployment 
rate equal to or exceeding 6.5 percent for the 12 months preceding the 
determination of such areas made by the ETA.
    Attorney means any person who is a member in good standing of the 
bar of the highest court of any State, possession, territory, or 
commonwealth of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. No attorney who 
is under suspension, debarment, expulsion, disbarment, or otherwise 
restricted from practice before any court, the Department of Labor, the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review under 8 CFR 1003.101, or DHS 
under 8 CFR 292.3 may represent an employer under this subpart.
    Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA or Board) means 
the permanent Board established by part 656 of this chapter, chaired by 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge (Chief ALJ), and consisting of ALJs 
assigned to the Department of Labor and designated by the Chief ALJ to 
be members of BALCA.
    Certifying Officer (CO) means an OFLC official designated by the 
Administrator, OFLC to make determinations on applications under the H-
2B program. The Administrator, OFLC is the National CO. Other COs may 
also be designated by the Administrator, OFLC to make the determinations 
required under this subpart.
    Chief Administrative Law Judge (Chief ALJ) means the chief official 
of the Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges or the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge's designee.
    Corresponding employment means:
    (1) The employment of workers who are not H-2B workers by an 
employer that has a certified H-2B Application for

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Temporary Employment Certification when those workers are performing 
either substantially the same work included in the job order or 
substantially the same work performed by the H-2B workers, except that 
workers in the following two categories are not included in 
corresponding employment:
    (i) Incumbent employees continuously employed by the H-2B employer 
to perform substantially the same work included in the job order or 
substantially the same work performed by the H-2B workers during the 52 
weeks prior to the period of employment certified on the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and who have worked or been paid for 
at least 35 hours in at least 48 of the prior 52 workweeks, and who have 
worked or been paid for an average of at least 35 hours per week over 
the prior 52 weeks, as demonstrated on the employer's payroll records, 
provided that the terms and working conditions of their employment are 
not substantially reduced during the period of employment covered by the 
job order. In determining whether this standard was met, the employer 
may take credit for any hours that were reduced by the employee 
voluntarily choosing not to work due to personal reasons such as illness 
or vacation; or
    (ii) Incumbent employees covered by a collective bargaining 
agreement or an individual employment contract that guarantees both an 
offer of at least 35 hours of work each workweek and continued 
employment with the H-2B employer at least through the period of 
employment covered by the job order, except that the employee may be 
dismissed for cause.
    (2) To qualify as corresponding employment, the work must be 
performed during the period of the job order, including any approved 
extension thereof.
    Date of need means the first date the employer requires services of 
the H-2B workers as listed on the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) means the Federal Department 
having jurisdiction over certain immigration-related functions, acting 
through its component agencies, including USCIS.
    Employee means a person who is engaged to perform work for an 
employer, as defined under the general common law. Some of the factors 
relevant to the determination of employee status include: The hiring 
party's right to control the manner and means by which the work is 
accomplished; the skill required to perform the work; the source of the 
instrumentalities and tools for accomplishing the work; the location of 
the work; the hiring party's discretion over when and how long to work; 
and whether the work is part of the regular business of the hiring 
party. Other applicable factors may be considered and no one factor is 
dispositive. The terms employee and worker are used interchangeably in 
this subpart.
    Employer means a person (including any individual, partnership, 
association, corporation, cooperative, firm, joint stock company, trust, 
or other organization with legal rights and duties) that:
    (1) Has a place of business (physical location) in the U.S. and a 
means by which it may be contacted for employment;
    (2) Has an employer relationship (such as the ability to hire, pay, 
fire, supervise or otherwise control the work of employees) with respect 
to an H-2B worker or a worker in corresponding employment; and
    (3) Possesses, for purposes of filing an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, a valid Federal Employer Identification Number 
(FEIN).
    Employer-client means an employer that has entered into an agreement 
with a job contractor and that is not an affiliate, branch or subsidiary 
of the job contractor, under which the job contractor provides services 
or labor to the employer on a temporary basis and will not exercise 
substantial, direct day-to-day supervision and control in the 
performance of the services or labor to be performed other than hiring, 
paying and firing the workers.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the agency within 
the Department of Labor that includes OFLC and has been delegated 
authority

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by the Secretary to fulfill the Secretary's mandate under the DHS 
regulations for the administration and adjudication of an Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification and related functions.
    Federal holiday means a legal public holiday as defined at 5 U.S.C. 
6103.
    Full-time means 35 or more hours of work per week.
    H-2B Petition means the DHS Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant 
Worker, with H Supplement or successor form or supplement, and 
accompanying documentation required by DHS for employers seeking to 
employ foreign persons as H-2B nonimmigrant workers
    H-2B Registration means the OMB-approved ETA Form 9155, submitted by 
an employer to register its intent to hire H-2B workers and to file an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    H-2B worker means any temporary foreign worker who is lawfully 
present in the U.S. and authorized by DHS to perform nonagricultural 
labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature under 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b), INA section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b).
    Job contractor means a person, association, firm, or a corporation 
that meets the definition of an employer and that contracts services or 
labor on a temporary basis to one or more employers, which is not an 
affiliate, branch or subsidiary of the job contractor and where the job 
contractor will not exercise substantial, direct day-to-day supervision 
and control in the performance of the services or labor to be performed 
other than hiring, paying and firing the workers.
    Job offer means the offer made by an employer or potential employer 
of H-2B workers to both U.S. and H-2B workers describing all the 
material terms and conditions of employment, including those relating to 
wages, working conditions, and other benefits.
    Job opportunity means one or more openings for full-time employment 
with the petitioning employer within a specified area(s) of intended 
employment for which the petitioning employer is seeking workers.
    Job order means the document containing the material terms and 
conditions of employment relating to wages, hours, working conditions, 
worksite and other benefits, including obligations and assurances under 
29 CFR part 503 and this subpart that is posted between and among the 
State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) on their job clearance systems.
    Joint employment means that where two or more employers each have 
sufficient definitional indicia of being an employer to be considered 
the employer of a worker, those employers will be considered to jointly 
employ that worker. Each employer in a joint employment relationship to 
a worker is considered a joint employer of that worker.
    Layoff means any involuntary separation of one or more U.S. 
employees without cause.
    Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) means a geographic entity 
defined by OMB for use by Federal statistical agencies in collecting, 
tabulating, and publishing Federal statistics. A metro area contains a 
core urban area of 50,000 or more population, and a micro area contains 
an urban core of at least 10,000 (but fewer than 50,000) population. 
Each metro or micro area consists of one or more counties and includes 
the counties containing the core urban area, as well as any adjacent 
counties that have a high degree of social and economic integration (as 
measured by commuting to work) with the urban core.
    National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC) means that office within OFLC 
from which employers, agents, or attorneys who wish to file an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification receive a prevailing 
wage determination (PWD).
    NPWC Director means the OFLC official to whom the Administrator, 
OFLC has delegated authority to carry out certain NPWC operations and 
functions.
    National Processing Center (NPC) means the office within OFLC which 
is charged with the adjudication of an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification or other applications. For purposes of this 
subpart, the NPC receiving a request for an H-2B Registration and an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification is the Chicago

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NPC whose address is published in the Federal Register.
    NPC Director means the OFLC official to whom the Administrator, OFLC 
has delegated authority for purposes of certain Chicago NPC operations 
and functions.
    Non-agricultural labor and services means any labor or services not 
considered to be agricultural labor or services as defined in subpart B 
of this part. It does not include the provision of services as members 
of the medical profession by graduates of medical schools.
    Occupational employment statistics (OES) survey means the program 
under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that 
provides annual wage estimates for occupations at the State and MSA 
levels.
    Offered wage means the wage offered by an employer in an H-2B job 
order. The offered wage must equal or exceed the highest of the 
prevailing wage or Federal, State or local minimum wage.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means the 
organizational component of the ETA that provides national leadership 
and policy guidance and develops regulations to carry out the 
Secretary's responsibilities, including determinations related to an 
employer's request for H-2B Registration, Application for Prevailing 
Wage Determination, or Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.
    Prevailing wage determination (PWD) means the prevailing wage for 
the position, as described in Sec.  655.10, that is the subject of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification. The PWD is made on 
ETA Form 9141, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination.
    Professional athlete means an individual who is employed as an 
athlete by:
    (1) A team that is a member of an association of six or more 
professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed 
$10,000,000 per year, if the association governs the conduct of its 
members and regulates the contests and exhibitions in which its member 
teams regularly engage; or
    (2) Any minor league team that is affiliated with such an 
association.
    Seafood is defined as fresh or saltwater finfish, crustaceans, other 
forms of aquatic animal life, including, but not limited to, alligator, 
frog, aquatic turtle, jellyfish, sea cucumber, and sea urchin and the 
roe of such animals, and all mollusks.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor, the chief official of the 
U.S. Department of Labor, or the Secretary's designee.
    Secretary of Homeland Security means the chief official of the U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Secretary of Homeland 
Security's designee.
    Secretary of State means the chief official of the U.S. Department 
of State or the Secretary of State's designee.
    State Workforce Agency (SWA) means a State government agency that 
receives funds under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.) to 
administer the State's public labor exchange activities.
    Strike means a concerted stoppage of work by employees as a result 
of a labor dispute, or any concerted slowdown or other concerted 
interruption of operation (including stoppage by reason of the 
expiration of a collective bargaining agreement).
    Successor in interest means:
    (1) Where an employer has violated 29 CFR part 503, or this subpart, 
and has ceased doing business or cannot be located for purposes of 
enforcement, a successor in interest to that employer may be held liable 
for the duties and obligations of the violating employer in certain 
circumstances. The following factors, as used under Title VII of the 
Civil Rights Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance 
Act, may be considered in determining whether an employer is a successor 
in interest; no one factor is dispositive, but all of the circumstances 
will be considered as a whole:
    (i) Substantial continuity of the same business operations;
    (ii) Use of the same facilities;
    (iii) Continuity of the work force;
    (iv) Similarity of jobs and working conditions;
    (v) Similarity of supervisory personnel;
    (vi) Whether the former management or owner retains a direct or 
indirect interest in the new enterprise;

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    (vii) Similarity in machinery, equipment, and production methods;
    (viii) Similarity of products and services; and
    (ix) The ability of the predecessor to provide relief.
    (2) For purposes of debarment only, the primary consideration will 
be the personal involvement of the firm's ownership, management, 
supervisors, and others associated with the firm in the violation(s) at 
issue.
    United States (U.S.) means the continental United States, Alaska, 
Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 
and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) means the Federal 
agency within DHS that makes the determination under the INA whether to 
grant petitions filed by employers seeking H-2B workers to perform 
temporary non-agricultural work in the U.S.
    United States worker (U.S. worker) means a worker who is:
    (1) A citizen or national of the U.S.;
    (2) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the 
U.S., is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, section 207 of the 
INA, is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158, section 208 of the INA, or 
is an alien otherwise authorized under the immigration laws to be 
employed in the U.S.; or
    (3) An individual who is not an unauthorized alien (as defined in 8 
U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3), section 274a(h)(3) of the INA) with respect to the 
employment in which the worker is engaging.
    Wage and Hour Division (WHD) means the agency within the Department 
of Labor with investigatory and law enforcement authority, as delegated 
from DHS, to carry out the provisions under 8 U.S.C. 1184(c), section 
214(c) of the INA.
    Wages mean all forms of cash remuneration to a worker by an employer 
in payment for personal services.



Sec.  655.6  Temporary need.

    (a) An employer seeking certification under this subpart must 
establish that its need for non-agricultural services or labor is 
temporary, regardless of whether the underlying job is permanent or 
temporary.
    (b) The employer's need is considered temporary if justified to the 
CO as one of the following: A one-time occurrence; a seasonal need; a 
peakload need; or an intermittent need, as defined by DHS regulations. 
Except where the employer's need is based on a one-time occurrence, the 
CO will deny a request for an H-2B Registration or an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification where the employer has a need lasting 
more than 9 months.
    (c) A job contractor will only be permitted to seek certification if 
it can demonstrate through documentation its own temporary need, not 
that of its employer-client(s). A job contractor will only be permitted 
to file applications based on a seasonal need or a one-time occurrence.
    (d) Nothing in this paragraph (d) is intended to limit the authority 
of the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the course of adjudicating an 
H-2B petition, to make the final determination as to whether a 
prospective H-2B employer's need is temporary in nature.



Sec.  655.7  Persons and entities authorized to file.

    (a) Persons authorized to file. In addition to the employer 
applicant, a request for an H-2B Registration or an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification may be filed by an attorney or agent, 
as defined in Sec.  655.5.
    (b) Employer's signature required. Regardless of whether the 
employer is represented by an attorney or agent, the employer is 
required to sign the H-2B Registration and Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and all documentation submitted to the 
Department of Labor.



Sec.  655.8  Requirements for agents.

    An agent filing an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification on behalf of an employer must provide:
    (a) A copy of the agent agreement or other document demonstrating 
the agent's authority to represent the employer; and
    (b) A copy of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker 
Protection Act (MSPA) Farm Labor Contractor Certificate of Registration, 
if the agent is required under MSPA, at 29 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., to have 
such a certificate,

[[Page 342]]

identifying the specific farm labor contracting activities the agent is 
authorized to perform.



Sec.  655.9  Disclosure of foreign worker recruitment.

    (a) The employer, and its attorney or agent, as applicable, must 
provide a copy of all agreements with any agent or recruiter whom it 
engages or plans to engage in the recruitment of H-2B workers under this 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification. These agreements 
must contain the contractual prohibition against charging fees as set 
forth in Sec.  655.20(p).
    (b) The employer, and its attorney or agent, as applicable, must 
also provide the identity and location of all persons and entities hired 
by or working for the recruiter or agent referenced in paragraph (a) of 
this section, and any of the agents or employees of those persons and 
entities, to recruit prospective foreign workers for the H-2B job 
opportunities offered by the employer.
    (c) The Department of Labor will maintain a publicly available list 
of agents and recruiters who are party to the agreements referenced in 
paragraph (a) of this section, as well as the persons and entities 
referenced in paragraph (b) of this section and the locations in which 
they are operating.

                          Prefiling Procedures



Sec.  655.10  Determination of prevailing wage for temporary labor
certification purposes.

    (a) Offered wage. The employer must advertise the position to all 
potential workers at a wage at least equal to the prevailing wage 
obtained from the NPWC, or the Federal, State or local minimum wage, 
whichever is highest. The employer must offer and pay this wage (or 
higher) to both its H-2B workers and its workers in corresponding 
employment. The issuance of a PWD under this section does not permit an 
employer to pay a wage lower than the highest wage required by any 
applicable Federal, State or local law.
    (b) Determinations. Prevailing wages shall be determined as follows:
    (1) Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, if the job 
opportunity is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that 
was negotiated at arms' length between the union and the employer, the 
wage rate set forth in the CBA is considered as not adversely affecting 
the wages of U.S. workers, that is, it is considered the ``prevailing 
wage'' for labor certification purposes.
    (2) If the job opportunity is not covered by a CBA, the prevailing 
wage for labor certification purposes shall be the arithmetic mean of 
the wages of workers similarly employed in the area of intended 
employment using the wage component of the BLS Occupational Employment 
Statistics Survey (OES), unless the employer provides a survey 
acceptable to OFLC under paragraph (f) of this section.
    (c) Request for PWD. (1) An employer must request and receive a PWD 
from the NPWC before filing the job order with the SWA.
    (2) The PWD must be valid on the date the job order is posted.
    (d) Multiple worksites. If the job opportunity involves multiple 
worksites within an area of intended employment and different prevailing 
wage rates exist for the opportunity within the area of intended 
employment, the prevailing wage is the highest applicable wage among all 
the worksites.
    (e) NPWC action. The NPWC will provide the PWD, indicate the source, 
and return the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination (ETA Form 
9141) with its endorsement to the employer.
    (f) Employer-provided survey. (1) If the job opportunity is not 
covered by a CBA, or by a professional sports league's rules or 
regulations, the NPWC will consider a survey provided by the employer in 
making a Prevailing Wage Determination only if the employer submission 
demonstrates that the survey falls into one of the following categories:
    (i) The survey was independently conducted and issued by a state, 
including any state agency, state college, or state university;
    (ii) The survey is submitted for a geographic area where the OES 
does not collect data, or in a geographic area where the OES provides an 
arithmetic mean only at a national level for workers employed in the 
SOC;

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    (iii)(A) The job opportunity is not included within an occupational 
classification of the SOC system; or
    (B) The job opportunity is within an occupational classification of 
the SOC system designated as an ``all other'' classification.
    (2) The survey must provide the arithmetic mean of the wages of all 
workers similarly employed in the area of intended employment, except 
that if the survey provides a median but does not provide an arithmetic 
mean, the prevailing wage applicable to the employer's job opportunity 
shall be the median of the wages of workers similarly employed in the 
area of intended employment.
    (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the geographic 
area surveyed may be expanded beyond the area of intended employment, 
but only as necessary to meet the requirements of paragraph (f)(4)(ii) 
of this section. Any geographic expansion beyond the area of intended 
employment must include only those geographic areas that are contiguous 
to the area of intended employment.
    (4) In each case where the employer submits a survey under paragraph 
(f)(1) of this section, the employer must submit, concurrently with the 
ETA Form 9141, a completed Form ETA-9165 containing specific information 
about the survey methodology, including such items as sample size and 
source, sample selection procedures, and survey job descriptions, to 
allow a determination of the adequacy of the data provided and validity 
of the statistical methodology used in conducting the survey. In 
addition, the information provided by the employer must include the 
attestation that:
    (i) The surveyor either made a reasonable, good faith attempt to 
contact all employers employing workers in the occupation and geographic 
area surveyed or conducted a randomized sampling of such employers;
    (ii) The survey includes wage data from at least 30 workers and 
three employers;
    (iii) If the survey is submitted under paragraph (f)(1)(ii) or (iii) 
of this section, the collection was administered by a bona fide third 
party. The following are not bona fide third parties under this rule: 
Any H-2B employer or any H-2B employer's agent, representative, or 
attorney;
    (iv) The survey was conducted across industries that employ workers 
in the occupation; and
    (v) The wage reported in the survey includes all types of pay, 
consistent with Form ETA-9165.
    (5) The survey must be based upon recently collected data: The 
survey must be the most current edition of the survey and must be based 
on wages paid not more than 24 months before the date the survey is 
submitted for consideration.
    (g) Review of employer-provided surveys. (1) If the NPWC finds an 
employer-provided survey not to be acceptable, the NPWC shall inform the 
employer in writing of the reasons the survey was not accepted.
    (2) The employer, after receiving notification that the survey it 
provided for consideration is not acceptable, may request review under 
Sec.  655.13.
    (h) Validity period. The NPWC must specify the validity period of 
the prevailing wage, which in no event may be more than 365 days and no 
less than 90 days from the date that the determination is issued.
    (i) Professional athletes. In computing the prevailing wage for a 
professional athlete when the job opportunity is covered by professional 
sports league rules or regulations, the wage set forth in those rules or 
regulations is considered the prevailing wage.
    (j) Retention of documentation. The employer must retain the PWD for 
3 years from the date of issuance or the date of a final determination 
on the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, whichever is 
later, and submit it to a CO if requested by a Notice of Deficiency, 
described in Sec.  655.31, or audit, as described in Sec.  655.70, or to 
a WHD representative during a WHD investigation.
    (k) Guam. The requirements of this section apply to any request 
filed for an H-2B job opportunity on Guam, subject to the transfer of 
authority to set the prevailing wage for a job opportunity on Guam to 
DOL in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

[80 FR 24108, Apr. 29, 2015, as amended at 80 FR 24184, Apr. 29, 2015]

[[Page 344]]



Sec.  655.11  Registration of H-2B employers.

    All employers, including job contractors, that desire to hire H-2B 
workers must establish their need for services or labor is temporary by 
filing an H-2B Registration with the Chicago NPC.
    (a) Registration filing. An employer must file an H-2B Registration. 
The H-2B Registration must be accompanied by documentation evidencing:
    (1) The number of positions that will be sought in the first year of 
registration;
    (2) The time period of need for the workers requested;
    (3) That the nature of the employer's need for the services or labor 
to be performed is non-agricultural and temporary, and is justified as 
either a one-time occurrence, a seasonal need, a peakload need, or an 
intermittent need, as defined by DHS regulations and Sec.  655.6 (or in 
the case of job contractors, a seasonal need or one-time occurrence); 
and
    (4) For job contractors, the job contractor's own seasonal need or 
one-time occurrence, such as through the provision of payroll records.
    (b) Original signature. The H-2B Registration must bear the original 
signature of the employer (and that of the employer's attorney or agent 
if applicable). If and when the H-2B Registration is permitted to be 
filed electronically, the employer will satisfy this requirement by 
signing the H-2B Registration as directed by the CO.
    (c) Timeliness of registration filing. A completed request for an H-
2B Registration must be received by no less than 120 calendar days and 
no more than 150 calendar days before the employer's date of need, 
except where the employer submits the H-2B Registration in support of an 
emergency filing under Sec.  655.17.
    (d) Temporary need. (1) The employer must establish that its need 
for non-agricultural services or labor is temporary, regardless of 
whether the underlying job is permanent or temporary, consistent with 
DHS regulations. A job contractor must also demonstrate through 
documentation its own seasonal need or one-time occurrence.
    (2) The employer's need will be assessed in accordance with the 
definitions provided by the Secretary of Homeland Security and as 
further defined in Sec.  655.6.
    (e) NPC review. The CO will review the H-2B Registration and its 
accompanying documentation for completeness and make a determination 
based on the following factors:
    (1) The job classification and duties qualify as non-agricultural;
    (2) The employer's need for the services or labor to be performed is 
temporary in nature, and for job contractors, demonstration of the job 
contractor's own seasonal need or one-time occurrence;
    (3) The number of worker positions and period of need are justified; 
and
    (4) The request represents a bona fide job opportunity.
    (f) Mailing and postmark requirements. Any notice or request 
pertaining to an H-2B Registration sent by the CO to an employer 
requiring a response will be mailed to the address provided on the H-2B 
Registration using methods to assure next day delivery, including 
electronic mail. The employer's response to the notice or request must 
be mailed using methods to assure next day delivery, including 
electronic mail, and be sent by the due date specified by the CO or by 
the next business day if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or 
Federal holiday.
    (g) Request for information (RFI). If the CO determines the H-2B 
Registration cannot be approved, the CO will issue an RFI. The RFI will 
be issued within 7 business days of the CO's receipt of the H-2B 
Registration. The RFI will:
    (1) State the reason(s) why the H-2B Registration cannot be approved 
and what supplemental information or documentation is needed to correct 
the deficiencies;
    (2) Specify a date, no later than 7 business days from the date the 
RFI is issued, by which the supplemental information or documentation 
must be sent by the employer;
    (3) State that, upon receipt of a response to the RFI, the CO will 
review the H-2B Registration as well as any

[[Page 345]]

supplemental information and documentation and issue a Notice of 
Decision on the H-2B Registration. The CO may, at his or her discretion, 
issue one or more additional RFIs before issuing a Notice of Decision on 
the H-2B Registration; and
    (4) State that failure to comply with an RFI, including not 
responding in a timely manner or not providing all required 
documentation within the specified timeframe, will result in a denial of 
the H-2B Registration.
    (h) Notice of Decision. The CO will notify the employer in writing 
of the final decision on the H-2B Registration.
    (1) Approved H-2B Registration. If the H-2B Registration is 
approved, the CO will send a Notice of Decision to the employer, and a 
copy to the employer's attorney or agent, if applicable. The Notice of 
Decision will notify the employer that it is eligible to seek H-2B 
workers in the occupational classification for the anticipated number of 
positions and period of need stated on the approved H-2B Registration. 
The CO may approve the H-2B Registration for a period of up to 3 
consecutive years.
    (2) Denied H-2B Registration. If the H-2B Registration is denied, 
the CO will send a Notice of Decision to the employer, and a copy to the 
employer's attorney or agent, if applicable. The Notice of Decision 
will:
    (i) State the reason(s) why the H-2B Registration is denied;
    (ii) Offer the employer an opportunity to request administrative 
review under Sec.  655.61 within 10 business days from the date the 
Notice of Decision is issued and state that if the employer does not 
request administrative review within that period the denial is final.
    (i) Retention of documents. All employers filing an H-2B 
Registration are required to retain any documents and records not 
otherwise submitted proving compliance with this subpart. Such records 
and documents must be retained for a period of 3 years from the date of 
certification of the last Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification supported by the H-2B Registration, if approved, or 3 
years from the date the decision is issued if the H-2B Registration is 
denied or 3 years from the day the Department of Labor receives written 
notification from the employer withdrawing its pending H-2B 
Registration.
    (j) Transition period. In order to allow OFLC to make the necessary 
changes to its program operations to accommodate the new registration 
process, OFLC will announce in the Federal Register a separate 
transition period for the registration process, and until that time, 
will continue to adjudicate temporary need during the processing of 
applications.



Sec.  655.12  Use of registration of H-2B employers.

    (a) Upon approval of the H-2B Registration, the employer is 
authorized for the specified period of up to 3 consecutive years from 
the date the H-2B Registration is approved to file an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, unless:
    (1) The number of workers to be employed has increased by more than 
20 percent (or 50 percent for employers requesting fewer than 10 
workers) from the initial year;
    (2) The dates of need for the job opportunity have changed by more 
than a total of 30 calendar days from the initial year for the entire 
period of need;
    (3) The nature of the job classification and/or duties has 
materially changed; or
    (4) The temporary nature of the employer's need for services or 
labor to be performed has materially changed.
    (b) If any of the changes in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this 
section apply, the employer must file a new H-2B Registration in 
accordance with Sec.  655.11.
    (c) The H-2B Registration may not be transferred from one employer 
to another unless the employer to which it is transferred is a successor 
in interest to the employer to which it was issued.



Sec.  655.13  Review of PWDs.

    (a) Request for review of PWDs. Any employer desiring review of a 
PWD must make a written request for such review to the NPWC Director 
within 7 business days from the date the PWD is issued. The request for 
review must clearly identify the PWD for which review is sought; set 
forth the particular grounds for the request; and include

[[Page 346]]

any materials submitted to the NPWC for purposes of securing the PWD.
    (b) NPWC review. Upon the receipt of the written request for review, 
the NPWC Director will review the employer's request and accompanying 
documentation, including any supplementary material submitted by the 
employer, and after review shall issue a Final Determination letter; 
that letter may:
    (1) Affirm the PWD issued by the NPWC; or
    (2) Modify the PWD.
    (c) Request for review by BALCA. Any employer desiring review of the 
NPWC Director's decision on a PWD must make a written request for review 
of the determination by BALCA within 10 business days from the date the 
Final Determination letter is issued.
    (1) The request for BALCA review must be in writing and addressed to 
the NPWC Director who made the final determinations. Upon receipt of a 
request for BALCA review, the NPWC will prepare an appeal file and 
submit it to BALCA.
    (2) The request for review, statements, briefs, and other 
submissions of the parties must contain only legal arguments and may 
refer to only the evidence that was within the record upon which the 
decision on the PWD was based.
    (3) BALCA will handle appeals in accordance with Sec.  655.61.



Sec.  655.14  [Reserved]

  Application for Temporary Employment Certification Filing Procedures



Sec.  655.15  Application filing requirements.

    All registered employers that desire to hire H-2B workers must file 
an Application for Temporary Employment Certification with the NPC 
designated by the Administrator, OFLC. Except for employers that qualify 
for emergency procedures at Sec.  655.17, employers that fail to 
register under the procedures in Sec.  655.11 and/or that fail to submit 
a PWD obtained under Sec.  655.10 will not be eligible to file an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and their 
applications will be returned without review.
    (a) What to file. A registered employer seeking H-2B workers must 
file a completed Application for Temporary Employment Certification (ETA 
Form 9142B and the appropriate appendices and valid PWD), a copy of the 
job order being submitted concurrently to the SWA serving the area of 
intended employment, as set forth in Sec.  655.16, and copies of all 
contracts and agreements with any agent and/or recruiter, executed in 
connection with the job opportunities and all information required, as 
specified in Sec. Sec.  655.8 and 655.9.
    (b) Timeliness. A completed Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must be filed no more than 90 calendar days and no less 
than 75 calendar days before the employer's date of need.
    (c) Location and method of filing. The employer must submit the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and all required 
supporting documentation to the NPC either electronically or by mail.
    (d) Original signature. The Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must bear the original signature of the employer (and that 
of the employer's authorized attorney or agent if the employer is so 
represented). If the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
is filed electronically, the employer must satisfy this requirement by 
signing the Application for Temporary Employment Certification as 
directed by the CO.
    (e) Requests for multiple positions. Certification of more than one 
position may be requested on the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification as long as all H-2B workers will perform the same services 
or labor under the same terms and conditions, in the same occupation, in 
the same area of intended employment, and during the same period of 
employment.
    (f) Separate applications. Except as otherwise permitted by this 
paragraph (f), only one Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification may be filed for worksite(s) within one area of intended 
employment for each job opportunity with an employer for each period of 
employment. Except where otherwise permitted under Sec.  655.4, an 
association or other organization of employers is not permitted to file 
master

[[Page 347]]

applications on behalf of its employer-members under the H-2B program.
    (1) Subject to paragraph (f)(2) of this section, if a petition for 
H-2B nonimmigrants filed by an employer in the seafood industry is 
granted, the employer may bring the nonimmigrants described in the 
petition into the United States at any time during the 120-day period 
beginning on the start date for which the employer is seeking the 
services of the nonimmigrants without filing another petition.
    (2) An employer in the seafood industry may not bring H-2B 
nonimmigrants into the United States after the date that is 90 days 
after the start date for which the employer is seeking the services of 
the nonimmigrants unless the employer conducts new recruitment, that 
begins at least 45 days after, and ends before the 90th day after, the 
certified start date of need as follows:
    (i) Completes a new assessment of the local labor market by--
    (A) Listing the job orders in local newspapers on 2 separate 
Sundays; and
    (B) Placing new job orders for the job opportunity with the State 
Workforce Agency serving the area of intended employment and posting the 
job opportunity at the place of employment for at least 10 days; and
    (C) Offering the job to an equally or better qualified United States 
worker who--
    (1) Applies for the job; and
    (2) Will be available at the time and place of need.
    (3) In order to comply with this provision, employers in the seafood 
industry must--
    (1) Sign and date an attestation form stating the employer's 
compliance with this subparagraph. The attestation form is available at 
http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/form.cfm;
    (2) Provide each H-2B nonimmigrant worker seeking admission to the 
United States a copy of the signed and dated attestation, with 
instructions that the worker must present the documentation upon request 
to the Department of State's consular officers when they apply for a 
visa and/or the Department of Homeland Security's U.S Customs and Border 
Protection officers when seeking admission to the United States. Without 
this attestation, an H-2B nonimmigrant may be denied a visa or admission 
to the United States if seeking to enter at any time other than the 
start date stated in the petition. (The attestation is not necessary 
when filing an amended petition based on a worker who is being 
substituted in accordance with DHS regulations.) The attestation 
presented by an H-2B nonimmigrant worker must be the official 
attestation downloaded from OFLC's Web site and may not be altered or 
revised in any manner; and
    (3) Retain the additional recruitment documentation, together with 
their prefiling recruitment documentation, for a period of 3 years from 
the date of certification, consistent with the document retention 
requirements under Sec.  655.56. Seafood industry employers who conduct 
the required additional recruitment should not submit proof of the 
additional recruitment to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification.
    (g) One-time occurrence. Where a one-time occurrence lasts longer 
than 1 year, the CO will instruct the employer on any additional 
recruitment requirements with respect to the continuing validity of the 
labor market test or offered wage obligation.
    (h) Information dissemination. Information received in the course of 
processing a request for an H-2B Registration, an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification or program integrity measures such as 
audits may be forwarded from OFLC to WHD, or any other Federal agency as 
appropriate, for investigative and/or enforcement purposes.



Sec.  655.16  Filing of the job order at the SWA.

    (a) Submission of the job order. (1) The employer must submit the 
job order to the SWA serving the area of intended employment at the same 
time it submits the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
and a copy of the job order to the NPC in accordance with Sec.  655.15. 
If the job opportunity is located in more than one State within the same 
area of intended employment, the employer may submit the job order to 
any one of the SWAs having jurisdiction over the anticipated worksites, 
but must identify the receiving SWA on the copy of the job order 
submitted

[[Page 348]]

to the NPC with its Application for Temporary Employment Certification. 
The employer must inform the SWA that the job order is being placed in 
connection with a concurrently submitted Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification for H-2B workers.
    (2) In addition to complying with State-specific requirements 
governing job orders, the job order submitted to the SWA must satisfy 
the requirements set forth in Sec.  655.18.
    (b) SWA review of the job order. The SWA must review the job order 
and ensure that it complies with criteria set forth in Sec.  655.18. If 
the SWA determines that the job order does not comply with the 
applicable criteria, the SWA must inform the CO at the NPC of the noted 
deficiencies within 6 business days of receipt of the job order.
    (c) Intrastate and interstate clearance. Upon receipt of the Notice 
of Acceptance, as described in Sec.  655.33, the SWA must promptly place 
the job order in intrastate clearance, and in interstate clearance by 
providing a copy of the job order to other states as directed by the CO.
    (d) Duration of job order posting and SWA referral of U.S. workers. 
Upon receipt of the Notice of Acceptance, any SWA in receipt of the 
employer's job order must keep the job order on its active file until 
the end of the recruitment period, as set forth in Sec.  655.40(c), and 
must refer to the employer in a manner consistent with Sec.  655.47 all 
qualified U.S. workers who apply for the job opportunity or on whose 
behalf a job application is made.
    (e) Amendments to a job order. The employer may amend the job order 
at any time before the CO makes a final determination, in accordance 
with procedures set forth in Sec.  655.35.



Sec.  655.17  Emergency situations.

    (a) Waiver of time period. The CO may waive the time period(s) for 
filing an H-2B Registration and/or an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification for employers that have good and substantial 
cause, provided that the CO has sufficient time to thoroughly test the 
domestic labor market on an expedited basis and to make a final 
determination as required by Sec.  655.50.
    (b) Employer requirements. The employer requesting a waiver of the 
required time period(s) must submit to the NPC a request for a waiver of 
the time period requirement, a completed Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and the proposed job order identifying the SWA 
serving the area of intended employment, and must otherwise meet the 
requirements of Sec.  655.15. If the employer did not previously apply 
for an H-2B Registration, the employer must also submit a completed H-2B 
Registration with all supporting documentation, as required by Sec.  
655.11. If the employer did not previously apply for a PWD, the employer 
must also submit a completed PWD request. The employer's waiver request 
must include detailed information describing the good and substantial 
cause that has necessitated the waiver request. Good and substantial 
cause may include, but is not limited to, the substantial loss of U.S. 
workers due to Acts of God, or a similar unforeseeable man-made 
catastrophic event (such as an oil spill or controlled flooding) that is 
wholly outside of the employer's control, unforeseeable changes in 
market conditions, or pandemic health issues. A denial of a previously 
submitted H-2B Registration in accordance with the procedures set forth 
in Sec.  655.11 does not constitute good and substantial cause 
necessitating a waiver under this section.
    (c) Processing of emergency applications. The CO will process the 
emergency H-2B Registration and/or Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and job order in a manner consistent with the provisions 
of this subpart and make a determination on the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification in accordance with Sec.  655.50. If 
the CO grants the waiver request, the CO will forward a Notice of 
Acceptance and the approved job order to the SWA serving the area of 
intended employment identified by the employer in the job order. If the 
CO determines that the certification cannot be granted because, under 
paragraph (a) of this section, the request for emergency filing is not 
justified and/or there is not

[[Page 349]]

sufficient time to make a determination of temporary need or ensure 
compliance with the criteria for certification contained in Sec.  
655.51, the CO will send a Final Determination letter to the employer in 
accordance with Sec.  655.53.



Sec.  655.18  Job order assurances and contents.

    (a) General. Each job order placed in connection with an Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification must at a minimum include the 
information contained in paragraph (b) of this section. In addition, by 
submitting the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, an 
employer agrees to comply with the following assurances with respect to 
each job order:
    (1) Prohibition against preferential treatment. The employer's job 
order must offer to U.S. workers no less than the same benefits, wages, 
and working conditions that the employer is offering, intends to offer, 
or will provide to H-2B workers. Job offers may not impose on U.S. 
workers any restrictions or obligations that will not be imposed on the 
employer's H-2B workers. This does not relieve the employer from 
providing to H-2B workers at least the minimum benefits, wages, and 
working conditions which must be offered to U.S. workers consistent with 
this section.
    (2) Bona fide job requirements. Each job qualification and 
requirement must be listed in the job order and must be bona fide and 
consistent with the normal and accepted qualifications and requirements 
imposed by non-H-2B employers in the same occupation and area of 
intended employment.
    (b) Contents. In addition to complying with the assurances in 
paragraph (a) of this section, the employer's job order must meet the 
following requirements:
    (1) State the employer's name and contact information;
    (2) Indicate that the job opportunity is a temporary, full-time 
position, including the total number of job openings the employer 
intends to fill;
    (3) Describe the job opportunity for which certification is sought 
with sufficient information to apprise U.S. workers of the services or 
labor to be performed, including the duties, the minimum education and 
experience requirements, the work hours and days, and the anticipated 
start and end dates of the job opportunity;
    (4) Indicate the geographic area of intended employment with enough 
specificity to apprise applicants of any travel requirements and where 
applicants will likely have to reside to perform the services or labor;
    (5) Specify the wage that the employer is offering, intends to 
offer, or will provide to H-2B workers, or, in the event that there are 
multiple wage offers, the range of wage offers, and ensure that the wage 
offer equals or exceeds the highest of the prevailing wage or the 
Federal, State, or local minimum wage;
    (6) If applicable, specify that overtime will be available to the 
worker and the wage offer(s) for working any overtime hours;
    (7) If applicable, state that on-the-job training will be provided 
to the worker;
    (8) State that the employer will use a single workweek as its 
standard for computing wages due;
    (9) Specify the frequency with which the worker will be paid, which 
must be at least every 2 weeks or according to the prevailing practice 
in the area of intended employment, whichever is more frequent;
    (10) If the employer provides the worker with the option of board, 
lodging, or other facilities, including fringe benefits, or intends to 
assist workers to secure such lodging, disclose the provision and cost 
of the board, lodging, or other facilities, including fringe benefits or 
assistance to be provided;
    (11) State that the employer will make all deductions from the 
worker's paycheck required by law. Specify any deductions the employer 
intends to make from the worker's paycheck which are not required by 
law, including, if applicable, any deductions for the reasonable cost of 
board, lodging, or other facilities;
    (12) Detail how the worker will be provided with or reimbursed for 
transportation and subsistence from the place from which the worker has 
come to work for the employer, whether in the U.S. or abroad, to the 
place of employment, if the worker completes 50 percent of the period of 
employment

[[Page 350]]

covered by the job order, consistent with Sec.  655.20(j)(1)(i);
    (13) State that the employer will provide or pay for the worker's 
cost of return transportation and daily subsistence from the place of 
employment to the place from which the worker, disregarding intervening 
employment, departed to work for the employer, if the worker completes 
the certified period of employment or is dismissed from employment for 
any reason by the employer before the end of the period, consistent with 
Sec.  655.20(j)(1)(ii);
    (14) If applicable, state that the employer will provide daily 
transportation to and from the worksite;
    (15) State that the employer will reimburse the H-2B worker in the 
first workweek for all visa, visa processing, border crossing, and other 
related fees, including those mandated by the government, incurred by 
the H-2B worker (but need not include passport expenses or other charges 
primarily for the benefit of the worker);
    (16) State that the employer will provide to the worker, without 
charge or deposit charge, all tools, supplies, and equipment required to 
perform the duties assigned, in accordance with Sec.  655.20(k);
    (17) State the applicability of the three-fourths guarantee, 
offering the worker employment for a total number of work hours equal to 
at least three-fourths of the workdays of each 12-week period, if the 
period of employment covered by the job order is 120 or more days, or 
each 6-week period, if the period of employment covered by the job order 
is less than 120 days, in accordance with Sec.  655.20(f); and
    (18) Instruct applicants to inquire about the job opportunity or 
send applications, indications of availability, and/or resumes directly 
to the nearest office of the SWA in the State in which the advertisement 
appeared and include the SWA contact information.



Sec.  655.19  Job contractor filing requirements.

    (a) Provided that a job contractor and any employer-client are joint 
employers, a job contractor may submit an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification on behalf of itself and that employer-client.
    (b) A job contractor must have separate contracts with each 
different employer-client. Each contract or agreement may support only 
one Application for Temporary Employment Certification for each 
employer-client job opportunity within a single area of intended 
employment.
    (c) Either the job contractor or its employer-client may submit an 
ETA Form 9141, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination, describing 
the job opportunity to the NPWC. However, each of the joint employers is 
separately responsible for ensuring that the wage offer listed on the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, ETA Form 9142B, and 
related recruitment at least equals the prevailing wage rate determined 
by the NPWC and that all other wage obligations are met.
    (d)(1) A job contractor that is filing as a joint employer with its 
employer-client must submit to the NPC a completed Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, ETA Form 9142, that clearly 
identifies the joint employers (the job contractor and its employer-
client) and the employment relationship (including the actual worksite), 
in accordance with the instructions provided by the Department of Labor. 
The Application for Temporary Employment Certification must bear the 
original signature of the job contractor and the employer-client and be 
accompanied by the contract or agreement establishing the employers' 
relationship related to the workers sought.
    (2) By signing the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, each employer independently attests to the conditions of 
employment required of an employer participating in the H-2B program and 
assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of the representations made 
in the application and for all of the responsibilities of an employer in 
the H-2B program.
    (e)(1) Either the job contractor or its employer-client may place 
the required job order and conduct recruitment as described in 
Sec. Sec.  655.16 and 655.43 through 655.46. Also, either one of the 
joint employers may assume responsibility for interviewing applicants. 
However, both of the joint employers must sign the recruitment report 
that is submitted

[[Page 351]]

to the NPC with the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, 
ETA Form 9142B.
    (e)(1) Either the job contractor or its employer-client may place 
the required job order and conduct recruitment as described in Sec.  
655.16 and Sec. Sec.  655.42 through 655.46. Also, either one of the 
joint employers may assume responsibility for interviewing applicants. 
However, both of the joint employers must sign the recruitment report 
that is submitted to the NPC with the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, ETA Form 9142B.
    (2) The job order and all recruitment conducted by joint employers 
must satisfy the content requirements identified in Sec. Sec.  655.18 
and 655.41. Additionally, in order to fully apprise applicants of the 
job opportunity and avoid potential confusion inherent in a job 
opportunity involving two employers, joint employer recruitment must 
clearly identify both employers (the job contractor and its employer-
client) by name and must clearly identify the worksite location(s) where 
workers will perform labor or services.
    (3)(i) Provided that all of the employer-clients' job opportunities 
are in the same occupation and area of intended employment and have the 
same requirements and terms and conditions of employment, including 
dates of employment, a job contractor may combine more than one of its 
joint employer employer-clients' job opportunities in a single 
advertisement. Each advertisement must fully apprise potential workers 
of the job opportunity available with each employer-client and otherwise 
satisfy the advertising content requirements required for all H-2B-
related advertisements, as identified in Sec.  655.41. Such a shared 
advertisement must clearly identify the job contractor by name, the 
joint employment relationship, and the number of workers sought for each 
job opportunity, identified by employer-client name and location (e.g., 
5 openings with Employer-Client 1 (worksite location), 3 openings with 
Employer-Client 2 (worksite location)).
    (ii) In addition, the advertisement must contain the following 
statement: ``Applicants may apply for any or all of the jobs listed. 
When applying, please identify the job(s) (by company and work location) 
you are applying to for the entire period of employment specified.'' If 
an applicant fails to identify one or more specific work location(s), 
that applicant is presumed to have applied to all work locations listed 
in the advertisement.
    (f) If an application for joint employers is approved, the NPC will 
issue one certification and send it to the job contractor. In order to 
ensure notice to both employers, a courtesy copy of the certification 
cover letter will be sent to the employer-client. (g) When submitting a 
certified Application for Temporary Employment Certification to USCIS, 
the job contractor should submit the complete ETA Form 9142B containing 
the original signatures of both the job contractor and employer-client.

[42 FR 45899, Sept. 13, 1977, as amended at 84 FR 62446, Nov. 15, 2019]

                       Assurances and Obligations



Sec.  655.20  Assurances and obligations of H-2B employers.

    An employer employing H-2B workers and/or workers in corresponding 
employment under an Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
has agreed as part of the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification that it will abide by the following conditions with 
respect to its H-2B workers and any workers in corresponding employment:
    (a) Rate of pay. (1) The offered wage in the job order equals or 
exceeds the highest of the prevailing wage or Federal minimum wage, 
State minimum wage, or local minimum wage. The employer must pay at 
least the offered wage, free and clear, during the entire period of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification granted by OFLC.
    (2) The offered wage is not based on commissions, bonuses, or other 
incentives, including paying on a piece-rate basis, unless the employer 
guarantees a wage earned every workweek that equals or exceeds the 
offered wage.
    (3) If the employer requires one or more minimum productivity 
standards of workers as a condition of job retention, the standards must 
be specified in the job order and the employer must

[[Page 352]]

demonstrate that they are normal and usual for non-H-2B employers for 
the same occupation in the area of intended employment.
    (4) An employer that pays on a piece-rate basis must demonstrate 
that the piece rate is no less than the normal rate paid by non-H-2B 
employers to workers performing the same activity in the area of 
intended employment. The average hourly piece rate earnings must result 
in an amount at least equal to the offered wage. If the worker is paid 
on a piece rate basis and at the end of the workweek the piece rate does 
not result in average hourly piece rate earnings during the workweek at 
least equal to the amount the worker would have earned had the worker 
been paid at the offered hourly wage, then the employer must supplement 
the worker's pay at that time so that the worker's earnings are at least 
as much as the worker would have earned during the workweek if the 
worker had instead been paid at the offered hourly wage for each hour 
worked.
    (b) Wages free and clear. The payment requirements for wages in this 
section will be satisfied by the timely payment of such wages to the 
worker either in cash or negotiable instrument payable at par. The 
payment must be made finally and unconditionally and ``free and clear.'' 
The principles applied in determining whether deductions are reasonable 
and payments are received free and clear and the permissibility of 
deductions for payments to third persons are explained in more detail in 
29 CFR part 531.
    (c) Deductions. The employer must make all deductions from the 
worker's paycheck required by law. The job order must specify all 
deductions not required by law which the employer will make from the 
worker's pay; any such deductions not disclosed in the job order are 
prohibited. The wage payment requirements of paragraph (b) of this 
section are not met where unauthorized deductions, rebates, or refunds 
reduce the wage payment made to the worker below the minimum amounts 
required by the offered wage or where the worker fails to receive such 
amounts free and clear because the worker ``kicks back'' directly or 
indirectly to the employer or to another person for the employer's 
benefit the whole or part of the wages delivered to the worker. 
Authorized deductions are limited to: Those required by law, such as 
taxes payable by workers that are required to be withheld by the 
employer and amounts due workers which the employer is required by court 
order to pay to another; deductions for the reasonable cost or fair 
value of board, lodging, and facilities furnished; and deductions of 
amounts which are authorized to be paid to third persons for the 
worker's account and benefit through his or her voluntary assignment or 
order or which are authorized by a collective bargaining agreement with 
bona fide representatives of workers which covers the employer. 
Deductions for amounts paid to third persons for the worker's account 
and benefit which are not so authorized or are contrary to law or from 
which the employer, agent or recruiter including any agents or employees 
of these entities, or any affiliated person derives any payment, rebate, 
commission, profit, or benefit directly or indirectly, may not be made 
if they reduce the actual wage paid to the worker below the offered wage 
indicated on the Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (d) Job opportunity is full-time. The job opportunity is a full-time 
temporary position, consistent with Sec.  655.5, and the employer must 
use a single workweek as its standard for computing wages due. An 
employee's workweek must be a fixed and regularly recurring period of 
168 hours--seven consecutive 24-hour periods. It need not coincide with 
the calendar week but may begin on any day and at any hour of the day.
    (e) Job qualifications and requirements. Each job qualification and 
requirement must be listed in the job order and must be bona fide and 
consistent with the normal and accepted qualifications and requirements 
imposed by non-H-2B employers in the same occupation and area of 
intended employment. The employer's job qualifications and requirements 
imposed on U.S. workers must not be less favorable than the 
qualifications and requirements that the employer is imposing or will 
impose on H-2B workers. A qualification means a characteristic that is 
necessary to the

[[Page 353]]

individual's ability to perform the job in question. A requirement means 
a term or condition of employment which a worker is required to accept 
in order to obtain the job opportunity. The CO may require the employer 
to submit documentation to substantiate the appropriateness of any job 
qualification and/or requirement specified in the job order.
    (f) Three-fourths guarantee. (1) The employer must guarantee to 
offer the worker employment for a total number of work hours equal to at 
least three-fourths of the workdays in each 12-week period (each 6-week 
period if the period of employment covered by the job order is less than 
120 days) beginning with the first workday after the arrival of the 
worker at the place of employment or the advertised first date of need, 
whichever is later, and ending on the expiration date specified in the 
job order or in its extensions, if any. See the exception in paragraph 
(y) of this section.
    (2) For purposes of this paragraph (f) a workday means the number of 
hours in a workday as stated in the job order. The employer must offer a 
total number of hours of work to ensure the provision of sufficient work 
to reach the three-fourths guarantee in each 12-week period (each 6-week 
period if the period of employment covered by the job order is less than 
120 days) during the work period specified in the job order, or during 
any modified job order period to which the worker and employer have 
mutually agreed and that has been approved by the CO.
    (3) In the event the worker begins working later than the specified 
beginning date the guarantee period begins with the first workday after 
the arrival of the worker at the place of employment, and continues 
until the last day during which the job order and all extensions thereof 
are in effect.
    (4) The 12-week periods (6-week periods if the period of employment 
covered by the job order is less than 120 days) to which the guarantee 
applies are based upon the workweek used by the employer for pay 
purposes. The first 12-week period (or 6-week period, as appropriate) 
also includes any partial workweek, if the first workday after the 
worker's arrival at the place of employment is not the beginning of the 
employer's workweek, with the guaranteed number of hours increased on a 
pro rata basis (thus, the first period may include up to 12 weeks and 6 
days (or 6 weeks and 6 days, as appropriate)). The final 12-week period 
(or 6-week period, as appropriate) includes any time remaining after the 
last full 12-week period (or 6-week period) ends, and thus may be as 
short as 1 day, with the guaranteed number of hours decreased on a pro 
rata basis.
    (5) Therefore, if, for example, a job order is for a 32-week period 
(a period greater than 120 days), during which the normal workdays and 
work hours for the workweek are specified as 5 days a week, 7 hours per 
day, the worker would have to be guaranteed employment for at least 315 
hours in the first 12-week period (12 weeks x 35 hours/week = 420 hours 
x 75 percent = 315), at least 315 hours in the second 12-week period, 
and at least 210 hours (8 weeks x 35 hours/week = 280 hours x 75 percent 
= 210) in the final partial period. If the job order is for a 16-week 
period (less than 120 days), during which the normal workdays and work 
hours for the workweek are specified as 5 days a week, 7 hours per day, 
the worker would have to be guaranteed employment for at least 157.5 
hours (6 weeks x 35 hours/week = 210 hours x 75 percent = 157.5) in the 
first 6-week period, at least 157.5 hours in the second 6-week period, 
and at least 105 hours (4 weeks x 35 hours/week = 140 hours x 75 percent 
= 105) in the final partial period.
    (6) If the worker is paid on a piece rate basis, the employer must 
use the worker's average hourly piece rate earnings or the offered wage, 
whichever is higher, to calculate the amount due under the guarantee.
    (7) A worker may be offered more than the specified hours of work on 
a single workday. For purposes of meeting the guarantee, however, the 
worker will not be required to work for more than the number of hours 
specified in the job order for a workday. The employer, however, may 
count all hours actually worked in calculating whether the guarantee has 
been met. If during any 12-week period (6-week period if the period of 
employment covered by

[[Page 354]]

the job order is less than 120 days) during the period of the job order 
the employer affords the U.S. or H-2B worker less employment than that 
required under paragraph (f)(1) of this section, the employer must pay 
such worker the amount the worker would have earned had the worker, in 
fact, worked for the guaranteed number of days. An employer has not met 
the work guarantee if the employer has merely offered work on three-
fourths of the workdays in an 12-week period (or 6-week period, as 
appropriate) if each workday did not consist of a full number of hours 
of work time as specified in the job order.
    (8) Any hours the worker fails to work, up to a maximum of the 
number of hours specified in the job order for a workday, when the 
worker has been offered an opportunity to work in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section, and all hours of work actually 
performed (including voluntary work over 8 hours in a workday), may be 
counted by the employer in calculating whether each 12-week period (or 
6-week period, as appropriate) of guaranteed employment has been met. An 
employer seeking to calculate whether the guaranteed number of hours has 
been met must maintain the payroll records in accordance with this part.
    (g) Impossibility of fulfillment. If, before the expiration date 
specified in the job order, the services of the worker are no longer 
required for reasons beyond the control of the employer due to fire, 
weather, or other Act of God, or similar unforeseeable man-made 
catastrophic event (such as an oil spill or controlled flooding) that is 
wholly outside the employer's control that makes the fulfillment of the 
job order impossible, the employer may terminate the job order with the 
approval of the CO. In the event of such termination of a job order, the 
employer must fulfill a three-fourths guarantee, as described in 
paragraph (f) of this section, for the time that has elapsed from the 
start date listed in the job order or the first workday after the 
arrival of the worker at the place of employment, whichever is later, to 
the time of its termination. The employer must make efforts to transfer 
the H-2B worker or worker in corresponding employment to other 
comparable employment acceptable to the worker and consistent with the 
INA, as applicable. If a transfer is not effected, the employer must 
return the worker, at the employer's expense, to the place from which 
the worker (disregarding intervening employment) came to work for the 
employer, or transport the worker to the worker's next certified H-2B 
employer, whichever the worker prefers.
    (h) Frequency of pay. The employer must state in the job order the 
frequency with which the worker will be paid, which must be at least 
every 2 weeks or according to the prevailing practice in the area of 
intended employment, whichever is more frequent. Employers must pay 
wages when due.
    (i) Earnings statements. (1) The employer must keep accurate and 
adequate records with respect to the workers' earnings, including but 
not limited to: Records showing the nature, amount and location(s) of 
the work performed; the number of hours of work offered each day by the 
employer (broken out by hours offered both in accordance with and over 
and above the three-fourths guarantee in paragraph (f) of this section); 
the hours actually worked each day by the worker; if the number of hours 
worked by the worker is less than the number of hours offered, the 
reason(s) the worker did not work; the time the worker began and ended 
each workday; the rate of pay (both piece rate and hourly, if 
applicable); the worker's earnings per pay period; the worker's home 
address; and the amount of and reasons for any and all deductions taken 
from or additions made to the worker's wages.
    (2) The employer must furnish to the worker on or before each payday 
in one or more written statements the following information:
    (i) The worker's total earnings for each workweek in the pay period;
    (ii) The worker's hourly rate and/or piece rate of pay;
    (iii) For each workweek in the pay period the hours of employment 
offered to the worker (showing offers in accordance with the three-
fourths guarantee as determined in paragraph (f) of this section, 
separate from any hours offered over and above the guarantee);

[[Page 355]]

    (iv) For each workweek in the pay period the hours actually worked 
by the worker;
    (v) An itemization of all deductions made from or additions made to 
the worker's wages;
    (vi) If piece rates are used, the units produced daily;
    (vii) The beginning and ending dates of the pay period; and
    (viii) The employer's name, address and FEIN.
    (j) Transportation and visa fees. (1)(i) Transportation to the place 
of employment. The employer must provide or reimburse the worker for 
transportation and subsistence from the place from which the worker has 
come to work for the employer, whether in the U.S. or abroad, to the 
place of employment if the worker completes 50 percent of the period of 
employment covered by the job order (not counting any extensions). The 
employer may arrange and pay for the transportation and subsistence 
directly, advance at a minimum the most economical and reasonable common 
carrier cost of the transportation and subsistence to the worker before 
the worker's departure, or pay the worker for the reasonable costs 
incurred by the worker. When it is the prevailing practice of non-H-2B 
employers in the occupation in the area to do so or when the employer 
extends such benefits to similarly situated H-2B workers, the employer 
must advance the required transportation and subsistence costs (or 
otherwise provide them) to workers in corresponding employment who are 
traveling to the employer's worksite. The amount of the transportation 
payment must be no less (and is not required to be more) than the most 
economical and reasonable common carrier transportation charges for the 
distances involved. The amount of the daily subsistence must be at least 
the amount permitted in Sec.  655.173. Where the employer will reimburse 
the reasonable costs incurred by the worker, it must keep accurate and 
adequate records of: The costs of transportation and subsistence 
incurred by the worker; the amount reimbursed; and the date(s) of 
reimbursement. Note that the FLSA applies independently of the H-2B 
requirements and imposes obligations on employers regarding payment of 
wages.
    (ii) Transportation from the place of employment. If the worker 
completes the period of employment covered by the job order (not 
counting any extensions), or if the worker is dismissed from employment 
for any reason by the employer before the end of the period, and the 
worker has no immediate subsequent H-2B employment, the employer must 
provide or pay at the time of departure for the worker's cost of return 
transportation and daily subsistence from the place of employment to the 
place from which the worker, disregarding intervening employment, 
departed to work for the employer. If the worker has contracted with a 
subsequent employer that has not agreed in the job order to provide or 
pay for the worker's transportation from the employer's worksite to such 
subsequent employer's worksite, the employer must provide or pay for 
that transportation and subsistence. If the worker has contracted with a 
subsequent employer that has agreed in the job order to provide or pay 
for the worker's transportation from the employer's worksite to such 
subsequent employer's worksite, the subsequent employer must provide or 
pay for such expenses.
    (iii) Employer-provided transportation. All employer-provided 
transportation must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local 
laws and regulations and must provide, at a minimum, the same vehicle 
safety standards, driver licensure requirements, and vehicle insurance 
as required under 49 CFR parts 390, 393, and 396.
    (iv) Disclosure. All transportation and subsistence costs that the 
employer will pay must be disclosed in the job order.
    (2) The employer must pay or reimburse the worker in the first 
workweek for all visa, visa processing, border crossing, and other 
related fees (including those mandated by the government) incurred by 
the H-2B worker, but not for passport expenses or other charges 
primarily for the benefit of the worker.
    (k) Employer-provided items. The employer must provide to the 
worker, without charge or deposit charge, all

[[Page 356]]

tools, supplies, and equipment required to perform the duties assigned.
    (l) Disclosure of job order. The employer must provide to an H-2B 
worker outside of the U.S. no later than the time at which the worker 
applies for the visa, or to a worker in corresponding employment no 
later than on the day work commences, a copy of the job order including 
any subsequent approved modifications. For an H-2B worker changing 
employment from an H-2B employer to a subsequent H-2B employer, the copy 
must be provided no later than the time an offer of employment is made 
by the subsequent H-2B employer. The disclosure of all documents 
required by this paragraph (l) must be provided in a language understood 
by the worker, as necessary or reasonable.
    (m) Notice of worker rights. The employer must post and maintain in 
a conspicuous location at the place of employment a poster provided by 
the Department of Labor that sets out the rights and protections for H-
2B workers and workers in corresponding employment. The employer must 
post the poster in English. To the extent necessary, the employer must 
request and post additional posters, as made available by the Department 
of Labor, in any language common to a significant portion of the workers 
if they are not fluent in English.
    (n) No unfair treatment. The employer has not and will not 
intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge or in any 
manner discriminate against, and has not and will not cause any person 
to intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge, or in 
any manner discriminate against, any person who has:
    (1) Filed a complaint under or related to 8 U.S.C. 1184(c), section 
214(c) of the INA, 29 CFR part 503, or this subpart, or any other 
regulation promulgated thereunder;
    (2) Instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or 
related to 8 U.S.C. 1184(c), section 214(c) of the INA, 29 CFR part 503, 
or this subpart or any other regulation promulgated thereunder;
    (3) Testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or 
related to 8 U.S.C. 1184(c), section 214(c) of the INA, 29 CFR part 503, 
or this subpart or any other regulation promulgated thereunder;
    (4) Consulted with a workers' center, community organization, labor 
union, legal assistance program, or an attorney on matters related to 8 
U.S.C. 1184(c), section 214(c) of the INA, 29 CFR part 503, or this 
subpart or any other regulation promulgated thereunder; or
    (5) Exercised or asserted on behalf of himself/herself or others any 
right or protection afforded by 8 U.S.C. 1184(c), section 214(c) of the 
INA, 29 CFR part 503, or this subpart or any other regulation 
promulgated thereunder.
    (o) Comply with the prohibitions against employees paying fees. The 
employer and its attorney, agents, or employees have not sought or 
received payment of any kind from the worker for any activity related to 
obtaining H-2B labor certification or employment, including payment of 
the employer's attorney or agent fees, application and H-2B Petition 
fees, recruitment costs, or any fees attributed to obtaining the 
approved Application for Temporary Employment Certification. For 
purposes of this paragraph (o), payment includes, but is not limited to, 
monetary payments, wage concessions (including deductions from wages, 
salary, or benefits), kickbacks, bribes, tributes, in-kind payments, and 
free labor. All wages must be paid free and clear. This provision does 
not prohibit employers or their agents from receiving reimbursement for 
costs that are the responsibility and primarily for the benefit of the 
worker, such as government-required passport fees.
    (p) Contracts with third parties to comply with prohibitions. The 
employer must contractually prohibit in writing any agent or recruiter 
(or any agent or employee of such agent or recruiter) whom the employer 
engages, either directly or indirectly, in recruitment of H-2B workers 
to seek or receive payments or other compensation from prospective 
workers. The contract must include the following statement: ``Under this 
agreement, [name of agent, recruiter] and any agent of or employee of 
[name of agent or recruiter] are prohibited from seeking or

[[Page 357]]

receiving payments from any prospective employee of [employer name] at 
any time, including before or after the worker obtains employment. 
Payments include but are not limited to, any direct or indirect fees 
paid by such employees for recruitment, job placement, processing, 
maintenance, attorneys' fees, agent fees, application fees, or petition 
fees.''
    (q) Prohibition against preferential treatment of foreign workers. 
The employer's job offer must offer to U.S. workers no less than the 
same benefits, wages, and working conditions that the employer is 
offering, intends to offer, or will provide to H-2B workers. Job offers 
may not impose on U.S. workers any restrictions or obligations that will 
not be imposed on the employer's H-2B workers. This does not relieve the 
employer from providing to H-2B workers at least the minimum benefits, 
wages, and working conditions which must be offered to U.S. workers 
consistent with this section.
    (r) Non-discriminatory hiring practices. The job opportunity is, and 
through the period set forth in paragraph (t) of this section must 
continue to be, open to any qualified U.S. worker regardless of race, 
color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or citizenship. 
Rejections of any U.S. workers who applied or apply for the job must 
only be for lawful, job-related reasons, and those not rejected on this 
basis have been or will be hired. In addition, the employer has and will 
continue to retain records of all hired workers and rejected applicants 
as required by Sec.  655.56.
    (s) Recruitment requirements. The employer must conduct all required 
recruitment activities, including any additional employer-conducted 
recruitment activities as directed by the CO, and as specified in 
Sec. Sec.  655.40 through 655.46.
    (t) Continuing requirement to hire U.S. workers. The employer has 
and will continue to cooperate with the SWA by accepting referrals of 
all qualified U.S. workers who apply (or on whose behalf a job 
application is made) for the job opportunity, and must provide 
employment to any qualified U.S. worker who applies to the employer for 
the job opportunity, until 21 days before the date of need.
    (u) No strike or lockout. There is no strike or lockout at any of 
the employer's worksites within the area of intended employment for 
which the employer is requesting H-2B certification at the time the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification is filed.
    (v) No recent or future layoffs. The employer has not laid off and 
will not lay off any similarly employed U.S. worker in the occupation 
that is the subject of the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification in the area of intended employment within the period 
beginning 120 calendar days before the date of need through the end of 
the period of certification. A layoff for lawful, job-related reasons 
such as lack of work or the end of a season is permissible if all H-2B 
workers are laid off before any U.S. worker in corresponding employment.
    (w) Contact with former U.S. employees. The employer will contact 
(by mail or other effective means) its former U.S. workers, including 
those who have been laid off within 120 calendar days before the date of 
need (except those who were dismissed for cause or who abandoned the 
worksite), employed by the employer in the occupation at the place of 
employment during the previous year, disclose the terms of the job 
order, and solicit their return to the job.
    (x) Area of intended employment and job opportunity. The employer 
must not place any H-2B workers employed under the approved Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification outside the area of intended 
employment or in a job opportunity not listed on the approved 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification unless the employer 
has obtained a new approved Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.
    (y) Abandonment/termination of employment. Upon the separation from 
employment of worker(s) employed under the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification or workers in corresponding employment, if such 
separation occurs before the end date of the employment specified in the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the employer must 
notify OFLC

[[Page 358]]

in writing of the separation from employment not later than 2 work days 
after such separation is discovered by the employer. In addition, the 
employer must notify DHS in writing (or any other method specified by 
the Department of Labor or DHS in the Federal Register or the Code of 
Federal Regulations) of such separation of an H-2B worker. An 
abandonment or abscondment is deemed to begin after a worker fails to 
report for work at the regularly scheduled time for 5 consecutive 
working days without the consent of the employer. If the separation is 
due to the voluntary abandonment of employment by the H-2B worker or 
worker in corresponding employment, and the employer provides 
appropriate notification specified under this paragraph (y), the 
employer will not be responsible for providing or paying for the 
subsequent transportation and subsistence expenses of that worker under 
this section, and that worker is not entitled to the three-fourths 
guarantee described in paragraph (f) of this section. The employer's 
obligation to guarantee three-fourths of the work described in paragraph 
(f) ends with the last full 12-week period (or 6-week period, as 
appropriate) preceding the worker's voluntary abandonment or termination 
for cause.
    (z) Compliance with applicable laws. During the period of employment 
specified on the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the 
employer must comply with all applicable Federal, State and local 
employment-related laws and regulations, including health and safety 
laws. This includes compliance with 18 U.S.C. 1592(a), with respect to 
prohibitions against employers, the employer's agents or their attorneys 
knowingly holding, destroying or confiscating workers' passports, visas, 
or other immigration documents.
    (aa) Disclosure of foreign worker recruitment. The employer, and its 
attorney or agent, as applicable, must comply with Sec.  655.9 by 
providing a copy of all agreements with any agent or recruiter whom it 
engages or plans to engage in the recruitment of H-2B workers, and the 
identity and location of the persons or entities hired by or working for 
the agent or recruiter and any of the agents or employees of those 
persons and entities, to recruit foreign workers. Pursuant to Sec.  
655.15(a), the agreements and information must be filed with the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (bb) Cooperation with investigators. The employer must cooperate 
with any employee of the Secretary who is exercising or attempting to 
exercise the Department's authority pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(14)(B), 
section 214(c)(14)(B) of the INA.



Sec. Sec.  655.21-655.29  [Reserved]

   Processing of an Application for Temporary Employment Certification



Sec.  655.30  Processing of an application and job order.

    (a) NPC review. The CO will review the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and job order for compliance with all 
applicable program requirements.
    (b) Mailing and postmark requirements. Any notice or request sent by 
the CO to an employer requiring a response will be mailed to the address 
provided in the Application for Temporary Employment Certification using 
methods to assure next day delivery, including electronic mail. The 
employer's response to such a notice or request must be mailed using 
methods to assure next day delivery, including electronic mail, and be 
sent by the due date or the next business day if the due date falls on a 
Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday.
    (c) Information dissemination. OFLC may forward information received 
in the course of processing an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and program integrity measures to WHD, or any other 
Federal agency, as appropriate, for investigation and/or enforcement 
purposes.



Sec.  655.31  Notice of deficiency.

    (a) Notification timeline. If the CO determines the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and/or job order is incomplete, 
contains errors or inaccuracies, or does not meet the requirements set 
forth in this subpart, the CO will notify the employer within 7 business 
days from the CO's receipt of

[[Page 359]]

the Application for Temporary Employment Certification. If applicable, 
the Notice of Deficiency will include job order deficiencies identified 
by the SWA under Sec.  655.16. The CO will send a copy of the Notice of 
Deficiency to the SWA serving the area of intended employment identified 
by the employer on its job order, and if applicable, to the employer's 
attorney or agent.
    (b) Notice content. The Notice of Deficiency will:
    (1) State the reason(s) why the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification or job order fails to meet the criteria for acceptance and 
state the modification needed for the CO to issue a Notice of 
Acceptance;
    (2) Offer the employer an opportunity to submit a modified 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification or job order within 
10 business days from the date of the Notice of Deficiency. The Notice 
will state the modification needed for the CO to issue a Notice of 
Acceptance;
    (3) Offer the employer an opportunity to request administrative 
review of the Notice of Deficiency before an ALJ under provisions set 
forth in Sec.  655.61. The Notice will inform the employer that it must 
submit a written request for review to the Chief ALJ of DOL within 10 
business days from the date the Notice of Deficiency is issued by 
facsimile or other means normally assuring next day delivery, and that 
the employer must simultaneously serve a copy on the CO. The Notice will 
also state that the employer may submit any legal arguments that the 
employer believes will rebut the basis of the CO's action; and
    (4) State that if the employer does not comply with the requirements 
of this section by either submitting a modified application within 10 
business days or requesting administrative review before an ALJ under 
Sec.  655.61, the CO will deny the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. The Notice will inform the employer that the denial of 
the Application for Temporary Employment Certification is final, and 
cannot be appealed. The Department of Labor will not further consider 
that Application for Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.32  Submission of a modified application or job order.

    (a) Review of a modified Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification or job order. Upon receipt of a response to a Notice of 
Deficiency, including any modifications, the CO will review the 
response. The CO may issue one or more additional Notices of Deficiency 
before issuing a decision. The employer's failure to comply with a 
Notice of Deficiency, including not responding in a timely manner or not 
providing all required documentation, will result in a denial of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (b) Acceptance of a modified Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification or job order. If the CO accepts the modification(s) to the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and/or job order, the 
CO will issue a Notice of Acceptance to the employer. The CO will send a 
copy of the Notice of Acceptance to the SWA instructing it to make any 
necessary modifications to the not yet posted job order and, if 
applicable, to the employer's attorney or agent, and follow the 
procedure set forth in Sec.  655.33.
    (c) Denial of a modified Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification or job order. If the CO finds the response to Notice of 
Deficiency unacceptable, the CO will deny the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification in accordance with the labor certification 
determination provisions in Sec.  655.51.
    (d) Appeal from denial of a modified Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification or job order. The procedures for appealing a 
denial of a modified Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
and/or job order are the same as for appealing the denial of a non-
modified Application for Temporary Employment Certification outlined in 
Sec.  655.61.
    (e) Post acceptance modifications. Irrespective of the decision to 
accept the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the CO 
may require modifications to the job order at any time before the final 
determination to grant or deny the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification if the CO determines that the offer of employment does not 
contain all the minimum benefits, wages, and working condition

[[Page 360]]

provisions as set forth in Sec.  655.18. The employer must make such 
modification, or certification will be denied under Sec.  655.53. The 
employer must provide all workers recruited in connection with the job 
opportunity in the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
with a copy of the modified job order no later than the date work 
commences, as approved by the CO.



Sec.  655.33  Notice of acceptance.

    (a) Notification timeline. If the CO determines the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and job order are complete and meet 
the requirements of this subpart, the CO will notify the employer in 
writing within 7 business days from the date the CO received the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and job order or 
modification thereof. A copy of the Notice of Acceptance will be sent to 
the SWA serving the area of intended employment identified by the 
employer on its job order and, if applicable, to the employer's attorney 
or agent.
    (b) Notice content. The notice will:
    (1) Direct the employer to engage in recruitment of U.S. workers as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  655.40 through 655.46, including any additional 
recruitment ordered by the CO under Sec.  655.46;
    (2) State that such employer-conducted recruitment is in addition to 
the job order being circulated by the SWA(s) and that the employer must 
conduct recruitment within 14 calendar days from the date the Notice of 
Acceptance is issued, consistent with Sec.  655.40;
    (3) Direct the SWA to place the job order into intra- and interstate 
clearance as set forth in Sec.  655.16 and to commence such clearance 
by:
    (i) Sending a copy of the job order to other States listed as 
anticipated worksites in the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and job order, if applicable; and
    (ii) Sending a copy of the job order to the SWAs for all States 
designated by the CO for interstate clearance;
    (4) Instruct the SWA to keep the approved job order on its active 
file until the end of the recruitment period as defined in Sec.  
655.40(c), and to transmit the same instruction to other SWAs to which 
it circulates the job order in the course of interstate clearance;
    (5) Where the occupation or industry is traditionally or customarily 
unionized, direct the SWA to circulate a copy of the job order to the 
following labor organizations:
    (i) The central office of the State Federation of Labor in the 
State(s) in which work will be performed; and
    (ii) The office(s) of local union(s) representing employees in the 
same or substantially equivalent job classification in the area(s) in 
which work will be performed;
    (6) Advise the employer, as appropriate, that it must contact the 
appropriate designated community-based organization(s) with notice of 
the job opportunity; and
    (7) Require the employer to submit a report of its recruitment 
efforts as specified in Sec.  655.48.



Sec.  655.34  Electronic job registry.

    (a) Location of and placement in the electronic job registry. Upon 
acceptance of the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
under Sec.  655.33, the CO will place for public examination a copy of 
the job order posted by the SWA on the Department's electronic job 
registry, including any amendments or required modifications approved by 
the CO.
    (b) Length of posting on electronic job registry. The Department of 
Labor will keep the job order posted on the electronic job registry 
until the end of the recruitment period, as set forth in Sec.  
655.40(c).
    (c) Conclusion of active posting. Once the recruitment period has 
concluded the job order will be placed in inactive status on the 
electronic job registry.



Sec.  655.35  Amendments to an application or job order.

    (a) Increases in number of workers. The employer may request to 
increase the number of workers noted in the H-2B Registration by no more 
than 20 percent (50 percent for employers requesting fewer than 10 
workers). All requests for increasing the number of workers must be made 
in writing and will not be effective until approved by the CO. In 
considering whether to approve the request, the CO will determine 
whether

[[Page 361]]

the proposed amendment(s) are sufficiently justified and must take into 
account the effect of the changes on the underlying labor market test 
for the job opportunity. Upon acceptance of an amendment, the CO will 
submit to the SWA any necessary changes to the job order and update the 
electronic job registry. The employer must promptly provide copies of 
any approved amendments to all U.S. workers hired under the original job 
order.
    (b) Minor changes to the period of employment. The employer may 
request minor changes to the total period of employment listed on its 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and job order, for a 
period of up to 14 days, but the period of employment may not exceed a 
total of 9 months, except in the event of a one-time occurrence. All 
requests for minor changes to the total period of employment must be 
made in writing and will not be effective until approved by the CO. In 
considering whether to approve the request, the CO will determine 
whether the proposed amendment(s) are sufficiently justified and must 
take into account the effect of the changes on the underlying labor 
market test for the job opportunity. Upon acceptance of an amendment, 
the CO will submit to the SWA any necessary changes to the job order and 
update the electronic job registry. The employer must promptly provide 
copies of any approved amendments to all U.S. workers hired under the 
original job order
    (c) Other amendments to the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and job order. The employer may request other amendments 
to the Application for Temporary Employment Certification and job order. 
All such requests must be made in writing and will not be effective 
until approved by the CO. In considering whether to approve the request, 
the CO will determine whether the proposed amendment(s) are sufficiently 
justified and must take into account the effect of the changes on the 
underlying labor market test for the job opportunity. Upon acceptance of 
an amendment, the CO will submit to the SWA any necessary changes to the 
job order and update the electronic job registry.
    (d) Amendments after certification are not permitted. The employer 
must promptly provide copies of any approved amendments to all U.S. 
workers hired under the original job order.



Sec. Sec.  655.36-655.39  [Reserved]

                      Post-Acceptance Requirements



Sec.  655.40  Employer-conducted recruitment.

    (a) Employer obligations. Employers must conduct recruitment of U.S. 
workers to ensure that there are not qualified U.S. workers who will be 
available for the positions listed in the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. U.S. Applicants can be rejected only for 
lawful job-related reasons.
    (b) Employer-conducted recruitment period. Unless otherwise 
instructed by the CO, the employer must conduct the recruitment 
described in Sec. Sec.  655.43 through 655.46 within 14 calendar days 
from the date the Notice of Acceptance is issued. All employer-conducted 
recruitment must be completed before the employer submits the 
recruitment report as required in Sec.  655.48.
    (c) U.S. workers. Employers must continue to accept referrals and 
applications of all U.S. applicants interested in the position until 21 
days before the date of need.
    (d) Interviewing U.S. workers. Employers that wish to require 
interviews must conduct those interviews by phone or provide a procedure 
for the interviews to be conducted in the location where the worker is 
being recruited so that the worker incurs little or no cost. Employers 
cannot provide potential H-2B workers with more favorable treatment with 
respect to the requirement for, and conduct of, interviews.
    (e) Qualified and available U.S. workers. The employer must consider 
all U.S. applicants for the job opportunity. The employer must accept 
and hire any applicants who are qualified and who will be available.
    (f) Recruitment report. The employer must prepare a recruitment 
report meeting the requirements of Sec.  655.48.

[42 FR 45899, Sept. 13, 1977, as amended at 84 FR 62446, Nov. 15, 2019]

[[Page 362]]



Sec.  655.41  Advertising requirements.

    (a) All recruitment conducted under Sec. Sec.  655.43 through 655.46 
must contain terms and conditions of employment that are not less 
favorable than those offered to the H-2B workers and, at a minimum, must 
comply with the assurances applicable to job orders as set forth in 
Sec.  655.18(a).
    (b) All advertising must contain the following information:
    (1) The employer's name and contact information;
    (2) The geographic area of intended employment with enough 
specificity to apprise applicants of any travel requirements and where 
applicants will likely have to reside to perform the services or labor;
    (3) A description of the job opportunity for which certification is 
sought with sufficient information to apprise U.S. workers of the 
services or labor to be performed, including the duties, the minimum 
education and experience requirements, the work hours and days, and the 
anticipated start and end dates of the job opportunity;
    (4) A statement that the job opportunity is a temporary, full-time 
position including the total number of job openings the employer intends 
to fill;
    (5) If applicable, a statement that overtime will be available to 
the worker and the wage offer(s) for working any overtime hours;
    (6) If applicable, a statement indicating that on-the-job training 
will be provided to the worker;
    (7) The wage that the employer is offering, intends to offer or will 
provide to the H-2B workers or, in the event that there are multiple 
wage offers, the range of applicable wage offers, each of which must 
equal or exceed the highest of the prevailing wage or the Federal, 
State, or local minimum wage;
    (8) If applicable, any board, lodging, or other facilities the 
employer will offer to workers or intends to assist workers in securing;
    (9) All deductions not required by law that the employer will make 
from the worker's paycheck, including, if applicable, reasonable 
deduction for board, lodging, and other facilities offered to the 
workers;
    (10) A statement that transportation and subsistence from the place 
where the worker has come to work for the employer to the place of 
employment and return transportation and subsistence will be provided, 
as required by Sec.  655.20(j)(1);
    (11) If applicable, a statement that work tools, supplies, and 
equipment will be provided to the worker without charge;
    (12) If applicable, a statement that daily transportation to and 
from the worksite will be provided by the employer;
    (13) A statement summarizing the three-fourths guarantee as required 
by Sec.  655.20(f); and
    (14) A statement directing applicants to apply for the job 
opportunity at the nearest office of the SWA in the State in which the 
advertisement appeared, the SWA contact information, and, if applicable, 
the job order number.

[42 FR 45899, Sept. 13, 1977, as amended at 84 FR 62446, Nov. 15, 2019]



Sec.  655.42  [Reserved]



Sec.  655.43  Contact with former U.S. employees.

    The employer must contact (by mail or other effective means) its 
former U.S. workers, including those who have been laid off within 120 
calendar days before the date of need, employed by the employer in the 
occupation at the place of employment during the previous year (except 
those who were dismissed for cause or who abandoned the worksite), 
disclose the terms of the job order, and solicit their return to the 
job. The employer must maintain documentation sufficient to prove such 
contact in accordance with Sec.  655.56.



Sec.  655.44  [Reserved]



Sec.  655.45  Contact with bargaining representative, posting and other
contact requirements.

    (a) If there is a bargaining representative for any of the 
employer's employees in the occupation and area of intended employment, 
the employer must provide written notice of the job opportunity, by 
providing a copy of the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and the job order, and maintain documentation that it was

[[Page 363]]

sent to the bargaining representative(s). An employer governed by this 
paragraph (a) must include information in its recruitment report that 
confirms that the bargaining representative(s) was contacted and 
notified of the position openings and whether the organization referred 
qualified U.S. worker(s), including the number of referrals, or was non-
responsive to the employer's requests.
    (b) If there is no bargaining representative, the employer must post 
the availability of the job opportunity in at least 2 conspicuous 
locations at the place(s) of anticipated employment or in some other 
manner that provides reasonable notification to all employees in the job 
classification and area in which the work will be performed by the H-2B 
workers. Electronic posting, such as displaying the notice prominently 
on any internal or external Web site that is maintained by the employer 
and customarily used for notices to employees about terms and conditions 
of employment, is sufficient to meet this posting requirement as long as 
it otherwise meets the requirements of this section. The notice must 
meet the requirements under Sec.  655.41 and be posted for at least 15 
consecutive business days. The employer must maintain a copy of the 
posted notice and identify where and when it was posted in accordance 
with Sec.  655.56.
    (c) If appropriate to the occupation and area of intended 
employment, as indicated by the CO in the Notice of Acceptance, the 
employer must provide written notice of the job opportunity to a 
community-based organization, and maintain documentation that it was 
sent to any designated community-based organization. An employer 
governed by this paragraph (c) must include information in its 
recruitment report that confirms that the community-based organization 
was contacted and notified of the position openings and whether the 
organization referred qualified U.S. worker(s), including the number of 
referrals, or was non-responsive to the employer's requests.



Sec.  655.46  Additional employer-conducted recruitment.

    (a) Requirement to conduct additional recruitment. The employer may 
be instructed by the CO to conduct additional reasonable recruitment. 
Such recruitment may be required at the discretion of the CO where the 
CO has determined that there is a likelihood that U.S. workers who are 
qualified and will be available for the work, including but not limited 
to where the job opportunity is located in an Area of Substantial 
Unemployment.
    (b) Nature of the additional employer-conducted recruitment. The CO 
will describe the precise number and nature of the additional 
recruitment efforts. Additional recruitment may include, but is not 
limited to, posting on the employer's Web site or another Web site, 
contact with additional community-based organizations, additional 
contact with State One-Stop Career Centers, and other print advertising, 
such as using a professional, trade or ethnic publication where such a 
publication is appropriate for the occupation and the workers likely to 
apply for the job opportunity. When assessing the appropriateness of a 
particular recruitment method, the CO will consider the cost of the 
additional recruitment and the likelihood that the additional 
recruitment method(s) will identify qualified and available U.S. 
workers.
    (c) Proof of the additional employer-conducted recruitment. The CO 
will specify the documentation or other supporting evidence that must be 
maintained by the employer as proof that the additional recruitment 
requirements were met. Documentation must be maintained as required in 
Sec.  655.56.



Sec.  655.47  Referrals of U.S. workers.

    SWAs may only refer for employment individuals who have been 
apprised of all the material terms and conditions of employment and who 
are qualified and will be available for employment.



Sec.  655.48  Recruitment report.

    (a) Requirements of the recruitment report. The employer must 
prepare, sign, and date a recruitment report. Where recruitment was 
conducted by a job contractor or its employer-client, both joint 
employers must sign the recruitment report in accordance with Sec.  
655.19(e). The recruitment report must be submitted by a date specified 
by the

[[Page 364]]

CO in the Notice of Acceptance and contain the following information:
    (1) The name of each recruitment activity or source (e.g., job order 
and the name of the newspaper);
    (2) The name and contact information of each U.S. worker who applied 
or was referred to the job opportunity up to the date of the preparation 
of the recruitment report, and the disposition of each worker's 
application. The employer must clearly indicate whether the job 
opportunity was offered to the U.S. worker and whether the U.S. worker 
accepted or declined;
    (3) Confirmation that former U.S. employees were contacted, if 
applicable, and by what means;
    (4) Confirmation that the bargaining representative was contacted, 
if applicable, and by what means, or that the employer posted the 
availability of the job opportunity to all employees in the job 
classification and area in which the work will be performed by the H-2B 
workers;
    (5) Confirmation that the community-based organization designated by 
the CO was contacted, if applicable;
    (6) If applicable, confirmation that additional recruitment was 
conducted as directed by the CO; and
    (7) If applicable, for each U.S. worker who applied for the position 
but was not hired, the lawful job-related reason(s) for not hiring the 
U.S. worker.
    (b) Duty to update recruitment report. The employer must continue to 
update the recruitment report throughout the recruitment period. In a 
joint employment situation, either the job contractor or the employer-
client may update the recruitment report. The updated report must be 
signed, dated and need not be submitted to the Department of Labor, but 
must be made available in the event of a post-certification audit or 
upon request by DOL.



Sec.  655.49  [Reserved]

                   Labor Certification Determinations



Sec.  655.50  Determinations.

    (a) Certifying Officers (COs). The Administrator, OFLC is the 
Department's National CO. The Administrator, OFLC and the CO(s), by 
virtue of delegation from the Administrator, OFLC, have the authority to 
certify or deny Applications for Temporary Employment Certification 
under the H-2B nonimmigrant classification. If the Administrator, OFLC 
directs that certain types of temporary labor certification applications 
or a specific Application for Temporary Employment Certification under 
the H-2B nonimmigrant classification be handled by the OFLC's National 
Office, the Director of the NPC will refer such applications to the 
Administrator, OFLC.
    (b) Determination. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph 
(b), the CO will make a determination either to certify or deny the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification. The CO will certify 
the application only if the employer has met all the requirements of 
this subpart, including the criteria for certification in Sec.  655.51, 
thus demonstrating that there is an insufficient number of U.S. workers 
who are qualified and who will be available for the job opportunity for 
which certification is sought and that the employment of the H-2B 
workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of 
similarly employed U.S. workers.



Sec.  655.51  Criteria for certification.

    (a) The criteria for certification include whether the employer has 
a valid H-2B Registration to participate in the H-2B program and has 
complied with all of the requirements necessary to grant the labor 
certification.
    (b) In making a determination whether there are insufficient U.S. 
workers to fill the employer's job opportunity, the CO will count as 
available any U.S. worker referred by the SWA or any U.S. worker who 
applied (or on whose behalf an application is made) directly to the 
employer, but who was rejected by the employer for other than a lawful 
job-related reason.
    (c) A certification will not be granted to an employer that has 
failed to comply with one or more sanctions or remedies imposed by final 
agency actions under the H-2B program.



Sec.  655.52  Approved certification.

    If a temporary labor certification is granted, the CO will send the 
approved Application for Temporary Employment Certification and a Final 
Determination

[[Page 365]]

letter to the employer by means normally assuring next day delivery, 
including electronic mail, and a copy, if applicable, to the employer's 
attorney or agent. If the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification is electronically filed, the employer must sign the 
certified Application for Temporary Employment Certification as directed 
by the CO. The employer must retain a signed copy of the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and the original signed Appendix B of 
the Application, as required by Sec.  655.56.



Sec.  655.53  Denied certification.

    If a temporary labor certification is denied, the CO will send the 
Final Determination letter to the employer by means normally assuring 
next day delivery, including electronic mail, and a copy, if applicable, 
to the employer's attorney or agent. The Final Determination letter 
will:
    (a) State the reason(s) certification is denied, citing the relevant 
regulatory standards;
    (b) Offer the employer an opportunity to request administrative 
review of the denial under Sec.  655.61; and
    (c) State that if the employer does not request administrative 
review in accordance with Sec.  655.61, the denial is final and the 
Department of Labor will not accept any appeal on that Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.54  Partial certification.

    The CO may issue a partial certification, reducing either the period 
of need or the number of H-2B workers or both for certification, based 
upon information the CO receives during the course of processing the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification. The number of 
workers certified will be reduced by one for each U.S. worker who is 
qualified and who will be available at the time and place needed to 
perform the services or labor and who has not been rejected for lawful 
job-related reasons. If a partial labor certification is issued, the CO 
will amend the Application for Temporary Employment Certification and 
then return it to the employer with a Final Determination letter, with a 
copy to the employer's attorney or agent, if applicable. The Final 
Determination letter will:
    (a) State the reason(s) why either the period of need and/or the 
number of H-2B workers requested has been reduced, citing the relevant 
regulatory standards;
    (b) If applicable, address the availability of U.S. workers in the 
occupation;
    (c) Offer the employer an opportunity to request administrative 
review of the partial certification under Sec.  655.61; and
    (d) State that if the employer does not request administrative 
review in accordance with Sec.  655.61, the partial certification is 
final and the Department of Labor will not accept any appeal on that 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.55  Validity of temporary labor certification.

    (a) Validity period. A temporary labor certification is valid only 
for the period as approved on the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. The certification expires on the last day of authorized 
employment.
    (b) Scope of validity. A temporary labor certification is valid only 
for the number of H-2B positions, the area of intended employment, the 
job classification and specific services or labor to be performed, and 
the employer specified on the approved Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, including any approved modifications. The 
temporary labor certification may not be transferred from one employer 
to another unless the employer to which it is transferred is a successor 
in interest to the employer to which it was issued.



Sec.  655.56  Document retention requirements of H-2B employers.

    (a) Entities required to retain documents. All employers filing an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification requesting H-2B 
workers are required to retain the documents and records proving 
compliance with 29 CFR part 503 and this subpart, including but not 
limited to those specified in paragraph (c) of this section.

[[Page 366]]

    (b) Period of required retention. The employer must retain records 
and documents for 3 years from the date of certification of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, or from the date of 
adjudication if the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
is denied, or 3 years from the day the Department of Labor receives the 
letter of withdrawal provided in accordance with Sec.  655.62. For the 
purposes of this section, records and documents required to be retained 
in connection with an H-2B Registration must be retained in connection 
with all of the Applications for Temporary Employment Certification that 
are supported by it.
    (c) Documents and records to be retained by all employer applicants. 
All employers filing an H-2B Registration and an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification must retain the following documents 
and records and must provide the documents and records to the Department 
of Labor and other Federal agencies in the event of an audit or 
investigation:
    (1) Documents and records not previously submitted during the 
registration process that substantiate temporary need;
    (2) Proof of recruitment efforts, as applicable, including:
    (i) Job order placement as specified in Sec.  655.16;
    (ii) Contact with former U.S. workers as specified in Sec.  655.43;
    (iii) Contact with bargaining representative(s), or a copy of the 
posting of the job opportunity, if applicable, as specified in Sec.  
655.45(a) or (b); and
    (iv) Additional employer-conducted recruitment efforts as specified 
in Sec.  655.46;
    (3) Substantiation of the information submitted in the recruitment 
report prepared in accordance with Sec.  655.48, such as evidence of 
nonapplicability of contact with former workers as specified in Sec.  
655.43;
    (4) The final recruitment report and any supporting resumes and 
contact information as specified in Sec.  655.48;
    (5) Records of each worker's earnings, hours offered and worked, 
location(s) of work performed, and other information as specified in 
Sec.  655.20(i);
    (6) If appropriate, records of reimbursement of transportation and 
subsistence costs incurred by the workers, as specified in Sec.  
655.20(j).
    (7) Evidence of contact with U.S. workers who applied for the job 
opportunity in the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, 
including documents demonstrating that any rejections of U.S. workers 
were for lawful, job-related reasons, as specified in Sec.  655.20(r);
    (8) Evidence of contact with any former U.S. worker in the 
occupation at the place of employment in the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, including documents demonstrating that the 
U.S. worker had been offered the job opportunity in the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, as specified in Sec.  655.20(w), and 
that the U.S. worker either refused the job opportunity or was rejected 
only for lawful, job-related reasons, as specified in Sec.  655.20(r);
    (9) The written contracts with agents or recruiters as specified in 
Sec. Sec.  655.8 and 655.9, and the list of the identities and locations 
of persons hired by or working for the agent or recruiter and these 
entities' agents or employees, as specified in Sec.  655.9;
    (10) Written notice provided to and informing OFLC that an H-2B 
worker or worker in corresponding employment has separated from 
employment before the end date of employment specified in the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, as specified in 
Sec.  655.20(y);
    (11) The H-2B Registration, job order and a copy of the Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification and the original signed Appendix 
B of the Application. If the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and H-2B Registration is electronically filed, a printed 
copy of each adjudicated Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, including any modifications, amendments or extensions 
must be signed by the employer as directed by the CO and retained;
    (12) The H-2B Petition, including all accompanying documents; and
    (13) Any collective bargaining agreement(s), individual employment 
contract(s), or payroll records from the previous year necessary to 
substantiate any claim that certain incumbent

[[Page 367]]

workers are not included in corresponding employment, as specified in 
Sec.  655.5.
    (d) Availability of documents for enforcement purposes. An employer 
must make available to the Administrator, WHD within 72 hours following 
a request by the WHD the documents and records required under 29 CFR 
part 503 and this section so that the Administrator, WHD may copy, 
transcribe, or inspect them.

[42 FR 45899, Sept. 13, 1977, as amended at 84 FR 62446, Nov. 15, 2019]



Sec.  655.57  Request for determination based on nonavailability of U.S. workers.

    (a) Standards for requests. If a temporary labor certification has 
been partially granted or denied, based on the CO's determination that 
qualified U.S. workers are available, and, on or after 21 calendar days 
before the date of need, some or all of those qualified U.S. workers 
are, in fact no longer available, the employer may request a new 
temporary labor certification determination from the CO. Prior to making 
a new determination the CO will promptly ascertain (which may be through 
the SWA or other sources of information on U.S. worker availability) 
whether specific qualified replacement U.S. workers are available or can 
be reasonably expected to be present at the employer's establishment 
within 72 hours from the date the employer's request was received. The 
CO will expeditiously, but in no case later than 72 hours after the time 
a complete request (including the signed statement included in paragraph 
(b) of this section) is received, make a determination on the request. 
An employer may appeal a denial of such a determination in accordance 
with procedures contained in Sec.  655.61.
    (b) Unavailability of U.S. workers. The employer's request for a new 
determination must be made directly to the CO by electronic mail or 
other appropriate means and must be accompanied by a signed statement 
confirming the employer's assertion. In addition, unless the employer 
has provided to the CO notification of abandonment or termination of 
employment as required by Sec.  655.20(y), the employer's signed 
statement must include the name and contact information of each U.S. 
worker who became unavailable and must supply the reason why the worker 
has become unavailable.
    (c) Notification of determination. If the CO determines that U.S. 
workers have become unavailable and cannot identify sufficient available 
U.S. workers who are qualified or who are likely to become available, 
the CO will grant the employer's request for a new determination. 
However, this does not preclude an employer from submitting subsequent 
requests for new determinations, if warranted, based on subsequent facts 
concerning purported nonavailability of U.S. workers or referred workers 
not being qualified because of lawful job-related reasons.



Sec. Sec.  655.58-655.59  [Reserved]

                      Post Certification Activities



Sec.  655.60  Extensions.

    An employer may apply for extensions of the period of employment in 
the following circumstances. A request for extension must be related to 
weather conditions or other factors beyond the control of the employer 
(which may include unforeseeable changes in market conditions), and must 
be supported in writing, with documentation showing why the extension is 
needed and that the need could not have been reasonably foreseen by the 
employer. The CO will notify the employer of the decision in writing. 
Except in extraordinary circumstances, the CO will not grant an 
extension where the total work period under that Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and the authorized extension would 
exceed 9 months for employers whose temporary need is seasonal, 
peakload, or intermittent, or 3 years for employers that have a one-time 
occurrence of temporary need. The employer may appeal a denial of a 
request for an extension by following the procedures in Sec.  655.61. 
The H-2B employer's assurances and obligations under the temporary labor 
certification will continue to apply during the extended period of 
employment. The employer must immediately provide to its workers a copy 
of any approved extension.

[[Page 368]]



Sec.  655.61  Administrative review.

    (a) Request for review. Where authorized in this subpart, employers 
may request an administrative review before the BALCA of a determination 
by the CO. In such cases, the request for review:
    (1) Must be sent to the BALCA, with a copy simultaneously sent to 
the CO who issued the determination, within 10 business days from the 
date of determination;
    (2) Must clearly identify the particular determination for which 
review is sought;
    (3) Must set forth the particular grounds for the request;
    (4) Must include a copy of the CO's determination; and
    (5) May contain only legal argument and such evidence as was 
actually submitted to the CO before the date the CO's determination was 
issued.
    (b) Appeal file. Upon the receipt of a request for review, the CO 
will, within 7 business days, assemble and submit the Appeal File using 
means to ensure same day or next day delivery, to the BALCA, the 
employer, and the Associate Solicitor for Employment and Training Legal 
Services, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor.
    (c) Briefing schedule. Within 7 business days of receipt of the 
Appeal File, the counsel for the CO may submit, using means to ensure 
same day or next day delivery, a brief in support of the CO's decision.
    (d) Assignment. The Chief ALJ may designate a single member or a 
three member panel of the BALCA to consider a particular case.
    (e) Review. The BALCA must review the CO's determination only on the 
basis of the Appeal File, the request for review, and any legal briefs 
submitted and must:
    (1) Affirm the CO's determination; or
    (2) Reverse or modify the CO's determination; or
    (3) Remand to the CO for further action.
    (f) Decision. The BALCA should notify the employer, the CO, and 
counsel for the CO of its decision within 7 business days of the 
submission of the CO's brief or 10 business days after receipt of the 
Appeal File, whichever is later, using means to ensure same day or next 
day delivery.



Sec.  655.62  Withdrawal of an Application for Temporary Employment
Certification.

    Employers may withdraw an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification after it has been accepted and before it is adjudicated. 
The employer must request such withdrawal in writing.



Sec.  655.63  Public disclosure.

    The Department of Labor will maintain an electronic file accessible 
to the public with information on all employers applying for temporary 
nonagricultural labor certifications. The database will include such 
information as the number of workers requested, the date filed, the date 
decided, and the final disposition.



Sec.  655.66  Special document retention provisions for Fiscal Years
2018 through 2021 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018,
Public Law 115-141.

    (a) An employer that files a petition with USCIS to employ H-2B 
workers in fiscal year 2018 under authority of the temporary increase in 
the numerical limitation under section 205 of Division M, Public Law 
115-141 must maintain for a period of 3 years from the date of 
certification, consistent with 20 CFR 655.56 and 29 CFR 503.17, the 
following:
    (1) A copy of the attestation filed pursuant to regulations 
governing that temporary increase;
    (2) Evidence establishing that employer's business is likely to 
suffer irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe financial loss), 
if it cannot employ H-2B nonimmigrant workers in fiscal year 2018; and
    (3) If applicable, evidence of additional recruitment and a 
recruitment report that meets the requirements set forth in 20 CFR 
655.48(a)(1), (2), and (7).
    DOL or DHS may inspect these documents upon request.
    (b) This section expires on October 1, 2021.

    Effective Date Note: At 83 FR 24918, May 31, 2018, Sec.  655.66 was 
added, effective May 31, 2018 through Sept. 30, 2021.

[[Page 369]]



Sec.  655.67  Special document retention provisions for Fiscal Years
2019 through 2022 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019.

    (a) An employer who files a petition with USCIS to employ H-2B 
workers in fiscal year 2019 under authority of the temporary increase in 
the numerical limitation under section 105 of Division H, Public Law 
116-6 must maintain for a period of 3 years from the date of 
certification, consistent with Sec.  655.56 and 29 CFR 503.17, the 
following:
    (1) A copy of the attestation filed pursuant to regulations 
governing that temporary increase;
    (2) Evidence establishing that employer's business is likely to 
suffer irreparable harm (that is, permanent and severe financial loss), 
if it cannot employ H-2B nonimmigrant workers in fiscal year 2019; and
    (3) Documentary evidence establishing that each of the workers the 
employer requested and/or instructed to apply for a visa, whether named 
or unnamed, had been issued an H-2B visa or otherwise granted H-2B 
status during one of the last three (3) fiscal years (Fiscal Years 2016, 
2017 or 2018), as attested to pursuant to 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6)(x).
    (4) If applicable, evidence of additional recruitment and a 
recruitment report that meets the requirements set forth in Sec.  
655.48(a)(1), (2), and (7).
    DOL or DHS may inspect these documents upon request.
    (b) This section expires on October 1, 2022.

    Effective Date Note: At 84 FR 20021, May 8, 2019, Sec.  655.67 was 
added, effective May 8, 2019, through Sept. 30, 2022.



Sec.  655.68-655.69  [Reserved]

                           Integrity Measures



Sec.  655.70  Audits.

    The CO may conduct audits of adjudicated temporary employment 
certification applications.
    (a) Discretion. The CO has the sole discretion to choose the 
applications selected for audit.
    (b) Audit letter. Where an application is selected for audit, the CO 
will send an audit letter to the employer and a copy, if appropriate, to 
the employer's attorney or agent. The audit letter will:
    (1) Specify the documentation that must be submitted by the 
employer;
    (2) Specify a date, no more than 30 calendar days from the date the 
audit letter is issued, by which the required documentation must be sent 
to the CO; and
    (3) Advise that failure to fully comply with the audit process may 
result:
    (i) In the requirement that the employer undergo the assisted 
recruitment procedures in Sec.  655.71 in future filings of H-2B 
temporary employment certification applications for a period of up to 2 
years, or
    (ii) In a revocation of the certification and/or debarment from the 
H-2B program and any other foreign labor certification program 
administered by the Department Labor.
    (c) Supplemental information request. During the course of the audit 
examination, the CO may request supplemental information and/or 
documentation from the employer in order to complete the audit. If 
circumstances warrant, the CO can issue one or more requests for 
supplemental information.
    (d) Potential referrals. In addition to measures in this subpart, 
the CO may decide to provide the audit findings and underlying 
documentation to DHS, WHD, or other appropriate enforcement agencies. 
The CO may refer any findings that an employer discouraged a qualified 
U.S. worker from applying, or failed to hire, discharged, or otherwise 
discriminated against a qualified U.S. worker to the Department of 
Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office of Special Counsel for Unfair 
Immigration Related Employment Practices.



Sec.  655.71  CO-ordered assisted recruitment.

    (a) Requirement of assisted recruitment. If, as a result of audit or 
otherwise, the CO determines that a violation has occurred that does not 
warrant debarment, the CO may require the employer to engage in assisted 
recruitment for a defined period of time for any future Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification.
    (b) Notification of assisted recruitment. The CO will notify the 
employer (and its attorney or agent, if applicable) in

[[Page 370]]

writing of the assisted recruitment that will be required of the 
employer for a period of up to 2 years from the date the notice is 
issued. The notification will state the reasons for the imposition of 
the additional requirements, state that the employer's agreement to 
accept the conditions will constitute their inclusion as bona fide 
conditions and terms of an application for temporary employment 
certification, and offer the employer an opportunity to request an 
administrative review. If administrative review is requested, the 
procedures in Sec.  655.61 apply.
    (c) Assisted recruitment. The assisted recruitment process will be 
in addition to any recruitment required of the employer by Sec. Sec.  
655.41 through 655.46 and may consist of, but is not limited to, one or 
more of the following:
    (1) Requiring the employer to submit a draft advertisement to the CO 
for review and approval at the time of filing the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification;
    (2) Designating the sources where the employer must recruit for U.S. 
workers and directing the employer to place the advertisement(s) in such 
sources;
    (3) Extending the length of the placement of the advertisement and/
or job order;
    (4) Requiring the employer to notify the CO and the SWA in writing 
when the advertisement(s) are placed;
    (5) Requiring an employer to perform any additional assisted 
recruitment directed by the CO;
    (6) Requiring the employer to provide proof of the publication of 
all advertisements as directed by the CO, in addition to providing a 
copy of the job order;
    (7) Requiring the employer to provide proof of all SWA referrals 
made in response to the job order;
    (8) Requiring the employer to submit any proof of contact with all 
referrals and past U.S. workers; and/or
    (9) Requiring the employer to provide any additional documentation 
verifying it conducted the assisted recruitment as directed by the CO.
    (d) Failure to comply. If an employer materially fails to comply 
with requirements ordered by the CO under this section, the 
certification will be denied and the employer and/or its attorney or 
agent may be debarred under Sec.  655.73.

[42 FR 45899, Sept. 13, 1977, as amended at 84 FR 62447, Nov. 15, 2019]



Sec.  655.72  Revocation.

    (a) Basis for DOL revocation. The Administrator, OFLC may revoke a 
temporary labor certification approved under this subpart, if the 
Administrator, OFLC finds:
    (1) The issuance of the temporary labor certification was not 
justified due to fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact 
in the application process, as defined in Sec.  655.73(d);
    (2) The employer substantially failed to comply with any of the 
terms or conditions of the approved temporary labor certification. A 
substantial failure is a willful failure to comply that constitutes a 
significant deviation from the terms and conditions of the approved 
certification and is further defined in Sec.  655.73(d) and (e);
    (3) The employer failed to cooperate with a DOL investigation or 
with a DOL official performing an investigation, inspection, audit 
(under Sec.  655.73), or law enforcement function under 29 CFR part 503 
or this subpart; or
    (4) The employer failed to comply with one or more sanctions or 
remedies imposed by WHD, or with one or more decisions or orders of the 
Secretary with the respect to the H-2B program.
    (b) DOL procedures for revocation--(1) Notice of Revocation. If the 
Administrator, OFLC makes a determination to revoke an employer's 
temporary labor certification, the Administrator, OFLC will send to the 
employer (and its attorney or agent, if applicable) a Notice of 
Revocation. The notice will contain a detailed statement of the grounds 
for the revocation and inform the employer of its right to submit 
rebuttal evidence or to appeal. If the employer does not file rebuttal 
evidence or an appeal within 10 business days from the date the Notice 
of Revocation is issued, the notice is the final agency action and will 
take effect immediately at the end of the 10-day period.
    (2) Rebuttal. If the employer timely submits rebuttal evidence, the 
Administrator, OFLC will inform the employer of the final determination 
on the revocation within 10 business days

[[Page 371]]

of receiving the rebuttal evidence. If the Administrator, OFLC 
determines that the certification should be revoked, the Administrator, 
OFLC will inform the employer of its right to appeal according to the 
procedures of Sec.  655.61. If the employer does not appeal the final 
determination, it will become the final agency action.
    (3) Appeal. An employer may appeal a Notice of Revocation, or a 
final determination of the Administrator, OFLC after the review of 
rebuttal evidence, according to the appeal procedures of Sec.  655.61. 
The ALJ's decision is the final agency action.
    (4) Stay. The timely filing of rebuttal evidence or an 
administrative appeal will stay the revocation pending the outcome of 
those proceedings.
    (5) Decision. If the temporary labor certification is revoked, the 
Administrator, OFLC will send a copy of the final agency action to DHS 
and the Department of State.
    (c) Employer's obligations in the event of revocation. If an 
employer's temporary labor certification is revoked, the employer is 
responsible for:
    (1) Reimbursement of actual inbound transportation and other 
expenses;
    (2) The workers' outbound transportation expenses;
    (3) Payment to the workers of the amount due under the three-fourths 
guarantee; and
    (4) Any other wages, benefits, and working conditions due or owing 
to the workers under this subpart.



Sec.  655.73  Debarment.

    a) Debarment of an employer. The Administrator, OFLC may not issue 
future labor certifications under this subpart to an employer or any 
successor in interest to that employer, subject to the time limits set 
forth in paragraph (c) of this section, if the Administrator, OFLC finds 
that the employer committed the following violations:
    (1) Willful misrepresentation of a material fact in its H-2B 
Registration, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination, Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification, or H-2B Petition;
    (2) Substantial failure to meet any of the terms and conditions of 
its H-2B Registration, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination, 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, or H-2B Petition. A 
substantial failure is a willful failure to comply that constitutes a 
significant deviation from the terms and conditions of such documents; 
or
    (3) Willful misrepresentation of a material fact to the DOS during 
the visa application process.
    (b) Debarment of an agent or attorney. If the Administrator, OFLC 
finds, under this section, that an attorney or agent committed a 
violation as described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (3) of this section 
or participated in an employer's violation, the Administrator, OFLC may 
not issue future labor certifications to an employer represented by such 
agent or attorney, subject to the time limits set forth in paragraph (c) 
of this section.
    (c) Period of debarment. Debarment under this subpart may not be for 
less than 1 year or more than 5 years from the date of the final agency 
decision.
    (d) Determining whether a violation is willful. A willful 
misrepresentation of a material fact or a willful failure to meet the 
required terms and conditions occurs when the employer, attorney, or 
agent knows a statement is false or that the conduct is in violation, or 
shows reckless disregard for the truthfulness of its representation or 
for whether its conduct satisfies the required conditions.
    (e) Determining whether a violation is significant. In determining 
whether a violation is a significant deviation from the terms and 
conditions of the H-2B Registration, Application for Prevailing Wage 
Determination, Application for Temporary Employment Certification, or H-
2B Petition, the factors that the Administrator, OFLC may consider 
include, but are not limited to, the following:
    (1) Previous history of violation(s) under the H-2B program;
    (2) The number of H-2B workers, workers in corresponding employment, 
or improperly rejected U.S. applicants who were and/or are affected by 
the violation(s);
    (3) The gravity of the violation(s);
    (4) The extent to which the violator achieved a financial gain due 
to the violation(s), or the potential financial

[[Page 372]]

loss or potential injury to the worker(s); and
    (5) Whether U.S. workers have been harmed by the violation.
    (f) Violations. Where the standards set forth in paragraphs (d) and 
(e) in this section are met, debarrable violations would include but 
would not be limited to one or more acts of commission or omission which 
involve:
    (1) Failure to pay or provide the required wages, benefits or 
working conditions to the employer's H-2B workers and/or workers in 
corresponding employment;
    (2) Failure, except for lawful, job-related reasons, to offer 
employment to qualified U.S. workers who applied for the job opportunity 
for which certification was sought;
    (3) Failure to comply with the employer's obligations to recruit 
U.S. workers;
    (4) Improper layoff or displacement of U.S. workers or workers in 
corresponding employment;
    (5) Failure to comply with one or more sanctions or remedies imposed 
by the Administrator, WHD for violation(s) of obligations under the job 
order or other H-2B obligations, or with one or more decisions or orders 
of the Secretary or a court under this subpart or 29 CFR part 503;
    (6) Failure to comply with the Notice of Deficiency process under 
this subpart;
    (7) Failure to comply with the assisted recruitment process under 
this subpart;
    (8) Impeding an investigation of an employer under 29 CFR part 503 
or an audit under this subpart;
    (9) Employing an H-2B worker outside the area of intended 
employment, in an activity/activities not listed in the job order, or 
outside the validity period of employment of the job order, including 
any approved extension thereof;
    (10) A violation of the requirements of Sec.  655.20(o) or (p);
    (11) A violation of any of the provisions listed in Sec.  655.20(r);
    (12) Any other act showing such flagrant disregard for the law that 
future compliance with program requirements cannot reasonably be 
expected;
    (13) Fraud involving the H-2B Registration, Application for 
Prevailing Wage Determination, Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, or the H-2B Petition; or
    (14) A material misrepresentation of fact during the registration or 
application process.
    (g) Debarment procedure--(1) Notice of Debarment. If the 
Administrator, OFLC makes a determination to debar an employer, 
attorney, or agent, the Administrator, OFLC will send the party a Notice 
of Debarment. The Notice will state the reason for the debarment 
finding, including a detailed explanation of the grounds for and the 
duration of the debarment and inform the party subject to the notice of 
its right to submit rebuttal evidence or to request a debarment hearing. 
If the party does not file rebuttal evidence or request a hearing within 
30 calendar days of the date of the Notice of Debarment, the notice is 
the final agency action and the debarment will take effect at the end of 
the 30-day period. The timely filing of an rebuttal evidence or a 
request for a hearing stays the debarment pending the outcome of the 
appeal as provided in paragraphs (g)(2) through (6) of this section.
    (2) Rebuttal. The party who received the Notice of Debarment may 
choose to submit evidence to rebut the grounds stated in the notice 
within 30 calendar days of the date the notice is issued. If rebuttal 
evidence is timely filed, the Administrator, OFLC will issue a final 
determination on the debarment within 30 calendar days of receiving the 
rebuttal evidence. If the Administrator, OFLC determines that the party 
should be debarred, the Administrator, OFLC will inform the party of its 
right to request a debarment hearing according to the procedures in this 
section. The party must request a hearing within 30 calendar days after 
the date of the Administrator, OFLC's final determination, or the 
Administrator OFLC's determination will be the final agency order and 
the debarment will take effect at the end of the 30-day period.
    (3) Hearing. The recipient of a Notice of Debarment seeking to 
challenge the debarment must request a debarment hearing within 30 
calendar days of the date of a Notice of Debarment or the

[[Page 373]]

date of a final determination of the Administrator, OFLC after review of 
rebuttal evidence submitted under paragraph (g)(2) of this section. To 
obtain a debarment hearing, the recipient must, within 30 days of the 
date of the Notice or the final determination, file a written request 
with the Chief ALJ, United States Department of Labor, 800 K Street NW., 
Suite 400-N, Washington, DC 20001-8002, and simultaneously serve a copy 
on the Administrator, OFLC. The debarment will take effect 30 calendar 
days from the date the Notice of Debarment or final determination is 
issued, unless a request for review is timely filed. Within 10 business 
days of receipt of the request for a hearing, the Administrator, OFLC 
will send a certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief ALJ by 
means normally assuring next day delivery. The Chief ALJ will 
immediately assign an ALJ to conduct the hearing. The procedures in 29 
CFR part 18 apply to such hearings, except that the request for a 
hearing will not be considered to be a complaint to which an answer is 
required.
    (4) Decision. After the hearing, the ALJ must affirm, reverse, or 
modify the Administrator, OFLC's determination. The ALJ will prepare the 
decision within 60 calendar days after completion of the hearing and 
closing of the record. The ALJ's decision will be provided to the 
parties to the debarment hearing by means normally assuring next day 
delivery. The ALJ's decision is the final agency action, unless either 
party, within 30 calendar days of the ALJ's decision, seeks review of 
the decision with the Administrative Review Board (ARB).
    (5) Review by the ARB. (i) Any party wishing review of the decision 
of an ALJ must, within 30 calendar days of the decision of the ALJ, 
petition the ARB to review the decision. Copies of the petition must be 
served on all parties and on the ALJ. The ARB will decide whether to 
accept the petition within 30 calendar days of receipt. If the ARB 
declines to accept the petition, or if the ARB does not issue a notice 
accepting a petition within 30 calendar days after the receipt of a 
timely filing of the petition, the decision of the ALJ is the final 
agency action. If a petition for review is accepted, the decision of the 
ALJ will be stayed unless and until the ARB issues an order affirming 
the decision. The ARB must serve notice of its decision to accept or not 
to accept the petition upon the ALJ and upon all parties to the 
proceeding.
    (ii) Upon receipt of the ARB's notice to accept the petition, the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges will promptly forward a copy of the 
complete hearing record to the ARB.
    (iii) Where the ARB has determined to review the decision and order, 
the ARB will notify each party of the issue(s) raised, the form in which 
submissions must be made (e.g., briefs or oral argument), and the time 
within which the presentation must be submitted.
    (6) ARB Decision. The ARB's final decision must be issued within 90 
calendar days from the notice granting the petition and served upon all 
parties and the ALJ.
    (h) Concurrent debarment jurisdiction. OFLC and the WHD have 
concurrent jurisdiction to debar under this section or under 29 CFR 
503.24. When considering debarment, OFLC and the WHD will coordinate 
their activities. A specific violation for which debarment is imposed 
will be cited in a single debarment proceeding. Copies of final 
debarment decisions will be forwarded to DHS and DOS promptly.
    (i) Debarment from other foreign labor programs. Upon debarment 
under this subpart or 29 CFR 503.24, the debarred party will be 
disqualified from filing any labor certification applications or labor 
condition applications with the Department of Labor by, or on behalf of, 
the debarred party for the same period of time set forth in the final 
debarment decision.



Sec. Sec.  655.74-655.76  [Reserved]



Sec. Sec.  655.80-655.99  [Reserved]



    Subpart B_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Agricultural 
             Employment in the United States (H	2A Workers)

    Source: 75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

[[Page 374]]



Sec.  655.100  Scope and purpose of subpart B.

    This subpart sets out the procedures established by the Secretary of 
the United States Department of Labor (the Secretary) under the 
authority given in 8 U.S.C. 1188 to acquire information sufficient to 
make factual determinations of:
    (a) Whether there are sufficient able, willing, and qualified United 
States (U.S.) workers available to perform the temporary and seasonal 
agricultural employment for which an employer desires to import 
nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers); and
    (b) Whether the employment of H-2A workers will adversely affect the 
wages and working conditions of workers in the U.S. similarly employed.



Sec.  655.101  Authority of the Office of Foreign Labor Certification
(OFLC) Administrator.

    The Secretary has delegated her authority to make determinations 
under 8 U.S.C. 1188 to the Assistant Secretary for the Employment and 
Training Administration (ETA), who in turn has delegated that authority 
to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC). The determinations 
are made by the OFLC Administrator who, in turn, may delegate this 
responsibility to designated staff members; e.g., a Certifying Officer 
(CO).



Sec.  655.102  Special procedures.

    To provide for a limited degree of flexibility in carrying out the 
Secretary's responsibilities under the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(INA), while not deviating from statutory requirements, the OFLC 
Administrator has the authority to establish, continue, revise, or 
revoke special procedures for processing certain H-2A applications. 
Employers must demonstrate upon written application to the OFLC 
Administrator that special procedures are necessary. These include 
special procedures currently in effect for the handling of applications 
for sheepherders in the Western States (and adaptation of such 
procedures to occupations in the range production of other livestock), 
and for custom combine harvesting crews. Similarly, for work in 
occupations characterized by other than a reasonably regular workday or 
workweek, such as the range production of sheep or other livestock, the 
OFLC Administrator has the authority to establish monthly, weekly, or 
semi-monthly adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) for those occupations for 
a statewide or other geographical area. Prior to making determinations 
under this section, the OFLC Administrator may consult with affected 
employer and worker representatives. Special Procedures in place on the 
effective date of this regulation will remain in force until modified by 
the Administrator.



Sec.  655.103  Overview of this subpart and definition of terms.

    (a) Overview. In order to bring nonimmigrant workers to the U.S. to 
perform agricultural work, an employer must first demonstrate to the 
Secretary that there are not sufficient U.S. workers able, willing, and 
qualified to perform the work in the area of intended employment at the 
time needed and that the employment of foreign workers will not 
adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers 
similarly employed. This rule describes a process by which the 
Department of Labor (Department or DOL) makes such a determination and 
certifies its determination to the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS).
    (b) Definitions. For the purposes of this subpart:
    Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). A person within the Department's 
Office of Administrative Law Judges appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105.
    Adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). The wage rate published by the OFLC 
Administrator in the Federal Register for non-range occupations as set 
forth in Sec.  655.120(b) and range occupations as set forth in Sec.  
655.211(c).
    Agent. A legal entity or person, such as an association of 
agricultural employers, or an attorney for an association, that:
    (1) Is authorized to act on behalf of the employer for temporary 
agricultural labor certification purposes;
    (2) Is not itself an employer, or a joint employer, as defined in 
this subpart with respect to a specific application; and

[[Page 375]]

    (3) Is not under suspension, debarment, expulsion, or disbarment 
from practice before any court, the Department, the Executive Office for 
Immigration Review, or DHS under 8 CFR 292.3 or 1003.101.
    Agricultural association. Any nonprofit or cooperative association 
of farmers, growers, or ranchers (including but not limited to 
processing establishments, canneries, gins, packing sheds, nurseries, or 
other similar fixed-site agricultural employers), incorporated or 
qualified under applicable State law, that recruits, solicits, hires, 
employs, furnishes, houses, or transports any worker that is subject to 
8 U.S.C. 1188. An agricultural association may act as the agent of an 
employer, or may act as the sole or joint employer of any worker subject 
to 8 U.S.C. 1188.
    Area of intended employment. The geographic area within normal 
commuting distance of the place of the job opportunity for which the 
certification is sought. There is no rigid measure of distance that 
constitutes a normal commuting distance or normal commuting area, 
because there may be widely varying factual circumstances among 
different areas (e.g., average commuting times, barriers to reaching the 
worksite, or quality of the regional transportation network). If the 
place of intended employment is within a Metropolitan Statistical Area 
(MSA), including a multistate MSA, any place within the MSA is deemed to 
be within normal commuting distance of the place of intended employment. 
The borders of MSAs are not controlling in the identification of the 
normal commuting area; a location outside of an MSA may be within normal 
commuting distance of a location that is inside (e.g., near the border 
of) the MSA.
    Attorney. Any person who is a member in good standing of the bar of 
the highest court of any State, possession, territory, or commonwealth 
of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. Such a person is also 
permitted to act as an agent under this subpart. No attorney who is 
under suspension, debarment, expulsion, or disbarment from practice 
before any court, the Department, the Executive Office for Immigration 
Review under 8 CFR 1003.101, or DHS under 8 CFR 292.3 may represent an 
employer under this subpart.
    Certifying Officer (CO). The person who makes determination on an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification filed under the H-2A 
program. The OFLC Administrator is the national CO. Other COs may be 
designated by the OFLC Administrator to also make the determinations 
required under this subpart.
    Corresponding employment. The employment of workers who are not H-2A 
workers by an employer who has an approved H-2A Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification in any work included in the job 
order, or in any agricultural work performed by the H-2A workers. To 
qualify as corresponding employment the work must be performed during 
the validity period of the job order, including any approved extension 
thereof.
    Date of need. The first date the employer requires the services of 
H-2A workers as indicated in the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.
    Employee. A person who is engaged to perform work for an employer, 
as defined under the general common law of agency. Some of the factors 
relevant to the determination of employee status include: The hiring 
party's right to control the manner and means by which the work is 
accomplished; the skill required to perform the work; the source of the 
instrumentalities and tools for accomplishing the work; the location of 
the work; the hiring party's discretion over when and how long to work; 
and whether the work is part of the regular business of the hiring 
party. Other applicable factors may be considered and no one factor is 
dispositive.
    Employer. A person (including any individual, partnership, 
association, corporation, cooperative, firm, joint stock company, trust, 
or other organization with legal rights and duties) that:
    (1) Has a place of business (physical location) in the U.S. and a 
means by which it may be contacted for employment;
    (2) Has an employer relationship (such as the ability to hire, pay, 
fire, supervise or otherwise control the work of employee) with respect 
to an

[[Page 376]]

H-2A worker or a worker in corresponding employment; and
    (3) Possesses, for purposes of filing an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, a valid Federal Employer Identification Number 
(FEIN).
    Federal holiday. Legal public holiday as defined at 5 U.S.C. 6103.
    Fixed-site employer. Any person engaged in agriculture who meets the 
definition of an employer, as those terms are defined in this subpart, 
who owns or operates a farm, ranch, processing establishment, cannery, 
gin, packing shed, nursery, or other similar fixed-site location where 
agricultural activities are performed and who recruits, solicits, hires, 
employs, houses, or transports any worker subject to 8 U.S.C. 1188, 29 
CFR part 501, or this subpart as incident to or in conjunction with the 
owner's or operator's own agricultural operation.
    H-2A Labor Contractor (H-2ALC). Any person who meets the definition 
of employer under this subpart and is not a fixed-site employer, an 
agricultural association, or an employee of a fixed-site employer or 
agricultural association, as those terms are used in this part, who 
recruits, solicits, hires, employs, furnishes, houses, or transports any 
worker subject to 8 U.S.C. 1188, 29 CFR part 501, or this subpart.
    H-2A worker. Any temporary foreign worker who is lawfully present in 
the U.S. and authorized by DHS to perform agricultural labor or services 
of a temporary or seasonal nature pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), as amended.
    Job offer. The offer made by an employer or potential employer of H-
2A workers to both U.S. and H-2A workers describing all the material 
terms and conditions of employment, including those relating to wages, 
working conditions, and other benefits.
    Job opportunity. Full-time employment at a place in the U.S. to 
which U.S. workers can be referred.
    Job Order. The document containing the material terms and conditions 
of employment that is posted by the State Workforce Agency (SWA) on its 
inter- and intra-state job clearance systems based on the employer's 
Agricultural and Food Processing Clearance Order (Form ETA-790), as 
submitted to the SWA.
    Joint employment. Where two or more employers each have sufficient 
definitional indicia of being an employer to be considered the employer 
of a worker, those employers will be considered to jointly employ that 
worker. Each employer in a joint employment relationship to a worker is 
considered a joint employer of that worker.
    Master application. An Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification filed by an association of agricultural producers as a 
joint employer with its employer-members. A master application must 
cover the same occupations or comparable agricultural employment; the 
same start date of need for all employer-members listed on the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification; and may cover 
multiple areas of intended employment within a single State but no more 
than two contiguous States.
    National Processing Center (NPC). The office within OFLC in which 
the COs operate and which are charged with the adjudication of 
Applications for Temporary Employment Certification.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC). OFLC means the 
organizational component of the ETA that provides national leadership 
and policy guidance and develops regulations and procedures to carry out 
the responsibilities of the Secretary under the INA concerning the 
admission of foreign workers to the U.S. to perform work described in 8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a).
    OFLC Administrator. The primary official of the Office of Foreign 
Labor Certification (OFLC), or the OFLC Administrator's designee.
    Positive recruitment. The active participation of an employer or its 
authorized hiring agent, performed under the auspices and direction of 
the OFLC, in recruiting and interviewing individuals in the area where 
the employer's job opportunity is located and any other State designated 
by the Secretary as an area of traditional or expected labor supply with 
respect to the area where the employer's job opportunity is located, in 
an effort to fill specific job openings with U.S. workers.
    Prevailing practice. A practice engaged in by employers, that:

[[Page 377]]

    (1) Fifty percent or more of employers in an area and for an 
occupation engage in the practice or offer the benefit; and
    (2) This 50 percent or more of employers also employs 50 percent or 
more of U.S. workers in the occupation and area (including H-2A and non-
H-2A employers) for purposes of determinations concerning the provision 
of family housing, and frequency of wage payments, but non-H-2A 
employers only for determinations concerning the provision of advance 
transportation and the utilization of labor contractors.
    Prevailing wage. Wage established pursuant to 20 CFR 653.501(d)(4).
    State Workforce Agency (SWA). State government agency that receives 
funds pursuant to the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.) to 
administer the State's public labor exchange activities.
    Strike. A concerted stoppage of work by employees as a result of a 
labor dispute, or any concerted slowdown or other concerted interruption 
of operation (including stoppage by reason of the expiration of a 
collective bargaining agreement).
    Successor in interest. (1) Where an employer has violated 8 U.S.C. 
1188, 29 CFR part 501, or these regulations, and has ceased doing 
business or cannot be located for purposes of enforcement, a successor 
in interest to that employer may be held liable for the duties and 
obligations of the violating employer in certain circumstances. The 
following factors, as used under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 
the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act, may be considered 
in determining whether an employer is a successor in interest; no one 
factor is dispositive, but all of the circumstances will be considered 
as a whole:
    (i) Substantial continuity of the same business operations;
    (ii) Use of the same facilities;
    (iii) Continuity of the work force;
    (iv) Similarity of jobs and working conditions;
    (v) Similarity of supervisory personnel;
    (vi) Whether the former management or owner retains a direct or 
indirect interest in the new enterprise;
    (vii) Similarity in machinery, equipment, and production methods;
    (viii) Similarity of products and services; and
    (ix) The ability of the predecessor to provide relief.
    (2) For purposes of debarment only, the primary consideration will 
be the personal involvement of the firm's ownership, management, 
supervisors, and others associated with the firm in the violation(s) at 
issue.
    Temporary agricultural labor certification. Certification made by 
the OFLC Administrator with respect to an employer seeking to file with 
DHS a visa petition to employ one or more foreign nationals as an H-2A 
worker, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 1184(a) and (c), and 
1188.
    United States (U.S.). The continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam, the U.S. 
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
(CNMI).
    United States worker (U.S. worker). A worker who is:
    (1) A citizen or national of the U.S.; or
    (2) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the 
U.S., is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, is granted asylum 
under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or is an immigrant otherwise authorized (by the INA 
or by DHS) to be employed in the U.S.; or
    (3) An individual who is not an unauthorized alien (as defined in 8 
U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3)) with respect to the employment in which the worker 
is engaging.
    Wages. All forms of cash remuneration to a worker by an employer in 
payment for personal services.
    Work contract. All the material terms and conditions of employment 
relating to wages, hours, working conditions, and other benefits, 
including those required by 8 U.S.C. 1188, 29 CFR part 501, or this 
subpart. The contract between the employer and the worker may be in the 
form of a separate written document. In the absence of a separate 
written work contract incorporating the required terms and conditions of 
employment, agreed to by both the employer and the worker, the work 
contract at a minimum will be the terms

[[Page 378]]

of the job order and any obligations required under 8 U.S.C. 1188, 28 
CFR part 501, or this subpart.
    (c) Definition of agricultural labor or services. For the purposes 
of this subpart, agricultural labor or services, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), is defined as: agricultural labor as defined and 
applied in sec. 3121(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 at 26 
U.S.C. 3121(g); agriculture as defined and applied in sec. 3(f) of the 
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) at 29 U.S.C. 203(f); the 
pressing of apples for cider on a farm; or logging employment. An 
occupation included in either statutory definition is agricultural labor 
or services, notwithstanding the exclusion of that occupation from the 
other statutory definition. For informational purposes, the statutory 
provisions are listed below.
    (1)(i) Agricultural labor for the purpose of paragraph (c) of this 
section means all service performed:
    (A) On a farm, in the employ of any person, in connection with 
cultivating the soil, or in connection with raising or harvesting any 
agricultural or horticultural commodity, including the raising, 
shearing, feeding, caring for, training, and management of livestock, 
bees, poultry, and fur-bearing animals and wildlife;
    (B) In the employ of the owner or tenant or other operator of a 
farm, in connection with the operation, management, conservation, 
improvement, or maintenance of such farm and its tools and equipment, or 
in salvaging timber or clearing land of brush and other debris left by a 
hurricane, if the major part of such service is performed on a farm;
    (C) In connection with the production or harvesting of any commodity 
defined as an agricultural commodity in section 15(g) of the 
Agricultural Marketing Act, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1141j), or in 
connection with the ginning of cotton, or in connection with the 
operation or maintenance of ditches, canals, reservoirs, or waterways, 
not owned or operated for profit, used exclusively for supplying and 
storing water for farming purposes;
    (D) In the employ of the operator of a farm in handling, planting, 
drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, grading, storing, or 
delivering to storage or to market or to a carrier for transportation to 
market, in its unmanufactured state, any agricultural or horticultural 
commodity; but only if such operator produced more than one-half of the 
commodity with respect to which such service is performed;
    (E) In the employ of a group of operators of farms (other than a 
cooperative organization) in the performance of service described in 
paragraph (c)(1)(iv) of this section but only if such operators produced 
all of the commodity with respect to which such service is performed. 
For purposes of this paragraph, any unincorporated group of operators 
shall be deemed a cooperative organization if the number of operators 
comprising such group is more than 20 at any time during the calendar 
year in which such service is performed;
    (F) The provisions of paragraphs (c)(1)(iv) and (c)(1)(v) of this 
section shall not be deemed to be applicable with respect to service 
performed in connection with commercial canning or commercial freezing 
or in connection with any agricultural or horticultural commodity after 
its delivery to a terminal market for distribution for consumption; or
    (G) On a farm operated for profit if such service is not in the 
course of the employer's trade or business or is domestic service in a 
private home of the employer.
    (ii) As used in this section, the term farm includes stock, dairy, 
poultry, fruit, fur-bearing animal, and truck farms, plantations, 
ranches, nurseries, ranges, greenhouses or other similar structures used 
primarily for the raising of agricultural or horticultural commodities, 
and orchards.
    (2) Agriculture. For purposes of paragraph (c) of this section, 
agriculture means farming in all its branches and among other things 
includes the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, the 
production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or 
horticultural commodities (including commodities defined as agricultural 
commodities in 1141j(g) of title 12, the raising of livestock, bees, 
fur-bearing animals, or poultry, and any practices (including any 
forestry or lumbering operations) performed by a

[[Page 379]]

farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such 
farming operations, including preparation for market, delivery to 
storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market. See 
sec. 29 U.S.C. 203(f), as amended (sec. 3(f) of the FLSA, as codified). 
Under 12 U.S.C. 1141j(g) agricultural commodities include, in addition 
to other agricultural commodities, crude gum (oleoresin) from a living 
tree, and the following products as processed by the original producer 
of the crude gum (oleoresin) from which derived: gum spirits of 
turpentine and gum rosin. In addition as defined in 7 U.S.C. 92, gum 
spirits of turpentine means spirits of turpentine made from gum 
(oleoresin) from a living tree and gum rosin means rosin remaining after 
the distillation of gum spirits of turpentine.
    (3) Apple pressing for cider. The pressing of apples for cider on a 
farm, as the term farm is defined and applied in sec. 3121(g) of the 
Internal Revenue Code at 26 U.S.C. 3121(g) or as applied in sec. 3(f) of 
the FLSA at 29 U.S.C. 203(f), pursuant to 29 CFR part 780.
    (4) Logging employment. Operations associated with felling and 
moving trees and logs from the stump to the point of delivery, such as, 
but not limited to, marking danger trees and trees/logs to be cut to 
length, felling, limbing, bucking, debarking, chipping, yarding, 
loading, unloading, storing, and transporting machines, equipment and 
personnel to, from and between logging sites.
    (d) Definition of a temporary or seasonal nature. For the purposes 
of this subpart, employment is of a seasonal nature where it is tied to 
a certain time of year by an event or pattern, such as a short annual 
growing cycle or a specific aspect of a longer cycle, and requires labor 
levels far above those necessary for ongoing operations. Employment is 
of a temporary nature where the employer's need to fill the position 
with a temporary worker will, except in extraordinary circumstances, 
last no longer than 1 year.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 70477, Nov. 5, 2020]

                          Prefiling Procedures



Sec.  655.120  Offered wage rate.

    (a) To comply with its obligation under Sec.  655.122(l), an 
employer must offer, advertise in its recruitment, and pay a wage that 
is the highest of the AEWR, the prevailing hourly wage or piece rate, 
the agreed-upon collective bargaining wage, or the Federal or State 
minimum wage, except where a special procedure is approved for an 
occupation or specific class of agricultural employment.
    (b)(1) Except for occupations governed by the procedures in 
Sec. Sec.  655.200 through 655.235, the OFLC Administrator will 
determine the AEWRs as follows:
    (i) If the occupation and geographic area were included in the 
Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Labor Survey (FLS) for wages 
paid to field and livestock workers (combined) as reported for November 
2019:
    (A) For the period from December 21, 2020 through calendar year 
2022, the AEWR shall be the annual average hourly gross wage for field 
and livestock workers (combined) in effect on January 2, 2020; and
    (B) Beginning calendar year 2023, and annually thereafter, the AEWR 
shall be adjusted based on the Employment Cost Index (ECI) for wages and 
salaries published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the most 
recent preceding 12 months.
    (ii) If the occupation or geographic area was not included in the 
USDA FLS for wages paid to field and livestock workers (combined) as 
reported for November 2019:
    (A) The AEWR shall be the statewide annual average hourly gross wage 
for the occupation if one is reported by the Occupational Employment 
Statistics (OES) survey; or
    (B) If no statewide wage for the occupation and geographic area is 
reported by the OES survey, the AEWR shall be the national average 
hourly gross wage for the occupation reported by the OES survey.
    (iii) The AEWR methodologies described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and 
(ii) of this section shall apply to all job orders submitted, as set 
forth in Sec.  655.121, on or after December 21, 2020, including

[[Page 380]]

job orders filed concurrently with an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification to the NPC for emergency situations under Sec.  
655.134.
    (2) The OFLC Administrator will publish a notice in the Federal 
Register, at least once in each calendar year, on a date to be 
determined by the OFLC Administrator, establishing each AEWR.
    (3)-(4) [Reserved]
    (5) If the job duties on the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification do not fall within a single occupational classification, 
the applicable AEWR shall be the highest AEWR for all applicable 
occupational classifications.
    (c) If the prevailing hourly wage rate or piece rate is adjusted 
during a work contract, and is higher than the highest of the AEWR, the 
prevailing wage, the agreed-upon collective bargaining wage, or the 
Federal or State minimum wage, in effect at the time the work is 
performed, the employer must pay that higher prevailing wage or piece 
rate, upon notice to the employer by the Department.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 70477, Nov. 5, 2020]



Sec.  655.121  Job orders.

    (a) Area of intended employment. (1) Prior to filing an Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification, the employer must submit a job 
order, Form ETA-790, to the SWA serving the area of intended employment 
for intrastate clearance, identifying it as a job order to be placed in 
connection with a future Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification for H-2A workers. The employer must submit this job order 
no more than 75 calendar days and no fewer than 60 calendar days before 
the date of need. If the job opportunity is located in more than one 
State within the same area of intended employment, the employer may 
submit a job order to any one of the SWAs having jurisdiction over the 
anticipated worksites.
    (2) Where the job order is being placed in connection with a future 
master application to be filed by an association of agricultural 
employers as a joint employer, the association may submit a single job 
order to be placed in the name of the association on behalf of all 
employers that will be duly named on the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification.
    (3) The job order submitted to the SWA must satisfy the requirements 
for agricultural clearance orders in 20 CFR part 653, subpart F and the 
requirements set forth in Sec.  655.122.
    (b) SWA review. (1) The SWA will review the contents of the job 
order for compliance with the requirements specified in 20 CFR part 653, 
subpart F and this subpart, and will work with the employer to address 
any noted deficiencies. The SWA must notify the employer in writing of 
any deficiencies in its job order no later than 7 calendar days after it 
has been submitted. The SWA notification will direct the employer to 
respond to the noted deficiencies. The employer must respond to the 
deficiencies noted by the SWA within 5 calendar days after receipt of 
the SWA notification. The SWA must respond to the employer's response 
within 3 calendar days.
    (2) If, after providing responses to the deficiencies noted by the 
SWA, the employer is not able to resolve the deficiencies with the SWA, 
the employer may file an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification pursuant to the emergency filing procedures contained in 
Sec.  655.134, with a statement describing the nature of the dispute and 
demonstrating compliance with its requirements under this section. In 
the event the SWA does not respond within the stated timelines, the 
employer may use the emergency filing procedures noted above. If upon 
review of the Application for Temporary Employment Certification and the 
job order and all other relevant information, the CO concludes that the 
job order is acceptable, the CO will direct the SWA to place the job 
order into intrastate and interstate clearance and otherwise process the 
Application in accordance with the procedures contained in Sec.  
655.134(c). If the CO determines the job order is not acceptable, the CO 
will issue a Notice of Deficiency to the employer under Sec.  655.143 of 
this subpart directing the employer to modify the job order pursuant to 
paragraph (e) of this section The Notice of Deficiency will offer the 
employer the right to appeal.

[[Page 381]]

    (c) Intrastate clearance. Upon its clearance of the job order, the 
SWA must promptly place the job order in intrastate clearance and 
commence recruitment of U.S. workers. Where the employer's job order 
references an area of intended employment which falls within the 
jurisdiction of more than one SWA, the originating SWA will also forward 
a copy of the approved job order to the other SWAs serving the area of 
intended employment.
    (d) Duration of job order posting. The SWA must keep the job order 
on its active file until the end of the recruitment period, as set forth 
in Sec.  655.135(d), and must refer each U.S. worker who applies (or on 
whose behalf an Application for Temporary Employment Certification is 
made) for the job opportunity.
    (e) Modifications to the job order. (1) Prior to the issuance of the 
final determination, the CO may require modifications to the job order 
when the CO determines that the offer of employment does not contain all 
the minimum benefits, wages, and working condition provisions. Such 
modifications must be made or certification will be denied pursuant to 
Sec.  655.164 of this subpart.
    (2) The employer may request a modification of the job order, Form 
ETA-790, prior to the submission of an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. However, the employer may not reject referrals 
against the job order based upon a failure on the part of the applicant 
to meet the amended criteria, if such referral was made prior to the 
amendment of the job order. The employer may not amend the job order on 
or after the date of filing an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.
    (3) The employer must provide all workers recruited in connection 
with the Application for Temporary Employment Certification with a copy 
of the modified job order or work contract which reflects the amended 
terms and conditions, on the first day of employment, in accordance with 
Sec.  655.122(q), or as soon as practicable, whichever comes first.



Sec.  655.122  Contents of job offers.

    (a) Prohibition against preferential treatment of aliens. The 
employer's job offer must offer to U.S. workers no less than the same 
benefits, wages, and working conditions that the employer is offering, 
intends to offer, or will provide to H-2A workers. Job offers may not 
impose on U.S. workers any restrictions or obligations that will not be 
imposed on the employer's H-2A workers. This does not relieve the 
employer from providing to H-2A workers at least the same level of 
minimum benefits, wages, and working conditions which must be offered to 
U.S. workers consistent with this section.
    (b) Job qualifications and requirements. Each job qualification and 
requirement listed in the job offer must be bona fide and consistent 
with the normal and accepted qualifications required by employers that 
do not use H-2A workers in the same or comparable occupations and crops. 
Either the CO or the SWA may require the employer to submit 
documentation to substantiate the appropriateness of any job 
qualification specified in the job offer.
    (c) Minimum benefits, wages, and working conditions. Every job order 
accompanying an Application for Temporary Employment Certification must 
include each of the minimum benefit, wage, and working condition 
provisions listed in paragraphs (d) through (q) of this section.
    (d) Housing. (1) Obligation to provide housing. The employer must 
provide housing at no cost to the H-2A workers and those workers in 
corresponding employment who are not reasonably able to return to their 
residence within the same day. Housing must be provided through one of 
the following means:
    (i) Employer-provided housing. Employer-provided housing must meet 
the full set of DOL Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
standards set forth at 29 CFR 1910.142, or the full set of standards at 
Sec. Sec.  654.404 through 654.417 of this chapter, whichever are 
applicable under Sec.  654.401 of this chapter. Requests by employers 
whose housing does not meet the applicable standards for conditional 
access to the interstate clearance system, will be processed under the 
procedures set forth at Sec.  654.403 of this chapter; or
    (ii) Rental and/or public accommodations. Rental or public 
accommodations

[[Page 382]]

or other substantially similar class of habitation must meet local 
standards for such housing. In the absence of applicable local 
standards, State standards will apply. In the absence of applicable 
local or State standards, DOL OSHA standards at 29 CFR 1910.142 will 
apply. Any charges for rental housing must be paid directly by the 
employer to the owner or operator of the housing. The employer must 
document to the satisfaction of the CO that the housing complies with 
the local, State, or Federal housing standards.
    (2) Standards for range housing. Housing for workers principally 
engaged in the range production of livestock must meet standards of DOL 
OSHA for such housing. In the absence of such standards, range housing 
for sheepherders and other workers engaged in the range production of 
livestock must meet guidelines issued by OFLC.
    (3) Deposit charges. Charges in the form of deposits for bedding or 
other similar incidentals related to housing must not be levied upon 
workers. However, employers may require workers to reimburse them for 
damage caused to housing by the individual worker(s) found to have been 
responsible for damage which is not the result of normal wear and tear 
related to habitation.
    (4) Charges for public housing. If public housing provided for 
migrant agricultural workers under the auspices of a local, county, or 
State government is secured by the employer, the employer must pay any 
charges normally required for use of the public housing units directly 
to the housing's management.
    (5) Family housing. When it is the prevailing practice in the area 
of intended employment and the occupation to provide family housing, it 
must be provided to workers with families who request it.
    (6) Certified housing that becomes unavailable. If after a request 
to certify housing, such housing becomes unavailable for reasons outside 
the employer's control, the employer may substitute other rental or 
public accommodation housing that is in compliance with the local, 
State, or Federal housing standards applicable under this section. The 
employer must promptly notify the SWA in writing of the change in 
accommodations and the reason(s) for such change and provide the SWA 
evidence of compliance with the applicable local, State or Federal 
safety and health standards, in accordance with the requirements of this 
section. If, upon inspection, the SWA determines the substituted housing 
does not meet the applicable housing standards, the SWA must promptly 
provide written notification to the employer to cure the deficiencies 
with a copy to the CO. An employer's failure to provide housing that 
complies with the applicable standards will result in either a denial of 
a pending Application for Temporary Employment Certification or 
revocation of the temporary labor certification granted under this 
subpart.
    (e) Workers' compensation. (1) The employer must provide workers' 
compensation insurance coverage in compliance with State law covering 
injury and disease arising out of and in the course of the worker's 
employment. If the type of employment for which the certification is 
sought is not covered by or is exempt from the State's workers' 
compensation law, the employer must provide, at no cost to the worker, 
insurance covering injury and disease arising out of and in the course 
of the worker's employment that will provide benefits at least equal to 
those provided under the State workers' compensation law for other 
comparable employment.
    (2) Prior to issuance of the temporary labor certification, the 
employer must provide the CO with proof of workers' compensation 
insurance coverage meeting the requirements of this paragraph, including 
the name of the insurance carrier, the insurance policy number, and 
proof of insurance for the dates of need, or, if appropriate, proof of 
State law coverage.
    (f) Employer-provided items. The employer must provide to the 
worker, without charge or deposit charge, all tools, supplies, and 
equipment required to perform the duties assigned.
    (g) Meals. The employer either must provide each worker with three 
meals a day or must furnish free and convenient cooking and kitchen 
facilities to the workers that will enable the workers to prepare their 
own meals. Where the employer provides the meals, the

[[Page 383]]

job offer must state the charge, if any, to the worker for such meals. 
The amount of meal charges is governed by Sec.  655.173.
    (h) Transportation; daily subsistence--(1) Transportation to place 
of employment. If the employer has not previously advanced such 
transportation and subsistence costs to the worker or otherwise provided 
such transportation or subsistence directly to the worker by other means 
and if the worker completes 50 percent of the work contract period, the 
employer must pay the worker for reasonable costs incurred by the worker 
for transportation and daily subsistence from the place from which the 
worker has come to work for the employer, whether in the U.S. or abroad 
to the place of employment. When it is the prevailing practice of non-H-
2A agricultural employers in the occupation in the area to do so, or 
when the employer extends such benefits to similarly situated H-2A 
workers, the employer must advance the required transportation and 
subsistence costs (or otherwise provide them) to workers in 
corresponding employment who are traveling to the employer's worksite. 
The amount of the transportation payment must be no less (and is not 
required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common 
carrier transportation charges for the distances involved. The amount of 
the daily subsistence payment must be at least as much as the employer 
would charge the worker for providing the worker with three meals a day 
during employment (if applicable), but in no event less than the amount 
permitted under Sec.  655.173(a). Note that the FLSA applies 
independently of the H-2A requirements and imposes obligations on 
employers regarding payment of wages.
    (2) Transportation from place of employment. If the worker completes 
the work contract period, or if the employee is terminated without 
cause, and the worker has no immediate subsequent H-2A employment, the 
employer must provide or pay for the worker's transportation and daily 
subsistence from the place of employment to the place from which the 
worker, disregarding intervening employment, departed to work for the 
employer. If the worker has contracted with a subsequent employer who 
has not agreed in such work contract to provide or pay for the worker's 
transportation and daily subsistence expenses from the employer's 
worksite to such subsequent employer's worksite, the employer must 
provide or pay for such expenses. If the worker has contracted with a 
subsequent employer who has agreed in such work contract to provide or 
pay for the worker's transportation and daily subsistence expenses from 
the employer's worksite to such subsequent employer's worksite, the 
subsequent employer must provide or pay for such expenses. The employer 
is not relieved of its obligation to provide or pay for return 
transportation and subsistence if an H-2A worker is displaced as a 
result of the employer's compliance with the 50 percent rule as 
described in Sec.  655.135(d) of this subpart with respect to the 
referrals made after the employer's date of need.
    (3) Transportation between living quarters and worksite. The 
employer must provide transportation between housing provided or secured 
by the employer and the employer's worksite at no cost to the worker.
    (4) Employer-provided transportation. All employer-provided 
transportation must comply with all applicable Federal, State or local 
laws and regulations, and must provide, at a minimum, the same 
transportation safety standards, driver licensure, and vehicle insurance 
as required under 29 U.S.C. 1841 and 29 CFR 500.105 and 29 CFR 500.120 
to 500.128. If workers' compensation is used to cover transportation, in 
lieu of vehicle insurance, the employer must either ensure that the 
workers' compensation covers all travel or that vehicle insurance exists 
to provide coverage for travel not covered by workers' compensation and 
they must have property damage insurance.
    (i) Three-fourths guarantee--(1) Offer to worker. The employer must 
guarantee to offer the worker employment for a total number of work 
hours equal to at least three-fourths of the workdays of the total 
period beginning with the first workday after the arrival of the worker 
at the place of employment or the advertised contractual first date of 
need, whichever is later, and ending on the expiration date specified in 
the

[[Page 384]]

work contract or in its extensions, if any.
    (i) For purposes of this paragraph a workday means the number of 
hours in a workday as stated in the job order and excludes the worker's 
Sabbath and Federal holidays. The employer must offer a total number of 
hours to ensure the provision of sufficient work to reach the three-
fourths guarantee. The work hours must be offered during the work period 
specified in the work contract, or during any modified work contract 
period to which the worker and employer have mutually agreed and that 
has been approved by the CO.
    (ii) The work contract period can be shortened by agreement of the 
parties only with the approval of the CO. In the event the worker begins 
working later than the specified beginning date of the contract, the 
guarantee period begins with the first workday after the arrival of the 
worker at the place of employment, and continues until the last day 
during which the work contract and all extensions thereof are in effect.
    (iii) Therefore, if, for example, a work contract is for a 10-week 
period, during which a normal workweek is specified as 6 days a week, 8 
hours per day, the worker would have to be guaranteed employment for at 
least 360 hours (10 weeks x 48 hours/week = 480 hours x 75 percent = 
360). If a Federal holiday occurred during the 10-week span, the 8 hours 
would be deducted from the total hours for the work contract, before the 
guarantee is calculated. Continuing with the above example, the worker 
would have to be guaranteed employment for 354 hours (10 weeks x 48 
hours/week = 480 hours - 8 hours (Federal holiday) x 75 percent = 354 
hours).
    (iv) A worker may be offered more than the specified hours of work 
on a single workday. For purposes of meeting the guarantee, however, the 
worker will not be required to work for more than the number of hours 
specified in the job order for a workday, or on the worker's Sabbath or 
Federal holidays. However, all hours of work actually performed may be 
counted by the employer in calculating whether the period of guaranteed 
employment has been met. If during the total work contract period the 
employer affords the U.S. or H-2A worker less employment than that 
required under this paragraph, the employer must pay such worker the 
amount the worker would have earned had the worker, in fact, worked for 
the guaranteed number of days. An employer will not be considered to 
have met the work guarantee if the employer has merely offered work on 
three-fourths of the workdays if each workday did not consist of a full 
number of hours of work time as specified in the job order.
    (2) Guarantee for piece rate paid worker. If the worker is paid on a 
piece rate basis, the employer must use the worker's average hourly 
piece rate earnings or the required hourly wage rate, whichever is 
higher, to calculate the amount due under the guarantee.
    (3) Failure to work. Any hours the worker fails to work, up to a 
maximum of the number of hours specified in the job order for a workday, 
when the worker has been offered an opportunity to work in accordance 
with paragraph (i)(1) of this section, and all hours of work actually 
performed (including voluntary work over 8 hours in a workday or on the 
worker's Sabbath or Federal holidays), may be counted by the employer in 
calculating whether the period of guaranteed employment has been met. An 
employer seeking to calculate whether the number of hours has been met 
must maintain the payroll records in accordance with this subpart.
    (4) Displaced H-2A worker. The employer is not liable for payment of 
the three-fourths guarantee to an H-2A worker whom the CO certifies is 
displaced because of the employer's compliance with the 50 percent rule 
described in Sec.  655.135(d) with respect to referrals made during that 
period.
    (5) Obligation to provide housing and meals. Notwithstanding the 
three-fourths guarantee contained in this section, employers are 
obligated to provide housing and meals in accordance with paragraphs (d) 
and (g) of this section for each day of the contract period up until the 
day the workers depart for other H-2A employment, depart to the place 
outside of the U.S. from which the worker came, or, if the

[[Page 385]]

worker voluntarily abandons employment or is terminated for cause, the 
day of such abandonment or termination.
    (j) Earnings records. (1) The employer must keep accurate and 
adequate records with respect to the workers' earnings, including but 
not limited to field tally records, supporting summary payroll records, 
and records showing the nature and amount of the work performed; the 
number of hours of work offered each day by the employer (broken out by 
hours offered both in accordance with and over and above the three-
fourths guarantee at paragraph (i)(3) of this section); the hours 
actually worked each day by the worker; the time the worker began and 
ended each workday; the rate of pay (both piece rate and hourly, if 
applicable); the worker's earnings per pay period; the worker's home 
address; and the amount of and reasons for any and all deductions taken 
from the worker's wages.
    (2) Each employer must keep the records required by this part, 
including field tally records and supporting summary payroll records, 
safe and accessible at the place or places of employment, or at one or 
more established central recordkeeping offices where such records are 
customarily maintained. All records must be available for inspection and 
transcription by the Secretary or a duly authorized and designated 
representative, and by the worker and representatives designated by the 
worker as evidenced by appropriate documentation (an Entry of Appearance 
as Attorney or Representative, Form G-28, signed by the worker, or an 
affidavit signed by the worker confirming such representation). Where 
the records are maintained at a central recordkeeping office, other than 
in the place or places of employment, such records must be made 
available for inspection and copying within 72 hours following notice 
from the Secretary, or a duly authorized and designated representative, 
and by the worker and designated representatives as described in this 
paragraph.
    (3) To assist in determining whether the three-fourths guarantee in 
paragraph (i) of this section has been met, if the number of hours 
worked by the worker on a day during the work contract period is less 
than the number of hours offered, as specified in the job offer, the 
records must state the reason or reasons therefore.
    (4) The employer must retain the records for not less than 3 years 
after the date of the certification.
    (k) Hours and earnings statements. The employer must furnish to the 
worker on or before each payday in one or more written statements the 
following information:
    (1) The worker's total earnings for the pay period;
    (2) The worker's hourly rate and/or piece rate of pay;
    (3) The hours of employment offered to the worker (showing offers in 
accordance with the three-fourths guarantee as determined in paragraph 
(i) of this section, separate from any hours offered over and above the 
guarantee);
    (4) The hours actually worked by the worker;
    (5) An itemization of all deductions made from the worker's wages;
    (6) If piece rates are used, the units produced daily;
    (7) Beginning and ending dates of the pay period; and
    (8) The employer's name, address and FEIN.
    (l) Rates of pay. If the worker is paid by the hour, the employer 
must pay the worker at least the AEWR, the prevailing hourly wage rate, 
the prevailing piece rate, the agreed-upon collective bargaining rate, 
or the Federal or State minimum wage rate, in effect at the time work is 
performed, whichever is highest, for every hour or portion thereof 
worked during a pay period.
    (1) The offered wage may not be based on commission, bonuses, or 
other incentives, unless the employer guarantees a wage paid on a 
weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly basis that equals or exceeds the AEWR, 
prevailing hourly wage or piece rate, the legal Federal or State minimum 
wage, or any agreed-upon collective bargaining rate, whichever is 
highest; or
    (2) If the worker is paid on a piece rate basis and at the end of 
the pay period the piece rate does not result in average hourly piece 
rate earnings during the pay period at least equal to the

[[Page 386]]

amount the worker would have earned had the worker been paid at the 
appropriate hourly rate:
    (i) The worker's pay must be supplemented at that time so that the 
worker's earnings are at least as much as the worker would have earned 
during the pay period if the worker had instead been paid at the 
appropriate hourly wage rate for each hour worked;
    (ii) The piece rate must be no less than the piece rate prevailing 
for the activity in the area of intended employment; and
    (iii) If the employer who pays by the piece rate requires one or 
more minimum productivity standards of workers as a condition of job 
retention, such standards must be specified in the job offer and be no 
more than those required by the employer in 1977, unless the OFLC 
Administrator approves a higher minimum, or, if the employer first 
applied for H-2A temporary labor certification after 1977, such 
standards must be no more than those normally required (at the time of 
the first Application for Temporary Employment Certification) by other 
employers for the activity in the area of intended employment.
    (m) Frequency of pay. The employer must state in the job offer the 
frequency with which the worker will be paid, which must be at least 
twice monthly or according to the prevailing practice in the area of 
intended employment, whichever is more frequent. Employers must pay 
wages when due.
    (n) Abandonment of employment or termination for cause. If the 
worker voluntarily abandons employment before the end of the contract 
period, or is terminated for cause, and the employer notifies the NPC, 
and DHS in the case of an H-2A worker, in writing or by any other method 
specified by the Department or DHS in a manner specified in a notice 
published in the Federal Register not later than 2 working days after 
such abandonment occurs, the employer will not be responsible for 
providing or paying for the subsequent transportation and subsistence 
expenses of that worker under this section, and that worker is not 
entitled to the three-fourths guarantee described in paragraph (i) of 
this section. Abandonment will be deemed to begin after a worker fails 
to report for work at the regularly scheduled time for 5 consecutive 
working days without the consent of the employer.
    (o) Contract impossibility. If, before the expiration date specified 
in the work contract, the services of the worker are no longer required 
for reasons beyond the control of the employer due to fire, weather, or 
other Act of God that makes the fulfillment of the contract impossible, 
the employer may terminate the work contract. Whether such an event 
constitutes a contract impossibility will be determined by the CO. In 
the event of such termination of a contract, the employer must fulfill a 
three-fourths guarantee for the time that has elapsed from the start of 
the work contract to the time of its termination, as described in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this section. The employer must make efforts to 
transfer the worker to other comparable employment acceptable to the 
worker, consistent with existing immigration law, as applicable. If such 
transfer is not affected, the employer must:
    (1) Return the worker, at the employer's expense, to the place from 
which the worker (disregarding intervening employment) came to work for 
the employer, or transport the worker to the worker's next certified H-
2A employer, whichever the worker prefers;
    (2) Reimburse the worker the full amount of any deductions made from 
the worker's pay by the employer for transportation and subsistence 
expenses to the place of employment; and
    (3) Pay the worker for any costs incurred by the worker for 
transportation and daily subsistence to that employer's place of 
employment. Daily subsistence must be computed as set forth in paragraph 
(h) of this section. The amount of the transportation payment must not 
be less (and is not required to be more) than the most economical and 
reasonable common carrier transportation charges for the distances 
involved.
    (p) Deductions. (1) The employer must make all deductions from the 
worker's paycheck required by law. The job offer must specify all 
deductions not required by law which the employer will make from the 
worker's paycheck. All deductions must be reasonable. The

[[Page 387]]

employer may deduct the cost of the worker's transportation and daily 
subsistence expenses to the place of employment which were borne 
directly by the employer. In such circumstances, the job offer must 
state that the worker will be reimbursed the full amount of such 
deduction upon the worker's completion of 50 percent of the work 
contract period. However, an employer subject to the FLSA may not make 
deductions that would violate the FLSA.
    (2) A deduction is not reasonable if it includes a profit to the 
employer or to any affiliated person. A deduction that is primarily for 
the benefit or convenience of the employer will not be recognized as 
reasonable and therefore the cost of such an item may not be included in 
computing wages. The wage requirements of Sec.  655.120 will not be met 
where undisclosed or unauthorized deductions, rebates, or refunds reduce 
the wage payment made to the employee below the minimum amounts required 
under this subpart, or where the employee fails to receive such amounts 
free and clear because the employee kicks back directly or indirectly to 
the employer or to another person for the employer's benefit the whole 
or part of the wage delivered to the employee. The principles applied in 
determining whether deductions are reasonable and payments are received 
free and clear, and the permissibility of deductions for payments to 
third persons are explained in more detail in 29 CFR part 531.
    (q) Disclosure of work contract. The employer must provide to an H-
2A worker no later than the time at which the worker applies for the 
visa, or to a worker in corresponding employment no later than on the 
day work commences, a copy of the work contract between the employer and 
the worker in a language understood by the worker as necessary or 
reasonable. For an H-2A worker going from an H-2A employer to a 
subsequent H-2A employer, the copy must be provided no later than the 
time an offer of employment is made by the subsequent H-2A employer. At 
a minimum, the work contract must contain all of the provisions required 
by this section. In the absence of a separate, written work contract 
entered into between the employer and the worker, the required terms of 
the job order and the certified Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification will be the work contract.

  Application for Temporary Employment Certification Filing Procedures



Sec.  655.130  Application filing requirements.

    All agricultural employers who desire to hire H-2A foreign 
agricultural workers must apply for a certification from the Secretary 
by filing an Application for Temporary Employment Certification with the 
NPC designated by the OFLC Administrator. The following section provides 
the procedures employers must follow when filing.
    (a) What to file. An employer, whether individual, association, or 
an H-2ALC, that desires to apply for temporary employment certification 
of one or more nonimmigrant foreign workers must file a completed 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification form and, unless a 
specific exemption applies, a copy of Form ETA-790, submitted to the SWA 
serving the area of intended employment, as set forth in Sec.  
655.121(a).
    (b) Timeliness. A completed Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must be filed no less than 45 calendar days before the 
employer's date of need.
    (c) Location and method of filing. The employer may send the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and all required 
supporting documentation by U.S. Mail or private mail courier to the 
NPC. The Department will publish a Notice in the Federal Register 
identifying the address(es), and any future address changes, to which 
Applications for Temporary Employment Certification must be mailed, and 
will also post these addresses on the OFLC Internet Web site at http://
www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/. The Department may also require 
Applications for Temporary Employment Certification, at a future date, 
to be filed electronically in addition to or instead of by mail, notice 
of which will be published in the Federal Register.
    (d) Original signature. The Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification

[[Page 388]]

must bear the original signature of the employer (and that of the 
employer's authorized attorney or agent if the employer is represented 
by an attorney or agent). An association filing a master application as 
a joint employer may sign on behalf of its employer members. An 
association filing as an agent may not sign on behalf of its members but 
must obtain each member's signature on each Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification prior to filing.
    (e) Information received in the course of processing Applications 
for Temporary Employment Certification and program integrity measures 
such as audits may be forwarded from OFLC to Wage and Hour Division 
(WHD) for enforcement purposes.



Sec.  655.131  Association filing requirements.

    If an association files an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, in addition to complying with all the assurances, 
guarantees, and other requirements contained in this subpart and in part 
653, subpart F, of this chapter, the following requirements also apply.
    (a) Individual applications. Associations of agricultural employers 
may file an Application for Temporary Employment Certification for H-2A 
workers as a sole employer, a joint employer, or agent. The association 
must identify in the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
in what capacity it is filing. The association must retain documentation 
substantiating the employer or agency status of the association and be 
prepared to submit such documentation in response to a Notice of 
Deficiency from the CO prior to issuing a Final Determination, or in the 
event of an audit.
    (b) Master applications. An association may file a master 
application on behalf of its employer-members. The master application is 
available only when the association is filing as a joint employer. An 
association may submit a master application covering the same occupation 
or comparable work available with a number of its employer-members in 
multiple areas of intended employment, just as though all of the covered 
employers were in fact a single employer, as long as a single date of 
need is provided for all workers requested by the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and all employer-members are located 
in no more than two contiguous States. The association must identify on 
the Application for Temporary Employment Certification by name, address, 
total number of workers needed, and the crops and agricultural work to 
be performed, each employer that will employ H-2A workers. The 
association, as appropriate, will receive a certified Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification that can be copied and sent to the 
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with each 
employer-member's petition.



Sec.  655.132  H-2A labor contractor (H-2ALC) filing requirements.

    If an H-2ALC intends to file an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, the H-2ALC must meet all of the requirements of the 
definition of employer in Sec.  655.103(b), and comply with all the 
assurances, guarantees, and other requirements contained in this part, 
including Assurances and Obligations of H-2A Employers, and in part 653, 
subpart F, of this chapter.
    (a) Scope of H-2ALC Applications. An Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification filed by an H-2ALC must be limited to a single 
area of intended employment in which the fixed-site employer(s) to whom 
an H-2ALC is furnishing employees will be utilizing the employees.
    (b) Required information and submissions. An H-2ALC must include in 
or with its Application for Temporary Employment Certification the 
following:
    (1) The name and location of each fixed-site agricultural business 
to which the H-2ALC expects to provide H-2A workers, the expected 
beginning and ending dates when the H-2ALC will be providing the workers 
to each fixed site, and a description of the crops and activities the 
workers are expected to perform at such fixed site.
    (2) A copy of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker 
Protection Act (MSPA) Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) Certificate of 
Registration, if required under MSPA at 29 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., 
identifying the specific farm labor

[[Page 389]]

contracting activities the H-2ALC is authorized to perform as an FLC.
    (3) Proof of its ability to discharge financial obligations under 
the H-2A program by including with the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification the original surety bond as required by 29 CFR 
501.9. The bond document must clearly identify the issuer, the name, 
address, phone number, and contact person for the surety, and provide 
the amount of the bond (as calculated pursuant to 29 CFR 501.9) and any 
identifying designation used by the surety for the bond.
    (4) Copies of the fully-executed work contracts with each fixed-site 
agricultural business identified under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (5) Where the fixed-site agricultural business will provide housing 
or transportation to the workers, proof that:
    (i) All housing used by workers and owned, operated or secured by 
the fixed-site agricultural business complies with the applicable 
standards as set forth in Sec.  655.122(d) and certified by the SWA; and
    (ii) All transportation between the worksite and the workers' living 
quarters that is provided by the fixed-site agricultural business 
complies with all applicable Federal, State, or local laws and 
regulations and must provide, at a minimum, the same vehicle safety 
standards, driver licensure, and vehicle insurance as required under 29 
U.S.C. 1841 and 29 CFR 500.105 and 500.120 to 500.128, except where 
workers' compensation is used to cover such transportation as described 
in Sec.  655.125(h).



Sec.  655.133  Requirements for agents.

    (a) An agent filing an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification on behalf of an employer must provide a copy of the agent 
agreement or other document demonstrating the agent's authority to 
represent the employer.
    (b) In addition the agent must provide a copy of the MSPA FLC 
Certificate of Registration, if required under MSPA at 29 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq., identifying the specific farm labor contracting activities the 
agent is authorized to perform.



Sec.  655.134  Emergency situations.

    (a) Waiver of time period. The CO may waive the time period for 
filing for employers who did not make use of temporary alien 
agricultural workers during the prior year's agricultural season or for 
any employer that has other good and substantial cause (which may 
include unforeseen changes in market conditions), provided that the CO 
has sufficient time to test the domestic labor market on an expedited 
basis to make the determinations required by Sec.  655.100.
    (b) Employer requirements. The employer requesting a waiver of the 
required time period must concurrently submit to the NPC and to the SWA 
serving the area of intended employment a completed Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, a completed job order on the Form 
ETA-790, and a statement justifying the request for a waiver of the time 
period requirement. The statement must indicate whether the waiver 
request is due to the fact that the employer did not use H-2A workers 
during the prior agricultural season or whether the request is for good 
and substantial cause. If the waiver is requested for good and 
substantial cause, the employer's statement must also include detailed 
information describing the good and substantial cause which has 
necessitated the waiver request. Good and substantial cause may include, 
but is not limited to, the substantial loss of U.S. workers due to 
weather-related activities or other reasons, unforeseen events affecting 
the work activities to be performed, pandemic health issues, or similar 
conditions.
    (c) Processing of emergency applications. The CO will process 
emergency Applications for Temporary Employment Certification in a 
manner consistent with the provisions set forth in Sec. Sec.  655.140 
through 655.145 and make a determination on the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification in accordance with Sec. Sec.  655.160 
through 655.167. The CO may advise the employer in writing that the 
certification cannot be granted because, pursuant to paragraph (a) of 
this section, the request for emergency filing was not justified and/or 
there is not sufficient time to test the availability of U.S. workers

[[Page 390]]

such that the CO can make a determination on the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification in accordance with Sec.  655.161. 
Such notification will so inform the employer using the procedures 
applicable to a denial of certification set forth in Sec.  655.164.



Sec.  655.135  Assurances and obligations of H-2A employers.

    An employer seeking to employ H-2A workers must agree as part of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and job offer that it 
will abide by the requirements of this subpart and make each of the 
following additional assurances:
    (a) Non-discriminatory hiring practices. The job opportunity is, and 
through the period set forth in paragraph (d) of this section must 
continue to be, open to any qualified U.S. worker regardless of race, 
color, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or citizenship. 
Rejections of any U.S. workers who applied or apply for the job must be 
only for lawful, job-related reasons, and those not rejected on this 
basis have been or will be hired. In addition, the employer has and will 
continue to retain records of all hires and rejections as required by 
Sec.  655.167.
    (b) No strike or lockout. The worksite for which the employer is 
requesting H-2A certification does not currently have workers on strike 
or being locked out in the course of a labor dispute.
    (c) Recruitment requirements. The employer has and will continue to 
cooperate with the SWA by accepting referrals of all eligible U.S. 
workers who apply (or on whose behalf an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification is made) for the job opportunity until the end 
of the period as specified in paragraph (d) of this section and must 
independently conduct the positive recruitment activities, as specified 
in Sec.  655.154, until the date on which the H-2A workers depart for 
the place of work. Unless the SWA is informed in writing of a different 
date, the date that is the third day preceding the employer's first date 
of need will be determined to be the date the H-2A workers departed for 
the employer's place of business.
    (d) Fifty percent rule. From the time the foreign workers depart for 
the employer's place of employment, the employer must provide employment 
to any qualified, eligible U.S. worker who applies to the employer until 
50 percent of the period of the work contract has elapsed. Start of the 
work contract timeline is calculated from the first date of need stated 
on the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, under which 
the foreign worker who is in the job was hired. This provision will not 
apply to any employer who certifies to the CO in the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification that the employer:
    (1) Did not, during any calendar quarter during the preceding 
calendar year, use more than 500 man-days of agricultural labor, as 
defined in sec. 203(u) of Title 29;
    (2) Is not a member of an association which has petitioned for 
certification under this subpart for its members; and
    (3) Has not otherwise associated with other employers who are 
petitioning for temporary foreign workers under this subpart.
    (e) Compliance with applicable laws. During the period of employment 
that is the subject of the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, the employer must comply with all applicable Federal, 
State and local laws and regulations, including health and safety laws. 
In compliance with such laws, including the William Wilberforce 
Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-
457, 18 U.S.C. 1592(a), the employer may not hold or confiscate workers' 
passports, visas, or other immigration documents. H-2A employers may 
also be subject to the FLSA. The FLSA operates independently of the H-2A 
program and has specific requirements that address payment of wages, 
including deductions from wages, the payment of Federal minimum wage and 
payment of overtime.
    (f) Job opportunity is full-time. The job opportunity is a full-time 
temporary position, calculated to be at least 35 hours per work week.
    (g) No recent or future layoffs. The employer has not laid off and 
will not lay off any similarly employed U.S. worker in the occupation 
that is the subject of

[[Page 391]]

the Application for Temporary Employment Certification in the area of 
intended employment except for lawful, job-related reasons within 60 
days of the date of need, or if the employer has laid off such workers, 
it has offered the job opportunity that is the subject of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification to those laid-off 
U.S. worker(s) and the U.S. worker(s) refused the job opportunity, was 
rejected for the job opportunity for lawful, job-related reasons, or was 
hired. A layoff for lawful, job-related reasons such as lack of work or 
the end of the growing season is permissible if all H-2A workers are 
laid off before any U.S. worker in corresponding employment.
    (h) No unfair treatment. The employer has not and will not 
intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge or in any 
manner discriminate against, and has not and will not cause any person 
to intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, or in any manner 
discriminate against, any person who has:
    (1) Filed a complaint under or related to 8 U.S.C. 1188, or this 
subpart or any other Department regulation promulgated thereunder;
    (2) Instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or 
related to 8 U.S.C. 1188 or this subpart or any other Department 
regulation promulgated thereunder;
    (3) Testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or 
related to 8 U.S.C. 1188 or this subpart or any other Department 
regulation promulgated thereunder;
    (4) Consulted with an employee of a legal assistance program or an 
attorney on matters related to 8 U.S.C. 1188 or this subpart or any 
other Department regulation promulgated thereunder; or
    (5) Exercised or asserted on behalf of himself/herself or others any 
right or protection afforded by 8 U.S.C. 1188 or this subpart or any 
other Department regulation promulgated thereunder.
    (i) Notify workers of duty to leave United States. (1) The employer 
must inform H-2A workers of the requirement that they leave the U.S. at 
the end of the period certified by the Department or separation from the 
employer, whichever is earlier, as required under paragraph (i)(2) of 
this section, unless the H-2A worker is being sponsored by another 
subsequent H-2A employer.
    (2) As defined further in DHS regulations, a temporary labor 
certification limits the validity period of an H-2A petition, and 
therefore, the authorized period of stay for an H-2A worker. See 8 CFR 
214.2(h)(5)(vii) A foreign worker may not remain beyond his or her 
authorized period of stay, as determined by DHS, nor beyond separation 
from employment prior to completion of the H-2A contract, absent an 
extension or change of such worker's status under DHS regulations. See 8 
CFR 214.2(h)(5)(viii)(B).
    (j) Comply with the prohibition against employees paying fees. The 
employer and its agents have not sought or received payment of any kind 
from any employee subject to 8 U.S.C. 1188 for any activity related to 
obtaining H-2A labor certification, including payment of the employer's 
attorneys' fees, application fees, or recruitment costs. For purposes of 
this paragraph, payment includes, but is not limited to, monetary 
payments, wage concessions (including deductions from wages, salary, or 
benefits), kickbacks, bribes, tributes, in kind payments, and free 
labor. This provision does not prohibit employers or their agents from 
receiving reimbursement for costs that are the responsibility and 
primarily for the benefit of the worker, such as government-required 
passport fees.
    (k) Contracts with third parties comply with prohibitions. The 
employer has contractually forbidden any foreign labor contractor or 
recruiter (or any agent of such foreign labor contractor or recruiter) 
whom the employer engages, either directly or indirectly, in 
international recruitment of H-2A workers to seek or receive payments or 
other compensation from prospective employees. This documentation is to 
be made available upon request by the CO or another Federal party.
    (l) Notice of worker rights. The employer must post and maintain in 
a conspicuous location at the place of employment, a poster provided by 
the Secretary in English, and, to the extent necessary, any language 
common to a significant portion of the workers if they are not fluent in 
English, which

[[Page 392]]

sets out the rights and protections for workers employed pursuant to 8 
U.S.C. 1188.

    Processing of Applications for Temporary Employment Certification



Sec.  655.140  Review of applications.

    (a) NPC review. The CO will promptly review the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and job order for compliance with all 
applicable program requirements, including compliance with the 
requirements set forth in this subpart.
    (b) Mailing and postmark requirements. Any notice or request sent by 
the CO(s) to an employer requiring a response will be sent using the 
provided address via traditional methods to assure next day delivery. 
The employer's response to such a notice or request must be filed using 
traditional methods to assure next day delivery and be sent by the date 
due or the next business day if the due date falls on a Sunday or 
Federal Holiday.



Sec.  655.141  Notice of deficiency.

    (a) Notification timeline. If the CO determines the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification or job order are incomplete, contain 
errors or inaccuracies, or do not meet the requirements set forth in 
this subpart, the CO will notify the employer within 7 calendar days of 
the CO's receipt of the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. A copy of this notification will be sent to the SWA 
serving the area of intended employment.
    (b) Notice content. The notice will:
    (1) State the reason(s) why the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification or job order fails to meet the criteria for acceptance;
    (2) Offer the employer an opportunity to submit a modified 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification or job order within 5 
business days from date of receipt stating the modification that is 
needed for the CO to issue the Notice of Acceptance;
    (3) Except as provided for under the expedited review or de novo 
administrative hearing provisions of this section, state that the CO's 
determination on whether to grant or deny the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification will be made no later than 30 calendar days 
before the date of need, provided that the employer submits the 
requested modification to the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification within 5 business days and in a manner specified by the 
CO;
    (4) Offer the employer an opportunity to request an expedited 
administrative review or a de novo administrative hearing before an ALJ 
of the Notice of Deficiency. The notice will state that in order to 
obtain such a review or hearing, the employer, within 5 business days of 
the receipt of the notice, must file by facsimile or other means 
normally assuring next day delivery a written request to the Chief ALJ 
of DOL and simultaneously serve a copy on the CO. The notice will also 
state that the employer may submit any legal arguments that the employer 
believes will rebut the basis of the CO's action; and
    (5) State that if the employer does not comply with the requirements 
of Sec.  655.142 or request an expedited administrative review or a de 
novo hearing before an ALJ within 5 business days the CO will deny the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification. That denial is final 
cannot be appealed and the Department will not further consider that 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (c) Appeal from Notice of Deficiency. The employer may timely 
request an expedited administrative review or de novo hearing before an 
ALJ by following the procedures set forth in Sec.  655.171.



Sec.  655.142  Submission of modified applications.

    (a) Submission requirements and certification delays. If the 
employer chooses to submit a modified Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, the CO's Final Determination will be postponed 
by 1 calendar day for each day that passes beyond the 5 business-day 
period allowed under Sec.  655.141(b) to submit a modified Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification, up to maximum of 5 days. The 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification will be deemed 
abandoned if the employer does not submit a modified Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification

[[Page 393]]

within 12 calendar days after the notice of deficiency was issued.
    (b) Provisions for denial of modified Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. If the modified Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification is not approved, the CO will deny the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification in accordance with 
the labor certification determination provisions in Sec.  655.164.
    (c) Appeal from denial of modified Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. The procedures for appealing a denial of a 
modified Application for Temporary Employment Certification are the same 
as for a non-modified Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
as long as the employer timely requests an expedited administrative 
review or de novo hearing before an ALJ by following the procedures set 
forth in Sec.  655.171.



Sec.  655.143  Notice of acceptance.

    (a) Notification timeline. When the CO determines the Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification and job order are complete and 
meet the requirements set forth in this subpart, the CO will notify the 
employer within 7 calendar days of the CO's receipt of the Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification. A copy will be sent to the SWA 
serving the area of intended employment.
    (b) Notice content. The notice must:
    (1) Authorize conditional access to the interstate clearance system 
and direct the SWA to circulate a copy of the job order to other such 
States the CO determines to be potential sources of U.S. workers;
    (2) Direct the employer to engage in positive recruitment of U.S. 
workers in a manner consistent with Sec.  655.154 and to submit a report 
of its positive recruitment efforts as specified in Sec.  655.156;
    (3) State that positive recruitment is in addition to and will occur 
during the period of time that the job order is being circulated by the 
SWA(s) for interstate clearance under Sec.  655.150 of this subpart and 
will terminate on the actual date on which the H-2A workers depart for 
the place of work, or 3 calendar days prior to the first date the 
employer requires the services of the H-2A workers, whichever occurs 
first;
    (4) State that the CO will make a determination either to grant or 
deny the Application for Temporary Employment Certification no later 
than 30 calendar days before the date of need, except as provided for 
under Sec.  655.144 for modified Applications for Temporary Employment 
Certification.; and
    (5) Where appropriate to the job opportunity and area of intended 
employment, direct the SWA to provide written notice of the job 
opportunity to organizations that provide employment and training 
services to workers likely to apply for the job and/or to place written 
notice of the job opportunity in other physical locations where such 
workers are likely to gather.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 84 FR 49456, Sept. 20, 2019]



Sec.  655.144  Electronic job registry.

    (a) Location of and placement in the electronic job registry. Upon 
acceptance of the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
under Sec.  655.143, the CO will promptly place for public examination a 
copy of the job order on an electronic job registry maintained by the 
Department, including any required modifications approved by the CO, as 
specified in Sec.  655.142. This procedure will be implemented once the 
Department initiates operation of the registry.
    (b) Length of posting on electronic job registry. Unless otherwise 
provided, the Department will keep the job order posted on the 
Electronic Job Registry until the end of 50 percent of the contract 
period as set forth in Sec.  655.135(d).



Sec.  655.145  Amendments to applications for temporary employment
certification.

    (a) Increases in number of workers. The Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification may be amended at any time before the CO's 
certification determination to increase the number of workers requested 
in the initial Application for Temporary Employment Certification by not 
more than 20 percent (50 percent for employers requesting less than 10 
workers) without requiring an additional recruitment period for U.S. 
workers. Requests for increases above

[[Page 394]]

the percent prescribed, without additional recruitment, may be approved 
by the CO only when the employer demonstrates that the need for 
additional workers could not have been foreseen, and the crops or 
commodities will be in jeopardy prior to the expiration of an additional 
recruitment period. All requests for increasing the number of workers 
must be made in writing.
    (b) Minor changes to the period of employment. The Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification may be amended to make minor changes 
in the total period of employment. Changes will not be effective until 
submitted in writing and approved by the CO. In considering whether to 
approve the request, the CO will review the reason(s) for the request, 
determine whether the reason(s) are on the whole justified, and take 
into account the effect any change(s) would have on the adequacy of the 
underlying test of the domestic labor market for the job opportunity. An 
employer must demonstrate that the change to the period of employment 
could not have been foreseen, and the crops or commodities will be in 
jeopardy prior to the expiration of an additional recruitment period. If 
the request is for a delay in the start date and is made after workers 
have departed for the employer's place of work, the CO may only approve 
the change if the employer includes with the request a written assurance 
signed and dated by the employer that all workers who are already 
traveling to the job site will be provided housing and subsistence, 
without cost to the workers, until work commences. Upon acceptance of an 
amendment, the CO will submit to the SWA any necessary modification to 
the job order.

                      Post-Acceptance Requirements



Sec.  655.150  Interstate clearance of job order.

    (a) SWA posts in interstate clearance system. The SWA must promptly 
place the job order in interstate clearance to all States designated by 
the CO. At a minimum, the CO will instruct the SWA to transmit a copy of 
its active job order to all States listed in the job order as 
anticipated worksites covering the area of intended employment.
    (b) Duration of posting. Each of the SWAs to which the job order was 
transmitted must keep the job order on its active file until 50 percent 
of the contract term has elapsed, and must refer each qualified U.S. 
worker who applies (or on whose behalf an application is made) for the 
job opportunity.



Sec. Sec.  655.151-655.152  [Reserved]



Sec.  655.153  Contact with former U.S. employees.

    The employer must contact, by mail or other effective means, its 
former U.S. workers (except those who were dismissed for cause or who 
abandoned the worksite) employed by the employer in the occupation at 
the place of employment during the previous year and solicit their 
return to the job. This contact must occur during the period of time 
that the job order is being circulated by the SWA(s) for interstate 
clearance and documentation sufficient to prove contact must be 
maintained in the event of an audit.



Sec.  655.154  Additional positive recruitment.

    (a) Where to conduct additional positive recruitment. The employer 
must conduct positive recruitment within a multistate region of 
traditional or expected labor supply where the CO finds that there are a 
significant number of qualified U.S. workers who, if recruited, would be 
willing to make themselves available for work at the time and place 
needed.
    (b) Additional requirements should be comparable to non-H-2A 
employers in the area. The CO will ensure that the effort, including the 
location(s) and method(s) of the positive recruitment required of the 
potential H-2A employer must be no less than the normal recruitment 
efforts of non-H-2A agricultural employers of comparable or smaller size 
in the area of intended employment, and the kind and degree of 
recruitment efforts which the potential H-2A employer made to obtain 
foreign workers.
    (c) Nature of the additional positive recruitment. The CO will 
describe the precise nature of the additional positive

[[Page 395]]

recruitment but the employer will not be required to conduct positive 
recruitment in more than three States for each area of intended 
employment listed on the employer's application.
    (d) Proof of recruitment. The CO will specify the documentation or 
other supporting evidence that must be maintained by the employer as 
proof that the positive recruitment requirements were met.



Sec.  655.155  Referrals of U.S. workers.

    SWAs may only refer for employment individuals who have been 
apprised of all the material terms and conditions of employment and have 
indicated, by accepting referral to the job opportunity, that he or she 
is qualified, able, willing, and available for employment.



Sec.  655.156  Recruitment report.

    (a) Requirements of a recruitment report. The employer must prepare, 
sign, and date a written recruitment report. The recruitment report must 
be submitted on a date specified by the CO in the Notice of Acceptance 
set forth in Sec.  655.141 and contain the following information:
    (1) Identify the name of each recruitment source;
    (2) State the name and contact information of each U.S. worker who 
applied or was referred to the job opportunity up to the date of the 
preparation of the recruitment report, and the disposition of each 
worker;
    (3) Confirm that former U.S. employees were contacted and by what 
means; and
    (4) If applicable, for each U.S. worker who applied for the position 
but was not hired, explain the lawful job-related reason(s) for not 
hiring the U.S. worker.
    (b) Duty to update recruitment report. The employer must continue to 
maintain the recruitment report throughout the recruitment period 
including the 50 percent period. The updated report is not to be 
automatically submitted to the Department, but must be made available in 
the event of a post-certification audit or upon request by authorized 
representatives of the Secretary.



Sec.  655.157  Withholding of U.S. workers prohibited.

    (a) Filing a complaint. Any employer who has reason to believe that 
a person or entity has willfully and knowingly withheld U.S. workers 
prior to the arrival at the worksite of H-2A workers in order to force 
the hiring of U.S. workers during the recruitment period, as set forth 
in Sec.  655.135(d), may submit a written complaint to the CO. The 
complaint must clearly identify the person or entity who the employer 
believes has withheld the U.S. workers, and must specify sufficient 
facts to support the allegation (e.g., dates, places, numbers and names 
of U.S. workers) which will permit an investigation to be conducted by 
the CO.
    (b) Duty to investigate. Upon receipt, the CO must immediately 
investigate the complaint. The investigation must include interviews 
with the employer who has submitted the complaint, the person or entity 
named as responsible for withholding the U.S. workers, and the 
individual U.S. workers whose availability has purportedly been 
withheld.
    (c) Duty to suspend the recruitment period. Where the CO determines, 
after conducting the interviews required by paragraph (b) of this 
section, that the employer's complaint is valid and justified, the CO 
will immediately suspend the application of the 50 percent rule of the 
recruitment period, as set forth in Sec.  655.135(d), to the employer. 
The CO's determination is the final decision of the Secretary.



Sec.  655.158  Duration of positive recruitment.

    Except as otherwise noted, the obligation to engage in positive 
recruitment described in Sec. Sec.  655.150 through 655.154 shall 
terminate on the date H-2A workers depart for the employer's place of 
work. Unless the SWA is informed in writing of a different date, the 
date that is the third day preceding the employer's first date of need 
will be determined to be the date the H-2A workers departed for the 
employer's place of business.

[[Page 396]]

                   Labor Certification Determinations



Sec.  655.160  Determinations.

    Except as otherwise noted in this section, the CO will make a 
determination either to grant or deny the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification no later than 30 calendar days before the date 
of need identified in the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. An Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
that is modified under Sec.  655.142 or that otherwise does not meet the 
requirements for certification in this subpart is not subject to the 30-
day timeframe for certification.



Sec.  655.161  Criteria for certification.

    (a) The criteria for certification include whether the employer has 
established the need for the agricultural services or labor to be 
performed on a temporary or seasonal basis; complied with the 
requirements of parts 653 and 654 of this chapter; complied with all of 
this subpart, including but not limited to the timeliness requirements 
in Sec.  655.130(b); complied with the offered wage rate criteria in 
Sec.  655.120; made all the assurances in Sec.  655.135; and met all the 
recruitment obligations required by this subpart.
    (b) In making a determination as to whether there are insufficient 
U.S. workers to fill the employer's job opportunity, the CO will count 
as available any U.S. worker referred by the SWA or any U.S. worker who 
applied (or on whose behalf an application is made) directly to the 
employer, but who was rejected by the employer for other than a lawful 
job-related reason or who has not been provided with a lawful job-
related reason for rejection by the employer.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 84 FR 49457, Sept. 20, 2019]



Sec.  655.162  Approved certification.

    If temporary labor certification is granted, the CO will send the 
certified Application for Temporary Employment Certification and a Final 
Determination letter to the employer by means normally assuring next-day 
delivery and a copy, if appropriate, to the employer's agent or 
attorney.



Sec.  655.163  Certification fee.

    A determination by the CO to grant an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification in whole or in part will include a bill for the 
required certification fees. Each employer of H-2A workers under the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification (except joint 
employer associations, which may not be assessed a fee in addition to 
the fees assessed to the members of the association) must pay in a 
timely manner a non-refundable fee upon issuance of the certification 
granting the Application for Temporary Employment Certification (in 
whole or in part), as follows:
    (a) Amount. The Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
fee for each employer receiving a temporary agricultural labor 
certification is $100 plus $10 for each H-2A worker certified under the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, provided that the 
fee to an employer for each temporary agricultural labor certification 
received will be no greater than $1,000. There is no additional fee to 
the association filing the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. The fees must be paid by check or money order made 
payable to United States Department of Labor. In the case of an 
agricultural association acting as a joint employer applying on behalf 
of its H-2A employer members, the aggregate fees for all employers of H-
2A workers under the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
must be paid by one check or money order.
    (b) Timeliness. Fees must be received by the CO no more than 30 days 
after the date of the certification. Non-payment or untimely payment may 
be considered a substantial violation subject to the procedures in Sec.  
655.182.



Sec.  655.164  Denied certification.

    If temporary labor certification is denied, the Final Determination 
letter will be sent to the employer by means normally assuring next-day 
delivery and a copy, if appropriate, to the employer's agent or 
attorney. The Final Determination Letter will:
    (a) State the reason(s) certification is denied;

[[Page 397]]

    (b) Offer the applicant an opportunity to request an expedited 
administrative review, or a de novo administrative hearing before an 
ALJ, of the denial. The notice must state that in order to obtain such a 
review or hearing, the employer, within 7 calendar days of the date of 
the notice, must file by facsimile (fax), or other means normally 
assuring next day delivery, a written request to the Chief ALJ of DOL 
(giving the address) and simultaneously serve a copy on the CO. The 
notice will also state that the employer may submit any legal arguments 
which the employer believes will rebut the basis of the CO's action; and
    (c) State that if the employer does not request an expedited 
administrative judicial review or a de novo hearing before an ALJ within 
the 7 calendar days, the denial is final and the Department will not 
further consider that Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.



Sec.  655.165  Partial certification.

    The CO may issue a partial certification, reducing either the period 
of need or the number of H-2A workers being requested or both for 
certification, based upon information the CO receives during the course 
of processing the Application for Temporary Employment Certification, an 
audit, or otherwise. The number of workers certified will be reduced by 
one for each referred U.S. worker who is able, willing, and qualified, 
and who will be available at the time and place needed and has not been 
rejected for lawful job-related reasons, to perform the services or 
labor. If a partial labor certification is issued, the Final 
Determination letter will:
    (a) State the reason(s) why either the period of need and/or the 
number of H-2A workers requested has been reduced;
    (b) Offer the applicant an opportunity to request an expedited 
administrative review, or a de novo administrative hearing before an 
ALJ, of the decision. The notice will state that in order to obtain such 
a review or hearing, the employer, within 7 calendar days of the date of 
the notice, will file by facsimile or other means normally assuring next 
day delivery a written request to the Chief ALJ of DOL (giving the 
address) and simultaneously serve a copy on the CO. The notice will also 
state that the employer may submit any legal arguments which the 
employer believes will rebut the basis of the CO's action; and
    (c) State that if the employer does not request an expedited 
administrative judicial review or a de novo hearing before an ALJ within 
the 7 calendar days, the partial certification is final and the 
Department will not further consider that Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.166  Requests for determinations based on nonavailability 
of U.S. workers.

    (a) Standards for requests. If a temporary labor certification has 
been partially granted or denied based on the CO's determination that 
able, willing, available, eligible, and qualified U.S. workers are 
available, and, on or after 30 calendar days before the date of need, 
some or all of those U.S. workers are, in fact, no longer able, willing, 
eligible, qualified, or available, the employer may request a new 
temporary labor certification determination from the CO. Prior to making 
a new determination the CO will promptly ascertain (which may be through 
the SWA or other sources of information on U.S. worker availability) 
whether specific able, willing, eligible and qualified replacement U.S. 
workers are available or can be reasonably expected to be present at the 
employer's establishment within 72 hours from the date the employer's 
request was received. The CO will expeditiously, but in no case later 
than 72 hours after the time a complete request (including the signed 
statement included in paragraph (b) of this section) is received, make a 
determination on the request. An employer may appeal a denial of such a 
determination in accordance with the procedures contained in Sec.  
655.171.
    (b) Unavailability of U.S. workers. The employer's request for a new 
determination must be made directly to the CO by telephone or electronic 
mail, and must be confirmed by the employer in writing as required by 
this paragraph. If the employer telephonically or via electronic mail 
requests the new determination by asserting solely that

[[Page 398]]

U.S. workers have become unavailable, the employer must submit to the CO 
a signed statement confirming such assertion. If such signed statement 
is not received by the CO within 72 hours of the CO's receipt of the 
request for a new determination, the CO will deny the request.
    (c) Notification of determination. If the CO determines that U.S. 
workers have become unavailable and cannot identify sufficient available 
U.S. workers who are able, willing, eligible, and qualified or who are 
likely to become available, the CO will grant the employer's request for 
a new determination. However, this does not preclude an employer from 
submitting subsequent requests for new determinations, if warranted, 
based on subsequent facts concerning purported nonavailability of U.S. 
workers or referred workers not being eligible workers or not able, 
willing, or qualified because of lawful job-related reasons.



Sec.  655.167  Document retention requirements.

    (a) Entities required to retain documents. All employers filing an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification requesting H-2A 
agricultural workers under this subpart are required to retain the 
documents and records proving compliance with this subpart.
    (b) Period of required retention. Records and documents must be 
retained for a period of 3 years from the date of certification of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification or from the date of 
determination if the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
is denied or withdrawn.
    (c) Documents and records to be retained by all applicants. (1) 
Proof of recruitment efforts, including:
    (i) Job order placement as specified in Sec.  655.121;
    (ii) Contact with former U.S. workers as specified in Sec.  655.153; 
or
    (iii) Additional positive recruitment efforts (as specified in Sec.  
655.154).
    (2) Substantiation of information submitted in the recruitment 
report prepared in accordance with Sec.  655.156, such as evidence of 
nonapplicability of contact of former employees as specified in Sec.  
655.153.
    (3) The final recruitment report and any supporting resumes and 
contact information as specified in Sec.  655.156(b).
    (4) Proof of workers' compensation insurance or State law coverage 
as specified in Sec.  655.122(e).
    (5) Records of each worker's earnings as specified in Sec.  
655.122(j).
    (6) The work contract or a copy of the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification as defined in 29 CFR 501.10 and specified in 
Sec.  655.122(q).
    (d) Additional retention requirement for associations filing 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification. In addition to the 
documents specified in paragraph (c) above, Associations must retain 
documentation substantiating their status as an employer or agent, as 
specified in Sec.  655.131.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 84 FR 49457, Sept. 20, 2019]

                           Post Certification



Sec.  655.170  Extensions.

    An employer may apply for extensions of the period of employment in 
the following circumstances.
    (a) Short-term extension. Employers seeking extensions of 2 weeks or 
less of the certified Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
must apply directly to DHS for approval. If granted, the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification will be deemed extended for such 
period as is approved by DHS.
    (b) Long-term extension. Employers seeking extensions of more than 2 
weeks may apply to the CO. Such requests must be related to weather 
conditions or other factors beyond the control of the employer (which 
may include unforeseen changes in market conditions). Such requests must 
be supported in writing, with documentation showing that the extension 
is needed and that the need could not have been reasonably foreseen by 
the employer. The CO will notify the employer of the decision in writing 
if time allows, or will otherwise notify the employer of the decision. 
The CO will not grant an extension where the total work contract period 
under that Application for Temporary Employment Certification and

[[Page 399]]

extensions would be 12 months or more, except in extraordinary 
circumstances. The employer may appeal a denial of a request for an 
extension by following the procedures in Sec.  655.171.
    (c) Disclosure. The employer must provide to the workers a copy of 
any approved extension in accordance with Sec.  655.122(q), as soon as 
practicable.



Sec.  655.171  Appeals.

    Where authorized in this subpart, employers may request an 
administrative review or de novo hearing before an ALJ of a decision by 
the CO. In such cases, the CO will send a copy of the OFLC 
administrative file to the Chief ALJ by means normally assuring next-day 
delivery. The Chief ALJ will immediately assign an ALJ (which may be a 
panel of such persons designated by the Chief ALJ from the Board of 
Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA)).
    (a) Administrative review. Where the employer has requested 
administrative review, within 5 business days after receipt of the ETA 
administrative file the ALJ will, on the basis of the written record and 
after due consideration of any written submissions (which may not 
include new evidence) from the parties involved or amici curiae, either 
affirm, reverse, or modify the CO's decision, or remand to the CO for 
further action. The decision of the ALJ must specify the reasons for the 
action taken and must be immediately provided to the employer, the CO, 
the OFLC Administrator and DHS by means normally assuring next-day 
delivery.
    (b) De novo hearing--(1) Conduct of hearing. Where the employer has 
requested a de novo hearing the procedures in 29 CFR part 18 apply to 
such hearings, except that:
    (i) The appeal will not be considered to be a complaint to which an 
answer is required;
    (ii) The ALJ will ensure that the hearing is scheduled to take place 
within 5 business days after the ALJ's receipt of the OFLC 
administrative file, if the employer so requests, and will allow for the 
introduction of new evidence; and
    (iii) The ALJ's decision must be rendered within 10 calendar days 
after the hearing.
    (2) Decision. After a de novo hearing, the ALJ must affirm, reverse, 
or modify the CO's determination, or remand to the CO for further 
action, except in cases over which the Secretary has assumed 
jurisdiction pursuant to 29 CFR 18.95. The decision of the ALJ must 
specify the reasons for the action taken and must be immediately 
provided to the employer, CO, OFLC Administrator, and DHS by means 
normally assuring next-day delivery.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 13028, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30614, May 20, 2020]



Sec.  655.172  Withdrawal of job order and application for temporary 
employment certification.

    (a) Employers may withdraw a job order from intrastate posting if 
the employer no longer plans to file an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. However, a withdrawal of a job order does not 
nullify existing obligations to those workers recruited in connection 
with the placement of a job order pursuant to this subpart or the filing 
of an Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (b) Employers may withdraw an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification once it has been formally accepted by the NPC. However, 
the employer is still obligated to comply with the terms and conditions 
of employment contained in the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification with respect to workers recruited in connection with that 
application.



Sec.  655.173  Setting meal charges; petition for higher meal charges.

    (a) Meal charges. Until a new amount is set under this paragraph, an 
employer may charge workers up to $10.64 for providing them with three 
meals per day. The maximum charge allowed by this paragraph (a) will be 
changed annually by the same percentage as the 12 month percentage 
change for the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for Food 
between December of the year just concluded and December of the year 
prior to that. The annual adjustments will be effective on the date of 
their publication by the OFLC Administrator as a Notice in the Federal 
Register. When a charge or

[[Page 400]]

deduction for the cost of meals would bring the employee's wage below 
the minimum wage set by the FLSA at 29 U.S.C. 206 the charge or 
deduction must meet the requirements of 29 U.S.C. 203(m) of the FLSA, 
including the recordkeeping requirements found at 29 CFR 516.27.
    (b) Filing petitions for higher meal charges. The employer may file 
a petition with the CO to charge more than the applicable amount for 
meal charges if the employer justifies the charges and submits to the CO 
the documentation required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (1) Documentation submitted must include the cost of goods and 
services directly related to the preparation and serving of meals, the 
number of workers fed, the number of meals served and the number of days 
meals were provided. The cost of the following items may be included: 
Food; kitchen supplies other than food, such as lunch bags and soap; 
labor costs that have a direct relation to food service operations, such 
as wages of cooks and dining hall supervisors; fuel, water, electricity, 
and other utilities used for the food service operation; and other costs 
directly related to the food service operation. Charges for 
transportation, depreciation, overhead and similar charges may not be 
included. Receipts and other cost records for a representative pay 
period must be retained and must be available for inspection by the CO 
for a period of 1 year.
    (2) The employer may begin charging the higher rate upon receipt of 
a favorable decision from the CO unless the CO sets a later effective 
date in the decision.
    (c) Appeal rights. In the event the employer's petition for a higher 
meal charge is denied in whole or in part, the employer may appeal the 
denial. Appeals will be filed with the Chief ALJ, pursuant to Sec.  
655.171.



Sec.  655.174  Public disclosure.

    The Department will maintain an electronic file accessible to the 
public with information on all employers applying for temporary 
agricultural labor certifications. The database will include such 
information as the number of workers requested, the date filed, the date 
decided, and the final disposition.

                           Integrity Measures



Sec.  655.180  Audit.

    The CO may conduct audits of applications for which certifications 
have been granted.
    (a) Discretion. The applications selected for audit will be chosen 
within the sole discretion of the CO.
    (b) Audit letter. Where an application is selected for audit, the CO 
will issue an audit letter to the employer and a copy, if appropriate, 
to the employer's agent or attorney. The audit letter will:
    (1) State the documentation that must be submitted by the employer;
    (2) Specify a date no more than 30 days from the date of the audit 
letter by which the required documentation must be received by the CO; 
and
    (3) Advise that failure to comply with the audit process may result 
in the revocation of the certification or program debarment.
    (c) Supplemental information request. During the course of the audit 
examination, the CO may request supplemental information and/or 
documentation from the employer in order to complete the audit.
    (d) Potential referrals. In addition to steps in this subpart, the 
CO may determine to provide the audit findings and underlying 
documentation to DHS or another appropriate enforcement agency. The CO 
will refer any findings that an employer discouraged an eligible U.S. 
worker from applying, or failed to hire, discharged, or otherwise 
discriminated against an eligible U.S. worker, to the Department of 
Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office of Special Counsel for Unfair 
Immigration Related Employment Practices.



Sec.  655.181  Revocation.

    (a) Basis for DOL revocation. The OFLC Administrator may revoke a 
temporary agricultural labor certification approved under this subpart, 
if the OFLC Administrator finds:
    (1) The issuance of the temporary agricultural labor certification 
was not justified due to fraud or misrepresentation in the application 
process;

[[Page 401]]

    (2) The employer substantially violated a material term or condition 
of the approved temporary agricultural labor certification, as defined 
in Sec.  655.182;
    (3) The employer failed to cooperate with a DOL investigation or 
with a DOL official performing an investigation, inspection, audit (as 
discussed in Sec.  655.180), or law enforcement function under 8 U.S.C. 
1188, 29 CFR part 501, or this subpart; or
    (4) The employer failed to comply with one or more sanctions or 
remedies imposed by the WHD, or with one or more decisions or orders of 
the Secretary or a court order secured by the Secretary under 8 U.S.C. 
1188, 29 CFR part 501, or this subpart.
    (b) DOL procedures for revocation. (1) Notice of Revocation. If the 
OFLC Administrator makes a determination to revoke an employer's 
temporary labor certification, the OFLC Administrator will send to the 
employer (and its attorney or agent) a Notice of Revocation. The Notice 
will contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation, and 
it will inform the employer of its right to submit rebuttal evidence or 
to appeal. If the employer does not file rebuttal evidence or an appeal 
within 14 days of the date of the Notice of Revocation, the Notice is 
the final agency action and will take effect immediately at the end of 
the 14-day period.
    (2) Rebuttal. The employer may submit evidence to rebut the grounds 
stated in the Notice of Revocation within 14 calendar days of the date 
the Notice is issued. If rebuttal evidence is timely filed by the 
employer, the OFLC Administrator will inform the employer of the OFLC 
Administrator's final determination on the revocation within 14 calendar 
days of receiving the rebuttal evidence. If the OFLC Administrator 
determines that the certification should be revoked, the OFLC 
Administrator will inform the employer of its right to appeal according 
to the procedures of Sec.  655.171. The employer must file the appeal 
within 10 calendar days after the OFLC Administrator's final 
determination, or the OFLC Administrator's determination is the final 
agency action and will take effect immediately at the end of the 10-day 
period.
    (3) Appeal. An employer may appeal a Notice of Revocation, or a 
final determination of the OFLC Administrator after the review of 
rebuttal evidence, according to the appeal procedures of Sec.  655.171.
    (4) Stay. The timely filing of rebuttal evidence or an 
administrative appeal will stay the revocation pending the outcome of 
those proceedings.
    (5) Decision. If the temporary agricultural labor certification is 
revoked, the OFLC Administrator will send a copy of the final agency 
action of the Secretary to DHS and the Department of State (DOS).
    (c) Employer's obligations in the event of revocation. If an 
employer's temporary agricultural labor certification is revoked 
pursuant to this section, the employer is responsible for:
    (1) Reimbursement of actual inbound transportation and subsistence 
expenses, as if the worker meets the requirements for payment under 
Sec.  655.122(h)(1);
    (2) The worker's outbound transportation expenses, as if the worker 
meets the requirements for payment under Sec.  655.122(h)(2);
    (3) Payment to the worker of the amount due under the three-fourths 
guarantee as required by Sec.  655.122(i); and
    (4) Any other wages, benefits, and working conditions due or owing 
to the worker under this subpart.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30614, May 20, 2020]



Sec.  655.182  Debarment.

    (a) Debarment of an employer. The OFLC Administrator may debar an 
employer or any successor in interest to that employer from receiving 
future labor certifications under this subpart, subject to the time 
limits set forth in paragraph (c) of this section, if the OFLC 
Administrator finds that the employer substantially violated a material 
term or condition of its temporary labor certification, with respect to 
H-2A workers, workers in corresponding employment, or U.S. workers 
improperly rejected for employment, or improperly laid off or displaced.

[[Page 402]]

    (b) Debarment of an agent or attorney. The OFLC Administrator may 
debar an agent or attorney from participating in any action under 8 
U.S.C. 1188, this subpart, or 29 CFR part 501, if the OFLC Administrator 
finds that the agent or attorney participated in an employer's 
substantial violation. The OFLC Administrator may not issue future labor 
certifications under this subpart to any employer represented by a 
debarred agent or attorney, subject to the time limits set forth in 
paragraph (c) of this section.
    (c) Statute of limitations and period of debarment. (1) The OFLC 
Administrator must issue any Notice of Debarment no later than 2 years 
after the occurrence of the violation.
    (2) No employer, attorney, or agent may be debarred under this 
subpart for more than 3 years from the date of the final agency 
decision.
    (d) Definition of violation. For the purposes of this section, a 
violation includes:
    (1) One or more acts of commission or omission on the part of the 
employer or the employer's agent which involve:
    (i) Failure to pay or provide the required wages, benefits or 
working conditions to the employer's H-2A workers and/or workers in 
corresponding employment;
    (ii) Failure, except for lawful, job-related reasons, to offer 
employment to qualified U.S. workers who applied for the job opportunity 
for which certification was sought;
    (iii) Failure to comply with the employer's obligations to recruit 
U.S. workers;
    (iv) Improper layoff or displacement of U.S. workers or workers in 
corresponding employment;
    (v) Failure to comply with one or more sanctions or remedies imposed 
by the WHD Administrator for violation(s) of contractual or other H-2A 
obligations, or with one or more decisions or orders of the Secretary or 
a court under 8 U.S.C. 1188, 29 CFR part 501, or this subpart;
    (vi) Impeding an investigation of an employer under 8 U.S.C. 1188 or 
29 CFR part 501, or an audit under Sec.  655.180 of this subpart;
    (vii) Employing an H-2A worker outside the area of intended 
employment, in an activity/activities not listed in the job order or 
outside the validity period of employment of the job order, including 
any approved extension thereof;
    (viii) A violation of the requirements of Sec.  655.135(j) or (k);
    (ix) A violation of any of the provisions listed in 29 CFR 501.4(a); 
or
    (x) A single heinous act showing such flagrant disregard for the law 
that future compliance with program requirements cannot reasonably be 
expected;
    (2) The employer's failure to pay a necessary certification fee in a 
timely manner;
    (3) Fraud involving the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification; or
    (4) A material misrepresentation of fact during the application 
process.
    (e) Determining whether a violation is substantial. In determining 
whether a violation is so substantial so as to merit debarment, the 
factors the OFLC Administrator may consider include, but are not limited 
to, the following:
    (1) Previous history of violation(s) of 8 U.S.C. 1188, 29 CFR part 
501, or this subpart;
    (2) The number of H-2A workers, workers in corresponding employment, 
or U.S. workers who were and/or are affected by the violation(s);
    (3) The gravity of the violation(s);
    (4) Efforts made in good faith to comply with 8 U.S.C. 1188, 29 CFR 
part 501, and this subpart;
    (5) Explanation from the person charged with the violation(s);
    (6) Commitment to future compliance, taking into account the public 
health, interest, or safety, and whether the person has previously 
violated 8 U.S.C. 1188;
    (7) The extent to which the violator achieved a financial gain due 
to the violation(s), or the potential financial loss or potential injury 
to the worker(s).
    (f) Debarment procedure--(1) Notice of Debarment. If the OFLC 
Administrator makes a determination to debar an employer, attorney, or 
agent, the OFLC Administrator will send the party a Notice of Debarment. 
The Notice will state the reason for the debarment

[[Page 403]]

finding, including a detailed explanation of the grounds for and the 
duration of the debarment, and it will inform the party subject to the 
Notice of its right to submit rebuttal evidence or to request a 
debarment hearing. If the party does not file rebuttal evidence or 
request a hearing within 30 calendar days of the date of the Notice of 
Debarment, the Notice will be the final agency action and the debarment 
will take effect at the end of the 30-day period.
    (2) Rebuttal. The party who received the Notice of Debarment may 
choose to submit evidence to rebut the grounds stated in the Notice 
within 30 calendar days of the date the Notice is issued. If rebuttal 
evidence is timely filed, the OFLC Administrator will issue a final 
determination on the debarment within 30 days of receiving the rebuttal 
evidence. If the OFLC Administrator determines that the party should be 
debarred, the OFLC Administrator will inform the party of its right to 
request a debarment hearing according to the procedures of Sec.  
655.182(f)(3). The party must request a hearing within 30 calendar days 
after the date of the OFLC Administrator's final determination, or the 
OFLC Administrator's determination will be the final agency order and 
the debarment will take effect at the end of the 30-day period.
    (3) Hearing. The recipient of a Notice of Debarment may request a 
debarment hearing within 30 calendar days of the date of a Notice of 
Debarment or the date of a final determination of the OFLC Administrator 
after review of rebuttal evidence submitted pursuant to Sec.  
655.182(f)(2). To obtain a debarment hearing, the debarred party must, 
within 30 days of the date of the Notice or the final determination, 
file a written request with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, United 
States Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and 
simultaneously serve a copy to the OFLC Administrator. The debarment 
will take effect 30 days from the date the Notice of Debarment or final 
determination is issued, unless a request for review is properly filed 
within 30 days from the issuance of the Notice of Debarment or final 
determination. The timely filing of a request for a hearing stays the 
debarment pending the outcome of the hearing. Within 10 days of receipt 
of the request for a hearing, the OFLC Administrator will send a 
certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief ALJ by means normally 
assuring next-day delivery. The Chief ALJ will immediately assign an ALJ 
to conduct the hearing. The procedures in 29 CFR part 18 apply to such 
hearings, except that the request for a hearing will not be considered 
to be a complaint to which an answer is required.
    (3) Hearing. The recipient of a Notice of Debarment may request a 
debarment hearing within 30 calendar days of the date of a Notice of 
Debarment or the date of a final determination of the OFLC Administrator 
after review of rebuttal evidence submitted pursuant to Sec.  
655.182(f)(2). To obtain a debarment hearing, the debarred party must, 
within 30 days of the date of the Notice or the final determination, 
file a written request with the Chief Administrative Law Judge, United 
States Department of Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, and 
simultaneously serve a copy to the OFLC Administrator. The debarment 
will take effect 30 days from the date the Notice of Debarment or final 
determination is issued, unless a request for review is properly filed 
within 30 days from the issuance of the Notice of Debarment or final 
determination. The timely filing of a request for a hearing stays the 
debarment pending the outcome of the hearing. Within 10 days of receipt 
of the request for a hearing, the OFLC Administrator will send a 
certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief ALJ by means normally 
assuring next-day delivery. The Chief ALJ will immediately assign an ALJ 
to conduct the hearing. The procedures in 29 CFR part 18 apply to such 
hearings, except that the request for a hearing will not be considered 
to be a complaint to which an answer is required.
    (4) Decision. After the hearing, the ALJ must affirm, reverse, or 
modify the OFLC Administrator's determination. The ALJ will prepare the 
decision within 60 days after completion of the hearing and closing of 
the record. The ALJ's decision will be provided immediately to the 
parties to the debarment hearing by means normally assuring next-day 
delivery. The ALJ's decision

[[Page 404]]

is the final agency action, unless either party, within 30 calendar days 
of the ALJ's decision, seeks review of the decision with the 
Administrative Review Board (ARB).
    (5) Review by the ARB. (i) Any party wishing review of the decision 
of an ALJ must, within 30 days of the decision of the ALJ, petition the 
ARB to review the decision in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Copies of 
the petition must be served on all parties and on the ALJ. The ARB will 
decide whether to accept the petition within 30 days of receipt. If the 
ARB declines to accept the petition, or if the ARB does not issue a 
notice accepting a petition within 30 days after the receipt of a timely 
filing of the petition, the decision of the ALJ will be deemed the final 
agency action. If a petition for review is accepted, the decision of the 
ALJ will be stayed unless and until the ARB issues an order affirming 
the decision. The ARB must serve notice of its decision to accept or not 
to accept the petition upon the ALJ and upon all parties to the 
proceeding.
    (ii) Upon receipt of the ARB's notice to accept the petition, the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges will promptly forward a copy of the 
complete hearing record to the ARB.
    (iii) Where the ARB has determined to review such decision and 
order, the ARB will notify each party of the issue(s) raised, the form 
in which submissions must be made (e.g., briefs or oral argument), and 
the time within which such presentation must be submitted.
    (6) ARB decision. The ARB's decision must be issued within 90 days 
from the notice granting the petition and served upon all parties and 
the ALJ. If the ARB fails to issue a decision within 90 days from the 
notice granting the petition, the ALJ's decision will be the final 
agency decision.
    (g) Concurrent debarment jurisdiction. OFLC and the WHD have 
concurrent jurisdiction to impose a debarment remedy under this section 
or under 29 CFR 501.20. When considering debarment, OFLC and the WHD may 
inform one another and may coordinate their activities. A specific 
violation for which debarment is imposed will be cited in a single 
debarment proceeding. Copies of final debarment decisions will be 
forwarded to DHS promptly.
    (h) Debarment involving members of associations. If the OFLC 
Administrator determines that an individual employer-member of a joint 
employer association has committed a substantial violation, the 
debarment determination will apply only to that member unless the OFLC 
Administrator determines that the association or another association 
member participated in the violation, in which case the debarment will 
be invoked against the association or other complicit association 
member(s) as well.
    (i) Debarment involving associations acting as joint employers. If 
the OFLC Administrator determines that an association acting as a joint 
employer with its members has committed a substantial violation, the 
debarment determination will apply only to the association, and will not 
be applied to any individual employer-member of the association. 
However, if the OFLC Administrator determines that the member 
participated in, had knowledge of, or had reason to know of the 
violation, the debarment may be invoked against the complicit 
association member as well. An association debarred from the H-2A 
temporary labor certification program will not be permitted to continue 
to file as a joint employer with its members during the period of the 
debarment.
    (j) Debarment involving associations acting as sole employers. If 
the OFLC Administrator determines that an association acting as a sole 
employer has committed a substantial violation, the debarment 
determination will apply only to the association and any successor in 
interest to the debarred association.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30614, May 20, 2020; 86 FR 1778, Jan. 11. 2021]



Sec.  655.183  Less than substantial violations.

    (a) Requirement of special procedures. If the OFLC Administrator 
determines that a less than substantial violation has occurred, but the 
OFLC Administrator has reason to believe that past actions on the part 
of the employer (or agent or attorney) may have had and

[[Page 405]]

may continue to have a chilling or otherwise negative effect on the 
recruitment, employment, and retention of U.S. workers, the OFLC 
Administrator may require the employer to conform to special procedures 
before and after the temporary labor certification determination. These 
special procedures may include special on-site positive recruitment and 
streamlined interviewing and referral techniques. The special procedures 
are designed to enhance U.S. worker recruitment and retention in the 
next year as a condition for receiving a temporary agricultural labor 
certification. Such requirements will be reasonable; will not require 
the employer to offer better wages, working conditions, and benefits 
than those specified in Sec.  655.122; and will be no more than deemed 
necessary to assure employer compliance with the test of U.S. worker 
availability and adverse effect criteria of this subpart.
    (b) Notification of required special procedures. The OFLC 
Administrator will notify the employer (or agent or attorney) in writing 
of the special procedures that will be required in the coming year. The 
notification will state the reasons for the imposition of the 
requirements, state that the employer's agreement to accept the 
conditions will constitute inclusion of them as bona fide conditions and 
terms of a temporary agricultural labor certification, and will offer 
the employer an opportunity to request an administrative review or a de 
novo hearing before an ALJ. If an administrative review or de novo 
hearing is requested, the procedures prescribed in Sec.  655.171 will 
apply.
    (c) Failure to comply with special procedures. If the OFLC 
Administrator determines that the employer has failed to comply with 
special procedures required pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, 
the OFLC Administrator will send a written notice to the employer, 
stating that the employer's otherwise affirmative H-2A certification 
determination will be reduced by 25 percent of the total number of H-2A 
workers requested (which cannot be more than those requested in the 
previous year) for a period of 1 year. Notice of such a reduction in the 
number of workers requested will be conveyed to the employer by the OFLC 
Administrator in the OFLC Administrator's written certification 
determination. The notice will offer the employer an opportunity to 
request administrative review or a de novo hearing before an ALJ. If 
administrative review or a de novo hearing is requested, the procedures 
prescribed in Sec.  655.171 will apply, provided that if the ALJ or the 
Secretary affirms the OFLC Administrator's determination that the 
employer has failed to comply with special procedures required by 
paragraph (a) of this section, the reduction in the number of workers 
requested will be 25 percent of the total number of H-2A workers 
requested (which cannot be more than those requested in the previous 
year) for a period of 1 year.

[75 FR 6959, Feb. 12, 2010, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30614, May 20, 2020]



Sec.  655.184  Applications involving fraud or willful misrepresentation.

    (a) Referral for investigation. If the CO discovers possible fraud 
or willful misrepresentation involving an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, the CO may refer the matter to the DHS and the 
Department's Office of the Inspector General for investigation.
    (b) Sanctions. If the WHD, a court or the DHS determines that there 
was fraud or willful misrepresentation involving an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and certification has been granted, a 
finding under this paragraph will be cause to revoke the certification. 
The finding of fraud or willful misrepresentation may also constitute a 
debarrable violation under Sec.  655.182.



Sec.  655.185  Job service complaint system; enforcement of work contracts.

    (a) Filing with DOL. Complaints arising under this subpart must be 
filed through the Job Service Complaint System, as described in 20 CFR 
part 658, subpart E. Complaints involving allegations of fraud or 
misrepresentation must be referred by the SWA to the CO for appropriate 
handling and resolution. Complaints that involve worker contracts must 
be referred by the SWA to the WHD for appropriate handling and 
resolution, as described

[[Page 406]]

in 29 CFR part 501. As part of this process, the WHD may report the 
results of its investigation to the OFLC Administrator for consideration 
of employer penalties or such other action as may be appropriate.
    (b) Filing with the Department of Justice. Complaints alleging that 
an employer discouraged an eligible U.S. worker from applying, failed to 
hire, discharged, or otherwise discriminated against an eligible U.S. 
worker, or discovered violations involving the same, will be referred to 
the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office of Special 
Counsel for Unfair Immigration Related Employment Practices (OSC), in 
addition to any activity, investigation, and/or enforcement action taken 
by ETA or a SWA. Likewise, if OSC becomes aware of a violation of the 
regulations in this subpart, it may provide such information to the 
appropriate SWA and the CO.

  Labor Certification Process for Temporary Agricultural Employment in 
     Range Sheep Herding, Goat Herding, and Production of Livestock 
                               Occupations

    Source: 80 FR 63066, Oct. 16, 2015, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  655.200  Scope and purpose of herding and range livestock
regulations.

    (a) Purpose. The purpose of Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235 is to 
establish certain procedures for employers who apply to the Department 
of Labor to obtain labor certifications to hire temporary agricultural 
foreign workers to perform herding or production of livestock on the 
range, as defined in Sec.  655.201. Unless otherwise specified in 
Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235, employers whose job opportunities meet the 
qualifying criteria under Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235 must fully comply 
with all of the requirements of Sec. Sec.  655.100-655.185; part 653, 
subparts B and F; and part 654 of this chapter.
    (b) Jobs subject to Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235. These procedures 
apply to job opportunities with the following unique characteristics:
    (1) The work activities involve the herding or production of 
livestock (which includes work that is closely and directly related to 
herding and/or the production of livestock), as defined under Sec.  
655.201;
    (2) The work is performed on the range for the majority (meaning 
more than 50 percent) of the workdays in the work contract period. Any 
additional work performed at a place other than the range must 
constitute the production of livestock (which includes work that is 
closely and directly related to herding and/or the production of 
livestock); and
    (3) The work activities generally require the workers to be on call 
24 hours per day, 7 days a week.



Sec.  655.201  Definition of herding and range livestock terms.

    The following are terms that are not defined in Sec. Sec.  655.100-
655.185 and are specific to applications for labor certifications 
involving the herding or production of livestock on the range.
    Herding. Activities associated with the caring, controlling, 
feeding, gathering, moving, tending, and sorting of livestock on the 
range.
    Livestock. An animal species or species group such as sheep, cattle, 
goats, horses, or other domestic hooved animals. In the context of 
Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235, livestock refers to those species raised on 
the range.
    Production of livestock. The care or husbandry of livestock 
throughout one or more seasons during the year, including guarding and 
protecting livestock from predatory animals and poisonous plants; 
feeding, fattening, and watering livestock; examining livestock to 
detect diseases, illnesses, or other injuries; administering medical 
care to sick or injured livestock; applying vaccinations and spraying 
insecticides on the range; and assisting with the breeding, birthing, 
raising, weaning, castration, branding, and general care of livestock. 
This term also includes duties performed off the range that are closely 
and directly related to herding and/or the production of livestock. The 
following are non-exclusive examples of ranch work that is closely and 
directly related: repairing fences used to contain the herd; assembling 
lambing jugs; cleaning out lambing jugs; feeding and caring for the dogs 
that the workers use on the range to assist with herding or guarding the

[[Page 407]]

flock; feeding and caring for the horses that the workers use on the 
range to help with herding or to move the sheep camps and supplies; and 
loading animals into livestock trucks for movement to the range or to 
market. The following are examples of ranch work that is not closely and 
directly related: working at feedlots; planting, irrigating and 
harvesting crops; operating or repairing heavy equipment; constructing 
wells or dams; digging irrigation ditches; applying weed control; 
cutting trees or chopping wood; constructing or repairing the bunkhouse 
or other ranch buildings; and delivering supplies from the ranch to the 
herders on the range.
    Range. The range is any area located away from the ranch 
headquarters used by the employer. The following factors are indicative 
of the range: it involves land that is uncultivated; it involves wide 
expanses of land, such as thousands of acres; it is located in a remote, 
isolated area; and typically range housing is required so that the 
herder can be in constant attendance to the herd. No one factor is 
controlling and the totality of the circumstances is considered in 
determining what should be considered range. The range does not include 
feedlots, corrals, or any area where the stock involved would be near 
ranch headquarters. Ranch headquarters, which is a place where the 
business of the ranch occurs and is often where the owner resides, is 
limited and does not embrace large acreage; it only includes the 
ranchhouse, barns, sheds, pen, bunkhouse, cookhouse, and other buildings 
in the vicinity. The range also does not include any area where a herder 
is not required to be available constantly to attend to the livestock 
and to perform tasks, including but not limited to, ensuring the 
livestock do not stray, protecting them from predators, and monitoring 
their health.
    Range housing. Range housing is housing located on the range that 
meets the standards articulated under Sec.  655.235.



Sec.  655.205  Herding and range livestock job orders.

    The employer whose job opportunity has been determined to qualify 
for these procedures, whether individual, association, or H-2ALC, is not 
required to comply with the job order filing requirements in Sec.  
655.121(a) through (d). Rather, the employer must submit Form ETA-790, 
directly to the National Processing Center (NPC) designated by the 
Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC Administrator) along with a 
completed H-2A Application for Temporary Employment Certification, Form 
ETA-9142A, as required in Sec.  655.215.



Sec.  655.210  Contents of herding and range livestock job orders.

    (a) Content of job offers. Unless otherwise specified in Sec. Sec.  
655.200-655.235, the employer, whether individual, association, or H-
2ALC, must satisfy the requirements for job orders established under 
Sec.  655.121(e) and for the content of job offers established under 
part 653, subpart F of this chapter and Sec.  655.122.
    (b) Job qualifications and requirements. The job offer must include 
a statement that the workers are on call for up to 24 hours per day, 7 
days per week and that the workers spend the majority (meaning more than 
50 percent) of the workdays during the contract period in the herding or 
production of livestock on the range. Duties may include activities 
performed off the range only if such duties constitute the production of 
livestock (which includes work that is closely and directly related to 
herding and/or the production of livestock). All such duties must be 
specifically disclosed on the job order. The job offer may also specify 
that applicants must possess up to 6 months of experience in similar 
occupations involving the herding or production of livestock on the 
range and require reference(s) for the employer to verify applicant 
experience. An employer may specify other appropriate job qualifications 
and requirements for its job opportunity. Job offers may not impose on 
U.S. workers any restrictions or obligations that will not be imposed on 
the employer's H-2A workers engaged in herding or the production of 
livestock on the range. Any such requirements must be applied equally to 
both U.S. and foreign workers. Each job qualification and requirement 
listed in the job offer must be bona fide, and the

[[Page 408]]

Certifying Officer (CO) may require the employer to submit documentation 
to substantiate the appropriateness of any other job qualifications and 
requirements specified in the job offer.
    (c) Range housing. The employer must specify in the job order that 
range housing will be provided. The range housing must meet the 
requirements set forth in Sec.  655.235.
    (d) Employer-provided items. (1) The employer must provide to the 
worker, without charge or deposit charge, all tools, supplies, and 
equipment required by law, by the employer, or by the nature of the work 
to perform the duties assigned in the job offer safely and effectively. 
The employer must specify in the job order which items it will provide 
to the worker.
    (2) Because of the unique nature of the herding or production of 
livestock on the range, this equipment must include effective means of 
communicating with persons capable of responding to the worker's needs 
in case of an emergency including, but not limited to, satellite phones, 
cell phones, wireless devices, radio transmitters, or other types of 
electronic communication systems. The employer must specify in the job 
order:
    (i) The type(s) of electronic communication device(s) and that such 
device(s) will be provided without charge or deposit charge to the 
worker during the entire period of employment; and
    (ii) If there are periods of time when the workers are stationed in 
locations where electronic communication devices may not operate 
effectively, the employer must specify in the job order, the means and 
frequency with which the employer plans to make contact with the workers 
to monitor the worker's well-being. This contact must include either 
arrangements for the workers to be located, on a regular basis, in 
geographic areas where the electronic communication devices operate 
effectively, or arrangements for regular, pre-scheduled, in-person 
visits between the workers and the employer, which may include visits 
between the workers and other persons designated by the employer to 
resupply the workers' camp.
    (e) Meals. The employer must specify in the job offer and provide to 
the worker, without charge or deposit charge:
    (1) Either three sufficient meals a day, or free and convenient 
cooking facilities and adequate provision of food to enable the worker 
to prepare his own meals. To be sufficient or adequate, the meals or 
food provided must include a daily source of protein, vitamins, and 
minerals; and
    (2) Adequate potable water, or water that can be easily rendered 
potable and the means to do so. Standards governing the provision of 
water to range workers are also addressed in Sec.  655.235(e).
    (f) Hours and earnings statements. (1) The employer must keep 
accurate and adequate records with respect to the worker's earnings and 
furnish to the worker on or before each payday a statement of earnings. 
The employer is exempt from recording the hours actually worked each 
day, the time the worker begins and ends each workday, as well as the 
nature and amount of work performed, but all other regulatory 
requirements in Sec.  655.122(j) and (k) apply.
    (2) The employer must keep daily records indicating whether the site 
of the employee's work was on the range or off the range. If the 
employer prorates a worker's wage pursuant to paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section because of the worker's voluntary absence for personal reasons, 
it must also keep a record of the reason for the worker's absence.
    (g) Rates of pay. The employer must pay the worker at least the 
monthly AEWR, as specified in Sec.  655.211, the agreed-upon collective 
bargaining wage, or the applicable minimum wage imposed by Federal or 
State law or judicial action, in effect at the time work is performed, 
whichever is highest, for every month of the job order period or portion 
thereof.
    (1) The offered wage shall not be based on commissions, bonuses, or 
other incentives, unless the employer guarantees a wage that equals or 
exceeds the monthly AEWR, the agreed-upon collective bargaining wage, or 
the applicable minimum wage imposed by Federal or State law or judicial 
action, or any agreed-upon collective bargaining rate, whichever is 
highest, and

[[Page 409]]

must be paid to each worker free and clear without any unauthorized 
deductions.
    (2) The employer may prorate the wage for the initial and final pay 
periods of the job order period if its pay period does not match the 
beginning or ending dates of the job order. The employer also may 
prorate the wage if an employee is voluntarily unavailable to work for 
personal reasons.
    (h) Frequency of pay. The employer must state in the job offer the 
frequency with which the worker will be paid, which must be at least 
twice monthly. Employers must pay wages when due.



Sec.  655.211  Herding and range livestock wage rate.

    (a) Compliance with rates of pay. (1) To comply with its obligation 
under Sec.  655.210(g), an employer must offer, advertise in its 
recruitment and pay each worker employed under Sec. Sec.  655.200-
655.235 a wage that is the highest of the monthly AEWR established under 
this section, the agreed-upon collective bargaining wage, or the 
applicable minimum wage imposed by Federal or State law or judicial 
action.
    (2) If the monthly AEWR established under this section is adjusted 
during a work contract, and is higher than both the agreed-upon 
collective bargaining wage and the applicable minimum wage imposed by 
Federal or State law or judicial action in effect at the time the work 
is performed, the employer must pay that adjusted monthly AEWR upon 
publication by the Department in the Federal Register.
    (b) Publication of the monthly AEWR. The OFLC Administrator will 
publish a notice in the Federal Register, at least once in each calendar 
year, on a date to be determined by the OFLC Administrator, establishing 
the monthly AEWR.
    (c) Monthly AEWR Rate. (1) The monthly AEWR shall be $7.25 
multiplied by 48 hours, and then multiplied by 4.333 weeks per month; 
and
    (2) Beginning for calendar year 2017, the monthly AEWR shall be 
adjusted annually based on the Employment Cost Index for wages and 
salaries published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (ECI) for the 
preceding October--October period.
    (d) Transition Rates. (1) For the period from the effective date of 
this rule through calendar year 2016, the Department shall set the 
monthly AEWR at 80% of the result of the formula in paragraph (c) of 
this section.
    (2) For calendar year 2017, the Department shall set the monthly 
AEWR at 90% of the result of the formula in paragraph (c) of this 
section.
    (3) For calendar year 2018 and beyond, the Department shall set the 
monthly AEWR at 100% of the result of the formula in paragraph (c) of 
this section.



Sec.  655.215  Procedures for filing herding and range livestock 
applications for temporary employment certification.

    (a) Compliance with Sec. Sec.  655.130-655.132. Unless otherwise 
specified in Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235, the employer must satisfy the 
requirements for filing an H-2A Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification with the NPC designated by the OFLC Administrator as 
required under Sec. Sec.  655.130-655.132.
    (b) What to file. An employer must file a completed H-2A Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142A), Agricultural 
and Food Processing Clearance Order (Form ETA-790), and an attachment 
identifying, with as much geographic specificity as possible for each 
farmer/rancher, the names, physical locations and estimated start and 
end dates of need where work will be performed under the job order.
    (1) The H-2A Application for Temporary Employment Certification and 
Form ETA-790 may be filed by an individual employer, association, or an 
H-2ALC, covering multiple areas of intended employment and more than two 
contiguous States.
    (2) The period of need identified on the H-2A Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and job order for range sheep or goat 
herding or production occupations must be no more than 364 calendar 
days. The period of need identified on the H-2A Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and

[[Page 410]]

job order for range herding or production of cattle, horses, or other 
domestic hooved livestock, except sheep and goats, must be for no more 
than 10 months.
    (3) An association of agricultural employers filing as a joint 
employer may submit a single Form ETA-790 and master H-2A Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification on behalf of its employer-members 
located in more than two contiguous States with different start dates of 
need. Unless modifications to a sheep or goat herding or production of 
livestock job order are required by the CO or requested by the employer, 
pursuant to Sec.  655.121(e), the association is not required to re-
submit the Form ETA-790 during the calendar year with its H-2A 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.220  Processing herding and range livestock applications for
temporary employment certification.

    (a) NPC Review. Unless otherwise specified in Sec. Sec.  655.200-
655.235, the CO will review and process the H-2A Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and the Form ETA-790 in accordance 
with the requirements outlined in Sec. Sec.  655.140-655.145, and will 
work with the employer to address any deficiencies in the job order in a 
manner consistent with Sec. Sec.  655.140-655.141.
    (b) Notice of acceptance. Once the job order is determined to meet 
all regulatory requirements, the NPC will issue a Notice of Acceptance 
consistent with Sec.  655.143(b)(1). The CO will provide notice to the 
employer authorizing conditional access to the interstate clearance 
system; identify and transmit a copy of the Form ETA-790 to any one of 
the SWAs having jurisdiction over the anticipated worksites, and direct 
the SWA to place the job order promptly in intrastate and interstate 
clearance (including all States where the work will take place); and 
commence recruitment of U.S. workers. Where an association of 
agricultural employers files as a joint employer and submits a single 
Form ETA-790 on behalf of its employer-members, the CO will transmit a 
copy of the Form ETA-790 to the SWA having jurisdiction over the 
location of the association, again directing that SWA to place the job 
order in intrastate and interstate clearance, including to those other 
States where the work will take place, and commence recruitment of U.S. 
workers.
    (c) Electronic job registry. Under Sec.  655.144(b), where a single 
job order is approved for an association of agricultural employers 
filing as a joint employer on behalf of its employer-members with 
different start dates of need, the Department will keep the job order 
posted on the OFLC electronic job registry until 50 percent of the 
period of the work contract has elapsed for all employer-members 
identified on the job order.



Sec.  655.225  Post-acceptance requirements for herding and range
livestock.

    (a) Unless otherwise specified in this section, the requirements for 
recruiting U.S. workers by the employer and SWA must be satisfied, as 
specified in Sec. Sec.  655.150-655.158.
    (b) Interstate clearance of job order. Pursuant to Sec.  655.150(b), 
where a single job order is approved for an association of agricultural 
employers filing as a joint employer on behalf of its employer-members 
with different start dates of need, each of the SWAs to which the Form 
ETA-790 was transmitted by the CO or the SWA having jurisdiction over 
the location of the association must keep the job order on its active 
file until 50 percent of the period of the work contract has elapsed for 
all employer-members identified on the job order, and must refer to the 
association each qualified U.S. worker who applies (or on whose behalf 
an application is made) for the job opportunity.
    (c) Any eligible U.S. worker who applies (or on whose behalf an 
application is made) for the job opportunity and is hired will be placed 
at the location nearest to him/her absent a request for a different 
location by the U.S. worker. Employers must make reasonable efforts to 
accommodate such placement requests by the U.S. worker.
    (d) An association that fulfills the recruitment requirements for 
its members is required to maintain a written

[[Page 411]]

recruitment report containing the information required by Sec.  655.156 
for each individual employer-member identified in the application or job 
order, including any approved modifications.

[80 FR 63066, Oct. 16, 2015, as amended at 84 FR 49457, Sept. 20, 2019]



Sec.  655.230  Range housing.

    (a) Housing for work performed on the range must meet the minimum 
standards contained in Sec.  655.235 and Sec.  655.122(d)(2).
    (b) The SWA with jurisdiction over the location of the range housing 
must inspect and certify that such housing used on the range is 
sufficient to accommodate the number of certified workers and meets all 
applicable standards contained in Sec.  655.235. The SWA must conduct a 
housing inspection no less frequently than once every three calendar 
years after the initial inspection and provide documentation to the 
employer certifying the housing for a period lasting no more than 36 
months. If the SWA determines that an employer's housing cannot be 
inspected within a 3-year timeframe or, when it is inspected, the 
housing does not meet all the applicable standards, the CO may deny the 
H-2A application in full or in part or require additional inspections, 
to be carried out by the SWA, in order to satisfy the regulatory 
requirement.
    (c)(1) The employer may self-certify its compliance with the 
standards contained in Sec.  655.235 only when the employer has received 
a certification from the SWA for the range housing it seeks to use 
within the past 36 months.
    (2) To self-certify the range housing, the employer must submit a 
copy of the valid SWA housing certification and a written statement, 
signed and dated by the employer, to the SWA and the CO assuring that 
the housing is available, sufficient to accommodate the number of 
workers being requested for temporary labor certification, and meets all 
the applicable standards for range housing contained in Sec.  655.235.
    (d) The use of range housing at a location other than the range, 
where fixed site employer-provided housing would otherwise be required, 
is permissible only when the worker occupying the housing is performing 
work that constitutes the production of livestock (which includes work 
that is closely and directly related to herding and/or the production of 
livestock). In such a situation, workers must be granted access to 
facilities, including but not limited to toilets and showers with hot 
and cold water under pressure, as well as cooking and cleaning 
facilities, that would satisfy the requirements contained in Sec.  
655.122(d)(1)(i). When such work does not constitute the production of 
livestock, workers must be housed in housing that meets all the 
requirements of Sec.  655.122(d).



Sec.  655.235  Standards for range housing.

    An employer employing workers under Sec. Sec.  655.200-655.235 may 
use a mobile unit, camper, or other similar mobile housing vehicle, 
tents, and remotely located stationary structures along herding trails, 
which meet the following standards:
    (a) Housing site. Range housing sites must be well drained and free 
from depressions where water may stagnate.
    (b) Water supply. (1) An adequate and convenient supply of water 
that meets the standards of the state or local health authority must be 
provided.
    (2) The employer must provide each worker at least 4.5 gallons of 
potable water, per day, for drinking and cooking, delivered on a regular 
basis, so that the workers will have at least this amount available for 
their use until this supply is next replenished. Employers must also 
provide an additional amount of water sufficient to meet the laundry and 
bathing needs of each worker. This additional water may be non-potable, 
and an employer may require a worker to rely on natural sources of water 
for laundry and bathing needs if these sources are available and contain 
water that is clean and safe for these purposes. If an employer relies 
on alternate water sources to meet any of the workers' needs, it must 
take precautionary measures to protect the worker's health where these 
sources are also used to water the herd, dogs, or horses, to prevent 
contamination of the sources if they collect runoff from areas where 
these animals excrete.

[[Page 412]]

    (3) The water provided for use by the workers may not be used to 
water dogs, horses, or the herd.
    (4) In situations where workers are located in areas that are not 
accessible by motorized vehicle, an employer may request a variance from 
the requirement that it deliver potable water to workers, provided the 
following conditions are satisfied:
    (i) It seeks the variance at the time it submits its H-2A 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, Form ETA-9142A;
    (ii) It attests that it has identified natural sources of water that 
are potable or may be easily rendered potable in the area in which the 
housing will be located, and that these sources will remain available 
during the period the worker is at that location;
    (iii) It attests that it shall provide each worker an effective 
means to test whether the water is potable and, if not potable, the 
means to easily render it potable; and
    (iv) The CO approves the variance.
    (5) Individual drinking cups must be provided; and
    (6) Containers appropriate for storing and using potable water must 
be provided and, in locations subject to freezing temperatures, 
containers must be small enough to allow storage in the housing unit to 
prevent freezing.
    (c) Excreta and liquid waste disposal. (1) Facilities, including 
shovels, must be provided and maintained for effective disposal of 
excreta and liquid waste in accordance with the requirements of the 
state health authority or involved Federal agency; and
    (2) If pits are used for disposal by burying of excreta and liquid 
waste, they must be kept fly-tight when not filled in completely after 
each use. The maintenance of disposal pits must be in accordance with 
state and local health and sanitation requirements.
    (d) Housing structure. (1) Housing must be structurally sound, in 
good repair, in a sanitary condition and must provide shelter against 
the elements to occupants;
    (2) Housing, other than tents, must have flooring constructed of 
rigid materials easy to clean and so located as to prevent ground and 
surface water from entering;
    (3) Each housing unit must have at least one window that can be 
opened or skylight opening directly to the outdoors; and
    (4) Tents appropriate to weather conditions may be used only where 
the terrain and/or land use regulations do not permit the use of other 
more substantial housing.
    (e) Heating. (1) Where the climate in which the housing will be used 
is such that the safety and health of a worker requires heated living 
quarters, all such quarters must have properly installed operable 
heating equipment that supplies adequate heat. Where the climate in 
which the housing will be used is mild and the low temperature for any 
day in which the housing will be used is not reasonably expected to drop 
below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, no separate heating equipment is required 
as long as proper protective clothing and bedding are made available, 
free of charge or deposit charge, to the workers.
    (2) Any stoves or other sources of heat using combustible fuel must 
be installed and vented in such a manner as to prevent fire hazards and 
a dangerous concentration of gases. If a solid or liquid fuel stove is 
used in a room with wooden or other combustible flooring, there must be 
a concrete slab, insulated metal sheet, or other fireproof material on 
the floor under each stove, extending at least 18 inches beyond the 
perimeter of the base of the stove.
    (3) Any wall or ceiling within 18 inches of a solid or liquid fuel 
stove or stove pipe must be made of fireproof material. A vented metal 
collar must be installed around a stovepipe or vent passing through a 
wall, ceiling, floor or roof.
    (4) When a heating system has automatic controls, the controls must 
be of the type that cuts off the fuel supply when the flame fails or is 
interrupted or whenever a predetermined safe temperature or pressure is 
exceeded.
    (5) A heater may be used in a tent if the heater is approved by a 
testing service and if the tent is fireproof.
    (f) Lighting. (1) In areas where it is not feasible to provide 
electrical service to range housing units, including

[[Page 413]]

tents, lanterns must be provided (kerosene wick lights meet the 
definition of lantern); and
    (2) Lanterns, where used, must be provided in a minimum ratio of one 
per occupant of each unit, including tents.
    (g) Bathing, laundry, and hand washing. Bathing, laundry and hand 
washing facilities must be provided when it is not feasible to provide 
hot and cold water under pressure.
    (h) Food storage. When mechanical refrigeration of food is not 
feasible, the worker must be provided with another means of keeping food 
fresh and preventing spoilage, such as a butane or propane gas 
refrigerator. Other proven methods of safeguarding fresh foods, such as 
dehydrating or salting, are acceptable.
    (i) Cooking and eating facilities. (1) When workers or their 
families are permitted or required to cook in their individual unit, a 
space must be provided with adequate lighting and ventilation; and
    (2) Wall surfaces next to all food preparation and cooking areas 
must be of nonabsorbent, easy to clean material. Wall surfaces next to 
cooking areas must be made of fire-resistant material.
    (j) Garbage and other refuse. (1) Durable, fly-tight, clean 
containers must be provided to each housing unit, including tents, for 
storing garbage and other refuse; and
    (2) Provision must be made for collecting or burying refuse, which 
includes garbage, at least twice a week or more often if necessary, 
except where the terrain in which the housing is located cannot be 
accessed by motor vehicle and the refuse cannot be buried, in which case 
the employer must provide appropriate receptacles for storing the refuse 
and for removing the trash when the employer next transports supplies to 
the location.
    (k) Insect and rodent control. Appropriate materials, including 
sprays, and sealed containers for storing food, must be provided to aid 
housing occupants in combating insects, rodents and other vermin.
    (l) Sleeping facilities. A separate comfortable and clean bed, cot, 
or bunk, with a clean mattress, must be provided for each person, except 
in a family arrangement, unless a variance is requested from and granted 
by the CO. When filing an application for certification and only where 
it is demonstrated to the CO that it is impractical to provide a 
comfortable and clean bed, cot, or bunk, with a clean mattress, for each 
range worker, the employer may request a variance from this requirement 
to allow for a second worker to join the range operation. Such a 
variance must be used infrequently, and the period of the variance will 
be temporary, i.e., the variance shall be for no more than 3 consecutive 
days. Should the CO grant the variance, the employer must supply a 
sleeping bag or bed roll for the second occupant free of charge or 
deposit charge.
    (m) Fire, safety, and first aid. (1) All units in which people sleep 
or eat must be constructed and maintained according to applicable state 
or local fire and safety law.
    (2) No flammable or volatile liquid or materials may be stored in or 
next to rooms used for living purposes, except for those needed for 
current household use.
    (3) Housing units for range use must have a second means of escape 
through which the worker can exit the unit without difficulty.
    (4) Tents are not required to have a second means of escape, except 
when large tents with walls of rigid material are used.
    (5) Adequate, accessible fire extinguishers in good working 
condition and first aid kits must be provided in the range housing.

Subparts C-D [Reserved]



 Subpart E_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Employment in the 
      Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CW	1 Workers)

    Source: 84 FR 12431, Apr. 1, 2019, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  655.400  Scope and purpose of this subpart.

    (a) Purpose. (1) A temporary labor certification (TLC) issued under 
this

[[Page 414]]

subpart reflects a determination by the Secretary of Labor (Secretary), 
pursuant to 48 U.S.C. 1806(d)(2)(A), that:
    (i) There are not sufficient U.S. workers in the Commonwealth who 
are able, willing, and qualified and who will be available at the time 
and place needed to perform the services or labor for which an employer 
desires to hire foreign workers; and
    (ii) The employment of the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker visa 
program (CW-1) nonimmigrant worker(s) will not adversely affect the 
wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed.
    (2) This subpart describes the process by which the Department of 
Labor (Department or DOL) makes such a determination and certifies its 
determination to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
    (b) Scope. This subpart sets forth the procedures governing the 
labor certification process for the employment of foreign workers in the 
CW-1 nonimmigrant classification, as defined in 48 U.S.C. 1806(d). It 
also establishes standards and obligations with respect to the terms and 
conditions of the temporary labor certification (TLC) with which CW-1 
employers must comply, as well as the rights and obligations of CW-1 
workers and workers in corresponding employment. Additionally, this 
subpart sets forth integrity measures for ensuring employers' continued 
compliance with the terms and conditions of the TLC.



Sec.  655.401  Authority of the agencies, offices, and divisions in the
Department of Labor.

    The Secretary has delegated authority to the Assistant Secretary for 
the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), who in turn has 
delegated that authority to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification 
(OFLC), to issue certifications and carry out other statutory 
responsibilities as required by 48 U.S.C. 1806. Determinations on a CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification are made by the OFLC 
Administrator who, in turn, may delegate this responsibility to 
designated staff members, e.g., a Certifying Officer (CO).



Sec.  655.402  Definition of terms.

    For purposes of this subpart:
    Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) means a person within the 
Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges appointed under 5 
U.S.C. 3105.
    Agent means a person or a legal entity, such as an association or 
other organization of employers, or an attorney for an association or 
other organization of employers, that:
    (1) Is authorized to act on behalf of the employer for Temporary 
Labor Certification (TLC) purposes;
    (2) Is not itself an employer, or a joint employer, as defined in 
this subpart with respect to the specific application; and
    (3) Is not under suspension, debarment, expulsion, disbarment, or 
otherwise restricted from practice before any court, the Department, the 
Executive Office for Immigration Review or DHS under 8 CFR 292.3 or 
1003.101.
    Applicant (or U.S. applicant) means a U.S. worker who is applying 
for a job opportunity for which an employer has filed a CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification.
    Application for Prevailing Wage Determination means the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB)-approved Form ETA-9141C (or successor form) 
and the appropriate appendices, submitted by an employer to secure a 
prevailing wage determination (PWD) from the National Prevailing Wage 
Center (NPWC).
    CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification means the 
OMB-approved Form ETA-9142C (or successor form) and the appropriate 
appendices, a valid wage determination, as required by Sec.  655.410, 
and all supporting documentation submitted by an employer to secure a 
TLC determination from the OFLC Administrator.
    Attorney means any person who is a member in good standing of the 
bar of the highest court of any State, possession, territory, or 
commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Such a 
person is also permitted to act as an agent under this subpart. No 
attorney who is under suspension, debarment, expulsion, or disbarment 
from practice before any court, the Department, the Executive

[[Page 415]]

Office for Immigration Review, or DHS under 8 CFR 1003.101 or 292.3, may 
represent an employer under this subpart.
    Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA or Board) means 
the permanent Board established by part 656 of this chapter, chaired by 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge (Chief ALJ), and consisting of ALJs 
appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105 and designated by the Chief ALJ to 
be members of BALCA.
    Certifying Officer or CO means the person who makes determination on 
a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification filed under 
the CW-1 program. The OFLC Administrator is the national CO. Other COs 
may also be designated by the OFLC Administrator to make the 
determinations required under this subpart, including making PWDs.
    Chief Administrative Law Judge or Chief ALJ means the chief official 
of the Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges or the Chief 
ALJ's designee.
    CNMI Department of Labor means the executive Department of the 
Commonwealth Government that administers employment and job training 
activities for employers and U.S. workers in the Commonwealth.
    Commonwealth or CNMI means the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands.
    Corresponding employment means the employment of U.S. workers who 
are not CW-1 workers by an employer who has an approved CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification in any work included in the 
approved job offer, or in any work performed by the CW-1 workers. To 
qualify as corresponding employment the work must be performed during 
the validity period of the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and approved job offer, including any approved extension 
thereof.
    CW-1 Petition means the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 
(USCIS) Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional 
Worker, a successor form, other form, or electronic equivalent, any 
supplemental information requested by USCIS, and additional evidence as 
may be prescribed or requested by USCIS.
    CW-1 worker means any foreign worker who is lawfully present in the 
Commonwealth and authorized by DHS to perform temporary labor or 
services under 48 U.S.C. 1806(d).
    Date of need means the first date the employer requires services of 
the CW-1 workers as indicated on the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification.
    Department of Homeland Security or DHS means the Federal Department 
having jurisdiction over certain immigration-related functions, acting 
through its component agencies, including USCIS.
    Employee means a person who is engaged to perform work for an 
employer, as defined under the general common law of agency. Some of the 
factors relevant to the determination of employee status include: The 
hiring party's right to control the manner and means by which the work 
is accomplished; the skill required to perform the work; the source of 
the instrumentalities and tools for accomplishing the work; the location 
of the work; the hiring party's discretion over when and how long to 
work; and whether the work is part of the regular business of the hiring 
party. Other applicable factors may be considered and no one factor is 
dispositive. The terms employee and worker are used interchangeably in 
this subpart.
    Employer means a person (including any individual, partnership, 
association, corporation, cooperative, firm, joint stock company, trust, 
or other organization with legal rights and duties) that:
    (1) Has a place of business (physical location) in the Commonwealth 
and a means by which it may be contacted for employment;
    (2) Has an employer relationship (such as the ability to hire, pay, 
fire, supervise or otherwise control the work of employees) with respect 
to a CW-1 worker or a worker in corresponding employment, as defined 
under the common law of agency; and
    (3) Possesses, for purposes of filing a CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, a valid Federal Employer 
Identification Number (FEIN).
    Employer-client means an employer that has entered into an agreement

[[Page 416]]

with a job contractor and that is not an affiliate, branch, or 
subsidiary of the job contractor, under which the job contractor 
provides services or labor to the employer-client on a temporary basis 
and will not exercise substantial, direct day-to-day supervision and 
control in the performance of the services or labor to be performed 
other than hiring, paying, and firing the workers.
    Employment and Training Administration or ETA means the agency 
within the Department that includes OFLC and has been delegated 
authority by the Secretary to fulfill the Secretary's mandate under for 
the administration and adjudication of a CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and related functions.
    Federal holiday means a legal public holiday as defined at 5 U.S.C. 
6103.
    Full-time means 35 or more hours of work per week.
    Governor means the Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands.
    Job contractor means a person, association, firm, or a corporation 
that meets the definition of an employer and that contracts services or 
labor on a temporary basis to one or more employers that are not an 
affiliate, branch, or subsidiary of the job contractor and where the job 
contractor will not exercise substantial, direct day-to-day supervision 
and control in the performance of the services or labor to be performed 
other than hiring, paying, and releasing the workers.
    Job offer means the offer made by an employer or potential employer 
of CW-1 workers to both U.S. and CW-1 workers describing all the 
material terms and conditions of employment, including those relating to 
wages, working conditions, and other benefits.
    Job opportunity means full-time employment at a place in the 
Commonwealth to which U.S. workers can be referred.
    Joint employment means that where two or more employers each have 
sufficient definitional indicia of being a joint employer of a worker 
under the common law of agency, they are, at all times, joint employers 
of that worker.
    Layoff means any involuntary separation of one or more U.S. 
employees other than for cause.
    Long-term worker means an alien who was admitted to the CNMI as a 
CW-1 nonimmigrant during fiscal year (FY) 2015, and who was granted CW-1 
nonimmigrant status during each of FYs 2016 through 2018, as defined by 
DHS.
    National Prevailing Wage Center or NPWC means that office within 
OFLC from which employers, agents, or attorneys who wish to file a CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification receive a PWD.
    NPWC Director means the OFLC official to whom the OFLC Administrator 
has delegated authority to carry out certain NPWC operations and 
functions.
    National Processing Center (NPC) means the office within OFLC in 
which the COs operate, and which are charged with the adjudication of 
CW-1 Applications for Temporary Employment Certification.
    NPC Director means the OFLC official to whom the OFLC Administrator 
has delegated authority for purposes of certain NPC operations and 
functions.
    Occupational employment statistics (OES) survey means the program 
under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that 
reports annual wage estimates, including those for Guam, based on 
standard occupational classifications (SOCs).
    Offered wage means the wage offered by an employer in the CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and job offer. The 
offered wage must equal or exceed the highest of the prevailing wage, or 
the Federal minimum wage, or the Commonwealth minimum wage.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification or OFLC means the 
organizational component of the ETA that provides national leadership 
and policy guidance and develops regulations to carry out the 
Secretary's responsibilities, including determinations related to an 
employer's request for an Application for Prevailing Wage Determination 
or CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    Place of employment means the worksite (or physical location) where 
work under the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
and job offer actually is performed by the CW-

[[Page 417]]

1 workers and workers in corresponding employment.
    Prevailing wage (PW) means the official wage issued by the NPWC on 
the Form ETA 9141C, Application for Prevailing Wage Determination for 
the CW-1 Program, or successor form. At least that amount must be paid 
to all CW-1 workers and U.S. workers in corresponding employment.
    Prevailing wage determination (PWD) means the prevailing wage issued 
by the OFLC NPWC on the Form ETA-9141C, Application for Prevailing Wage 
Determination for the CW-1 Program, or successor form. The PWD is used 
in support of the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification.
    Secretary of Labor or Secretary means the chief official of the U.S. 
DOL, or the Secretary's designee.
    Secretary of Homeland Security means the chief official of DHS or 
the Secretary of Homeland Security's designee.
    Secretary of State means the chief official of the U.S. Department 
of State or the Secretary of State's designee.
    Strike means a concerted stoppage of work by employees as a result 
of a labor dispute, or any concerted slowdown or other concerted 
interruption of operation (including stoppage by reason of the 
expiration of a collective bargaining agreement).
    Successor in interest means an employer, agent, or attorney that is 
controlling and carrying on the business of a previous employer.
    (1) Where an employer, agent, or attorney has violated 48 U.S.C. 
1806 or the regulations in this subpart and has ceased doing business or 
cannot be located for purposes of enforcement, a successor in interest 
to that employer, agent, or attorney may be held liable for the duties 
and obligations of the violating employer in certain circumstances. The 
following factors, as used under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 
the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act, may be considered 
in determining whether an employer, agent, or attorney is a successor in 
interest; no one factor is dispositive, and all the circumstances will 
be considered as a whole:
    (i) Substantial continuity of the same business operations;
    (ii) Use of the same facilities;
    (iii) Continuity of the work force;
    (iv) Similarity of jobs and working conditions;
    (v) Similarity of supervisory personnel;
    (vi) Whether the former management or owner retains a direct or 
indirect interest in the new enterprise;
    (vii) Similarity in machinery, equipment, and production methods;
    (viii) Similarity of products and services; and
    (ix) The ability of the predecessor to provide relief.
    (2) For purposes of debarment only, the primary consideration will 
be the personal involvement of the firm's ownership, management, 
supervisors, and others associated with the firm in the violation(s) at 
issue.
    Temporary labor certification or TLC means the certification made by 
the OFLC Administrator, based on the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, job offer, and all supporting documentation, 
with respect to an employer seeking to file with DHS a visa petition to 
employ one or more foreign nationals as a CW-1 worker.
    United States means the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the 
Commonwealth.
    United States worker (U.S. worker) means a worker who is:
    (1) A citizen or national of the United States;
    (2) An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or
    (3) A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of 
the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau, who is eligible for 
nonimmigrant admission and is employment-authorized under the Compacts 
of Free Association between the United States and those nations.
    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS means the Federal 
agency within DHS that makes the determination whether to grant 
petitions filed by employers seeking CW-1 workers to perform temporary 
work in the Commonwealth.
    Wages mean all forms of cash remuneration to a worker by an employer 
in payment for labor or services.

[[Page 418]]

    Work contract means the document containing all the material terms 
and conditions of employment relating to wages, hours, working 
conditions, places of employment, and other benefits, including all 
assurances and obligations required to be included under this subpart. 
The contract between the employer and the worker may be in the form of a 
separate written document containing the advertised terms and conditions 
of the job offer. In the absence of a separate, written work contract 
incorporating the required terms and conditions of employment, agreed to 
by both the employer and the worker, the required terms of the certified 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification will be the work 
contract.



Sec.  655.403  Persons and entities authorized to file.

    (a) Persons authorized to file. In addition to the employer, a 
request for a PWD or TLC under this subpart may be filed by an attorney 
or agent, as defined in Sec.  655.402.
    (b) Employer's signature required. Regardless of whether the 
employer is represented by an attorney or agent, the employer is 
required to sign the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and all documentation submitted to the Department.



Sec.  655.404  Requirements for agents.

    An agent filing a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification on behalf of an employer must provide a copy of the agent 
agreement or other document demonstrating the agent's authority to 
represent the employer to the NPC at the time of filing the application.



Sec. Sec.  655.405-655.409  [Reserved]

                          Prefiling Procedures



Sec.  655.410  Offered wage rate and determination of prevailing wage.

    (a) Offered wage. (1) The employer must advertise the position to 
all potential workers at a wage that is at least the highest of the 
following:
    (i) The prevailing wage for the job opportunity obtained from the 
NPWC;
    (ii) The Federal minimum wage; or
    (iii) The Commonwealth minimum wage.
    (2) The employer must offer and pay at least the wage provided in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section to both its CW-1 workers and its 
workers in corresponding employment. The issuance of a PWD under this 
section does not permit an employer to pay a wage lower than the highest 
wage required by any applicable Federal or Commonwealth law.
    (b) Determinations--(1) Methods. The OFLC Administrator will 
determine prevailing wages in the Commonwealth and occupational 
classification as follows:
    (i) If the mean hourly wage for the occupational classification in 
the Commonwealth is reported by the Governor, annually, and meets the 
requirements set forth in paragraph (e) of this section, as determined 
by the OFLC Administrator, that wage must be the prevailing wage for the 
occupational classification;
    (ii) If the OFLC Administrator has not approved a survey, as 
reported by the Governor, for the occupational classification under 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, and the BLS OES survey reports a 
mean wage paid to workers in the SOC in Guam, the prevailing wage must 
be the mean wage paid to workers in the SOC in Guam from the BLS OES 
survey; and
    (iii) If the OFLC Administrator has not approved a survey, as 
reported by the Governor, for the occupational classification under 
paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section and the BLS OES survey does not 
report the mean wage paid to workers in the SOC in Guam under paragraph 
(b)(1)(ii) of this section, the prevailing wage must be the mean wage 
paid to workers in the SOC in the United States from the BLS OES Survey, 
adjusted based on the ratio of the mean wage paid to workers in all SOCs 
in Guam compared to the mean wage paid to workers in all SOCs in the 
United States from the BLS OES survey.
    (2) Multiple occupations. If the job duties on the Application for 
Prevailing Wage Determination do not fall within a single occupational 
classification, the

[[Page 419]]

NPC will determine the applicable prevailing wage based on the highest 
prevailing wage for all applicable occupational classifications.
    (c) Request for PWD--(1) Filing requirement. An employer must 
electronically request and receive a PWD from the NPWC then 
electronically file the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification with the NPC.
    (2) Location and methods of filing--(i) Electronic filing. The 
employer must file the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination and 
all required supporting documentation with the NPWC using the electronic 
method(s) designated by the OFLC Administrator. The NPWC will return 
without review any application submitted using a method other than the 
designated electronic method(s), unless the employer submits with the 
application a statement of the need to file by mail.
    (ii) Filing by mail. Employers that are unable to file 
electronically, either due to lack of internet access or physical 
disability precluding electronic filing, may file the application by 
mail. The mailed application must include a statement indicating the 
need to file by mail. The NPWC will return, without review, mailed 
applications that do not contain such a statement. OFLC will publish the 
address for mailed applications in the instructions to Form ETA-9141C.
    (d) NPWC action. The NPWC will provide the PWD, indicate the source 
of the PWD, and return the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination 
with its endorsement to the employer.
    (e) Wage survey reported by the Governor. The OFLC Administrator 
will issue a prevailing wage for the occupational classification in the 
Commonwealth based on a wage survey reported by the Governor if all of 
the following requirements are met:
    (1) The survey was independently conducted and issued by the 
Governor of the Commonwealth, including through any Commonwealth agency, 
Commonwealth college, or Commonwealth university;
    (2) The survey provides the arithmetic mean of the wages of workers 
in the occupational classification in the Commonwealth;
    (3) The surveyor either made a reasonable, good faith attempt to 
contact all employers in the Commonwealth employing workers in the 
occupation or conducted a randomized sampling of such employers;
    (4) The survey includes the wages of at least 30 workers in the 
Commonwealth;
    (5) The survey includes the wages of workers in the Commonwealth 
employed by at least three employers;
    (6) The survey was conducted across industries that employ workers 
in the occupational classification;
    (7) The wage reported in the survey includes all types of pay;
    (8) The survey is based on wages paid to workers in the occupational 
classification not more than 12 months before the date the survey is 
submitted to the OFLC Administrator for consideration; and
    (9) The Governor submits the survey to the OFLC Administrator, with 
specific information about the survey methodology, including such items 
as sample size and source, sample selection procedures, and survey job 
descriptions, to allow a determination of the adequacy of the data 
provided and validity of the statistical methodology used in conducting 
the survey.
    (f) Review of wage survey reported by the Governor. (1) If the OFLC 
Administrator finds the wage reported for any occupational 
classification not to be acceptable, the OFLC Administrator must inform 
the Governor in writing of the reasons the wage reported in the survey 
was not accepted.
    (2) The Governor, after receiving notification from the OFLC 
Administrator that the wage reported in the survey it provided for 
consideration is not acceptable, may submit corrected wage data or 
conduct a new wage survey and submit revised wage data to the OFLC 
Administrator for consideration under this section.
    (g) Validity period. The NPWC will specify the validity period of 
the prevailing wage, which in no event may be more than 365 days or 
fewer than 90 days from the date that the determination is issued.
    (h) Retention of documentation. The employer must retain the PWD for 
3 years from the date of issuance if not

[[Page 420]]

used in support of a TLC application or if it is used in support of a 
TLC application that is denied, and 3 years from the date on which the 
certification of the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification expires, whichever is later. The employer must submit the 
PWD to a CO if requested by a Notice of Deficiency (NOD), described in 
Sec.  655.431, or audit, as described in Sec.  655.470, or to any 
Federal Government Official performing an investigation, inspection, 
audit, or law enforcement function.



Sec.  655.411  Review of prevailing wage determinations.

    (a) Request for review of PWDs. Any employer desiring review of a 
PWD must make a written request for such review to the NPWC Director. 
The written request must be received by the NPWC Director within 7 
business days from the date the PWD was issued. The request for review 
must clearly identify the PWD for which review is sought; set forth the 
particular grounds for the request; and include any materials submitted 
to the NPWC for purposes of securing the PWD.
    (b) NPWC review. Upon the receipt of the written request for review, 
the NPWC Director will review the employer's request and accompanying 
documentation, including any supplementary material submitted by the 
employer, and after review must issue a Final Determination letter; that 
letter may:
    (1) Affirm the PWD issued by the NPWC; or
    (2) Modify the PWD.
    (c) Request for review by BALCA. Any employer desiring review of the 
NPWC Director's decision on a PWD must make a written request to BALCA 
for review of the determination, with a copy simultaneously sent to the 
NPWC Director who issued the final determination. The written request 
must be received by BALCA within 10 business days from the date the 
Final Determination letter was issued.
    (1) Upon receipt of a request for BALCA review, the NPWC will 
prepare an Appeal File and submit it to BALCA.
    (2) The request for review, statements, briefs, and other 
submissions of the parties must contain only legal arguments and may 
refer to only the evidence that was within the record upon which the 
decision on the PWD by the NPWC Director was based.
    (3) BALCA will handle appeals in accordance with Sec.  655.461.



Sec. Sec.  655.412-655.419  [Reserved]

     CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification Filing 
                               Procedures



Sec.  655.420  Application filing requirements.

    An employer seeking to hire CW-1 workers must electronically file a 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification with the NPC 
designated by the OFLC Administrator. This section provides the 
procedures an employer must follow when filing.
    (a) What to file. An employer seeking a TLC must file a completed 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification (Form ETA-9142C 
and the appropriate appendices and valid PWD), and all supporting 
documentation and information required at the time of filing under this 
subpart. Applications that are incomplete at the time of submission will 
be returned to the employer without review.
    (b) Timeliness. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section, a completed CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must be filed no more than 120 calendar days before the 
employer's date of need.
    (2) If the employer is seeking a TLC to extend the employment of a 
CW-1 worker, a completed CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must be filed no more than 180 calendar days before the 
date on which the CW-1 status expires.
    (c) Location and methods of filing--(1) Electronic filing. The 
employer must file the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and all required supporting documentation with the NPC 
using the electronic method(s) designated by the OFLC Administrator. The 
NPC will return, without review, any application submitted using a 
method other than the designated electronic method(s), unless the 
employer submits with the application a statement of the need to file by

[[Page 421]]

mail or indicates that it already submitted such a statement to NPWC 
during the same fiscal year.
    (2) Filing by mail. Employers that are unable to file 
electronically, either due to lack of internet access or physical 
disability precluding electronic filing, may file the application by 
mail. The mailed application must include a statement indicating the 
need to file by mail as indicated above. The NPC will return, without 
review, mailed applications that do not contain such a statement. OFLC 
will publish the address for mailed applications in the instructions to 
Form ETA-9142C.
    (d) Original signature and acceptance of electronic signatures. An 
electronically filed CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must contain an electronic (scanned) copy of the original 
signature of the employer (and that of the employer's authorized 
attorney or agent, if the employer is represented by an attorney or 
agent) or, in the alternative, use a verifiable electronic signature 
method, as directed by the OFLC Administrator. If submitted by mail, the 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification must bear the 
original signature of the employer and, if applicable, the employer's 
authorized attorney or agent.
    (e) Requests for multiple positions. An employer may request 
certification of more than one position on its CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification as long as all CW-1 workers will 
perform the same services or labor under the same terms and conditions, 
in the same occupation, during the same period of employment, and at a 
location (or locations) covered by the application.
    (f) Scope of application. (1) A CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification must be limited to places of employment within 
the Commonwealth.
    (2) In a single application filing, an association or other 
organization of employers is not permitted to file a CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification on behalf of more than one 
employer-member under the CW-1 program.
    (g) Period of employment. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) 
of this section, the period of need identified in the CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification must not exceed 1 year.
    (2) If the employer is seeking TLC to employ a long-term CW-1 
worker, the period of need identified in the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification must not exceed 3 years.
    (h) Return of applications based on USCIS CW-1 cap notice. (1) 
Except as provided in paragraph (h)(3) of this section, if USCIS issues 
a public notice stating that it has received a sufficient number of CW-1 
petitions to meet the statutory numerical limit on the total number of 
foreign nationals who may be issued a CW-1 permit or otherwise granted 
CW-1 status for the fiscal year, the OFLC Administrator must return 
without review any CW-1 Applications for Temporary Employment 
Certification with dates of need in that fiscal year received on or 
after the date that the OFLC Administrator provides the notice in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this section.
    (2) The OFLC Administrator will announce the return of future CW-1 
Applications for Temporary Employment Certification with dates of need 
in the fiscal year for which the cap is met with a notice on the OFLC's 
website. This notice will be effective on the date of its publication on 
the OFLC's website and will remain valid for the fiscal year unless:
    (i) USCIS issues a public notice stating additional CW-1 permits are 
available for the fiscal year; and
    (ii) The OFLC Administrator publishes a new notice announcing that 
additional TLCs may be granted in the fiscal year.
    (3) After the notice that OFLC will return future CW-1 Applications 
for Temporary Employment Certification, the OFLC Administrator will 
continue to process CW-1 Applications for Temporary Employment 
Certification filed before the effective date of the suspension notice 
and will continue to permit the filing of CW-1 Applications for 
Temporary Employment Certification by employers who identify in the CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification that the employment 
of all CW-1 workers employed under the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification

[[Page 422]]

will be exempt from the statutory numerical limit on the total number of 
foreign nationals who may be issued a CW-1 permit or otherwise granted 
CW-1 status.



Sec.  655.421  Job contractor filing requirements.

    (a) A job contractor may submit a CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification on behalf of itself and that employer-client. 
By doing so, the Department deems the job contractor a joint employer.
    (b) A job contractor must have separate contracts with each 
different employer-client. A single contract or agreement may support 
only one CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification for 
each employer-client job opportunity in the Commonwealth.
    (c) Either the job contractor or its employer-client may submit an 
Application for Prevailing Wage Determination describing the job 
opportunity to the NPWC. However, each of the joint employers is 
separately responsible for ensuring that the wage offer(s) listed in the 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification and related 
recruitment at least equals the prevailing wage obtained from the NPWC, 
or the Federal or Commonwealth minimum wage, whichever is highest, and 
that all other wage obligations are met.
    (d)(1) A job contractor that is filing as a joint employer with its 
employer-client must submit to the NPC a completed CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification that clearly identifies the joint 
employers (the job contractor and its employer-client) and the 
employment relationship (including the places of employment), in 
accordance with instructions provided by the OFLC Administrator. The CW-
1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification must bear the 
original signature of the job contractor and the employer-client or use 
a verifiable electronic signature method, consistent with the 
requirements set forth at Sec.  655.420(d), and be accompanied by the 
contract or agreement establishing the employers' relationships related 
to the workers sought.
    (2) By signing the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, each employer independently attests to the conditions of 
employment required of an employer participating in the CW-1 program and 
assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of the representations made 
in the application and for all of the responsibilities of an employer in 
the CW-1 program.
    (e)(1) Either the job contractor or its employer-client may place 
the required advertisements and conduct recruitment as described in 
Sec. Sec.  655.442 through 655.445. Also, either one of the joint 
employers may assume responsibility for interviewing applicants. 
However, both of the joint employers must sign the recruitment report 
that is submitted to the NPC meeting the requirement set forth in Sec.  
655.446.
    (2) All recruitment conducted by the joint employers must satisfy 
the job offer assurance and advertising content requirements identified 
in Sec.  655.441. Additionally, in order to fully inform applicants of 
the job opportunity and avoid potential confusion inherent in a job 
opportunity involving two employers, joint employer recruitment must 
clearly identify both employers (the job contractor and its employer-
client) by name and must clearly identify the place(s) of employment 
where workers will perform labor or services.
    (3)(i) Provided that all of the employer-clients' job opportunities 
are in the same occupation located in the Commonwealth and have the same 
requirements and terms and conditions of employment, including dates of 
employment, a job contractor may combine more than one of its joint 
employer employer-clients' job opportunities in a single advertisement. 
Each advertisement must fully inform potential workers of the job 
opportunity available with each employer-client and otherwise satisfy 
the job offer assurances and advertising content requirements identified 
in Sec.  655.441. Such a shared advertisement must clearly identify the 
job contractor by name, the joint employment relationship, and the 
number of workers sought for each job opportunity, identified by 
employer-client names and locations (e.g., five openings with Employer-
Client A (place of employment location), three openings with Employer-
Client B (place of employment location)).

[[Page 423]]

    (ii) In addition, the advertisement must contain the following 
statement: ``Applicants may apply for any or all of the jobs listed. 
When applying, please identify the job(s) (by company and work location) 
you are applying to for the entire period of employment specified.'' If 
an applicant fails to identify one or more specific work location(s), 
that applicant is presumed to have applied to all work locations listed 
in the advertisement.
    (f) If a TLC for the joint employers is granted, the Final 
Determination certifying the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification will be sent to both the job contractor and employer-
client.



Sec.  655.422  Emergency situations.

    (a) Waiver of PWD requirement prior to application filing. The CO 
may waive the requirement to obtain a PWD, as required under Sec.  
655.410(c), prior to filing a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification for employers that have good and substantial cause, 
provided that the CO has sufficient time to thoroughly test the labor 
market and to make a final determination as required by Sec.  655.450. 
The requirement to obtain a PWD prior to filing the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, under Sec.  655.410(c), is the only 
provision of this subpart which will be waived under these emergency 
situation procedures.
    (b) Employer requirements. The employer requesting a waiver of the 
requirement to obtain a PWD must submit to the NPC a completed 
Application for Prevailing Wage Determination, a completed CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, and a statement 
justifying the waiver request. The employer's waiver request must 
include detailed information describing the good and substantial cause 
that has necessitated the waiver request. Good and substantial cause may 
include, but is not limited to, the substantial loss of U.S. workers due 
to an Act of God, or similar unforeseeable man-made catastrophic events 
(such as a hazardous materials emergency or government-controlled 
flooding), unforeseeable changes in market conditions, pandemic health 
issues, or similar conditions that are wholly outside of the employer's 
control. Issues related to the CW-1 visa cap are not good and 
substantial cause for a waiver of the filing requirements. Further, a 
denial of a previously submitted CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification or CW-1 petition with USCIS does not constitute 
good and substantial cause necessitating a waiver under this section.
    (c) Processing of emergency applications. The CO will process the 
emergency CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification, 
including the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination for the CW-1 
Program, in a manner consistent with the provisions of this subpart and 
make a determination in accordance with Sec.  655.450. The CO will 
notify the employer, if the application cannot be processed because, 
pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the request for emergency 
filing was not justified and/or the filing does not meet the 
requirements set forth in this subpart.



Sec.  655.423  Assurances and obligations of CW-1 employers.

    An employer employing CW-1 workers and/or workers in corresponding 
employment under a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification has agreed as part of the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification that it will abide by the following conditions 
with respect to its CW-1 workers and any workers in corresponding 
employment:
    (a) Rate of pay. (1) The offered wage in the work contract equals or 
exceeds the highest of the prevailing wage, Federal minimum wage, or 
Commonwealth minimum wage. The employer must pay at least the offered 
wage, free and clear, during the entire period of the CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification granted by OFLC.
    (2) The offered wage is not based on commissions, bonuses, or other 
incentives, including paying on a piece-rate basis, unless the employer 
guarantees a wage earned every workweek that equals or exceeds the 
offered wage.
    (3) If the employer requires one or more minimum productivity 
standards of workers as a condition of job retention, the standards must 
be specified in the work contract and the employer

[[Page 424]]

must demonstrate that they are normal and usual for non-CW-1 employers 
for the same occupation in the Commonwealth.
    (4) An employer that pays on a piece-rate basis must demonstrate 
that the piece-rate is no less than the normal rate paid by non-CW-1 
employers to workers performing the same activity in the Commonwealth. 
The average hourly piece-rate earnings must result in an amount at least 
equal to the offered wage. If the worker is paid on a piece-rate basis 
and at the end of the workweek the piece-rate does not result in average 
hourly piece-rate earnings during the workweek at least equal to the 
amount the worker would have earned had the worker been paid at the 
offered hourly wage, then the employer must supplement the worker's pay 
at that time so that the worker's earnings are at least as much as the 
worker would have earned during the workweek if the worker had instead 
been paid at the offered hourly wage for each hour worked.
    (b) Wages free and clear. The payment requirements for wages in this 
section will be satisfied by the timely payment of such wages to the 
worker either in cash or in negotiable instrument payable at par. The 
payment must be made finally and unconditionally and ``free and clear.'' 
The principles applied in determining whether deductions are reasonable 
and payments are received free and clear, and the permissibility of 
deductions for payments to third persons are explained in more detail in 
29 CFR part 531.
    (c) Deductions. The employer must make all deductions from the 
worker's paycheck required by law. The work contract must specify all 
deductions not required by law that the employer will make from the 
worker's pay; any such deductions not disclosed in the work contract are 
prohibited. The wage payment requirements of paragraph (b) of this 
section are not met where unauthorized deductions, rebates, or refunds 
reduce the wage payment made to the worker below the minimum amounts 
required by the offered wage or where the worker fails to receive such 
amounts free and clear because the worker ``kick backs'' directly or 
indirectly to the employer or to another person for the employer's 
benefit the whole or part of the wages delivered to the worker. 
Authorized deductions are limited to: Those required by law, such as 
taxes payable by workers that are required to be withheld by the 
employer and amounts due workers which the employer is required by court 
order to pay to another; deductions for the reasonable cost or fair 
value of board, lodging, and facilities furnished; and deductions of 
amounts which are authorized to be paid to third persons for the 
worker's account and benefit through his or her voluntary assignment or 
order or which are authorized by a collective bargaining agreement with 
bona fide representatives of workers which covers the employer. 
Deductions for amounts paid to third persons for the worker's account 
and benefit which are not so authorized or are contrary to law or from 
which the employer, agent, or recruiter, including any agents or 
employees of these entities or any affiliated person, derives any 
payment, rebate, commission, profit, or benefit directly or indirectly, 
may not be made if they reduce the actual wage paid to the worker below 
the offered wage indicated on the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification.
    (d) Job opportunity is full time. The job opportunity is a full-time 
position, consistent with Sec.  655.402, and the employer must use a 
single workweek as its standard for computing wages due. An employee's 
workweek must be a fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours--7 
consecutive 24-hour periods. It need not coincide with the calendar week 
but may begin on any day and at any hour of the day.
    (e) Job qualifications and requirements. Each job qualification and 
requirement must be listed in the work contract and must be bona fide 
and consistent with the normal and accepted qualifications and 
requirements imposed by non-CW-1 employers in the same occupation and in 
the Commonwealth. The employer's job qualifications and requirements 
imposed on U.S. workers must not be less favorable than the 
qualifications and requirements that the employer is imposing or will 
impose on CW-1 workers. A qualification

[[Page 425]]

means a characteristic that is necessary to the individual's ability to 
perform the job in question. A requirement means a term or condition of 
employment that a worker is required to accept in order to obtain the 
job opportunity. The CO may require the employer to submit documentation 
to substantiate the appropriateness of any job qualification and/or 
requirement.
    (f) Three-fourths guarantee--(1) Offer to worker. The employer must 
guarantee to offer the worker employment for a total number of work 
hours equal to at least three-fourths of the workdays of the total 
period of employment specified in the work contract, beginning with the 
first workday after the arrival of the worker at the place of employment 
or the advertised contractual first date of need, whichever is later, 
and ending on the expiration date specified in the work contract or in 
its extensions, if any. See the exception in paragraph (f)(1)(iv) of 
this section.
    (i) For purposes of this paragraph (f), a workday means the number 
of hours in a workday as stated in the work contract. The employer must 
offer a total number of hours to ensure the provision of sufficient work 
to reach the three-fourths guarantee. The work hours must be offered 
during the work period specified in the work contract, or during any 
modified work contract period to which the worker and employer have 
mutually agreed and that has been approved by the CO.
    (ii) In the event the worker begins working later than the start 
date of need specified in the application, the guarantee period begins 
with the first workday after the arrival of the worker at the place of 
employment and continues until the last day during which the work 
contract and all extensions thereof are in effect.
    (iii) Therefore, if, for example, a work contract is for a 10-week 
period, during which a normal workweek is specified as 6 days a week, 8 
hours per day, the worker would have to be guaranteed employment for at 
least 360 hours (10 weeks x 48 hours/week = 480 hours x 75 percent = 
360). If a Federal holiday occurred during the 10-week period, the 8 
hours would be deducted from the total hours for the work contract, 
before the guarantee is calculated. Continuing with the above example, 
the worker would have to be guaranteed employment for 354 hours (10 
weeks x 48 hours/week = 480 hours-8 hours (Federal holiday) = 472 hours 
x 75 percent = 354 hours).
    (iv) A worker may be offered more than the specified hours of work 
on a single workday. For purposes of meeting the guarantee, the worker 
will not be required to work more than the number of hours specified in 
the work contract for a workday but all hours of work actually performed 
may be counted by the employer in calculating whether the period of 
guaranteed employment has been met. If during the total work contract 
period the employer affords the U.S. or CW-1 worker less employment than 
that required under this paragraph (f)(1)(iv), the employer must pay 
such worker the amount the worker would have earned had the worker, in 
fact, worked for the guaranteed number of days. An employer will not be 
considered to have met the work guarantee if the employer has merely 
offered work on three-fourths of the workdays of the work contract 
period if each workday did not consist of a full number of hours of work 
time as specified in the work contract.
    (2) Guarantee for piece-rate paid worker. If the worker is paid on a 
piece-rate basis, the employer must use the worker's average hourly 
piece-rate earnings or the offered wage, whichever is higher, to 
calculate the amount due under the guarantee in accordance with 
paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
    (3) Failure to work. Any hours the worker fails to work, up to a 
maximum of the number of hours specified in the work contract for a 
workday, when the worker has been offered an opportunity to work in 
accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this section, and all hours of work 
actually performed (including voluntary work over 8 hours in a workday), 
may be counted by the employer in calculating whether the period of 
guaranteed employment has been met. An employer seeking to calculate 
whether the guaranteed number of hours has been met must maintain the

[[Page 426]]

payroll records in accordance with this subpart.
    (g) Impossibility of fulfillment. If before the expiration date 
specified in the work contract, the services of the worker are no longer 
required for reasons beyond the control of the employer due to fire, 
weather, or other Act of God, or similar unforeseeable man-made 
catastrophic event (such as an oil spill or controlled flooding) that is 
wholly outside the employer's control that makes the fulfillment of the 
work contract impossible, the employer may terminate the work contract 
with the approval of the CO. In the event of such termination, the 
employer must fulfill a three-fourths guarantee, as described in 
paragraph (f) of this section, for the time that has elapsed from the 
start date listed in the work contract or the first workday after the 
arrival of the worker at the place of employment, whichever is later, to 
the time of its termination. The employer must make efforts to transfer 
the CW-1 worker or worker in corresponding employment to other 
comparable employment acceptable to the worker and consistent with 
immigration laws, as applicable. If a transfer is not affected, the 
employer must return the worker, at the employer's expense, to the place 
from which the worker (disregarding intervening employment) came to work 
for the employer, or transport the worker to the worker's next certified 
CW-1 employer, whichever the worker prefers.
    (h) Frequency of pay. The employer must state in the work contract 
the frequency with which the worker will be paid, which must be at least 
every 2 weeks. Employers must pay wages when due.
    (i) Earnings statements. (1) The employer must keep accurate and 
adequate records with respect to the workers' earnings, including but 
not limited to: Records showing the nature, amount, and location(s) of 
the work performed; the number of hours of work offered each day by the 
employer (broken out by hours offered both in accordance with and over 
and above the three-fourths guarantee in paragraph (f) of this section); 
the hours actually worked each day by the worker; if the number of hours 
worked by the worker is less than the number of hours offered, the 
reason(s) the worker did not work; the time the worker began and ended 
each workday; the rate of pay (both piece-rate and hourly, if 
applicable); the worker's earnings per pay period; the worker's home 
address; and the amount of and reasons for any and all deductions taken 
from or additions made to the worker's wages.
    (2) The employer must furnish to the worker on or before each payday 
in one or more written statements the following information:
    (i) The worker's total earnings for each workweek in the pay period;
    (ii) The worker's hourly rate or piece-rate of pay;
    (iii) For each workweek in the pay period the hours of employment 
offered to the worker (showing offers in accordance with the three-
fourths guarantee as determined in paragraph (f) of this section, 
separate from any hours offered over and above the guarantee);
    (iv) For each workweek in the pay period the hours actually worked 
by the worker;
    (v) An itemization of all deductions made from or additions made to 
the worker's wages;
    (vi) If piece-rates are used, the units produced daily;
    (vii) The beginning and ending dates of the pay period; and
    (viii) The employer's name, address, and FEIN.
    (j) Transportation and visa fees--(1)(i) Transportation to the place 
of employment. The employer must provide or reimburse the worker for 
transportation and subsistence from the place from which the worker has 
come to work for the employer, whether in the United States, including 
another part of the Commonwealth, or abroad, to the place of employment 
if the worker completes 50 percent of the period of employment covered 
by the work contract (not counting any extensions). The employer may 
arrange and pay for the transportation and subsistence directly, advance 
at a minimum the most economical and reasonable common carrier cost of 
the transportation and subsistence to the worker before the worker's 
departure, or pay the worker for the reasonable costs incurred by

[[Page 427]]

the worker. When it is the prevailing practice of non-CW-1 employers in 
the occupation and in the Commonwealth to do so or when the employer 
extends such benefits to similarly situated CW-1 workers, the employer 
must advance the required transportation and subsistence costs (or 
otherwise provide them) to workers in corresponding employment who are 
traveling to the employer's place of employment from such a distance 
that the worker is not reasonably able to return to their residence each 
day. The amount of the transportation payment must be no less (and is 
not required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common 
carrier transportation charges for the distances involved. The amount of 
the daily subsistence must be at least the amount permitted in Sec.  
655.173. Where the employer will reimburse the reasonable costs incurred 
by the worker, it must keep accurate and adequate records of: The costs 
of transportation and subsistence incurred by the worker; the amount 
reimbursed; and the date(s) of reimbursement. Note that the Fair Labor 
Standards Act applies independently of the CW-1 requirements and imposes 
obligations on employers regarding payment of wages.
    (ii) Transportation from the place of employment. If the worker 
completes the period of employment covered by the work contract (not 
counting any extensions), or if the worker is dismissed from employment 
for any reason by the employer before the end of the period, and the 
worker has no immediate subsequent CW-1 employment, the employer must 
provide or pay at the time of departure for the worker's cost of return 
transportation and daily subsistence from the place of employment to the 
place from which the worker, disregarding intervening employment, 
departed to work for the employer. If the worker has contracted with a 
subsequent employer that has not agreed in the work contract to provide 
or pay for the worker's transportation from the former employer's place 
of employment to such subsequent employer's place of employment, the 
former employer must provide or pay for that transportation and 
subsistence. If the worker has contracted with a subsequent employer 
that has agreed in the work contract to provide or pay for the worker's 
transportation from the former employer's place of employment to such 
subsequent employer's place of employment, the subsequent employer must 
provide or pay for such expenses.
    (iii) Employer-provided transportation. All employer-provided 
transportation must comply with all applicable Federal and Commonwealth 
laws and regulations including, but not limited to, vehicle safety 
standards, driver licensure requirements, and vehicle insurance 
coverage.
    (2) The employer must pay or reimburse the worker in the first 
workweek for all visa, visa processing, border crossing, and other 
related fees (including those mandated by the government) incurred by 
the CW-1 worker, but not for passport expenses or other charges 
primarily for the benefit of the worker.
    (k) Employer-provided items. The employer must provide to the 
worker, without charge or deposit charge, all tools, supplies, and 
equipment required to perform the duties assigned.
    (l) Disclosure of work contract. The employer must provide to a CW-1 
worker outside of the United States no later than the time at which the 
worker applies for the visa, or to a worker in corresponding employment 
no later than on the day work commences, a copy of the work contract 
including any subsequent approved modifications. For a CW-1 worker 
changing employment from a CW-1 employer to a subsequent CW-1 employer, 
the copy must be provided no later than the time an offer of employment 
is made by the subsequent CW-1 employer. The disclosure of all documents 
required by this paragraph (l) must be provided in a language understood 
by the worker. At a minimum, the work contract must contain all of the 
provisions required to be included by this section. In the absence of a 
separate, written work contract entered into between the employer and 
the worker, the required terms of the certified CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification will be the work contract.

[[Page 428]]

    (m) No unfair treatment. The employer has not and will not 
intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge, or in any 
manner discriminate against, and has not and will not cause any person 
to intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge, or in 
any manner discriminate against, any person who has, related to the CW-1 
program:
    (1) Filed a complaint under or related to any applicable Federal or 
Commonwealth laws and regulations;
    (2) Instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or 
related to any applicable Federal or Commonwealth laws and regulations;
    (3) Testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or 
related to any applicable Federal or Commonwealth laws and regulations;
    (4) Consulted with a workers' center, community organization, labor 
union, legal assistance program, or an attorney on matters related to 
any applicable Federal or Commonwealth laws and regulations; or
    (5) Exercised or asserted on behalf of himself/herself or others any 
right or protection afforded by any applicable Federal or Commonwealth 
laws and regulations.
    (n) Comply with the prohibitions against employees paying fees. The 
employer and its attorney, agents, or employees have not sought or 
received payment of any kind from the worker for any activity related to 
obtaining CW-1 labor certification or employment, including payment of 
the employer's attorney or agent fees, application and CW-1 Petition 
fees, recruitment costs, or any fees attributed to obtaining the 
approved CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification. For 
purposes of this paragraph (n), payment includes, but is not limited to, 
monetary payments, wage concessions (including deductions from wages, 
salary, or benefits), kickbacks, bribes, tributes, in-kind payments, and 
free labor. All wages must be paid free and clear. This paragraph (n) 
does not prohibit employers or their agents from receiving reimbursement 
for costs that are the responsibility and primarily for the benefit of 
the worker, such as government-required passport fees.
    (o) Contracts with third parties to comply with prohibitions. The 
employer must contractually prohibit in writing any agent or recruiter 
(or any agent or employee of such agent or recruiter) whom the employer 
engages, either directly or indirectly, in recruitment of CW-1 workers 
to seek or receive payments or other compensation from prospective 
workers. The contract must include the following statement: ``Under this 
agreement, [name of agent, recruiter] and any agent of or employee of 
[name of agent or recruiter] are prohibited from seeking or receiving 
payments from any prospective employee of [employer name] at any time, 
including before or after the worker obtains employment. Payments 
include but are not limited to, any direct or indirect fees paid by such 
employees for recruitment, job placement, processing, maintenance, 
attorneys' fees, agent fees, application fees, or petition fees.''
    (p) Prohibition against preferential treatment of foreign workers. 
The employer's job offer must offer to U.S. workers no less than the 
same benefits, wages, and working conditions that the employer is 
offering, intends to offer, or will provide to CW-1 workers. Job offers 
may not impose on U.S. workers any restrictions or obligations that will 
not be imposed on the employer's CW-1 workers. This does not relieve the 
employer from providing to CW-1 workers at least the minimum benefits, 
wages, and working conditions which must be offered to U.S. workers 
consistent with this section.
    (q) Nondiscriminatory hiring practices. The job opportunity is open 
to any qualified U.S. worker as defined in Sec.  655.402, regardless of 
race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or 
citizenship. Rejections of any U.S. workers who applied or apply for the 
job must only be for lawful, job-related reasons, and those not rejected 
on this basis have been or will be hired. In addition, the employer has 
and will continue to retain records of all hired workers and rejected 
applicants as required by Sec.  655.456.

[[Page 429]]

    (r) Recruitment requirements. The employer must conduct all required 
recruitment activities, including any additional employer-conducted 
recruitment activities as directed by the CO, and as specified in 
Sec. Sec.  655.442 through 655.445.
    (s) No strike or lockout. There is no strike or lockout at any of 
the employer's place(s) of employment within the Commonwealth for which 
the employer is requesting CW-1 certification at the time the CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification is filed.
    (t) No recent or future layoffs. The employer has not laid off and 
will not lay off any similarly employed U.S. worker in the occupation 
that is the subject of the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification in the Commonwealth within the period beginning 270 
calendar days before the date of need and through the end of the TLC's 
period of certification. A layoff for lawful, job-related reasons such 
as lack of work or the end of a season is permissible if all CW-1 
workers are laid off before any U.S. worker in corresponding employment.
    (u) No work performed outside the Commonwealth and job opportunity. 
The employer must not place any CW-1 workers employed under the approved 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification outside the 
Commonwealth or in a job opportunity not listed on the approved CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (v) Abandonment/termination of employment. Upon the separation from 
employment of any worker employed under the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification or workers in corresponding 
employment, if such separation occurs before the end date of the 
employment period specified in the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, the employer must notify OFLC in writing of 
the separation from employment not later than 2 working days after such 
separation is discovered by the employer. An abandonment or abscondment 
is deemed to begin after a worker fails to report for work at the 
regularly scheduled time for 5 consecutive working days without the 
consent of the employer. If the separation is due to the voluntary 
abandonment of employment by the CW-1 worker or worker in corresponding 
employment or is terminated for cause, and the employer provides 
appropriate notification specified under this paragraph (v), the 
employer will not be responsible for providing or paying for the 
subsequent transportation and subsistence costs of that worker under 
this section, and that worker is not entitled to the three-fourths 
guarantee described in paragraph (f) of this section.
    (w) Compliance with applicable laws. During the period of employment 
specified on the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, the employer must comply with all applicable Federal and 
Commonwealth employment-related laws and regulations, including health 
and safety laws. This includes compliance with 18 U.S.C. 1592(a), with 
respect to prohibitions against employers, the employer's agents, or 
their attorneys knowingly holding, destroying or confiscating workers' 
passports, visas, or other immigration documents.



Sec. Sec.  655.424-655.429  [Reserved]

Processing of an CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification



Sec.  655.430  Review of applications.

    (a) NPC review. The CO will review the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification for compliance with all applicable 
program requirements, including compliance with the requirements set 
forth in this subpart, and make a decision as to whether to issue a NOD 
under Sec.  655.431 or a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) under Sec.  655.433.
    (b) Mailing and postmark requirements. Any notice or request sent by 
the CO to an employer requiring a response will be sent electronically 
or via first class mail using the address, including electronic mail 
address, provided on the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. The employer's response to such a notice or request must 
be filed electronically or via first class mail. The employer's response 
must be filed electronically or postmarked by the date due or the next 
business day if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal 
Holiday.

[[Page 430]]

    (c) Information dissemination. OFLC may forward, to DHS or any other 
Federal Government Official performing an investigation, inspection, 
audit, or law enforcement function, information OFLC receives in the 
course of processing a request for a CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification or of administering program integrity measures 
such as audits.



Sec.  655.431  Notice of Deficiency.

    (a) Notification. If the CO determines the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification contains errors or inaccuracies, or 
does not meet the requirements set forth in this subpart, the CO will 
issue a NOD to the employer and, if applicable, the employer's attorney 
or agent.
    (b) Notice content. The NOD will:
    (1) State the reason(s) the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification fails to meet the criteria for acceptance;
    (2) Offer the employer an opportunity to submit a modified CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification within 10 business 
days from the date of the NOD, and state the modification that is 
required for the CO to issue a NOA; and
    (3) State that if the employer does not comply with the requirements 
of Sec.  655.432 for submitting a modified application, the CO will deny 
the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.432  Submission of modified applications.

    (a) Review of a modified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. Upon receipt of a response to a NOD, including any 
modifications, the CO will review the response. The CO may issue one or 
more additional NODs before issuing a decision. The employer's failure 
to comply with a NOD, including not responding in a timely manner or not 
providing all required documentation, will result in a denial of the CW-
1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (b) Acceptance of a modified CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. If the CO accepts the modification(s) to the 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the CO will 
issue a NOA to the employer and, if applicable, the employer's attorney 
or agent.
    (c) Denial of modified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. If the modified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification does not cure the deficiencies cited in the NOD(s) or 
otherwise fails to satisfy the criteria required for certification, the 
CO will, at its discretion, either send a second NOD or deny the CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification in accordance with 
the labor certification determination provisions in Sec.  655.453.
    (d) Appeal from denial of modified CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. The procedures for appealing a denial of a 
modified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification are the 
same as for appealing the denial of a nonmodified CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, outlined in Sec.  655.461.
    (e) Post acceptance modifications. Notwithstanding the decision to 
accept the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the 
CO may require modifications to the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification at any time before the final determination to 
grant or deny the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification if the CO determines that the job offer does not contain 
the minimum benefits, wages, and working conditions set forth in Sec.  
655.441. The employer must make such modifications, or the application 
will be denied under Sec.  655.453. The employer must provide all 
workers recruited in connection with the job opportunity in the CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification with a copy of the 
modified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification, as 
approved by the CO, no later than the date work commences.



Sec.  655.433  Notice of Acceptance.

    (a) Notification. When the CO determines the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification contains no errors or inaccuracies, 
and meets the requirements set forth in this subpart, the CO will issue 
a NOA to the employer and, if applicable, the employer's attorney or 
agent.
    (b) Notice content. The NOA must:

[[Page 431]]

    (1) Direct the employer to engage in recruitment of U.S. workers as 
provided in Sec. Sec.  655.442 through 655.444, including any additional 
recruitment ordered by the CO under Sec.  655.445;
    (2) State that such employer-conducted recruitment must begin within 
14 calendar days from the date the NOA is issued, consistent with Sec.  
655.440(b);
    (3) Require the employer to submit a report of its recruitment 
efforts, by the date required by the CO in the NOA, as specified in 
Sec.  655.446; and
    (4) Advise the employer that failure to submit a complete 
recruitment report by the deadline will lead to denial of the 
application.



Sec.  655.434  Amendments to an application.

    (a) Increases in number of workers. The CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification may be amended at any time before the 
CO's certification determination to increase the number of workers 
requested in the initial CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification by not more than 20 percent (50 percent for employers 
requesting less than 10 workers) without requiring an additional 
recruitment period for U.S. workers. Requests for increases above the 
percent prescribed, without additional recruitment, may be approved by 
the CO only when the employer demonstrates that the need for additional 
workers could not have been foreseen and is wholly outside of the 
employer's control. All requests to increase the number of workers must 
be made in writing and will not be effective until approved by the CO. 
Upon acceptance of an amendment, the employer must promptly provide 
copies of any approved amendments to all U.S. workers recruited and 
hired under the original job offer.
    (b) Minor changes to the period of employment. The CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification may be amended at any time before 
the CO's certification determination to make minor changes (meaning a 
change of up to 14 calendar days) in the total period of employment, 
without requiring an additional recruitment period for U.S. workers. 
Changes will not be effective until submitted in writing and approved by 
the CO. In considering whether to approve the request, the CO will 
review the reason(s) for the request, determine whether the reason(s) 
are on the whole justified, and take into account the effect any 
change(s) would have on the adequacy of the underlying test of the 
domestic labor market for the job opportunity. An employer must 
demonstrate that the change to the period of employment could not have 
been foreseen and is wholly outside of the employer's control. The CO 
will deny any request to change the period of employment where the total 
amended period of employment will exceed the maximum applicable duration 
permitted under Sec.  655.420(g). Upon acceptance of an amendment, the 
employer must promptly provide copies of any approved amendments to all 
U.S. workers recruited and hired under the original job offer.
    (c) Other minor amendments to the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. The employer may request other minor 
amendments to the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification at any time before the CO's certification determination is 
issued. In considering whether to approve the request, the CO will 
determine whether the proposed amendment(s) are sufficiently justified 
and must take into account the effect of the changes on the underlying 
labor market test for the job opportunity. All requests for minor 
changes must be made in writing and will not be effective until approved 
by the CO. Upon acceptance of an amendment, the employer must promptly 
provide copies of any approved amendments to all U.S. workers recruited 
and hired under the original job offer.
    (d) Amendments after certification are not permitted. After the CO 
has made a determination to certify the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, the employer may no longer request amendments.



Sec. Sec.  655.435-655.439  [Reserved]

                      Post Acceptance Requirements



Sec.  655.440  Employer-conducted recruitment.

    (a) Employer obligations. Employers must conduct recruitment of U.S.

[[Page 432]]

workers to ensure that there are not qualified U.S. workers who will be 
available for the positions listed in the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification.
    (b) Period to begin employer-conducted recruitment. Unless otherwise 
instructed by the CO, the employer must begin the recruitment required 
in Sec. Sec.  655.442 through 655.445 within 14 calendar days from the 
date the NOA is issued. All employer-conducted recruitment must be 
completed before the employer submits the recruitment report as required 
in Sec.  655.446.
    (c) Interviewing U.S. workers. Employers that wish to require 
interviews must conduct those interviews by phone or provide a procedure 
for the interviews to be conducted in the location where the worker is 
being recruited so that the worker incurs little or no cost. Employers 
cannot provide potential CW-1 workers with more favorable treatment with 
respect to the requirement for, and conduct of, interviews.
    (d) Qualified and available U.S. workers. The employer must consider 
all U.S. applicants for the job opportunity and must hire all U.S. 
applicants who are qualified and who will be available for the job 
opportunity. U.S. applicants may be rejected only for lawful, job-
related reasons, and those not rejected on this basis will be hired.
    (e) Recruitment report. The employer must prepare a recruitment 
report meeting the requirements of Sec.  655.446, by the date specified 
by the CO in the NOA.



Sec.  655.441  Job offer assurances and advertising contents.

    (a) General. All recruitment conducted under Sec. Sec.  655.442 
through 655.445 in connection with an CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification must contain terms and conditions of employment 
that are not less favorable than those offered to the CW-1 workers and 
must comply with the assurances applicable to job offers as set forth in 
Sec.  655.423.
    (b) Contents. All advertising must contain the following 
information:
    (1) The employer's name and contact information;
    (2) A statement that the job opportunity is a temporary, full-time 
position and identify the job title and total number of job openings the 
employer intends to fill;
    (3) A description of the job opportunity with sufficient information 
to apprise applicants of the services or labor to be performed, 
including the job duties, the minimum education and experience 
requirements, the work hours and days, and the anticipated start and end 
dates of the job opportunity;
    (4) The place(s) of employment with enough specificity to apprise 
applicants of any travel requirements and where applicants will likely 
have to reside to perform the services or labor;
    (5) The wage that the employer is offering, intends to offer or will 
provide to the CW-1 workers or, in the event that there are multiple 
wage offers, the range of applicable wage offers, each of which must 
equal or exceed the highest of the prevailing wage or the Federal or 
Commonwealth minimum wage;
    (6) If applicable, a statement that overtime will be available to 
the worker and specify the wage offer(s) for working any overtime hours;
    (7) The frequency with which the worker will be paid as required by 
Sec.  655.423(h);
    (8) A statement that the employer will make all deductions from the 
worker's paycheck required by law, and must specify any deductions the 
employer intends to make from the worker's paycheck which are not 
required by law, including, if applicable, any deductions for the 
reasonable cost of board, lodging, or other facilities;
    (9) A statement summarizing the three-fourths guarantee as required 
by Sec.  655.423(f);
    (10) A statement that transportation and subsistence will be 
provided to the worker while traveling from the worker's origin to the 
place of employment as will the return transportation and subsistence at 
the conclusion of the job opportunity, as required by Sec.  
655.423(j)(1);
    (11) If applicable, a statement that daily transportation to and 
from the place(s) of employment will be provided by the employer;

[[Page 433]]

    (12) If applicable, a statement that the employer will provide to 
the worker, without charge or deposit charge, all tools, supplies, and 
equipment required to perform the duties assigned, in accordance with 
Sec.  655.423(k);
    (13) If applicable, any board, lodging, or other facilities the 
employer will offer to workers or intends to assist workers in securing;
    (14) If applicable, a statement indicating that on-the-job training 
will be provided to the worker; and
    (15) A statement that directs applicants to apply for the job 
opportunity directly with the employer, and that indicates at least two 
verifiable methods by which applicants may apply for the job 
opportunity, one of which must be via electronic means, and that 
provides the days and hours during which applicants may be interviewed 
for the job opportunity.



Sec.  655.442  Place advertisement with CNMI Department of Labor.

    (a) The employer must place an advertisement with the CNMI 
Department of Labor for a period of 21 consecutive calendar days 
satisfying the requirements set forth in Sec.  655.441.
    (b) Documentation of this step must include:
    (1) Either printouts of web pages in which the advertisement 
appeared on the CNMI Department of Labor job listing system, or other 
verifiable evidence from the CNMI Department of Labor containing the 
text of the advertisement; and
    (2) The dates of publication demonstrating compliance with the 
requirement of this section.



Sec.  655.443  Contact with former U.S. workers.

    The employer must contact (by mail or other effective means) its 
former U.S. workers, including those who have been laid off within 270 
calendar days before the date of need, employed by the employer in the 
occupation at the place(s) of employment during the previous year 
(except those who were dismissed for cause or who abandoned the place(s) 
of employment), provide a copy of the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, and solicit their return to the job. This 
contact must occur during the period of time that the job offer is being 
advertised on the CNMI Department of Labor's job listing system under 
Sec.  655.442. The employer must retain documentation sufficient to 
prove such contact in accordance with Sec.  655.456. An employer has no 
obligation to contact U.S. workers it terminated for cause or who 
abandoned employment at any time during the previous year, if the 
employer provided timely notice to the NPC of the termination or 
abandonment in the manner described in Sec.  655.423(v).



Sec.  655.444  Notice of posting requirement.

    The employer must post a copy of the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification in at least two conspicuous locations at the 
place(s) of employment or in some other manner that provides reasonable 
notification to all employees in the job classification and area in 
which the work will be performed by the CW-1 workers. Electronic 
posting, such as displaying an electronic copy of the CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification prominently on any internal or 
external website that is maintained by the employer and customarily used 
for notices to employees about terms and conditions of employment, is 
sufficient to meet this posting requirement as long as it otherwise 
meets the requirements of this section. The notice must be posted for a 
period of 21 consecutive calendar days. The employer must maintain proof 
the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification was posted 
and identify where and during what period of time it was posted in 
accordance with Sec.  655.456.



Sec.  655.445  Additional employer-conducted recruitment.

    (a) Requirement to conduct additional recruitment. The employer may 
be instructed by the CO to conduct additional reasonable recruitment. 
Such recruitment may be required at the discretion of the CO where the 
CO has determined that there is a likelihood that U.S. workers who are 
qualified will be available for the work.

[[Page 434]]

    (b) Nature of the additional employer-conducted recruitment. The CO 
will describe the precise number and nature of the additional 
recruitment efforts. Additional recruitment may include, but is not 
limited to, advertising the job offer on the employer's website or 
another electronic job search website; advertising with community-based 
organizations, local unions, or trade unions; or other advertising using 
a professional, trade, or other publication where such a publication is 
appropriate for the workers likely to apply for the job opportunity. 
When assessing the appropriateness of a particular recruitment method, 
the CO will consider the cost of the additional recruitment and the 
likelihood that the additional recruitment method(s) will identify 
qualified and available U.S. workers.
    (c) Proof of the additional employer-conducted recruitment. The CO 
will specify the documentation or other supporting evidence that must be 
retained by the employer as proof that the additional recruitment 
requirements were met. Documentation must be retained as required in 
Sec.  655.456.



Sec.  655.446  Recruitment report.

    (a) Requirements of the recruitment report. No fewer than 2 calendar 
days after the last date on which the last advertisement appeared, as 
required by the NOA issued under Sec.  655.433, the employer must 
prepare, sign, and date a recruitment report. Where recruitment was 
conducted by a job contractor or its employer-client, both joint 
employers must sign the recruitment report in accordance with Sec.  
655.421(e)(1). The recruitment report must be submitted to the NPC, by 
the date specified in the NOA, and contain the following information:
    (1) The name of each recruitment activity or source;
    (2) The name and contact information of each U.S. worker who applied 
or was referred to the job opportunity up to the date of the preparation 
of the recruitment report, and the disposition of each worker's 
application. The employer must clearly indicate whether the job 
opportunity was offered to the U.S. worker and whether the U.S. worker 
accepted or declined;
    (3) Confirmation that the advertisement was posted on the CNMI 
Department of Labor's job listing system and the dates of advertising;
    (4) Confirmation that former U.S. employees were contacted, if 
applicable, and by what means and the date(s) of contact;
    (5) Confirmation the employer posted the availability of the job 
opportunity to all employees in the job classification and area in which 
the work will be performed by the CW-1 workers and the dates of 
advertising;
    (6) If applicable, confirmation that additional recruitment was 
conducted as directed by the CO and the date(s) of advertising; and
    (7) If applicable, for each U.S. worker who applied for the position 
but was not hired, the lawful job-related reason(s) for not hiring the 
U.S. worker.
    (b) Duty to update and retain the recruitment report. The employer 
must update the recruitment report throughout the recruitment period. In 
a joint employment situation, either the job contractor or the employer-
client may update the recruitment report throughout the recruitment 
period. The employer must retain the recruitment report as required in 
Sec.  655.456.



Sec. Sec.  655.447-655.449  [Reserved]

                   Labor Certification Determinations



Sec.  655.450  Determinations.

    Except as otherwise noted in this section, the OFLC Administrator 
and CO(s), by virtue of delegation from the OFLC Administrator, have the 
authority to certify or deny CW-1 Applications for Temporary Employment 
Certification. The CO will certify the application only if the employer 
has met all the requirements of this subpart, including the criteria for 
certification in Sec.  655.451, thus demonstrating that there is an 
insufficient number of U.S. workers in the Commonwealth who are able, 
willing, qualified and who will be available at the time and place of 
the job opportunity for which certification is sought and that the 
employment of the CW-1 workers will not adversely affect the wages and 
working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.

[[Page 435]]



Sec.  655.451  Criteria for temporary labor certification.

    (a) The criteria for TLC include whether the employer has complied 
with all of the requirements of this subpart, which are required to 
grant the labor certification.
    (b) In determining whether there are insufficient U.S. workers in 
the Commonwealth to fill the employer's job opportunity, the CO will 
count as available any U.S. worker who applied (or on whose behalf an 
application is made) directly to the employer, but who was rejected by 
the employer for other than a lawful job-related reason. In making this 
determination, the CO will also consider the employer's contacts with 
its former U.S. workers, including workers that have been laid off 
within 270 calendar days before the date of need.



Sec.  655.452  Approved certification.

    If the TLC is granted, the CO will send a Final Determination notice 
and a copy of the certified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification to the employer and a copy, if applicable, to the 
employer's agent or attorney using an electronic method(s) designated by 
the OFLC Administrator. For employers permitted to file by mail as set 
forth in Sec.  655.420(c), the CO will send the Final Determination 
notice and a copy of the certified CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification by first class mail. The CO will send the 
certified CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification, 
including approved modifications, on behalf of the employer, directly to 
USCIS using an electronic method(s) designated by the OFLC 
Administrator. The employer must retain a copy of the certified CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, including the 
original signed Appendix C, as required by Sec.  655.456.



Sec.  655.453  Denied certification.

    If an electronically filed TLC is denied, the CO will send the Final 
Determination notice to the employer and a copy, if applicable, to the 
employer's agent or attorney using an electronic method(s) designated by 
the OFLC Administrator. For employers permitted to file by mail as set 
forth in Sec.  655.420(c), the CO will send the Final Determination 
notice by first class mail. The Final Determination notice will:
    (a) State the reason(s) certification is denied, citing the relevant 
regulatory standards;
    (b) Offer the employer an opportunity to request administrative 
review of the denial under Sec.  655.461; and
    (c) State that if the employer does not request administrative 
review in accordance with Sec.  655.461, the denial is final, and the 
Department will not accept any appeal on that CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.454  Partial certification.

    The CO may issue a partial certification, reducing either the period 
of need or the number of CW-1 workers or both, based upon information 
the CO receives during the course of processing the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, an audit, or otherwise. The number 
of workers certified will be reduced by one for each U.S. worker who is 
able, willing, and qualified, and who will be available at the time and 
place needed and who has not been rejected for lawful, job-related 
reasons, to perform the labor or services. If a partial labor 
certification is issued, the CO will send the Final Determination notice 
approving partial certification using the procedures at Sec.  655.452.
    The Final Determination notice will:
    (a) State the reason(s) the period of employment or the number of 
CW-1 workers requested has been reduced, citing the relevant regulatory 
standards;
    (b) Offer the employer an opportunity to request administrative 
review of the partial certification under Sec.  655.461; and
    (c) State that if the employer does not request administrative 
judicial review in accordance with Sec.  655.461, the partial 
certification is final, and the Department will not accept any appeal on 
that CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification.



Sec.  655.455  Validity of temporary labor certification.

    (a) Validity period. A TLC is valid only for the period of 
employment as

[[Page 436]]

approved on the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification. 
The certification expires after the last day of authorized employment, 
including any approved extensions thereof.
    (b) Scope of validity. A TLC is valid only for the number of CW-1 
positions, the places of employment located in the Commonwealth, the job 
classification and specific services or labor to be performed, and the 
employer(s) specified on the approved CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, including any approved modifications. The TLC 
may not be transferred from one employer to another unless the employer 
to which it is transferred is a successor in interest to the employer to 
which it was issued.



Sec.  655.456  Document retention requirements for CW-1 employers.

    (a) Entities required to retain documents. All CW-1 employers filing 
a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification are required 
to retain the documents and records establishing compliance with this 
subpart, including but not limited to those specified in paragraph (c) 
of this section.
    (b) Period of record retention. The employer must retain records and 
documents for 3 years from the date on which the certification of the 
CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification expires, or 3 
years from the date of the final determination if the CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification is denied, or 3 years from the 
date the Department receives the request for withdrawal of a CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification under Sec.  655.462.
    (c) Documents and records to be retained by all employers. All 
employers filing a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must retain the following documents and records and must 
provide the documents and records to the Department and any other 
Federal Government Official in the event of an audit or investigation:
    (1) Proof of recruitment efforts, including:
    (i) Placement of the job offer with the CNMI Department of Labor as 
specified in Sec.  655.442;
    (ii) Contact with former U.S. employees as specified in Sec.  
655.443, including documents demonstrating that each such U.S. worker 
had been offered the job opportunity listed in the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, and that the U.S. worker either 
refused the job opportunity or was rejected only for lawful, job-related 
reasons;
    (iii) Posting notice of the job opportunity to all employees in the 
job classification and area in which the work will be performed by the 
CW-1 workers as specified in Sec.  655.444; and
    (iv) All additional employer-conducted recruitment required by the 
CO as specified in Sec.  655.445.
    (2) Documentation supporting the information submitted in the 
recruitment report prepared in accordance with Sec.  655.446, such as 
evidence of nonapplicability of contact with former workers as specified 
in Sec.  655.443 and any supporting resumes and contact information as 
specified in Sec.  655.446.
    (3) Records of each worker's earnings, hours offered and worked, 
location(s) where work is performed, and other information as specified 
in Sec.  655.423(i).
    (4) If applicable, records of reimbursement of transportation and 
subsistence costs incurred by the workers, as specified in Sec.  
655.423(j).
    (5) Copies of written contracts with third parties demonstrating 
compliance with the prohibition of seeking or receiving payments or 
other compensation of any kind from prospective workers as specified in 
Sec.  655.423(o).
    (6) Evidence of the employer's contact with U.S. workers who applied 
for the job opportunity in the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, including, but not limited to, documents demonstrating 
that any rejections of U.S. workers were for lawful, job-related 
reasons, as specified in Sec.  655.423(q).
    (7) Written notice provided to and informing OFLC that a CW-1 worker 
or worker in corresponding employment has separated from employment 
before the end date of employment specified in the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification, as specified in Sec.  655.423(v).
    (8) A copy of the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and all accompanying appendices, including any 
modifications, amendments, or

[[Page 437]]

extensions, signed by the employer as directed by the CO.
    (d) Availability of documents and records for enforcement purposes. 
The employer must make available to the Department, DHS or to any 
Federal Government Official performing an investigation, inspection, 
audit, or law enforcement function all documents and records required to 
be retained under this subpart for purposes of copying, transcribing, or 
inspecting them.



Sec. Sec.  655.457-655.459  [Reserved]

                      Post Certification Activities



Sec.  655.460  Extensions.

    (a) Basis for extension. Under certain circumstances an employer may 
apply for extensions of the period of employment. A request for 
extension must be related to weather conditions or other factors beyond 
the control of the employer (which may include unforeseen changes in 
market conditions). Such requests must be supported in writing, with 
documentation showing that the extension is needed and that the need 
could not have been reasonably foreseen by the employer. The CO will not 
grant an extension where the total period of employment under that CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification and the authorized 
extension would exceed the maximum applicable duration permitted under 
Sec.  655.420(g).
    (b) Decision by the CO. The CO will notify the employer of the 
decision in writing. The employer may appeal a denial of a request for 
an extension by following the appeal procedures in Sec.  655.461.
    (c) Obligations during period of extension. The CW-1 employer's 
assurances and obligations under the TLC will continue to apply during 
the extended period of employment. The employer must immediately provide 
to its CW-1 workers and workers in corresponding employment a copy of 
any approved extension.



Sec.  655.461  Administrative review.

    (a) Request for review. Where authorized in this subpart, an 
employer wishing review of a determination by the CO must request an 
administrative review before BALCA of that determination to exhaust its 
administrative remedies. In such cases, the request for review:
    (1) Must be received by BALCA, and the CO who issued the 
determination, within 10 business days from the date of the 
determination;
    (2) Must clearly identify the particular determination for which 
review is sought;
    (3) Must include a copy of the CO's determination;
    (4) Must set forth the particular grounds for the request, including 
the specific factual issues the requesting party alleges needs to be 
examined in connection with the CO's determination;
    (5) May contain any legal argument that the employer believes will 
rebut the basis for the CO's determination, including any briefing the 
employer wishes to submit; and
    (6) May contain only such evidence as was actually before the CO at 
the time of the CO's determination.
    (b) Appeal File. After the receipt of a request for review, the CO 
will send a copy of the Appeal File, as soon as practicable by means 
normally assuring next-day delivery, to BALCA, the employer, the 
employer's attorney or agent (if applicable), and the Associate 
Solicitor for Employment and Training Legal Services, Office of the 
Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor (counsel).
    (c) Assignment. The Chief ALJ will immediately, upon receipt of the 
appeal file from the CO, assign either a single member or a three-member 
panel of BALCA to consider a particular case.
    (d) Administrative review--(1) Briefing schedule. If the employer 
wishes to submit a brief on appeal, it must do so as part of its request 
for review. Within 7 business days of receipt of the Appeal File, the 
counsel for the CO may submit a brief in support of the CO's decision 
and, if applicable, in response to the employer's brief.
    (2) Standard of review. The ALJ must uphold the CO's decision unless 
shown by the employer to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of 
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with the law.

[[Page 438]]

    (e) Scope of review. BALCA will, except in cases over which the 
Secretary has assumed jurisdiction pursuant to 29 CFR 18.95, affirm, 
reverse, or modify the CO's determination, or remand to the CO for 
further action. BALCA will reach this decision after due consideration 
of the documents in the Appeal File that were before the CO at the time 
of the CO's determination, the request for review, and any legal briefs 
submitted. BALCA may not consider evidence not before the CO at the time 
of the CO's determination, even if such evidence is in the Appeal File, 
request for review, or legal briefs.
    (f) Decision. The decision of BALCA must specify the reasons for the 
action taken and must be provided to the employer, the CO, and counsel 
for the CO within 7 business days of the submission of the CO's brief or 
10 business days after receipt of the Appeal File, whichever is later, 
using means normally assuring expedited delivery.

[84 FR 12431, Apr. 1, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30615, May 20, 2020]



Sec.  655.462  Withdrawal of a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment
Certification.

    (a) The employer may withdraw a CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification after it has been submitted to the NPC for 
processing, including after the CO grants certification under Sec.  
655.450. However, the employer is still obligated to comply with the 
terms and conditions of employment contained in the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification and work contract with respect to all 
workers recruited and hired in connection with that application.
    (b) To request withdrawal, the employer must submit a request in 
writing to the NPC identifying the CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and stating the reason(s) for the withdrawal.



Sec.  655.463  Public disclosure.

    The Department will maintain an electronic file accessible to the 
public with information on all employers applying for TLCs. The database 
will include such information as the number of workers requested, the 
date filed, the date decided, and the final disposition.



Sec. Sec.  655.464-655.469  [Reserved]

                           Integrity Measures



Sec.  655.470  Audits.

    The CO may conduct audits of certified CW-1 Applications for 
Temporary Employment Certification.
    (a) Discretion. The CO has the sole discretion to choose the 
certified applications selected for audit.
    (b) Audit letter. Where an application is selected for audit, the CO 
will issue an audit letter to the employer and a copy, if appropriate, 
to the employer's attorney or agent. The audit letter will:
    (1) Specify the documentation that must be submitted by the 
employer;
    (2) Specify a date, no more than 30 calendar days from the date the 
audit letter is issued, by which the required documentation must be sent 
to the CO; and
    (3) Advise that failure to comply fully with the audit process may 
result:
    (i) In the requirement that the employer undergo the assisted 
recruitment procedures in Sec.  655.471 in future filings of CW-1 
Applications for Temporary Employment Certification for a period of up 
to 2 years; or
    (ii) In a revocation of the certification or debarment from the CW-1 
program and any other foreign labor certification program administered 
by the Department.
    (c) Supplemental information request. During the course of the audit 
examination, the CO may request supplemental information or 
documentation from the employer in order to complete the audit. If 
circumstances warrant, the CO can issue one or more requests for 
supplemental information.
    (d) Potential referrals. In addition to measures in this subpart, 
the CO may decide to provide the audit findings and underlying 
documentation to DHS or other appropriate enforcement agencies. The CO 
may refer any findings that an employer discouraged a qualified U.S. 
worker from applying, or failed to hire, discharged, or otherwise 
discriminated against a qualified U.S. worker, to the Department of 
Justice,

[[Page 439]]

Civil Rights Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section.



Sec.  655.471  Assisted recruitment.

    (a) Requirement of assisted recruitment. If, as a result of audit or 
otherwise, the CO determines that a violation has occurred that does not 
warrant debarment, the CO may require the employer to engage in assisted 
recruitment for a defined period of time for any future CW-1 Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (b) Notification of assisted recruitment. The CO will notify the 
employer (and its attorney or agent, if applicable) in writing of the 
assisted recruitment that will be required of the employer for a period 
of up to 2 years from the date the notice is issued. The notification 
will state the reasons for the imposition of the additional 
requirements, state that the employer's agreement to accept the 
conditions will constitute their inclusion as bona fide conditions and 
terms of a CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification, and 
offer the employer an opportunity to request an administrative review. 
If administrative review is requested, the procedures in Sec.  655.461 
apply.
    (c) Assisted recruitment. The assisted recruitment process will be 
in addition to any recruitment required of the employer by Sec. Sec.  
655.442 through 655.445 and may consist of, but is not limited to, one 
or more of the following:
    (1) Requiring the employer to submit a draft advertisement to the CO 
for review and approval at the time of filing the CW-1 Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification;
    (2) Designating the sources where the employer must recruit for U.S. 
workers in the Commonwealth and directing the employer to place the 
advertisement(s) in such sources;
    (3) Extending the length of the placement of the advertisements;
    (4) Requiring the employer to notify the CO in writing when the 
advertisement(s) are placed;
    (5) Requiring an employer to perform any additional assisted 
recruitment directed by the CO;
    (6) Requiring the employer to provide proof of the publication of 
all advertisements as directed by the CO;
    (7) Requiring the employer to provide proof of all U.S. workers who 
applied (or on whose behalf an application is made) in response to the 
employer's recruitment efforts;
    (8) Requiring the employer to submit any proof of contact with all 
referrals and former U.S. workers; or
    (9) Requiring the employer to provide any additional documentation 
verifying it conducted the assisted recruitment as directed by the CO.
    (d) Failure to comply. If an employer materially fails to comply 
with requirements ordered by the CO under this section, the 
certification will be denied and the employer and its attorney or agent 
may be debarred under Sec.  655.473.



Sec.  655.472  Revocation.

    (a) Basis for revocation. The OFLC Administrator may revoke a TLC 
approved under this subpart, if the OFLC Administrator finds:
    (1) The issuance of the TLC was not justified due to fraud or 
misrepresentation of a material fact in the application process;
    (2) The employer substantially failed to comply with any of the 
terms or conditions of the approved TLC. A substantial failure is a 
failure to comply that constitutes a significant deviation from the 
terms and conditions of the approved certification and is further 
defined in Sec.  655.473(d); or
    (3) The employer impeded the audit process, as set forth in Sec.  
655.470, or impeded any Federal Government Official performing an 
investigation, inspection, audit, or law enforcement function.
    (b) DOL procedures for revocation--(1) Notice of Revocation. If the 
OFLC Administrator makes a determination to revoke an employer's TLC, 
the OFLC Administrator will issue a Notice of Revocation to the employer 
(and its attorney or agent, if applicable). The notice will contain a 
detailed statement of the grounds for the revocation and inform the 
employer of its right to submit rebuttal evidence to the OFLC 
Administrator or to request administrative review of the Notice of 
Revocation by BALCA. If the employer does not submit rebuttal evidence 
or request administrative review within 10 business

[[Page 440]]

days from the date the Notice of Revocation is issued, the notice will 
become the final agency action and will take effect immediately at the 
end of the 10 business days.
    (2) Rebuttal. If the employer timely submits rebuttal evidence, the 
OFLC Administrator will inform the employer of the final determination 
on the revocation within 10 business days of receiving the rebuttal 
evidence. If the OFLC Administrator determines that the certification 
must be revoked, the OFLC Administrator will inform the employer of its 
right to appeal the final determination to BALCA according to the 
procedures of Sec.  655.461. If the employer does not appeal the final 
determination, it will become the final agency action.
    (3) Request for review. An employer may appeal a Notice of 
Revocation or a final determination of the OFLC Administrator after the 
review of rebuttal evidence to BALCA, according to the appeal procedures 
of Sec.  655.461.
    (4) Stay. The timely submission of rebuttal evidence or a request 
for administrative review will stay the revocation pending the outcome 
of the proceeding.
    (5) Decision. If the TLC is revoked, the OFLC Administrator will 
provide copies of final revocation decisions to DHS and DOS promptly.
    (c) Employer's obligations in the event of revocation. If an 
employer's TLC is revoked, the employer is responsible for:
    (1) Reimbursement of actual inbound transportation and other 
required expenses;
    (2) The workers' outbound transportation and other required 
expenses;
    (3) Payment to the workers of the amount due under the three-fourths 
guarantee; and
    (4) Any other wages, benefits, and working conditions due or owing 
to the workers under this subpart.

[84 FR 12431, Apr. 1, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30615, May 20, 2020]



Sec.  655.473  Debarment.

    (a) Debarment of an employer, agent, or attorney. The OFLC 
Administrator may debar an employer, agent, attorney, or any successor 
in interest to that employer, agent, or attorney, from participating in 
any action under this subpart, subject to the time limits set forth in 
paragraph (c) of this section, if the OFLC Administrator finds that the 
employer, agent, or attorney substantially violated a material term or 
condition of the Application for Prevailing Wage Determination or CW-1 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, as defined in 
paragraph (d) of this section. The OFLC Administrator will provide 
copies of final debarment decisions to DHS and DOS promptly.
    (b) Effect on future applications in all foreign labor programs. The 
debarred employer, or a debarred agent or attorney, or any successor in 
interest to any debarred employer, agent, or attorney, will be 
disqualified from filing any labor certification applications or labor 
condition applications with the Department subject to the term limits 
set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. If such an application is 
filed, it will be denied without review.
    (c) Period of debarment. No employer, agent, or attorney may be 
debarred under this subpart for more than 5 years for a single 
violation.
    (d) Definition of violation. For the purposes of this section, a 
violation of a material term or condition of the Application for 
Prevailing Wage Determination or CW-1 Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification includes:
    (1) One or more acts of commission or omission on the part of the 
employer or the employer's agent or attorney that involve:
    (i) Failure to pay or provide the required wages, benefits, or 
working conditions to the employer's CW-1 workers or workers in 
corresponding employment;
    (ii) Failure, except for lawful, job-related reasons, to offer 
employment to qualified U.S. workers who applied for the job opportunity 
for which certification was sought;
    (iii) Failure to comply with the employer's obligations to recruit 
U.S. workers;
    (iv) Improper layoff or displacement of U.S. workers or workers in 
corresponding employment;
    (v) Failure to comply with the NOD process, as set forth in Sec.  
655.431, or the

[[Page 441]]

assisted recruitment process, as set forth in Sec.  655.471;
    (vi) Impeding the audit process, as set forth in Sec.  655.470, or 
impeding any Federal Government Official performing an investigation, 
inspection, audit, or law enforcement function;
    (vii) Employing a CW-1 worker outside of the Commonwealth, in an 
activity not listed in the work contract, or outside the validity period 
of employment of the work contract, including any approved extension 
thereof;
    (viii) A violation of the requirements of Sec.  655.423(n) or (o);
    (ix) A violation of any of the provisions listed in Sec.  
655.423(q); or
    (x) Any other act showing such flagrant disregard for the law that 
future compliance with program requirements cannot reasonably be 
expected;
    (2) Fraud involving the Application for Prevailing Wage 
Determination or the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification under this subpart; or
    (3) A material misrepresentation of fact during the course of 
processing the CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (e) Determining whether a violation is substantial. In determining 
whether a violation is substantial as to merit debarment, the factors 
the OFLC Administrator may consider include, but are not limited to, the 
following:
    (1) Previous history of violation(s) under the CW-1 program;
    (2) The number of CW-1 workers, workers in corresponding employment, 
or U.S. workers who were or are affected by the violation(s);
    (3) The gravity of the violation(s); or
    (4) The extent to which the violator achieved a financial gain due 
to the violation(s), or the potential financial loss or potential injury 
to the worker(s).
    (f) Debarment procedure--(1) Notice of Debarment. If the OFLC 
Administrator makes a determination to debar an employer, agent, 
attorney, or any successor in interest to that employer, agent, or 
attorney, the OFLC Administrator will issue the party a Notice of 
Debarment. The notice will state the reason(s) for the debarment 
finding, including a detailed explanation of the grounds for and the 
duration of the debarment, and it will inform the party subject to the 
notice of its right to submit rebuttal evidence to the OFLC 
Administrator, or to request administrative review of the decision by 
BALCA. If the party does not file rebuttal evidence or a request for 
review within 30 calendar days of the date of the Notice of Debarment, 
the notice is the final agency action and the debarment will take effect 
on the date specified in the notice or if no date is specified, at the 
end of 30 calendar days The timely filing of rebuttal evidence or a 
request for review stays the debarment pending the outcome of the appeal 
as provided in paragraphs (f)(2) through (6) of this section.
    (2) Rebuttal. The party who received the Notice of Debarment may 
choose to submit evidence to rebut the grounds stated in the notice 
within 30 calendar days of the date the notice is issued. If rebuttal 
evidence is timely filed, the OFLC Administrator will issue a Final 
Determination on the debarment within 30 calendar days of receiving the 
rebuttal evidence. If the OFLC Administrator determines that the party 
must be debarred, the OFLC Administrator will issue a Final 
Determination and inform the party of its right to request 
administrative review of the debarment by BALCA according to the 
procedures in this section. The party must request review within 30 
calendar days after the date of the Final Determination, or the Final 
Determination will be the final agency order and the debarment will take 
effect on the date specified in the Final Determination or if no date is 
specified, at the end of 30 calendar days.
    (3) Request for review. (i) The recipient of a Notice of Debarment 
or Final Determination seeking to challenge the debarment must request 
review of the debarment within 30 calendar days of the date of the 
Notice of Debarment or the date of the Final Determination by the OFLC 
Administrator after review of rebuttal evidence submitted under 
paragraph (f)(2) of this section. A request for review of debarment must 
be filed in writing with the Chief ALJ, United States Department of 
Labor, in accordance with 29 CFR part 18, with a simultaneous copy 
served on the OFLC Administrator; the request must clearly identify the 
particular debarment

[[Page 442]]

determination for which review is sought; and must set forth the 
particular grounds for the request. If no timely request for review is 
filed, the debarment will take effect on the date specified in the 
Notice of Debarment or Final Determination, or if no date is specified, 
30 calendar days from the date the Notice of Debarment or Final 
Determination is issued.
    (ii) Upon receipt of a request for review, the OFLC Administrator 
will promptly send a certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief 
ALJ by means normally assuring expedited delivery. The Chief ALJ will 
immediately assign an ALJ to conduct the review.
    (iii) Statements, briefs, and other submissions of the parties must 
contain only legal argument and only such evidence that was within the 
record upon which the debarment was based, including any rebuttal 
evidence submitted pursuant to paragraph (f)(2) of this section.
    (4) Review by the ALJ. (i) In considering requests for review, the 
ALJ must afford all parties 30 days to submit or decline to submit any 
appropriate Statement of Position or legal brief. The ALJ must review 
the debarment determination on the basis of the record upon which the 
decision was made, the request for review, and any Statements of 
Position or legal briefs submitted.
    (ii) The ALJ's final decision must affirm, reverse, or modify the 
OFLC Administrator's determination. The ALJ's decision will be provided 
to the parties by expedited mail. The ALJ's decision is the final agency 
action, unless either party, within 30 calendar days of the ALJ's 
decision, seeks review of the decision with the Administrative Review 
Board (ARB).
    (5) Review by the ARB. (i) Any party wishing review of the decision 
of an ALJ must, within 30 calendar days of the decision of the ALJ, 
petition the ARB to review the decision in accordance with 29 CFR part 
26. Copies of the petition must be served on all parties and on the ALJ. 
The ARB will decide whether to accept the petition within 30 calendar 
days of receipt. If the ARB declines to accept the petition, or if the 
ARB does not issue a notice accepting a petition within 30 calendar days 
after the receipt of a timely filing of the petition, the decision of 
the ALJ is the final agency action. If a petition for review is 
accepted, the decision of the ALJ will be stayed unless and until the 
ARB issues an order affirming the decision. The ARB must serve notice of 
its decision to accept or not to accept the petition upon the ALJ and 
upon all parties to the proceeding.
    (ii) Upon receipt of the ARB's notice to accept the petition, the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges will promptly forward a copy of the 
complete appeal record to the ARB.
    (iii) Where the ARB has determined to review the decision and order, 
the ARB will notify each party of the issue(s) raised, the form in which 
submissions must be made (e.g., briefs or oral argument), and the time 
within which the presentation must be submitted.
    (6) ARB decision. The ARB's decision must be issued within 90 
calendar days from the notice granting the petition and served upon all 
parties and the ALJ.

[84 FR 12431, Apr. 1, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30615, May 20, 2020; 86 FR 1778, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec. Sec.  655.474-655.499  [Reserved]



    Subpart F_Attestations by Employers Using Alien Crewmembers for 
                   Longshore Activities in U.S. Ports

    Source: 60 FR 3956, 3976, Jan. 19, 1995, unless otherwise noted.

                           General Provisions



Sec.  655.500  Purpose, procedure and applicability of subparts F
and G of this part.

    (a) Purpose. (1) Section 258 of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(``Act'') prohibits nonimmigrant alien crewmembers admitted to the 
United States on D-visas from performing longshore work at U.S. ports 
except in five specific instances:
    (i) Where the vessel's country of registration does not prohibit 
U.S. crewmembers from performing longshore work in that country's ports 
and nationals of a country (or countries)

[[Page 443]]

which does not prohibit U.S. crewmembers from performing longshore work 
in that country's ports hold a majority of the ownership interest in the 
vessel, as determined by the Secretary of State (henceforth referred to 
as the ``reciprocity exception'');
    (ii) Where there is in effect in a local port one or more collective 
bargaining agreement(s), each covering at least thirty percent of the 
longshore workers, and each permitting the activity to be performed 
under the terms of such agreement(s);
    (iii) Where there is no collective bargaining agreement covering at 
least thirty percent of the longshore workers at the particular port and 
an attestation with accompanying documentation has been filed with the 
Department of Labor attesting that, among other things, the use of alien 
crewmembers to perform a particular activity of longshore work is 
permitted under the prevailing practice of the particular port 
(henceforth referred to as the ``prevailing practice exception'');
    (iv) Where the longshore work is to be performed at a particular 
location in the State of Alaska and an attestation with accompanying 
documentation has been filed with the Department of Labor attesting 
that, among other things, before using alien crewmembers to perform the 
activity specified in the attestation, the employer will make a bona 
fide request for and employ United States longshore workers who are 
qualified and available in sufficient numbers from contract stevedoring 
companies, labor organizations recognized as exclusive bargaining 
representatives of United States longshore workers, and private dock 
operators (henceforth referred to as the ``Alaska exception''); or
    (v) Where the longshore work involves an automated self-unloading 
conveyor belt or vacuum-actuated system on a vessel and the 
Administrator has not previously determined that an attestation must be 
filed pursuant to this part as a basis for performing those functions 
(henceforth referred to as the ``automated vessel exception'').
    (2) The term ``longshore work'' does not include the loading or 
unloading of hazardous cargo, as determined by the Secretary of 
Transportation, for safety and environmental protection. The Department 
of Homeland Security (DHS) through the United States Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS), determines whether an employer may use 
alien crewmembers for longshore work at U.S. ports. In those cases where 
an employer must file an attestation in order to perform such work, the 
Department of Labor shall be responsible for accepting the filing of 
such attestations. Subpart F of this part sets forth the procedure for 
filing attestations with the Department of Labor for employers proposing 
to use alien crewmembers for longshore work at U.S. ports under the 
prevailing practice exception, the Alaska exception, and where it has 
been determined that an attestation is required under the automated 
vessel exception listed in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section. Subpart 
G of this part sets forth complaint, investigation, and penalty 
provisions with respect to such attestations.
    (b) Procedure. (1) Under the prevailing practice exception in sec. 
258(c) of the Act, and in those cases where it has been determined that 
an attestation is required under the automated vessel exception for 
longshore work to be performed at locations other than in the State of 
Alaska, the procedure involves filing an attestation with the Department 
of Labor attesting that:
    (i) The use of alien crewmembers for a particular activity of 
longshore work is the prevailing practice at the particular port;
    (ii) The use of alien crewmembers is not during a strike or lockout 
nor designed to influence the election of a collective bargaining 
representative; and
    (iii) Notice of the attestation has been provided to the bargaining 
representative of longshore workers in the local port, or, where there 
is none, notice has been provided to longshore workers employed at the 
local port.
    (2) Under the automated vessel exception in sec. 258(c) of the Act, 
no attestation is required in cases where longshore activity consists of 
the use of an automated self-unloading conveyor belt or vacuum-actuated 
system on a vessel. The legislation creates a rebuttable presumption 
that the use of

[[Page 444]]

alien crewmembers for the operation of such automated systems is the 
prevailing practice. In order to overcome such presumption, it must be 
shown by the preponderance of the evidence submitted by any interested 
party, that the use of alien crewmembers for such activity is not the 
prevailing practice at the particular port, that it is during a strike 
or lockout, or that it is intended or designed to influence an election 
of a bargaining representative for workers in the local port.
    (3) Under the Alaska exception in sec. 258(d) of the Act, and in 
those cases where it has been determined that an attestation is required 
under the automated vessel exception consisting of the use of such 
equipment for longshore work to be performed in the State of Alaska, the 
procedure involves filing an attestation with the Department of Labor 
attesting that:
    (i) The employer will make a bona fide request for United States 
longshore workers who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers 
to perform the activity at the particular time and location from the 
parties to whom notice has been provided under paragraph (b)(3)(iv) (B) 
and (C) of this section, except that:
    (A) Wherever two or more contract stevedoring companies which meet 
the requirements of section 32 of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' 
Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 932) have signed a joint collective 
bargaining agreement with a single labor organization recognized as an 
exclusive bargaining representative of United States longshore workers 
within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 141 et 
seq.), the employer may request longshore workers from only one such 
contract stevedoring company, and
    (B) A request for longshore workers to an operator of a private dock 
may be made only for longshore work to be performed at that dock and 
only if the operator meets the requirements of section 32 of the 
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 932);
    (ii) The employer will employ all United States longshore workers 
made available in response to the request made pursuant to paragraph 
(b)(3)(i) of this section who are qualified and available in sufficient 
numbers and who are needed to perform the longshore activity at the 
particular time and location attested to;
    (iii) The use of alien crewmembers for such activity is not intended 
or designed to influence and election of a bargaining representative for 
workers in the State of Alaska; and
    (iv) Notice of the attestation has been provided to:
    (A) Labor organizations which have been recognized as exclusive 
bargaining representatives of United States longshore workers within the 
meaning of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.) and 
which make available or intend to make available workers to the 
particular location where the longshore work is to be performed;
    (B) Contract stevedoring companies which employ or intend to employ 
United States longshore workers at that location; and
    (C) Operators of private docks at which the employer will use 
longshore workers.
    (c) Applicability. Subparts F and G of this part apply to all 
employers who seek to employ alien crewmembers for longshore work at 
U.S. ports under the prevailing practice exception, to all employers who 
seek to employ alien crewmembers for longshore work at locations in the 
State of Alaska under the Alaska exception, to all employers claiming 
the automated vessel exception, and to those cases where it has been 
determined that an attestation is required under the automated vessel 
exception.

[60 FR 3956, 3976, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35520, June 21, 
2006]



Sec.  655.501  Overview of responsibilities.

    This section provides a context for the attestation process, to 
facilitate understanding by employers that may seek to employ alien 
crewmembers for longshore work under the prevailing practice exception, 
under the Alaska exception, and in those cases where an attestation is 
necessary under the automated vessel exception.
    (a) Department of Labor's responsibilities. The United States 
Department of

[[Page 445]]

Labor (DOL) administers the attestation process. Within DOL, the 
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) shall have responsibility 
for setting up and operating the attestation process; the Employment 
Standards Administration's Wage and Hour Division shall be responsible 
for investigating and resolving any complaints filed concerning such 
attestations.
    (b) Employer attestation responsibilities. (1) Each employer seeking 
to use alien crewmembers for longshore work at a local U.S. port 
pursuant to the prevailing practice exception or where an attestation is 
required under the automated vessel exception for longshore work to be 
performed at locations other than in the State of Alaska shall, as the 
first step, submit an attestation on Form ETA 9033, as described in 
Sec.  655.510 of this part, to ETA at the address set forth at Sec.  
655.510(b) of this part. If ETA accepts the attestation for filing, 
pursuant to Sec.  655.510 of this part, ETA shall return the cover form 
of the accepted attestation to the employer, and, at the same time, 
shall provide notice of the filing to the United States Citizenship and 
Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office 
having jurisdiction over the port where longshore work will be 
performed.
    (2) Each employer seeking to use alien crewmembers for longshore 
work at a particular location in the State of Alaska pursuant to the 
Alaska exception or where an attestation is required under the automated 
vessel exception for longshore work to be performed at a particular 
location in Alaska shall submit, as a first step, an attestation on Form 
ETA 9033-A, as described in Sec.  655.533 of this part, to ETA at the 
address of the Seattle regional office as set forth at Sec.  655.532 of 
this part. The address appears in the instructions to Form ETA 9033-A. 
ETA shall return the cover form of the accepted attestation to the 
employer, and, at the same time, shall provide notice of the filing to 
the DHS office having jurisdiction over the location where longshore 
work will be performed.
    (c) Complaints. Complaints concerning misrepresentation in the 
attestation, failure of the employer to carry out the terms of the 
attestation, or complaints that an employer is required to file an 
attestation under the automated vessel exception, may be filed with the 
Wage and Hour Division, according to the procedures set forth in subpart 
G of this part. Complaints of ``misrepresentation'' may include 
assertions that an employer has attested to the use of alien crewmembers 
only for a particular activity of longshore work and has thereafter used 
such alien crewmembers for another activity of longshore work. If the 
Division determines that the complaint presents reasonable cause to 
warrant an investigation, the Division shall then investigate, and, 
where appropriate, after an opportunity for a hearing, assess sanctions 
and penalties. Subpart G of this part further provides that interested 
parties may obtain an administrative law judge hearing on the Division's 
determination after an investigation and may seek the Secretary's review 
of the administrative law judge's decision. Subpart G of this part also 
provides that a complainant may request that the Wage and Hour 
Administrator issue a cease and desist order in the case of either 
alleged violation(s) of an attestation or longshore work by alien 
crewmember(s) employed by an employer allegedly not qualified for the 
claimed automated vessel exception. Upon the receipt of such a request, 
the Division shall notify the employer, provide an opportunity for a 
response and an informal meeting, and then rule on the request, which 
shall be granted if the preponderance of the evidence submitted supports 
the complainant's position.

[60 FR 3956, 3976, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35521, June 21, 
2006]



Sec.  655.502  Definitions.

    For the purposes of subparts F and G of this part:
    Accepted for filing means that a properly completed attestation on 
Form ETA 9033, including accompanying documentation for each of the 
requirements in Sec.  655.510 (d) through (f) of this part, or a 
properly completed attestation on Form ETA 9033-A, including 
accompanying documentation for the requirement in Sec.  655.537 of this 
part in the case of an attestation under the Alaska exception, submitted 
by the employer

[[Page 446]]

or its designated agent or representative has been received and filed by 
the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor 
(DOL). (Unacceptable attestations under the prevailing practice 
exception are described at Sec.  655.510(g)(2) of this part. 
Unacceptable attestations under the Alaska exception are described at 
Sec.  655.538(b) of this part.)
    Act and INA mean the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, 8 
U.S.C. 1101 et seq.
    Activity means any activity relating to loading cargo; unloading 
cargo; operation of cargo-related equipment; or handling of mooring 
lines on the dock when a vessel is made fast or let go.
    Administrative law judge means an official appointed pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 3105.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, 
Employment Standards Administration, Department of Labor, or such 
authorized representatives as may be designated to perform any of the 
functions of the Administrator under subparts F and G of this part.
    Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC 
Administrator) means the primary official of the Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification (OFLC Administrator), or the OFLC Administrator's 
designee.
    Attestation means documents submitted by an employer attesting to 
and providing accompanying documentation to show that, under the 
prevailing practice exception, the use of alien crewmembers for a 
particular activity of longshore work at a particular U.S. port is the 
prevailing practice, and is not during a strike or lockout nor intended 
to influence an election of a bargaining representative for workers; and 
that notice of the attestation has been provided to the bargaining 
representative, or, where there is none, to the longshore workers at the 
local port. Under the Alaska exception, such documents shall show that, 
before using alien crewmen to perform longshore work, the employer will 
make bona fide requests for dispatch of United States longshore workers 
who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers and that the 
employer will employ all such United States longshore workers in 
response to such a request for dispatch; that the use of alien 
crewmembers is not intended or designed to influence an election of a 
bargaining representative for workers in the State of Alaska; and that 
notice of the attestation has been provided to labor organizations 
recognized as exclusive bargaining representatives of United States 
longshore workers, contract stevedoring companies, and operators of 
private docks at which the employer will use longshore workers.
    Attesting employer means an employer who has filed an attestation.
    Attorney General means the chief official of the U.S. Department of 
Justice or the Attorney General's designee.
    Automated vessel means a vessel equipped with an automated self-
unloading conveyor belt or vacuum-actuated system which is utilized for 
loading or unloading cargo between the vessel and the dock.
    Certifying Officer (CO) means a Department of Labor official, or the 
CO's designee, who makes determinations about whether or not to grant 
applications for labor certification. The National Certifying Officer, 
which is the OFLC Administrator, makes such determinations in the 
national office of the OFLC.
    Chief Administrative Law Judge means the chief official of the 
Office of the Administrative Law Judges of the Department of Labor or 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge's designee.
    Contract stevedoring company means a stevedoring company which is 
licensed to do business in the State of Alaska and which meets the 
requirements of section 32 of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' 
Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 932).
    Crewmember means any nonimmigrant alien admitted to the United 
States to perform services under sec. 101(a)(15)(D)(i) of the Act (8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(D)(i)).
    Date of filing means the date an attestation is accepted for filing 
by ETA.
    Department and DOL mean the United States Department of Labor.
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the United States 
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes the determination 
under the Act on whether an employer of alien

[[Page 447]]

crewmembers may use such crewmembers for longshore work at a U.S. port.
    Division means the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment 
Standards Administration, DOL.
    Employer means a person, firm, corporation, or other association or 
organization, which suffers or permits, or proposes to suffer or permit, 
alien crewmembers to perform longshore work at a port within the U.S. 
For purposes of Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 655.541, which govern the 
performance of longshore activities by alien crewmembers under the 
Alaska exception, ``employer'' includes any agent or representative 
designated by the employer.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the agency within 
the Department of Labor (DOL) which includes the Office of Foreign Labor 
(OFLC).
    Employment Standards Administration (ESA) means the agency within 
the Department of Labor (DOL) which includes the Wage and Hour Division.
    Lockout means a labor dispute involving a work stoppage, wherein an 
employer withholds work from its employees in order to gain a concession 
from them.
    Longshore work means any activity (except safety and environmental 
protection work as described in sec. 258(b)(2) of the Act) relating to 
the loading or unloading of cargo, the operation of cargo related 
equipment (whether or not integral to the vessel), or the handling of 
mooring lines on the dock when the vessel is made fast or let go, in the 
United States or the coastal waters thereof.
    Longshore worker means a U.S. worker who performs longshore work.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means the 
organizational component within the ETA that provides national 
leadership and policy guidance and develops regulations and procedures 
to carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary of Labor under the 
INA concerning alien workers seeking admission to the United States in 
order to work under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
    Port means a geographic area, either on a seacoast, lake, river or 
any other navigable body of water, which contains one or more publicly 
or privately owned terminals, piers, docks, or maritime facilities, 
which is commonly thought of as a port by other government maritime-
related agencies, such as the Maritime Administration. U.S. ports 
include, but are not limited to, those listed in Appendix A to this 
subpart.
    Qualified and available in sufficient numbers means the full 
complement of qualified longshore workers needed to perform the 
longshore activity, as determined by industry standards in the State of 
Alaska, including safety considerations.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary's designee.
    Strike means a labor dispute wherein employees engage in a concerted 
stoppage of work (including stoppage by reason of the expiration of a 
collective-bargaining agreement) or engage in any concerted slowdown or 
other concerted interruption of operations.
    Unanticipated emergency means an unexpected and unavoidable 
situation, such as one involving severe weather conditions, natural 
disaster, or mechanical breakdown, where cargo must be immediately 
loaded on, or unloaded from, a vessel.
    United States is defined at 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(38).
    United States (U.S.) worker means a worker who is a U.S. citizen, a 
U.S. national, a permanent resident alien, or any other worker legally 
permitted to work indefinitely in the United States.

[60 FR 3956, 3976, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35520, June 21, 
2006]



Sec.  655.510  Employer attestations.

    (a) Who may submit attestations? An employer (or the employer's 
designated U.S. agent or representative) seeking to employ alien 
crewmembers for a particular activity of longshore work under the 
prevailing practice exception shall submit an attestation, provided 
there is not in effect in the local port any collective bargaining 
agreement covering at least 30 percent of the longshore workers. An 
attestation is required for each port at which the employer intends to 
use alien crewmembers for longshore work. The attestation shall include: 
A completed Form ETA 9033, which shall be signed

[[Page 448]]

by the employer (or the employer's designated agent or representative); 
and facts and evidence prescribed in paragraphs (d) through (f) of this 
section. This Sec.  655.510 shall not apply in the case of longshore 
work performed at a particular location in the State of Alaska. The 
procedures governing the filing of attestations under the Alaska 
exception are set forth at Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 655.541.
    (b) Where and when should attestations be submitted? (1) 
Attestations must be submitted, by U.S. mail, private carrier, or 
facsimile transmission to the U.S. Department of Labor office(s) which 
are designated by the OFLC Administrator. Attestations must be received 
and date-stamped by DOL at least 14 calendar days prior to the date of 
the first performance of the intended longshore activity, and shall be 
accepted for filing or returned by ETA in accordance with paragraph (g) 
of this section within 14 calendar days of the date received by ETA. An 
attestation which is accepted by ETA solely because it was not reviewed 
within 14 days is subject to subsequent invalidation pursuant to 
paragraph (i) of this section. Every employer filing an attestation 
shall have an agent or representative with a United States address. Such 
address shall be clearly indicated on the Form ETA 9033. In order to 
ensure that an attestation has been accepted for filing prior to the 
date of the performance of the longshore activity, employers are advised 
to take mailing time into account to make sure that ETA receives the 
attestation at least 14 days prior to the first performance of the 
longshore activity.
    (2) Unanticipated Emergencies. ETA may accept for filing 
attestations received after the 14-day deadline when due to an 
unanticipated emergency, as defined in Sec.  655.502 of this part. When 
an employer is claiming an unanticipated emergency, it shall submit 
documentation to support such a claim. ETA shall then make a 
determination on the validity of the claim, and shall accept the 
attestation for filing or return it in accordance with paragraph (g) of 
this section. ETA shall in no case accept an attestation received later 
than the date of the first performance of the activity.
    (c) What should be submitted?--(1) Form ETA 9033 with accompanying 
documentation. For each port, a completed and dated original Form ETA 
9033, or facsimile transmission thereof, containing the required 
attestation elements and the original signature of the employer (or the 
employer's designated agent or representative) shall be submitted, along 
with two copies of the completed, signed, and dated Form ETA 9033. (If 
the attestation is submitted by facsimile transmission, the attestation 
containing the original signature shall be maintained at the U.S. 
business address of the employer's designated agent or representative). 
Copies of Form ETA 9033 are available at the National Processing Centers 
and at the National Office. In addition, the employer shall submit two 
sets of all facts and evidence to show compliance with each of the 
attestation elements as prescribed by the regulatory standards in 
paragraphs (d) through (f) of this section. In the case of an 
investigation pursuant to subpart G of this part, the employer shall 
have the burden of proof to establish the validity of each attestation. 
The employer shall maintain in its records at the office of its U.S. 
agent, for a period of at least 3 years from the date of filing, 
sufficient documentation to meet its burden of proof, which shall at a 
minimum include the documentation described in this Sec.  655.510, and 
shall make the documents available to Department of Labor officials upon 
request.
    Whenever any document is submitted to a Federal agency or retained 
in the employer's records pursuant to this part, the document either 
shall be in the English language or shall be accompanied by a written 
translation into the English language certified by the translator as to 
the accuracy of the translation and his/her competency to translate.
    (2) Statutory precondition regarding collective bargaining 
agreements. (i) The employer may file an attestation only when there is 
no collective bargaining agreement in effect in the port covering 30 
percent or more of the longshore workers in the port. The employer shall 
attest on the Form ETA 9033 that no such collective bargaining

[[Page 449]]

agreement exists at the port at the time that the attestation is filed.
    (ii) The employer is not required to submit with the Form ETA 9033 
documentation substantiating that there is no collective bargaining 
agreement in effect in the port covering 30 percent or more of the 
longshore workers. If a complaint is filed which presents reasonable 
cause to believe that such an agreement exists, the Department shall 
conduct an investigation. In such an investigation, the employer shall 
have the burden of proving that no such collective bargaining agreement 
exists.
    (3) Ports for which attestations may be filed. Employers may file an 
attestation for a port which is listed in appendix A (U.S. Seaports) to 
this subpart. Employers may also file an attestation for a particular 
location not in appendix A to this subpart if additional facts and 
evidence are submitted with the attestation to demonstrate that the 
location is a port, meeting all of the criteria as defined by Sec.  
655.502 of this part.
    (4) Attestation elements. The attestation elements referenced in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section are mandated by sec. 258(c)(1)(B) of 
the Act (8 U.S.C. 1288(c)(1)(B)). Section 258(c)(1)(B) of the Act 
requires employers who seek to have alien crewmembers engage in a 
longshore activity to attest as follows:
    (i) The performance of the activity by alien crewmembers is 
permitted under the prevailing practice of the particular port as of the 
date of filing of the attestation;
    (ii) The use of the alien crewmembers for such activity is not 
during a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute, and is not 
intended or designed to influence an election of a bargaining 
representative for workers in the local port; and
    (iii) Notice of the attestation has been provided by the owner, 
agent, consignee, master, or commanding officer to the bargaining 
representative of longshore workers in the local port, or, where there 
is no such bargaining representative, notice has been provided to 
longshore workers employed at the local port.
    (d) The first attestation element: prevailing practice. For an 
employer to be in compliance with the first attestation element, it is 
required to have been the prevailing practice during the 12-month period 
preceding the filing of the attestation, for a particular activity of 
longshore work at the particular port to be performed by alien 
crewmembers. For each port, a prevailing practice can exist for any of 
four different types of longshore work: loading of cargo, unloading of 
cargo, operation of cargo-related equipment, or handling of mooring 
lines. It is thus possible that at a particular port it is the 
prevailing practice for alien crewmembers to unload vessels but not the 
prevailing practice to load them. An employer shall indicate on the 
attestation form which of the four longshore activities it is claiming 
is the prevailing practice for such work to be performed by alien 
crewmembers.
    (1) Establishing a prevailing practice. (i) In establishing that a 
particular activity of longshore work is the prevailing practice at a 
particular port, an employer shall submit facts and evidence to show 
that in the 12-month period preceding the filing of the attestation, one 
of the following conditions existed:
    (A) Over fifty percent of vessels docking at the port used alien 
crewmembers for the activity; or
    (B) Alien crewmembers made up over fifty percent of the workers in 
the port who engaged in the activity.
    (ii) Prevailing practice after Secretary of State determination of 
non-reciprocity. Section 258(d) of the Act provides a reciprocity 
exception (separate from the prevailing practice exception) to the 
prohibition on performance of longshore work by alien crewmembers in 
U.S. ports. However, this reciprocity exception becomes nonapplicable 
where the Secretary of State determines that, for a particular activity 
of longshore work, a particular country (by law, regulation, or 
practice) prohibits such activity by U.S. crewmembers in its ports. When 
the Secretary of State places a country on the non-reciprocity list 
(which means, for the purposes of this section, Prohibitions on 
longshore work by U.S. nationals; listing by country at 22 CFR 89.1), 
crewmembers on vessels from that country (that is, vessels that are 
registered in that country or vessels whose majority ownership interest 
is held by nationals of that

[[Page 450]]

country) are not permitted to perform longshore work in U.S. waters, 
absent applicability of some exception other than the reciprocity 
exception. The Secretary of State's determination has the following 
effects in the establishment of a prevailing practice for a particular 
longshore activity at a particular U.S. port for purposes of the 
prevailing practice exception.
    (A) An employer from any country, other than the country which is 
placed on the non-reciprocity list, may include the longshore activities 
performed by alien crewmembers on all vessels in establishing the 
prevailing practice for a particular longshore activity in a particular 
port.
    (B) An employer from a country which is placed on the non-
reciprocity list may file an attestation for the prevailing practice 
exception under the standards and requirements established in this 
subpart F (except as provided in paragraph (d)(1)(ii)(C) of this 
section), provided that the attestation is filed at least 12 months 
after the date on which the employer's country is placed on the list.
    (C) An employer from a country which is placed on the non-
reciprocity list may file an attestation pursuant to the prevailing 
practice exception earlier than 12 months from the date on which the 
employer's country is placed on the list, except that the following 
restrictions shall apply to such attestation:
    (1) The employer shall submit facts and evidence to show that, for 
the 12-month period preceding the date of the attestation, the use of 
alien crewmembers to perform a particular activity of longshore work was 
permitted by the prevailing practice in the port (as defined in 
paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section) without considering or including 
such activity by crewmembers on vessels from the employer's country; or
    (2) The employer shall submit facts and evidence (including data on 
activities performed by crewmembers on vessels from the employer's 
country) to show that the use of alien crewmembers to perform a 
particular activity of longshore work was permitted by the prevailing 
practice in the port (as defined in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section) 
for one of two periods--
    (i) For the employer whose country has not previously been on the 
non-reciprocity list, the period is the continuous 12-month period prior 
to May 28, 1991 (the effective date of section 258 of the Act); or
    (ii) For the employer whose country was at some time on the non-
reciprocity list, but was subsequently removed from the non-reciprocity 
list and then restored to the non-reciprocity list (on one or more 
occasions), the period is the last continuous 12-month period during 
which the employer's country was not under the reciprocity exception 
(that is, was listed on the non-reciprocity list).
    (iii) For purposes of this paragraph (d)(1):
    (A) ``Workers in the port engaged in the activity'' means any person 
who performed the activity in any calendar day;
    (B) Vessels shall be counted each time they dock at the particular 
port):
    (C) Vessels exempt from section 258 of the INA for safety and 
environmental protection shall not be included in counting the number of 
vessels which dock at the port (see Department of Transportation 
Regulations); and
    (D) Automated vessels shall not be included in counting the number 
of vessels which dock at the port. For establishing a prevailing 
practice under the automated vessel exception see Sec.  655.520 of this 
part.
    (2) Documentation. In assembling the facts and evidence required by 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the employer may consult with the port 
authority which has jurisdiction over the local port, the collective 
bargaining representative(s) of longshore workers at the local port, 
other employers, or any other entity which is familiar with the 
practices at the port. Such documentation shall include a written 
summary of a survey of the experience of shipmasters who entered the 
local port in the previous year; or a letter, affidavit, or other 
written statement from an appropriate local port authority regarding the 
use of alien crewmembers to perform the longshore activity at the port 
in the previous year; or other documentation of comparable weight. 
Written statements from collective

[[Page 451]]

bargaining representatives and/or shipping agents with direct knowledge 
of practices regarding the use of alien crewmembers in the local port 
may also be pertinent. Such documentation shall accompany the Form ETA 
9033, and any underlying documentation which supports the employer's 
burden of proof shall be maintained in the employer's records at the 
office of the U.S. agent as required by paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section.
    (e) The second attestation element: no strike or lockout; no 
intention or design to influence bargaining representative election. (1) 
The employer shall attest that, at the time of submitting the 
attestation, there is not a strike or lockout in the course of a labor 
dispute covering the employer's activity, and that it will not use alien 
crewmembers during a strike or lockout after filing the attestation. The 
employer shall also attest that the employment of such aliens is not 
intended or designed to influence an election for a bargaining 
representative for workers in the local port. Labor disputes for 
purposes of this attestation element relate only to those involving 
longshore workers at the port of intended employment. This attestation 
element applies to strikes and lockouts and elections of bargaining 
representatives at the local port where the use of alien crewmembers for 
longshore work is intended.
    (2) Documentation. As documentation to substantiate the requirement 
in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, an employer may submit a statement 
of the good faith efforts made to determine whether there is a strike or 
lockout at the particular port, as, for example, by contacting the port 
authority or the collective bargaining representative for longshore 
workers at the particular port.
    (f) The third attestation element: notice of filing. The employer of 
alien crewmembers shall attest that at the time of filing the 
attestation, notice of filing has been provided to the bargaining 
representative of the longshore workers in the local port, or, where 
there is no such bargaining representative, notice of the filing has 
been provided to longshore workers employed at the local port through 
posting in conspicuous locations and through other appropriate means.
    (1) Notification of bargaining representative. No later than the 
date the attestation is received by DOL to be considered for filing, the 
employer of alien crewmembers shall notify the bargaining representative 
(if any) of longshore workers at the local port that the attestation is 
being submitted to DOL. The notice shall include a copy of the Form ETA 
9033, shall state the activity(ies) for which the attestation is 
submitted, and shall state in that notice that the attestation and 
accompanying documentation are available at the national office of ETA 
for review by interested parties. The employer may have its owner, 
agent, consignee, master, or commanding officer provide such notice. 
Notices under this paragraph (f)(1) shall include the following 
statement: ``Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in 
the attestation and/or failure to comply with the terms of the 
attestation may be filed with any office of the Wage and Hour Division 
of the United States Department of Labor.''
    (2) Posting notice where there is no bargaining representative. If 
there is no bargaining representative of longshore workers at the local 
port when the employer submits an attestation to ETA, the employer shall 
provide written notice to the port authority for distribution to the 
public on request. In addition, the employer shall post one or more 
written notices at the local port, stating that the attestation with 
accompanying documentation has been submitted, the activity(ies) for 
which the attestation has been submitted, and that the attestation and 
accompanying documentation are available at the national office of ETA 
for review by interested parties. Such posted notice shall be clearly 
visible and unobstructed, and shall be posted in conspicuous places 
where the longshore workers readily can read the posted notice on the 
way to or from their duties. Appropriate locations for posting such 
notices include locations in the immediate proximity of mandatory Fair 
Labor Standards Act wage and hour notices and Occupational Safety and 
Health Act occupational safety and health notices. The notice shall 
include

[[Page 452]]

a copy of the Form ETA 9033 filed with DOL, shall provide information 
concerning the availability of supporting documents for examination at 
the national office of ETA, and shall include the following statement: 
``Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in the 
attestation and/or failure to comply with the terms of the attestation 
may be filed with any office of the Wage and Hour Division of the United 
States Department of Labor.''
    (3) Documentation. The employer shall provide a statement setting 
forth the name and address of the person to whom the notice was provided 
and where and when the notice was posted and shall attach a copy of the 
notice.
    (g) Actions on attestations submitted for filing. Once an 
attestation has been received from an employer, a determination shall be 
made by the Certifying Officer whether to accept the attestation for 
filing or return it. The Certifying Officer may request additional 
explanation and/or documentation from the employer in making this 
determination. An attestation which is properly filled out and which 
includes accompanying documentation for each of the requirements set 
forth at Sec.  655.510(d) through (f) shall be accepted for filing by 
ETA on the date it is signed by the Certifying Officer unless it falls 
within one of the categories set forth in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section. Once an attestation is accepted for filing, ETA shall then 
follow the procedures set forth in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. 
Upon acceptance of the employer's attestation by ETA, the attestation 
and accompanying documentation will be forwarded and shall be available 
in a timely manner for public examination at the ETA national office. 
ETA shall not consider information contesting an attestation received by 
ETA prior to the determination to accept or return the attestation for 
filing. Such information shall not be made part of ETA's administrative 
record on the attestation, but shall be referred to ESA to be processed 
as a complaint pursuant to subpart G of this part if the attestation is 
accepted by ETA for filing.
    (1) Acceptance. (i) If the attestation is properly filled out and 
includes accompanying documentation for each of the requirements at 
Sec.  655.510(d) through (f), and does not fall within one of the 
categories set forth at paragraph (g)(2) of this section, ETA shall 
accept the attestation for filing, provide notification to the DHS 
office having jurisdiction over the port where longshore work will be 
performed, and return to the employer, or the employer's agent or 
representative at a U.S. address, one copy of the attestation form 
submitted by the employer, with ETA's acceptance indicated thereon. The 
employer may then use alien crewmembers for the particular activity of 
longshore work at the U.S. port cited in the attestation in accordance 
with DHS regulations.
    (ii) DOL is not the guarantor of the accuracy, truthfulness or 
adequacy of an attestation accepted for filing.
    (2) Unacceptable attestations. ETA shall not accept an attestation 
for filing and shall return such attestation to the employer, or the 
employer's agent or representative at a U.S. address, when one of the 
following conditions exists:
    (i) When the Form ETA 9033 is not properly filled out. Examples of 
improperly filled out Form ETA 9033's include instances where the 
employer has neglected to check all the necessary boxes, or where the 
employer has failed to include the name of the port where it intends to 
use the alien crewmembers for longshore work, or where the employer has 
named a port that is not listed in appendix A and has failed to submit 
facts and evidence to support a showing that the location is a port as 
defined by Sec.  655.502, or when the employer has failed to sign the 
attestation or to designate an agent in the United States;
    (ii) When the Form ETA 9033 with accompanying documentation is not 
received by ETA at least 14 days prior to the date of performance of the 
first activity indicated on the Form ETA 9033; unless the employer is 
claiming an unanticipated emergency, has included documentation which 
supports such claim, and ETA has found the claim to be valid;
    (iii) When the Form ETA 9033 does not include accompanying 
documentation for each of the requirements set forth at Sec.  655.510 
(d) through (f);

[[Page 453]]

    (iv) When the accompanying documentation required by paragraph (c) 
of this section submitted by the employer, on its face, is inconsistent 
with the requirements set forth at Sec.  655.510 (d) through (f). 
Examples of such a situation include instances where the Form ETA 9033 
pertains to one port and the accompanying documentation to another; 
where the Form ETA 9033 pertains to one activity of longshore work and 
the accompanying documentation obviously refers to another; or where the 
documentation clearly indicates that only thirty percent, instead of the 
required fifty percent, of the activity attested to is performed by 
alien crewmembers;
    (v) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, after an investigation pursuant to subpart G of this 
part, that the particular activity of longshore work which the employer 
has attested is the prevailing practice at a particular port, is not, in 
fact, the prevailing practice at the particular port;
    (vi) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, that a cease and desist order has been issued pursuant 
to subpart G of this part, with respect to the attesting employer's 
performance of the particular activity and port, in violation of a 
previously accepted attestation;
    (vii) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, after an investigation pursuant to subpart G of this 
part, that the particular employer has misrepresented or failed to 
comply with an attestation previously submitted and accepted for filing, 
but in no case for a period of more than one year after the date of the 
Administrator's notice and provided that DHS has not advised ETA that 
the prohibition is in effect for a lesser period; or
    (viii) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, that the employer has failed to comply with any 
penalty, sanction, or other remedy assessed in a final agency action 
following an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division pursuant to 
subpart G of this part.
    (3) Resubmission. If the attestation is not accepted for filing 
pursuant to the categories set forth in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section, ETA shall return to the employer, or the employer's agent or 
representative, at a U.S. address, the attestation form and accompanying 
documentation submitted by the employer. ETA shall notify the employer, 
in writing, of the reason(s) that the attestation is unacceptable. When 
an attestation is found to be unacceptable pursuant to paragraphs (g)(2) 
(i) through (iv) of this section, the employer may resubmit the 
attestation with the proper documentation. When an attestation is found 
to be unacceptable pursuant to paragraphs (g)(2) (v) through (viii) of 
this section and returned, such action shall be the final decision of 
the Secretary of Labor.
    (h) Effective date and validity of filed attestations. An 
attestation is filed and effective as of the date it is accepted and 
signed by the Certifying Officer. Such attestation is valid for the 12-
month period beginning on the date of acceptance for filing, unless 
suspended or invalidated pursuant to subpart G of this part or paragraph 
(i) of this section. The filed attestation expires at the end of the 12-
month period of validity.
    (i) Suspension or invalidation of filed attestations. Suspension or 
invalidation of an attestation may result from enforcement action(s) 
under subpart G of this part (i.e., investigation(s) conducted by the 
Administrator or cease and desist order(s) issued by the Administrator 
regarding the employer's misrepresentation in or failure to carry out 
its attestation); or from a discovery by ETA that it made an error in 
accepting the attestation because such attestation falls within one of 
the categories set forth in paragraph (g)(2) of this section.
    (1) Result of Wage and Hour Division action. Upon the determination 
of a violation under subpart G of this part, the Administrator shall, 
pursuant to Sec.  655.660(b), notify the DHS of the violation and of the 
Administrator's notice to ETA.
    (2) Result of ETA action. If, after accepting an attestation for 
filing, ETA finds that the attestation is unacceptable because it falls 
within one of the categories set forth at paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section, and as a result, ETA suspends or invalidates the attestation,

[[Page 454]]

ETA shall notify the DHS of such suspension or invalidation and shall 
return a copy of the attestation form to the employer, or the employer's 
agent or representative, at a U.S. address. ETA shall notify the 
employer, in writing, of the reason(s) that the attestation is suspended 
or invalidated. When an attestation is found to be suspended or 
invalidated pursuant to paragraphs (g)(2) (i) through (iv) of this 
section, the employer may resubmit the attestation with the proper 
documentation. When an attestation is suspended or invalidated because 
it falls within one of the categories in paragraphs (g)(2) (v) through 
(viii) of this section, such action shall be the final decision of the 
Secretary of Labor, except as set forth in subpart G of this part.
    (j) Withdrawal of accepted attestations. (1) An employer who has 
submitted an attestation which has been accepted for filing may withdraw 
such attestation at any time before the 12-month period of its validity 
terminates, unless the Administrator has found reasonable cause under 
subpart G to commence an investigation of the particular attestation. 
Such withdrawal may be advisable, for example, when the employer learns 
that the particular activity(ies) of longshore work which it has 
attested is the prevailing practice to perform with alien crewmembers 
may not, in fact, have been the prevailing practice at the particular 
port at the time of filing. Requests for such withdrawals shall be in 
writing and shall be directed to the Certifying Officer.
    (2) Withdrawal of an attestation shall not affect an employer's 
liability with respect to any failure to meet the conditions attested to 
which took place before the withdrawal, or for misrepresentations in an 
attestation. However, if an employer has not yet performed the 
particular longshore activity(ies) at the port in question, the 
Administrator will not find reasonable cause to investigate unless it is 
alleged, and there is reasonable cause to believe, that the employer has 
made misrepresentations in the attestation or documentation thereof, or 
that the employer has not in fact given the notice attested to.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control No. 1205-
0309)

[60 FR 3956, 3976, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35520, June 21, 
2006]



Sec.  655.520  Special provisions regarding automated vessels.

    In general, an attestation is not required in the case of a 
particular activity of longshore work consisting of the use of automated 
self-unloading conveyor belt or vacuum-actuated systems on a vessel. The 
legislation creates a rebuttable presumption that the use of alien 
crewmembers for the operation of such automated systems is the 
prevailing practice. In order to overcome such presumption, it must be 
shown by the preponderance of the evidence submitted by any interested 
party, that the use of alien crewmembers for such activity is not the 
prevailing practice. Longshore work involving the use of such equipment 
shall be exempt from the attestation requirement only if the activity 
consists of using that equipment. If the automated equipment is not used 
in the particular activity of longshore work, an attestation is required 
as described under Sec.  655.510 of this part if it is the prevailing 
practice in the port to use alien crewmembers for this work, except that 
in all cases, where an attestation is required for longshore work to be 
performed at a particular location in the State of Alaska, an employer 
shall file such attestation under the Alaska exception pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 655.541 on Form ETA 9033-A. When automated 
equipment is used in the particular activity of longshore work, an 
attestation is required only if the Administrator finds, based on a 
preponderance of the evidence which may be submitted by any interested 
party, that the performance of the particular activity of longshore work 
is not the prevailing practice at the port, or was during a strike or 
lockout or intended to influence an election of a bargaining 
representative for workers in the local port, or if the Administrator 
issues a cease and desist order against use of the automated equipment 
without such attestation.

[[Page 455]]

    (a) Procedure when attestation is required. If it is determined 
pursuant to subpart G of this part that an attestation is required for 
longshore work consisting of the use of automated equipment at a 
location other than in the State of Alaska, the employer shall comply 
with all the requirements set forth at Sec.  655.510 of this part except 
paragraph (d) of Sec.  655.510. In lieu of complying with Sec.  
655.510(d) of this part, the employer shall comply with paragraph (b) of 
this section. If it is determined pursuant to subpart G of this part 
that an attestation is required for longshore work consisting of the use 
of automated equipment at a particular location in the State of Alaska, 
the employer shall comply with all the requirements set forth at 
Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 655.541 of this part.
    (b) The first attestation element: prevailing practice for automated 
vessels. For an employer to be in compliance with the first attestation 
element, it is required to have been the prevailing practice that over 
fifty percent (as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section) of a 
particular activity of longshore work which was performed through the 
use of automated self-unloading conveyor belt or vacuum-actuated 
equipment at the particular port during the 12-month period preceding 
the filing of the attestation, was performed by alien crewmembers. For 
purposes of this paragraph (b), only automated vessels shall be included 
in counting the number of vessels which dock at the port.
    (1) Establishing a prevailing practice. (i) In establishing that the 
use of alien crewmembers to perform a particular activity of longshore 
work consisting of the use of self-unloading conveyor belt or vacuum-
actuated systems on a vessel is the prevailing practice at a particular 
port, an employer shall submit facts and evidence to show that in the 
12-month period preceding the filing of the attestation, one of the 
following conditions existed:
    (A) Over fifty percent of the automated vessels docking at the port 
used alien crewmembers for the activity (for purposes of this paragraph 
(b)(1), a vessel shall be counted each time it docks at the particular 
port); or
    (B) Alien crewmembers made up over fifty percent of the workers who 
performed the activity with respect to such automated vessels.
    (ii) Prevailing practice after Secretary of State determination of 
non-reciprocity. Section 258(d) of the Act provides a reciprocity 
exception (separate from the prevailing practice exception) to the 
prohibition on performance of longshore work by alien crewmembers in 
U.S. ports. However, this reciprocity exception becomes nonapplicable 
where the Secretary of State determines that, for a particular activity 
of longshore work, a particular country (by law, regulation, or 
practice) prohibits such activity by U.S. crewmembers in its ports. When 
the Secretary of State places a country on the non-reciprocity list 
(which means, for the purposes of this section, Prohibitions on 
longshore work by U.S. nationals; listing by country at 22 CFR 89.1), 
crewmembers on vessels from that country (that is, vessels that are 
registered in that country or vessels whose majority ownership interest 
is held by nationals of that country) are not permitted to perform 
longshore work in U.S. waters, absent applicability of some exception 
other than the reciprocity exception. The Secretary of State's 
determination has the following effects in the establishment of a 
prevailing practice for a particular longshore activity at a particular 
U.S. port for purposes of the prevailing practice exception.
    (A) An employer from any country, other than the country which is 
placed on the non-reciprocity list, may include the longshore activities 
performed by alien crewmembers on all vessels in establishing the 
prevailing practice for a particular longshore activity in a particular 
port.
    (B) An employer from a country which is placed on the non-
reciprocity list may file an attestation for the prevailing practice 
exception under the standards and requirements established in this 
subpart F (except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) of this 
section), provided that the attestation is filed at least 12 months 
after the date on which the employer's country is placed on the list.
    (C) An employer from a country which is placed on the non-
reciprocity

[[Page 456]]

list may file an attestation pursuant to the prevailing practice 
exception earlier than 12 months from the date on which the employer's 
country is placed on the list, except that the following restrictions 
shall apply to such attestation:
    (1) The employer shall submit facts and evidence to show that, for 
the 12-month period preceding the date of the attestation, the use of 
alien crewmembers to perform a particular activity of longshore work was 
permitted by the prevailing practice in the port (as defined in 
paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section) without considering or including 
such activity by crewmembers on vessels from the employer's country; or
    (2) The employer shall submit facts and evidence (including data on 
activities performed by crewmembers on vessels from the employer's 
country) to show that the use of alien crewmembers to perform a 
particular activity of longshore work was permitted by the prevailing 
practice in the port (as defined in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section) 
for one of two periods--
    (i) For the employer whose country has not previously been on the 
non-reciprocity list, the period is the continuous 12-month period prior 
to May 28, 1991 (the effective date of section 258 of the Act); or
    (ii) For the employer whose country was at some time on the non-
reciprocity list, but was subsequently removed from the non-reciprocity 
list and then restored to the non-reciprocity list (on one or more 
occasions), the period is the last continuous 12-month period during 
which the employer's country was not under the reciprocity exception 
(that is, was listed on the non-reciprocity list).
    (2) Documentation. In assembling the documentation described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the employer may consult with the port 
authority which has jurisdiction over the local port, the collective 
bargaining representative(s) of longshore workers at the local port, 
other employers, or any other entity which is familiar with the 
practices at the port. The documentation shall include a written summary 
of a survey of the experience of shipmasters who entered the local port 
in the previous year; or a letter, affidavit, or other written statement 
from an appropriate local port authority regarding the use of alien 
crewmembers to perform the longshore activity at the port in the 
previous year; or other documentation of comparable weight. Written 
statements from collective bargaining representatives and/or shipping 
agents with direct knowledge of practices regarding the use of alien 
crewmembers may also be pertinent. Such documentation shall accompany 
the Form ETA 9033, and any underlying documentation which supports the 
employer's burden of proof shall be maintained in the employer's records 
at the office of the U.S. agent as required under Sec.  655.510(c)(1) of 
this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control No. 1205-
0309)

                            Alaska Exception



Sec.  655.530  Special provisions regarding the performance of
longshore activities at locations in the State of Alaska.

    Applicability. Section Sec.  655.510 of this part shall not apply to 
longshore work performed at locations in the State of Alaska. The 
performance of longshore work by alien crewmembers at locations in the 
State of Alaska shall instead be governed by Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 
655.541. The use of alien crewmembers to perform longshore work in 
Alaska consisting of the use of an automated self-unloading conveyor 
belt or vacuum-actuated system on a vessel shall continue to be governed 
by the provisions of Sec.  655.520 of this part, except that, if the 
Administrator finds, based on a preponderance of the evidence which may 
be submitted by any interested party, that an attestation is required 
because the performance of the particular activity of longshore work is 
not the prevailing practice at the location in the State of Alaska, or 
was during a strike or lockout or intended to influence an election of a 
bargaining representative for workers at that location, or if the 
Administrator issues a cease and desist order against use of the 
automated equipment without such an attestation, the required 
attestation shall be filed pursuant to the Alaska exception at 
Sec. Sec.  655.530 through

[[Page 457]]

655.541 and not the prevailing practice exception at Sec.  655.510.



Sec.  655.531  Who may submit attestations for locations in Alaska?

    In order to use alien crewmembers to perform longshore activities at 
a particular location in the State of Alaska an employer shall submit an 
attestation on Form ETA 9033-A. As noted at Sec.  655.502, 
``Definitions,'' for purposes of Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 655.541, 
which govern the performance of longshore activities by alien 
crewmembers under the Alaska exception, ``employer'' includes any agent 
or representative designated by the employer. An employer may file a 
single attestation for multiple locations in the State of Alaska.



Sec.  655.532  Where and when should attestations be submitted for
locations in Alaska?

    (a) Attestations shall be submitted, by U.S. mail, private carrier, 
or facsimile transmission to the U.S. Department of Labor regional 
office of the Employment and Training Administration in Seattle, 
Washington. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, 
attestations shall be received and date-stamped by the Department at 
least 30 calendar days prior to the date of the first performance of the 
longshore activity. The attestation shall be accepted for filing or 
returned by ETA in accordance with Sec.  655.538 within 14 calendar days 
of the date received by ETA. An attestation which is accepted by ETA 
solely because it was not reviewed within 14 days is subject to 
subsequent invalidation pursuant to Sec.  655.540 of this part. An 
employer filing an attestation shall have an agent or representative 
with a United States address. Such address shall be clearly indicated on 
the Form ETA 9033-A. In order to ensure that an attestation has been 
accepted for filing prior to the date of the first performance of the 
longshore activity, employers are advised to take mailing time into 
account to make sure that ETA receives the attestation at least 30 days 
prior to the first performance of the longshore activity.
    (b) Late filings. ETA may accept for filing attestations received 
after the 30-day deadline where the employer could not have reasonably 
anticipated the need to file an attestation for the particular location 
at that time. When an employer states that it could not have reasonably 
anticipated the need to file the attestation at that time, it shall 
submit documentation to ETA to support such a claim. ETA shall then make 
a determination on the validity of the claim and shall accept the 
attestation for filing or return it in accordance with Sec.  655.538 of 
this part. ETA in no case shall accept an attestation received less than 
24 hours prior to the first performance of the activity.



Sec.  655.533  What should be submitted for locations in Alaska?

    (a) Form ETA 9033-A with accompanying documentation. A completed and 
dated original Form ETA 9033-A, or facsimile transmission thereof, 
containing the required attestation elements and the original signature 
of the employer or the employer's agent or designated representative, 
along with two copies of the completed, signed, and dated Form ETA 9033-
A shall be submitted to ETA. (If the attestation is submitted by 
facsimile transmission, the attestation containing the original 
signature shall be maintained at the U.S. business address of the 
employer's designated agent or representative). Copies of Form ETA 9033-
A are available at the National Processing Centers and at the National 
office. In addition, the employer shall submit two sets of facts and 
evidence to show compliance with the fourth attestation element at Sec.  
655.537 of this part. In the case of an investigation pursuant to 
subpart G of this part, the employer has the burden of proof to 
establish the validity of each attestation. The employer shall maintain 
in its records at the office of its U.S. agent, for a period of at least 
3 years from the date of filing, sufficient documentation to meet its 
burden of proof, which shall at a minimum include the documentation 
described in Sec. Sec.  655.530 through 655.541, and shall make the 
documents available to Department of Labor officials upon request. 
Whenever any document is submitted to a Federal agency or retained in 
the employer's records pursuant to this part, the document shall either 
be in the English language or shall

[[Page 458]]

be accompanied by a written translation into the English language 
certified by the translator as to the accuracy of the translation and 
his/her competency to translate.
    (b) Attestation elements. The attestation elements referenced in 
Sec. Sec.  655.534 through 655.537 of this part are mandated by Sec. 
258(d)(1) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1288(d)(1)). Section 258(d)(1) of the Act 
requires employers who seek to have alien crewmembers engage in 
longshore activity at locations in the State of Alaska to attest as 
follows:
    (1) The employer will make a bona fide request for United States 
longshore workers who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers 
to perform the activity at the particular time and location from the 
parties to whom notice has been provided under Sec.  655.537(a)(1) (ii) 
and (iii), except that:
    (i) Wherever two or more contract stevedoring companies have signed 
a joint collective bargaining agreement with a single labor organization 
recognized as an exclusive bargaining representative of United States 
longshore workers within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act 
(29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.), the employer may request longshore workers from 
only one such contract stevedoring company, and
    (ii) A request for longshore workers to an operator of a private 
dock may be made only for longshore work to be performed at that dock 
and only if the operator meets the requirements of section 32 of the 
Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 932);
    (2) The employer will employ all United States longshore workers 
made available in response to the request made pursuant to Sec.  
655.534(a)(1) who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers and 
who are needed to perform the longshore activity at the particular time 
and location to which the employer has attested;
    (3) The use of alien crewmembers for such activity is not intended 
or designed to influence an election of a bargaining representative for 
workers in the State of Alaska; and
    (4) Notice of the attestation has been provided to:
    (i) Labor organizations which have been recognized as exclusive 
bargaining representatives of United States longshore workers within the 
meaning of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.) and 
which make available or intend to make available workers to the 
particular location where the longshore work is to be performed;
    (ii) Contract stevedoring companies which employ or intend to employ 
United States longshore workers at that location; and
    (iii) Operators of private docks at which the employer will use 
longshore workers.

[60 FR 3956, 3976, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35520, June 21, 
2006]



Sec.  655.534  The first attestation element for locations in Alaska:
Bona fide request for dispatch of United States longshore workers.

    (a) The first attestation element shall be satisfied when the 
employer signs Form ETA 9033-A, attesting that, before using alien 
crewmembers to perform longshore work during the validity period of the 
attestation, the employer will make a bona fide request for United 
States longshore workers who are qualified and available in sufficient 
numbers to perform the specified longshore activity from the parties to 
whom notice is provided under Sec.  655.537(a)(1) (ii) and (iii). 
Although an employer is required to provide notification of filing to 
labor organizations recognized as exclusive bargaining representatives 
of United States longshore workers pursuant to Sec.  655.537(a)(1)(i) of 
this part, an employer need not request dispatch of United States 
longshore workers directly from such parties. The requests for dispatch 
of United States longshore workers pursuant to this section shall be 
directed to contract stevedoring companies which employ or intend to 
employ United States longshore workers at that location, and to 
operators of private docks at which the employer will use longshore 
workers. An employer is not required to request dispatch of United 
States longshore workers from private dock operators or contract 
stevedoring companies which do not meet the requirements of section 32 
of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 932) 
or, in the case of

[[Page 459]]

contract stevedoring companies, which are not licensed to do business in 
the State of Alaska.
    (1) Wherever two or more contract stevedoring companies have signed 
a joint collective bargaining agreement with a single qualified labor 
organization, the employer may request longshore workers from only one 
of such contract stevedoring companies. A qualified labor organization 
is one which has been recognized as an exclusive bargaining 
representative of United States longshore workers within the meaning of 
the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.) and which makes 
available or intends to make available workers to the particular 
location where the longshore work is to be performed.
    (2) A request for longshore workers to an operator of a private dock 
may be made only for longshore work to be performed at that dock.
    (3) An employer shall not be required to request longshore workers 
from a party if that party has notified the employer in writing that it 
does not intend to make available United States longshore workers who 
are qualified and available in sufficient numbers to the time and 
location at which the longshore work is to be performed.
    (4) A party that has provided such written notice to the employer 
under paragraph (a)(3) of this section may subsequently notify the 
employer in writing that it is prepared to make available United States 
longshore workers who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers 
to perform the longshore activity at the time and location where the 
longshore work is to be performed. In that event, the employer's 
obligations to that party under Sec. Sec.  655.534 and 655.535 of this 
part shall recommence 60 days after its receipt of such notice.
    (5) When a party has provided written notice to the employer under 
paragraph (a)(3) of this section that it does not intend to dispatch 
United States longshore workers to perform the longshore work attested 
to by the employer, such notice shall expire upon the earliest of the 
following events:
    (i) When the terms of such notice specify an expiration date at 
which time the employer's obligation to that party under Sec. Sec.  
655.534 and 655.535 of this part shall recommence;
    (ii) When retracted pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of this section; or
    (iii) Upon the expiration of the validity of the attestation.
    (b) Documentation. To substantiate the requirement in paragraph (a) 
of this section, an employer shall develop and maintain documentation to 
meet the employer's burden of proof under the first attestation element. 
The employer shall retain records of all requests for dispatch of United 
States longshore workers to perform the longshore work attested to. Such 
documentation shall consist of letters, telephone logs, facsimiles or 
other memoranda to show that, before using alien crewmembers to perform 
longshore work, the employer made a bona fide request for United States 
longshore workers who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers 
to perform the longshore activity. At a minimum, such documentation 
shall include the date the request was made, the name and telephone 
number of the particular individual(s) to whom the request for dispatch 
was directed, and the number and composition of full work units 
requested. Further, whenever any party has provided written notice to 
the employer under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, the employer shall 
retain the notice for the period of time specified in Sec.  655.533 of 
this part, and, if appropriate, any subsequent notice by that party that 
it is prepared to make available United States longshore workers at the 
times and locations attested to.



Sec.  655.535  The second attestation element for locations in Alaska:
Employment of United States longshore workers.

    (a) The second attestation element shall be satisfied when the 
employer signs Form ETA 9033-A, attesting that during the validity 
period of the attestation, the employer will employ all United States 
longshore workers made available in response to the request for dispatch 
who, in compliance with applicable industry standards in the State of 
Alaska, including safety considerations, are qualified and available in 
sufficient numbers and are needed to perform the longshore activity at 
the

[[Page 460]]

particular time and location attested to.
    (1) In no case shall an employer filing an attestation be required 
to hire less than a full work unit of United States longshore workers 
needed to perform the longshore activity nor be required to provide 
overnight accommodations for the longshore workers while employed. For 
purposes of this section, ``full work unit'' means the full complement 
of longshore workers needed to perform the longshore activity, as 
determined by industry standards in the State of Alaska, including 
safety considerations. Where the makeup of a full work unit is covered 
by one or more collective bargaining agreements in effect at the time 
and location where longshore work is to be performed, the provisions of 
such agreement(s) shall be deemed to be in conformance with industry 
standards in the State of Alaska.
    (2) In no case shall an employer be required to provide 
transportation to the vessel where the longshore work is to be 
performed, except where:
    (i) Surface transportation is available; for purposes of this 
section, ``surface transportation'' means a tugboat or other vessel 
which is appropriately insured, operated by licensed personnel, and 
capable of safely transporting U.S. longshore workers from shore to a 
vessel on which longshore work is to be performed;
    (ii) Such transportation may be safely accomplished; and
    (iii)(A) Travel time to the vessel does not exceed one-half hour 
each way; and
    (B) Travel distance to the vessel from the point of embarkation does 
not exceed 5 miles; for purposes of this section, ``point of 
embarkation'' means a dock or landing at which U.S. longshore workers 
may be safely boarded for transport from shore to a vessel on which 
longshore work is to be performed; or
    (C) In the cases of Wide Bay, Alaska, and Klawock/Craig, Alaska, 
travel time does not exceed 45 minutes each way and travel distance to 
the vessel from the point of embarkation does not exceed 7.5 miles, 
unless the party responding to the request for dispatch agrees to lesser 
time and distance specifications.
    (3) If a United States longshore worker is capable of getting to and 
from the vessel where longshore work is to be performed when the vessel 
is beyond the time and distance limitations specified in paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii) of this section, and where all of the other criteria 
governing the employment of United States longshore workers under this 
subpart are met (e.g., ``qualified and available in sufficient 
numbers''), the employer is still obligated to employ the worker to 
perform the longshore activity. In such instance, however, the employer 
shall not be required to provide such transportation nor to reimburse 
the longshore worker for the cost incurred in transport to and from the 
vessel.
    (4) Where an employer is required to provide transportation to the 
vessel because it is within the time and distance limitations specified 
in (a)(2)(iii) of this section, the employer also shall be required to 
provide return transportation to the point of embarkation.
    (b) Documentation. To substantiate the requirement in paragraph (a) 
of this section, an employer shall develop and maintain documentation to 
meet the employer's burden of proof. Such documentation shall include 
records of payments to contract stevedoring companies or private dock 
operators, payroll records for United States longshore workers employed, 
or other documentation to show clearly that the employer has met its 
obligation to employ all United States longshore workers made available 
in response to a request for dispatch who are qualified and available in 
sufficient numbers. The documentation shall specify the number of full 
work units employed pursuant to this section, the composition of such 
full work units (i.e., number of workers by job title), and the date(s) 
and location(s) where the longshore work was performed. The employer 
also shall develop and maintain documentation concerning the provision 
of transportation from the point of embarkation to the vessel on which 
longshore work is to be performed. Each time one or more United States 
longshore workers are dispatched in response to the request

[[Page 461]]

under Sec.  655.534, the employer shall retain a written record of 
whether transportation to the vessel was provided and the time and 
distance from the point of embarkation to the vessel.



Sec.  655.536  The third attestation element for locations in Alaska:
No intention or design to influence bargaining representative election.

    (a) The employer shall attest that use of alien crewmembers to 
perform the longshore activity specified on the Form ETA 9033-A is not 
intended or designed to influence an election of a bargaining 
representative for workers in the State of Alaska.
    (b) Documentation. The employer need not develop nor maintain 
documentation to substantiate the statement referenced in paragraph (a) 
of this section. In the case of an investigation, however, the employer 
has the burden of proof to show that the use of alien crewmembers to 
perform the longshore activity specified on the Form ETA 9033-A was not 
intended nor designed to influence an election of a bargaining 
representative for workers in the State of Alaska.



Sec.  655.537  The fourth attestation element for locations in Alaska:
Notice of filing.

    (a)(1) The employer shall attest that at the time of filing the 
attestation, notice of filing has been provided to:
    (i) Labor organizations which have been recognized as exclusive 
bargaining representatives of United States longshore workers within the 
meaning of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 141 et seq.) and 
which make available or intend to make available workers to the 
particular location where the longshore work is to be performed;
    (ii) Contract stevedoring companies which employ or intend to employ 
United States longshore workers at the location where the longshore work 
is to be performed; and
    (iii) Operators of private docks at which the employer will use 
longshore workers.
    (2) The notices provided under paragraph (a)(1) of this section 
shall include a copy of the Form ETA 9033-A to be submitted to ETA, 
shall provide information concerning the availability of supporting 
documents for public examination at the national office of ETA, and 
shall include the following statement: ``Complaints alleging a 
misrepresentation of material facts in the attestation and/or failure to 
comply with the terms of the attestation may be filed with any office of 
the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor.''
    (b) The employer shall request a copy of the Certificate of 
Compliance issued by the district director of the Office of Workers' 
Compensation Programs under section 37 of the Longshore and Harbor 
Workers' Compensation Act (33 U.S.C. 932) from the parties to whom 
notice is provided pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) (ii) and (iii) of this 
section. An employer's obligation to make a bona fide request for 
dispatch of U.S. longshore workers under Sec.  655.534 of this part 
before using alien crewmembers to perform the longshore work attested to 
shall commence upon receipt of the copy of the Certificate of 
Compliance.
    (c) Documentation. The employer shall develop and maintain 
documentation sufficient to meet its burden of proving the validity of 
the statement referenced in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and 
attested to on the Form ETA 9033-A. Such documentation shall include a 
copy of the notices provided, as required by paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, and shall be submitted to ETA along with the Form ETA 9033-A.



Sec.  655.538  Actions on attestations submitted for filing for locations
in Alaska.

    Once an attestation has been received from an employer, a 
determination shall be made by the Certifying Officer whether to accept 
the attestation for filing or return it. The Certifying Officer may 
request additional explanation and/or documentation from the employer in 
making this determination. An attestation which is properly filled out 
and which includes accompanying documentation for the requirement set 
forth at Sec.  655.537 of this part shall be accepted for filing by ETA 
on the date it is signed by the Certifying Officer unless it falls 
within one of the categories set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. 
Once an attestation

[[Page 462]]

is accepted for filing, ETA shall then follow the procedures set forth 
in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Upon acceptance of the employer's 
attestation by ETA, the attestation and accompanying documentation shall 
be forwarded to and be available for public examination at the ETA 
national office in a timely manner. ETA shall not consider information 
contesting an attestation received by ETA prior to the determination to 
accept or return the attestation for filing. Such information shall not 
be made a part of ETA's administrative record on the attestation, but 
shall be referred to ESA to be processed as a complaint pursuant to 
subpart G of this part if the attestation is accepted by ETA for filing.
    (a) Acceptance. (1) If the attestation is properly filled out and 
includes accompanying documentation for the requirement set forth at 
Sec.  655.537, and does not fall within one of the categories set forth 
at paragraph (b) of this section, ETA shall accept the attestation for 
filing, provide notification to the DHS office having jurisdiction over 
the location where longshore work will be performed, and return to the 
employer, or the employer's agent or representative at a U.S. address, 
one copy of the attestation form submitted by the employer, with ETA's 
acceptance indicated thereon. Before using alien crewmembers to perform 
the longshore work attested to on Form ETA 9033-A, the employer shall 
make a bona fide request for and employ United States longshore workers 
who are qualified and available in sufficient numbers pursuant to 
Sec. Sec.  655.534 and 655.535. Where such a request for dispatch of 
United States longshore workers is unsuccessful, either in whole or in 
part, any use of alien crewmembers to perform longshore activity shall 
be in accordance with DHS regulations.
    (2) DOL is not the guarantor of the accuracy, truthfulness or 
adequacy of an attestation accepted for filing.
    (b) Unacceptable attestations. ETA shall not accept an attestation 
for filing and shall return such attestation to the employer, or the 
employer's agent or representative at a U.S. address, when any one of 
the following conditions exists:
    (1) When the Form ETA 9033-A is not properly filled out. Examples of 
improperly filled out Form ETA 9033-A's include instances where the 
employer has neglected to check all the necessary boxes, where the 
employer has failed to include the name of any port, city, or other 
geographical reference point where longshore work is to be performed, or 
where the employer has failed to sign the attestation or to designate an 
agent in the United States.
    (2) When the Form ETA 9033-A with accompanying documentation is not 
received by ETA at least 30 days prior to the first performance of the 
longshore activity, unless the employer is claiming that it could not 
have reasonably anticipated the need to file the attestation for that 
location at that time, and has included documentation which supports 
this contention, and ETA has found the claim to be valid.
    (3) When the Form ETA 9033-A does not include accompanying 
documentation for the requirement set forth at Sec.  655.537.
    (4) When the accompanying documentation submitted by the employer 
and required by Sec.  655.537, on its face, is inconsistent with that 
section. Examples of such a situation include an instance where the Form 
ETA 9033-A indicates that the longshore work will be performed at a 
particular private dock and the documentation required under the notice 
attestation element indicates that notice was provided to an operator of 
a different private dock, or where the longshore work is to be performed 
at a particular time and location in the State of Alaska and the notice 
of filing provided to qualified labor organizations and contract 
stevedoring companies indicates that the longshore work is to be 
performed at a different time and/or location.
    (5) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, after an investigation pursuant to subpart G of this 
part, that a cease and desist order has been issued pursuant to subpart 
G of this part, with respect to the attesting employer's performance of 
longshore work at a particular location in the State of Alaska, in 
violation of a previously accepted attestation.

[[Page 463]]

    (6) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, after an investigation pursuant to subpart G of this 
part, that the particular employer has misrepresented or failed to 
comply with an attestation previously submitted and accepted for filing, 
but in no case for a period of more than one year after the date of the 
Administrator's notice and provided that DHS has not advised ETA that 
the prohibition is in effect for a lesser period.
    (7) When the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, has notified 
ETA, in writing, that the employer has failed to comply with any 
penalty, sanction, or other remedy assessed in a final agency action 
following an investigation by the Wage and Hour Division pursuant to 
subpart G of this part.
    (c) Resubmission. If the attestation is not accepted for filing 
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, ETA shall return to the 
employer, or the employer's agent or representative, at a U.S. address, 
the attestation form and accompanying documentation submitted by the 
employer. ETA shall notify the employer, in writing, of the reason(s) 
that the attestation is unacceptable. When an attestation is found to be 
unacceptable pursuant to paragraph (b) (1), (2), (3), or (4) of this 
section, the employer may resubmit the corrected attestation with the 
proper documentation. When an attestation is found to be unacceptable 
pursuant to paragraph (b) (5), (6), or (7) of this section and returned, 
such action shall be the final decision of the Secretary of Labor.



Sec.  655.539  Effective date and validity of filed attestations for
locations in Alaska.

    An attestation is filed and effective as of the date it is accepted 
and signed by the Certifying Officer. Such attestation is valid for the 
12-month period beginning on the date of acceptance for filing, unless 
suspended or invalidated pursuant to Sec.  655.540 of this part. The 
filed attestation expires at the end of the 12-month period of validity.



Sec.  655.540  Suspension or invalidation of filed attestations for 
locations in Alaska.

    Suspension or invalidation of an attestation may result from 
enforcement action(s) under subpart G of this part (i.e., 
investigation(s) conducted by the Administrator or cease and desist 
order(s) issued by the Administrator regarding the employer's 
misrepresentation in or failure to carry out its attestation); or from a 
discovery by ETA that it made an error in accepting the attestation 
because such attestation falls within one of the categories set forth in 
Sec.  655.538(b).
    (a) Result of Wage and Hour Division action. Upon the determination 
of a violation under subpart G of this part, the Administrator shall, 
pursuant to Sec.  655.665(b), notify the DHS of the violation and of the 
Administrator's notice to ETA.
    (b) Result of ETA action. If, after accepting an attestation for 
filing, ETA finds that the attestation is unacceptable because it falls 
within one of the categories set forth at Sec.  655.538(b) and, as a 
result, ETA suspends or invalidates the attestation, ETA shall notify 
the DHS of such suspension or invalidation and shall return a copy of 
the attestation form to the employer, or the employer's agent or 
representative at a U.S. address. ETA shall notify the employer, in 
writing, of the reason(s) that the attestation is suspended or 
invalidated.



Sec.  655.541  Withdrawal of accepted attestations for locations in 
Alaska.

    (a) An employer who has submitted an attestation which has been 
accepted for filing may withdraw such attestation at any time before the 
12-month period of its validity terminates, unless the Administrator has 
found reasonable cause under subpart G to commence an investigation of 
the particular attestation. Such withdrawal may be advisable, for 
example, when the employer learns that the country in which the vessel 
is registered and of which nationals of such country hold a majority of 
the ownership interest in the vessel has been removed from the non-
reciprocity list (which means, for purposes of this section, 
Prohibitions on longshore work by U.S. nationals; listing

[[Page 464]]

by country at 22 CFR 89.1). In that event, an attestation would no 
longer be required under subpart F of this part, since upon being 
removed from the non-reciprocity list the performance of longshore work 
by alien crewmembers would be permitted under the reciprocity exception 
at sec. 258(e) of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1288(e)). Requests for withdrawals 
shall be in writing and shall be directed to the Certifying Officer.
    (b) Withdrawal of an attestation shall not affect an employer's 
liability with respect to any failure to meet the conditions attested to 
which took place before the withdrawal, or for misrepresentations in an 
attestation. However, if an employer has not yet performed the longshore 
activities at the location(s) in question, the Administrator shall not 
find reasonable cause to investigate unless it is alleged, and there is 
reasonable cause to believe, that the employer has made 
misrepresentations in the attestation or documentation thereof, or that 
the employer has not in fact given the notice attested to.

                              Public Access



Sec.  655.550  Public access.

    (a) Public examination at ETA. ETA shall make available for public 
examination in Washington, DC, a list of employers which have filed 
attestations under this subpart, and for each such employer, a copy of 
the employer's attestation and accompanying documentation it has 
received.
    (b) Notice to public. ETA periodically shall publish a list in the 
Federal Register identifying under this subpart employers which have 
submitted attestations; employers which have attestations on file; and 
employers which have submitted attestations which have been found 
unacceptable for filing.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under Control No. 1205-
0309)



         Sec. Appendix A to Subpart F of Part 655--U.S. Seaports

    The list of 224 seaports includes all major and most smaller ports 
serving ocean and Great Lakes commerce.

                          North Atlantic Range

Bucksport, ME
Eastport, ME
Portland, ME
Searsport, ME
Portsmouth, NH
Boston, MA
Fall River, MA
New Bedford, MA
Providence, RI
Bridgeport, CT
New Haven, CT
New London, CT
Albany, NY
New York, NY/NJ
Camden, NJ
Gloucester City, NJ
Paulsboro, NJ
Chester, PA
Marcus Hook, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Delaware City, DE
Wilmington, DE
Baltimore, MD
Cambridge, MD
Alexandria, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Hopewell, VA
Newport News, VA
Norfolk, VA
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA

                          South Atlantic Range

Morehead City, NC
Southport, NC
Wilmington, NC
Charleston, SC
Georgetown, SC
Port Royal, SC
Brunswick, GA
Savannah, GA
St. Mary, GA
Cocoa, FL
Fernandina Beach, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Pierce, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Miami, FL
Palm Beach, FL
Port Canaveral, FL
Port Everglades, FL
Riviera, FL
Aguadilla, PR
Ceiba, PR
Guanica, PR
Guayanilla, PR
Humacao, PR
Jobos, PR
Mayaguez, PR
Ponce, PR
San Juan, PR
Vieques, PR
Yabucoa, PR
Alucroix, VI
Charlotte Amalie, VI
Christiansted, VI
Frederiksted, VI
Limetree Bay, VI

                           North Pacific Range

Astoria, OR
Bandon, OR
Columbia City, OR
Coos Bay, OR
Mapleton, OR
Newport, OR
Portland, OR
Rainier, OR
Reedsport, OR
St. Helens, OR
Toledo, OR
Anacortes, WA
Bellingham, WA
Edmonds (Edwards Point), WA
Everett, WA
Ferndale, WA
Friday Harbor, WA
Grays Harbor, WA
Kalama, WA
Longview, WA
Olympia, WA
Point Wells, WA
Portage, WA
Port Angeles, WA
Port Gamble, WA
Port Townsend, WA
Raymond, WA
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Vancouver, WA
Willapa Harbor, WA
Winslow, WA

                            Great Lakes Range

Duluth, MN
Silver Bay, MN
Green Bay, WI
Kenosha, WI
Manitowoc, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Superior, WI
Alpena, MI
Bay City, MI
Detroit, MI
De Tour Village, MI
Essexville, MI
Ferrysburg, MI

[[Page 465]]


Grand Haven, MI
Marine City, MI
Muskegon, MI
Port Huron, MI
Presque Isle, MI
Rogers City, MI
Saginaw, MI
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Chicago, IL
Ashtabula, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Cleveland, OH
Conneaut, OH
Fairport, OH
Huron, OH
Lorain, OH
Sandusky, OH
Toledo, OH
Erie, PA
Buffalo, NY
Odgensburg, NY
Oswego, NY
Rochester, NY
Burns Harbor, IN
E. Chicago, IN
Gary, IN

                            Gulf Coast Range

Panama City, FL
Pensacola, FL
Port Manatee, FL
Port St. Joe, FL
Tampa, FL
Mobile, AL
Gulfport, MS
Pascagoula, MS
Baton Rouge, LA
Gretna, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, LA
New Orleans, LA
Beaumont, TX
Brownsville, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Freeport, TX
Galveston, TX
Harbor Island, TX
Houston, TX
Orange, TX
Port Arthur, TX
Port Isabel, TX
Port Lavaca, TX
Port Neches, TX
Sabine, TX
Texas City, TX

                           South Pacific Range

Alameda, CA
Antioch, CA
Benicia, CA
Carlsbad, CA
Carpinteria, CA
Crockett, CA
El Segundo, CA
Eureka, CA
Estero Bay, CA
Gaviota, CA
Huntington Beach, CA
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Mandalay Beach, CA
Martinez, CA
Moss Landing, CA
Oakland, CA
Pittsburg, CA
Port Costa, CA
Port Hueneme, CA
Port San Luis, CA
Redwood City, CA
Richmond, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Selby, CA
Stockton, CA
Vallejo, CA
Ventura, CA
Barbers Point, HI
Hilo, HI
Honolulu, HI
Kahului, HI
Kaunakakai, HI
Kawaihae, HI
Nawiliwili, HI
Port Allen, HI




  Subpart G_Enforcement of the Limitations Imposed on Employers Using 
        Alien Crewmembers for Longshore Activities in U.S. Ports

    Source: 60 FR 3969, 3977, Jan. 19, 1995, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  655.600  Enforcement authority of Administrator, Wage and Hour
Division.

    (a) The Administrator shall perform all the Secretary's 
investigative and enforcement functions under section 258 of the INA (8 
U.S.C. 1288) and subparts F and G of this part.
    (b) The Administrator, pursuant to a complaint, shall conduct such 
investigations as may be appropriate and, in connection therewith, enter 
and inspect such places and such records (and make transcriptions or 
copies thereof), question such persons and gather such information as 
deemed necessary by the Administrator to determine compliance regarding 
the matters which are the subject of the investigation.
    (c) An employer being investigated shall make available to the 
Administrator such records, information, persons, and places as the 
Administrator deems appropriate to copy, transcribe, question, or 
inspect. No employer subject to the provisions of section 258 of the INA 
(8 U.S.C. 1288) and subparts F and G of this part shall interfere with 
any official of the Department of Labor performing an investigation, 
inspection or law enforcement function pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1288 or 
subpart F or G of this part. Any such interference shall be a violation 
of the attestation and subparts F and G of this part, and the 
Administrator may take such further actions as the Administrator 
considers appropriate. (Note: Federal criminal statutes prohibit certain 
interference with a Federal officer in the performance of official 
duties. 18 U.S.C. 111 and 18 U.S.C. 1114.)
    (d)(1) An employer subject to subparts F and G of this part shall at 
all times cooperate in administrative and enforcement proceedings. No 
employer shall intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, 
discharge, retaliate, or in any manner discriminate against any person 
because such person has:
    (i) Filed a complaint or appeal under or related to section 258 of 
the INA (8 U.S.C. 1288) or subpart F or G of this part;
    (ii) Testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or 
related to section 258 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1288) or subpart F or G of 
this part;

[[Page 466]]

    (iii) Exercised or asserted on behalf of himself or herself or 
others any right or protection afforded by section 258 of the INA (8 
U.S.C. 1288) or subpart F or G of this part.
    (iv) Consulted with an employee of a legal assistance program or an 
attorney on matters related to section 258 of the Act or to subpart F or 
G of this part or any other DOL regulation promulgated pursuant to 8 
U.S.C. 1288.
    (2) In the event of such intimidation or restraint as are described 
in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the conduct shall be a violation of 
the attestation and subparts F and G of this part, and the Administrator 
may take such further actions as the Administrator considers 
appropriate.
    (e) The Administrator shall, to the extent possible under existing 
law, protect the confidentiality of any person who provides information 
to the Department in confidence in the course of an investigation or 
otherwise under subpart F or G of this part. However, confidentiality 
will not be afforded to the complainant or to information provided by 
the complainant.



Sec.  655.605  Complaints and investigative procedures.

    (a) The Administrator, through an investigation, shall determine 
whether a basis exists to make a finding that:
    (1) An attesting employer has--
    (i) Failed to meet conditions attested to; or
    (ii) Misrepresented a material fact in an attestation.

    (Note: Federal criminal statutes provide penalties of up to $10,000 
and/or imprisonment of up to 5 years for knowing and willful submission 
of false statements to the Federal Government. 18 U.S.C. 1001; see also 
18 U.S.C. 1546.); or

    (2) In the case of an employer operating under the automated vessel 
exception to the prohibition on utilizing alien crewmembers to perform 
longshore activity(ies) at a U.S. port, the employer--
    (i) Is utilizing alien crewmember(s) to perform longshore 
activity(ies) at a port where the prevailing practice has not been to 
use such workers for such activity(ies); or
    (ii) Is utilizing alien crewmember(s) to perform longshore 
activities:
    (A) During a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute at 
the U.S. port; and/or
    (B) With intent or design to influence an election of a bargaining 
representative for workers at the U.S. port; or
    (3) An employer failed to comply in any other manner with the 
provisions of subpart F or G of this part.
    (b) Any aggrieved person or organization may file a complaint of a 
violation of the provisions of subpart F or G of this part.
    (1) No particular form of complaint is required, except that the 
complaint shall be written or, if oral, shall be reduced to writing by 
the Wage and Hour Division official who receives the complaint.
    (2) The complaint shall set forth sufficient facts for the 
Administrator to determine--
    (i) Whether, in the case of an attesting employer, there is 
reasonable cause to believe that particular part or parts of the 
attestation or regulations have been violated; or
    (ii) Whether, in the case of an employer claiming the automated 
vessel exception, the preponderance of the evidence submitted by any 
interested party shows that conditions exist that would require the 
employer to file an attestation.
    (3) The complaint may be submitted to any local Wage and Hour 
Division office; the addresses of such offices are found in local 
telephone directories. The office or person receiving such a complaint 
shall refer it to the office of the Wage and Hour Division administering 
the area in which the reported violation is alleged to have occurred.
    (c) The Administrator shall determine whether there is reasonable 
cause to believe that the complaint warrants investigation. If the 
Administrator determines that the complaint fails to present reasonable 
cause for an investigation, the Administrator shall so notify the 
complainant, who may submit a new complaint, with such additional 
information as may be necessary. There shall be no hearing pursuant to 
Sec.  655.625 for the Administrator's determination not to conduct an 
investigation. If the Administrator determines that an investigation on 
the

[[Page 467]]

complaint is warranted, the investigation shall be conducted and a 
determination issued within 180 calendar days of the Administrator's 
receipt of the complaint, or later for good cause shown.
    (d) In conducting an investigation, the Administrator may consider 
and make part of the investigation file any evidence or materials that 
have been compiled in any previous investigation regarding the same or a 
closely related matter.
    (e) In conducting an investigation under an attestation, the 
Administrator shall take into consideration the employer's burden to 
provide facts and evidence to establish the matters asserted. In 
conducting an investigation regarding an employer's eligibility for the 
automated vessel exception, the Administrator shall not impose the 
burden of proof on the employer, but shall consider all evidence from 
any interested party in determining whether the employer is not eligible 
for the exception.
    (f) In an investigation regarding the use of alien crewmembers to 
perform longshore activity(ies) in a U.S. port (whether by an attesting 
employer or by an employer claiming the automated vessel exception), the 
Administrator shall accept as conclusive proof a previous Departmental 
determination, published in the Federal Register pursuant to Sec.  
655.670, establishing that such use of alien crewmembers is not the 
prevailing practice for the activity(ies) and U.S. port at issue. The 
Administrator shall give appropriate weight to a previous Departmental 
determination published in the Federal Register pursuant to Sec.  
655.670, establishing that at the time of such determination, such use 
of alien crewmembers was the prevailing practice for the activity(ies) 
and U.S. port at issue.
    (g) When an investigation has been conducted, the Administrator 
shall, within the time period specified in paragraph (c) of this 
section, issue a written determination as to whether a basis exists to 
make a finding stated in paragraph (a) of this section. The 
determination shall be issued and an opportunity for a hearing shall be 
afforded in accordance with the procedures specified in Sec.  655.625(d) 
of this part.



Sec.  655.610  Automated vessel exception to prohibition on utilization
of alien crewmember(s) to perform longshore activity(ies) at a U.S. port.

    (a) The Act establishes a rebuttable presumption that the prevailing 
practice in U.S. ports is for automated vessels (i.e., vessels equipped 
with automated self- unloading conveyor belts or vacuum-actuated 
systems) to use alien crewmembers to perform longshore activity(ies) 
through the use of the self-unloading equipment. An employer claiming 
the automated vessel exception does not have the burden of establishing 
eligibility for the exception.
    (b) In the event of a complaint asserting that an employer claiming 
the automated vessel exception is not eligible for such exception, the 
Administrator shall determine whether the preponderance of the evidence 
submitted by any interested party shows that:
    (1) It is not the prevailing practice at the U.S. port to use alien 
crewmember(s) to perform the longshore activity(ies) through the use of 
the self-unloading equipment; or
    (2) The employer is using alien crewmembers to perform longshore 
activity(ies)--
    (i) During a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute at 
the U.S. port; and/or
    (ii) With intent or design to influence an election of a bargaining 
representative for workers at the U.S. port.
    (c) In making the prevailing practice determination required by 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Administrator shall determine 
whether, in the 12-month period preceding the date of the 
Administrator's receipt of the complaint, one of the following 
conditions existed:
    (1) Over fifty percent of the automated vessels docking at the port 
used alien crewmembers for the activity (for purposes of this paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section, a vessel shall be counted each time it docks at 
the particular port); or
    (2) Alien crewmembers made up over fifty percent of the workers who 
performed the activity with respect to such automated vessels.

[[Page 468]]

    (d) An interested party, complaining that the automated vessel 
exception is not applicable to a particular employer, shall provide to 
the Administrator evidence such as:
    (1) A written summary of a survey of the experience of masters of 
automated vessels which entered the local port in the previous year, 
describing the practice in the port as to the use of alien crewmembers;
    (2) A letter, affidavit, or other written statement from an 
appropriate local port authority regarding the use of alien crewmembers 
to perform the longshore activity at the port in the previous year;
    (3) Written statements from collective bargaining representatives 
and/or shipping agents with direct knowledge of practices regarding the 
use of alien crewmembers at the port in the previous year.



Sec.  655.615  Cease and desist order.

    (a) If the Administrator determines that reasonable cause exists to 
conduct an investigation with respect to an attestation, the complainant 
may request that the Administrator enter a cease and desist order 
against the employer against whom the complaint is lodged.
    (1) The request for a cease and desist order may be filed along with 
the complaint, or may be filed subsequently. The request, including all 
accompanying documents, shall be filed in duplicate with the same Wage 
and Hour Division office that received the complaint.
    (2) No particular form is prescribed for a request for a cease and 
desist order pursuant to this paragraph (a). However, any such request 
shall:
    (i) Be dated;
    (ii) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (iii) Specify the attestation provision(s) with respect to which the 
employer allegedly failed to comply and/or submitted 
misrepresentation(s) of material fact(s);
    (iv) Be accompanied by evidence to substantiate the allegation(s) of 
noncompliance and/or misrepresentation;
    (v) Be signed by the complaining party making the request or by the 
authorized representative of such party;
    (vi) Include the address at which such complaining party or 
authorized representative desires to receive further communications 
relating thereto.
    (3) Upon receipt of a request for a cease and desist order, the 
Administrator shall promptly notify the employer of the request. The 
Administrator's notice shall:
    (i) Inform the employer that it may respond to the request and meet 
with a Wage and Hour Division official within 14 calendar days of the 
date of the notice;
    (ii) Be served upon the employer by facsimile transmission, in 
person, or by certified or regular mail, at the address of the U.S. 
agent stated on the employer's attestation;
    (iii) Be accompanied by copies of the complaint, the request for a 
cease and desist order, the evidence submitted by the complainant, and 
any evidence from other investigation(s) of the same or a closely 
related matter which the Administrator may incorporate into the record. 
(Any such evidence from other investigation(s) shall also be made 
available for examination by the complaining party at the Wage and Hour 
Division office which issued the notice.)
    (4) No particular form is prescribed for the employer's response to 
the complaining party's request for a cease and desist order under this 
paragraph (a), however, any such response shall:
    (i) Be dated;
    (ii) Be submitted by facsimile transmission, in person, by certified 
or regular mail, or by courier service to the Wage and Hour Division 
office which issued the notice of the request;
    (iii) Be received by the appropriate Wage and Hour Division office 
no later than 14 calendar days from the date of the notice of the 
request;
    (iv) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (v) Explain, in any detail desired by the employer, the employer's 
grounds or reasons as to why the Administrator should deny the requested 
cease and desist order;
    (vi) Be accompanied by evidence to substantiate the employer's 
grounds or reasons as to why the Administrator should deny the requested 
cease and desist order;

[[Page 469]]

    (vii) Specify whether the employer desires an informal meeting with 
a Wage and Hour Division official;
    (viii) Be signed by the employer or its authorized representative; 
and
    (ix) Include the address at which the employer or its authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto, if such address is different from the address of the U.S. agent 
stated on the attestation.
    (5) In the event the employer requests a meeting with a Wage and 
Hour Division official, the Administrator shall provide the employer and 
the complaining party, or their authorized representatives, an 
opportunity for such a meeting to present their views regarding the 
evidence and arguments submitted by the parties. This shall be an 
informal meeting, not subject to any procedural rules. The meeting shall 
be held within the 14 calendar days permitted for the employer's 
response to the request for the cease and desist order, and shall be 
held at a time and place set by the Wage and Hour Division official, who 
shall notify the parties.
    (6) After receipt of the employer's timely response and after any 
informal meeting which may have been held with the parties, the 
Administrator shall promptly issue a written determination, either 
denying the request or issuing a cease and desist order. In making the 
determination, the Administrator shall consider all the evidence 
submitted, including any evidence from the same or a closely related 
matter which the Administrator has incorporated into the record and 
provided to the employer. If the Administrator determines that the 
complaining party's position is supported by a preponderance of the 
evidence submitted, the Administrator shall order that the employer 
cease the activities specified in the determination, until the 
completion of the Administrator's investigation and any subsequent 
proceedings pursuant to Sec.  655.625 of this part, unless the 
prohibition is lifted by subsequent order of the Administrator because 
it is later determined that the employer's position was correct. While 
the cease and desist order is in effect, ETA shall suspend the subject 
attestation, either in whole or in part, and shall not accept any 
subsequent attestation from the employer for the activity(ies) and U.S. 
port or location in the State of Alaska at issue.
    (7) The Administrator's cease and desist order shall be served on 
the employer at the address of its designated U.S. based representative 
or at the address specified in the employer's response, by facsimile 
transmission, personal service, or certified mail.
    (b) If the Administrator determines that reasonable cause exists to 
conduct an investigation with respect to a complaint that a non-
attesting employer is not entitled to the automated vessel exception to 
the requirement for the filing of an attestation, a complaining party 
may request that the Administrator enter a cease and desist order 
against the employer against whom the complaint is lodged.
    (1) The request for a cease and desist order may be filed along with 
the complaint, or may be filed subsequently. The request, including all 
accompanying documents, shall be filed in duplicate with the same Wage 
and Hour Division office that received the complaint.
    (2) No particular form is prescribed for a request for a cease and 
desist order pursuant to this paragraph. However, any such request 
shall:
    (i) Be dated;
    (ii) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (iii) Specify the circumstances which allegedly require that the 
employer be denied the use of the automated vessel exception;
    (iv) Be accompanied by evidence to substantiate the allegation(s);
    (v) Be signed by the complaining party making the request or by the 
authorized representative of such party; and
    (vi) Include the address at which such complaining party or 
authorized representative desires to receive further communications 
relating thereto.
    (3) Upon receipt of a request for a cease and desist order, the 
Administrator shall notify the employer of the request. The 
Administrator's notice shall:
    (i) Inform the employer that it may respond to the request and meet 
with a Wage and Hour Division official within

[[Page 470]]

14 calendar days of the date of the notice;
    (ii) Be served upon the employer by facsimile transmission, in 
person, or by certified or regular mail, at the employer's last known 
address; and
    (iii) Be accompanied by copies of the complaint, the request for a 
cease and desist order, the evidence submitted by the complainant, and 
any evidence from other investigation(s) of the same or a closely 
related matter which the Administrator may incorporate into the record. 
(Any such evidence from other investigation(s) shall also be made 
available for examination by the complaining party at the Wage and Hour 
Division office which issued the notice.)
    (4) No particular form is prescribed for the employer's response to 
the complaining party's request for a cease and desist order under this 
paragraph (b). However, any such response shall:
    (i) Be dated;
    (ii) Be submitted by facsimile transmission, in person, by certified 
or regular mail, or by courier service to the Wage and Hour Division 
office which issued the notice of the request;
    (iii) Be received by the appropriate Wage and Hour Division office 
no later than 14 calendar days from the date of the notice of the 
request;
    (iv) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (v) Explain, in any detail desired by the employer, the employer's 
grounds or reasons as to why the Administrator should deny the requested 
cease and desist order;
    (vi) Be accompanied by evidence to substantiate the employer's 
grounds or reasons as to why the Administrator should deny the requested 
cease and desist order;
    (vii) Specify whether the employer desires an informal meeting with 
a Wage and Hour Division official;
    (viii) Be signed by the employer or its authorized representative; 
and
    (ix) Include the address at which the employer or its authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto.
    (5) In the event the employer requests a meeting with a Wage and 
Hour Division official, the Administrator shall provide the employer and 
the complaining party, or their authorized representatives, an 
opportunity for such a meeting to present their views regarding the 
evidence and arguments submitted by the parties. This shall be an 
informal meeting, not subject to any procedural rules. The meeting shall 
be held within the 14 calendar days permitted for the employer's 
response to the request for the cease and desist order, and shall be 
held at a time and place set by the Wage and Hour Division official, who 
shall notify the parties.
    (6) After receipt of the employer's timely response and after any 
informal meeting which may have been held with the parties, the 
Administrator shall promptly issue a written determination, either 
denying the request or issuing a cease and desist order. If the 
Administrator determines that the complaining party's position is 
supported by a preponderance of the evidence submitted, the 
Administrator shall order that the employer cease the use of alien 
crewmembers to perform the longshore activity(ies) specified in the 
order. In making the determination, the Administrator shall consider all 
the evidence submitted, including any evidence from the same or a 
closely related matter which the Administrator has incorporated into the 
record and provided to the employer. The order shall remain in effect 
until the completion of the investigation and any subsequent hearing 
proceedings pursuant to Sec.  655.625 of this part, unless the employer 
files and maintains on file with ETA an attestation pursuant to Sec.  
655.520 of this part or unless the prohibition is lifted by subsequent 
order of the Administrator because it is later determined that the 
employer's position was correct.
    (7) The Administrator's cease and desist order shall be served on 
the employer or its designated representative by facsimile transmission, 
personal service, or by certified mail at the address specified in the 
employer's response or, if no such address was specified, at the 
employer's last known address.

[[Page 471]]



Sec.  655.620  Civil money penalties and other remedies.

    (a) The Administrator may assess a civil money penalty not to exceed 
$9,753 for each alien crewmember with respect to whom there has been a 
violation of the attestation or subpart F or G of this part. The 
Administrator may also impose appropriate remedy(ies).
    (b) In determining the amount of civil money penalty to be assessed, 
the Administrator shall consider the type of violation committed and 
other relevant factors. The factors which may be considered include, but 
are not limited to, the following:
    (1) Previous history of violation, or violations, by the employer 
under the Act and subpart F or G of this part;
    (2) The number of workers affected by the violation or violations;
    (3) The gravity of the violation or violations;
    (4) Efforts made by the violator in good faith to comply with the 
provisions of 8 U.S.C. 1288(c) and subparts F and G of this part;
    (5) The violator's explanation of the violation or violations;
    (6) The violator's commitment to future compliance; and/or
    (7) The extent to which the violator achieved a financial gain due 
to the violation, or the potential financial loss, potential injury or 
adverse effect with respect to other parties.
    (c) The civil money penalty, and any other remedy determined by the 
Administrator to be appropriate, are immediately due for payment or 
performance upon the assessment by the Administrator, or the decision by 
an administrative law judge where a hearing is requested, or the 
decision by the Secretary where review is granted. The employer shall 
remit the amount of the civil money penalty, by certified check or money 
order made payable to the order of ``Wage and Hour Division, Labor.'' 
The remittance shall be delivered or mailed to the Wage and Hour 
Division office for the area in which the violations occurred. The 
performance of any other remedy prescribed by the Administrator shall 
follow procedures established by the Administrator. The employer's 
failure to pay the civil money penalty, or to perform any other remedy 
prescribed by the Administrator, shall result in the rejection by ETA of 
any future attestation submitted by the employer, until such payment or 
performance is accomplished.

[60 FR 3969, 3977, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 81 FR 43448, July 1, 
2016; 82 FR 5380, Jan. 18, 2017; 83 FR 11, Jan. 2, 2018; 84 FR 217, Jan. 
23, 2019; 85 FR 2296, Jan. 15, 2020; 86 FR 2967, Jan. 14, 2021]



Sec.  655.625  Written notice, service and Federal Register publication
of Administrator's determination.

    (a) The Administrator's determination, issued pursuant to Sec.  
655.605 of this part, shall be served on the complainant, the employer, 
and other known interested parties by personal service or by certified 
mail at the parties' last known addresses. Where service by certified 
mail is not accepted by the party, the Administrator may exercise 
discretion to serve the determination by regular mail.
    (b) Where the Administrator determines the prevailing practice 
regarding the use of alien crewmember(s) to perform longshore 
activity(ies) in a U.S. port (whether the Administrator's investigation 
involves an employer operating under an attestation, or under the 
automated vessel exception), the Administrator shall, simultaneously 
with issuance of the determination, publish in the Federal Register a 
notice of the determination. The notice shall identify the 
activity(ies), the U.S. port, and the prevailing practice regarding the 
use of alien crewmembers. The notice shall also inform interested 
parties that they may request a hearing pursuant to Sec.  655.630 of 
this part, within 15 days of the date of the determination.
    (c) The Administrator shall file with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, a copy of the complaint and the 
Administrator's determination.
    (d) The Administrator's written determination required by Sec.  
655.605 of this part shall:

[[Page 472]]

    (1) Set forth the determination of the Administrator and the reason 
or reasons therefor, and in the case of a finding of violation(s) by an 
attesting employer, prescribe any remedies, including the amount of any 
civil money penalties assessed and the reason therefor, and/or any other 
remedies required for compliance with the employer's attestation.
    (2) Inform the interested parties that they may request a hearing 
pursuant to Sec.  655.625 of this part.
    (3) Inform the interested parties that in the absence of a timely 
request for a hearing, received by the Chief Administrative Law Judge 
within 15 calendar days of the date of the determination, the 
determination of the Administrator shall become final and not 
appealable.
    (4) Set forth the procedure for requesting a hearing, and give the 
address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (with whom the request 
must be filed) and the representative(s) of the Solicitor of Labor (upon 
whom copies of the request must be served).
    (5) Inform the parties that, pursuant to Sec.  655.665, the 
Administrator shall notify ETA and the DHS of the occurrence of a 
violation by the attesting employer or of the non-attesting employer's 
ineligibility for the automated vessel exception.



Sec.  655.630  Request for hearing.

    (a) Any interested party desiring to request an administrative 
hearing on a determination issued pursuant to Sec. Sec.  655.605 and 
655.625 of this part shall make such request in writing to the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge at the address stated in the notice of 
determination.
    (b) Interested parties may request a hearing in the following 
circumstances:
    (1) The complainant or any other interested party may request a 
hearing where the Administrator determines, after investigation, that 
there is no basis for a finding that an attesting employer has committed 
violation(s) or that the employer is eligible for the automated vessel 
exception. In such a proceeding, the requesting party and the employer 
shall be parties; the Administrator may intervene as a party or appear 
as amicus curiae at any time in the proceeding, at the Administrator's 
discretion.
    (2) The employer or any other interested party may request a hearing 
where the Administrator determines, after investigation, that there is a 
basis for a finding that an attesting employer has committed 
violation(s) or that a non- attesting employer is not eligible for the 
automated vessel exception. In such a proceeding, the Administrator and 
the employer shall be parties.
    (c) No particular form is prescribed for any request for hearing 
permitted by this section. However, any such request shall:
    (1) Be dated;
    (2) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (3) Specify the issue or issues stated in the notice of 
determination giving rise to such request;
    (4) State the specific reason or reasons why the party requesting 
the hearing believes such determination is in error;
    (5) Be signed by the party making the request or by an authorized 
representative of such party; and
    (6) Include the address at which such party or authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto.
    (d) The request for such hearing must be received by the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, at the address stated in the Administrator's 
notice of determination, no later than 15 calendar days after the date 
of the determination. An interested party that fails to meet this 15-day 
deadline for requesting a hearing may thereafter participate in the 
proceedings only by consent of the administrative law judge, either 
through intervention as a party pursuant to 29 CFR 18.10 (b) through (d) 
or through participation as an amicus curiae pursuant to 18 CFR 18.12.
    (e) The request may be filed in person, by facsimile transmission, 
by certified or regular mail, or by courier service. For the requesting 
party's protection, if the request is filed by mail, it should be by 
certified mail. If the request is filed by facsimile transmission, the 
original of the request, signed by the requestor or authorized

[[Page 473]]

representative, shall be filed within ten days.
    (f) Copies of the request for a hearing shall be sent by the 
requestor to the Wage and Hour Division official who issued the 
Administrator's notice of determination, to the representative(s) of the 
Solicitor of Labor identified in the notice of determination, and to all 
known interested parties.



Sec.  655.635  Rules of practice for administrative law judge proceedings.

    (a) Except as specifically provided in this subpart, and to the 
extent they do not conflict with the provisions of this subpart, the 
``Rules of Practice and Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges'' established by the Secretary at 29 
CFR part 18 shall apply to administrative proceedings under this 
subpart.
    (b) As provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 556, 
any oral or documentary evidence may be received in proceedings under 
this part. The Federal Rules of Evidence and subpart B of the Rules of 
Practice and Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges (29 CFR part 18, subpart B) shall not apply, 
but principles designed to ensure production of relevant and probative 
evidence shall guide the admission of evidence. The administrative law 
judge may exclude evidence which is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly 
repetitive.



Sec.  655.640  Service and computation of time.

    (a) Under this subpart, a party may serve any pleading or document 
by regular mail. Service on a party is complete upon mailing to the last 
known address or, in the case of the attesting employer, to the 
employer's designated representative in the U.S. No additional time for 
filing or response is authorized where service is by mail. In the 
interest of expeditious proceedings, the administrative law judge may 
direct the parties to serve pleadings or documents by a method other 
than regular mail.
    (b) Two (2) copies of all pleadings and other documents in any 
administrative law judge proceeding shall be served on the attorneys for 
the Administrator. One copy shall be served on the Associate Solicitor, 
Division of Fair Labor Standards, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210, 
and one copy on the attorney representing the Administrator in the 
proceeding.
    (c) Time will be computed beginning with the day following the 
action and includes the last day of the period unless it is a Saturday, 
Sunday, or federally-observed holiday, in which case the time period 
includes the next business day.



Sec.  655.645  Administrative law judge proceedings.

    (a) Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing filed pursuant to 
and in accordance with Sec.  655.630 of this part, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge shall promptly appoint an administrative law 
judge to hear the case.
    (b) Within seven calendar days following the assignment of the case, 
the administrative law judge shall notify all interested parties of the 
date, time and place of the hearing. All parties shall be given at least 
fourteen calendar days' notice of such hearing.
    (c) The date of the hearing shall be not more than 60 calendar days 
from the date of the Administrator's determination. Because of the time 
constraints imposed by the Act, no requests for postponement shall be 
granted except for compelling reasons. Even if such reasons are shown, 
no extension of the hearing date beyond 60 days from the date of the 
Administrator's determination shall be granted except by consent of all 
the parties to the proceeding.
    (d) The administrative law judge may prescribe a schedule by which 
the parties are permitted to file a prehearing brief or other written 
statement of fact or law. Any such brief or statement shall be served 
upon each other party in accordance with Sec.  655.640 of this part. 
Posthearing briefs will not be permitted except at the request of the 
administrative law judge. When permitted, any such brief shall be 
limited to the issue or issues specified by the administrative law 
judge, shall be due within the time prescribed by the administrative law 
judge, and shall be

[[Page 474]]

served on each other party in accordance with Sec.  655.640 of this 
part.
    (e) In reaching a decision, the administrative law judge shall, in 
accordance with the Act, impose the following burden of proof--
    (1) The attesting employer shall have the burden of producing facts 
and evidence to establish the matters required by the attestation at 
issue;
    (2) The burden of proof as to the applicability of the automated 
vessel exception shall be on the party to the hearing who is asserting 
that the employer is not eligible for the exception.
    (f) The administrative law judge proceeding shall not be an appeal 
or review of the Administrator's ruling on a request for a cease and 
desist order pursuant to Sec.  655.615.



Sec.  655.650  Decision and order of administrative law judge.

    (a) Within 90 calendar days after receipt of the transcript of the 
hearing, the administrative law judge shall issue a decision. If any 
party desires review of the decision, including judicial review, a 
petition for Secretary's review thereof shall be filed as provided in 
Sec.  655.655 of this subpart. If a petition for review is filed, the 
decision of the administrative law judge shall be inoperative unless and 
until the Secretary issues an order affirming the decision, or, unless 
and until 30 calendar days have passed after the Secretary's receipt of 
the petition for review and the Secretary has not issued notice to the 
parties that the Secretary will review the administrative law judge's 
decision.
    (b) The decision of the administrative law judge shall include a 
statement of findings and conclusions, with reasons and basis therefor, 
upon each material issue presented on the record. The decision shall 
also include an appropriate order which may affirm, deny, reverse, or 
modify, in whole or in part, the determination of the Administrator; the 
reason or reasons for such order shall be stated in the decision. The 
administrative law judge shall not render determinations as to the 
legality of a regulatory provision or the constitutionality of a 
statutory provision.
    (c) The decision shall be served on all parties in person or by 
certified or regular mail.



Sec.  655.655  Secretary's review of administrative law judge's decision.

    (a) The Administrator or any interested party desiring review of the 
decision and order of an administrative law judge shall petition the 
Secretary to review the decision and order. To be effective, such 
petition shall be received by the Secretary within 30 calendar days of 
the date of the decision and order. Copies of the petition shall be 
served on all parties and on the administrative law judge.
    (b) No particular form is prescribed for any petition for 
Secretary's review permitted by this subpart. However, any such petition 
shall:
    (1) Be dated;
    (2) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (3) Specify the issue or issues stated in the administrative law 
judge decision and order giving rise to such petition;
    (4) State the specific reason or reasons why the party petitioning 
for review believes such decision and order are in error;
    (5) Be signed by the party filing the petition or by an authorized 
representative of such party;
    (6) Include the address at which such party or authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto; and
    (7) Attach copies of the administrative law judge's decision and 
order, and any other record documents which would assist the Secretary 
in determining whether review is warranted.
    (c) Whenever the Secretary determines to review the decision and 
order of an administrative law judge, a notice of the Secretary's 
determination shall be served upon the administrative law judge and upon 
all parties to the proceeding within 30 calendar days after the 
Secretary's receipt of the petition for review.
    (d) Upon receipt of the Secretary's notice, the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges shall within fifteen calendar days forward the 
complete hearing record to the Secretary.
    (e) The Secretary's notice may specify:

[[Page 475]]

    (1) The issue or issues to be reviewed;
    (2) The form in which submissions shall be made by the parties 
(e.g., briefs); and
    (3) The time within which such submissions shall be made.
    (f) All documents submitted to the Secretary shall be filed with the 
Secretary of Labor, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC 20210, 
Attention: Executive Director, Office of Administrative Appeals, room S-
4309. An original and two copies of all documents shall be filed. 
Documents are not deemed filed with the Secretary until actually 
received by the Secretary. All documents, including documents filed by 
mail, shall be received by the Secretary either on or before the due 
date.
    (g) Copies of all documents filed with the Secretary shall be served 
upon all other parties involved in the proceeding. Service upon the 
Administrator shall be in accordance with Sec.  655.640(b) of this part.
    (h) The Secretary's final decision shall be issued within 180 
calendar days from the date of the notice of intent to review. The 
Secretary's decision shall be served upon all parties and the 
administrative law judge.
    (i) Upon issuance of the Secretary's decision, the Secretary shall 
transmit the entire record to the Chief Administrative Law Judge for 
custody pursuant to Sec.  655.660 of this part.



Sec.  655.660  Administrative record.

    The official record of every completed administrative hearing 
procedure provided by subparts F and G of this part shall be maintained 
and filed under the custody and control of the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge. Upon receipt of a complaint seeking review of the final agency 
action in a United States District Court, the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge shall certify the official record and shall transmit such record 
to the clerk of the court.



Sec.  655.665  Notice to the Department of Homeland Security and the 
Employment and Training Administration.

    (a) The Administrator shall promptly notify the DHS and ETA of the 
entry of a cease and desist order pursuant to Sec.  655.615 of this 
part. The order shall remain in effect until the completion of the 
Administrator's investigation and any subsequent proceedings pursuant to 
Sec.  655.630 of this part, unless the Administrator notifies the DHS 
and ETA of the entry of a subsequent order lifting the prohibition.
    (1) The DHS, upon receipt of notification from the Administrator 
that a cease and desist order has been entered against an employer:
    (i) Shall not permit the vessels owned or chartered by the attesting 
employer to use alien crewmembers to perform the longshore activity(ies) 
at the port or location in the State of Alaska specified in the cease 
and desist order; and
    (ii) Shall, in the case of an employer seeking to utilize the 
automated vessel exception, require that such employer not use alien 
crewmembers to perform the longshore activity(ies) at the port or 
location in the State of Alaska specified in the cease and desist order, 
without having on file with ETA an attestation pursuant to Sec.  655.520 
of this part.
    (2) ETA, upon receipt of the Administrator's notice shall, in the 
case of an attesting employer, suspend the employer's attestation, 
either in whole or in part, for the activity(ies) and port or location 
in the State of Alaska specified in the cease and desist order.
    (b) The Administrator shall notify the DHS and ETA of the final 
determination of a violation by an attesting employer or of the 
ineligibility of an employer for the automated vessel exception, upon 
the earliest of the following events:
    (1) Where the Administrator determines that there is a basis for a 
finding of violation by an attesting employer or a finding of 
nonapplicability of the automated vessel exception, and no timely 
request for hearing is made pursuant to Sec.  655.630 of this part;
    (2) Where, after a hearing, the administrative law judge issues a 
decision and order finding a violation by an attesting employer or 
finding inapplicable the automated vessel exception, and no timely 
petition for review to the Secretary is made pursuant to Sec.  655.655 
of this part; or
    (3) Where a petition for review is taken from an administrative law

[[Page 476]]

judge's decision finding a violation or finding inapplicable the 
automated vessel exception, and the Secretary either declines within 
thirty days to entertain the appeal, pursuant to Sec.  655.655(c) of 
this part, or the Secretary affirms the administrative law judge's 
determination; or
    (4) Where the administrative law judge finds that there was no 
violation by an attesting employer or that the automated vessel 
exception does apply, and the Secretary, upon review, issues a decision 
pursuant to Sec.  655.655 of this part, holding that a violation was 
committed by an attesting employer or holding that the automated vessel 
exception does not apply.
    (c) The DHS, upon receipt of notification from the Administrator 
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section:
    (1) Shall not permit the vessels owned or chartered by the attesting 
employer to enter any port of the U.S. for a period of up to one year;
    (2) Shall, in the case of an employer determined to be ineligible 
for the automated vessel exception, thereafter require that such 
employer not use alien crewmembers(s) to perform the longshore 
activity(ies) at the specified port or location in the State of Alaska 
without having on file with ETA an attestation pursuant to Sec.  655.520 
of this part; and
    (3) Shall, in the event that the Administrator's notice constitutes 
a conclusive determination (pursuant to Sec.  655.670) that the 
prevailing practice at a particular U.S. port does not permit the use of 
nonimmigrant alien crewmembers for particular longshore activity(ies), 
thereafter permit no employer to use alien crewmembers for the 
particular longshore activity(ies) at that port.
    (d) ETA, upon receipt of the Administrator's notice pursuant to 
paragraph (b) of this section:
    (1) Shall, in the case of an attesting employer, suspend the 
employer's attestation, either in whole or in part, for the port or 
location at issue and for any other U.S. port, and shall not accept for 
filing any attestation submitted by the employer for a period of 12 
months or for a shorter period if such is specified for that employer by 
the DHS; and
    (2) Shall, if the Administrator's notice constitutes a conclusive 
determination (pursuant to Sec.  655.670) that the prevailing practice 
at a particular U.S. port does not permit the use of alien crewmembers 
for the longshore activity(ies), thereafter accept no attestation under 
the prevailing practice exception on Form ETA 9033 from any employer for 
the performance of the activity(ies) at that port, and shall invalidate 
any current attestation under the prevailing practice exception on Form 
ETA 9033 for any employer for the performance of the activity(ies) at 
that port.

[60 FR 3969, 3977, Jan. 19, 1995, as amended at 71 FR 35520, June 21, 
2006]



Sec.  655.670  Federal Register notice of determination of prevailing 
practice.

    (a) Pursuant to Sec.  655.625(b), the Administrator shall publish in 
the Federal Register a notice of the Administrator's determination of 
any investigation regarding the prevailing practice for the use of alien 
crewmembers for particular longshore activity(ies) in a particular U.S. 
port (whether under an attestation or under the automated vessel 
exception). Where the Administrator has determined that the prevailing 
practice in that U.S. port does not permit such use of alien 
crewmembers, and no timely request for a hearing is filed pursuant to 
Sec.  655.630, the Administrator's determination shall be the conclusive 
determination for purposes of the Act and subparts F and G of this part; 
the DHS and ETA shall, upon notice from the Administrator, take the 
actions specified in Sec.  655.665. Where the Administrator has 
determined that the prevailing practice in that U.S. port at the time of 
the investigation permits such use of alien crewmembers, the 
Administrator shall, in any subsequent investigation, give that 
determination appropriate weight, unless the determination is reversed 
in proceedings under Sec.  655.630 or Sec.  655.655.
    (b) Where an interested party, pursuant to Sec.  655.630, requests a 
hearing on the Administrator's determination, the Administrator shall, 
upon the issuance of the decision of the administrative law judge, 
publish in the Federal Register a notice of the judge's decision as to 
the prevailing practice for the

[[Page 477]]

longshore activity(ies) and U.S. port at issue, if the administrative 
law judge:
    (1) Reversed the determination of the Administrator published in the 
Federal Register pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section; or
    (2) Determines that the prevailing practice for the particular 
activity in the port does not permit the use of alien crewmembers.
    (c) If the administrative law judge determines that the prevailing 
practice in that port does not permit such use of alien crewmembers, the 
judge's decision shall be the conclusive determination for purposes of 
the Act and subparts F and G of this part (unless and until reversed by 
the Secretary on discretionary review pursuant to Sec.  655.655). The 
DHS and ETA shall upon notice from the Administrator, take the actions 
specified in Sec.  655.665.
    (d) In the event that the Secretary, upon discretionary review 
pursuant to Sec.  655.655, issues a decision that reverses the 
administrative law judge on a matter on which the Administrator has 
published notices in the Federal Register pursuant to paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal 
Register a notice of the Secretary's decision and shall notify the DHS 
and ETA.
    (1) Where the Secretary reverses the administrative law judge and 
determines that, contrary to the judge's decision, the prevailing 
practice for the longshore activity(ies) in the U.S. port at issue does 
not permit the use of alien crewmembers, the Secretary's decision shall 
be the conclusive determination for purposes of the Act and subparts F 
and G of this part. Upon notice from the Administrator, the DHS and ETA 
shall take the actions specified in Sec.  655.665.
    (2) Where the Secretary reverses the administrative law judge and 
determines that, contrary to the judge's decision, the use of alien 
crewmembers is permitted by the prevailing practice for the longshore 
activity(ies) in the U.S. port at issue, the judge's decision shall no 
longer have the conclusive effect specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section. Upon notice from the Administrator, the DHS and ETA shall cease 
the actions specified in Sec.  655.665.



Sec.  655.675  Non-applicability of the Equal Access to Justice Act.

    A proceeding under subpart G of this part is not subject to the 
Equal Access to Justice Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 504. In such a 
proceeding, the administrative law judge shall have no authority to 
award attorney fees and/or other litigation expenses pursuant to the 
provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act.



 Subpart H_Labor Condition Applications and Requirements for Employers 
 Seeking To Employ Nonimmigrants on H	1b Visas in Specialty Occupations 
and as Fashion Models, and Requirements for Employers Seeking To Employ 
      Nonimmigrants on H	1b1 and E	3 Visas in Specialty 
      Occupations

    Source: 59 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  655.700  What statutory provisions govern the employment of H-1B,
H-1B1, and E-3 nonimmigrants and how do employers apply for H-1B, H-1B1,
and E-3 visas?

    Under the E-3 visa program, the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(INA), as amended, permits certain nonimmigrant treaty aliens to be 
admitted to the United States solely to perform services in a specialty 
occupation (INA section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii)). Under the H-1B1 visa 
program, the INA permits nonimmigrant professionals in specialty 
occupations from countries with which the United States has entered into 
certain agreements that are identified in section 214(g)(8)(A) of the 
INA to temporarily enter the United States for employment in a specialty 
occupation. Employers seeking to employ nonimmigrant workers in 
specialty occupations under H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 visas must file a labor 
condition application with the Department of Labor as described in Sec.  
655.730(c) and (d). Certain procedures described in this subpart H for 
obtaining a visa and entering the U.S. after the Department of Labor 
attestation process, including procedures

[[Page 478]]

in Sec.  655.705, apply only to H-1B nonimmigrants. The procedures for 
receiving an E-3 or H-1B1 visa and entering the U.S. on an E-3 or H-1B1 
visa after the attestation process is certified by the Department of 
Labor are identified in the regulations and procedures of the Department 
of State and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services 
(USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security. Consult the Department 
of State (http://www.state.gov/) and USCIS (http://www.uscis.gov/) Web 
sites and regulations for specific instructions regarding the E-3 and H-
1B1 visas.
    (a) Statutory provisions regarding H-1B visas. With respect to 
nonimmigrant workers entering the U.S. on H-1B visas, which are 
available to nonimmigrant aliens in specialty occupations or certain 
fashion models from any country, the INA, as amended, provides as 
follows:
    (1) Establishes an annual ceiling (exclusive of spouses and 
children) on the number of foreign workers who may be issued H-1B 
visas--
    (i) 195,000 in fiscal year 2001;
    (ii) 195,000 in fiscal year 2002;
    (iii) 195,000 in fiscal year 2003; and
    (iv) 65,000 in each succeeding fiscal year;
    (2) Defines the scope of eligible occupations for which 
nonimmigrants may be issued H-1B visas and specifies the qualifications 
that are required for entry as an H-1B nonimmigrant ;
    (3) Requires an employer seeking to employ H-1B nonimmigrants to 
file a labor condition application (LCA) agreeing to various attestation 
requirements and have it certified by the Department of Labor (DOL) 
before a nonimmigrant may be provided H-1B status by the United States 
Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS); and
    (4) Establishes an enforcement system under which DOL is authorized 
to determine whether an employer has engaged in misrepresentation or 
failed to meet a condition of the LCA, and is authorized to impose fines 
and penalties.
    (b) Procedure for obtaining an H-1B visa classification. Before a 
nonimmigrant may be admitted to work in a ``specialty occupation'' or as 
a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability in the United States 
under the H-1B visa classification, there are certain steps which must 
be followed:
    (1) First, an employer shall submit to the Department of Labor 
(DOL), and obtain DOL certification of, a labor condition application 
(LCA). The requirements for obtaining a certified LCA are provided in 
this subpart. The electronic LCA (Form ETA 9035E) is available at http:/
/www.lca.doleta.gov. The paper-version LCA (Form ETA 9035) and the LCA 
cover pages (Form ETA 9035CP), which contain the full attestation 
statements incorporated by reference into Form ETA 9035 and Form ETA 
9035E, may be obtained from http://ows.doleta.gov and from the 
Employment and Training Administration (ETA) National Office. Employers 
must file LCAs in the manner prescribed in Sec.  655.720.
    (2) After obtaining DOL certification of an LCA, the employer may 
submit a nonimmigrant visa petition (DHS Form I-129), together with the 
certified LCA, to DHS, requesting H-1B classification for the foreign 
worker. The requirements concerning the submission of a petition to, and 
its processing by, DHS are set forth in DHS regulations. The DHS 
petition (Form I-129) may be obtained from an DHS district or area 
office.
    (3) If DHS approves the H-1B classification, the nonimmigrant then 
may apply for an H-1B visa abroad at a consular office of the Department 
of State. If the nonimmigrant is already in the United States in a 
status other than H-1B, he/she may apply to the DHS for a change of visa 
status.
    (c) Applicability. (1) This subpart H and subpart I of this part 
apply to all employers seeking to employ foreign workers under the H-1B 
visa classification in specialty occupations or as fashion models of 
distinguished merit and ability.
    (2) During the period that the provisions of Appendix 1603.D.4 of 
Annex 1603 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) apply, 
this subpart H and subpart I of this part shall apply (except for the 
provisions relating to the recruitment and displacement of U.S. workers 
(see Sec. Sec.  655.738 and 655.739)) to the entry and employment

[[Page 479]]

of a nonimmigrant who is a citizen of Mexico under and pursuant to the 
provisions of section D or Annex 1603 of NAFTA in the case of all 
professions set out in Appendix 1603.D.1 of Annex 1603 of NAFTA other 
than registered nurses. Therefore, the references in this part to ``H-1B 
nonimmigrant'' apply to any Mexican citizen nonimmigrant who is 
classified by DHS as ``TN.'' In the case of a registered nurse, the 
following provisions shall apply: subparts D and E of this part or the 
Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-95) 
and the regulations issued thereunder, 20 CFR part 655, subparts L and 
M.
    (3) E-3 visas: Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, 
this subpart H and subpart I of this part apply to all employers seeking 
to employ foreign workers under the E-3 visa classification in specialty 
occupations under INA section 101(a)(15)(E)(iii) (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(E)(iii)). This paragraph (c)(3) applies to labor condition 
applications filed on or after April 11, 2008. E-3 labor condition 
applications filed prior to that date but on or after May 11, 2005 
(i.e., the effective date of the statute), will be processed according 
to the E-3 statutory terms and the E-3 processing procedures published 
on July 19, 2005 in the Federal Register at 74 FR 41434.
    (4) H-1B1 visas: Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this 
section, subparts H and I of this part apply to all employers seeking to 
employ foreign workers under the H-1B1 visa classification in specialty 
occupations described in INA section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)), under the U.S.-Chile and U.S.-Singapore Free 
Trade Agreements as long as the Agreements are in effect. (INA section 
214(g)(8)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(8)(A)). This paragraph (c)(4) applies to 
H-1B1 labor condition applications filed on or after November 23, 2004. 
Further, H-1B1 labor condition applications filed prior to that date but 
on or after January 1, 2004, the effective date of the H-1B1 program, 
will be handled according to the H-1B1 statutory terms and the H-1B1 
processing procedures as described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (d) Nonimmigrants on E-3 or H-1B1 visas--(1) Exclusions. The 
following sections in this subpart and in subpart I of this part do not 
apply to E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrants, but apply only to H-1B 
nonimmigrants: Sec. Sec.  655.700(a), (b), (c)(1) and (2); 655.710(b); 
655.730(d)(5) and (e); 655.735; 655.736; 655.737; 655.738; 655.739; 
655.760(a)(7), (8), (9), and (10); and 655.805(a)(7), (8), and (9). 
Further, the following references in subparts H or I of this part, 
whether in the excluded sections listed above or elsewhere, do not apply 
to E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrants, but apply only to H-1B nonimmigrants: 
references to fashion models of distinguished merit and ability (H-1B 
visas, but not H-1B1 and E-3 visas, are available to such fashion 
models); references to a petition process before USCIS (the petition 
process applies only to H-1B, but not to initial H-1B1 and E-3 visas 
unless it is a petition to accord a change of status); references to 
additional attestation obligations of H-1B-dependent employers and 
employers found to have willfully violated the H-1B program requirements 
(these provisions do not apply to the H-1B1 and E-3 programs); and 
references in Sec.  655.750(a) or elsewhere in this part to the 
provision in INA section 214(n) (formerly INA section 214(m)) (8 U.S.C. 
1184(n)) regarding increased portability of H-1B status (by the 
statutory terms, the portability provision is inapplicable to H-1B1 and 
E-3 nonimmigrants).
    (2) Terminology. For purposes of subparts H and I of this part, 
except in those sections identified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section 
as inapplicable to E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrants and as otherwise 
excluded:
    (i) The term ``H-1B'' includes ``E-3'' and ``H-1B1'' (INA section 
101(a)(15)(E)(iii) and (a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii) 
and (a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)); and
    (ii) The term ``labor condition application'' or ``LCA'' includes a 
labor attestation made under section 212(t)(1) of the INA for an E-3 or 
H-1B1 nonimmigrant professional classified under INA section 
101(a)(15)(E)(iii) and (a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii) 
and (a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)).
    (3) Filing procedures for E-3 and H-1B1 labor attestations. 
Employers seeking to employ an E-3 or H-1B1 nonimmigrant must submit a 
completed ETA Form

[[Page 480]]

9035 or ETA Form 9035E (electronic) to DOL in the manner prescribed in 
Sec. Sec.  655.720 and 655.730. Employers must indicate on the form 
whether the labor condition application is for an ``E-3 Australia,'' 
``H-1B1 Chile,'' or ``H-1B1 Singapore'' nonimmigrant. Any changes in the 
procedures and instructions for submitting labor condition applications 
will be provided in a notice published in the Federal Register and 
posted on the ETA Web site at http://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/.
    (4) Employer's responsibilities regarding E-3 and H-1B1 labor 
attestation. Each employer seeking an E-3 or H-1B1 nonimmigrant in a 
specialty occupation has several responsibilities, as described more 
fully in subparts H and I of this part, including the following:
    (i) By submitting a signed and completed LCA, the employer makes 
certain representations and agrees to several attestations regarding the 
employer's responsibilities, including the wages, working conditions, 
and benefits to be provided to the E-3 or H-1B1 nonimmigrant. These 
attestations are specifically identified and incorporated in the LCA, 
and are fully described on Form ETA 9035CP (cover pages).
    (ii) The employer reaffirms its acceptance of all of the attestation 
obligations by transmitting the certified labor attestation to the 
nonimmigrant, the Department of State, and/or the USCIS according to the 
procedures of those agencies.
    (iii) The employer shall maintain the original signed and certified 
LCA in its files, and shall make a copy of the filed LCA, as well as 
necessary supporting documentation (as identified under this subpart), 
available for public examination in a public access file at the 
employer's principal place of business in the U.S. or at the place of 
employment within one working day after the date on which the LCA is 
filed with ETA.
    (iv) The employer shall develop sufficient documentation to meet its 
burden of proof, in the event that such statement or information is 
challenged, with respect to the validity of the statements made in its 
LCA and the accuracy of information provided. The employer shall also 
maintain such documentation at its principal place of business in the 
U.S. and shall make such documentation available to DOL for inspection 
and copying upon request.
    (5) Application to Chile. During the period that the provisions of 
Chapter 14 and Section D of Annex 14.3 of the United States-Chile Free 
Trade Agreement (Chile FTA) are in effect, this subpart H and subpart I 
of this part shall apply (except for the provisions excluded under 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section) to the temporary entry and employment 
of a nonimmigrant who is a national of Chile under the provisions of 
Article 14.9 and Annex 2.1 of the Chile FTA and who is a professional 
under the provisions of Annex 14.3(D) of the Chile FTA.
    (6) Application to Singapore. During the period that the provisions 
of Section IV of Annex 11A of the United States-Singapore Free Trade 
Agreement (Singapore FTA) are in effect, this subpart H and subpart I of 
this part shall apply (except for the provisions excluded under 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section) to the temporary entry and employment 
of a nonimmigrant who is a national of Singapore under the provisions of 
Chapter 11 and Section IV of Annex 11A of the Singapore FTA and who is a 
professional under the provisions of Annex 11A(IV) of the Singapore FTA.

[65 FR 80209, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 63300, Dec. 5, 2001; 69 
FR 68226, Nov. 23, 2004; 70 FR 72560, Dec. 5, 2005; 71 FR 35520, 35521, 
June 21, 2006; 71 FR 37804, June 30, 2006; 73 FR 19947, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.705  What Federal agencies are involved in the H-1B and H-1B1
programs, and what are the responsibilities of those agencies and of
employers?

    Four federal agencies (Department of Labor, Department of State, 
Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security) are involved 
in the process relating to H-1B nonimmigrant classification and 
employment. The employer also has continuing responsibilities under the 
process. This section briefly describes the responsibilities of each of 
these entities.
    (a) Department of Labor (DOL) responsibilities. DOL administers the 
labor

[[Page 481]]

condition application process and enforcement provisions (exclusive of 
complaints regarding non-selection of U.S. workers, as described in 8 
U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(i)(II) and 1182(n)(5)). Two DOL agencies have 
responsibilities:
    (1) The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is responsible 
for receiving and certifying labor condition applications (LCAs) in 
accordance with this subpart H. ETA is also responsible for compiling 
and maintaining a list of LCAs and makes such list available for public 
examination at the Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210.
    (2) The Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards 
Administration (ESA) is responsible, in accordance with subpart I of 
this part, for investigating and determining an employer's 
misrepresentation in or failure to comply with LCAs in the employment of 
H-1B nonimmigrants.
    (b) Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) and Department of State (DOS) responsibilities. The Department of 
State, through U.S. Embassies and Consulates, is responsible for issuing 
H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 visas. For H-1B visas, the following agencies are 
involved: DHS accepts the employer's petition (DHS Form I-129) with the 
DOL-certified LCA attached. In doing so, the DHS determines whether the 
petition is supported by an LCA which corresponds with the petition, 
whether the occupation named in the labor condition application is a 
specialty occupation or whether the individual is a fashion model of 
distinguished merit and ability, and whether the qualifications of the 
nonimmigrant meet the statutory requirements for H-1B visa 
classification. If the petition is approved, DHS will notify the U.S. 
Consulate where the nonimmigrant intends to apply for the visa unless 
the nonimmigrant is in the U.S. and eligible to adjust status without 
leaving this country. See 8 U.S.C. 1255(h)(2)(B)(i). The Department of 
Justice administers the system for the enforcement and disposition of 
complaints regarding an H-1B-dependent employer's or willful violator 
employer's failure to offer a position filled by an H-1B nonimmigrant to 
an equally or better qualified United States worker (8 U.S.C. 
1182(n)(1)(E), 1182(n)(5)), or such employer's willful misrepresentation 
of material facts relating to this obligation. DHS, is responsible for 
disapproving H-1B and other petitions filed by an employer found to have 
engaged in misrepresentation or failed to meet certain conditions of the 
labor condition application (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C)(i)-(iii); 
1182(n)(5)(E)). DOL and DOS are involved in the process relating to the 
initial issuance of H-1B1 and E-3 visas. DHS is involved in change of 
status and extension of stays for the H-1B1 and E-3 category.
    (c) Employer's responsibilities. This paragraph applies only to the 
H-1B program; employer's responsibilities under the H-1B1 and E-3 
programs are found at Sec.  655.700(d)(4). Each employer seeking an H-1B 
nonimmigrant in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of 
distinguished merit and ability has several responsibilities, as 
described more fully in this subpart and subpart I of this part, 
including:
    (1) The employer shall submit a completed labor condition 
application (LCA) on Form ETA 9035E or Form ETA 9035 in the manner 
prescribed in Sec.  655.720. By completing and submitting the LCA, and 
by signing the LCA, the employer makes certain representations and 
agrees to several attestations regarding its responsibilities, including 
the wages, working conditions, and benefits to be provided to the H-1B 
nonimmigrants (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)); these attestations are specifically 
identified and incorporated by reference in the LCA, as well as being 
set forth in full on Form ETA 9035CP. The LCA contains additional 
attestations for certain H-1B-dependent employers and employers found to 
have willfully violated the H-1B program requirements; these 
attestations impose certain obligations to recruit U.S. workers, to 
offer the job to U.S. applicants who are equally or better qualified 
than the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) sought for the job, and to avoid the 
displacement of U.S. workers (either in the employer's workforce, or in 
the workforce of a second employer with whom the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) is 
placed, where there

[[Page 482]]

are indicia of employment with a second employer (8 U.S.C. 
1182(n)(1)(E)-(G)). These additional attestations are specifically 
identified and incorporated by reference in the LCA, as well as being 
set forth in full on Form ETA 9035CP. If ETA certifies the LCA, notice 
of the certification will be sent to the employer by the same means the 
employer used to submit the LCA (that is, electronically where the Form 
ETA 9035E was submitted electronically, and by U.S. Mail where the Form 
ETA 9035 was submitted by U.S. Mail). The employer reaffirms its 
acceptance of all of the attestation obligations by submitting the LCA 
to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS) in support of the 
Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, for an H-1B nonimmigrant. 
See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(B)(2), which specifies the employer will 
comply with the terms of the LCA for the duration of the H-1B 
nonimmigrant's authorized period of stay.
    (2) The employer shall maintain the original signed and certified 
LCA in its files, and shall make a copy of the LCA, as well as necessary 
supporting documentation (as identified under this subpart), available 
for public examination in a public access file at the employer's 
principal place of business in the U.S. or at the place of employment 
within one working day after the date on which the LCA is filed with 
ETA.
    (3) The employer then may submit a copy of the certified, signed LCA 
to DHS with a completed petition (Form I-129) requesting H-1B 
classification.
    (4) The employer shall not allow the nonimmigrant worker to begin 
work until DHS grants the alien authorization to work in the United 
States for that employer or, in the case of a nonimmigrant previously 
afforded H-1B status who is undertaking employment with a new H-1B 
employer, until the new employer files a nonfrivolous petition (Form I-
129) in accordance with DHS requirements.
    (5) The employer shall develop sufficient documentation to meet its 
burden of proof with respect to the validity of the statements made in 
its LCA and the accuracy of information provided, in the event that such 
statement or information is challenged. The employer shall also maintain 
such documentation at its principal place of business in the U.S. and 
shall make such documentation available to DOL for inspection and 
copying upon request.

[65 FR 80210, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 63300, Dec. 5, 2001; 70 
FR 72560, Dec. 5, 2005; 71 FR 35520, June 21, 2006; 73 FR 19948, Apr. 
11, 2008]



Sec.  655.710  What is the procedure for filing a complaint?

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, complaints 
concerning misrepresentation in the labor condition application or 
failure of the employer to meet a condition specified in the application 
shall be filed with the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division 
(Administrator), ESA, according to the procedures set forth in subpart I 
of this part. The Administrator shall investigate where appropriate, and 
after an opportunity for a hearing, assess appropriate sanctions and 
penalties, as described in subpart I of this part.
    (b) Complaints arising under section 212(n)(1)(G)(i)(II) of the INA, 
8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(i)(II), alleging failure of the employer to offer 
employment to an equally or better qualified U.S. applicant, or an 
employer's misrepresentation regarding such offer(s) of employment, may 
be filed with the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office 
of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, 
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20530, Telephone: 1-800-
255-8155 (employers), 1-800-255-7688 (employees); Web address: http://
www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc. The Department of Justice shall investigate where 
appropriate, and take action as appropriate under that Department's 
regulations and procedures.

[65 FR 80210, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 70 FR 72561, Dec. 5, 2005]



Sec.  655.715  Definitions.

    For the purposes of subparts H and I of this part:
    Actual wage means the wage rate paid by the employer to all 
individuals with experience and qualifications similar to the H-1B 
nonimmigant's experience

[[Page 483]]

and qualifications for the specific employment in question at the place 
of employment. The actual wage established by the employer is not an 
average of the wage rates paid to all workers employed in the 
occupation.
    Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) means an official appointed pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 3105.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, 
Employment Standards Administration, Department of Labor, and such 
authorized representatives as may be designated to perform any of the 
functions of the Administrator under subpart H or I of this part.
    Aggrieved party means a person or entity whose operations or 
interests are adversely affected by the employer's alleged non-
compliance with the labor condition application and includes, but is not 
limited to:
    (1) A worker whose job, wages, or working conditions are adversely 
affected by the employer's alleged non-compliance with the labor 
condition application;
    (2) A bargaining representative for workers whose jobs, wages, or 
working conditions are adversely affected by the employer's alleged non-
compliance with the labor condition application;
    (3) A competitor adversely affected by the employer's alleged non-
compliance with the labor condition application; and
    (4) A government agency which has a program that is impacted by the 
employer's alleged non-compliance with the labor condition application.
    Area of intended employment means the area within normal commuting 
distance of the place (address) of employment where the H-1B 
nonimmigrant is or will be employed. There is no rigid measure of 
distance which constitutes a normal commuting distance or normal 
commuting area, because there may be widely varying factual 
circumstances among different areas (e.g., normal commuting distances 
might be 20, 30, or 50 miles). If the place of employment is within a 
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or a Primary Metropolitan 
Statistical Area (PMSA), any place within the MSA or PMSA is deemed to 
be within normal commuting distance of the place of employment; however, 
all locations within a Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (CMSA) 
will not automatically be deemed to be within normal commuting distance. 
The borders of MSAs and PMSAs are not controlling with regard to the 
identification of the normal commuting area; a location outside of an 
MSA or PMSA (or a CMSA) may be within normal commuting distance of a 
location that is inside (e.g., near the border of) the MSA or PMSA (or 
CMSA).
    Attorney General means the chief official of the U.S. Department of 
Justice or the Attorney General's designee.
    Authorized agent and authorized representative mean an official of 
the employer who has the legal authority to commit the employer to the 
statements in the labor condition application.
    Center Director means the Department official to whom the 
Administrator has delegated his authority for purposes of NPC operations 
and functions.
    Certification means the determination by a certifying officer that a 
labor condition application is not incomplete and does not contain 
obvious inaccuracies.
    Certify means the act of making a certification.
    Certifying Officer means a Department of Labor official, or such 
official's designee, who makes determinations about whether or not to 
certify labor condition applications.
    Chief Administrative Law Judge (Chief ALJ) means the chief official 
of the Office of the Administrative Law Judges of the Department of 
Labor or the Chief Administrative Law Judge's designee.
    Department and DOL mean the United States Department of Labor.
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the United States 
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) makes the determination 
under the INA on whether to grant visa petitions of employers seeking 
the admission of non-immigrants under H-1B visa for the purpose of 
employment.
    Division means the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment 
Standards Administration, DOL.

[[Page 484]]

    Employed, employed by the employer, or employment relationship means 
the employment relationship as determined under the common law, under 
which the key determinant is the putative employer's right to control 
the means and manner in which the work is performed. Under the common 
law, ``no shorthand formula or magic phrase * * * can be applied to find 
the answer * * *. [A]ll of the incidents of the relationship must be 
assessed and weighed with no one factor being decisive.'' NLRB v. United 
Ins. Co. of America, 390 U.S. 254, 258 (1968).
    Employer means a person, firm, corporation, contractor, or other 
association or organization in the United States that has an employment 
relationship with H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 nonimmigrants and/or U.S. 
worker(s). In the case of an H-1B nonimmigrant (not including E-3 and H-
1B1 nonimmigrants), the person, firm, contractor, or other association 
or organization in the United States that files a petition with the 
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on behalf of the nonimmigrant is 
deemed to be the employer of that nonimmigrant. In the case of an E-3 
and H-1B1 nonimmigrant, the person, firm, contractor, or other 
association or organization in the United States that files an LCA with 
the Department of Labor on behalf of the nonimmigrant is deemed to be 
the employer of that nonimmigrant.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the agency within 
the Department which includes the Office of Foreign Labor Certification 
(OFLC).
    Employment Standards Administration (ESA) means the agency within 
the Department which includes the Wage and Hour Division.
    INA means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, 8 U.S.C. 
1101 et seq.
    Independent authoritative source means a professional, business, 
trade, educational or governmental association, organization, or other 
similar entity, not owned or controlled by the employer, which has 
recognized expertise in an occupational field.
    Independent authoritative source survey means a survey of wages 
conducted by an independent authoritative source and published in a 
book, newspaper, periodical, loose-leaf service, newsletter, or other 
similar medium, within the 24-month period immediately preceding the 
filing of the employer's application. Such survey shall:
    (1) Reflect the average wage paid to workers similarly employed in 
the area of intended employment;
    (2) Be based upon recently collected data--e.g., within the 24-month 
period immediately preceding the date of publication of the survey; and
    (3) Represent the latest published prevailing wage finding by the 
authoritative source for the occupation in the area of intended 
employment.
    Interested party means a person or entity who or which may be 
affected by the actions of an H-1B employer or by the outcome of a 
particular investigation and includes any person, organization, or 
entity who or which has notified the Department of his/her/its interest 
or concern in the Administrator's determination.
    Lockout means a labor dispute involving a work stoppage, wherein an 
employer withholds work from its employees in order to gain a concession 
from them.
    Occupation means the occupational or job classification in which the 
H-1B nonimmigrant is to be employed.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means the 
organizational component within the ETA that provides national 
leadership and policy guidance and develops regulations and procedures 
to carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary of Labor under the 
INA concerning alien workers seeking admission to the United States in 
order to work under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
    Period of intended employment means the time period between the 
starting and ending dates inclusive of the H-1B nonimmigrant's intended 
period of employment in the occupational classification at the place of 
employment as set forth in the labor condition application.
    Place of employment means the worksite or physical location where 
the

[[Page 485]]

work actually is performed by the H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 nonimmigrant.
    (1) The term does not include any location where either of the 
following criteria--paragraph (1)(i) or (ii)--is satisfied:
    (i) Employee developmental activity. An H-1B worker who is stationed 
and regularly works at one location may temporarily be at another 
location for a particular individual or employer-required developmental 
activity such as a management conference, a staff seminar, or a formal 
training course (other than ``on-the-job-training'' at a location where 
the employee is stationed and regularly works). For the H-1B worker 
participating in such activities, the location of the activity would not 
be considered a ``place of employment'' or ``worksite,'' and that 
worker's presence at such location--whether owned or controlled by the 
employer or by a third party--would not invoke H-1B program requirements 
with regard to that employee at that location. However, if the employer 
uses H-1B nonimmigrants as instructors or resource or support staff who 
continuously or regularly perform their duties at such locations, the 
locations would be ``places of employment'' or ``worksites'' for any 
such employees and, thus, would be subject to H-1B program requirements 
with regard to those employees.
    (ii) Particular worker's job functions. The nature and duration of 
an H-1B nonimmigrant's job functions may necessitate frequent changes of 
location with little time spent at any one location. For such a worker, 
a location would not be considered a ``place of employment'' or 
``worksite'' if the following three requirements (i.e., paragraphs 
(1)(ii)(A) through (C)) are all met--
    (A) The nature and duration of the H-1B worker's job functions 
mandates his/her short-time presence at the location. For this purpose, 
either:
    (1) The H-1B nonimmigrant's job must be peripatetic in nature, in 
that the normal duties of the worker's occupation (rather than the 
nature of the employer's business) requires frequent travel (local or 
non-local) from location to location; or
    (2) The H-1B worker's duties must require that he/she spend most 
work time at one location but occasionally travel for short periods to 
work at other locations; and
    (B) The H-1B worker's presence at the locations to which he/she 
travels from the ``home'' worksite is on a casual, short-term basis, 
which can be recurring but not excessive (i.e., not exceeding five 
consecutive workdays for any one visit by a peripatetic worker, or 10 
consecutive workdays for any one visit by a worker who spends most work 
time at one location and travels occasionally to other locations); and
    (C) The H-1B nonimmigrant is not at the location as a 
``strikebreaker'' (i.e., the H-1B nonimmigrant is not performing work in 
an occupation in which workers are on strike or lockout).
    (2) Examples of ``non-worksite'' locations based on worker's job 
functions: A computer engineer sent out to customer locations to 
``troubleshoot'' complaints regarding software malfunctions; a sales 
representative making calls on prospective customers or established 
customers within a ``home office'' sales territory; a manager monitoring 
the performance of out-stationed employees; an auditor providing advice 
or conducting reviews at customer facilities; a physical therapist 
providing services to patients in their homes within an area of 
employment; an individual making a court appearance; an individual 
lunching with a customer representative at a restaurant; or an 
individual conducting research at a library.
    (3) Examples of ``worksite'' locations based on worker's job 
functions: A computer engineer who works on projects or accounts at 
different locations for weeks or months at a time; a sales 
representative assigned on a continuing basis in an area away from his/
her ``home office;'' an auditor who works for extended periods at the 
customer's offices; a physical therapist who ``fills in'' for full-time 
employees of health care facilities for extended periods; or a physical 
therapist who works for a contractor whose business is to provide 
staffing on an ``as needed'' basis at hospitals, nursing homes, or 
clinics.

[[Page 486]]

    (4) Whenever an H-1B worker performs work at a location which is not 
a ``worksite'' (under the criterion in paragraph (1)(i) or (1)(ii) of 
this definition), that worker's ``place of employment'' or ``worksite'' 
for purposes of H-1B obligations is the worker's home station or regular 
work location. The employer's obligations regarding notice, prevailing 
wage and working conditions are focused on the home station ``place of 
employment'' rather than on the above-described location(s) which do not 
constitute worksite(s) for these purposes. However, whether or not a 
location is considered to be a ``worksite''/''place of employment'' for 
an H-1B nonimmigrant, the employer is required to provide reimbursement 
to the H-1B nonimmigrant for expenses incurred in traveling to that 
location on the employer's business, since such expenses are considered 
to be ordinary business expenses of employers (Sec. Sec.  
655.731(c)(7)(iii)(C); 655.731(c)(9)). In determining the worker's 
``place of employment'' or ``worksite,'' the Department will look 
carefully at situations which appear to be contrived or abusive; the 
Department would seriously question any situation where the H-1B 
nonimmigrant's purported ``place of employment'' is a location other 
than where the worker spends most of his/her work time, or where the 
purported ``area of employment'' does not include the location(s) where 
the worker spends most of his/her work time.
    Required wage rate means the rate of pay which is the higher of:
    (1) The actual wage for the specific employment in question; or
    (2) The prevailing wage rate (determined as of the time of filing 
the LCA application) for the occupation in which the H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 
nonimmigrant is to be employed in the geographic area of intended 
employment. The prevailing wage rate must be no less than the minimum 
wage required by Federal, State, or local law.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary's designee.
    Specialty occupation:
    (1) For purposes of the E-3 and H-1B programs (but not the H-1B1 
program), specialty occupation means an occupation that requires 
theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized 
knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree (or its 
equivalent) in the specific specialty as a minimum for entry into the 
occupation in the United States. The nonimmigrant in a specialty 
occupation shall possess the following qualifications:
    (i) Full state licensure to practice in the occupation, if licensure 
is required for the occupation;
    (ii) Completion of the required degree; or
    (iii) Experience in the specialty equivalent to the completion of 
such degree and recognition of expertise in the specialty through 
progressively responsible positions relating to the specialty. INA, 8 
U.S.C. 1184(i)(1) and (2).
    (2) For purposes of the H-1B1 program, specialty occupation means an 
occupation that requires theoretical and practical application of a body 
of specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher 
degree (or its equivalent) in the specific specialty as a minimum for 
entry into the occupation in the United States. INA, 8 U.S.C. 
1184(i)(3). For H-1B1 nonimmigrants from Chile, additional occupations 
that qualify as specialty occupations are Disaster Relief Claims 
Adjuster, Management Consultant, Agricultural Manager, and Physical 
Therapist, as defined in Appendix 14.3(D)(2) of the United States-Chile 
Free Trade Agreement. For H-1B1 nonimmigrants from Singapore, additional 
occupations that qualify as specialty occupations are Disaster Relief 
Claims Adjuster and Management Consultant, as defined in Appendix 11A.2 
of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
    (3) Determinations of specialty occupation and of nonimmigrant 
qualifications for the H-1B and H-1B1 programs are not made by the 
Department of Labor, but by the Department of State and/or United States 
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of 
Homeland Security in accordance with the procedures of those agencies 
for processing visas, petitions, extensions of stay, or requests for 
change of nonimmigrant status for H-1B or H-1B1 nonimmigrants.
    Specific employment in question means the set of duties and 
responsibilities performed or to be performed by the H-

[[Page 487]]

1B nonimmigrant at the place of employment.
    State means one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, 
Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    State Workforce Agency, formerly State Employment Security Agency or 
SESA means the State agency which, under the State Administrator, is 
designated by the Governor to administer Wagner-Peyser Act funded 
employment and workforce information services (State agency) and the 
State unemployment compensation program.
    Strike means a labor dispute wherein employees engage in a concerted 
stoppage of work (including stoppage by reason of the expiration of a 
collective-bargaining agreement) or engage in any concerted slowdown or 
other concerted interruption of operation.
    United States worker (``U.S. worker'') means an employee who is 
either
    (1) A citizen or national of the United States, or
    (2) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the 
United States, is admitted as a refugee under section 207 of the INA, is 
granted asylum under section 208 of the INA, or is an immigrant 
otherwise authorized (by the INA or by DHS) to be employed in the United 
States.
    Wage rate means the remuneration (exclusive of fringe benefits) to 
be paid, stated in terms of amount per hour, day, month or year (see 
definition of ``Required Wage Rate'').

[59 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80211, Dec. 20, 
2000; 69 FR 68228, Nov. 23, 2004; 70 FR 72561, Dec. 5, 2005; 71 FR 
35520, June 21, 2006; 73 FR 19948, Apr. 11, 2008; 73 FR 78067, Dec. 19, 
2008]



Sec.  655.720  Where are labor condition applications (LCAs) to be
filed and processed?

    (a) Employers must file all LCAs regarding H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 
nonimmigrants through the electronic submission procedure identified in 
paragraph (b) of this section except as provided in the next sentence. 
If a physical disability or lack of access to the Internet prevents an 
employer from using the electronic filing system, an LCA may be filed by 
U.S. Mail in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section. 
Requirements for signing, providing public access to, and use of 
certified LCAs are identified in Sec.  655.730(c). If the LCA is 
certified by DOL, notice of the certification will be sent to the 
employer by the same means that the employer used to submit the LCA, 
that is, electronically where the Form ETA 9035E was submitted 
electronically, and by U.S. Mail where the Form ETA 9035 was submitted 
by U.S. Mail.
    (b) Electronic submission. Employers must file the electronic LCA, 
Form ETA 9035E, through the Department of Labor's Web site at http://
www.lca.doleta.gov. The employer must follow instructions for electronic 
submission posted on the Web site. In the event ETA implements the 
Government Paperwork Elimination Act (44 U.S.C.A. 3504 n.) and/or the 
Electronic Records and Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act 
(E-SIGN) (15 U.S.C. 7001-7006) for the submission and certification of 
the Form ETA 9035E, instructions will be provided (by public notice(s) 
and by instructions on the Department's Web site) to employers as to how 
the requirements of these statutes will be met in the Form ETA 9035E 
procedures.
    (c) Approval to file LCAs by U.S. Mail. (1) Employers with physical 
disabilities or lacking Internet access and wishing to file LCAs by U.S. 
Mail may submit a written request to the Chief, Division of Foreign 
Labor Certification in accordance with paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(4) 
of this section. The ETA shall identify the address to which such 
written request shall be mailed in a Notice in the Federal Register and 
on the Department's Web site at http://www.lca.doleta.gov.
    (2) The written request must establish the employer's need to file 
by U.S. Mail, including providing an explanation of how physical 
disability or lack of access to the Internet prevents the employer from 
using the electronic filing system. No particular form or format is 
required for this request.
    (3) ETA will review the submitted justification, and may require the 
employer to submit supporting documentation. In the case of employers 
asserting a lack of Internet access, supporting documentation could, for 
example, consist of documentation that

[[Page 488]]

the Internet cannot be accessed from the employer's worksite or physical 
location (for example because no Internet service provider serves the 
site), and there is no publicly available Internet access, at public 
libraries or elsewhere, within a reasonable distance of the employer. In 
the case of employers with physical disabilities supporting 
documentation could, for example, consist of physicians' statements or 
invoices for medical devices or aids relevant to the employer's 
disability.
    (4) ETA may approve or deny employers' requests to submit LCAs by 
U.S. Mail. Approvals shall be valid for 1 year from the date of 
approval.
    (d) U.S. Mail. If an employer has a valid approval to file by U.S. 
Mail in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, the employer may 
use Form ETA 9035 and send it by U.S. Mail to ETA. ETA shall publish a 
Notice in the Federal Register identifying the address, and any future 
address changes, to which paper LCAs must be mailed, and shall also post 
these addresses on the DOL Internet Web site at http://
www.lca.doleta.gov. When Form ETA 9035 is submitted by U.S. Mail, the 
form must bear the original signature of the employer (or that of the 
employer's authorized agent or representative) at the time it is 
submitted to ETA.
    (e) The ETA National Office is responsible for policy questions and 
other issues regarding LCAs. Prevailing wage challenges are handled in 
accordance with the procedures identified in Sec.  655.731(a)(2).

[70 FR 72561, Dec. 5, 2005, as amended at 73 FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.721  [Reserved]



Sec.  655.730  What is the process for filing a labor condition
application?

    This section applies to the filing of labor condition applications 
for H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 nonimmigrants. The term H-1B is meant to apply 
to all three categories unless exceptions are specifically noted.
    (a) Who must submit labor condition applications? An employer, or 
the employer's authorized agent or representative, which meets the 
definition of ``employer'' set forth in Sec.  655.715 and intends to 
employ an H-1B nonimmigrant in a specialty occupation or as a fashion 
model of distinguished merit and ability shall submit an LCA to the 
Department.
    (b) Where and when is an LCA to be submitted? An LCA shall be 
submitted by the employer to ETA in accordance with the procedure 
prescribed in Sec.  655.720 no earlier than six months before the 
beginning date of the period of intended employment shown on the LCA. It 
is the employer's responsibility to ensure ETA receives a complete and 
accurate LCA. Incomplete or obviously inaccurate LCAs will not be 
certified by ETA. ETA will process all LCAs sequentially and will 
usually make a determination to certify or not certify an LCA within 
seven working days of the date ETA receives the LCA. LCAs filed by U.S. 
Mail may not be processed as quickly as those filed electronically.
    (c) What is to be submitted and what are its contents? Form ETA 9035 
or ETA 9035E.
    (1) General. The employer (or the employer's authorized agent or 
representative) must submit to ETA one completed and dated LCA as 
prescribed in Sec.  655.720. The electronic LCA, Form ETA 9035E, is 
found on the DOL Web site where the electronic submission is made, at 
http://www.lca.doleta.gov. Copies of the paper form, Form ETA 9035, and 
cover pages Form ETA 9035CP are available on the DOL Web site at http://
www.ows.doleta.gov and from the ETA National Office, and may be used by 
employers with approval under Sec.  655.720 to file by U.S. Mail during 
the approval's validity period.
    (2) Undertaking of the Employer. In submitting the LCA, and by 
affixing the signature of the employer or its authorized agent or 
representative on Form ETA 9035E or Form ETA 9035, the employer (or its 
authorized agent or representative on behalf of the employer) attests 
the statements in the LCA are true and promises to comply with the labor 
condition statements (attestations) specifically identified in Forms ETA 
9035E and ETA 9035, as well as set forth in full in the Form ETA 9035CP. 
The labor condition statements (attestations) are described in detail in 
Sec. Sec.  655.731 through 655.734, and the additional attestations for 
LCAs filed by

[[Page 489]]

certain H-1B-dependent employers and employers found to have willfully 
violated the H-1B program requirements are described in Sec. Sec.  
655.736 through 655.739.
    (3) Signed Originals, Public Access, and Use of Certified LCAs. In 
accordance with Sec.  655.760(a) and (a)(1), the employer must maintain 
in its files and make available for public examination the LCA as 
submitted to ETA and as certified by ETA. When Form ETA 9035E is 
submitted electronically, a signed original is created by the employer 
(or by the employer's authorized agent or representative) printing out 
and signing the form immediately upon certification by ETA. When Form 
ETA 9035 is submitted by U.S. Mail as permitted by Sec.  655.720(a), the 
form must bear the original signature of the employer (or of the 
employer's authorized agent or representative) when submitted to ETA. 
For H-1B visas only, the employer must submit a copy of the signed, 
certified Form ETA 9035 or ETA 9035E to the U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly INS) in support of the Form I-129 
petition, thereby reaffirming the employer's acceptance of all of the 
attestation obligations in accordance with 8 CFR 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(B)(2).
    (4) Contents of LCA. Each LCA shall identify the occupational 
classification for which the LCA is being submitted and shall state:
    (i) The occupation, by Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) 
Three-Digit Occupational Groups code and by the employer's own title for 
the job;
    (ii) The number of nonimmigrants sought;
    (iii) The gross wage rate to be paid to each nonimmigrant, expressed 
on an hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, or annual basis;
    (iv) The starting and ending dates of the nonimmigrants' employment;
    (v) The place(s) of intended employment;
    (vi) The prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended 
employment and the specific source (e.g., name of published survey) 
relied upon by the employer to determine the wage. If the wage is 
obtained from a SESA, now known as a State Workforce Agency (SWA), the 
appropriate box must be checked and the wage must be stated; the source 
for a wage obtained from a source other than a SWA must be identified 
along with the wage; and
    (vii) For applications filed regarding H-1B nonimmigrants only (and 
not applications regarding H-1B1 and E-3 nonimmigrants), the employer's 
status as to whether or not the employer is H-1B-dependent and/or a 
willful violator, and, if the employer is H-1B-dependent and/or a 
willful violator, whether the employer will use the application only in 
support of petitions for exempt H-1B nonimmigrants.
    (5) Multiple positions and/or places of employment. The employer 
shall file a separate LCA for each occupation in which the employer 
intends to employ one or more nonimmigrants, but the LCA may cover more 
than one intended position (employment opportunity) within that 
occupation. All intended places of employment shall be identified on the 
LCA; the employer may file one or more additional LCAs to identify 
additional places of employment. Separate LCAs must be filed for H-1B, 
H-1B1, and E-3 nonimmigrants.
    (6) Full-time and part-time jobs. The position(s) covered by the LCA 
may be either full-time or part-time; full-time and part-time positions 
can not be combined on a single LCA.
    (d) What attestations does the LCA contain? An employer's LCA shall 
contain the labor condition statements referenced in Sec. Sec.  655.731 
through 655.734, and Sec.  655.736 through 655.739 (if applicable), 
which provide that no individual may be admitted or provided status as 
an H-1B nonimmigrant in an occupational classification unless the 
employer has filed with the Secretary an application stating that:
    (1) The employer is offering and will offer during the period of 
authorized employment to H-1B nonimmigrants no less than the greater of 
the following wages (such offer to include benefits and eligibility for 
benefits provided as compensation for services, which are to be offered 
to the nonimmigrants on the same basis and in accordance with the same 
criteria as the employer offers such benefits to U.S. workers):

[[Page 490]]

    (i) The actual wage paid to the employer's other employees at the 
worksite with similar experience and qualifications for the specific 
employment in question; or
    (ii) The prevailing wage level for the occupational classification 
in the area of intended employment;
    (2) The employer will provide working conditions for such 
nonimmigrants that will not adversely affect the working conditions of 
workers similarly employed (including benefits in the nature of working 
conditions, which are to be offered to the nonimmigrants on the same 
basis and in accordance with the same criteria as the employer offers 
such benefits to U.S. workers);
    (3) There is not a strike or lockout in the course of a labor 
dispute in the occupational classification at the place of employment;
    (4) The employer has provided and will provide notice of the filing 
of the labor condition application to:
    (i)(A) The bargaining representative of the employer's employees in 
the occupational classification in the area of intended employment for 
which the H-1B nonimmigrants are sought, in the manner described in 
Sec.  655.734(a)(1)(i); or
    (B) If there is no such bargaining representative, affected workers 
by providing electronic notice of the filing of the LCA or by posting 
notice in conspicuous locations at the place(s) of employment, in the 
manner described in Sec.  655.734(a)(1)(ii); and
    (ii) H-1B nonimmigrants by providing a copy of the LCA to each H-1B 
nonimmigrant at the time that such nonimmigrant actually reports to 
work, in the manner described in Sec.  655.734(a)(2).
    (5) For applications filed regarding H-1B nonimmigrants only (and 
not applications regarding H-1B1 or E-3 nonimmigrants), the employer has 
determined its status concerning H-1B-dependency and/or willful violator 
(as described in Sec.  655.736), has indicated such status, and if 
either such status is applicable to the employer, has indicated whether 
the LCA will be used only for exempt H-1B nonimmigrant(s), as described 
in Sec.  655.737.
    (6) The employer has provided the information about the occupation 
required in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (e) Change in employer's corporate structure or identity. (1) Where 
an employer corporation changes its corporate structure as the result of 
an acquisition, merger, ``spin-off,'' or other such action, the new 
employing entity is not required to file new LCAs and H-1B petitions 
with respect to the H-1B nonimmigrants transferred to the employ of the 
new employing entity (regardless of whether there is a change in the 
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)), provided that the new 
employing entity maintains in its records a list of the H-1B 
nonimmigrants transferred to the employ of the new employing entity, and 
maintains in the public access file(s) (see Sec.  655.760) a document 
containing all of the following:
    (i) Each affected LCA number and its date of certification;
    (ii) A description of the new employing entity's actual wage system 
applicable to H-1B nonimmigrant(s) who become employees of the new 
employing entity;
    (iii) The Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of the new 
employing entity (whether or not different from that of the predecessor 
entity); and
    (iv) A sworn statement by an authorized representative of the new 
employing entity expressly acknowledging such entity's assumption of all 
obligations, liabilities and undertakings arising from or under 
attestations made in each certified and still effective LCA filed by the 
predecessor entity. Unless such statement is executed and made available 
in accordance with this paragraph, the new employing entity shall not 
employ any of the predecessor entity's H-1B nonimmigrants without filing 
new LCAs and petitions for such nonimmigrants. The new employing 
entity's statement shall include such entity's explicit agreement to:
    (A) Abide by the DOL's H-1B regulations applicable to the LCAs;
    (B) Maintain a copy of the statement in the public access file (see 
Sec.  655.760); and
    (C) Make the document available to any member of the public or the 
Department upon request.
    (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (e)(1) of this 
section, the new

[[Page 491]]

employing entity must file new LCA(s) and H-1B petition(s) when it hires 
any new H-1B nonimmigrant(s) or seeks extension(s) of H-1B status for 
existing H-1B nonimmigrant(s). In other words, the new employing entity 
may not utilize the predecessor entity's LCA(s) to support the hiring or 
extension of any H-1B nonimmigrant after the change in corporate 
structure.
    (3) A change in an employer's H-1B-dependency status which results 
from the change in the corporate structure has no effect on the 
employer's obligations with respect to its current H-1B nonimmigrant 
employees. However, the new employing entity shall comply with Sec.  
655.736 concerning H-1B-dependency and/or willful-violator status and 
Sec.  655.737 concerning exempt H-1B nonimmigrants, in the event that 
such entity seeks to hire new H-1B nonimmigrant(s) or to extend the H-1B 
status of existing H-1B nonimmigrants. (See Sec.  655.736(d)(6).)

[65 FR 80212, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 63301, Dec. 5, 2001; 69 
FR 68228, Nov. 23, 2004; 70 FR 72562, Dec. 5, 2005; 71 FR 35521, June 
21, 2006; 73 FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.731  What is the first LCA requirement, regarding wages?

    An employer seeking to employ H-1B nonimmigrants in a specialty 
occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability 
shall state on Form ETA 9035 or 9035E that it will pay the H-1B 
nonimmigrant the required wage rate. For the purposes of this section, 
``H-1B'' includes ``E-3 and H-1B1'' as well.
    (a) Establishing the wage requirement. The first LCA requirement 
shall be satisfied when the employer signs Form ETA 9035 or 9035E 
attesting that, for the entire period of authorized employment, the 
required wage rate will be paid to the H-1B nonimmigrant(s); that is, 
that the wage shall be the greater of the actual wage rate (as specified 
in paragraph (a)(1) of this section) or the prevailing wage (as 
specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section). The wage requirement 
includes the employer's obligation to offer benefits and eligibility for 
benefits provided as compensation for services to H-1B nonimmigrants on 
the same basis, and in accordance with the same criteria, as the 
employer offers to U.S. workers.
    (1) The actual wage is the wage rate paid by the employer to all 
other individuals with similar experience and qualifications for the 
specific employment in question. In determining such wage level, the 
following factors may be considered: Experience, qualifications, 
education, job responsibility and function, specialized knowledge, and 
other legitimate business factors. ``Legitimate business factors,'' for 
purposes of this section, means those that it is reasonable to conclude 
are necessary because they conform to recognized principles or can be 
demonstrated by accepted rules and standards. Where there are other 
employees with substantially similar experience and qualifications in 
the specific employment in question--i.e., they have substantially the 
same duties and responsibilities as the H-1B nonimmigrant--the actual 
wage shall be the amount paid to these other employees. Where no such 
other employees exist at the place of employment, the actual wage shall 
be the wage paid to the H-1B nonimmigrant by the employer. Where the 
employer's pay system or scale provides for adjustments during the 
period of the LCA--e.g., cost of living increases or other periodic 
adjustments, or the employee moves to a more advanced level in the same 
occupation--such adjustments shall be provided to similarly employed H-
1B nonimmigrants (unless the prevailing wage is higher than the actual 
wage).
    (2) The prevailing wage for the occupational classification in the 
area of intended employment must be determined as of the time of filing 
the application. The employer shall base the prevailing wage on the best 
information available as of the time of filing the application. Except 
as provided in this section, the employer is not required to use any 
specific methodology to determine the prevailing wage and may utilize a 
wage obtained from an OFLC NPC (OES), an independent authoritative 
source, or other legitimate sources of wage data. One of the following 
sources shall be used to establish the prevailing wage:
    (i) A collective bargaining agreement which was negotiated at arms-
length

[[Page 492]]

between a union and the employer which contains a wage rate applicable 
to the occupation;
    (ii) If the job opportunity is not covered by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 
this section, the prevailing wage shall be based on the wages of workers 
similarly employed as determined by the wage component of the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) 
in accordance with 20 CFR 656.40(b)(2)(i); a current wage as determined 
in the area under the Davis-Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 276a et seq. (see 29 
CFR part 1), or the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act, 41 U.S.C. 351 
et seq. (see 29 CFR part 4); an independent authoritative source in 
accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this section; or another 
legitimate source of wage data in accordance with paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(C) of this section. If an employer uses an independent 
authoritative source or other legitimate source of wage data, the 
prevailing wage shall be the arithmetic mean of the wages of workers 
similarly employed, except that the prevailing wage shall be the median 
when provided by paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A), (b)(3)(iii)(B)(2), and 
(b)(3)(iii)(C)(2) of this section. The prevailing wage rate shall be 
based on the best information available. The following prevailing wage 
sources may be used:
    (A) OFLC National Processing Center (NPC) determination. The NPC 
shall receive and process prevailing wage determination requests in 
accordance with these regulations and Department guidance. Upon receipt 
of a written request for a PWD, the NPC will determine whether the 
occupation is covered by a collective bargaining agreement which was 
negotiated at arm's length, and, if not, determine the wages of workers 
similarly employed using the wage component of the BLS OES and selecting 
an appropriate wage level in accordance with 20 CFR 656.40(b)(2)(i), 
unless the employer provides an acceptable survey. The NPC shall 
determine the wage in accordance with secs. 212(n), 212(p), and 212(t) 
of the INA and in a manner consistent with 20 CFR 656.40(b)(2). If an 
acceptable employer-provided wage survey provides an arithmetic mean 
then that wage shall be the prevailing wage; if an acceptable employer-
provided wage survey provides a median and does not provide an 
arithmetic mean, the median shall be the prevailing wage applicable to 
the employer's job opportunity. In making a PWD, the NPC will follow 20 
CFR 656.40 and other administrative guidelines or regulations issued by 
ETA. The NPC shall specify the validity period of the PWD, which in no 
event shall be for less than 90 days or more than 1 year from the date 
of the determination.
    (1) An employer who chooses to utilize an NPC PWD shall file the 
labor condition application within the validity period of the prevailing 
wage as specified in the PWD. Any employer desiring review of an NPC 
PWD, including judicial review, shall follow the appeal procedures at 20 
CFR 656.41. Employers which challenge an NPC PWD under 20 CFR 656.41 
must obtain a ruling prior to filing an LCA. In any challenge, the 
Department and the NPC shall not divulge any employer wage data 
collected under the promise of confidentiality. Once an employer obtains 
a PWD from the NPC and files an LCA supported by that PWD, the employer 
is deemed to have accepted the PWD (as to the amount of the wage) and 
thereafter may not contest the legitimacy of the PWD by filing an appeal 
with the CO (see 20 CFR 656.41) or in an investigation or enforcement 
action.
    (2) If the employer is unable to wait for the NPC to produce the 
requested prevailing wage for the occupation in question, or for the CO 
and/or the BALCA to issue a decision, the employer may rely on other 
legitimate sources of available wage information as set forth in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of this section. If the employer later 
discovers, upon receipt of the PWD from the NPC, that the information 
relied upon produced a wage below the final PWD and the employer was not 
paying the NPC-determined wage, no wage violation will be found if the 
employer retroactively compensates the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) for the 
difference between wage paid and the prevailing wage, within 30 days of 
the employer's receipt of the PWD.
    (3) In all situations where the employer obtains the PWD from the 
NPC,

[[Page 493]]

the Department will deem that PWD as correct as to the amount of the 
wage. Nevertheless, the employer must maintain a copy of the NPC PWD. A 
complaint alleging inaccuracy of an NPC PWD, in such cases, will not be 
investigated.
    (B) An independent authoritative source. The employer may use an 
independent authoritative wage source in lieu of an NPC PWD. The 
independent authoritative source survey must meet all the criteria set 
forth in paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(B) of this section.
    (C) Another legitimate source of wage information. The employer may 
rely on other legitimate sources of wage data to obtain the prevailing 
wage. The other legitimate source survey must meet all the criteria set 
forth in paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(C) of this section. The employer will be 
required to demonstrate the legitimacy of the wage in the event of an 
investigation.
    (iii) For purposes of this section, ``similarly employed'' means 
``having substantially comparable jobs in the occupational 
classification in the area of intended employment,'' except that if a 
representative sample of workers in the occupational category can not be 
obtained in the area of intended employment, ``similarly employed'' 
means:
    (A) Having jobs requiring a substantially similar level of skills 
within the area of intended employment; or
    (B) If there are no substantially comparable jobs in the area of 
intended employment, having substantially comparable jobs with employers 
outside of the area of intended employment.
    (iv) A prevailing wage determination for LCA purposes made pursuant 
to this section shall not permit an employer to pay a wage lower than 
required under any other applicable Federal, state or local law.
    (v) Where a range of wages is paid by the employer to individuals in 
an occupational classification or among individuals with similar 
experience and qualifications for the specific employment in question, a 
range is considered to meet the prevailing wage requirement so long as 
the bottom of the wage range is at least the prevailing wage rate.
    (vi) The employer shall enter the prevailing wage on the LCA in the 
form in which the employer will pay the wage (e.g., an annual salary or 
an hourly rate), except that in all cases the prevailing wage must be 
expressed as an hourly wage if the H-1B nonimmigrant will be employed 
part-time. Where an employer obtains a prevailing wage determination 
(from any of the sources identified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this section) that is expressed as an hourly rate, the employer may 
convert this determination to a yearly salary by multiplying the hourly 
rate by 2080. Conversely, where an employer obtains a prevailing wage 
(from any of these sources) that is expressed as a yearly salary, the 
employer may convert this determination to an hourly rate by dividing 
the salary by 2080.
    (vii) In computing the prevailing wage for a job opportunity in an 
occupational classification in an area of intended employment in the 
case of an employee of an institution of higher education or an 
affiliated or related nonprofit entity, a nonprofit research 
organization, or a Governmental research organization as these terms are 
defined in 20 CFR 656.40(e), the prevailing wage level shall only take 
into account employees at such institutions and organizations in the 
area of intended employment.
    (viii) An employer may file more than one LCA for the same 
occupational classification in the same area of employment and, in such 
circumstances, the employer could have H-1B employees in the same 
occupational classification in the same area of employment, brought into 
the U.S. (or accorded H-1B status) based on petitions approved pursuant 
to different LCAs (filed at different times) with different prevailing 
wage determinations. Employers are advised that the prevailing wage rate 
as to any particular H-1B nonimmigrant is prescribed by the LCA which 
supports that nonimmigrant's H-1B petition. The employer is required to 
obtain the prevailing wage at the time that the LCA is filed (see 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section). The LCA is valid for the period 
certified by ETA, and the employer must satisfy all the LCA's 
requirements (including the required wage

[[Page 494]]

which encompasses both prevailing and actual wage rates) for as long as 
any H-1B nonimmigrants are employed pursuant to that LCA (Sec.  
655.750). Where new nonimmigrants are employed pursuant to a new LCA, 
that new LCA prescribes the employer's obligations as to those new 
nonimmigrants. The prevailing wage determination on the later/subsequent 
LCA does not ``relate back'' to operate as an ``update'' of the 
prevailing wage for the previously-filed LCA for the same occupational 
classification in the same area of employment. However, employers are 
cautioned that the actual wage component to the required wage may, as a 
practical matter, eliminate any wage-payment differentiation among H-1B 
employees based on different prevailing wage rates stated in applicable 
LCAs. Every H-1B nonimmigrant is to be paid in accordance with the 
employer's actual wage system, and thus is to receive any pay increases 
which that system provides.
    (3) Once the prevailing wage rate is established, the H-1B employer 
then shall compare this wage with the actual wage rate for the specific 
employment in question at the place of employment and must pay the H-1B 
nonimmigrant at least the higher of the two wages.
    (b) Documentation of the wage statement. (1) The employer shall 
develop and maintain documentation sufficient to meet its burden of 
proving the validity of the wage statement required in paragraph (a) of 
this section and attested to on Form ETA 9035 or 9035E. The 
documentation shall be made available to DOL upon request. Documentation 
shall also be made available for public examination to the extent 
required by Sec.  655.760. The employer shall also document that the 
wage rate(s) paid to H-1B nonimmigrant(s) is(are) no less than the 
required wage rate(s). The documentation shall include information about 
the employer's wage rate(s) for all other employees for the specific 
employment in question at the place of employment, beginning with the 
date the labor condition application was submitted and continuing 
throughout the period of employment. The records shall be retained for 
the period of time specified in Sec.  655.760. The payroll records for 
each such employee shall include:
    (i) Employee's full name;
    (ii) Employee's home address;
    (iii) Employee's occupation;
    (iv) Employee's rate of pay;
    (v) Hours worked each day and each week by the employee if:
    (A) The employee is paid on other than a salary basis (e.g., hourly, 
piece-rate; commission); or
    (B) With respect only to H-1B nonimmigrants, the worker is a part-
time employee (whether paid a salary or an hourly rate).
    (vi) Total additions to or deductions from pay each pay period, by 
employee; and
    (vii) Total wages paid each pay period, date of pay and pay period 
covered by the payment, by employee.
    (viii) Documentation of offer of benefits and eligibility for 
benefits provided as compensation for services on the same basis, and in 
accordance with the same criteria, as the employer offers to U.S. 
workers (see paragraph (c)(3) of this section):
    (A) A copy of any document(s) provided to employees describing the 
benefits that are offered to employees, the eligibility and 
participation rules, how costs are shared, etc. (e.g., summary plan 
descriptions, employee handbooks, any special or employee-specific 
notices that might be sent);
    (B) A copy of all benefit plans or other documentation describing 
benefit plans and any rules the employer may have for differentiating 
benefits among groups of workers;
    (C) Evidence as to what benefits are actually provided to U.S. 
workers and H-1B nonimmigrants, including evidence of the benefits 
selected or declined by employees where employees are given a choice of 
benefits;
    (D) For multinational employers who choose to provide H-1B 
nonimmigrants with ``home country'' benefits, evidence of the benefits 
provided to the nonimmigrant before and after he/she went to the United 
States. See paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(C) of this section.
    (2) Actual wage. In addition to payroll data required by paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section (and also by the Fair Labor Standards Act), the 
employer shall retain documentation specifying

[[Page 495]]

the basis it used to establish the actual wage. The employer shall show 
how the wage set for the H-1B nonimmigrant relates to the wages paid by 
the employer to all other individuals with similar experience and 
qualifications for the specific employment in question at the place of 
employment. Where adjustments are made in the employer's pay system or 
scale during the validity period of the LCA, the employer shall retain 
documentation explaining the change and clearly showing that, after such 
adjustments, the wages paid to the H-1B nonimmigrant are at least the 
greater of the adjusted actual wage or the prevailing wage for the 
occupation and area of intended employment.
    (3) Prevailing wage. The employer also shall retain documentation 
regarding its determination of the prevailing wage. This source 
documentation shall not be submitted to ETA with the labor condition 
application, but shall be retained at the employer's place of business 
for the length of time required in Sec.  655.760(c). Such documentation 
shall consist of the documentation described in paragraph (b)(3)(i), 
(ii), or (iii) of this section and the documentation described in 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (i) If the employer used a wage determination issued pursuant to the 
provisions of the Davis-Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 276a et seq. (see 29 CFR 
part 1), or the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act, 41 U.S.C. 351 et 
seq. (see 29 CFR part 4), the documentation shall include a copy of the 
determination showing the wage rate for the occupation in the area of 
intended employment.
    (ii) If the employer used an applicable wage rate from a union 
contract which was negotiated at arms-length between a union and the 
employer, the documentation shall include an excerpt from the union 
contract showing the wage rate(s) for the occupation.
    (iii) If the employer did not use a wage covered by the provisions 
of paragraph (b)(3)(i) or (b)(3)(ii) of this section, the employer's 
documentation shall consist of:
    (A) A copy of the prevailing wage finding from the NPC for the 
occupation within the area of intended employment.
    (B) A copy of the prevailing wage survey for the occupation within 
the area of intended employment published by an independent 
authoritative source. For purposes of this paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(B), a 
prevailing wage survey for the occupation in the area of intended 
employment published by an independent authoritative source shall mean a 
survey of wages published in a book, newspaper, periodical, loose-leaf 
service, newsletter, or other similar medium, within the 24-month period 
immediately preceding the filing of the employer's application. Such 
survey shall:
    (1) Reflect the weighted average wage paid to workers similarly 
employed in the area of intended employment;
    (2) Reflect the median wage of workers similarly employed in the 
area of intended employment if the survey provides such a median and 
does not provide a weighted average wage of workers similarly employed 
in the area of intended employment;
    (3) Be based upon recently collected data--e.g., within the 24-month 
period immediately preceding the date of publication of the survey; and
    (4) Represent the latest published prevailing wage finding by the 
independent authoritative source for the occupation in the area of 
intended employment; or
    (C) A copy of the prevailing wage survey or other source data 
acquired from another legitimate source of wage information that was 
used to make the prevailing wage determination. For purposes of this 
paragraph (b)(3)(iii)(C), a prevailing wage provided by another 
legitimate source of such wage information shall be one which:
    (1) Reflects the weighted average wage paid to workers similarly 
employed in the area of intended employment;
    (2) Reflect the median wage of workers similarly employed in the 
area of intended employment if the survey provides such a median and 
does not provide a weighted average wage of workers similarly employed 
in the area of intended employment;
    (3) Is based on the most recent and accurate information available; 
and

[[Page 496]]

    (4) Is reasonable and consistent with recognized standards and 
principles in producing a prevailing wage.
    (c) Satisfaction of required wage obligation. (1) The required wage 
must be paid to the employee, cash in hand, free and clear, when due, 
except that deductions made in accordance with paragraph (c)(9) of this 
section may reduce the cash wage below the level of the required wage. 
Benefits and eligibility for benefits provided as compensation for 
services must be offered in accordance with paragraph (c)(3) of this 
section.
    (2) ``Cash wages paid,'' for purposes of satisfying the H-1B 
required wage, shall consist only of those payments that meet all the 
following criteria:
    (i) Payments shown in the employer's payroll records as earnings for 
the employee, and disbursed to the employee, cash in hand, free and 
clear, when due, except for deductions authorized by paragraph (c)(9) of 
this section;
    (ii) Payments reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as the 
employee's earnings, with appropriate withholding for the employee's tax 
paid to the IRS (in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
26 U.S.C. 1, et seq.);
    (iii) Payments of the tax reported and paid to the IRS as required 
by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, 26 U.S.C. 3101, et seq. 
(FICA). The employer must be able to document that the payments have 
been so reported to the IRS and that both the employer's and employee's 
taxes have been paid except that when the H-1B nonimmigrant is a citizen 
of a foreign country with which the President of the United States has 
entered into an agreement as authorized by section 233 of the Social 
Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 433 (i.e., an agreement establishing a 
totalization arrangement between the social security system of the 
United States and that of the foreign country), the employer's 
documentation shall show that all appropriate reports have been filed 
and taxes have been paid in the employee's home country.
    (iv) Payments reported, and so documented by the employer, as the 
employee's earnings, with appropriate employer and employee taxes paid 
to all other appropriate Federal, State, and local governments in 
accordance with any other applicable law.
    (v) Future bonuses and similar compensation (i.e., unpaid but to-be-
paid) may be credited toward satisfaction of the required wage 
obligation if their payment is assured (i.e., they are not conditional 
or contingent on some event such as the employer's annual profits). Once 
the bonuses or similar compensation are paid to the employee, they must 
meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (iv) of this 
section (i.e., recorded and reported as ``earnings'' with appropriate 
taxes and FICA contributions withheld and paid).
    (3) Benefits and eligibility for benefits provided as compensation 
for services (e.g., cash bonuses; stock options; paid vacations and 
holidays; health, life, disability and other insurance plans; retirement 
and savings plans) shall be offered to the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) on the 
same basis, and in accordance with the same criteria, as the employer 
offers to U.S. workers.
    (i) For purposes of this section, the offer of benefits ``on the 
same basis, and in accordance with the same criteria'' means that the 
employer shall offer H-1B nonimmigrants the same benefit package as it 
offers to U.S. workers, and may not provide more strict eligibility or 
participation requirements for the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) than for 
similarly employed U.S. workers(s) (e.g., full-time workers compared to 
full-time workers; professional staff compared to professional staff). 
H-1B nonimmigrants are not to be denied benefits on the basis that they 
are ``temporary employees'' by virtue of their nonimmigrant status. An 
employer may offer greater or additional benefits to the H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) than are offered to similarly employed U.S. worker(s), 
provided that such differing treatment is consistent with the 
requirements of all applicable nondiscrimination laws (e.g., Title VII 
of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2000e17). Offers of 
benefits by employers shall be made in good faith and shall result in 
the H-1B nonimmigrant(s)'s actual receipt of the benefits that are 
offered by the employer and elected by the H-1B nonimmigrant(s).

[[Page 497]]

    (ii) The benefits received by the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) need not be 
identical to the benefits received by similarly employed U.S. 
workers(s), provided that the H-1B nonimmigrant is offered the same 
benefits package as those workers but voluntarily chooses to receive 
different benefits (e.g., elects to receive cash payment rather than 
stock option, elects not to receive health insurance because of required 
employee contributions, or elects to receive different benefits among an 
array of benefits) or, in those instances where the employer is part of 
a multinational corporate operation, the benefits received by the H-1B 
nonimmigrant are provided in accordance with an employer's practice that 
satisfies the requirements of paragraph (c)(3)(iii)(B) or (C) of this 
section. In all cases, however, an employer's practice must comply with 
the requirements of any applicable nondiscrimination laws (e.g., Title 
VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2000e17).
    (iii) If the employer is part of a multinational corporate operation 
(i.e., operates in affiliation with business entities in other 
countries, whether as subsidiaries or in some other arrangement), the 
following three options (i.e., (A), (B) or (C)) are available to the 
employer with respect to H-1B nonimmigrants who remain on the ``home 
country'' payroll.
    (A) The employer may offer the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) benefits in 
accordance with paragraphs (c)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (B) Where an H-1B nonimmigrant is in the U.S. for no more than 90 
consecutive calendar days, the employer during that period may maintain 
the H-1B nonimmigrant on the benefits provided to the nonimmigrant in 
his/her permanent work station (ordinarily the home country), and not 
offer the nonimmigrant the benefits that are offered to similarly 
employed U.S. workers, provided that the employer affords reciprocal 
benefits treatment for any U.S. workers (i.e., allows its U.S. 
employees, while working out of the country on a temporary basis away 
from their permanent work stations in the United States, or while 
working in the United States on a temporary basis away from their 
permanent work stations in another country, to continue to receive the 
benefits provided them at their permanent work stations). Employers are 
cautioned that this provision is available only if the employer's 
practices do not constitute an evasion of the benefit requirements, such 
as where the H-1B nonimmigrant remains in the United States for most of 
the year, but briefly returns to the ``home country'' before any 90-day 
period would expire.
    (C) Where an H-1B nonimmigrant is in the U.S. for more than 90 
consecutive calendar days (or from the point where the worker is 
transferred to the U.S. or it is anticipated that the worker will likely 
remain in the U.S. more than 90 consecutive days), the employer may 
maintain the H-1B nonimmigrant on the benefits provided in his/her home 
country (i.e., ``home country benefits'') (and not offer the 
nonimmigrant the benefits that are offered to similarly employed U.S. 
workers) provided that all of the following criteria are satisfied:
    (1) The H-1B nonimmigrant continues to be employed in his/her home 
country (either with the H-1B employer or with a corporate affiliate of 
the employer);
    (2) The H-1B nonimmigrant is enrolled in benefits in his/her home 
country (in accordance with any applicable eligibility standards for 
such benefits);
    (3) The benefits provided in his/her home country are equivalent to, 
or equitably comparable to, the benefits offered to similarly employed 
U.S. workers (i.e., are no less advantageous to the nonimmigrant);
    (4) The employer affords reciprocal benefits treatment for any U.S. 
workers while they are working out of the country, away from their 
permanent work stations (whether in the United States or abroad), on a 
temporary basis (i.e., maintains such U.S. workers on the benefits they 
received at their permanent work stations);
    (5) If the employer offers health benefits to its U.S. workers, the 
employer offers the same plan on the same basis to its H-1B 
nonimmigrants in the United States where the employer does not provide 
the H-1B nonimmigrant with health benefits in the home country, or the 
employer's home-country

[[Page 498]]

health plan does not provide full coverage (i.e., coverage comparable to 
what he/she would receive at the home work station) for medical 
treatment in the United States; and
    (6) The employer offers H-1B nonimmigrants who are in the United 
States more than 90 continuous days those U.S. benefits which are paid 
directly to the worker (e.g., paid vacation, paid holidays, and 
bonuses).
    (iv) Benefits provided as compensation for services may be credited 
toward the satisfaction of the employer's required wage obligation only 
if the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this section are met (e.g., 
recorded and reported as ``earnings'' with appropriate taxes and FICA 
contributions withheld and paid).
    (4) For salaried employees, wages will be due in prorated 
installments (e.g., annual salary divided into 26 bi-weekly pay periods, 
where employer pays bi-weekly) paid no less often than monthly except 
that, in the event that the employer intends to use some other form of 
nondiscretionary payment to supplement the employee's regular/pro-rata 
pay in order to meet the required wage obligation (e.g., a quarterly 
production bonus), the employer's documentation of wage payments 
(including such supplemental payments) must show the employer's 
commitment to make such payment and the method of determining the amount 
thereof, and must show unequivocally that the required wage obligation 
was met for prior pay periods and, upon payment and distribution of such 
other payments that are pending, will be met for each current or future 
pay period. An employer that is a school or other educational 
institution may apply an established salary practice under which the 
employer pays to H-1B nonimmigrants and U.S. workers in the same 
occupational classification an annual salary in disbursements over fewer 
than 12 months, provided that the nonimmigrant agrees to the compressed 
annual salary payments prior to the commencement of the employment and 
the application of the salary practice to the nonimmigrant does not 
otherwise cause him/her to violate any condition of his/her 
authorization under the INA to remain in the U.S.
    (5) For hourly-wage employees, the required wages will be due for 
all hours worked and/or for any nonproductive time (as specified in 
paragraph (c)(7) of this section) at the end of the employee's ordinary 
pay period (e.g., weekly) but in no event less frequently than monthly.
    (6) Subject to the standards specified in paragraph (c)(7) of this 
section (regarding nonproductive status), an H-1B nonimmigrant shall 
receive the required pay beginning on the date when the nonimmigrant 
``enters into employment'' with the employer.
    (i) For purposes of this paragraph (c)(6), the H-1B nonimmigrant is 
considered to ``enter into employment'' when he/she first makes him/
herself available for work or otherwise comes under the control of the 
employer, such as by waiting for an assignment, reporting for 
orientation or training, going to an interview or meeting with a 
customer, or studying for a licensing examination, and includes all 
activities thereafter.
    (ii) Even if the H-1B nonimmigrant has not yet ``entered into 
employment'' with the employer (as described in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of 
this section), the employer that has had an LCA certified and an H-1B 
petition approved for the H-1B nonimmigrant shall pay the nonimmigrant 
the required wage beginning 30 days after the date the nonimmigrant 
first is admitted into the U.S. pursuant to the petition, or, if the 
nonimmigrant is present in the United States on the date of the approval 
of the petition, beginning 60 days after the date the nonimmigrant 
becomes eligible to work for the employer. For purposes of this latter 
requirement, the H-1B nonimmigrant is considered to be eligible to work 
for the employer upon the date of need set forth on the approved H-1B 
petition filed by the employer, or the date of adjustment of the 
nonimmigrant's status by DHS, whichever is later. Matters such as the 
worker's obtaining a State license would not be relevant to this 
determination.
    (7) Wage obligation(s) for H-1B nonimmigrant in nonproductive 
status--(i) Circumstances where wages must be paid. If the H-1B 
nonimmigrant is not performing work and is in a nonproductive

[[Page 499]]

status due to a decision by the employer (e.g., because of lack of 
assigned work), lack of a permit or license, or any other reason except 
as specified in paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of this section, the employer is 
required to pay the salaried employee the full pro-rata amount due, or 
to pay the hourly-wage employee for a full-time week (40 hours or such 
other number of hours as the employer can demonstrate to be full-time 
employment for hourly employees, or the full amount of the weekly salary 
for salaried employees) at the required wage for the occupation listed 
on the LCA. If the employer's LCA carries a designation of ``part-time 
employment,'' the employer is required to pay the nonproductive employee 
for at least the number of hours indicated on the I-129 petition filed 
by the employer with the DHS and incorporated by reference on the LCA. 
If the I-129 indicates a range of hours for part-time employment, the 
employer is required to pay the nonproductive employee for at least the 
average number of hours normally worked by the H-1B nonimmigrant, 
provided that such average is within the range indicated; in no event 
shall the employee be paid for fewer than the minimum number of hours 
indicated for the range of part-time employment. In all cases the H-1B 
nonimmigrant must be paid the required wage for all hours performing 
work within the meaning of the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. 201 
et seq.
    (ii) Circumstances where wages need not be paid. If an H-1B 
nonimmigrant experiences a period of nonproductive status due to 
conditions unrelated to employment which take the nonimmigrant away from 
his/her duties at his/her voluntary request and convenience (e.g., 
touring the U.S., caring for ill relative) or render the nonimmigrant 
unable to work (e.g., maternity leave, automobile accident which 
temporarily incapacitates the nonimmigrant), then the employer shall not 
be obligated to pay the required wage rate during that period, provided 
that such period is not subject to payment under the employer's benefit 
plan or other statutes such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (29 
U.S.C. 2601 et seq.) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 
12101 et seq.). Payment need not be made if there has been a bona fide 
termination of the employment relationship. DHS regulations require the 
employer to notify the DHS that the employment relationship has been 
terminated so that the petition is canceled (8 CFR 214.2(h)(11)), and 
require the employer to provide the employee with payment for 
transportation home under certain circumstances (8 CFR 
214.2(h)(4)(iii)(E)).
    (8) If the employee works in an occupation other than that 
identified on the employer's LCA, the employer's required wage 
obligation is based on the occupation identified on the LCA, and not on 
whatever wage standards may be applicable in the occupation in which the 
employee may be working.
    (9) ``Authorized deductions,'' for purposes of the employer's 
satisfaction of the H-1B required wage obligation, means a deduction 
from wages in complete compliance with one of the following three sets 
of criteria (i.e., paragraph (c)(9)(i), (ii), or (iii))--
    (i) Deduction which is required by law (e.g., income tax; FICA); or
    (ii) Deduction which is authorized by a collective bargaining 
agreement, or is reasonable and customary in the occupation and/or area 
of employment (e.g., union dues; contribution to premium for health 
insurance policy covering all employees; savings or retirement fund 
contribution for plan(s) in compliance with the Employee Retirement 
Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. 1001, et seq.), except that the deduction 
may not recoup a business expense(s) of the employer (including attorney 
fees and other costs connected to the performance of H-1B program 
functions which are required to be performed by the employer, e.g., 
preparation and filing of LCA and H-1B petition); the deduction must 
have been revealed to the worker prior to the commencement of employment 
and, if the deduction was a condition of employment, had been clearly 
identified as such; and the deduction must be made against wages of U.S. 
workers as well as H-1B nonimmigrants (where there are U.S. workers); or
    (iii) Deduction which meets the following requirements:

[[Page 500]]

    (A) Is made in accordance with a voluntary, written authorization by 
the employee (Note to paragraph (c)(9)(iii)(A): an employee's mere 
acceptance of a job which carries a deduction as a condition of 
employment does not constitute voluntary authorization, even if such 
condition were stated in writing);
    (B) Is for a matter principally for the benefit of the employee 
(Note to paragraph (c)(9)(iii)(B): housing and food allowances would be 
considered to meet this ``benefit of employee'' standard, unless the 
employee is in travel status, or unless the circumstances indicate that 
the arrangements for the employee's housing or food are principally for 
the convenience or benefit of the employer (e.g., employee living at 
worksite in ``on call'' status));
    (C) Is not a recoupment of the employer's business expense (e.g., 
tools and equipment; transportation costs where such transportation is 
an incident of, and necessary to, the employment; living expenses when 
the employee is traveling on the employer's business; attorney fees and 
other costs connected to the performance of H-1B program functions which 
are required to be performed by the employer (e.g., preparation and 
filing of LCA and H-1B petition)). (For purposes of this section, 
initial transportation from, and end-of-employment travel, to the 
worker's home country shall not be considered a business expense.);
    (D) Is an amount that does not exceed the fair market value or the 
actual cost (whichever is lower) of the matter covered (Note to 
paragraph (c)(9)(iii)(D): The employer must document the cost and 
value); and
    (E) Is an amount that does not exceed the limits set for garnishment 
of wages in the Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1673, and the 
regulations of the Secretary pursuant to that Act, 29 CFR part 870, 
under which garnishment(s) may not exceed 25 percent of an employee's 
disposable earnings for a workweek.
    (10) A deduction from or reduction in the payment of the required 
wage is not authorized (and is therefore prohibited) for the following 
purposes (i.e., paragraphs (c)(10) (i) and (ii)):
    (i) A penalty paid by the H-1B nonimmigrant for ceasing employment 
with the employer prior to a date agreed to by the nonimmigrant and the 
employer.
    (A) The employer is not permitted to require (directly or 
indirectly) that the nonimmigrant pay a penalty for ceasing employment 
with the employer prior to an agreed date. Therefore, the employer shall 
not make any deduction from or reduction in the payment of the required 
wage to collect such a penalty.
    (B) The employer is permitted to receive bona fide liquidated 
damages from the H-1B nonimmigrant who ceases employment with the 
employer prior to an agreed date. However, the requirements of paragraph 
(c)(9)(iii) of this section must be fully satisfied, if such damages are 
to be received by the employer via deduction from or reduction in the 
payment of the required wage.
    (C) The distinction between liquidated damages (which are 
permissible) and a penalty (which is prohibited) is to be made on the 
basis of the applicable State law. In general, the laws of the various 
States recognize that liquidated damages are amounts which are fixed or 
stipulated by the parties at the inception of the contract, and which 
are reasonable approximations or estimates of the anticipated or actual 
damage caused to one party by the other party's breach of the contract. 
On the other hand, the laws of the various States, in general, consider 
that penalties are amounts which (although fixed or stipulated in the 
contract by the parties) are not reasonable approximations or estimates 
of such damage. The laws of the various States, in general, require that 
the relation or circumstances of the parties, and the purpose(s) of the 
agreement, are to be taken into account, so that, for example, an 
agreement to a payment would be considered to be a prohibited penalty 
where it is the result of fraud or where it cloaks oppression. 
Furthermore, as a general matter, the sum stipulated must take into 
account whether the contract breach is total or partial (i.e., the 
percentage of the employment contract completed). (See, e.g., Vanderbilt 
University v.

[[Page 501]]

DiNardo, 174 F.3d 751 (6th Cir. 1999) (applying Tennessee law); Overholt 
Crop Insurance Service Co. v. Travis, 941 F.2d 1361 (8th Cir. 1991) 
(applying Minnesota and South Dakota law); BDO Seidman v. Hirshberg, 712 
N.E.2d 1220 (N.Y. 1999); Guiliano v. Cleo, Inc., 995 S.W.2d 88 (Tenn. 
1999); Wojtowicz v. Greeley Anesthesia Services, P.C., 961 P.2d 520 
(Colo.Ct.App. 1998); see generally, Restatement (Second) Contracts Sec.  
356 (comment b); 22 Am.Jur.2d Damages Sec. Sec.  683, 686, 690, 693, 
703). In an enforcement proceeding under subpart I of this part, the 
Administrator shall determine, applying relevant State law (including 
consideration where appropriate to actions by the employer, if any, 
contributing to the early cessation, such as the employer's constructive 
discharge of the nonimmigrant or non-compliance with its obligations 
under the INA and its regulations) whether the payment in question 
constitutes liquidated damages or a penalty. (Note to paragraph 
(c)(10)(i)(C): The $500/$1,000 filing fee, if any, under section 214(c) 
of the INA can never be included in any liquidated damages received by 
the employer. See paragraph (c)(10)(ii), which follows.)
    (ii) A rebate of the $500/$1,000 filing fee paid by the employer, if 
any, under section 214(c) of the INA. The employer may not receive, and 
the H-1B nonimmigrant may not pay, any part of the $500 additional 
filing fee (for a petition filed prior to December 18, 2000) or $1,000 
additional filing fee (for a petition filed on or subsequent to December 
18, 2000), whether directly or indirectly, voluntarily or involuntarily. 
Thus, no deduction from or reduction in wages for purposes of a rebate 
of any part of this fee is permitted. Further, if liquidated damages are 
received by the employer from the H-1B nonimmigrant upon the 
nonimmigrant's ceasing employment with the employer prior to a date 
agreed to by the nonimmigrant and the employer, such liquidated damages 
shall not include any part of the $500/$1,000 filing fee (see paragraph 
(c)(10)(i) of this section). If the filing fee is paid by a third party 
and the H-1B nonimmigrant reimburses all or part of the fee to such 
third party, the employer shall be considered to be in violation of this 
prohibition since the employer would in such circumstances have been 
spared the expense of the fee which the H-1B nonimmigrant paid.
    (11) Any unauthorized deduction taken from wages is considered by 
the Department to be non-payment of that amount of wages, and in the 
event of an investigation, will result in back wage assessment (plus 
civil money penalties and/or disqualification from H-1B and other 
immigration programs, if willful).
    (12) Where the employer depresses the employee's wages below the 
required wage by imposing on the employee any of the employer's business 
expenses(s), the Department will consider the amount to be an 
unauthorized deduction from wages even if the matter is not shown in the 
employer's payroll records as a deduction.
    (13) Where the employer makes deduction(s) for repayment of loan(s) 
or wage advance(s) made to the employee, the Department, in the event of 
an investigation, will require the employer to establish the legitimacy 
and purpose(s) of the loan(s) or wage advance(s), with reference to the 
standards set out in paragraph (c)(9)(iii) of this section.
    (d) Enforcement actions. (1) In the event that a complaint is filed 
pursuant to subpart I of this part, alleging a failure to meet the 
``prevailing wage'' condition or a material misrepresentation by the 
employer regarding the payment of the required wage, or pursuant to such 
other basis for investigation as the Administrator may find, the 
Administrator shall determine whether the employer has the documentation 
required in paragraph (b)(3)of this section, and whether the 
documentation supports the employer's wage attestation. Where the 
documentation is either nonexistent or is insufficient to determine the 
prevailing wage (e.g., does not meet the criteria specified in this 
section, in which case the Administrator may find a violation of 
paragraph (b)(1), (2), or (3), of this section); or where, based on 
significant evidence regarding wages paid for the occupation in the area 
of intended employment, the Administrator has reason to believe that the 
prevailing wage finding obtained from an independent authoritative 
source or

[[Page 502]]

another legitimate source varies substantially from the wage prevailing 
for the occupation in the area of intended employment; or where the 
employer has been unable to demonstrate that the prevailing wage 
determined by another legitimate source is in accordance with the 
regulatory criteria, the Administrator may contact ETA, which shall 
provide the Administrator with a prevailing wage determination, which 
the Administrator shall use as the basis for determining violations and 
for computing back wages, if such wages are found to be owed. The 30-day 
investigatory period shall be suspended while ETA makes the prevailing 
wage determination and, in the event that the employer timely challenges 
the determination (see Sec.  655.731(d)(2)), shall be suspended until 
the challenge process is completed and the Administrator's investigation 
can be resumed.
    (2) In the event the Administrator obtains a prevailing wage from 
ETA pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, and the employer 
desires review, including judicial review, the employer shall challenge 
the ETA prevailing wage only by filing a request for review under Sec.  
656.41 of this chapter within 30 days of the employer's receipt of the 
PWD from the Administrator. If the request is timely filed, the decision 
of OFLC is suspended until the Center Director issues a determination on 
the employer's appeal. If the employer desires review, including 
judicial review, of the decision of the NPC Center Director, the 
employer shall make a request for review of the determination by the 
Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA) under Sec.  656.41(e) 
of this chapter within 30 days of the receipt of the decision of the 
Center Director. If a request for review is timely filed with the BALCA, 
the determination by the Center Director is suspended until the BALCA 
issues a determination on the employer's appeal. In any challenge to the 
wage determination, neither ETA nor the NPC shall divulge any employer 
wage data collected under the promise of confidentiality.
    (i) Where an employer timely challenges an OFLC PWD obtained by the 
Administrator, the 30-day investigative period shall be suspended until 
the employer obtains a final ruling. Upon such a final ruling, the 
investigation and any subsequent enforcement proceeding shall continue, 
with the PWD as determined by the BALCA serving as the conclusive 
determination for all purposes.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For purposes of this paragraph (d), OFLC may consult with the 
NPC to ascertain the prevailing wage applicable under the circumstances 
of the particular complaint.

[65 FR 80214, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 69 
FR 68228, Nov. 23, 2004; 69 FR 77384, Dec. 27, 2004; 71 FR 35521, June 
21, 2006; 73 FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008; 73 FR 78067, Dec. 19, 2008; 74 FR 
45561, Sept. 3, 2009; 85 FR 63914, Oct. 8, 2020]

    Effective Date Note: At 86 FR 3672, Jan. 14, 2021, Sec.  655.731 was 
amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) introductory text, 
(a)(2)(ii)(A) introductory text, and (a)(2)(ii)(A)(2), effective Mar. 
15, 2021. At 86 FR 13996, Mar. 12, 2021, the effective date was extended 
to May 14, 2021. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is 
set forth as follows:



Sec.  655.731  What is the first LCA requirement, regarding wages?

                                * * * * *

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) If the job opportunity is not covered by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 
this section, the prevailing wage shall be based on the wages of workers 
similarly employed as determined by the wage component of the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) 
in accordance with 20 CFR 656.40(b)(2)(i); a current wage as determined 
in the area under the Davis-Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 276a et seq. (see 29 
CFR part 1), or the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act, 41 U.S.C. 351 
et seq. (see 29 CFR part 4); an independent authoritative source in 
accordance with paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this section; or another 
legitimate source of wage data in accordance with paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(C) of this section. If an employer uses an independent 
authoritative source or other legitimate source of wage data, the 
prevailing wage shall be the arithmetic mean of the wages of workers 
similarly employed, except that the prevailing wage shall be the median 
when provided by paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A), (b)(3)(iii)(B)(2), and 
(b)(3)(iii)(C)(2) of this section. The prevailing wage rate shall be 
based on the best information available. The following prevailing wage 
sources may be used:

[[Page 503]]

    (A) OFLC National Processing Center (NPC) determination. The NPC 
shall receive and process prevailing wage determination requests in 
accordance with these regulations and Department guidance. Upon receipt 
of a written request for a PWD, the NPC will determine whether the 
occupation is covered by a collective bargaining agreement which was 
negotiated at arm's length, and, if not, determine the wages of workers 
similarly employed using the wage component of the BLS OES and selecting 
an appropriate wage level in accordance with 20 CFR 656.40(b)(2)(i), 
unless the employer provides an acceptable survey. The NPC shall 
determine the wage in accordance with secs. 212(n), 212(p), and 212(t) 
of the INA and in a manner consistent with 20 CFR 656.40(b)(2). If an 
acceptable employer-provided wage survey provides an arithmetic mean 
then that wage shall be the prevailing wage; if an acceptable employer-
provided wage survey provides a median and does not provide an 
arithmetic mean, the median shall be the prevailing wage applicable to 
the employer's job opportunity. In making a PWD, the NPC will follow 20 
CFR 656.40 and other administrative guidelines or regulations issued by 
ETA. The NPC shall specify the validity period of the PWD, which in no 
event shall be for less than 90 days or more than 1 year from the date 
of the determination.

                                * * * * *

    (2) If the employer is unable to wait for the NPC to produce the 
requested prevailing wage for the occupation in question, or for the CO 
and/or the BALCA to issue a decision, the employer may rely on other 
legitimate sources of available wage information as set forth in 
paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of this section. If the employer later 
discovers, upon receipt of the PWD from the NPC, that the information 
relied upon produced a wage below the final PWD and the employer was not 
paying the NPC-determined wage, no wage violation will be found if the 
employer retroactively compensates the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) for the 
difference between the wage paid and the prevailing wage, within 30 days 
of the employer's receipt of the PWD.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  655.732  What is the second LCA requirement, regarding working
conditions?

    An employer seeking to employ H-1B nonimmigrants in specialty 
occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability 
shall state on Form ETA 9035 or 9035E that the employment of H-1B 
nonimmigrants will not adversely affect the working conditions of 
workers similarly employed in the area of intended employment. For the 
purposes of this section, ``H-1B'' includes ``E-3 and H-1B1'' as well.
    (a) Establishing the working conditions requirement. The second LCA 
requirement shall be satisfied when the employer affords working 
conditions to its H-1B nonimmigrant employees on the same basis and in 
accordance with the same criteria as it affords to its U.S. worker 
employees who are similarly employed, and without adverse effect upon 
the working conditions of such U.S. worker employees. Working conditions 
include matters such as hours, shifts, vacation periods, and benefits 
such as seniority-based preferences for training programs and work 
schedules. The employer's obligation regarding working conditions shall 
extend for the longer of two periods: the validity period of the 
certified LCA, or the period during which the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) 
is(are) employed by the employer.
    (b) Documentation of the working condition statement. In the event 
of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of this part, the 
employer shall produce documentation to show that it has afforded its H-
1B nonimmigrant employees working conditions on the same basis and in 
accordance with the same criteria as it affords its U.S. worker 
employees who are similarly employed.

[65 FR 80221, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 73 
FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.733  What is the third LCA requirement, regarding strikes
and lockouts?

    An employer seeking to employ H-1B nonimmigrants shall state on Form 
ETA 9035 or 9035E that there is not at that time a strike or lockout in 
the course of a labor dispute in the occupational classification at the 
place of employment. A strike or lockout which occurs after the labor 
condition application is filed by the employer with DOL is covered by 
DHS regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(17). For the purposes of this section, 
``H-1B'' includes ``E-3 and H-1B1'' as well.
    (a) Establishing the no strike or lockout requirement. The third 
labor condition

[[Page 504]]

application requirement shall be satisfied when the employer signs the 
labor condition application attesting that, as of the date the 
application is filed, the employer is not involved in a strike, lockout, 
or work stoppage in the course of a labor dispute in the occupational 
classification in the area of intended employment. Labor disputes for 
the purpose of this section relate only to those disputes involving 
employees of the employer working at the place of employment in the 
occupational classification named in the labor condition application. 
See also DHS regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(17) for effects of strikes or 
lockouts in general on the H-1B nonimmigrant's employment.
    (1) Strike or lockout subsequent to certification of labor condition 
application. In order to remain in compliance with the no strike or 
lockout labor condition statement, if a strike or lockout of workers in 
the same occupational classification as the H-1B nonimmigrant occurs at 
the place of employment during the validity of the labor condition 
application, the employer, within three days of the occurrence of the 
strike or lockout, shall submit to ETA, by U.S. mail, facsimile (FAX), 
or private carrier, written notice of the strike or lockout. Further, 
the employer shall not place, assign, lease, or otherwise contract out 
an H-1B nonimmigrant, during the entire period of the labor condition 
application's validity, to any place of employment where there is a 
strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the same 
occupational classification as the H-1B nonimmigrant. Finally, the 
employer shall not use the labor condition application in support of any 
petition filings for H-1B nonimmigrants to work in such occupational 
classification at such place of employment until ETA determines that the 
strike or lockout has ended.
    (2) ETA notice to DHS. Upon receiving from an employer a notice 
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, ETA shall examine the 
documentation, and may consult with the union at the employer's place of 
business or other appropriate entities. If ETA determines that the 
strike or lockout is covered under DHS's ``Effect of strike'' regulation 
for ``H'' visa holders, ETA shall certify to DHS, in the manner set 
forth in that regulation, that a strike or other labor dispute involving 
a work stoppage of workers in the same occupational classification as 
the H-1B nonimmigrant is in progress at the place of employment. See 8 
CFR 214.2(h)(17).
    (b) Documentation of the third labor condition statement. The 
employer need not develop nor maintain documentation to substantiate the 
statement referenced in paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of an 
investigation, however, the employer has the burden of proof to show 
that there was no strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute for 
the occupational classification in which an H-1B nonimmigrant is 
employed, either at the time the application was filed or during the 
validity period of the LCA.

[59 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 
2001; 73 FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.734  What is the fourth LCA requirement, regarding notice?

    An employer seeking to employ H-1B nonimmigrants shall state on Form 
ETA 9035 or 9035E that the employer has provided notice of the filing of 
the labor condition application to the bargaining representative of the 
employer's employees in the occupational classification in which the H-
1B nonimmigrants will be employed or are intended to be employed in the 
area of intended employment, or, if there is no such bargaining 
representative, has posted notice of filing in conspicuous locations in 
the employer's establishment(s) in the area of intended employment, in 
the manner described in this section. For the purposes of this section, 
``H-1B'' includes ``E-3 and H-1B1'' as well.
    (a) Establishing the notice requirement. The fourth labor condition 
application requirement shall be established when the conditions of 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section are met.
    (1)(i) Where there is a collective bargaining representative for the 
occupational classification in which the H-1B nonimmigrants will be 
employed, on or within 30 days before the date the labor condition 
application is filed with ETA, the employer shall provide notice to the 
bargaining representative that a

[[Page 505]]

labor condition application is being, or will be, filed with ETA. The 
notice shall identify the number of H-1B nonimmigrants the employer is 
seeking to employ; the occupational classification in which the H-1B 
nonimmigrants will be employed; the wages offered; the period of 
employment; and the location(s) at which the H-1B nonimmigrants will be 
employed. Notice under this paragraph (a)(1)(i) shall include the 
following statement: ``Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material 
facts in the labor condition application and/or failure to comply with 
the terms of the labor condition application may be filed with any 
office of the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of 
Labor.''
    (ii) Where there is no collective bargaining representative, the 
employer shall, on or within 30 days before the date the LCA is filed 
with ETA, provide a notice of the filing of the LCA. The notice shall 
indicate that H-1B nonimmigrants are sought; the number of such 
nonimmigrants the employer is seeking; the occupational classification; 
the wages offered; the period of employment; the location(s) at which 
the H-1B nonimmigrants will be employed; and that the LCA is available 
for public inspection at the H-1B employer's principal place of business 
in the U.S. or at the worksite. The notice shall also include the 
statement: ``Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in 
the labor condition application and/or failure to comply with the terms 
of the labor condition application may be filed with any office of the 
Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor.'' If 
the employer is an H-1B-dependent employer or a willful violator, and 
the LCA is not being used only for exempt H-1B nonimmigrants, the notice 
shall also set forth the nondisplacement and recruitment obligations to 
which the employer has attested, and shall include the following 
additional statement: ``Complaints alleging failure to offer employment 
to an equally or better qualified U.S. applicant or an employer's 
misrepresentation regarding such offers of employment may be filed with 
the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Office of Special 
Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, 950 
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20530, Telephone: 1 (800) 255-
8155 (employers), 1 (800) 255-7688 (employees); Web address: http://
www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc.'' The notice shall be provided in one of the two 
following manners:
    (A) Hard copy notice, by posting a notice in at least two 
conspicuous locations at each place of employment where any H-1B 
nonimmigrant will be employed (whether such place of employment is owned 
or operated by the employer or by some other person or entity).
    (1) The notice shall be of sufficient size and visibility, and shall 
be posted in two or more conspicuous places so that workers in the 
occupational classification at the place(s) of employment can easily see 
and read the posted notice(s).
    (2) Appropriate locations for posting the notices include, but are 
not limited to, locations in the immediate proximity of wage and hour 
notices required by 29 CFR 516.4 or occupational safety and health 
notices required by 29 CFR 1903.2(a).
    (3) The notices shall be posted on or within 30 days before the date 
the labor condition application is filed and shall remain posted for a 
total of 10 days.
    (B) Electronic notice, by providing electronic notification to 
employees in the occupational classification (including both employees 
of the H-1B employer and employees of another person or entity which 
owns or operates the place of employment) for which H-1B nonimmigrants 
are sought, at each place of employment where any H-1B nonimmigrant will 
be employed. Such notification shall be given on or within 30 days 
before the date the labor condition application is filed, and shall be 
available to the affected employees for a total of 10 days, except that 
if employees are provided individual, direct notice (as by e-mail), 
notification only need be given once during the required time period. 
Notification shall be readily available to the affected employees. An 
employer may accomplish this by any means it ordinarily uses to 
communicate with its workers about job vacancies or promotion 
opportunities,

[[Page 506]]

including through its ``home page'' or ``electronic bulletin board'' to 
employees who have, as a practical matter, direct access to these 
resources; or through e-mail or an actively circulated electronic 
message such as the employer's newsletter. Where affected employees at 
the place of employment are not on the ``intranet'' which provides 
direct access to the home page or other electronic site but do have 
computer access readily available, the employer may provide notice to 
such workers by direct electronic communication such as e-mail (i.e., a 
single, personal e-mail message to each such employee) or by arranging 
to have the notice appear for 10 days on an intranet which includes the 
affected employees (e.g., contractor arranges to have notice on 
customer's intranet accessible to affected employees). Where employees 
lack practical computer access, a hard copy must be posted in accordance 
with paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, or the employer may 
provide employees individual copies of the notice.
    (2) Where the employer places any H-1B nonimmigrant(s) at one or 
more worksites not contemplated at the time of filing the application, 
but which are within the area of intended employment listed on the LCA, 
the employer is required to post electronic or hard-copy notice(s) at 
such worksite(s), in the manner described in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, on or before the date any H-1B nonimmigrant begins work.
    (3) The employer shall, no later than the date the H-1B nonimmigrant 
reports to work at the place of employment, provide the H-1B 
nonimmigrant with a copy of the LCA (Form ETA 9035, or Form ETA 9035E) 
certified by ETA and signed by the employer (or by the employer's 
authorized agent or representative). Upon request, the employer shall 
provide the H-1B nonimmigrant with a copy of the cover pages, Form ETA 
9035CP.
    (b) Documentation of the fourth labor condition statement. The 
employer shall develop and maintain documentation sufficient to meet its 
burden of proving the validity of the statement referenced in paragraph 
(a) of this section and attested to on Form ETA 9035 or 9035E. Such 
documentation shall include a copy of the dated notice and the name and 
address of the collective bargaining representative to whom the notice 
was provided. Where there is no collective bargaining representative, 
the employer shall note and retain the dates when, and locations where, 
the notice was posted and shall retain a copy of the posted notice.
    (c) Records retention; records availability. The employer's 
documentation shall not be submitted to ETA with the labor condition 
application, but shall be retained for the period of time specified in 
Sec.  655.760(c) of this part. The documentation shall be made available 
for public examination as required in Sec.  655.760(a) of this part, and 
shall be made available to DOL upon request.

[65 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80221, Dec. 20, 
2000; 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 70 FR 72563, Dec. 5, 2005; 73 FR 19949, 
Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.735  What are the special provisions for short-term placement
of H-1B nonimmigrants at place(s) of employment outside the area(s) of
intended employment listed on the LCA?

    This section does not apply to E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrants.
    (a) Subject to the conditions specified in this section, an employer 
may make short-term placements or assignments of H-1B nonimmigrant(s) at 
worksite(s) (place(s) of employment) in areas not listed on the 
employer's approved LCA(s) without filing new labor condition 
application(s) for such area(s).
    (b) The following conditions must be fully satisfied by an employer 
during all short-term placement(s) or assignment(s) of H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) at worksite(s) (place(s) of employment) in areas not 
listed on the employer's approved LCA(s):
    (1) The employer has fully satisfied the requirements of Sec. Sec.  
655.730 through 655.734 with regard to worksite(s) located within the 
area(s) of intended employment listed on the employer's LCA(s).
    (2) The employer shall not place, assign, lease, or otherwise 
contract out any H-1B nonimmigrant(s) to any worksite where there is a 
strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute

[[Page 507]]

in the same occupational classification(s) as that of the H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s).
    (3) For every day the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) is placed or assigned 
outside the area(s) of employment listed on the approved LCA(s) for such 
worker(s), the employer shall:
    (i) Continue to pay such worker(s) the required wage (based on the 
prevailing wage at such worker's(s') permanent worksite, or the 
employer's actual wage, whichever is higher);
    (ii) Pay such worker(s) the actual cost of lodging (for both 
workdays and non-workdays); and
    (iii) Pay such worker(s) the actual cost of travel, meals and 
incidental or miscellaneous expenses (for both workdays and non-
workdays).
    (c) An employer's short-term placement(s) or assignment(s) of H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) at any worksite(s) in an area of employment not listed 
on the employer's approved LCA(s) shall not exceed a total of 30 
workdays in a one-year period for any H-1B nonimmigrant at any worksite 
or combination of worksites in the area, except that such placement or 
assignment of an H-1B nonimmigrant may be for longer than 30 workdays 
but for no more than a total of 60 workdays in a one-year period where 
the employer is able to show the following:
    (1) The H-1B nonimmigrant continues to maintain an office or work 
station at his/her permanent worksite (e.g., the worker has a dedicated 
workstation and telephone line(s) at the permanent worksite);
    (2) The H-1B nonimmigrant spends a substantial amount of time at the 
permanent worksite in a one-year period; and
    (3) The H-1B nonimmigrant's U.S. residence or place of abode is 
located in the area of the permanent worksite and not in the area of the 
short-term worksite(s) (e.g., the worker's personal mailing address; the 
worker's lease for an apartment or other home; the worker's bank 
accounts; the worker's automobile driver's license; the residence of the 
worker's dependents).
    (d) For purposes of this section, the term workday shall mean any 
day on which an H-1B nonimmigrant performs any work at any worksite(s) 
within the area of short-term placement or assignment. For example, 
three workdays would be counted where a nonimmigrant works three non-
consecutive days at three different worksites (whether or not the 
employer owns or controls such worksite(s)), within the same area of 
employment. Further, for purposes of this section, the term one-year 
period shall mean the calendar year (i.e., January 1 through December 
31) or the employer's fiscal year, whichever the employer chooses.
    (e) The employer may not make short-term placement(s) or 
assignment(s) of H-1B nonimmigrant(s) under this section at worksite(s) 
in any area of employment for which the employer has a certified LCA for 
the occupational classification. Further, an H-1B nonimmigrant entering 
the U.S. is required to be placed at a worksite in accordance with the 
approved petition and supporting LCA; thus, the nonimmigrant's initial 
placement or assignment cannot be a short-term placement under this 
section. In addition, the employer may not continuously rotate H-1B 
nonimmigrants on short-term placement or assignment to an area of 
employment in a manner that would defeat the purpose of the short-term 
placement option, which is to provide the employer with flexibility in 
assignments to afford enough time to obtain an approved LCA for an area 
where it intends to have a continuing presence (e.g., an employer may 
not rotate H-1B nonimmigrants to an area of employment for 20-day 
periods, with the result that nonimmigrants are continuously or 
virtually continuously employed in the area of employment, in order to 
avoid filing an LCA; such an employer would violate the short-term 
placement provisions).
    (f) Once any H-1B nonimmigrant's short-term placement or assignment 
has reached the workday limit specified in paragraph (c) of this section 
in an area of employment, the employer shall take one of the following 
actions:
    (1) File an LCA and obtain ETA certification, and thereafter place 
any H-1B nonimmigrant(s) in that occupational classification at 
worksite(s) in that area pursuant to the LCA (i.e., the employer shall 
perform all actions required in connection with such LCA,

[[Page 508]]

including determination of the prevailing wage and notice to workers); 
or
    (2) Immediately terminate the placement of any H-1B nonimmigrant(s) 
who reaches the workday limit in an area of employment. No worker may 
exceed the workday limit within the one-year period specified in 
paragraph (d) of this section, unless the employer first files an LCA 
for the occupational classification for the area of employment. 
Employers are cautioned that if any worker exceeds the workday limit 
within the one-year period, then the employer has violated the terms of 
its LCA(s) and the regulations in the subpart, and thereafter the short-
term placement option cannot be used by the employer for H-1B 
nonimmigrants in that occupational classification in that area of 
employment.
    (g) An employer is not required to use the short-term placement 
option provided by this section, but may choose to make each placement 
or assignment of an H-1B nonimmigrant at worksite(s) in a new area of 
employment pursuant to a new LCA for such area. Further, an employer 
which uses the short-term placement option is not required to continue 
to use the option. Such an employer may, at any time during the period 
identified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, file an LCA for 
the new area of employment (performing all actions required in 
connection with such LCA); upon certification of such LCA, the 
employer's obligation to comply with this section concerning short-term 
placement shall terminate. (However, see Sec.  655.731(c)(9)(iii)(C) 
regarding payment of business expenses for employee's travel on 
employer's business.)

[65 FR 80222, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.736  What are H-1B-dependent employers and willful violators?

    Two attestation obligations apply only to two types of employers: H-
1B-dependent employers (as described in paragraphs (a) through (e) of 
this section) and employers found to have willfully violated their H-1B 
obligations within a certain five-year period (as described in paragraph 
(f) of this section). These obligations apply only to certain labor 
condition applications filed by such employers (as described in 
paragraph (g) of this section), and do not apply to LCAs filed by such 
employers solely for the employment of ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants (as 
described in paragraph (g) of this section and Sec.  655.737). These 
obligations require that such employers not displace U.S. workers from 
jobs (as described in Sec.  655.738) and that such employers recruit 
U.S. workers before hiring H-1B nonimmigrants (as described in Sec.  
655.739).
    (a) What constitutes an ``H-1B-dependent'' employer? (1) ``H-1B-
dependent employer,'' for purposes of THIS subpart H and subpart I of 
this part, means an employer that meets one of the three following 
standards, which are based on the ratio between the employer's total 
work force employed in the U.S. (including both U.S. workers and H-1B 
nonimmigrants, and measured according to full-time equivalent employees) 
and the employer's H-1B nonimmigrant employees (a ``head count'' 
including both full-time and part-time H-1B employees)--
    (i)(A) The employer has 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees 
who are employed in the U.S.; and
    (B) Employs more than seven H-1B nonimmigrants;
    (ii)(A) The employer has at least 26 but not more than 50 full-time 
equivalent employees who are employed in the U.S.; and
    (B) Employs more than 12 H-1B nonimmigrant; or
    (iii)(A) The employer has at least 51 full-time equivalent employees 
who are employed in the U.S.; and
    (B) Employs H-1B nonimmigrants in a number that is equal to at least 
15 percent of the number of such full-time equivalent employees.
    (2) ``Full-time equivalent employees'' (FTEs), for purposes of 
paragraph (a) of this section are to be determined according to the 
following standards:
    (i) The determination of FTEs is to include only persons employed by 
the employer (as defined in Sec.  655.715), and does not include bona 
fide consultants and independent contractors. For purposes of this 
section, the Department will accept the employer's designation of 
persons as ``employees,'' provided that such persons are consistently

[[Page 509]]

treated as ``employees'' for all purposes including FICA, FLSA, etc.
    (ii) The determination of FTEs is to be based on the following 
records:
    (A) To determine the number of employees, the employer's quarterly 
tax statement (or similar document) is to be used (assuming there is no 
issue as to whether all employees are listed on the tax statement); and
    (B) To determine the number of hours of work by part-time employees, 
for purposes of aggregating such employees to FTEs, the last payroll (or 
the payrolls over the previous quarter, if the last payroll is not 
representative) is to be used, or where hours of work records are not 
maintained, other available information is to be used to make a 
reasonable approximation of hours of work (such as a standard work 
schedule). (But see paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(B)(1) of this section 
regarding the determination of FTEs for part-time employees without a 
computation of the hours worked by such employees.)
    (iii) The FTEs employed by the employer means the total of the two 
numbers yielded by paragraphs (a)(2)(iii)(A) and (B), which follow:
    (A) The number of full-time employees. A full-time employee is one 
who works 40 or more hours per week, unless the employer can show that 
less than 40 hours per week is full-time employment in its regular 
course of business (however, in no event would less than 35 hours per 
week be considered to be full-time employment). Each full-time employee 
equals one FTE (e.g., 50 full-time employees would yield 50 FTEs). (Note 
to paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(A): An employee who commonly works more than 
the number of hours constituting full-time employment cannot be counted 
as more than one FTE.); plus
    (B) The part-time employees aggregated to a number of full-time 
equivalents, if the employer has part-time employees. For purposes of 
this determination, a part-time employee is one who regularly works 
fewer than the number of hours per week which constitutes full-time 
employment (e.g., employee regularly works 20 hours, where full-time 
employment is 35 hours per week). The aggregation of part-time employees 
to FTEs may be performed by either of the following methods (i.e., 
paragraphs (a)(2)(iii)(B)(1) or (2)):
    (1) Each employee working fewer than full-time hours counted as one-
half of an FTE, with the total rounded to the next higher whole number 
(e.g., three employees working fewer than 35 hours per week, where full-
time employment is 35 hours, would yield two FTEs (i.e., 1.5 rounded to 
2)); or
    (2) The total number of hours worked by all part-time employees in 
the representative pay period, divided by the number of hours per week 
that constitute full-time employment, with the quotient rounded to the 
nearest whole number (e.g., 72 total hours of work by three part-time 
employees, divided by 40 (hours per week constituting full-time 
employment), would yield two FTEs (i.e., 1.8 rounded to 2)).
    (iv) Examples of determinations of FTEs: Employer A has 100 
employees, 70 of whom are full-time (with full-time employment shown to 
be 44 hours of work per week) and 30 of whom are part-time (with a total 
of 1004 hours of work by all 30 part-time employees during the 
representative pay period). Utilizing the method in paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii)(B)(1) of this section, this employer would have 85 FTEs: 70 
FTEs for full-time employees, plus 15 FTEs for part-time employees 
(i.e., each of the 30 part-time employees counted as one-half of a full-
time employee, as described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(B)(1) of this 
section). (This employer would have 23 FTEs for part-time employees, if 
these FTEs were computed as described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(B)(2) of 
this section: 1004 total hours of work by part-time employees, divided 
by 44 (full-time employment), yielding 22.8, rounded to 23)). Employer B 
has 100 employees, 80 of whom are full-time (with full-time employment 
shown to be 40 hours of work per week) and 20 of whom are part-time 
(with a total of 630 hours of work by all 30 part-time employees during 
the representative pay period). This employer would have 90 FTEs: 80 
FTEs for full-time employees, plus 10 FTEs for part-time employees 
(i.e., each of the 20 part-time employees counted as one-half of a full-
time employee, as described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(B)(1) of this 
section) (This

[[Page 510]]

employer would have 16 FTEs for part-time employees, if these FTEs were 
computed as described in paragraph (a)(2)(iii)(B)(2) of this section: 
630 total hours of work by part-time employees, divided by 40 (full-time 
employment), yielding 15.7, rounded to 16)).
    (b) What constitutes an ``employer'' for purposes of determining H-
1B-dependency status? Any group treated as a single employer under the 
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) at 26 U.S.C. 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) shall 
be treated as a single employer for purposes of the determination of H-
1B-dependency. Therefore, if an employer satisfies the requirements of 
the IRC and relevant regulations with respect to the following groups of 
employees, those employees will be treated as employees of a single 
employer for purposes of determining whether that employer is an H-1B-
dependent employer.
    (1) Pursuant to section 414(b) of the IRC and related regulations, 
all employees ``within a controlled group of corporations'' (within the 
meaning of section 1563(a) of the IRC, determined without regard to 
section 1563(a)(4) and (e)(3)(C)), will be treated as employees of a 
single employer. A controlled group of corporations is a parent-
subsidiary-controlled group, a brother-sister-controlled group, or a 
combined group. 26 U.S.C. 1563(a), 26 CFR 1.414(b)-1(a).
    (i) A parent-subsidiary-controlled group is one or more chains of 
corporations connected through stock ownership with a common parent 
corporation where at least 80 percent of the stock (by voting rights or 
value) of each subsidiary corporation is owned by one or more of the 
other corporations (either another subsidiary or the parent 
corporation), and the common parent corporation owns at least 80 percent 
of the stock of at least one subsidiary.
    (ii) A brother-sister-controlled group is a group of corporations in 
which five or fewer persons (individuals, estates, or trusts) own 80 
percent or more of the stock of the corporations and certain other 
ownership criteria are satisfied.
    (iii) A combined group is a group of three or more corporations, 
each of which is a member of a parent-subsidiary controlled group or a 
brother-sister-controlled group and one of which is a common parent 
corporation of a parent-subsidiary-controlled group and is also included 
in a brother-sister-controlled group.
    (2) Pursuant to section 414(c) of the IRC and related regulations, 
all employees of trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) that 
are under common control are treated as employees of a single employer. 
26 U.S.C. 414(c), 26 CFR 1.414(c)-2.
    (i) Trades or businesses are under common control if they are 
included in:
    (A) A parent-subsidiary group of trades or businesses;
    (B) A brother-sister group of trades or businesses; or
    (C) A combined group of trades or businesses.
    (ii) Trades or businesses include sole proprietorships, 
partnerships, estates, trusts or corporations.
    (iii) The standards for determining whether trades or businesses are 
under common control are similar to standards that apply to controlled 
groups of corporations. However, pursuant to 26 CFR 1.414(c)-2(b)(2), 
ownership of at least an 80 percent interest in the profits or capital 
interest of a partnership or the actuarial value of a trust or estate 
constitutes a controlling interest in a trade or business.
    (3) Pursuant to section 414(m) of the IRC and related regulations, 
all employees of the members of an affiliated service group are treated 
as employees of a single employer. 26 U.S.C. 414(m).
    (i) An affiliated service group is, generally, a group consisting of 
a service organization (the ``first organization''), such as a health 
care organization, a law firm or an accounting firm, and one or more of 
the following:
    (A) A second service organization that is a shareholder or partner 
in the first organization and that regularly performs services for the 
first organization (or is regularly associated with the first 
organization in performing services for third persons); or
    (B) Any other organization if :
    (1) A significant portion of the second organization's business is 
the performance of services for the first organization (or an 
organization described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section or for 
both) of a type historically performed in such service field by 
employees, and

[[Page 511]]

    (2) Ten percent or more of the interest in the second organization 
is held by persons who are highly compensated employees of the first 
organization (or an organization described in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of 
this section).
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) Section 414(o) of the IRC provides that the Department of the 
Treasury may issue regulations addressing other business arrangements, 
including employee leasing, in which a group of employees are treated as 
employed by the same employer. However, the Department of the Treasury 
has not issued any regulations under this provision. Therefore, that 
section of the IRC will not be taken into account in determining what 
groups of employees are considered employees of a single employer for 
purposes of H-1B dependency determinations, unless regulations are 
issued by the Treasury Department during the period the dependency 
provisions of the ACWIA are effective.
    (5) The definitions of ``single employer'' set forth in paragraphs 
(b)(1) through (b)(3) of this section are established by the Internal 
Revenue Service (IRS) in regulations located at 26 CFR 1.414(b)-1(a), 
(c)-2 and (m)-5. Guidance on these definitions should be sought from 
those regulations or from the IRS.
    (c) Which employers are required to make determinations of H-1B-
dependency status? Every employer that intends to file an LCA regarding 
H-1B nonimmigrants or to file H-1B petition(s) or request(s) for 
extension(s) of H-1B status from January 19, 2001 through September 30, 
2003, and after March 7, 2005, is required to determine whether it is an 
H-1B-dependent employer or a willful violator which, except as provided 
in Sec.  655.737, will be subject to the additional obligations for H-
1B-dependent employers (see paragraph (g) of this section). No H-1B-
dependent employer or willful violator may use an LCA filed before 
January 19, 2001, and during the period of October 1, 2003 through March 
7, 2005, to support a new H-1B petition or request for an extension of 
status. Furthermore, on all H-1B LCAs filed from January 19, 2001 
through September 30, 2003, and on or after March 8, 2005, an employer 
will be required to attest whether it is an H-1B-dependent employer or 
willful violator. An employer that attests it is non-H-1B-dependent but 
does not meet the ``snap shot'' test set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of 
this section shall make and document a full calculation of its status. 
However, as explained in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section, 
which follow, most employers would not be required to make any 
calculations or to create any documentation as to the determination of 
their H-1B status.
    (1) Employers with readily apparent status concerning H-1B-
dependency need not calculate that status. For most employers, 
regardless of their size, H-1B-dependency status (i.e., H-1B-dependent 
or non-H-1B-dependent) is readily apparent and would require no 
calculations, in that the ratio of H-1B employees to the total workforce 
is obvious and can easily be compared to the definition of ``H-1B-
dependency'' (see definition set out in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section).

    For example: Employer A with 20 employees, only one of whom is an H-
1B non-immigrant, would obviously not be H-1B-dependent and would not 
need to make calculations to confirm that status. Employer B with 45 
employees, 30 of whom are H-1B nonimmigrants, would obviously be H-1B-
dependent and would not need to make calculations. Employer C with 500 
employees, only 30 of whom are H-1B nonimmigrants, would obviously not 
be H-1B-dependent and would not need to make calculations. Employer D 
with 1,000 employees, 850 of whom are H-1B nonimmigrants, would 
obviously be H-1B-dependent and would not have to make calculations.

    (2) Employers with borderline H-1B-dependency status may use a 
``snap-shot'' test to determine whether calculation of that status is 
necessary. Where an employer's H-1B-dependency status (i.e., H-1B-
dependent or non-H-1B-dependent) is not readily apparent, the employer 
may use one of the following tests to determine whether a full 
calculation of the status is needed:
    (i) Small employer (50 or fewer employees). If the employer has 50 
or fewer employees (both full-time and part-time, including H-1B 
nonimmigrants and U.S. workers), then the employer may compare the 
number of its H-1B nonimmigrant employees (both full-time and part-time) 
to the numbers

[[Page 512]]

specified in the definition set out in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, 
and shall fully calculate its H-1B-dependency status (i.e., calculate 
FTEs) where the number of its H-1B nonimmigrant employees is above the 
number specified in the definition. In other words, if the employer has 
25 or fewer employees, and more than seven of them are H-1B 
nonimmigrants, then the employer shall fully calculate its status; if 
the employer has at least 26 but no more than 50 employees, and more 
than 12 of them are H-1B nonimmigrants, then the employer shall fully 
calculate its status.
    (ii) Large employer (51 or more employees). If the number of H-1B 
nonimmigrant employees (both full-time and part-time), divided by the 
number of full-time employees (including H-1B nonimmigrants and U.S. 
workers), is 0.15 or more, then an employer which believes itself to be 
non-H-1B-dependent shall fully calculate its H-1B-dependency status 
(including the calculation of FTEs). In other words, if the number of 
full-time employees (including H-1B nonimmigrants and U.S. workers) 
multiplied by 0.15 yields a number that is equal to or less than the 
number of H-1B nonimmigrant employees (both full-time and part-time), 
then the employer shall attest that it is H-1B-dependent or shall fully 
calculate its H-1B dependency status (including the calculation of 
FTEs).
    (d) What documentation is the employer required to make or maintain, 
concerning its determination of H-1B-dependency status? All employers 
are required to retain copies of H-1B petitions and requests for 
extensions of H-1B status filed with the DHS, as well as the payroll 
records described in Sec.  655.731(b)(1). The nature of any additional 
documentation would depend upon the general characteristics of the 
employer's workforce, as described in paragraphs (d)(1) through (4), 
which follow.
    (1) Employer with readily apparent status concerning H-1B-
dependency. If an employer's H-1B-dependency status (i.e., H-1B-
dependent or non-H-1B-dependent) is readily apparent (as described in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section), then that status must be reflected on 
the employer's LCA but the employer is not required to make or maintain 
any particular documentation. The public access file maintained in 
accordance with Sec.  655.760 would show the H-1B-dependency status, by 
means of copy(ies) of the LCA(s). In the event of an enforcement action 
pursuant to subpart I of this part, the employer's readily apparent 
status could be verified through records to be made available to the 
Administrator (e.g., copies of H-1B petitions; payroll records described 
in Sec.  655.731(b)(1)).
    (2) Employer with borderline H-1B-dependency status. An employer 
which uses a ``snap-shot'' test to determine whether it should undertake 
a calculation of its H-1B-dependency status (as described in paragraph 
(c)(2) of this section) is not required to make or maintain any 
documentation of that ``snap-shot'' test. The employer's status must be 
reflected on the LCA(s), which would be available in the public access 
file. In the event of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of 
this part, the employer's records to be made available to the 
Administrator would enable the employer to show and the Administrator to 
verify the ``snap-shot'' test (e.g., copies of H-1B petitions; payroll 
records described in Sec.  655.731(b)(1)) .
    (3) Employer with H-1B-dependent status. An employer which attests 
that it is H-1B-dependent--whether that status is readily apparent or is 
determined through calculations--is not required to make or maintain any 
documentation of the calculation. The employer's status must be 
reflected on the LCA(s), which would be available in the public access 
file. In the event of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of 
this part, the employer's designation of H-1B-dependent status on the 
LCA(s) would be conclusive and sufficient documentation of that status 
(except where the employer's status had altered to non-H-1B-dependent 
and had been appropriately documented, as described in paragraph 
(d)(5)(ii) of this section).
    (4) Employer with non-H-1B-dependent status who is required to 
perform full calculation. An employer which attests that it is non-H-1B-
dependent and does not meet the ``snap shot'' test set forth in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall retain in its records a dated 
copy of its

[[Page 513]]

calculation that it is not H-1B-dependent. In the event of an 
enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of this part, the employer's 
records to be made available to the Administrator would enable the 
employer to show and the Administrator to verify the employer's 
determination (e.g., copies of H-1B petitions; payroll records described 
in Sec.  655.731(b)(1)).
    (5) Employer which changes its H-1B-dependency status due to changes 
in workforce. An employer may experience a change in its H-1B-dependency 
status, due to changes in the ratio of H-1B nonimmigrant to U.S. workers 
in its workforce. Thus it is important that employers who wish to file a 
new LCA or a new H-1B petition or request for extension of status remain 
cognizant of their dependency status and do a recheck of such status if 
the make-up of their workforce changes sufficiently that their 
dependency status might possibly change. In the event of such a change 
of status, the following standards will apply:
    (i) Change from non-H-1B-dependent to H-1B-dependent. An employer 
which experiences this change in its workforce is not required to make 
or maintain any record of its determination of the change of its H-1B-
dependency status. The employer is not required to file new LCA(s) 
(which would accurately state its H-1B-dependent status), unless it 
seeks to hire new H-1B nonimmigrants or extend the status of existing H-
1B nonimmigrants (see paragraph (g) of this section).
    (ii) Change from H-1B-dependent to non-H-1B-dependent. An employer 
which experiences this change in its workforce is required to perform a 
full calculation of its status (as described in paragraph (c) of this 
section) and to retain a copy of such calculation in its records. If the 
employer seeks to hire new H-1B nonimmigrants or extend the status of 
existing H-1B nonimmigrants (see paragraph (g) of this section), the 
employer shall either file new LCAs reflecting its non-H-1B-dependent 
status or use its existing certified LCAs reflecting an H-1B-dependency 
status, in which case it shall continue to be bound by the dependent-
employer attestations on such LCAs. In the event of an enforcement 
action pursuant to subpart I of this part, the employer's records to be 
made available to the Administrator would enable the employer to show 
and the Administrator to verify the employer's determination (e.g., 
copies of H-1B petitions; payroll records described in Sec.  
655.731(b)(1)).
    (6) Change in corporate structure or identity of employer. If an 
employer which experiences a change in its corporate structure as the 
result of an acquisition, merger, ``spin-off,'' or other such action 
wishes to file a new LCA or a new H-1B petition or request for extension 
of status, the new employing entity shall redetermine its H-1B-
dependency status in accordance with paragraphs (a) and (c) of this 
section (see paragraph (g) of this section). (See Sec.  655.730(e), 
regarding change in corporate structure or identity of employer.) In the 
event of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of this part, the 
employer's calculations where required under paragraph (c) of this 
section and its records to be made available to the Administrator would 
enable the employer to show and the Administrator to verify the 
employer's determination (e.g., copies of H-1B petitions; payroll 
records described in Sec.  655.731(b)(1)).
    (7) ``Single employer'' under IRC test. If an employer utilizes the 
IRC single-employer definition and concludes that it is non-H-1B-
dependent, the employer shall perform the ``snap-shot'' test set forth 
in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, and if it fails to meet that test, 
shall attest that it is H-1B-dependent or shall perform the full 
calculation of dependency status in accordance with paragraph (a) of 
this section. The employer shall place a list of the entities included 
as a ``single employer'' in the public access file maintained in 
accordance with Sec.  766.760. In addition, the employer shall retain in 
its records the ``snap-shot'' or full calculation of its status, as 
appropriate (showing the number of employees of each entity who are 
included in the numerator and denominator of the equation, whether the 
employer utilizes the ``snap shot'' test or a complete calculation as 
described in paragraph (c) of this section). In the event of an 
enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of this part, the employer's 
records to be made

[[Page 514]]

available to the Administrator would enable the employer to show and the 
Administrator to verify the employer's determination (e.g., copies of H-
1B petitions; payroll records described in Sec.  655.731(b)(1)).
    (e) How is an employer's H-1B-dependency status to be shown on the 
LCA? The employer is required to designate its status by marking the 
appropriate box on the Form ETA-9035 or 9035E (i.e., either H-1B-
dependent or non-H-1B-dependent). An employer which marks the 
designation of ``H-1B-dependent'' may also mark the designation of its 
intention to seek only ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants on the LCA (see 
paragraph (g) of this section, and Sec.  655.737). In the event that an 
employer has filed an LCA designating its H-1B-dependency status (either 
H-1B-dependent or non-H-1B-dependent) and thereafter experiences a 
change of status, the employer cannot use that LCA to support H-1B 
petitions for new nonimmigrants or requests for extension of H-1B status 
for existing nonimmigrants. Similarly, an employer that is or becomes H-
1B-dependent cannot continue to use an LCA filed before January 19, 2001 
to support new H-1B petitions or requests for extension of status. In 
such circumstances, the employer shall file a new LCA accurately 
designating its status and shall use that new LCA to support new 
petitions or requests for extensions of status.
    (f) What constitutes a ``willful violator'' employer and what are 
its special obligations?  (1) ``Willful violator'' or ``willful violator 
employer,'' for purposes of this subpart H and subpart I of this part 
means an employer that meets all of the following standards (i.e., 
paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (iii))--
    (i) A finding of violation by the employer (as described in 
paragraph (f)(1) (ii)) is entered in either of the following two types 
of enforcement proceeding:
    (A) A Department of Labor proceeding under section 212(n)(2) of the 
Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C) and subpart I of this part; or
    (B) A Department of Justice proceeding under section 212(n)(5) of 
the Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(5).
    (ii) The agency finds that the employer has committed either a 
willful failure or a misrepresentation of a material fact during the 
five-year period preceding the filing of the LCA; and
    (iii) The agency's finding is entered on or after October 21, 1998.
    (2) For purposes of this paragraph, ``willful failure'' means a 
violation which is a ``willful failure'' as defined in Sec.  655.805(c).
    (g) What LCAs are subject to the additional attestation obligations? 
(1) An employer that is ``H-1B-dependent'' (under the standards 
described in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section) or is a 
``willful violator'' (under the standards described in paragraph (f) of 
this section) is subject to the attestation obligations regarding 
displacement of U.S. workers and recruitment of U.S. workers (under the 
standards described in Sec. Sec.  655.738 and 655.739, respectively) for 
all LCAs that are filed during the time period specified in paragraph 
(g)(2) of this section, to be used to support any petitions for new H-1B 
nonimmigrants or any requests for extensions of status for existing H-1B 
nonimmigrants. An LCA which does not accurately indicate the employer's 
H-1B-dependency status or willful violator status shall not be used to 
support H-1B petitions or requests for extensions. Further, an employer 
which falsely attests to non-H-1B-dependency status, or which 
experiences a change of status to H-1B-dependency but continues to use 
the LCA to support new H-1B petitions or requests for extension of 
status shall--despite the LCA designation of non-H-1B-dependency--be 
held to its obligations to comply with the attestation requirements 
concerning nondisplacement of U.S. workers and recruitment of U.S. 
workers (as described in Sec. Sec.  655.738 and 655.739, respectively), 
as explicitly acknowledged and agreed on the LCA.
    (2) During the period between January 19, 2001 through September 30, 
2003, and on or after March 8, 2005, any employer that is ``H-1B-
dependent'' (under the standards described in paragraphs (a) through (e) 
of this section) or is a ``willful violator'' (under the standards 
described in paragraph (f) of this section) shall file a new LCA 
accurately indicating that status in order to be able to file 
petition(s) for new H-1B

[[Page 515]]

nonimmigrant(s) or request(s) for extension(s) of status for existing H-
1B nonimmigrant(s). An LCA filed during a period when the special 
attestation obligations for H-1B dependent employers and willful 
violators were not in effect (that is before January 19, 2001, and from 
October 1, 2003 through March 7, 2005) may not be used by an H-1B 
dependent employer or willful violator to support petition(s) for new H-
1B nonimmigrant(s) or request(s) for extension(s) of status for existing 
H-1B nonimmigrants.
    (3) An employer that files an LCA indicating ``H-1B-dependent'' and/
or ``willful violator'' status may also indicate on the LCA that all the 
H-1B nonimmigrants to be employed pursuant to that LCA will be ``exempt 
H-1B nonimmigrants'' as described in Sec.  655.737. Such an LCA is not 
subject to the additional LCA attestation obligations, provided that all 
H-1B nonimmigrants employed under it are, in fact, exempt. An LCA which 
indicates that it will be used only for exempt H-1B nonimmigrants shall 
not be used to support H-1B petitions or requests for extensions of 
status for H-1B nonimmigrants who are not, in fact, exempt. Further, an 
employer which attests that the LCA will be used only for exempt H-1B 
nonimmigrants but uses the LCA to employ non-exempt H-1B nonimmigrants 
(through petitions and/or extensions of status) shall--despite the LCA 
designation of exempt H-1B nonimmigrants--be held to its obligations to 
comply with the attestation requirements concerning nondisplacement of 
U.S. workers and recruitment of U.S. workers (as described in Sec. Sec.  
655.738 and 655.739, respectively), as explicitly acknowledged and 
agreed on the LCA.
    (4) The special provisions for H-1B-dependent employers and willful 
violator employers do not apply to LCAs filed from October 1, 2003 
through March 7, 2005, or before January 19, 2001. However, all LCAs 
filed before October 1, 2003, and containing the additional attestation 
obligations described in this section and Sec. Sec.  655.737 through 
655.739, will remain in effect with regard to those obligations, for so 
long as any H-1B nonimmigrant(s) employed pursuant to the LCA(s) remain 
employed by the employer.

[65 FR 80223, Dec. 20, 2000; 66 FR 1375, Jan. 8, 2001, as amended at 66 
FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 70 FR 72563, Dec. 5, 2005]



Sec.  655.737  What are ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants, and how does 
their employment affect the additional attestation obligations of
H-1B-dependent employers and willful violator employers?

    (a) An employer that is H-1B-dependent or a willful violator of the 
H-1B program requirements (as described in Sec.  655.736) is subject to 
the attestation obligations regarding displacement of U.S. workers and 
recruitment of U.S. workers (as described in Sec. Sec.  655.738 and 
655.739, respectively) for all LCAs that are filed during the time 
period specified in Sec.  655.736(g). However, these additional 
obligations do not apply to an LCA filed by such an employer if the LCA 
is used only for the employment of ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants 
(through petitions and/or extensions of status) as described in this 
section.
    (b) What is the test or standard for determining an H-1B 
nonimmigrant's ``exempt'' status? An H-1B nonimmigrant is ``exempt'' for 
purposes of this section if the nonimmigrant meets either of the two 
following criteria:
    (1) Receives wages (including cash bonuses and similar compensation) 
at an annual rate equal to at least $60,000; or
    (2) Has attained a master's or higher degree (or its equivalent) in 
a specialty related to the intended employment.
    (c) How is the $60,000 annual wage to be determined? The H-1B 
nonimmigrant can be considered to be an ``exempt'' worker, for purposes 
of this section, if the nonimmigrant actually receives hourly wages or 
annual salary totaling at least $60,000 in the calendar year. The 
standards applicable to the employer's satisfaction of the required wage 
obligation are applicable to the determination of whether the $60,000 
wages or salary are received (see Sec.  655.731(c)(2) and (3)). Thus, 
employer contributions or costs for benefits such as health insurance, 
life insurance, and pension plans cannot be counted toward this $60,000. 
The compensation to

[[Page 516]]

be counted or credited for these purposes could include cash bonuses and 
similar payments, provided that such compensation is paid to the worker 
``cash in hand, free and clear, when due'' (Sec.  655.731(c)(1)), 
meaning that the compensation has readily determinable market value, is 
readily convertible to cash tender, and is actually received by the 
employee when due (which must be within the year for which the employer 
seeks to count or credit the compensation toward the employee's $60,000 
earnings to qualify for exempt status). Cash bonuses and similar 
compensation can be counted or credited toward the $60,000 for 
``exempt'' status only if payment is assured (i.e., if the payment is 
contingent or conditional on some event such as the employer's annual 
profits, the employer must guarantee payment even if the contingency is 
not met). The full $60,000 annual wages or salary must be received by 
the employee in order for the employee to have ``exempt'' status. The 
wages or salary required for ``exempt'' status cannot be decreased or 
pro rated based on the employee's part-time work schedule; an H-1B 
nonimmigrant working part-time, whose actual annual compensation is less 
than $60,000, would not qualify as exempt on the basis of wages, even if 
the worker's earnings, if projected to a full-time work schedule, would 
theoretically exceed $60,000 in a year. Where an employee works for less 
than a full year, the employee must receive at least the appropriate pro 
rata share of the $60,000 in order to be ``exempt'' (e.g., an employee 
who resigns after three months must be paid at least $15,000). In the 
event of an investigation pursuant to subpart I of this part, the 
Administrator will determine whether the employee has received the 
required $60,000 per year, using the employee's anniversary date to 
determine the one-year period; for an employee who had worked for less 
than a full year (either at the beginning of employment, or after his/
her last anniversary date), the determination as to the $60,000 annual 
wages will be on a pro rata basis (i.e., whether the employee had been 
paid at a rate of $60,000 per year (or $5,000 per month) including any 
unpaid, guaranteed bonuses or similar compensation).
    (d) How is the ``master's or higher degree (or its equivalent) in a 
specialty related to the intended employment'' to be determined? (1) 
``Master's or higher degree (or its equivalent),'' for purposes of this 
section means a foreign academic degree from an institution which is 
accredited or recognized under the law of the country where the degree 
was obtained, and which is equivalent to a master's or higher degree 
issued by a U.S. academic institution. The equivalence to a U.S. 
academic degree cannot be established through experience or through 
demonstration of expertise in the academic specialty (i.e., no ``time 
equivalency'' or ``performance equivalency'' will be recognized as 
substituting for a degree issued by an academic institution). The DHS 
and the Department will consult appropriate sources of expertise in 
making the determination of equivalency between foreign and U.S. 
academic degrees. Upon the request of the DHS or the Department, the 
employer shall provide evidence to establish that the H-1B nonimmigrant 
has received the degree, that the degree was earned in the asserted 
field of study, including an academic transcript of courses, and that 
the institution from which the degree was obtained was accredited or 
recognized.
    (2) ``Specialty related to the intended employment,'' for purposes 
of this section, means that the academic degree is in a specialty which 
is generally accepted in the industry or occupation as an appropriate or 
necessary credential or skill for the person who undertakes the 
employment in question. A ``specialty'' which is not generally accepted 
as appropriate or necessary to the employment would not be considered to 
be sufficiently ``related' to afford the H-1B nonimmigrant status as an 
``exempt H-1B nonimmigrant.''
    (e) When and how is the determination of the H-1B nonimmigrant's 
``exempt'' status to be made? An employer that is H-1B-dependent or a 
willful violator (as described in Sec.  655.736) may designate on the 
LCA that the LCA will be used only to support H-1B petition(s) and/or 
request(s) for extension of status for ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants.

[[Page 517]]

    (1) If the employer makes the designation of ``exempt'' H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) on the LCA, then the DHS--as part of the adjudication of 
the H-1B petition or request for extension of status--will determine the 
worker's ``exempt'' status, since an H-1B petition must be supported by 
an LCA consistent with the petition (i.e., occupation, area of intended 
employment, exempt status). The employer shall maintain, in the public 
access file maintained in accordance with Sec.  755.760, a list of the 
H-1B nonimmigrant(s) whose petition(s) and/or request(s) are supported 
by LCA(s) which the employer has attested will be used only for exempt 
H-1B nonimmigrants. In the event of an investigation under subpart I of 
this part, the Administrator will give conclusive effect to an DHS 
determination of ``exempt'' status based on the nonimmigrant's 
educational attainments (i.e., master's or higher degree (or its 
equivalent) in a specialty related to the intended employment) unless 
the determination was based on false information. If the DHS 
determination of ``exempt'' status was based on the assertion that the 
nonimmigrant would receive wages (including cash bonuses and similar 
compensation) at an annual rate equal to at least $60,000, the employer 
shall provide evidence to show that such wages actually were received by 
the nonimmigrant (consistent with paragraph (c) of this section and the 
regulatory standards for satisfaction or payment of the required wages 
as described in Sec.  655.731(c)(3)).
    (2) If the employer makes the designation of ``exempt'' H-1B 
nonimmigrants on the LCA, but is found in an enforcement action under 
subpart I of this part to have used the LCA to employ nonimmigrants who 
are, in fact, not exempt, then the employer will be subject to a finding 
that it failed to comply with the nondisplacement and recruitment 
obligations (as described in Sec. Sec.  655.738 and 655.739, 
respectively) and may be assessed appropriate penalties and remedies.
    (3) If the employer does not make the designation of ``exempt'' H-1B 
nonimmigrants on the LCA, then the employer has waived the option of not 
being subject to the additional LCA attestation obligations on the basis 
of employing only exempt H-1B nonimmigrants under the LCA. In the event 
of an investigation under subpart I of this part, the Administrator will 
not consider the question of the nonimmigrant(s)'s ``exempt'' status in 
determining whether an H-1B-dependent employer or willful violator 
employer has complied with such additional LCA attestation obligations.

[65 FR 80227, Dec. 20, 2000]



Sec.  655.738  What are the ``non-displacement of U.S. workers'' 
obligations that apply to H-1B-dependent employers and willful violators,
and how do they operate?

    An employer that is subject to these additional attestation 
obligations (under the standards described in Sec.  655.736) is 
prohibited from displacement of any U.S. worker(s)--whether directly (in 
its own workforce) or secondarily (at a worksite of a second employer)--
under the standards set out in this section.
    (a) United States worker (U.S. worker) is defined in Sec.  655.715.
    (b) Displacement, for purposes of this section, has two components: 
``lay off'' of U.S. worker(s), and ``essentially equivalent jobs'' held 
by U.S. worker(s) and H-1B nonimmigrant(s).
    (1) Lay off of a U.S. worker means that the employer has caused the 
worker's loss of employment, other than through--
    (i) Discharge of a U.S. worker for inadequate performance, violation 
of workplace rules, or other cause related to the worker's performance 
or behavior on the job;
    (ii) A U.S. worker's voluntary departure or voluntary retirement (to 
be assessed in light of the totality of the circumstances, under 
established principles concerning ``constructive discharge'' of workers 
who are pressured to leave employment);
    (iii) Expiration of a grant or contract under which a U.S. worker is 
employed, other than a temporary employment contract entered into in 
order to evade the employer's non-displacement obligation. The question 
is whether the loss of the contract or grant has caused the worker's 
loss of employment. It would not be a layoff where the job loss

[[Page 518]]

results from the expiration of a grant or contract without which there 
is no alternative funding or need for the U.S. worker's position on that 
or any other grant or contract (e.g., the expiration of a research grant 
that funded a project on which the worker was employed at an academic or 
research institution; the expiration of a staffing firm's contract with 
a customer where the U.S. worker was hired expressly to work pursuant to 
that contract and the employer has no practice of moving workers to 
other customers or projects upon the expiration of contract(s)). On the 
other hand, it would be a layoff where the employer's normal practice is 
to move the U.S. worker from one contract to another when a contract 
expires, and work on another contract for which the worker is qualified 
is available (e.g., staffing firm's contract with one customer ends and 
another contract with a different customer begins); or
    (iv) A U.S. worker who loses employment is offered, as an 
alternative to such loss, a similar employment opportunity with the same 
employer (or, in the case of secondary displacement at a worksite of a 
second employer, as described in paragraph (d) of this section, a 
similar employment opportunity with either employer) at equivalent or 
higher compensation and benefits than the position from which the U.S. 
worker was discharged, regardless of whether or not the U.S. worker 
accepts the offer. The validity of the offer of a similar employment 
opportunity will be assessed in light of the following factors:
    (A) The offer is a bona fide offer, rather than an offer designed to 
induce the U.S. worker to refuse or an offer made with the expectation 
that the worker will refuse;
    (B) The offered job provides the U.S. worker an opportunity similar 
to that provided in the job from which he/she is discharged, in terms 
such as a similar level of authority, discretion, and responsibility, a 
similar opportunity for advancement within the organization, and similar 
tenure and work scheduling;
    (C) The offered job provides the U.S. worker equivalent or higher 
compensation and benefits to those provided in the job from which he/she 
is discharged. The comparison of compensation and benefits includes all 
forms of remuneration for employment, whether or not called wages and 
irrespective of the time of payment (e.g., salary or hourly wage rate; 
profit sharing; retirement plan; expense account; use of company car). 
The comparison also includes such matters as cost of living 
differentials and relocation expenses (e.g., a New York City 
``opportunity'' at equivalent or higher compensation and benefits 
offered to a worker discharged from a job in Kansas City would provide a 
wage adjustment from the Kansas City pay scale and would include 
relocation costs).
    (2) Essentially equivalent jobs. For purposes of the displacement 
prohibition, the job from which the U.S. worker is laid off must be 
essentially equivalent to the job for which an H-1B nonimmigrant is 
sought. To determine whether the jobs of the laid off U.S. worker(s) and 
the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) are essentially equivalent, the comparison(s) 
shall be on a one-to-one basis where appropriate (i.e., one U.S. worker 
left employment and one H-1B nonimmigrant joined the workforce) but 
shall be broader in focus where appropriate (e.g., an employer, through 
reorganization, eliminates an entire department with several U.S. 
workers and then staffs this department's function(s) with H-1B 
nonimmigrants). The following comparisons are to be made:
    (i) Job responsibilities. The job of the H-1B nonimmigrant must 
involve essentially the same duties and responsibilities as the job from 
which the U.S. worker was laid off. The comparison focuses on the core 
elements of and competencies for the job, such as supervisory duties, or 
design and engineering functions, or budget and financial 
accountability. Peripheral, non-essential duties that could be tailored 
to the particular abilities of the individual workers would not be 
determinative in this comparison. The job responsibilities must be 
similar and both workers capable of performing those duties.
    (ii) Qualifications and experience of the workers. The 
qualifications of the laid off U.S. worker must be substantially

[[Page 519]]

equivalent to the qualifications of the H-1B nonimmigrant. The 
comparison is to be confined to the experience and qualifications (e.g., 
training, education, ability) of the workers which are directly relevant 
to the actual performance requirements of the job, including the 
experience and qualifications that would materially affect a worker's 
relative ability to perform the job better or more efficiently. While it 
would be appropriate to compare whether the workers in question have 
``substantially equivalent'' qualifications and experience, the workers 
need not have identical qualifications and experience (e.g., a 
bachelor's degree from one accredited university would be considered to 
be substantially equivalent to a bachelor's degree from another 
accredited university; 15 years experience in an occupation would be 
substantially equivalent to 10 years experience in that occupation). It 
would not be appropriate to compare the workers' relative ages, their 
sexes, or their ethnic or religious identities.
    (iii) Area of employment. The job of the H-1B nonimmigrant must be 
located in the same area of employment as the job from which the U.S. 
worker was laid off. The comparison of the locations of the jobs is 
confined to the area within normal commuting distance of the worksite or 
physical location where the work of the H-1B nonimmigrant is or will be 
performed. For purposes of this comparison, if both such worksites or 
locations are within a Metropolitan Statistical Area or a Primary 
Metropolitan Statistical Area, they will be deemed to be within the same 
area of employment.
    (3) The worker's rights under a collective bargaining agreement or 
other employment contract are not affected by the employer's LCA 
obligations as to non-displacement of such worker.
    (c) Direct displacement. An H-1B-dependent or willful-violator 
employer (as described in Sec.  655.736) is prohibited from displacing a 
U.S. worker in its own workforce (i.e., a U.S. worker ``employed by the 
employer'') within the period beginning 90 days before and ending 90 
days after the filing date of an H-1B petition supported by an LCA 
described in Sec.  655.736(g). The following standards and guidance 
apply under the direct displacement prohibition:
    (1) Which U.S. workers are protected against ``direct 
displacement''? This prohibition covers the H-1B employer's own 
workforce--U.S. workers ``employed by the employer''--who are employed 
in jobs that are essentially equivalent to the jobs for which the H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) are sought (as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this 
section). The term ``employed by the employer'' is defined in Sec.  
655.715.
    (2) When does the ``direct displacement'' prohibition apply? The H-
1B employer is prohibited from displacing a U.S. worker during a 
specific period of time before and after the date on which the employer 
files any H-1B petition supported by the LCA which is subject to the 
non-displacement obligation (as described in Sec.  655.736(g)). This 
protected period is from 90 days before until 90 days after the petition 
filing date.
    (3) What constitutes displacement of a U.S. worker? The H-1B 
employer is prohibited from laying off a U.S. worker from a job that is 
essentially the equivalent of the job for which an H-1B nonimmigrant is 
sought (as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section).
    (d) Secondary displacement. An H-1B-dependent or willful-violator 
employer (as described in Sec.  655.736) is prohibited from placing 
certain H-1B nonimmigrant(s) with another employer where there are 
indicia of an employment relationship between the nonimmigrant and that 
other employer (thus possibly affecting the jobs of U.S. workers 
employed by that other employer), unless and until the H-1B employer 
makes certain inquiries and/or has certain information concerning that 
other employer's displacement of similarly employed U.S. workers in its 
workforce. Employers are cautioned that even if the required inquiry of 
the secondary employer is made, the H-1B-dependent or willful violator 
employer shall be subject to a finding of a violation of the secondary 
displacement prohibition if the secondary employer, in fact, displaces 
any U.S. worker(s) during the applicable time period (see Sec.  
655.810(d)). The following standards and guidance apply under the 
secondary displacement prohibition:

[[Page 520]]

    (1) Which U.S. workers are protected against ``secondary 
displacement''? This provision applies to U.S. workers employed by the 
other or ``secondary'' employer (not those employed by the H-1B 
employer) in jobs that are essentially equivalent to the jobs for which 
certain H-1B nonimmigrants are placed with the other/secondary employer 
(as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section). The term ``employed 
by the employer'' is defined in Sec.  655.715.
    (2) Which H-1B nonimmigrants activate the secondary displacement 
prohibition? Not every placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with another 
employer will activate the prohibition and--depending upon the 
particular facts--an H-1B employer (such as a service provider) may be 
able to place H-1B nonimmigrant(s) at a client or customer's worksite 
without being subject to the prohibition. The prohibition applies to the 
placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant whose H-1B petition is supported by an 
LCA described in Sec.  655.736(g) and whose placement with the other/
secondary employer meets both of the following criteria:
    (i) The nonimmigrant performs duties in whole or in part at one or 
more worksites owned, operated, or controlled by the other/secondary 
employer; and
    (ii) There are indicia of an employment relationship between the 
nonimmigrant and the other/secondary employer. The relationship between 
the H-1B-nonimmigrant and the other/secondary need not constitute an 
``employment'' relationship (as defined in Sec.  655.715), and the 
applicability of the secondary displacement provision does not establish 
such a relationship. Relevant indicia of an employment relationship 
include:
    (A) The other/secondary employer has the right to control when, 
where, and how the nonimmigrant performs the job (the presence of this 
indicia would suggest that the relationship between the nonimmigrant and 
the other/secondary employer approaches the relationship which triggers 
the secondary displacement provision);
    (B) The other/secondary employer furnishes the tools, materials, and 
equipment;
    (C) The work is performed on the premises of the other/secondary 
employer (this indicia alone would not trigger the secondary 
displacement provision);
    (D) There is a continuing relationship between the nonimmigrant and 
the other/secondary employer;
    (E) The other/secondary employer has the right to assign additional 
projects to the nonimmigrant;
    (F) The other/secondary employer sets the hours of work and the 
duration of the job;
    (G) The work performed by the nonimmigrant is part of the regular 
business (including governmental, educational, and non-profit 
operations) of the other/secondary employer;
    (H) The other/secondary employer is itself in business; and
    (I) The other/secondary employer can discharge the nonimmigrant from 
providing services.
    (3) What other/secondary employers are included in the prohibition 
on secondary displacement of U.S. workers by the H-1B employer? The 
other/secondary employer who accepts the placement and/or services of 
the H-1B employer's nonimmigrant employee(s) need not be an H-1B 
employer. The other/secondary employer would often be (but is not 
limited to) the client or customer of an H-1B employer that is a 
staffing firm or a service provider which offers the services of H-1B 
nonimmigrants under a contract (e.g., a medical staffing firm under 
contract with a nursing home provides H-1B nonimmigrant physical 
therapists; an information technology staffing firm under contract with 
a bank provides H-1B nonimmigrant computer engineers). Only the H-1B 
employer placing the nonimmigrant with the secondary employer is subject 
to the non-displacement obligation on the LCA, and only that employer is 
liable in an enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of this part if 
the other/secondary employer, in fact, displaces any of its U.S. 
worker(s) during the applicable time period. The other/secondary 
employer will not be subject to sanctions in an enforcement action 
pursuant to subpart I of this part (except in circumstances where such 
other/secondary employer is, in fact, an H-1B employer and is found to 
have

[[Page 521]]

failed to comply with its own obligations). (Note to paragraph (d)(3): 
Where the other/secondary employer's relationship to the H-1B 
nonimmigrant constitutes ``employment'' for purposes of a statute other 
than the H-1B provision of the INA, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act 
(29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), the other/secondary employer would be subject 
to all obligations of an employer of the nonimmigrant under such other 
statute.)
    (4) When does the ``secondary displacement'' prohibition apply? The 
H-1B employer's obligation of inquiry concerns the actions of the other/
secondary employer during the specific period beginning 90 days before 
and ending 90 days after the date of the placement of the H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) with such other/secondary employer.
    (5) What are the H-1B employer's obligations concerning inquiry and/
or information as to the other/secondary employer's displacement of U.S. 
workers? The H-1B employer is prohibited from placing the H-1B 
nonimmigrant with another employer, unless the H-1B employer has 
inquired of the other/secondary employer as to whether, and has no 
knowledge that, within the period beginning 90 days before and ending 90 
days after the date of such placement, the other/secondary employer has 
displaced or intends to displace a similarly-employed U.S. worker 
employed by such other/secondary employer. The following standards and 
guidance apply to the H-1B employer's obligation:
    (i) The H-1B employer is required to exercise due diligence and to 
make a reasonable effort to enquire about potential secondary 
displacement, through methods which may include (but are not limited 
to)--
    (A) Securing and retaining a written assurance from the other/
secondary employer that it has not and does not intend to displace a 
similarly-employed U.S. worker within the prescribed period;
    (B) Preparing and retaining a memorandum to the file, prepared at 
the same time or promptly after receiving the other/secondary employer's 
oral statement that it has not and does not intend to displace a 
similarly-employed U.S. worker within the prescribed period (such 
memorandum shall include the substance of the conversation, the date of 
the communication, and the names of the individuals who participated in 
the conversation, including the person(s) who made the inquiry on behalf 
of the H-1B employer and made the statement on behalf of the other/
secondary employer); or
    (C) including a secondary displacement clause in the contract 
between the H-1B employer and the other/secondary employer, whereby the 
other/secondary employer would agree that it has not and will not 
displace similarly-employed U.S. workers within the prescribed period.
    (ii) The employer's exercise of due diligence may require further, 
more particularized inquiry of the other/secondary employer in 
circumstances where there is information which indicates that U.S. 
worker(s) have been or will be displaced (e.g., where the H-1B 
nonimmigrants will be performing functions that the other/secondary 
employer performed with its own workforce in the past). The employer is 
not permitted to disregard information which would provide knowledge 
about potential secondary displacement (e.g., newspaper reports of 
relevant lay-offs by the other/secondary employer) if such information 
becomes available before the H-1B employer's placement of H-1B 
nonimmigrants with such employer. Under such circumstances, the H-1B 
employer would be expected to recontact the other/secondary employer and 
receive credible assurances that no lay-offs of similarly-employed U.S. 
workers are planned or have occurred within the prescribed period.
    (e) What documentation is required of H-1B employers concerning the 
non-displacement obligation? The H-1B employer is responsible for 
demonstrating its compliance with the non-displacement obligation 
(whether direct or indirect), if applicable.
    (1) Concerning direct displacement (as described in paragraph (c) of 
this section), the employer is required to retain all records the 
employer creates or receives concerning the circumstances under which 
each U.S. worker, in the same locality and same occupation as any H-1B 
nonimmigrant(s) hired, left its employ in the period from 90 days before 
to 90 days after the filing date of

[[Page 522]]

the employer's petition for the H-1B nonimmigrant(s), and for any such 
U.S. worker(s) for whom the employer has taken any action during the 
period from 90 days before to 90 days after the filing date of the H-1B 
petition to cause the U.S. worker's termination (e.g., a notice of 
future termination of the employee's job). For all such employees, the 
H-1B employer shall retain at least the following documents: the 
employee's name, last-known mailing address, occupational title and job 
description; any documentation concerning the employee's experience and 
qualifications, and principal assignments; all documents concerning the 
departure of such employees, such as notification by the employer of 
termination of employment prepared by the employer or the employee and 
any responses thereto, and evaluations of the employee's job 
performance. Finally, the employer is required to maintain a record of 
the terms of any offers of similar employment to such U.S. workers and 
the employee's response thereto.
    (2) Concerning secondary displacement (as described in paragraph (d) 
of this section), the H-1B employer is required to maintain 
documentation to show the manner in which it satisfied its obligation to 
make inquiries as to the displacement of U.S. workers by the other/
secondary employer with which the H-1B employer places any H-1B 
nonimmigrants (as described in paragraph (d)(5) of this section).

[65 FR 80228, Dec. 20, 2000]



Sec.  655.739  What is the ``recruitment of U.S. workers'' obligation
that applies to H-1B-dependent employers and willful violators, and how
does it operate?

    An employer that is subject to this additional attestation 
obligation (under the standards described in Sec.  655.736) is 
required--prior to filing the LCA or any petition or request for 
extension of status supported by the LCA--to take good faith steps to 
recruit U. S. workers in the United States for the job(s) in the United 
States for which the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) is/are sought. The recruitment 
shall use procedures that meet industry-wide standards and offer 
compensation that is at least as great as the required wage to be paid 
to H-1B nonimmigrants pursuant to Sec.  655.731(a) (i.e., the higher of 
the local prevailing wage or the employer's actual wage). The employer 
may use legitimate selection criteria relevant to the job that are 
normal or customary to the type of job involved, so long as such 
criteria are not applied in a discriminatory manner. This section 
provides guidance for the employer's compliance with the recruitment 
obligation.
    (a) ``United States worker'' (``U.S. worker'') is defined in Sec.  
655.715.
    (b) ``Industry,'' for purposes of this section, means the set of 
employers which primarily compete for the same types of workers as those 
who are the subjects of the H-1B petitions to be filed pursuant to the 
LCA. Thus, a hospital, university, or computer software development firm 
is to use the recruitment standards utilized by the health care, 
academic, or information technology industries, respectively, in hiring 
workers in the occupations in question. Similarly, a staffing firm, 
which places its workers at job sites of other employers, is to use the 
recruitment standards of the industry which primarily employs such 
workers (e.g., the health care industry, if the staffing firm is placing 
physical therapists (whether in hospitals, nursing homes, or private 
homes); the information technology industry, if the staffing firm is 
placing computer programmers, software engineers, or other such 
workers).
    (c) ``Recruitment,'' for purposes of this section, means the process 
by which an employer seeks to contact or to attract the attention of 
person(s) who may apply for employment, solicits applications from 
person(s) for employment, receives applications, and reviews and 
considers applications so as to present the appropriate candidates to 
the official(s) who make(s) the hiring decision(s) (i.e., pre-selection 
treatment of applications and applicants).
    (d) ``Solicitation methods,'' for purposes of this section, means 
the techniques by which an employer seeks to contact or to attract the 
attention of potential applicants for employment, and to solicit 
applications from person(s) for employment.

[[Page 523]]

    (1) Solicitation methods may be either external or internal to the 
employer's workforce (with internal solicitation to include current and 
former employees).
    (2) Solicitation methods may be either active (where an employer 
takes positive, proactive steps to identify potential applicants and to 
get information about its job openings into the hands of such person(s)) 
or passive (where potential applicants find their way to an employer's 
job announcements).
    (i) Active solicitation methods include direct communication to 
incumbent workers in the employer's operation and to workers previously 
employed in the employer's operation and elsewhere in the industry; 
providing training to incumbent workers in the employer's organization; 
contact and outreach through collective bargaining organizations, trade 
associations and professional associations; participation in job fairs 
(including at minority-serving institutions, community/junior colleges, 
and vocational/technical colleges); use of placement services of 
colleges, universities, community/junior colleges, and business/trade 
schools; use of public and/or private employment agencies, referral 
agencies, or recruitment agencies (``headhunters'').
    (ii) Passive solicitation methods include advertising in general 
distribution publications, trade or professional journals, or special 
interest publications (e.g., student-oriented; targeted to 
underrepresented groups, including minorities, persons with 
disabilities, and residents of rural areas); America's Job Bank or other 
Internet sites advertising job vacancies; notices at the employer's 
worksite(s) and/or on the employer's Internet ``home page.''
    (e) How are ``industry-wide standards for recruitment'' to be 
identified? An employer is not required to utilize any particular number 
or type of recruitment methods, and may make a determination of the 
standards for the industry through methods such as trade organization 
surveys, studies by consultative groups, or reports/statements from 
trade organizations. An employer which makes such a determination should 
be prepared to demonstrate the industry-wide standards in the event of 
an enforcement action pursuant to subpart I of this part. An employer's 
recruitment shall be at a level and through methods and media which are 
normal, common or prevailing in the industry, including those strategies 
that have been shown to be successfully used by employers in the 
industry to recruit U.S. workers. An employer may not utilize only the 
lowest common denominator of recruitment methods used in the industry, 
or only methods which could reasonably be expected to be likely to yield 
few or no U.S. worker applicants, even if such unsuccessful recruitment 
methods are commonly used by employers in the industry. An employer's 
recruitment methods shall include, at a minimum, the following:
    (1) Both internal and external recruitment (i.e., both within the 
employer's workforce (former as well as current workers) and among U.S. 
workers elsewhere in the economy); and
    (2) At least some active recruitment, whether internal (e.g., 
training the employer's U.S. worker(s) for the position(s)) or external 
(e.g., use of recruitment agencies or college placement services).
    (f) How are ``legitimate selection criteria relevant to the job that 
are normal or customary to the type of job involved'' to be identified? 
In conducting recruitment of U.S. workers (i.e., in soliciting 
applications and in pre-selection screening or considering of 
applicants), an employer shall apply selection criteria which satisfy 
all of the following three standards (i.e., paragraph (b) (1) through 
(3)). Under these standards, an employer would not apply spurious 
criteria that discriminate against U.S. worker applicants in favor of H-
1B nonimmigrants. An employer that uses criteria which fail to meet 
these standards would be considered to have failed to conduct its 
recruitment of U.S. workers in good faith.
    (1) Legitimate criteria, meaning criteria which are legally 
cognizable and not violative of any applicable laws (e.g., employer may 
not use age, sex, race or national origin as selection criteria);.
    (2) Relevant to the job, meaning criteria which have a nexus to the 
job's duties and responsibilities; and

[[Page 524]]

    (3) Normal and customary to the type of job involved, meaning 
criteria which would be necessary or appropriate based on the practices 
and expectations of the industry, rather than on the preferences of the 
particular employer.
    (g) What actions would constitute a prohibited ``discriminatory 
manner'' of recruitment? The employer shall not apply otherwise-
legitimate screening criteria in a manner which would skew the 
recruitment process in favor of H-1B nonimmigrants. In other words, the 
employer's application of its screening criteria shall provide full and 
fair solicitation and consideration of U.S. applicants. The recruitment 
would be considered to be conducted in a discriminatory manner if the 
employer applied its screening criteria in a disparate manner (whether 
between H-1B and U.S. workers, or between jobs where H-1B nonimmigrants 
are involved and jobs where such workers are not involved). The employer 
would also be considered to be recruiting in a discriminatory manner if 
it used screening criteria that are prohibited by any applicable 
discrimination law (e.g., sex, race, age, national origin). The employer 
that conducts recruitment in a discriminatory manner would be considered 
to have failed to conduct its recruitment of U.S. workers in good faith.
    (h) What constitute ``good faith steps'' in recruitment of U.S. 
workers? The employer shall perform its recruitment, as described in 
paragraphs (d) through (g) of this section, so as to offer fair 
opportunities for employment to U.S. workers, without skewing the 
recruitment process against U.S. workers or in favor of H-1B 
nonimmigrants. No specific regimen is required for solicitation methods 
seeking applicants or for pre-selection treatment screening applicants. 
The employer's recruitment process, including pre-selection treatment, 
must assure that U.S. workers are given a fair chance for consideration 
for a job, rather than being ignored or rejected through a process that 
serves the employer's preferences with respect to the make up of its 
workforce (e.g., the Department would look with disfavor on a practice 
of interviewing H-1B applicants but not U.S. applicants, or a practice 
of screening the applications of H-1B nonimmigrants differently from the 
applications of U.S. workers). The employer shall not exercise a 
preference for its incumbent nonimmigrant workers who do not yet have H-
1B status (e.g., workers on student visas). The employer shall recruit 
in the United States, seeking U.S. worker(s), for the job(s) in the 
United States for which H-1B nonimmigrant(s) are or will be sought.
    (i) What documentation is the employer required to make or maintain, 
concerning its recruitment of U.S. workers?
    (1) The employer shall maintain documentation of the recruiting 
methods used, including the places and dates of the advertisements and 
postings or other recruitment methods used, the content of the 
advertisements and postings, and the compensation terms (if such are not 
included in the content of the advertisements and postings). The 
documentation may be in any form, including copies of advertisements or 
proofs from the publisher, the order or confirmation from the publisher, 
an electronic or printed copy of the Internet posting, or a memorandum 
to the file.
    (2) The employer shall retain any documentation it has received or 
prepared concerning the treatment of applicants, such as copies of 
applications and/or related documents, test papers, rating forms, 
records regarding interviews, and records of job offers and applicants' 
responses. To comply with this requirement, the employer is not required 
to create any documentation it would not otherwise create.
    (3) The documentation maintained by the employer shall be made 
available to the Administrator in the event of an enforcement action 
pursuant to subpart I of this part. The documentation shall be 
maintained for the period of time specified in Sec.  655.760.
    (4) The employer's public access file maintained in accordance with 
Sec.  655.760 shall contain information summarizing the principal 
recruitment methods used and the time frame(s) in which such recruitment 
methods were used. This may be accomplished either through a memorandum 
or through copies of pertinent documents.

[[Page 525]]

    (j) In addition to conducting good faith recruitment of U.S. workers 
(as described in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this section), the 
employer is required to have offered the job to any U.S. worker who 
applies and is equally or better qualified for the job than the H-1B 
nonimmigrant (see 8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(i)(II)); this requirement is 
enforced by the Department of Justice (see 8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(5); 20 CFR 
655.705(c)).

[65 FR 80231, Dec. 20, 2000]



Sec.  655.740  What actions are taken on labor condition applications?

    (a) Actions on labor condition applications submitted for filing. 
Once a labor condition application has been received from an employer, a 
determination shall be made by the ETA Certifying Officer whether to 
certify the labor condition application or return it to the employer not 
certified.
    (1) Certification of labor condition application. Where all items on 
Form ETA 9035 or Form ETA 9035E have been completed, the form is not 
obviously inaccurate, and in the case of Form ETA 9035, it contains the 
signature of the employer or its authorized agent or representative, the 
Certifying Officer shall certify the labor condition application unless 
it falls within one of the categories set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section. The Certifying Officer shall make a determination to 
certify or not certify the labor condition application within 7 working 
days of the date the application is received and date-stamped by the 
Department. If the labor condition application is certified, the 
Certifying Officer shall return a certified copy of the labor condition 
application to the employer or the employer's authorized agent or 
representative. The employer shall file the certified labor condition 
application with the appropriate DHS office in the manner prescribed by 
DHS. The DHS shall determine whether each occupational classification 
named in the certified labor condition application is a specialty 
occupation or is a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.
    (2) Determinations not to certify labor condition applications. ETA 
shall not certify a labor condition application and shall return such 
application to the employer or the employer's authorized agent or 
representative, when either or both of the following two conditions 
exists:
    (i) When the Form ETA 9035 or 9035E is not properly completed. 
Examples of a Form ETA 9035 or 9035E which is not properly completed 
include instances where the employer has failed to check all the 
necessary boxes; or where the employer has failed to state the 
occupational classification, number of nonimmigrants sought, wage rate, 
period of intended employment, place of intended employment, or 
prevailing wage and its source; or, in the case of Form ETA 9035, where 
the application does not contain the signature of the employer or the 
employer's authorized representative.
    (ii) When the Form ETA 9035 or ETA 9035E contains obvious 
inaccuracies. An obvious inaccuracy will be found if the employer files 
an application in error--e.g., where the Administrator, Wage and Hour 
Division, after notice and opportunity for a hearing pursuant to subpart 
I of this part, has notified ETA in writing that the employer has been 
disqualified from employing H-1B nonimmigrants under section 212(n)(2) 
of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)) or from employing H-1B1 or E-3 
nonimmigrants under section 212(t)(3) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(t)(3)). 
Examples of other obvious inaccuracies include stating a wage rate below 
the FLSA minimum wage, submitting an LCA earlier than six months before 
the beginning date of the period of intended employment, identifying 
multiple occupations on a single LCA, identifying a wage which is below 
the prevailing wage listed on the LCA, or identifying a wage range where 
the bottom of such wage range is lower than the prevailing wage listed 
on the LCA.
    (3) Correction and resubmission of labor condition application. If 
the labor condition application is not certified pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(2) (i) or (ii) of this section, ETA shall return it to the employer, 
or the employer's authorized agent or representative, explaining the 
reasons for such return without certification. The employer may 
immediately submit a corrected application to ETA. A ``resubmitted'' or 
``corrected'' labor

[[Page 526]]

condition application shall be treated as a new application by ETA 
(i.e., on a ``first come, first served'' basis) except that if the labor 
condition application is not certified pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) 
of this section because of notification by the Administrator of the 
employer's disqualification, such action shall be the final decision of 
the Secretary and no application shall be resubmitted by the employer.
    (b) Challenges to labor condition applications. ETA shall not 
consider information contesting a labor condition application received 
by ETA prior to the determination on the application. Such information 
shall not be made part of ETA's administrative record on the 
application, but shall be referred to ESA to be processed as a complaint 
pursuant to subpart I of this part, and, if such application is 
certified by ETA, the complaint will be handled by ESA under subpart I 
of this part.
    (c) Truthfulness and adequacy of information. DOL is not the 
guarantor of the accuracy, truthfulness or adequacy of a certified labor 
condition application. The burden of proof is on the employer to 
establish the truthfulness of the information contained on the labor 
condition application.

[59 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80232, Dec. 20, 
2000; 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 69 FR 68228, Nov. 23, 2004; 70 FR 
72563, Dec. 5, 2005; 73 FR 19949, Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.750  What is the validity period of the labor condition
application?

    (a) Validity of certified labor condition applications. A labor 
condition application (LCA) certified under Sec.  655.740 is valid for 
the period of employment indicated by the authorized DOL official on 
Form ETA 9035E or ETA 9035. The validity period of an LCA will not begin 
before the application is certified. If the approved LCA is the initial 
LCA issued for the nonimmigrant, the period of authorized employment 
must not exceed 3 years for an LCA issued on behalf of an H-1B or H-1B1 
nonimmigrant and must not exceed 2 years for an LCA issued on behalf of 
an E-3 nonimmigrant. If the approved LCA is for an extension of an H-1B1 
it must not exceed two years. The period of authorized employment in the 
aggregate is based on the first date of employment and ends:
    (1) In the case of an H-1B or initial H-1B1 LCA, on the latest date 
indicated or three years after the employment start date under the LCA, 
whichever comes first; or
    (2) In the case of an E-3 or an H-1B1 extension LCA, on the latest 
date indicated or two years after the employment start date under the 
LCA, whichever comes first.
    (b) Withdrawal of certified labor condition applications. (1) An 
employer who has filed a labor condition application which has been 
certified pursuant to Sec.  655.740 of this part may withdraw such labor 
condition application at any time before the expiration of the validity 
period of the application, provided that:
    (i) H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 nonimmigrants are not employed at the place 
of employment pursuant to the LCA; and
    (ii) The Administrator has not commenced an investigation of the 
particular application. Any such request for withdrawal shall be null 
and void; and the employer shall remain bound by the labor condition 
application until the enforcement proceeding is completed, at which time 
the application may be withdrawn.
    (2) Requests for withdrawals must be in writing and must be sent to 
ETA, Office of Foreign Labor Certification. ETA will publish the mailing 
address, and any future mailing address changes, in the Federal 
Register, and will also post the address on the DOL Web site at http://
www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/.
    (3) An employer shall comply with the ``required wage rate'' and 
``prevailing working conditions'' statements of its labor condition 
application required under Sec. Sec.  655.731 and 655.732 of this part, 
respectively, even if such application is withdrawn, at any time H-1B 
nonimmigrants are employed pursuant to the application, unless the 
application is superseded by a subsequent application which is certified 
by ETA.
    (4) An employer's obligation to comply with the ``no strike or 
lockout'' and ``notice'' statements of its labor condition application 
(required under Sec. Sec.  655.733 and 655.734 of this part, 
respectively), shall remain in effect and the

[[Page 527]]

employer shall remain subject to investigation and sanctions for 
misrepresentation on these statements even if such application is 
withdrawn, regardless of whether H-1B nonimmigrants are actually 
employed, unless the application is superseded by a subsequent 
application which is certified by ETA.
    (5) Only for the purpose of assuring the labor standards protections 
afforded under the H-1B program, where an employer files a petition with 
DHS under the H-1B classification pursuant to a certified LCA that had 
been withdrawn by the employer, such petition filing binds the employer 
to all obligations under the withdrawn LCA immediately upon receipt of 
such petition by DHS.
    (c) Invalidation or suspension of a labor condition application. (1) 
Invalidation of a labor condition application shall result from 
enforcement action(s) by the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, 
under subpart I of this part--e.g., a final determination finding the 
employer's failure to meet the application's condition regarding strike 
or lockout; or the employer's willful failure to meet the wage and 
working conditions provisions of the application; or the employer's 
substantial failure to meet the notice of specification requirements of 
the application; see Sec. Sec.  655.734 and 655.760 of this part; or the 
misrepresentation of a material fact in an application. Upon notice by 
the Administrator of the employer's disqualification, ETA shall 
invalidate the application and notify the employer, or the employer's 
authorized agent or representative. ETA shall notify the employer in 
writing of the reason(s) that the application is invalidated. When a 
labor condition application is invalidated, such action shall be the 
final decision of the Secretary.
    (2) Suspension of a labor condition application may result from a 
discovery by ETA that it made an error in certifying the application 
because such application is incomplete, contains one or more obvious 
inaccuracies, or has not been signed. In such event, ETA shall 
immediately notify DHS and the employer. When an application is 
suspended, the employer may immediately submit to the certifying officer 
a corrected or completed application. If ETA does not receive a 
corrected application within 30 days of the suspension, or if the 
employer was disqualified by the Administrator, the application shall be 
immediately invalidated as described in paragraph (c) of this section.
    (3) An employer shall comply with the ``required wages rate'' and 
``prevailing working conditions'' statements of its labor condition 
application required under Sec. Sec.  655.731 and 655.732 of this part, 
respectively, even if such application is suspended or invalidated, at 
any time H-1B nonimmigrants are employed pursuant to the application, 
unless the application is superseded by a subsequent application which 
is certified by ETA.
    (4) An employer's obligation to comply with the ``no strike or 
lockout'' and ``notice'' statements of its labor condition application 
(required under Sec. Sec.  655.733 and 655.734 of this part, 
respectively), shall remain in effect and the employer shall remain 
subject to investigation and sanctions for misrepresentation on these 
statements even if such application is suspended or invalidated, 
regardless of whether H-1B nonimmigrants are actually employed, unless 
the application is superseded by a subsequent application which is 
certified by ETA.
    (d) Employers subject to disqualification. No labor condition 
application shall be certified for an employer which has been found to 
be disqualified from participation, in the H-1B program as determined in 
a final agency action following an investigation by the Wage and Hour 
Division pursuant to subpart I of this part.

[59 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80232, Dec. 20, 
2000; 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 70 FR 72563, Dec. 5, 2005; 73 FR 19949, 
Apr. 11, 2008]



Sec.  655.760  What records are to be made available to the public, and
what records are to be retained?

    Paragraphs (a)(1) thru (a)(6) and paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
section also apply to the H-1B1 and E-3 visa categories.
    (a) Public examination. The employer shall make a filed labor 
condition application and necessary supporting documentation available 
for public examination at the employer's principal

[[Page 528]]

place of business in the U.S. or at the place of employment within one 
working day after the date on which the labor condition application is 
filed with DOL. The following documentation shall be necessary:
    (1) A copy of the certified labor condition application (Form ETA 
9035E or Form ETA 9035) and cover pages (Form ETA 9035CP). If the Form 
ETA 9035E is submitted electronically, a printout of the certified 
application shall be signed by the employer and maintained in its files 
and included in the public examination file.
    (2) Documentation which provides the wage rate to be paid the H-1B 
nonimmigrant;
    (3) A full, clear explanation of the system that the employer used 
to set the ``actual wage'' the employer has paid or will pay workers in 
the occupation for which the H-1B nonimmigrant is sought, including any 
periodic increases which the system may provide--e.g., memorandum 
summarizing the system or a copy of the employer's pay system or scale 
(payroll records are not required, although they shall be made available 
to the Department in an enforcement action).
    (4) A copy of the documentation the employer used to establish the 
``prevailing wage'' for the occupation for which the H-1B nonimmigrant 
is sought (a general description of the source and methodology is all 
that is required to be made available for public examination; the 
underlying individual wage data relied upon to determine the prevailing 
wage is not a public record, although it shall be made available to the 
Department in an enforcement action); and
    (5) A copy of the document(s) with which the employer has satisfied 
the union/employee notification requirements of Sec.  655.734 of this 
part.
    (6) A summary of the benefits offered to U.S. workers in the same 
occupational classifications as H-1B nonimmigrants, a statement as to 
how any differentiation in benefits is made where not all employees are 
offered or receive the same benefits (such summary need not include 
proprietary information such as the costs of the benefits to the 
employer, or the details of stock options or incentive distributions), 
and/or, where applicable, a statement that some/all H-1B nonimmigrants 
are receiving ``home country'' benefits (see Sec.  655.731(c)(3));
    (7) Where the employer undergoes a change in corporate structure, a 
sworn statement by a responsible official of the new employing entity 
that it accepts all obligations, liabilities and undertakings under the 
LCAs filed by the predecessor employing entity, together with a list of 
each affected LCA and its date of certification, and a description of 
the actual wage system and FEIN of the new employing entity (see Sec.  
655.730(e)(1)).
    (8) Where the employer utilizes the definition of ``single 
employer''in the IRC, a list of any entities included as part of the 
single employer in making the determination as to its H-1B-dependency 
status (see Sec.  655.736(d)(7));
    (9) Where the employer is H-1B-dependent and/or a willful violator, 
and indicates on the LCA(s) that only ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants will 
be employed, a list of such ``exempt'' H-1B nonimmigrants (see Sec.  
655.737(e)(1));
    (10) Where the employer is H-1B-dependent or a willful violator, a 
summary of the recruitment methods used and the time frames of 
recruitment of U.S. workers (or copies of pertinent documents showing 
this information) (see Sec.  655.739(i)(4).
    (b) National lists of applications and attestations. ETA shall 
compile and maintain on a current basis a list of the labor condition 
applications filed under INA section 212(n) regarding H-1B nonimmigrants 
and a list of labor attestations filed under INA section 212(t) 
regarding H-1B1 nonimmigrants. Each list shall be by employer, showing 
the occupational classification, wage rate(s), number of nonimmigrants 
sought, period(s) of intended employment, and date(s) of need for each 
employer's application. The list shall be available for public 
examination at the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Department of 
Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210.
    (c) Retention of records. Either at the employer's principal place 
of business in the U.S. or at the place of employment, the employer 
shall retain copies of the records required by this subpart

[[Page 529]]

for a period of one year beyond the last date on which any H-1B 
nonimmigrant is employed under the labor condition application or, if no 
nonimmigrants were employed under the labor condition application, one 
year from the date the labor condition application expired or was 
withdrawn. Required payroll records for the H-1B employees and other 
employees in the occupational classification shall be retained at the 
employer's principal place of business in the U.S. or at the place of 
employment for a period of three years from the date(s) of the creation 
of the record(s), except that if an enforcement action is commenced, all 
payroll records shall be retained until the enforcement proceeding is 
completed through the procedures set forth in subpart I of this part.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
1205-0310)

[59 FR 65659, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 60 FR 4029, Jan. 19, 
1995; 65 FR 80232, Dec. 20, 2000; 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 69 FR 
68228, Nov. 23, 2004; 70 FR 72563, Dec. 5, 2005; 71 FR 35521, June 21, 
2006; 73 FR 19950, Apr. 11, 2008]



Subpart I_Enforcement of H	1B Labor Condition Applications and
H	1B1 and E	3 Labor Attestations

    Source: 59 FR 65672, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, unless otherwise noted.



Sec.  655.800  Who will enforce the LCAs and how will they be enforced?

    (a) Authority of Administrator. Except as provided in Sec.  655.807, 
the Administrator shall perform all the Secretary's investigative and 
enforcement functions under sections 212(n) and (t) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 
1182(n) and (t)) and this subpart I and subpart H of this part.
    (b) Conduct of investigations. The Administrator, either pursuant to 
a complaint or otherwise, shall conduct such investigations as may be 
appropriate and, in connection therewith, enter and inspect such places 
and such records (and make transcriptions or copies thereof), question 
such persons and gather such information as deemed necessary by the 
Administrator to determine compliance regarding the matters which are 
the subject of the investigation.
    (c) Employer cooperation/availability of records. An employer shall 
at all times cooperate in administrative and enforcement proceedings. An 
employer being investigated shall make available to the Administrator 
such records, information, persons, and places as the Administrator 
deems appropriate to copy, transcribe, question, or inspect. No employer 
subject to the provisions of sections 212(n) or (t) of the INA and/or 
this subpart I or subpart H of this part shall interfere with any 
official of the Department of Labor performing an investigation, 
inspection or law enforcement function pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1182(n) or 
(t) or this subpart I or subpart H of this part. Any such interference 
shall be a violation of the labor condition application and this subpart 
I and subpart H of this part, and the Administrator may take such 
further actions as the Administrator considers appropriate. (Federal 
criminal statutes prohibit certain interference with a Federal officer 
in the performance of official duties. 18 U.S.C. 111 and 18 U.S.C. 
1114.)
    (d) Confidentiality. The Administrator shall, to the extent possible 
under existing law, protect the confidentiality of any person who 
provides information to the Department in confidence in the course of an 
investigation or otherwise under this subpart I or subpart H of this 
part.

[65 FR 80233, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 69 FR 68228, Nov. 23, 2004]



Sec.  655.801  What protection do employees have from retaliation?

    (a) No employer subject to this subpart I or subpart H of this part 
shall intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, blacklist, discharge or in 
any other manner discriminate against an employee (which term includes a 
former employee or an applicant for employment) because the employee 
has--
    (1) Disclosed information to the employer, or to any other person, 
that the employee reasonably believes evidences a violation of sections 
212(n) or (t) of the INA or any regulation relating to sections 212(n) 
or (t), including this subpart I and subpart H of this part

[[Page 530]]

and any pertinent regulations of DHS or the Department of Justice; or
    (2) Cooperated or sought to cooperate in an investigation or other 
proceeding concerning the employer's compliance with the requirements of 
sections 212(n) or (t) of the INA or any regulation relating to sections 
212(n) or (t).
    (b) It shall be a violation of this section for any employer to 
engage in the conduct described in paragraph (a) of this section. Such 
conduct shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by sections 
212(n)(2)(C)(ii) or (t)(3)(C)(ii) of the INA and Sec.  655.810(b)(2), 
i.e., a fine of up to $7,939, disqualification from filing petitions 
under section 204 or section 214(c) of the INA for at least two years, 
and such further administrative remedies as the Administrator considers 
appropriate.
    (c) Pursuant to sections 212(n)(2)(C)(v) and (t)(3)(C)(v) of the 
INA, an H-1B nonimmigrant who has filed a complaint alleging that an 
employer has discriminated against the employee in violation of 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be allowed to seek other 
appropriate employment in the United States, provided the employee is 
otherwise eligible to remain and work in the United States. Such 
employment may not exceed the maximum period of stay authorized for a 
nonimmigrant classified under sections 212(n) or (t) of the INA, as 
applicable. Further information concerning this provision should be 
sought from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of 
the Department of Homeland Security.

[65 FR 80233, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 69 FR 68229, Nov. 23, 2004; 
71 FR 35521, June 21, 2006; 81 FR 43448, July 1, 2016; 82 FR 5380, Jan. 
18, 2017; 83 FR 11, Jan. 2, 2018; 84 FR 217, Jan. 23, 2019; 85 FR 2296, 
Jan. 15, 2020; 86 FR 2967, Jan. 14, 2021]



Sec.  655.805  What violations may the Administrator investigate?

    (a) The Administrator, through investigation, shall determine 
whether an H-1B employer has--
    (1) Filed a labor condition application with ETA which misrepresents 
a material fact (Note to paragraph (a)(1): Federal criminal statutes 
provide penalties of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five 
years for knowing and willful submission of false statements to the 
Federal Government. 18 U.S.C. 1001; see also 18 U.S.C. 1546);
    (2) Failed to pay wages (including benefits provided as compensation 
for services), as required under Sec.  655.731 (including payment of 
wages for certain nonproductive time);
    (3) Failed to provide working conditions as required under Sec.  
655.732;
    (4) Filed a labor condition application for H-1B nonimmigrants 
during a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the 
occupational classification at the place of employment, as prohibited by 
Sec.  655.733;
    (5) Failed to provide notice of the filing of the labor condition 
application, as required in Sec.  655.734;
    (6) Failed to specify accurately on the labor condition application 
the number of workers sought, the occupational classification in which 
the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) will be employed, or the wage rate and 
conditions under which the H-1B nonimmigrant(s) will be employed;
    (7) Displaced a U.S. worker (including displacement of a U.S. worker 
employed by a secondary employer at the worksite where an H-1B worker is 
placed), as prohibited by Sec.  655.738 (if applicable);
    (8) Failed to make the required displacement inquiry of another 
employer at a worksite where H-1B nonimmigrant(s) were placed, as set 
forth in Sec.  655.738 (if applicable);
    (9) Failed to recruit in good faith, as required by Sec.  655.739 
(if applicable);
    (10) Displaced a U.S. worker in the course of committing a willful 
violation of any of the conditions in paragraphs (a)(2) through (9) of 
this section, or willful misrepresentation of a material fact on a labor 
condition application;
    (11) Required or accepted from an H-1B nonimmigrant payment or 
remittance of the additional $500/$1,000 fee incurred in filing an H-1B 
petition with the DHS, as prohibited by Sec.  655.731(c)(10)(ii);
    (12) Required or attempted to require an H-1B nonimmigrant to pay a 
penalty for ceasing employment prior to an agreed upon date, as 
prohibited by Sec.  655.731(c)(10)(i);

[[Page 531]]

    (13) Discriminated against an employee for protected conduct, as 
prohibited by Sec.  655.801;
    (14) Failed to make available for public examination the application 
and necessary document(s) at the employer's principal place of business 
or worksite, as required by Sec.  655.760(a);
    (15) Failed to maintain documentation, as required by this part; and
    (16) Failed otherwise to comply in any other manner with the 
provisions of this subpart I or subpart H of this part.
    (b) The determination letter setting forth the investigation 
findings (see Sec.  655.815) shall specify if the violations were found 
to be substantial or willful. Penalties may be assessed and 
disqualification ordered for violation of the provisions in paragraphs 
(a)(5), (6), or (9) of this section only if the violation was found to 
be substantial or willful. The penalties may be assessed and 
disqualification ordered for violation of the provisions in paragraphs 
(a)(2) or (3) of this section only if the violation was found to be 
willful, but the Secretary may order payment of back wages (including 
benefits) due for such violation whether or not the violation was 
willful.
    (c) For purposes of this part, ``willful failure'' means a knowing 
failure or a reckless disregard with respect to whether the conduct was 
contrary to sections 212(n)(1)(A)(i) or (ii), or 212(t)(1)(A)(i) or (ii) 
of the INA, or Sec. Sec.  655.731 or 655.732. See McLaughlin v. Richland 
Shoe Co., 486 U.S. 128 (1988); see also Trans World Airlines v. 
Thurston, 469 U.S. 111 (1985).
    (d) The provisions of this part become applicable upon the date that 
the employer's LCA is certified pursuant to Sec. Sec.  655.740 and 
655.750, or upon the date employment commences pursuant to section 
214(m) of the INA, whichever is earlier. The employer's submission and 
signature on the LCA (whether Form ETA 9035 or Form ETA 9035E) each 
constitutes the employer's representation that the statements on the LCA 
are accurate and its acknowledgment and acceptance of the obligations of 
the program. The employer's acceptance of these obligations is re-
affirmed by the employer's submission of the petition (Form I-129) to 
the DHS, supported by the LCA. See 8 CFR 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(B)(2), which 
specifies that the employer will comply with the terms of the LCA for 
the duration of the H-1B nonimmigrant's authorized period of stay. If 
the period of employment specified in the LCA expires or the employer 
withdraws the application in accordance with Sec.  655.750(b), the 
provisions of this part will no longer apply with respect to such 
application, except as provided in Sec.  655.750(b)(3) and (4).

[65 FR 80233, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 63302, Dec. 5, 2001; 69 
FR 68229, Nov. 23, 2004]



Sec.  655.806  Who may file a complaint and how is it processed?

    (a) Any aggrieved party, as defined in Sec.  655.715, may file a 
complaint alleging a violation described in Sec.  655.805(a). The 
procedures for filing a complaint by an aggrieved party and its 
processing by the Administrator are set forth in this section. The 
procedures for filing and processing information alleging violations 
from persons or organizations that are not aggrieved parties are set 
forth in Sec.  655.807. With regard to complaints filed by any aggrieved 
person or organization--
    (1) No particular form of complaint is required, except that the 
complaint shall be written or, if oral, shall be reduced to writing by 
the Wage and Hour Division official who receives the complaint.
    (2) The complaint shall set forth sufficient facts for the 
Administrator to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe 
that a violation as described in Sec.  655.805 has been committed, and 
therefore that an investigation is warranted. This determination shall 
be made within 10 days of the date that the complaint is received by a 
Wage and Hour Division official. If the Administrator determines that 
the complaint fails to present reasonable cause for an investigation, 
the Administrator shall so notify the complainant, who may submit a new 
complaint, with such additional information as may be necessary. No 
hearing or appeal pursuant to this subpart shall be available where the 
Administrator determines that an investigation on a complaint is not 
warranted.

[[Page 532]]

    (3) If the Administrator determines that an investigation on a 
complaint is warranted, the complaint shall be accepted for filing; an 
investigation shall be conducted and a determination issued within 30 
calendar days of the date of filing. The time for the investigation may 
be increased with the consent of the employer and the complainant, or 
if, for reasons outside of the control of the Administrator, the 
Administrator needs additional time to obtain information needed from 
the employer or other sources to determine whether a violation has 
occurred. No hearing or appeal pursuant to this subpart shall be 
available regarding the Administrator's determination that an 
investigation on a complaint is warranted.
    (4) In the event that the Administrator seeks a prevailing wage 
determination from ETA pursuant to Sec.  655.731(d), or advice as to 
prevailing working conditions from ETA pursuant to Sec.  655.732(c)(2), 
the 30-day investigation period shall be suspended from the date of the 
Administrator's request to the date of the Administrator's receipt of 
the wage determination (or, in the event that the employer challenges 
the wage determination through the Employment Service complaint system, 
to the date of the completion of such complaint process).
    (5) A complaint must be filed not later than 12 months after the 
latest date on which the alleged violation(s) were committed, which 
would be the date on which the employer allegedly failed to perform an 
action or fulfill a condition specified in the LCA, or the date on which 
the employer, through its action or inaction, allegedly demonstrated a 
misrepresentation of a material fact in the LCA. This jurisdictional bar 
does not affect the scope of the remedies which may be assessed by the 
Administrator. Where, for example, a complaint is timely filed, back 
wages may be assessed for a period prior to one year before the filing 
of a complaint.
    (6) A complaint may be submitted to any local Wage and Hour Division 
office. The addresses of such offices are found in local telephone 
directories, and on the Department's informational site on the Internet 
at http://www.dol.gov/dol/esa/public/contacts/whd/america2.htm. The 
office or person receiving such a complaint shall refer it to the office 
of the Wage and Hour Division administering the area in which the 
reported violation is alleged to have occurred.
    (b) When an investigation has been conducted, the Administrator 
shall, pursuant to Sec.  655.815, issue a written determination as 
described in Sec.  655.805(a).

[65 FR 80234, Dec. 20, 2000]



Sec.  655.807  How may someone who is not an ``aggrieved party''
allege violations, and how will those allegations be processed?

    (a) Persons who are not aggrieved parties may submit information 
concerning possible violations of the provisions described in Sec.  
655.805(a)(1) through (4) and (a)(7) through (9). No particular form is 
required to submit the information, except that the information shall be 
submitted in writing or, if oral, shall be reduced to writing by the 
Wage and Hour Division official who receives the information. An 
optional form shall be available to be used in setting forth the 
information. The information provided shall include:
    (1) The identity of the person submitting the information and the 
person's relationship, if any, to the employer or other information 
concerning the person's basis for having knowledge of the employer's 
employment practices or its compliance with the requirements of this 
subpart I and subpart H of this part; and
    (2) A description of the possible violation, including a description 
of the facts known to the person submitting the information, in 
sufficient detail for the Secretary to determine if there is reasonable 
cause to believe that the employer has committed a willful violation of 
the provisions described in Sec.  655.805(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (7), 
(8), or (9).
    (b) The Administrator may interview the person submitting the 
information as appropriate to obtain further information to determine 
whether the requirements of this section are met. In addition, the 
person submitting information under this section shall be informed that 
his or her identity will not

[[Page 533]]

be disclosed to the employer without his or her permission.
    (c) Information concerning possible violations must be submitted not 
later than 12 months after the latest date on which the alleged 
violation(s) were committed. The 12-month period shall be applied in the 
manner described in Sec.  655.806(a)(5).
    (d) Upon receipt of the information, the Administrator shall 
promptly review the information submitted and determine:
    (1) Does the source likely possess knowledge of the employer's 
practices or employment conditions or the employer's compliance with the 
requirements of subpart H of this part?
    (2) Has the source provided specific credible information alleging a 
violation of the requirements of the conditions described in Sec.  
655.805(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), or (9)?
    (3) Does the information in support of the allegations appear to 
provide reasonable cause to believe that the employer has committed a 
violation of the provisions described in Sec.  655.805(a)(1), (2), (3), 
(4), (7), (8), or (9), and that
    (i) The alleged violation is willful?
    (ii) The employer has engaged in a pattern or practice of 
violations? or
    (iii) The employer has committed substantial violations, affecting 
multiple employees?
    (e) ``Information'' within the meaning of this section does not 
include information from an officer or employee of the Department of 
Labor unless it was obtained in the course of a lawful investigation, 
and does not include information submitted by the employer to the DHS or 
the Secretary in securing the employment of an H-1B nonimmigrant.
    (f)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, where 
the Administrator has received information from a source other than an 
aggrieved party which satisfies all of the requirements of paragraphs 
(a) through (d) of this section, or where the Administrator or another 
agency of the Department obtains such information in a lawful 
investigation under this or any other section of the INA or any other 
Act, the Administrator (by mail or facsimile transmission) shall 
promptly notify the employer that the information has been received, 
describe the nature of the allegation in sufficient detail to permit the 
employer to respond, and request that the employer respond to the 
allegation within 10 days of its receipt of the notification. The 
Administrator shall not identify the source or information which would 
reveal the identity of the source without his or her permission.
    (2) The Administrator may dispense with notification to the employer 
of the alleged violations if the Administrator determines that such 
notification might interfere with an effort to secure the employer's 
compliance. This determination shall not be subject to review in any 
administrative proceeding and shall not be subject to judicial review.
    (g) After receipt of any response to the allegations provided by the 
employer, the Administrator will promptly review all of the information 
received and determine whether the allegations should be referred to the 
Secretary for a determination whether an investigation should be 
commenced by the Administrator.
    (h) If the Administrator refers the allegations to the Secretary, 
the Secretary shall make a determination as to whether to authorize an 
investigation under this section.
    (1) No investigation shall be commenced unless the Secretary (or the 
Deputy Secretary or other Acting Secretary in the absence or disability) 
personally authorizes the investigation and certifies--
    (i) That the information provided under paragraph (a) of this 
section or obtained pursuant to a lawful investigation by the Department 
of Labor provides reasonable cause to believe that the employer has 
committed a violation of the provisions described in Sec.  
655.805(a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (7), (8), or (9);
    (ii) That there is reasonable cause to believe the alleged 
violations are willful, that the employer has engaged in a pattern or 
practice of such violations, or that the employer has committed 
substantial violations, affecting multiple employees; and
    (iii) That the other requirements of paragraphs (a) through (d) of 
this section have been met.

[[Page 534]]

    (2) No hearing shall be available from a decision by the 
Administrator declining to refer allegations addressed by this section 
to the Secretary, and none shall be available from a decision by the 
Secretary certifying or declining to certify that an investigation is 
warranted.
    (i) If the Secretary issues a certification, an investigation shall 
be conducted and a determination issued within 30 days after the 
certification is received by the local Wage and Hour office undertaking 
the investigation. The time for the investigation may be increased upon 
the agreement of the employer and the Administrator or, if for reasons 
outside of the control of the Administrator, additional time is 
necessary to obtain information needed from the employer or other 
sources to determine whether a violation has occurred.
    (j) In the event that the Administrator seeks a prevailing wage 
determination from ETA pursuant to Sec.  655.731(d), or advice as to 
prevailing working conditions from ETA pursuant to Sec.  655.732(c)(2), 
the 30-day investigation period shall be suspended from the date of the 
Administrator's request to the date of the Administrator's receipt of 
the wage determination (or, in the event that the employer challenges 
the wage determination through the Employment Service complaint system, 
to the date of the completion of such complaint process).
    (k) Following the investigation, the Administrator shall issue a 
determination in accordance with to Sec.  655.815.
    (l) This section shall expire on September 30, 2003 unless section 
212(n)(2)(G) of the INA is extended by future legislative action. Absent 
such extension, no investigation shall be certified by the Secretary 
under this section after that date; however, any investigation certified 
on or before September 30, 2003 may be completed.

[65 FR 80234, Dec. 20, 2000]



Sec.  655.808  Under what circumstances may random investigations be 
conducted?

    (a) The Administrator may conduct random investigations of an 
employer during a five-year period beginning with the date of any of the 
following findings, provided such date is on or after October 21, 1998:
    (1) A finding by the Secretary that the employer willfully violated
    any of the provisions described in Sec.  655.805(a)(1) through (9);
    (2) A finding by the Secretary that the employer willfully 
misrepresented material fact(s) in a labor condition application filed 
pursuant to Sec.  655.730; or
    (3) A finding by the Attorney General that the employer willfully 
failed to meet the condition of section 212(n)(1)(G)(i)(II) of the INA 
(pertaining to an offer of employment to an equally or better qualified 
U.S. worker).
    (b) A finding within the meaning of this section is a final, 
unappealed decision of the agency. See Sec. Sec.  655.520(a), 
655.845(c), and 655.855(b).
    (c) An investigation pursuant to this section may be made at any 
time the Administrator, in the exercise of discretion, considers 
appropriate, without regard to whether the Administrator has reason to 
believe a violation of the provisions of this subpart I and subpart H of 
this part has been committed. Following an investigation, the 
Administrator shall issue a determination in accordance with Sec.  
655.815.

[65 FR 80236, Dec. 20, 2000]



Sec.  655.810  What remedies may be ordered if violations are found?

    (a) Upon determining that an employer has failed to pay wages or 
provide fringe benefits as required by Sec.  655.731 and Sec.  655.732, 
the Administrator shall assess and oversee the payment of back wages or 
fringe benefits to any H-1B nonimmigrant who has not been paid or 
provided fringe benefits as required. The back wages or fringe benefits 
shall be equal to the difference between the amount that should have 
been paid and the amount that actually was paid to (or with respect to) 
such nonimmigrant(s).
    (b) Civil money penalties. The Administrator may assess civil money 
penalties for violations as follows:
    (1) An amount not to exceed $1,951 per violation for:
    (i) A violation pertaining to strike/lockout (Sec.  655.733) or 
displacement of U.S. workers (Sec.  655.738);

[[Page 535]]

    (ii) A substantial violation pertaining to notification (Sec.  
655.734), labor condition application specificity (Sec.  655.730), or 
recruitment of U.S. workers (Sec.  655.739);
    (iii) A misrepresentation of material fact on the labor condition 
application;
    (iv) An early-termination penalty paid by the employee (Sec.  
655.731(c)(10)(i));
    (v) Payment by the employee of the additional $500/$1,000 filing fee 
(Sec.  655.731(c)(10)(ii)); or
    (vi) Violation of the requirements of the regulations in this 
subpart I and subpart H of this part or the provisions regarding public 
access (Sec.  655.760) where the violation impedes the ability of the 
Administrator to determine whether a violation of sections 212(n) or (t) 
of the INA has occurred or the ability of members of the public to have 
information needed to file a complaint or information regarding alleged 
violations of sections 212(n) or (t) of the INA;
    (2) An amount not to exceed $7,939 per violation for:
    (i) A willful failure pertaining to wages/working conditions 
(Sec. Sec.  655.731, 655.732), strike/lockout, notification, labor 
condition application specificity, displacement (including placement of 
an H-1B nonimmigrant at a worksite where the other/secondary employer 
displaces a U.S. worker), or recruitment;
    (ii) A willful misrepresentation of a material fact on the labor 
condition application; or
    (iii) Discrimination against an employee (Sec.  655.801(a)); or
    (3) An amount not to exceed $55,570 per violation where an employer 
(whether or not the employer is an H-1B-dependent employer or willful 
violator) displaced a U.S. worker employed by the employer in the period 
beginning 90 days before and ending 90 days after the filing of an H-1B 
petition in conjunction with any of the following violations:
    (i) A willful violation of any of the provisions described in Sec.  
655.805(a)(2) through (9) pertaining to wages/working condition, strike/
lockout, notification, labor condition application specificity, 
displacement, or recruitment; or
    (ii) A willful misrepresentation of a material fact on the labor 
condition application (Sec.  655.805(a)(1)).
    (c) In determining the amount of the civil money penalty to be 
assessed, the Administrator shall consider the type of violation 
committed and other relevant factors. The factors which may be 
considered include, but are not limited to, the following:
    (1) Previous history of violation, or violations, by the employer 
under the INA and this subpart I or subpart H of this part;
    (2) The number of workers affected by the violation or violations;
    (3) The gravity of the violation or violations;
    (4) Efforts made by the employer in good faith to comply with the 
provisions of 8 U.S.C. 1182(n) or (t) and this subparts H and I of this 
part;
    (5) The employer's explanation of the violation or violations;
    (6) The employer's commitment to future compliance; and
    (7) The extent to which the employer achieved a financial gain due 
to the violation, or the potential financial loss, potential injury or 
adverse effect with respect to other parties.
    (d) Disqualification from approval of petitions. The Administrator 
shall notify the DHS pursuant to Sec.  655.855 that the employer shall 
be disqualified from approval of any petitions filed by, or on behalf 
of, the employer pursuant to section 204 or section 214(c) of the INA 
for the following periods:
    (1) At least one year for violation(s) of any of the provisions 
specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section;
    (2) At least two years for violation(s) of any of the provisions 
specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section; or
    (3) At least three years, for violation(s) specified in paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section.
    (e) Other administrative remedies. (1) If the Administrator finds a 
violation of the provisions specified in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) or (v) of 
this section, the Administrator may issue an order requiring the 
employer to return to the employee (or pay to the U.S. Treasury if the 
employee cannot be located) any money paid by the employee in violation 
of those provisions.
    (2) If the Administrator finds a violation of the provisions 
specified in paragraph (b)(1)(i) through (iii), (b)(2), or

[[Page 536]]

(b)(3) of this section, the Administrator may impose such other 
administrative remedies as the Administrator determines to be 
appropriate, including but not limited to reinstatement of workers who 
were discriminated against in violation of Sec.  655.805(a), 
reinstatement of displaced U.S. workers, back wages to workers who have 
been displaced or whose employment has been terminated in violation of 
these provisions, or other appropriate legal or equitable remedies.
    (f) The civil money penalties, back wages, and/or any other 
remedy(ies) determined by the Administrator to be appropriate are 
immediately due for payment or performance upon the assessment by the 
Administrator, or upon the decision by an administrative law judge where 
a hearing is timely requested, or upon the decision by the Secretary 
where review is granted. The employer shall remit the amount of the 
civil money penalty by certified check or money order made payable to 
the order of ``Wage and Hour Division, Labor.'' The remittance shall be 
delivered or mailed to the Wage and Hour Division office in the manner 
directed in the Administrator's notice of determination. The payment or 
performance of any other remedy prescribed by the Administrator shall 
follow procedures established by the Administrator. Distribution of back 
wages shall be administered in accordance with existing procedures 
established by the Administrator.
    (g) The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as 
amended (28 U.S.C. 2461 note), requires that inflationary adjustments to 
civil money penalties in accordance with a specified cost-of-living 
formula be made, by regulation, at least every four years. The 
adjustments are to be based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for 
all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the U.S. City Average for All Items. The 
adjusted amounts will be published in the Federal Register. The amount 
of the penalty in a particular case will be based on the amount of the 
penalty in effect at the time the violation occurs.

[65 FR 80236, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 69 FR 68229, Nov. 23, 2004; 
81 FR 43448, July 1, 2016; 82 FR 5380, Jan. 18, 2017; 83 FR 11, Jan. 2, 
2018; 84 FR 217, Jan. 23, 2019; 85 FR 2296, Jan. 15, 2019; 86 FR 2967, 
Jan. 14, 2021]



Sec.  655.815  What are the requirements for the Administrator's 
determination?

    (a) The Administrator's determination, issued pursuant to Sec.  
655.806, 655.807, or 655.808, shall be served on the complainant, the 
employer, and other known interested parties by personal service or by 
certified mail at the parties' last known addresses. Where service by 
certified mail is not accepted by the party, the Administrator may 
exercise discretion to serve the determination by regular mail.
    (b) The Administrator shall file with the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge, U.S. Department of Labor, a copy of the complaint and the 
Administrator's determination.
    (c) The Administrator's written determination required by Sec.  
655.805 of this part shall:
    (1) Set forth the determination of the Administrator and the reason 
or reasons therefor, and in the case of a finding of violation(s) by an 
employer, prescribe any remedies, including the amount of any back wages 
assessed, the amount of any civil money penalties assessed and the 
reason therefor, and/or any other remedies assessed.
    (2) Inform the interested parties that they may request a hearing 
pursuant to Sec.  655.820 of this part.
    (3) Inform the interested parties that in the absence of a timely 
request for a hearing, received by the Chief Administrative Law Judge 
within 15 calendar days of the date of the determination, the 
determination of the Administrator shall become final and not 
appealable.
    (4) Set forth the procedure for requesting a hearing, give the 
addresses of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (with whom the request 
must be filed) and the representative(s) of the Solicitor of labor (upon 
whom copies of the request must be served).
    (5) Where appropriate, inform the parties that, pursuant to Sec.  
655.855, the

[[Page 537]]

Administrator shall notify ETA and the DHS of the occurrence of a 
violation by the employer.

[59 FR 65672, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80237, Dec. 20, 
2000]



Sec.  655.820  How is a hearing requested?

    (a) Any interested party desiring review of a determination issued 
under Sec. Sec.  655.805 and 655.815, including judicial review, shall 
make a request for such an administrative hearing in writing to the 
Chief Administrative Law Judge at the address stated in the notice of 
determination. If such a request for an administrative hearing is timely 
filed, the Administrator's determination shall be inoperative unless and 
until the case is dismissed or the Administrative Law Judge issues an 
order affirming the decision.
    (b) Interested parties may request a hearing in the following 
circumstances:
    (1) The complainant or any other interested party may request a 
hearing where the Administrator determines, after investigation, that 
there is no basis for a finding that an employer has committed 
violation(s). In such a proceeding, the party requesting the hearing 
shall be the prosecuting party and the employer shall be the respondent; 
the Administrator may intervene as a party or appear as amicus curiae at 
any time in the proceeding, at the Administrator's discretion.
    (2) The employer or any other interested party may request a hearing 
where the Administrator determines, after investigation, that the 
employer has committed violation(s). In such a proceeding, the 
Administrator shall be the prosecuting party and the employer shall be 
the respondent.
    (c) No particular form is prescribed for any request for hearing 
permitted by this section. However, any such request shall:
    (1) Be dated;
    (2) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (3) Specify the issue or issues stated in the notice of 
determination giving rise to such request;
    (4) State the specific reason or reasons why the party requesting 
the hearing believes such determination is in error;
    (5) Be signed by the party making the request or by an authorized 
representative of such party; and
    (6) Include the address at which such party or authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto.
    (d) The request for such hearing shall be received by the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, at the address stated in the Administrator's 
notice of determination, no later than 15 calendar days after the date 
of the determination. An interested party which fails to meet this 15-
day deadline for requesting a hearing may thereafter participate in the 
proceedings only by consent of the administrative law judge, either 
through intervention as a party pursuant to 29 CFR 18.10 (b) through (d) 
or through participation as an amicus curiae pursuant to 29 CFR 18.12.
    (e) The request may be filed in person, by facsimile transmission, 
by certified or regular mail, or by courier service. For the requesting 
party's protection, if the request is by mail, it should be by certified 
mail. If the request is by facsimile transmission, the original of the 
request, signed by the requestor or authorized representative, shall be 
filed within ten days.
    (f) Copies of the request for a hearing shall be sent by the 
requestor to the Wage and Hour Division official who issued the 
Administrator's notice of determination, to the representative(s) of the 
Solicitor of Labor identified in the notice of determination, and to all 
known interested parties.

[59 FR 65672, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80237, Dec. 20, 
2000]



Sec.  655.825  What rules of practice apply to the hearing?

    (a) Except as specifically provided in this subpart, and to the 
extent they do not conflict with the provisions of this subpart, the 
``Rules of Practice and Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges'' established by the Secretary at 29 
CFR part 18 shall apply to administrative proceedings under this 
subpart.
    (b) As provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 556, 
any oral or documentary evidence may be received in proceedings under 
this part. The

[[Page 538]]

Federal Rules of Evidence and subpart B of the Rules of Practice and 
Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges (29 CFR part 18, subpart B) shall not apply, 
but principles designed to ensure production of relevant and probative 
evidence shall guide the admission of evidence. The administrative law 
judge may exclude evidence which is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly 
repetitive.



Sec.  655.830  What rules apply to service of pleadings?

    (a) Under this subpart, a party may serve any pleading or document 
by regular mail. Service on a party is complete upon mailing to the last 
known address. No additional time for filing or response is authorized 
where service is by mail. In the interest of expeditious proceedings, 
the administrative law judge may direct the parties to serve pleadings 
or documents by a method other than regular mail.
    (b) Two (2) copies of all pleadings and other documents in any 
administrative law judge proceeding shall be served on the attorneys for 
the Administrator. One copy shall be served on the Associate Solicitor, 
Division of Fair Labor Standards, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Room N-2716, 
Washington, DC 20210, and one copy shall be served on the attorney 
representing the Administrator in the proceeding.
    (c) Time will be computed beginning with the day following the 
action and includes the last day of the period unless it is a Saturday, 
Sunday, or federally-observed holiday, in which case the time period 
includes the next business day.



Sec.  655.835  How will the administrative law judge conduct the
proceeding?

    (a) Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing filed pursuant to 
and in accordance with Sec.  655.820 of this part, the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge shall promptly appoint an administrative law 
judge to hear the case.
    (b) Within 7 calendar days following the assignment of the case, the 
administrative law judge shall notify all interested parties of the 
date, time and place of the hearing. All parties shall be given at least 
fourteen calendar days notice of such hearing.
    (c) The date of the hearing shall be not more than 60 calendar days 
from the date of the Administrator's determination. Because of the time 
constraints imposed by the INA, no request for postponement shall be 
granted except for compelling reasons. Even where such reasons are 
shown, no request for postponement of the hearing beyond the 60-day 
deadline shall be granted except by consent of all the parties to the 
proceeding.
    (d) The administrative law judge may prescribe a schedule by which 
the parties are permitted to file a prehearing brief or other written 
statement of fact or law. Any such brief or statement shall be served 
upon each other party in accordance with Sec.  655.830 of this part. 
Posthearing briefs will not be permitted except at the request of the 
administrative law judge. When permitted, any such brief shall be 
limited to the issue or issues specified by the administrative law 
judge, shall be due within the time prescribed by the administrative law 
judge, and shall be served on each other party in accordance with Sec.  
655.830 of this part.



Sec.  655.840  What are the requirements for a decision and order of
the administrative law judge?

    (a) Within 60 calendar days after the date of the hearing, the 
administrative law judge shall issue a decision. If any party desires 
review of the decision, including judicial review, a petition for 
Secretary's review thereof shall be filed as provided in Sec.  655.845 
of this subpart. If a petition for review is filed, the decision of the 
administrative law judge shall be inoperative unless and until the 
Secretary issues an order affirming the decision, or, unless and until 
30 calendar days have passed after the Secretary's receipt of the 
petition for review and the Secretary has not issued notice to the 
parties that the Secretary will review the administrative law judge's 
decision.
    (b) The decision of the administrative law judge shall include a 
statement of findings and conclusions, with reasons and basis therefor, 
upon each material issue presented on the record.

[[Page 539]]

The decision shall also include an appropriate order which may affirm, 
deny, reverse, or modify, in whole or in part, the determination of the 
Administrator; the reason or reasons for such order shall be stated in 
the decision.
    (c) In the event that the Administrator's determination of wage 
violation(s) and computation of back wages are based upon a wage 
determination obtained by the Administrator from ETA during the 
investigation (pursuant to Sec.  655.731(d)) and the administrative law 
judge determines that the Administrator's request was not warranted 
(under the standards in Sec.  655.731(d)), the administrative law judge 
shall remand the matter to the Administrator for further proceedings on 
the existence of wage violations and/or the amount(s) of back wages 
owed. If there is no such determination and remand by the administrative 
law judge, the administrative law judge shall accept as final and 
accurate the wage determination obtained from ETA or, in the event 
either the employer or another interested party filed a timely complaint 
through the Employment Service complaint system, the final wage 
determination resulting from that process. See Sec.  655.731; see also 
20 CFR 658.420 through 658.426. Under no circumstances shall the 
administrative law judge determine the validity of the wage 
determination or require submission into evidence or disclosure of 
source data or the names of establishments contacted in developing the 
survey which is the basis for the prevailing wage determination.
    (d) The administrative law judge shall not render determinations as 
to the legality of a regulatory provision or the constitutionality of a 
statutory provision.
    (e) The decision shall be served on all parties in person or by 
certified or regular mail.

[59 FR 65672, 65676, Dec. 20, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 80237, Dec. 20, 
2000]



Sec.  655.845  What rules apply to appeal of the decision of the 
administrative law judge?

    (a) The Administrator or any interested party desiring review of the 
decision and order of an administrative law judge, including judicial 
review, shall petition the Department's Administrative Review Board 
(Board) to review the decision and order. To be effective, such petition 
shall be received by the Board within 30 calendar days of the date of 
the decision and order. Copies of the petition shall be served on all 
parties and on the administrative law judge.
    (b) No particular form is prescribed for any petition for the 
Board's review permitted by this subpart. However, any such petition 
shall:
    (1) Be dated;
    (2) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (3) Specify the issue or issues stated in the administrative law 
judge decision and order giving rise to such petition;
    (4) State the specific reason or reasons why the party petitioning 
for review believes such decision and order are in error;
    (5) Be signed by the party filing the petition or by an authorized 
representative of such party;
    (6) Include the address at which such party or authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto; and
    (7) Attach copies of the administrative law judge's's decision and 
order, and any other record documents which would assist the Board in 
determining whether review is warranted.
    (c) Whenever the Board determines to review the decision and order 
of an administrative law judge, a notice of the Board's determination 
shall be served upon the administrative law judge, upon the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges, and upon all parties to the proceeding within 
30 calendar days after the Board's receipt of the petition for review. 
If the Board determines that it will review the decision and order, the 
order shall be inoperative unless and until the Board issues an order 
affirming the decision and order.
    (d) Upon receipt of the Board's notice, the Office of Administrative 
Law Judges shall within 15 calendar days forward the complete hearing 
record to the Board.
    (e) The Board's notice shall specify:
    (1) The issue or issues to be reviewed;
    (2) The form in which submissions shall be made by the parties 
(e.g., briefs);

[[Page 540]]

    (3) The time within which such submissions shall be made.
    (f) All documents submitted to the Board shall be filed with the 
Administrative Review Board in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Documents 
are not deemed filed with the Board until actually received by the 
Board. All documents, including documents filed by mail, shall be 
received by the Board either on or before the due date.
    (g) Copies of all documents filed with the Board shall be served 
upon all other parties involved in the proceeding. Service upon the 
Administrator shall be in accordance with Sec.  655.830(b).
    (h) The Board's decision shall be issued within 180 calendar days 
from the date of the notice of intent to review. The Board's decision 
shall be served upon all parties and the administrative law judge.
    (i) After the Board's decision becomes final, the Board shall 
transmit the entire record to the Chief Administrative Law Judge for 
custody pursuant to Sec.  655.850.

[65 FR 80237, Dec. 20, 2000, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30615, May 20, 2020; 86 FR 1778, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec.  655.850  Who has custody of the administrative record?

    The official record of every completed administrative hearing 
procedure provided by subparts H and I of this part shall be maintained 
and filed under the custody and control of the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge. Upon receipt of a complaint seeking review of the final agency 
action in a United States District Court, the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge shall certify the official record and shall transmit such record 
to the clerk of the court.



Sec.  655.855  What notice shall be given to the Employment and Training
Administration and the DHS of the decision regarding violations?

    (a) The Administrator shall notify the DHS and ETA of the final 
determination of any violation requiring that the DHS not approve 
petitions filed by an employer. The Administrator's notification will 
address the type of violation committed by the employer and the 
appropriate statutory period for disqualification of the employer from 
approval of petitions. Violations requiring notification to the DHS are 
identified in Sec.  655.810(f).
    (b) The Administrator shall notify the DHS and ETA upon the earliest 
of the following events:
    (1) Where the Administrator determines that there is a basis for a 
finding of violation by an employer, and no timely request for hearing 
is made pursuant to Sec.  655.820; or
    (2) Where, after a hearing, the administrative law judge issues a 
decision and order finding a violation by an employer, and no timely 
petition for review is filed with the Department's Administrative Review 
Board (Board) pursuant to Sec.  655.845; or
    (3) Where a timely petition for review is filed from an 
administrative law judge's decision finding a violation and the Board 
either declines within 30 days to entertain the appeal, pursuant to 
Sec.  655.845(c), or the Board reviews and affirms the administrative 
law judge's determination; or
    (4) Where the administrative law judge finds that there was no 
violation by an employer, and the Board, upon review, issues a decision 
pursuant to Sec.  655.845, holding that a violation was committed by an 
employer.
    (c) The DHS, upon receipt of notification from the Administrator 
pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, shall not approve petitions 
filed with respect to that employer under sections 204 or 214(c) of the 
INA (8 U.S.C. 1154 and 1184(c)) for nonimmigrants to be employed by the 
employer, for the period of time provided by the Act and described in 
Sec.  655.810(f).
    (d) ETA, upon receipt of the Administrator's notice pursuant to 
paragraph (a) of this section, shall invalidate the employer's labor 
condition application(s) under this subpart I and subpart H of this 
part, and shall not accept for filing any application or attestation 
submitted by the employer under 20 CFR part 656 or subparts A, B, C, D, 
E, H, or I of this part, for the same calendar period as specified by 
the DHS.

[65 FR 80238, Dec. 20, 2000]

Subparts J-K [Reserved]

[[Page 541]]



    Subpart L_What Requirements Must a Facility Meet to Employ
    H	1C Nonimmigrant Workers as Registered Nurses?

    Source: 65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to subpart L of part 655 appear 
at 75 FR 10403, Mar. 5, 2010.



Sec.  655.1100  What are the purposes, procedures and applicability of
these regulations in subparts L and M of this part?

    (a) Purpose. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended 
by the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999, establishes 
the H-1C nonimmigrant visa program to provide qualified nursing 
professionals for narrowly defined health professional shortage areas. 
Subpart L of this part sets forth the procedure by which facilities 
seeking to use nonimmigrant registered nurses must submit attestations 
to the Department of Labor demonstrating their eligibility to 
participate as facilities, their wages and working conditions for 
nurses, their efforts to recruit and retain United States workers as 
registered nurses, the absence of a strike/lockout or layoff, 
notification of nurses, and the numbers of and worksites where H-1C 
nurses will be employed. Subpart M of this part sets forth complaint, 
investigation, and penalty provisions with respect to such attestations.
    (b) Procedure. The INA establishes a procedure for facilities to 
follow in seeking admission to the United States for, or use of, 
nonimmigrant nurses under H-1C visas. The procedure is designed to 
reduce reliance on nonimmigrant nurses in the future, and calls for the 
facility to attest, and be able to demonstrate in the course of an 
investigation, that it is taking timely and significant steps to 
develop, recruit, and retain U.S. nurses. Subparts L and M of this part 
set forth the specific requirements of those procedures.
    (c) Applicability. (1) Subparts L and M of this part apply to all 
facilities that seek the temporary admission or use of H-1C 
nonimmigrants as registered nurses.
    (2) During the period that the provisions of Appendix 1603.D.4 of 
Annex 1603 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) apply, 
subparts L and M of this part shall apply to the entry of a nonimmigrant 
who is a citizen of Mexico under the provisions of section D of Annex 
1603 of NAFTA. Therefore, the references in this part to ``H-1C nurse'' 
apply to such nonimmigrants who are classified by USCIS as ``TN.''



Sec.  655.1101  What are the responsibilities of the government agencies
and the facilities that participate in the H-1C program?

    (a) Federal agencies' responsibilities. The Department of Labor 
(DOL), Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State are 
involved in the H-1C visa process. Within DOL, the Employment and 
Training Administration (ETA) and the Wage and Hour Division have 
responsibility for different aspects of the process.
    (b) Facility's attestation responsibilities. Each facility seeking 
one or more H-1C nurse(s) must, as the first step, submit an attestation 
on Form ETA 9081, as described in Sec.  655.1110 of this part, to the 
U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office 
of Foreign Labor Certification, Chicago National Processing Center, 536 
South Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60605-1509. If the attestation satisfies 
the criteria stated in Sec.  655.1130 and includes the supporting 
information required by Sec.  655.1110 and by Sec.  655.1114, ETA shall 
accept the attestation form for filing, and return the accepted 
attestation to the facility.
    (c) H-1C petitions. Upon ETA's acceptance of the attestation, the 
facility may then file petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services (USCIS) for the admission of, change to, or extension of status 
of H-1C nurses. The facility must attach a copy of the accepted 
attestation (Form ETA 9081) to the petition or the request for 
adjustment or extension of status, filed with USCIS. At the same time 
that the facility files an H-1C petition with USCIS, it must also send a 
copy of the petition to the Employment and Training Administration, 
Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 200

[[Page 542]]

Constitution Avenue, NW., Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210. The 
facility must also send to this same ETA address a copy of the USCIS 
petition approval notice within 5 days after it is received from USCIS.
    (d) Visa issuance. USCIS makes determinations, in adjudicating an H-
1C petition, whether the foreign worker possesses the required 
qualifications and credentials to be employed as an H-1C nurse. The 
Department of State is subsequently responsible for determining visa 
eligibility.
    (e) Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA) review of 
Attestations accepted and not accepted for filing. Any interested party 
may seek review by the BALCA of an Attestation accepted or not accepted 
for filing by ETA. However, such appeals are limited to ETA actions on 
the three Attestation matters on which ETA conducts a substantive review 
(i.e., the employer's eligibility as a facility; the facility's 
attestation to alternative timely and significant steps; and the 
facility's assertion that taking a second timely and significant step 
would not be reasonable).
    (f) Complaints. Complaints concerning misrepresentation of material 
fact(s) in the Attestation or failure of the facility to carry out the 
terms of the Attestation may be filed with the Wage and Hour Division of 
DOL, according to the procedures set forth in subpart M of this part. 
The Wage and Hour Administrator shall investigate and, where 
appropriate, after an opportunity for a hearing, assess remedies and 
penalties. Subpart M of this part also provides that interested parties 
may obtain an administrative law judge hearing and may seek review of 
the administrative law judge's decision at the Department's 
Administrative Review Board.

[75 FR 10403, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1102  What are the definitions of terms that are used in 
these regulations?

    For the purposes of subparts L and M of this part:
    Accepted for filing means that the Attestation and any supporting 
documentation submitted by the facility have been received by the 
Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor and 
have been found to be complete and acceptable for purposes of 
Attestation requirements in Sec. Sec.  655.1110 through 655.1118.
    Administrative Law Judge means an official appointed under 5 U.S.C. 
3105.
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, 
Employment Standards Administration, Department of Labor, and such 
authorized representatives as may be designated to perform any of the 
functions of the Administrator under subparts L and M of this part.
    Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means 
the primary official of the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC 
Administrator), or the OFLC Administrator's designee.
    Aggrieved party means a person or entity whose operations or 
interests are adversely affected by the employer's alleged 
misrepresentation of material fact(s) or non-compliance with the 
Attestation and includes, but is not limited to:
    (1) A worker whose job, wages, or working conditions are adversely 
affected by the facility's alleged misrepresentation of material fact(s) 
or non-compliance with the attestation;
    (2) A bargaining representative for workers whose jobs, wages, or 
working conditions are adversely affected by the facility's alleged 
misrepresentation of material fact(s) or non-compliance with the 
attestation;
    (3) A competitor adversely affected by the facility's alleged 
misrepresentation of material fact(s) or non-compliance with the 
attestation; and
    (4) A government agency which has a program that is impacted by the 
facility's alleged misrepresentation of material fact(s) or non-
compliance with the attestation.
    Attorney General means the chief official of the U.S. Department of 
Justice or the Attorney General's designee.
    Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA) means a panel of 
one or more administrative law judges who serve on the permanent Board 
of Alien Labor Certification Appeals established by 20 CFR part 656. 
BALCA consists of administrative law judges assigned to the Department 
of Labor and designated by the Chief Administrative

[[Page 543]]

Law Judge to be members of the Board of Alien Labor Certification 
Appeals.
    Certifying Officer means a Department of Labor official, or such 
official's designee, who makes determinations about whether or not H-1C 
attestations are acceptable for certification.
    Chief Administrative Law Judge means the chief official of the 
Office of the Administrative Law Judges of the Department of Labor or 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge's designee.
    Date of filing means the date an Attestation is ``accepted for 
filing'' by ETA.
    Department and DOL mean the United States Department of Labor.
    Division means the Wage and Hour Division of the Employment
    Standards Administration, DOL.
    Employed or employment means the employment relationship as 
determined under the common law, except that a facility which files a 
petition on behalf of an H-1C nonimmigrant is deemed to be the employer 
of that H-1C nonimmigrant without the necessity of the application of 
the common law test. Under the common law, the key determinant is the 
putative employer's right to control the means and manner in which the 
work is performed. Under the common law, ``no shorthand formula or magic 
phrase * * * can be applied to find the answer * * *. [A]ll of the 
incidents of the relationship must be assessed and weighed with no one 
factor being decisive.'' NLRB v. United Ins. Co. of America, 390 U.S. 
254, 258 (1968). The determination should consider the following factors 
and any other relevant factors that would indicate the existence of an 
employment relationship:
    (1) The firm has the right to control when, where, and how the 
worker performs the job;
    (2) The work does not require a high level of skill or expertise;
    (3) The firm rather than the worker furnishes the tools, materials, 
and equipment;
    (4) The work is performed on the premises of the firm or the client;
    (5) There is a continuing relationship between the worker and the 
firm;
    (6) The firm has the right to assign additional projects to the 
worker;
    (7) The firm sets the hours of work and the duration of the job;
    (8) The worker is paid by the hour, week, month or an annual salary, 
rather than for the agreed cost of performing a particular job;
    (9) The worker does not hire or pay assistants;
    (10) The work performed by the worker is part of the regular 
business (including governmental, educational and nonprofit operations) 
of the firm;
    (11) The firm is itself in business;
    (12) The worker is not engaged in his or her own distinct occupation 
or business;
    (13) The firm provides the worker with benefits such as insurance, 
leave, or workers' compensation;
    (14) The worker is considered an employee of the firm for tax 
purposes (i.e., the entity withholds federal, state, and Social Security 
taxes);
    (15) The firm can discharge the worker; and
    (16) The worker and the firm believe that they are creating an 
employer-employee relationship.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the agency within 
the Department of Labor (DOL) which includes the Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification (OFLC).
    Facility means a ``subsection (d) hospital'' (as defined in section 
1886(d)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(1)(B)) 
that meets the following requirements:
    (1) As of March 31, 1997, the hospital was located in a health 
professional shortage area (as defined in section 332 of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 245e)); and
    (2) Based on its settled cost report filed under Title XVIII of the 
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) for its cost reporting 
period beginning during fiscal year 1994--
    (i) The hospital has not less than 190 licensed acute care beds;
    (ii) The number of the hospital's inpatient days for such period 
which were made up of patients who (for such days) were entitled to 
benefits under part A of such title is not less than 35 percent of the 
total number of such hospital's acute care inpatient days for such 
period; and

[[Page 544]]

    (iii) The number of the hospital's inpatient days for such period 
which were made up of patients who (for such days) were eligible for 
medical assistance under a State plan approved under Title XIX of the 
Social Security Act, is not less than 28 percent of the total number of 
such hospital's acute care inpatient days for such period.
    (3) The requirements of paragraph (2) of this definition shall not 
apply to a facility in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, or the Virgin Islands.
    Full-time employment means work where the nurse is regularly 
scheduled to work 40 hours or more per week, unless the facility 
documents that it is common practice for the occupation at the facility 
or for the occupation in the geographic area for full-time nurses to 
work fewer hours per week.
    Geographic area means the area within normal commuting distance of 
the place (address) of the intended worksite. If the geographic area 
does not include a sufficient number of facilities to make a prevailing 
wage determination, the term ``geographic area'' shall be expanded with 
respect to the attesting facility to include a sufficient number of 
facilities to permit a prevailing wage determination to be made. If the 
place of the intended worksite is within a Metropolitan Statistical Area 
(MSA) or Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), any place within 
the MSA or PMSA will be deemed to be within normal commuting distance of 
the place of intended employment.
    H-1C nurse means any nonimmigrant alien admitted to the United 
States to perform services as a nurse under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) 
of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c)).
    INA means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, 8
    U.S.C. 1101 et seq.
    Lockout means a labor dispute involving a work stoppage in which an 
employer withholds work from its employees in order to gain a concession 
from them.
    Nurse means a person who is or will be authorized by a State Board 
of Nursing to engage in registered nursing practice in a State or U.S. 
territory or possession at a facility which provides health care 
services. A staff nurse means a nurse who provides nursing care directly 
to patients. In order to qualify under this definition of ``nurse'' the 
alien must:
    (1) Have obtained a full and unrestricted license to practice 
nursing in the country where the alien obtained nursing education, or 
have received nursing education in the United States;
    (2) Have passed the examination given by the Commission on Graduates 
for Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or have obtained a full and 
unrestricted (permanent) license to practice as a registered nurse in 
the state of intended employment, or have obtained a full and 
unrestricted (permanent) license in any state or territory of the United 
States and received temporary authorization to practice as a registered 
nurse in the state of intended employment; and,
    (3) Be fully qualified and eligible under the laws (including such 
temporary or interim licensing requirements which authorize the nurse to 
be employed) governing the place of intended employment to practice as a 
registered nurse immediately upon admission to the United States, and be 
authorized under such laws to be employed by the employer. For purposes 
of this paragraph, the temporary or interim licensing may be obtained 
immediately after the alien enters the United States and registers to 
take the first available examination for permanent licensure.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means the 
organizational component within the ETA that provides national 
leadership and policy guidance and develops regulations and procedures 
to carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary of Labor under the 
INA concerning foreign workers seeking admission to the United States.
    Prevailing wage means the weighted average wage paid to similarly 
employed registered nurses within the geographic area.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary's designee.
    Similarly employed means employed by the same type of facility 
(acute care or long-term care) and working under like conditions, such 
as the same shift,

[[Page 545]]

on the same days of the week, and in the same specialty area.
    State means one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto 
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
    Strike means a labor dispute in which employees engage in a 
concerted stoppage of work (including stoppage by reason of the 
expiration of a collective-bargaining agreement) or engage in any 
concerted slowdown or other concerted interruption of operations.
    United States (U.S.) means the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam, the Virgin 
Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) means the bureau 
within the Department of Homeland Security that makes determinations 
under the INA on whether to approve petitions seeking classification 
and/or admission of nonimmigrant nurses under the H-1C program.
    United States (U.S.) nurse means any nurse who: is a U.S. citizen; 
is a U.S. national; is lawfully admitted for permanent residence; is 
admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157; or is granted asylum under 8 
U.S.C. 1158.
    Worksite means the location where the nurse is involved in the 
practice of nursing.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 78068, Dec. 19, 2008; 
75 FR 10404, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1110  What requirements are imposed in the filing of an 
attestation?

    (a) Who may file Attestations? (1) Any hospital which meets the 
definition of facility in Sec. Sec.  655.1102 and 655.1111 may file an 
Attestation.
    (2) ETA shall determine the hospital's eligibility as a facility 
through a review of this attestation element on the first Attestation 
filed by the hospital. ETA's determination on this point is subject to a 
hearing before the BALCA upon the request of any interested party. The 
BALCA proceeding shall be limited to the point.
    (3) Upon the hospital's filing of a second or subsequent 
Attestation, its eligibility as a facility shall be controlled by the 
determination made on this point in the ETA review (and BALCA 
proceeding, if any) of the hospital's first Attestation.
    (b) Where and when should attestations be submitted? (1) 
Attestations shall be submitted, by U.S. mail or private carrier, to ETA 
at the following address: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and 
Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Chicago 
National Processing Center, 536 South Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60605-
1509.
    (2) Attestations shall be reviewed and accepted for filing or 
rejected by ETA within 30 calendar days of the date they are received by 
ETA. Therefore, it is recommended that attestations be submitted to ETA 
at least 35 calendar days prior to the planned date for filing an H-1C 
visa petition with USCIS.
    (c) What shall be submitted? (1) Form ETA 9081 and required 
supporting documentation, as described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through 
(iv) of this section.
    (i) A completed and dated original Form ETA 9081, containing the 
required attestation elements and the original signature of the chief 
executive officer of the facility, shall be submitted, along with one 
copy of the completed, signed, and dated Form ETA 9081. Copies of the 
form and instructions are available at the address listed in paragraph 
(b) of this section.
    (ii) If the Attestation is the first filed by the hospital, it shall 
be accompanied by copies of pages from the hospital's Form HCFA 2552 
filed with the Department of Health and Human Services (pursuant to 
title XVIII of the Social Security Act) for its 1994 cost reporting 
period, showing the number of its acute care beds and the percentages of 
Medicaid and Medicare reimbursed acute care inpatient days (i.e., Form 
HCFA-2552-92, Worksheet S-3, Part I; Worksheet S, Parts I and II).
    (iii) If the facility attests that it will take one or more timely 
and significant steps other than the steps identified on Form ETA 9081, 
then the facility must submit (in duplicate) an explanation of the 
proposed step(s) and an explanation of how the proposed step(s) is/are 
of comparable significance to those set forth on the Form and in Sec.  
655.1114. (See Sec.  655.1114(b)(2)(v).)
    (iv) If the facility attests that taking more than one timely and 
significant

[[Page 546]]

step is unreasonable, then the facility must submit (in duplicate) an 
explanation of this attestation. (See Sec.  655.1114(c).)
    (2) Filing fee of $250 per Attestation. Payment must be in the form 
of a check or money order, payable to the ``U.S. Department of Labor.'' 
Remittances must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution 
located in the U.S. and be payable in U.S. currency.
    (3) Copies of H-1C petitions and USCIS approval notices. After ETA 
has approved the attestation used by the facility to support any H-1C 
petition, the facility must send copies of each H-1C petition and USCIS 
approval notice on such petition to Employment and Training 
Administration, Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 
200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210.
    (d) Attestation elements. The attestation elements referenced in 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section are mandated by section 212(m)(2)(A) of 
the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(m)(2)(A)). Section 212(m)(2)(A) requires a 
prospective employer of H-1C nurses to attest to the following:
    (1) That it qualifies as a facility (See Sec.  655.1111);
    (2) That employment of H-1C nurses will not adversely affect the 
wages or working conditions of similarly employed nurses (See Sec.  
655.1112);
    (3) That the facility will pay the H-1C nurse the facility wage rate 
(See Sec.  655.1113);
    (4) That the facility has taken, and is taking, timely and 
significant steps to recruit and retain U.S. nurses (See Sec.  
655.1114);
    (5) That there is not a strike or lockout at the facility, that the 
employment of H-1C nurses is not intended or designed to influence an 
election for a bargaining representative for RNs at the facility, and 
that the facility did not lay off and will not lay off a registered 
nurse employed by the facility 90 days before and after the date of 
filing a visa petition (See Sec.  655.1115);
    (6) That the facility will notify its workers and give a copy of the 
Attestation to every nurse employed at the facility (See Sec.  
655.1116);
    (7) That no more than 33 percent of nurses employed by the facility 
will be H-1C nonimmigrants (See Sec.  655.1117); and
    (8) That the facility will not authorize H-1C nonimmigrants to work 
at a worksite not under its control, and will not transfer an H-1C 
nonimmigrant from one worksite to another (See Sec.  655.1118).

[75 FR 10404, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1111  Element I--What hospitals are eligible to participate
in the H-1C program?

    (a) The first attestation element requires that the employer be a 
``facility'' for purposes of the H-1C program, as defined in INA Section 
212(m)(6), 8 U.S.C. 1182 (2)(m)(6).
    (b) A qualifying facility under that section is a ``subpart (d) 
hospital,'' as defined in Section 1886(d)(1)(B) of the Social Security 
Act, 42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(1)(B), which:
    (1) Was located in a health professional shortage area (HPSA), as 
determined by the Department of Health and Human Services, on March 31, 
1997. A list of HPSAs, as of March 31, 1997, was published in the 
Federal Register on May 30, 1997 (62 FR 29395);
    (2) Had at least 190 acute care beds, as determined by its settled 
cost report, filed under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, (42 
U.S.C. 1395 et seq.), for its fiscal year 1994 cost reporting period 
(i.e., Form HCFA-2552-92, Worksheet S-3, Part I, column 1, line 8);
    (3) Had at least 35% of its acute care inpatient days reimbursed by 
Medicare, as determined by its settled cost report, filed under Title 
XVIII of the Social Security Act, for its fiscal year 1994 cost 
reporting period (i.e., Form HCFA-2552-92, Worksheet S-3, Part I, column 
4, line 8 as a percentage of column 6, line 8); and
    (4) Had at least 28% of its acute care inpatient days reimbursed by 
Medicaid, as determined by its settled cost report, filed under Title 
XVIII of the Social Security Act, for its fiscal year 1994 cost 
reporting period (i.e., Form HCFA-2552-92, Worksheet S-3, Part I, column 
5, line 8 as a percentage of column 6, line 8).

[[Page 547]]

    (c) The Federal Register notice containing the controlling list of 
HPSAs (62 FR 29395), can be found in federal depository libraries and on 
the Government Publishing Office Internet website at http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
    (d) To make a determination about information in the settled cost 
report, the employer shall examine its own Worksheet S-3, Part I, 
Hospital and Hospital Health Care Complex Statistical Data, in the 
Hospital and Hospital Health Care Complex Cost Report, Form HCFA 2552, 
filed for the fiscal year 1994 cost reporting period.
    (e) The facility must maintain a copy of the portions of Worksheet 
S-3, Part I and Worksheet S, Parts I and II of HCFA Form 2552 which 
substantiate the attestation of eligibility as a ``facility.'' One set 
of copies of this document must be kept in the facility's public access 
file. The full Form 2552 for fiscal year 1994 must be made available to 
the Department upon request.



Sec.  655.1112  Element II--What does ``no adverse effect on wages and
working conditions'' mean?

    (a) The second attestation element requires that the facility attest 
that ``the employment of the alien will not adversely affect the wages 
and working conditions of registered nurses similarly employed.''
    (b) For purposes of this program, ``employment'' is full-time 
employment as defined in Sec.  655.1102; part-time employment of H-1C 
nurses is not authorized.
    (c) Wages. To meet the requirement of no adverse effect on wages, 
the facility must attest that it will pay each nurse employed by the 
facility at least the prevailing wage for the occupation in the 
geographic area. The facility must pay the higher of the wage required 
under this paragraph or the wage required under Sec.  655.1113 (i.e., 
the third attestation element: facility wage).
    (1) Collectively bargained wage rates. Where wage rates for nurses 
at a facility are the result of arms-length collective bargaining, those 
rates shall be considered ``prevailing'' for that facility for the 
purposes of this subpart.
    (2) Determination of prevailing wage for H-1C purposes. In the 
absence of collectively bargained wage rates, the National Processing 
Center (NPC) having jurisdiction as determined by OFLC shall determine 
the prevailing wage for similarly employed nurses in the geographic area 
in accordance with administrative guidelines issued by ETA for 
prevailing wage determination requests submitted on or after the 
effective date of these regulations.
    (i) Prior to the effective date of these regulations, the SWA having 
jurisdiction over the area of intended employment shall continue to 
receive and process prevailing wage determination requests in accordance 
with the regulatory provisions and Department guidance in effect prior 
to January 1, 2009. On or after the effective date of these regulations, 
the NPC shall receive and process prevailing wage determination requests 
in accordance with these regulations and with Department guidance. A 
facility seeking to determine the prevailing wage must request a 
prevailing wage determination from the NPC having jurisdiction for 
providing the prevailing wage over the proposed area of intended 
employment not more than 90 days prior to the date the attestation is 
submitted to the Department. The NPC must enter its wage determination 
on the form it uses and return the form with its endorsement to the 
employer. Once a facility obtains a prevailing wage determination from 
the NPC and files an attestation supported by that prevailing wage 
determination, the facility shall be deemed to have accepted the 
prevailing wage determination as accurate and appropriate (as to both 
the occupational classification and the wage rate) and thereafter shall 
not contest the legitimacy of that prevailing wage determination in an 
investigation or enforcement action pursuant to subpart M of this part.
    (ii) A facility may challenge the prevailing wage determination with 
the NPC having provided such determination according to administrative 
guidelines issued by ETA, but must obtain a final ruling prior to filing 
an attestation.
    (3) Total compensation package. The prevailing wage under this 
paragraph relates to wages only. Employers are cautioned that each item 
in the total

[[Page 548]]

compensation package for U.S. nurses, H-1C, and other nurses employed by 
the facility must be the same within a given facility, including such 
items as housing assistance and fringe benefits.
    (4) Documentation of pay and total compensation. The facility must 
maintain in its public access file a copy of the prevailing wage, which 
shall be either the collective bargaining agreement or the determination 
that was obtained from the NPC. The facility must maintain payroll 
records, as specified in Sec.  655.1113, and make such records available 
to the Administrator in the event of an enforcement action pursuant to 
subpart M.
    (d) Working conditions. To meet the requirement of no adverse effect 
on working conditions, the facility must attest that it will afford 
equal treatment to U.S. and H-1C nurses with the same seniority, with 
respect to such working conditions as the number and scheduling of hours 
worked (including shifts, straight days, weekends); vacations; wards and 
clinical rotations; and overall staffing-patient patterns. In the event 
of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart M, the facility must 
provide evidence substantiating compliance with this attestation.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 73 FR 78068, Dec. 19, 2008]



Sec.  655.1113  Element III--What does ``facility wage rate'' mean?

    (a) The third attestation element requires that the facility 
employing or seeking to employ the alien must attest that ``the alien 
employed by the facility will be paid the wage rate for registered 
nurses similarly employed by the facility.''
    (b) The facility must pay the higher of the wage required in this 
section (i.e. facility wage), or the wage required in Sec.  655.1112 
(i.e., prevailing wage).
    (c) Wage obligations for H-1C nurses in nonproductive status--(1) 
Circumstances where wages must be paid. If the H-1C nurse is not 
performing work and is in a nonproductive status due to a decision by 
the facility (e.g., because of lack of assigned work), because the nurse 
has not yet received a license to work as a registered nurse, or any 
other reason except as specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, 
the facility is required to pay the salaried H-1C nurse the full amount 
of the weekly salary, or to pay the hourly-wage H-1C nurse for a full-
time week (40 hours or such other number of hours as the facility can 
demonstrate to be full-time employment) at the applicable wage rate.
    (2) Circumstances where wages need not be paid. If an H-1C nurse 
experiences a period of nonproductive status due to conditions unrelated 
to employment which take the nurse away from his/her duties at his/her 
voluntary request and convenience (e.g., touring the U.S., caring for 
ill relative) or render the nonimmigrant unable to work (e.g., maternity 
leave, automobile accident which temporarily incapacitates the 
nonimmigrant), then the facility is not obligated to pay the required 
wage rate during that period, provided that such period is not subject 
to payment under the facility's benefit plan. Payment need not be made 
if there has been a bona fide termination of the employment 
relationship, as demonstrated by notification to USCIS that the 
employment relationship has been terminated and the petition should be 
canceled.
    (d) Documentation. The facility must maintain documentation 
substantiating compliance with this attestation element. The public 
access file shall contain the facility pay schedule for nurses or a 
description of the factors taken into consideration by the facility in 
making compensation decisions for nurses, if either of these documents 
exists. Categories of nursing positions not covered by the public access 
file documentation shall not be covered by the Attestation, and, 
therefore, such positions shall not be filled or held by H-1C nurses. 
The facility must maintain the payroll records, as required under the 
Fair Labor Standards Act at 29 CFR part 516, and make such records 
available to the Administrator in the event of an enforcement action 
pursuant to subpart M of this part.



Sec.  655.1114  Element IV--What are the timely and significant steps
an H-1C employer must take to recruit and retain U.S. nurses?

    (a) The fourth attestation element requires that the facility attest 
that it ``has taken and is taking timely and

[[Page 549]]

significant steps designed to recruit and retain sufficient registered 
nurses who are United States citizens or immigrants who are authorized 
to perform nursing services, in order to remove as quickly as reasonably 
possible the dependence of the facility on nonimmigrant registered 
nurses.'' The facility must take at least two such steps, unless it 
demonstrates that taking a second step is not reasonable. The steps 
described in this section shall not be considered to be an exclusive 
list of the significant steps that may be taken to meet the conditions 
of this section. Nothing in this subpart or subpart M of this part shall 
require a facility to take more than one step, if the facility can 
demonstrate that taking a second step is not reasonable. A facility 
choosing to take timely and significant steps other than those 
specifically described in this section must submit with its Attestation 
a description of the step(s) it is proposing to take and an explanation 
of how the proposed step(s) are of comparable timeliness and 
significance to those described in this section (See Sec.  
655.1110(c)(1)(iii)). A facility claiming that a second step is 
unreasonable must submit an explanation of why such second step would be 
unreasonable (See Sec.  655.1110(c)(1)(iv)).
    (b) Descriptions of steps. Each of the actions described in this 
section shall be considered a significant step reasonably designed to 
recruit and retain U.S. nurses. A facility choosing any of these steps 
shall designate such step on Form ETA 9081, thereby attesting that its 
program(s) meets the regulatory requirements set forth for such step. 
Section 212(m)(2)(E)(ii) of the INA provides that a violation shall be 
found if a facility fails to meet a condition attested to. Thus, a 
facility shall be held responsible for all timely and significant steps 
to which it attests.
    (1) Statutory steps--(i) Operating a training program for registered 
nurses at the facility or financing (or providing participation in) a 
training program for registered nurses elsewhere. Training programs may 
include either courses leading to a higher degree (i.e., beyond an 
associate or a baccalaureate degree), or continuing education courses. 
If the program includes courses leading to a higher degree, they must be 
courses which are part of a program accepted for degree credit by a 
college or university and accredited by a State Board of Nursing or a 
State Board of Higher Education (or its equivalent), as appropriate. If 
the program includes continuing education courses, they must be courses 
which meet criteria established to qualify the nurses taking the courses 
to earn continuing education units accepted by a State Board of Nursing 
(or its equivalent). In either type of program, financing by the 
facility (either directly or arranged through a third party) shall cover 
the total costs of such training. The number of U.S. nurses for whom 
such training actually is provided shall be no less than half of the 
number of nurses who left the facility during the 12-month period prior 
to submission of the Attestation. U.S. nurses to whom such training was 
offered, but who rejected such training, may be counted towards those 
provided training.
    (ii) Providing career development programs and other methods of 
facilitating health care workers to become registered nurses. This may 
include programs leading directly to a degree in nursing, or career 
ladder/career path programs which could ultimately lead to a degree in 
nursing. Any such degree program shall be, at a minimum, through an 
accredited community college (leading to an associate's degree), 4-year 
college (a bachelor's degree), or diploma school, and the course of 
study must be one accredited by a State Board of Nursing (or its 
equivalent). The facility (either directly or arranged through a third 
party) must cover the total costs of such programs. U.S. workers 
participating in such programs must be working or have worked in health 
care occupations or facilities. The number of U.S. workers for whom such 
training is provided must be equal to no less than half the average 
number of vacancies for nurses during the 12-month period prior to the 
submission of the Attestation. U.S. nurses to whom such training was 
offered, but who rejected such training, may be counted towards those 
provided training.
    (iii) Paying registered nurses wages at a rate higher than currently 
being paid to registered nurses similarly employed in

[[Page 550]]

the geographic area. The facility's entire schedule of wages for nurses 
shall be at least 5 percent higher than the prevailing wage as 
determined by the NPC, and such differentials shall be maintained 
throughout the period of the Attestation's effectiveness.
    (iv) Providing reasonable opportunities for meaningful salary 
advancement by registered nurses. This may include salary advancement 
based on factors such as merit, education, and specialty, and/or salary 
advancement based on length of service, with other bases for wage 
differentials remaining constant.
    (A) Merit, education, and specialty. Salary advancement may be based 
on factors such as merit, education, and specialty, or the facility may 
provide opportunities for professional development of its nurses which 
lead to salary advancement (e.g., participation in continuing education 
or in-house educational instruction; service on special committees, task 
forces, or projects considered of a professional development nature; 
participation in professional organizations; and writing for 
professional publications). Such opportunities must be available to all 
the facility's nurses.
    (B) Length of service. Salary advancement may be based on length of 
service using clinical ladders which provide, annually, salary increases 
of 3 percent or more for a period of no less than 10 years, over and 
above the costs of living and merit, education, and specialty increases 
and differentials.
    (2) Other possible steps. The Act indicates that the four steps 
described in the statute (and set out in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section) are not an exclusive list of timely and significant steps which 
might qualify. The actions described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through 
(iv) of this section, are also deemed to be qualified; in paragraph 
(b)(2)(v) of this section, the facility is afforded the opportunity to 
identify a timely and significant step of its own devising.
    (i) Monetary incentives. The facility provides monetary incentives 
to nurses, through bonuses and merit pay plans not included in the base 
compensation package, for additional education, and for efforts by the 
nurses leading to increased recruitment and retention of U.S. nurses. 
Such monetary incentives may be based on actions by nurses such as: 
Instituting innovations to achieve better patient care, increased 
productivity, reduced waste, and/or improved workplace safety; obtaining 
additional certification in a nursing specialty; accruing unused sick 
leave; recruiting other U.S. nurses; staying with the facility for a 
given number of years; taking less desirable assignments (other than 
shift differential); participating in professional organizations; 
serving on task forces and on special committees; or contributing to 
professional publications.
    (ii) Special perquisites. The facility provides nurses with special 
perquisites for dependent care or housing assistance of a nature and/or 
extent that constitute a ``significant'' factor in inducing employment 
and retention of U.S. nurses.
    (iii) Work schedule options. The facility provides nurses with non-
mandatory work schedule options for part-time work, job-sharing, 
compressed work week or non-rotating shifts (provided, however, that H-
1C nurses are employed only in full-time work) of a nature and/or extent 
that constitute a ``significant'' factor in inducing employment and 
retention of U.S. nurses.
    (iv) Other training options. The facility provides training 
opportunities to U.S. workers not currently in health care occupations 
to become registered nurses by means of financial assistance (e.g., 
scholarship, loan or pay-back programs) to such persons.
    (v) Alternative but significant steps. Facilities are encouraged to 
be innovative in devising timely and significant steps other than those 
described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(i) through (iv) of this 
section. To qualify, an alternative step must be of a timeliness and 
significance comparable to those in this section. A facility may 
designate on Form ETA 9081 that it has taken and is taking such 
alternate step(s), thereby attesting that the step(s) meet the statutory 
test of timeliness and significance comparable to those described in 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(i) through (iv) in promoting the 
development, recruitment, and retention of U.S. nurses. If such a 
designation is

[[Page 551]]

made on Form ETA 9081, the submission of the Attestation to ETA must 
include an explanation and appropriate documentation of the alternate 
step(s), and of the manner in which they satisfy the statutory test in 
comparison to the steps described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(i) 
through (iv). ETA will review the explanation and documentation and 
determine whether the alternate step(s) qualify under this subsection. 
The ETA determination is subject to review by the BALCA, upon the 
request of an interested party; such review shall be limited to this 
matter.
    (c) Unreasonableness of second step. Nothing in this subpart or 
subpart M of this part requires a facility to take more than one step, 
if the facility can demonstrate that taking a second step is not 
reasonable. However, a facility shall make every effort to take at least 
two steps. The taking of a second step may be considered unreasonable if 
it would result in the facility's financial inability to continue 
providing the same quality and quantity of health care or if the 
provision of nursing services would otherwise be jeopardized by the 
taking of such a step.
    (1) A facility may designate on Form ETA 9081 that the taking of a 
second step is not reasonable. If such a designation is made on Form ETA 
9081, the submission of the Attestation to ETA shall include an 
explanation and appropriate documentation with respect to each of the 
steps described in paragraph (b) of this section (other than the step 
designated as being taken by the facility), showing why it would be 
unreasonable for the facility to take each such step and why it would be 
unreasonable for the facility to take any other step designed to 
recruit, develop and retain sufficient U.S. nurses to meet its staffing 
needs.
    (2) ETA will review the explanation and documentation, and will 
determine whether the taking of a second step would not be reasonable. 
The ETA determination is subject to review by the BALCA, upon the 
request of an interested party; such review shall be limited to this 
matter.
    (d) Performance-based alternative to criteria for specific steps. 
Instead of complying with the specific criteria for one or more of the 
steps in the second and/or succeeding years of participation in the H-1C 
program, a facility may include in its prior year's Attestation, in 
addition to the actions taken under specifically attested steps, that it 
will reduce the number of H-1C nurses it utilizes within one year from 
the date of the Attestation by at least 10 percent, without reducing the 
quality or quantity of services provided. If this goal is achieved, the 
facility shall so indicate on its subsequent year's Attestation. 
Further, the facility need not attest to any ``timely and significant 
step'' on that subsequent attestation, if it again indicates that it 
shall again reduce the number of H-1C nurses it utilizes within one year 
from the date of the Attestation by at least 10 percent. This 
performance-based alternative is designed to permit a facility to 
achieve the objectives of the Act, without subjecting the facility to 
detailed requirements and criteria as to the specific means of achieving 
that objective.
    (e) Documentation. The facility must include in the public access 
file a description of the activities which constitute its compliance 
with each timely and significant step which is attested on Form ETA 9081 
(e.g., summary of a training program for registered nurses; description 
of a career ladder showing meaningful opportunities for pay advancements 
for nurses). If the facility has attested that it will take an 
alternative step or that taking a second step is unreasonable, then the 
public access file must include the documentation which was submitted to 
ETA under paragraph (c) of this section. The facility must maintain in 
its non-public files, and must make available to the Administrator in 
the event of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart M of this part, 
documentation which provides a complete description of the nature and 
operation of its program(s) sufficient to substantiate its full 
compliance with the requirements of each timely and significant step 
which is attested to on Form ETA 9081. This documentation should include 
information relating to all of the requirements for the step in 
question.

[[Page 552]]



Sec.  655.1115  Element V--What does ``no strike/lockout or layoff''
mean?

    (a) The fifth attestation element requires that the facility attest 
that ``there is not a strike or lockout in the course of a labor 
dispute, the facility did not lay off and will not lay off a registered 
nurse employed by the facility within the period beginning 90 days 
before and ending 90 days after the date of filing of any visa petition, 
and the employment of such an alien is not intended or designated to 
influence an election for a bargaining representative for registered 
nurses of the facility.'' Labor disputes for purposes of this 
attestation element relate only to those involving nurses providing 
nursing services; other health service occupations are not included. A 
facility which has filed a petition for H-1C nurses is also prohibited 
from interfering with the right of the nonimmigrant to join or organize 
a union.
    (b) Notice of strike or lockout. In order to remain in compliance 
with the no strike or lockout portion of this attestation element, the 
facility must notify ETA if a strike or lockout of nurses at the 
facility occurs during the 1 year validity period of the attestation. 
Within 3 days of the occurrence of such strike or lockout, the facility 
must submit to the Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 
Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, 200 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210, by U.S. 
mail or private carrier, written notice of the strike or lockout. Upon 
receiving a notice described in this section from a facility, ETA will 
examine the documentation, and may consult with the union at the 
facility or other appropriate entities. If ETA determines that the 
strike or lockout is covered under USCIS regulation 8 CFR 214.2(h)(17), 
Effect of a strike, for ``H'' nonimmigrants, ETA must certify to USCIS, 
in the manner set forth in that regulation, that a strike or other labor 
dispute involving a work stoppage of nurses is in progress at the 
facility.
    (c) Lay off of a U.S. nurse means that the employer has caused the 
nurse's loss of employment in circumstances other than where--
    (1) A U.S. nurse has been discharged for inadequate performance, 
violation of workplace rules, or other reasonable work-related cause;
    (2) A U.S. nurse's departure or retirement is voluntary (to be 
assessed in light of the totality of the circumstances, under 
established principles concerning ``constructive discharge'' of workers 
who are pressured to leave employment);
    (3) The grant or contract under which the work performed by the U.S. 
nurse is required and funded has expired, and without such grant or 
contract the nurse would not continue to be employed because there is no 
alternative funding or need for the position; or
    (4) A U.S. nurse who loses employment is offered, as an alternative 
to such loss, a similar employment opportunity with the same employer. 
The validity of the offer of a similar employment opportunity will be 
assessed in light of the following factors:
    (i) The offer is a bona fide offer, rather than an offer designed to 
induce the U.S. nurse to refuse or an offer made with the expectation 
that the worker will refuse;
    (ii) The offered job provides the U.S. nurse an opportunity similar 
to that provided in the job from which he/she is discharged, in terms 
such as a similar level of authority, discretion, and responsibility, a 
similar opportunity for advancement within the organization, and similar 
tenure and work scheduling;
    (iii) The offered job provides the U.S. nurse equivalent or higher 
compensation and benefits to those provided in the job from which he/she 
is discharged.
    (d) Documentation. The facility must include in its public access 
file, copies of all notices of strikes or other labor disputes involving 
a work stoppage of nurses at the facility (submitted to ETA under 
paragraph (b) of this section). The facility must retain in its non-
public files, and make available in the event of an enforcement action 
pursuant to subpart M of this part, any existing documentation with 
respect to the departure of each U.S. nurse who left his/her employment 
with the facility in the period from 90 days before

[[Page 553]]

until 90 days after the facility's petition for H-1C nurse(s). The 
facility is also required to have a record of the terms of any offer of 
alternative employment to such a U.S. nurse and the nurse's response to 
the offer (which may be a note to the file or other record of the 
nurse's response), and to make such record available in the event of an 
enforcement action pursuant to subpart M.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 10405, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1116  Element VI--What notification must facilities provide
to registered nurses?

    (a) The sixth attestation element requires the facility to attest 
that at the time of filing of the petition for registered nurses under 
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c) of the INA, notice of filing has been 
provided by the facility to the bargaining representative of the 
registered nurses at the facility or, where there is no such bargaining 
representative, notice of the filing has been provided to registered 
nurses at the facility through posting in conspicuous locations, and 
individual copies of the Attestation have been provided to registered 
nurses employed at the facility.
    (b) Notification of bargaining representative. (1) At a time no 
later than the date the attestation is transmitted to ETA, on ETA Form 
9081, Attestation for H-1C Nonimmigrant Nurses, the facility must notify 
the bargaining representative (if any) for nurses at the facility that 
the attestation is being submitted. This notice may be either a copy of 
the attestation (ETA Form 9081) or a document stating that the 
attestations are available for review by interested parties at the 
facility (explaining how they can be inspected or obtained) and at the 
Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Employment and Training 
Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room 
C-4312, Washington, DC 20210. The notice must include the following 
statement: ``Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in 
the attestation or failure to comply with the terms of the attestation 
may be filed with any office of the Wage and Hour Division, United 
States Department of Labor.''
    (2) No later than the date the facility transmits a petition for H-
1C nurses to USCIS, the facility must notify the bargaining 
representative (if any) for nurses at the facility that the H-1C 
petition is being submitted. This notice may be either a copy of 
petition, or a document stating that the attestations and H-1C petition 
are available for review by interested parties at the facility 
(explaining how they can be inspected or obtained) and at the Office of 
Foreign Labor Certification, Employment and Training Administration, 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room C-4312, 
Washington, DC 20210. The notice must include the following statement: 
``Complaints alleging misrepresentation of material facts in the 
attestation or failure to comply with the terms of the attestation may 
be filed with any office of the Wage and Hour Division, United States 
Department of Labor.''
    (c) Posting notice. If there is no bargaining representative for 
nurses at the facility, the facility must post a written notice in two 
or more conspicuous locations at the facility. Such notices shall be 
clearly visible and unobstructed while posted, and shall be posted in 
conspicuous places where nurses can easily read the notices on their way 
to or from their duties. Appropriate locations for posting hard copy 
notices include locations in the immediate proximity of mandatory Fair 
Labor Standards Act wage and hour notices and Occupational Safety and 
Health Act occupational safety and health notices. In the alternative, 
the facility may use electronic means it ordinarily uses to communicate 
with its nurses about job vacancies or promotion opportunities, 
including through its ``home page'' or ``electronic bulletin board,'' 
provided that the nurses have, as a practical matter, direct access to 
those sites; or, where the nurses have individual e-mail accounts, the 
facility may use e-mail. This must be accomplished no later than the 
date when the facility transmits an Attestation to ETA and the date when 
the facility transmits an H-1C petition to the USCIS. The notice may be 
either a

[[Page 554]]

copy of the Attestation or petition, or a document stating that the 
Attestation or petition has been filed and is available for review by 
interested parties at the facility (explaining how these documents can 
be inspected or obtained) and at the national office of ETA. The notice 
shall include the following statement: ``Complaints alleging 
misrepresentation of material facts in the Attestation or failure to 
comply with the terms of the Attestation may be filed with any office of 
the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor.'' 
Unless it is sent to an individual e-mail address, the Attestation 
notice shall remain posted during the validity period of the 
Attestation; the petition notice shall remain posted for ten days. 
Copies of all notices shall be available for examination in the 
facility's public access file.
    (d) Individual notice to RNs. In addition to notifying the 
bargaining representative or posting notice as described in paragraphs 
(b) and (c) of this section, the facility must provide a copy of the 
Attestation, within 30 days of the date of filing, to every registered 
nurse employed at the facility. This requirement may be satisfied by 
electronic means if an individual e-mail message, with the Attestation 
as an attachment, is sent to every RN at the facility. This notification 
includes not only the RNs employed by the facility, but also includes 
any RN who is providing service at the facility as an employee of 
another entity, such as a nursing contractor.
    (e) Where RNs lack practical computer access, a hard copy must be 
posted in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section and a hard copy 
of the Attestation delivered, within 30 days of the date of filing, to 
every RN employed at the facility in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this section.
    (f) The facility must maintain, in its public access file, copies of 
the notices required by this section. The facility must make such 
documentation available to the Administrator in the event of an 
enforcement action pursuant to subpart M of this part.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 10405, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1117  Element VII--What are the limitations as to the number
of H-1C nonimmigrants that a facility may employ?

    (a) The seventh attestation element requires that the facility 
attest that it will not, at any time, employ a number of H-1C nurses 
that exceeds 33% of the total number of registered nurses employed by 
the facility. The calculation of the population of nurses for purposes 
of this attestation includes only nurses who have an employer-employee 
relationship with the facility (as defined in Sec.  655.1102).
    (b) The facility must maintain documentation (e.g., payroll records, 
copies of H-1C petitions) that demonstrates its compliance with this 
attestation. The facility must make such documentation available to the 
Administrator in the event of an enforcement action pursuant to subpart 
M of this part.



Sec.  655.1118  Element VIII--What are the limitations as to where the
H-1C nonimmigrant may be employed?

    The eighth attestation element requires that the facility attest 
that it will not authorize any H-1C nurse to perform services at any 
worksite not controlled by the facility or transfer any H-1C nurse from 
one worksite to another worksite, even if all of the worksites are 
controlled by the facility.



Sec.  655.1130  What criteria does the Department use to determine
whether or not to certify an Attestation?

    (a) An Attestation form which is complete and has no obvious 
inaccuracies will be accepted for filing by ETA without substantive 
review, except that ETA will conduct a substantive review on particular 
attestation elements in the following limited circumstances:
    (1) Determination of whether the hospital submitting the Attestation 
is a qualifying ``facility'' (see Sec.  655.1110(c)(ii), regarding the 
documentation required, and the process for review);
    (2) Where the facility attests that it is taking or will take a 
``timely and significant step'' other than those identified on the Form 
ETA 9081 (see

[[Page 555]]

Sec.  655.1114(b)(2)(v), regarding the documentation required, and the 
process for review);
    (3) Where the facility asserts that taking a second ``timely and 
significant step'' is unreasonable (see Sec.  655.1114(c), regarding the 
documentation required, and the process for review).
    (b) The certifying officer will act on the Attestation in a timely 
manner. If the officer does not contact the facility for information or 
make any determination within 30 days of receiving the Attestation, the 
Attestation shall be accepted for filing. If ETA receives information 
contesting the truth of the statements attested to or compliance with an 
Attestation prior to the determination to accept or reject the 
Attestation for filing, such information shall not be made part of ETA's 
administrative record on the Attestation but shall be referred to the 
Administrator to be processed as a complaint pursuant to subpart M of 
this part if such Attestation is accepted by ETA for filing.
    (c) When the facility submits the attestation to ETA and provides 
the notice required by Sec.  655.1116, the attestation must be made 
available for public examination at the facility. When ETA accepts the 
attestation for filing, the attestation will be made available, upon 
request, for public examination in the Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Employment Training Administration, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Room C-4312, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210.
    (d) Standards for acceptance of Attestation. ETA will accept the 
Attestation for filing under the following standards:
    (1) The Attestation is complete and contains no obvious 
inaccuracies.
    (2) The facility's explanation and documentation are sufficient to 
satisfy the requirements for the Attestation elements on which 
substantive review is conducted (as described in paragraph (a) of this 
section).
    (3) The facility has no outstanding ``insufficient funds'' check(s) 
in connection with filing fee(s) for prior Attestation(s).
    (4) The facility has no outstanding civil money penalties and/or has 
not failed to satisfy a remedy assessed by the Wage and Hour 
Administrator, under subpart M of this part, where that penalty or 
remedy assessment has become the final agency action.
    (5) The facility has not been disqualified from approval of any 
petitions filed by, or on behalf of, the facility under section 204 or 
section 212(m) of the INA.
    (e) DOL not the guarantor. DOL is not the guarantor of the accuracy, 
truthfulness or adequacy of an Attestation accepted for filing.
    (f) Attestation Effective and Expiration Dates. An Attestation 
becomes filed and effective as of the date it is accepted and signed by 
the ETA certifying officer. Such Attestation is valid until the date 
that is the later of the end of the 12-month period beginning on the 
date of acceptance for filing with the Secretary, or the end of the 
period of admission (under INA section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c)) of the last 
alien with respect to whose admission the Attestation was applied, 
unless the Attestation is suspended or invalidated earlier than such 
date pursuant to Sec.  655.1132.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 10406, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1132  When will the Department suspend or invalidate an 
approved Attestation?

    (a) Suspension or invalidation of an Attestation may result where: 
the facility's check for the filing fee is not honored by a financial 
institution; a Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA) 
decision reverses an ETA certification of the Attestation; ETA finds 
that it made an error in its review and certification of the 
Attestation; an enforcement proceeding has finally determined that the 
facility failed to meet a condition attested to, or that there was a 
misrepresentation of material fact in an Attestation; the facility has 
failed to pay civil money penalties and/or failed to satisfy a remedy 
assessed by the Wage and Hour Administrator, where that penalty or 
remedy assessment has become the final agency action. If an Attestation 
is suspended or invalidated, ETA will notify USCIS.
    (b) BALCA decision or final agency action in an enforcement 
proceeding. If an Attestation is suspended or invalidated

[[Page 556]]

as a result of a BALCA decision overruling an ETA acceptance of the 
Attestation for filing, or is suspended or invalidated as a result of an 
enforcement action by the Administrator under subpart M of this part, 
such suspension or invalidation may not be separately appealed, but 
shall be merged with appeals on the underlying matter.
    (c) ETA action. If, after accepting an Attestation for filing, ETA 
discovers that it erroneously accepted that Attestation for filing and, 
as a result, ETA suspends or invalidates that acceptance, the facility 
may appeal such suspension or invalidation under Sec.  655.1135 as if 
that suspension or invalidation were a decision to reject the 
Attestation for filing.
    (d) A facility must comply with the terms of its Attestation, even 
if such Attestation is suspended, invalidated or expired, as long as any 
H-1C nurse is at the facility, unless the Attestation is superseded by a 
subsequent Attestation accepted for filing by ETA.



Sec.  655.1135  What appeals procedures are available concerning 
ETA's actions on a facility's Attestation?

    (a) Appeals of acceptances or rejections. Any interested party may 
appeal ETA's acceptance or rejection of an Attestation submitted by a 
facility for filing. However, such an appeal shall be limited to ETA's 
determination on one or more of the attestation elements for which ETA 
conducts a substantive review (as described in Sec.  655.1130(a)). Such 
appeal must be filed no later than 30 days after the date of the 
acceptance or rejection, and will be considered under the procedures set 
forth at paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section.
    (b) Appeal of invalidation or suspension. An interested party may 
appeal ETA's invalidation or suspension of a filed Attestation due to a 
discovery by ETA that it made an error in its review of the Attestation, 
as described in Sec.  655.1132.
    (c) Parties to the appeal. In the case of an appeal of an 
acceptance, the facility will be a party to the appeal; in the case of 
the appeal of a rejection, invalidation, or suspension, the collective 
bargaining representative (if any) representing nurses at the facility 
shall be a party to the appeal. Appeals shall be in writing; shall set 
forth the grounds for the appeal; shall state if de novo consideration 
by BALCA is requested; and shall be mailed by certified mail within 30 
calendar days of the date of the action from which the appeal is taken 
(i.e., the acceptance, rejection, suspension or invalidation of the 
Attestation).
    (d) Where to file appeals. Appeals made under this section must be 
in writing and must be mailed by certified mail to: U.S. Department of 
Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Chicago National Processing Center, 536 South Clark 
Street, Chicago, IL 60605-1509.
    (e) Transmittal of the case file to BALCA. Upon receipt of an appeal 
under this section, the Certifying Office shall send to BALCA a 
certified copy of the ETA case file, containing the Attestation and 
supporting documentation and any other information or data considered by 
ETA in taking the action being appealed. The administrative law judge 
chairing BALCA shall assign a panel of one or more administrative law 
judges who serve on BALCA to review the record for legal sufficiency and 
to consider and rule on the appeal.
    (f) Consideration on the record; de novo hearings. BALCA may not 
remand, dismiss, or stay the case, except as provided in paragraph (h) 
of this section, but may otherwise consider the appeal on the record or 
in a de novo hearing (on its own motion or on a party's request). 
Interested parties and amici curiae may submit briefs in accordance with 
a schedule set by BALCA. The ETA official who made the determination 
which was appealed will be represented by the Associate Solicitor for 
Employment and Training Legal Services, Office of the Solicitor, 
Department of Labor, or the Associate Solicitor's designee. If BALCA 
determines to hear the appeal on the record without a de novo hearing, 
BALCA shall render a decision within 30 calendar days after BALCA's 
receipt of the case file. If BALCA determines to hear the appeal through 
a de novo hearing, the procedures contained in 29 CFR part 18 will apply 
to such hearings, except that:

[[Page 557]]

    (1) The appeal will not be considered to be a complaint to which an 
answer is required.
    (2) BALCA shall ensure that, at the request of the appellant, the 
hearing is scheduled to take place within a reasonable period after 
BALCA's receipt of the case file (see also the time period described in 
paragraph (f)(4) of this section).
    (3) Technical rules of evidence, such as the Federal Rules of 
Evidence and subpart B of the Rules of Practice and Procedure for 
Administrative Hearings Before the Office of Administrative Law Judges 
(29 CFR part 18, subpart B), will not apply to any hearing conducted 
pursuant to this subpart, but rules or principles designed to assure 
production of the most credible evidence available, and to subject 
testimony to test by cross-examination, shall be applied where 
reasonably necessary by BALCA in conducting the hearing. BALCA may 
exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. The 
certified copy of the case file transmitted to BALCA by the Certifying 
Officer must be made part of the evidentiary record of the case and need 
not be moved into evidence.
    (4) BALCA's decision shall be rendered within 120 calendar days 
after BALCA's receipt of the case file.
    (g) Dismissals and stays. If BALCA determines that the appeal is 
solely a question of misrepresentation by the facility or is solely a 
complaint of the facility's nonperformance of the Attestation, BALCA 
shall dismiss the case and refer the matter to the Administrator, Wage 
and Hour Division, for action under subpart M. If BALCA determines that 
the appeal is partially a question of misrepresentation by the facility, 
or is partially a complaint of the facility's nonperformance of the 
Attestation, BALCA shall refer the matter to the Administrator, Wage and 
Hour Division, for action under subpart M of this part and shall stay 
BALCA consideration of the case pending final agency action on such 
referral. During such stay, the 120-day period described in paragraph 
(f)(1)(iv) of this section shall be suspended.
    (h) BALCA's decision. After consideration on the record or a de novo 
hearing, BALCA shall either affirm or reverse ETA's decision, and shall 
so notify the appellant; and any other parties.
    (i) Decisions on Attestations. With respect to an appeal of the 
acceptance, rejection, suspension or invalidation of an Attestation, the 
decision of BALCA shall be the final decision of the Secretary, and no 
further review shall be given to the matter by any DOL official.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 10406, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1150  What materials must be available to the public?

    (a) Public examination at ETA. ETA will make available, upon 
request, for public examination at the Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, Employment Training Administration, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Room C-4312, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210, 
a list of facilities which have filed attestations; a copy of the 
facility's attestation(s) and any supporting documentation; and a copy 
of each of the facility's H-1C petitions (if any) to USCIS along with 
the USCIS approval notices (if any).
    (b) Public examination at facility. For the duration of the 
Attestation's validity and thereafter for so long as the facility 
employs any H-1C nurse under the Attestation, the facility must maintain 
a separate file containing a copy of the Attestation, a copy of the 
prevailing wage determination, a description of the facility pay system 
or a copy of the facility's pay schedule if either document exists, 
copies of the notices provided under Sec.  655.1115 and Sec.  655.1116, 
a description of the ``timely and significant steps'' as described in 
Sec.  655.1114, and any other documentation required by this part to be 
contained in the public access file. The facility must make this file 
available to any interested parties within 72 hours upon written or oral 
request. If a party requests a copy of the file, the facility shall 
provide it and any charge for such copy shall not exceed the cost of 
reproduction.
    (c) ETA Notice to public. ETA will periodically publish a notice in 
the Federal Register announcing the names and addresses of facilities 
which have submitted Attestations; facilities

[[Page 558]]

which have Attestations on file; facilities which have submitted 
Attestations which have been rejected for filing; and facilities which 
have had Attestations suspended.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 75 FR 10406, Mar. 5, 2010]



Subpart M_What are the Department's enforcement obligations with respect 
                          to H	1C Attestations?

    Source: 65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, unless otherwise noted.

    Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to subpart M of part 655 appear 
at 75 FR 10403, Mar. 5, 2010.



Sec.  655.1200  What enforcement authority does the Department have
with respect to a facility's H-1C Attestations?

    (a) The Administrator shall perform all the Secretary's 
investigative and enforcement functions under 8 U.S.C. 1182(m) and 
subparts L and M of this part.
    (b) The Administrator, either because of a complaint or otherwise, 
shall conduct such investigations as may be appropriate and, in 
connection therewith, enter and inspect such places and such records 
(and make transcriptions thereof), question such persons and gather such 
information as deemed necessary by the Administrator to determine 
compliance with the matters to which a facility has attested under 
section 212(m) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(m)) and subparts L and M of 
this part.
    (c) A facility being investigated must make available to the 
Administrator such records, information, persons, and places as the 
Administrator deems appropriate to copy, transcribe, question, or 
inspect. A facility must fully cooperate with any official of the 
Department of Labor performing an investigation, inspection, or law 
enforcement function under 8 U.S.C. 1182(m) or subparts L or M of this 
part. Such cooperation shall include producing documentation upon 
request. The Administrator may deem the failure to cooperate to be a 
violation, and take such further actions as the Administrator considers 
appropriate.

    (Note: Federal criminal statutes prohibit certain interference with 
a Federal officer in the performance of official duties. 18 U.S.C. 111 
and 1114.)

    (d) No facility may intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce, 
blacklist, discharge, or in any manner discriminate against any person 
because such person has:
    (1) Filed a complaint or appeal under or related to section 212(m) 
of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(m)) or subpart L or M of this part;
    (2) Testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or 
related to section 212(m) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(m)) or subpart L or 
M of this part.
    (3) Exercised or asserted on behalf of himself/herself or others any 
right or protection afforded by section 212(m) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 
1182(m)) or subpart L or M of this part.
    (4) Consulted with an employee of a legal assistance program or an 
attorney on matters related to the Act or to subparts L or M of this 
part or any other DOL regulation promulgated under 8 U.S.C. 1182(m).
    (5) In the event of such intimidation or restraint as are described 
in this paragraph, the Administrator may deem the conduct to be a 
violation and take such further actions as the Administrator considers 
appropriate.
    (e) A facility subject to subparts L and M of this part must 
maintain a separate file containing its Attestation and required 
documentation, and must make that file or copies thereof available to 
interested parties, as required by Sec.  655.1150. In the event of a 
facility's failure to maintain the file, to provide access, or to 
provide copies, the Administrator may deem the conduct to be a violation 
and take such further actions as the Administrator considers 
appropriate.
    (f) No facility may seek to have an H-1C nurse, or any other nurse 
similarly employed by the employer, or any other employee waive rights 
conferred under the Act or under subpart L or M of this part. In the 
event of such waiver, the Administrator may deem the conduct to be a 
violation and take such further actions as the Administrator considers 
appropriate. This prohibition

[[Page 559]]

of waivers does not prevent agreements to settle litigation among 
private parties, and a waiver or modification of rights or obligations 
in favor of the Secretary shall be valid for purposes of enforcement of 
the provisions of the Act or subpart L and M of this part.
    (g) The Administrator shall, to the extent possible under existing 
law, protect the confidentiality of any complainant or other person who 
provides information to the Department.



Sec.  655.1205  What is the Administrator's responsibility with respect
to complaints and investigations?

    (a) The Administrator, through investigation, shall determine 
whether a facility has failed to perform any attested conditions, 
misrepresented any material facts in an Attestation (including 
misrepresentation as to compliance with regulatory standards), or 
otherwise violated the Act or subpart L or M of this part. The 
Administrator's authority applies whether an Attestation is expired or 
unexpired at the time a complaint is filed. (Note: Federal criminal 
statutes provide for fines and/or imprisonment for knowing and willful 
submission of false statements to the Federal Government. 18 U.S.C. 
1001; see also 18 U.S.C. 1546.)
    (b) Any aggrieved person or organization may file a complaint of a 
violation of the provisions of section 212(m) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 
1182(m)) or subpart L or M of this part. No particular form of complaint 
is required, except that the complaint shall be written or, if oral, 
shall be reduced to writing by the Wage and Hour Division official who 
receives the complaint. The complaint must set forth sufficient facts 
for the Administrator to determine what part or parts of the Attestation 
or regulations have allegedly been violated. Upon the request of the 
complainant, the Administrator shall, to the extent possible under 
existing law, maintain confidentiality about the complainant's identity; 
if the complainant wishes to be a party to the administrative hearing 
proceedings under this subpart, the complainant shall then waive 
confidentiality. The complaint may be submitted to any local Wage and 
Hour Division office; the addresses of such offices are found in local 
telephone directories. Inquiries concerning the enforcement program and 
requests for technical assistance regarding compliance may also be 
submitted to the local Wage and Hour Division office.
    (c) The Administrator shall determine whether there is reasonable 
cause to believe that the complaint warrants investigation and, if so, 
shall conduct an investigation, within 180 days of the receipt of a 
complaint. If the Administrator determines that the complaint fails to 
present reasonable cause for an investigation, the Administrator shall 
so notify the complainant, who may submit a new complaint, with such 
additional information as may be necessary.
    (d) When an investigation has been conducted, the Administrator 
shall, within 180 days of the receipt of a complaint, issue a written 
determination, stating whether a basis exists to make a finding that the 
facility failed to meet a condition of its Attestation, made a 
misrepresentation of a material fact therein, or otherwise violated the 
Act or subpart L or M. The determination shall specify any sanctions 
imposed due to violations. The Administrator shall provide a notice of 
such determination to the interested parties and shall inform them of 
the opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Sec.  655.1220.



Sec.  655.1210  What penalties and other remedies may the Administrator
impose?

    (a) The Administrator may assess a civil money penalty not to exceed 
$1,000 per nurse per violation, with the total penalty not to exceed 
$10,000 per violation. The Administrator also may impose appropriate 
remedies, including the payment of back wages, the performance of 
attested obligations such as providing training, and reinstatement and/
or wages for laid off U.S. nurses.
    (b) In determining the amount of civil money penalty to be assessed 
for any violation, the Administrator will consider the type of violation 
committed and other relevant factors. The matters which may be 
considered include, but are not limited to, the following:

[[Page 560]]

    (1) Previous history of violation, or violations, by the facility 
under the Act and subpart L or M of this part;
    (2) The number of workers affected by the violation or violations;
    (3) The gravity of the violation or violations;
    (4) Efforts made by the violator in good faith to comply with the 
Attestation as provided in the Act and subparts L and M of this part;
    (5) The violator's explanation of the violation or violations;
    (6) The violator's commitment to future compliance, taking into 
account the public health, interest, or safety; and
    (7) The extent to which the violator achieved a financial gain due 
to the violation, or the potential financial loss or potential injury or 
adverse effect upon the workers.
    (c) The civil money penalty, back wages, and any other remedy 
determined by the Administrator to be appropriate, are immediately due 
for payment or performance upon the assessment by the Administrator, or 
the decision by an administrative law judge where a hearing is 
requested, or the decision by the Secretary where review is granted. The 
facility must remit the amount of the civil money penalty, by certified 
check or money order made payable to the order of ``Wage and Hour 
Division, Labor.'' The remittance must be delivered or mailed to the 
Wage and Hour Division Regional Office for the area in which the 
violation(s) occurred. The payment of back wages, monetary relief, and/
or the performance or any other remedy prescribed by the Administrator 
will follow procedures established by the Administrator. The facility's 
failure to pay the civil money penalty, back wages, or other monetary 
relief, or to perform any other assessed remedy, will result in the 
rejection by ETA of any future Attestation submitted by the facility 
until such payment or performance is accomplished.
    (d) The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as 
amended (28 U.S.C. 2461 note), requires that inflationary adjustments to 
civil money penalties in accordance with a specified cost-of-living 
formula be made, by regulation, at least every four years. The 
adjustments are to be based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for 
all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the U.S. City Average for All Items. The 
adjusted amounts will be published in the Federal Register. The amount 
of the penalty in a particular case will be based on the amount of the 
penalty in effect at the time the violation occurs.



Sec.  655.1215  How are the Administrator's investigation findings
issued?

    (a) The Administrator's determination, issued under Sec.  
655.1205(d), shall be served on the complainant, the facility, and other 
interested parties by personal service or by certified mail at the 
parties' last known addresses. Where service by certified mail is not 
accepted by the party, the Administrator may exercise discretion to 
serve the determination by regular mail. Where the complainant has 
requested confidentiality, the Administrator shall serve the 
determination in a manner which will not breach that confidentiality.
    (b) The Administrator's written determination required by Sec.  
655.1205(c) shall:
    (1) Set forth the determination of the Administrator and the reason 
or reasons therefore; prescribe any remedies or penalties including the 
amount of any unpaid wages due, the actions required for compliance with 
the facility Attestation, and the amount of any civil money penalty 
assessment and the reason or reasons therefore.
    (2) Inform the interested parties that they may request a hearing 
under Sec.  655.1220.
    (3) Inform the interested parties that if a request for a hearing is 
not received by the Chief Administrative Law Judge within 15 days of the 
date of the determination, the determination of the Administrator shall 
become final and not appealable.
    (4) Set forth the procedure for requesting a hearing, and give the 
address of the Chief Administrative Law Judge.

[[Page 561]]

    (5) Inform the parties that, under Sec.  655.1255, the Administrator 
shall notify the Department of Homeland Security and ETA of the 
occurrence of a violation by the employer.

[75 FR 10406, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1220  Who can appeal the Administrator's findings and what
is the process?

    (a) Any interested party desiring review of a determination issued 
under Sec.  655.1205(d), including judicial review, must make a request 
for an administrative hearing in writing to the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge at the address stated in the notice of determination. If such a 
request for an administrative hearing is timely filed, the 
Administrator's determination shall be inoperative unless and until the 
case is dismissed or the Administrative Law Judge issues an order 
affirming the decision.
    (b) An interested party may request a hearing in the following 
circumstances:
    (1) Where the Administrator determines that there is no basis for a 
finding of violation, the complainant or other interested party may 
request a hearing. In such a proceeding, the party requesting the 
hearing shall be the prosecuting party and the facility shall be the 
respondent; the Administrator may intervene as a party or appear as 
amicus curiae at any time in the proceeding, at the Administrator's 
discretion.
    (2) Where the Administrator determines that there is a basis for a 
finding of violation, the facility or other interested party may request 
a hearing. In such a proceeding, the Administrator shall be the 
prosecuting party and the facility shall be the respondent.
    (c) No particular form is prescribed for any request for hearing 
permitted by this part. However, any such request shall:
    (1) Be dated;
    (2) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (3) Specify the issue or issues stated in the notice of 
determination giving rise to such request;
    (4) State the specific reason or reasons why the party requesting 
the hearing believes such determination is in error;
    (5) Be signed by the party making the request or by an authorized 
representative of such party; and
    (6) Include the address at which such party or authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto.
    (d) The request for such hearing must be received by the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, at the address stated in the Administrator's 
notice of determination, no later than 10 days after the date of the 
determination. An interested party which fails to meet this 10-day 
deadline for requesting a hearing may thereafter participate in the 
proceedings only by consent of the administrative law judge, either 
through intervention as a party under 29 CFR 18.10 (b) through (d) or 
through participation as an amicus curiae under 29 CFR 18.12.
    (e) The request may be filed in person, by facsimile transmission, 
by certified or regular mail, or by courier service. For the requesting 
party's protection, if the request is filed by mail, it should be 
certified mail. If the request is filed by facsimile transmission, the 
original of the request, signed by the requestor or authorized 
representative, must be filed within 10 days of the date of the 
Administrator's notice of determination.
    (f) Copies of the request for a hearing must be sent by the 
requestor to the Wage and Hour Division official who issued the 
Administrator's notice of determination, to the representative(s) of the 
Solicitor of Labor identified in the notice of determination, and to all 
known interested parties.



Sec.  655.1225  What are the rules of practice before an ALJ?

    (a) Except as specifically provided in this subpart, and to the 
extent they do not conflict with the provisions of this subpart, the 
``Rules of Practice and Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges'' established by the Secretary at 29 
CFR part 18 shall apply to administrative proceedings under this 
subpart.
    (b) As provided in the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 556, 
any oral or documentary evidence may be received in proceedings under 
this part. The

[[Page 562]]

Federal Rules of Evidence and subpart B of the Rules of Practice and 
Procedure for Administrative Hearings Before the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges (29 CFR part 18, subpart B) do not apply, but 
principles designed to ensure production of relevant and probative 
evidence shall guide the admission of evidence. The administrative law 
judge may exclude evidence which is immaterial, irrelevant, or unduly 
repetitive.



Sec.  655.1230  What time limits are imposed in ALJ proceedings?

    (a) Under this subpart, a party may serve any pleading or document 
by regular mail. Service is complete upon mailing to the last known 
address. No additional time for filing or response is authorized where 
service is by mail. In the interest of expeditious proceedings, the 
administrative law judge may direct the parties to serve pleadings or 
documents by a method other than regular mail.
    (b) Two (2) copies of all pleadings and other documents in any 
administrative law judge proceeding shall be served on the attorneys for 
the Administrator. One copy must be served on the Associate Solicitor, 
Division of Fair Labor Standards, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. 
Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 
20210, and one copy on the attorney representing the Administrator in 
the proceeding.
    (c) Time will be computed beginning with the day following the 
action and includes the last day of the period unless it is a Saturday, 
Sunday, or Federally-observed holiday, in which case the time period 
includes the next business day.



Sec.  655.1235  What are the ALJ proceedings?

    (a) Upon receipt of a timely request for a hearing filed in 
accordance with Sec.  655.1220, the Chief Administrative Law Judge shall 
appoint an administrative law judge to hear the case.
    (b) Within seven (7) days following the assignment of the case, the 
administrative law judge shall notify all interested parties of the 
date, time, and place of the hearing. All parties shall be given at 
least five (5) days notice of such hearing.
    (c) The date of the hearing shall be not more than 60 days from the 
date of the Administrator's determination. Because of the time 
constraints imposed by the Act, no requests for postponement shall be 
granted except for compelling reasons and by consent of all the parties 
to the proceeding.
    (d) The administrative law judge may prescribe a schedule by which 
the parties are permitted to file a pre-hearing brief or other written 
statement of fact or law. Any such brief or statement shall be served 
upon each other party in accordance with Sec.  655.1230. Posthearing 
briefs will not be permitted except at the request of the administrative 
law judge. When permitted, any such brief shall be limited to the issue 
or issues specified by the administrative law judge, shall be due within 
the time prescribed by the administrative law judge, and shall be served 
on each other party in accordance with Sec.  655.1230.



Sec.  655.1240  When and how does an ALJ issue a decision?

    (a) Within 90 days after receipt of the transcript of the hearing, 
the administrative law judge shall issue a decision.
    (b) The decision of the administrative law judge shall include a 
statement of findings and conclusions, with reasons and basis therefore, 
upon each material issue presented on the record. The decision shall 
also include an appropriate order which may affirm, deny, reverse, or 
modify, in whole or in part, the determination of the Administrator; the 
reason or reasons for such order shall be stated in the decision. The 
administrative law judge shall not render determinations as to the 
legality of a regulatory provision or the constitutionality of a 
statutory provision.
    (c) The decision shall be served on all parties in person or by 
certified or regular mail.



Sec.  655.1245  Who can appeal the ALJ's decision and what is the
process?

    (a) The Administrator or any interested party desiring review of the 
decision and order of an administrative law judge, including judicial 
review, must

[[Page 563]]

petition the Department's Administrative Review Board (Board) to review 
the ALJ's decision and order. To be effective, such petition must be 
received by the Board within 30 days of the date of the decision and 
order. Copies of the petition must be served on all parties and on the 
administrative law judge.
    (b) No particular form is prescribed for any petition for the 
Board's review permitted by this subpart. However, any such petition 
must:
    (1) Be dated;
    (2) Be typewritten or legibly written;
    (3) Specify the issue or issues stated in the administrative law 
judge's decision and order giving rise to such petition;
    (4) State the specific reason or reasons why the party petitioning 
for review believes such decision and order are in error;
    (5) Be signed by the party filing the petition or by an authorized 
representative of such party;
    (6) Include the address at which such party or authorized 
representative desires to receive further communications relating 
thereto; and
    (7) Attach copies of the administrative law judge's decision and 
order, and any other record documents which would assist the Board in 
determining whether review is warranted.
    (c) Whenever the Board determines to review the decision and order 
of an administrative law judge, a notice of the Board's determination 
must be served upon the administrative law judge and upon all parties to 
the proceeding within 30 days after the Board's receipt of the petition 
for review. If the Board determines that it will review the decision and 
order, the order shall be inoperative unless and until the Board issues 
an order affirming the decision and order.
    (d) Within 15 days of receipt of the Board's notice, the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges shall forward the complete hearing record to 
the Board.
    (e) The Board's notice shall specify:
    (1) The issue or issues to be reviewed;
    (2) The form in which submissions must be made by the parties (e.g., 
briefs, oral argument);
    (3) The time within which such submissions must be made.
    (f) All documents submitted to the Board shall be filed with the 
Administrative Review Board in accordance with 29 CFR part 26. Documents 
are not deemed filed with the Board until actually received by the 
Board. All documents, including documents filed by mail, shall be 
received by the Board either on or before the due date.
    (g) Copies of all documents filed with the Board must be served upon 
all other parties involved in the proceeding. Service upon the 
Administrator must be in accordance with Sec.  655.1230(b).
    (h) The Board's final decision shall be issued within 180 days from 
the date of the notice of intent to review. The Board's decision shall 
be served upon all parties and the administrative law judge.
    (i) Upon issuance of the Board's decision, the Board shall transmit 
the entire record to the Chief Administrative Law Judge for custody in 
accordance with Sec.  655.1250.

[65 FR 51149, Aug. 22, 2000, as amended at 86 FR 1776, Jan. 11, 2021]



Sec.  655.1250  Who is the official record keeper for these administrative
appeals?

    The official record of every completed administrative hearing 
procedure provided by subparts L and M of this part shall be maintained 
and filed under the custody and control of the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge. Upon receipt of a complaint seeking review of the final agency 
action in a United States District Court, the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge shall certify the official record and shall transmit such record 
to the clerk of the court.



Sec.  655.1255  What are the procedures for debarment of a facility based
on a finding of violation?

    (a) The Administrator shall notify the Department of Homeland 
Security and ETA of the final determination of a violation by a facility 
upon the earliest of the following events:
    (1) Where the Administrator determines that there is a basis for a 
finding of violation by a facility, and no timely request for hearing is 
made under Sec.  655.1220; or

[[Page 564]]

    (2) Where, after a hearing, the administrative law judge issues a 
decision and order finding a violation by a facility, and no timely 
petition for review to the Board is made under Sec.  655.1245; or
    (3) Where a petition for review is taken from an administrative law 
judge's decision and the Board either declines within 30 days to 
entertain the appeal, under Sec.  655.1245(c), or the Board affirms the 
administrative law judge's determination; or
    (4) Where the administrative law judge finds that there was no 
violation by a facility, and the Board, upon review, issues a decision 
under Sec.  655.1245(h), holding that a violation was committed by a 
facility.
    (b) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, upon receipt of the 
Administrator's notice under paragraph (a) of this section, shall not 
approve petitions filed with respect to that employer under section 
212(m) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(m)) during a period of at least 12 
months from the date of receipt of the Administrator's notification. The 
Administrator must provide USCIS with a recommendation as to the length 
of the debarment.
    (c) ETA, upon receipt of the Administrator's notice under paragraph 
(a) of this section, shall suspend the employer's attestation(s) under 
subparts L and M of this part, and shall not accept for filing any 
attestation submitted by the employer under subparts L and M of this 
part, for a period of 12 months from the date of receipt of the 
Administrator's notification or for a longer period if one is specified 
by the Department of Homeland Security for visa petitions filed by that 
employer under section 212(m) of the INA.

[75 FR 10406, Mar. 5, 2010]



Sec.  655.1260  Can Equal Access to Justice Act attorney fees be awarded?

    A proceeding under subpart L or M of this part is not subject to the 
Equal Access to Justice Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 504. In such a 
proceeding, the administrative law judge shall have no authority to 
award attorney fees and/or other litigation expenses under the 
provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act.



    Subpart N_Labor Certification Process for Temporary Agricultural 
             Employment in the United States (H	2A Workers)

    Source: 73 FR 77207, Dec. 18, 2008, unless otherwise noted. 
Redesignated at 74 FR 25985, May 29, 2009.

    Effective Date Note: At 74 FR 25985, May 29, 2009, subpart B, 
consisting of Sec. Sec.  655.90, 655.92, 655.93, and 655.100 through 
655.119, was redesignated as subpart N, consisting of Sec. Sec.  
655.1290, 655.1292, 655.1293, and 655.1300 through 655.1319, and newly 
designated subpart N was suspended, effective June 29, 2009.



Sec.  655.1290  Purpose and scope of subpart B.

    This subpart sets out the procedures established by the Secretary of 
the United States Department of Labor (the Secretary) to acquire 
information sufficient to make factual determinations of:
    (a) Whether there are sufficient able, willing, and qualified U.S. 
workers available to perform the temporary and seasonal agricultural 
employment for which an employer desires to import nonimmigrant foreign 
workers (H-2A workers); and
    (b) Whether the employment of H-2A workers will adversely affect the 
wages and working conditions of workers in the U.S. similarly employed.



Sec.  655.1292  Authority of ETA-OFLC.

    Temporary agricultural labor certification determinations are made 
by the Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) in 
the Department of Labor's (the Department or DOL) Employment & Training 
Administration (ETA), who, in turn, may delegate this responsibility to 
a designated staff member; e.g., a Certifying Officer (CO).



Sec.  655.1293  Special procedures.

    (a) Systematic process. This subpart provides procedures for the 
processing of applications from agricultural employers and associations 
of employers for the certification of employment of nonimmigrant workers 
in agricultural employment.
    (b) Establishment of special procedures. To provide for a limited 
degree of flexibility in carrying out the Secretary's

[[Page 565]]

responsibilities under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), while 
not deviating from statutory requirements, the Administrator, OFLC has 
the authority to establish or to devise, continue, revise, or revoke 
special procedures in the form of variances for processing certain H-2A 
applications when employers can demonstrate upon written application to 
the Administrator, OFLC that special procedures are necessary. These 
include special procedures in effect for the handling of applications 
for sheepherders in the Western States (and adaptation of such 
procedures to occupations in the range production of other livestock), 
and for custom combine crews. In a like manner, for work in occupations 
characterized by other than a reasonably regular workday or workweek, 
such as the range production of sheep or other livestock, the 
Administrator, OFLC has the authority to establish monthly, weekly, or 
bi-weekly adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) for those occupations for a 
statewide or other geographical area. Prior to making determinations 
under this section, the Administrator, OFLC will consult with employer 
and worker representatives.



Sec.  655.1300  Overview of subpart B and definition of terms.

    (a) Overview--(1) Application filing process. (i) This subpart 
provides guidance to employers desiring to apply for a labor 
certification for the employment of H-2A workers to perform agricultural 
employment of a temporary or seasonal nature. The regulations in this 
subpart provide that such employers must file with the Administrator, 
OFLC an H-2A application on forms prescribed by the ETA that describe 
the material terms and conditions of employment to be offered and 
afforded to U.S. and H-2A workers. The application must be filed with 
the Administrator, OFLC at least 45 calendar days before the first date 
the employer requires the services of the H-2A workers. The application 
must contain attestations of the employer's compliance or promise to 
comply with program requirements regarding recruitment of eligible U.S. 
workers, the payment of an appropriate wage, and terms and conditions of 
employment.
    (ii) No more than 75 and no fewer than 60 calendar days before the 
first date the employer requires the services of the H-2A workers, and 
as a precursor to the filing of an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, the employer must initiate positive recruitment of 
eligible U.S. workers and cooperate with the local office of the State 
Workforce Agency (SWA) which serves the area of intended employment to 
place a job order into intrastate and interstate recruitment. Prior to 
commencing recruitment an employer must obtain the appropriate wage for 
the position directly from the ETA National Processing Center (NPC). The 
employer must then place a job order with the SWA; place print 
advertisements meeting the requirements of this regulation; contact 
former U.S. employees; and, when so designated by the Secretary, recruit 
in other States of traditional or expected labor supply with a 
significant number of U.S. workers who, if recruited, would be willing 
to make themselves available at the time and place needed. The SWA will 
post the job order locally, as well as in all States listed in the 
application as anticipated work sites, and in any additional States 
designated by the Secretary as States of traditional or expected labor 
supply. The SWA will keep the job order open until the end of the 
designated recruitment period. No more than 50 days prior to the first 
date the employer requires the services of the H-2A workers, the 
employer will prepare and sign an initial written recruitment report 
that it must submit with its Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification (www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov). The recruitment report 
must contain information regarding the original number of openings for 
which the employer recruited. The employer's obligation to engage in 
positive recruitment will end on the actual date on which the H-2A 
workers depart for the place of work, or 3 days prior to the first date 
the employer requires the services of the H-2A workers, whichever occurs 
first.
    (iii) The Application for Temporary Employment Certification must be 
filed by mail unless the Department publishes a Notice in the Federal 
Register requiring that applications be

[[Page 566]]

filed electronically. Applications that meet threshold requirements for 
completeness and accuracy will be processed by NPC staff, who will 
review each application for compliance with the criteria for 
certification. Each application must meet requirements for timeliness 
and temporary need and must provide assurances and other safeguards 
against adverse impact on the wages and working conditions of U.S. 
workers. Employers receiving a labor certification must continue to 
cooperate with the SWA by accepting referrals--and have the obligation 
to hire qualified and eligible U.S. workers who apply--until the end of 
the designated recruitment period.
    (2) Deficient applications. The CO will promptly review the 
application and notify the applicant in writing if there are 
deficiencies that render the application not acceptable for 
certification, and afford the applicant a 5 calendar day period (from 
date of the employer's receipt) to resubmit a modified application or to 
file an appeal of the CO's decision not to approve the application as 
acceptable for consideration. Modified applications that fail to cure 
deficiencies will be denied.
    (3) Amendment of applications. This subpart provides for the 
amendment of applications. Where the recruitment is not materially 
affected by such amendments, additional positive recruitment will not be 
required.
    (4) Determinations--(i) Determinations. If the employer has complied 
with the criteria for certification, including recruitment of eligible 
U.S. workers, the CO must make a determination on the application by 30 
days before the first date the employer requires the services of the H-
2A workers. An employer's failure to comply with any of the 
certification criteria or to cure deficiencies identified by the CO may 
lengthen the time required for processing, resulting in a final 
determination less than 30 days prior to the stated date of need.
    (ii) Certified applications. This subpart provides that an 
application for temporary agricultural labor certification will be 
certified if the CO finds that the employer has not offered and does not 
intend to offer foreign workers higher wages, better working conditions, 
or fewer restrictions than those offered and afforded to U.S. workers; 
that sufficient U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and 
eligible will not be available at the time and place needed to perform 
the work for which H-2A workers are being requested; and that the 
employment of such nonimmigrants will not adversely affect the wages and 
working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
    (iii) Fees--(A) Amount. This subpart provides that each employer 
(except joint employer associations) of H-2A workers will pay the 
appropriate fees to the Department for each temporary agricultural labor 
certification received.
    (B) Timeliness of payment. The fee must be received by the CO no 
later than 30 calendar days after the granting of each temporary 
agricultural labor certification. Fees received any later are untimely. 
A persistent or prolonged failure to pay fees in a timely manner is a 
substantial program violation which may result in the denial of future 
temporary agricultural labor certifications and/or program debarment.
    (iv) Denied applications. This subpart provides that if the 
application for temporary agricultural labor certification is denied, in 
whole or in part, the employer may seek expedited review of the denial, 
or a de novo hearing, by an administrative law judge as provided in this 
subpart.
    (b) Transition of filing procedures from current regulations--(1) 
Compliance with these regulations. Employers with a date of need for H-
2A workers for temporary or seasonal agricultural services on or after 
January 1, 2010 must comply with all of the obligations and assurances 
required in this subpart.
    (2) Transition from former regulations. Employers with a date of 
need for H-2A workers for temporary or seasonal agricultural services 
prior to January 1, 2010 will file applications in the following manner:
    (i) Obtaining required wage rate. An employer will not obtain an 
offered wage rate through the NPC prior to filing an application, but 
will complete and submit Form ETA-9142, Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification no less than 45 days prior to their date

[[Page 567]]

of need. The employer will simultaneously submit Form ETA-790 
Agricultural and Food Processing Clearance Order, along with the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, directly to the NPC 
having jurisdiction over H-2A applications.
    (ii) Pre-filing activities. Activities required to be conducted 
prior to filing under the final rule will be conducted post-filing 
during this transition period. The employer will be expected to make 
attestations in its application applicable to its future activities 
concerning recruitment, payment of the offered wage rate, etc. Employers 
will not be required to complete an initial recruitment report for 
submission with the application, but will be required to complete a 
recruitment report for submission to the NPC prior to certification, and 
will also be required to complete a final recruitment report covering 
the entire recruitment period.
    (iii) Acceptance of application. Upon receipt, the NPC will provide 
the employer with the wage rate to be offered, at a minimum, by the 
employer, and will process the application in a manner consistent with 
new Sec.  655.107, issuing a notification of deficiencies for any 
curable deficiencies within 7 calendar days.
    (iv) Processing of application. Once the application and job order 
have been accepted, the NPC will transmit a copy of the job order to the 
SWA(s) serving the area of intended employment to initiate intrastate 
and interstate clearance, request that the SWA(s) schedule an inspection 
of the housing, and provide instructions to the employer to commence 
positive recruitment in a manner consistent with Sec.  655.102(d)(2) 
through (4). The NPC will designate labor supply States during this 
period on a case-by-case basis. Such designations must be based on 
information provided by State agencies or by other sources, and will to 
the extent information is available take into account the success of 
recent efforts by out-of-State employers to recruit in that State.
    (c) Definitions of terms used in this subpart. For the purposes of 
this subpart:
    Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) means a person within the DOL's 
Office of Administrative Law Judges appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105, 
or a panel of such persons designated by the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge from the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA) 
established by part 656 of this chapter, which will hear and decide 
appeals as set forth in Sec.  655.115.
    Administrator, OFLC means the primary official of the Office of 
Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), or the Administrator, OFLC 's 
designee.
    Adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) means the minimum wage rate that the 
Administrator, OFLC has determined must be offered and paid to every H-
2A worker employed under the DOL-approved Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification in a particular occupation and/or area, as well 
as to U.S. workers hired by employers into corresponding employment 
during the H-2A recruitment period, to ensure that the wages of 
similarly employed U.S. workers will not be adversely affected.
    Agent means a legal entity or person, such as an association of 
agricultural employers, or an attorney for an association, that:
    (1) Is authorized to act on behalf of the employer for temporary 
agricultural labor certification purposes;
    (2) Is not itself an employer, or a joint employer, as defined in 
this paragraph (c) of this section with respect to a specific 
application; and
    (3) Is not under suspension, debarment, expulsion, or disbarment 
from practice before any court or the Department, the Board of 
Immigration Appeals, the immigration judges, or the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) under 8 CFR 292.3 or 1003.101.
    Agricultural association means any nonprofit or cooperative 
association of farmers, growers, or ranchers (including but not limited 
to processing establishments, canneries, gins, packing sheds, nurseries, 
or other fixed-site agricultural employers), incorporated or qualified 
under applicable State law, that recruits, solicits, hires, employs, 
furnishes, houses or transports any worker that is subject to sec. 218 
of the INA. An agricultural association may act as the agent of an 
employer for purposes of filing an Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, and

[[Page 568]]

may also act as the sole or joint employer of H-2A workers.
    Application for Temporary Employment Certification means the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved form submitted by an employer to 
secure a temporary agricultural labor certification determination from 
DOL. A complete submission of the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification includes both the form and the employer's initial 
recruitment report.
    Area of intended employment means the geographic area within normal 
commuting distance of the place (worksite address) of the job 
opportunity for which the certification is sought. There is no rigid 
measure of distance which constitutes a normal commuting distance or 
normal commuting area, because there may be widely varying factual 
circumstances among different areas (e.g., average commuting times, 
barriers to reaching the worksite, quality of the regional 
transportation network, etc.). If the place of intended employment is 
within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), including a multistate 
MSA, any place within the MSA is deemed to be within normal commuting 
distance of the place of intended employment. The borders of MSAs are 
not controlling in the identification of the normal commuting area; a 
location outside of an MSA may be within normal commuting distance of a 
location that is inside (e.g., near the border of) the MSA.
    Attorney means any person who is a member in good standing of the 
bar of the highest court of any State, possession, territory, or 
commonwealth of the U.S., or the District of Columbia, and who is not 
under suspension, debarment, expulsion, or disbarment from practice 
before any court or the Department, the Board of Immigration Appeals, 
the immigration judges, or DHS under 8 CFR. 292.3 or 1003.101. Such a 
person is permitted to act as an agent or attorney for an employer and/
or foreign worker under this subpart.
    Certifying Officer (CO) means the person designated by the 
Administrator, OFLC to make determinations on applications filed under 
the H-2A program.
    Chief Administrative Law Judge means the chief official of the DOL 
Office of Administrative Law Judges or the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge's designee.
    Date of need means the first date the employer requires the services 
of H-2A worker as indicated in the employer's Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification.
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) means the Federal agency 
having control over certain immigration functions that, through its sub-
agency, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 
makes the determination under the INA on whether to grant visa petitions 
filed by employers seeking H-2A workers to perform temporary 
agricultural work in the U.S.
    DOL or Department means the United States Department of Labor.
    Eligible worker means an individual who is not an unauthorized alien 
(as defined in sec. 274A(h)(3) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3)) with 
respect to the employment in which the worker is engaging.
    Employee means employee as defined under the general common law of 
agency. Some of the factors relevant to the determination of employee 
status include: the hiring party's right to control the manner and means 
by which the work is accomplished; the skill required to perform the 
work; the source of the instrumentalities and tools for accomplishing 
the work; the location of the work; the hiring party's discretion over 
when and how long to work; and whether the work is part of the regular 
business of the hiring party. Other applicable factors may be considered 
and no one factor is dispositive.
    Employer means a person, firm, corporation or other association or 
organization that:
    (1) Has a place of business (physical location) in the U.S. and a 
means by which it may be contacted for employment;
    (2) Has an employer relationship with respect to H-2A employees or 
related U.S. workers under this subpart; and
    (3) Possesses, for purposes of filing an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, a valid Federal Employer Identification Number 
(FEIN).
    Employment Standards Administration (ESA) means the agency within 
DOL

[[Page 569]]

that includes the Wage and Hour Division (WHD), and which is charged 
with carrying out certain investigative and enforcement functions of the 
Secretary under the INA.
    Employment Service (ES) refers to the system of Federal and State 
entities responsible for administration of the labor certification 
process for temporary and seasonal agricultural employment of 
nonimmigrant foreign workers. This includes the SWAs and the OFLC, 
including the NPCs.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the agency within 
the DOL that includes OFLC.
    Federal holiday means a legal public holiday as defined at 5 U.S.C. 
6103.
    Fixed-site employer means any person engaged in agriculture who 
meets the definition of an employer as those terms are defined in this 
subpart who owns or operates a farm, ranch, processing establishment, 
cannery, gin, packing shed, nursery, or other similar fixed-site 
location where agricultural activities are performed and who recruits, 
solicits, hires, employs, houses, or transports any worker subject to 
sec. 218 of the INA or these regulations as incident to or in 
conjunction with the owner's or operator's own agricultural operation. 
For purposes of this subpart, person includes any individual, 
partnership, association, corporation, cooperative, joint stock company, 
trust, or other organization with legal rights and duties.
    H-2A Labor Contractor (H-2ALC) means any person who meets the 
definition of employer under this paragraph (c) of this section and is 
not a fixed-site employer, an agricultural association, or an employee 
of a fixed-site employer or agricultural association, as those terms are 
used in this part, who recruits, solicits, hires, employs, furnishes, 
houses, or transports any worker subject to sec. 218 of the INA or these 
regulations.
    H-2A worker means any temporary foreign worker who is lawfully 
present in the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a 
temporary or seasonal nature pursuant to sec. 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of 
the INA, as amended.
    INA means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, 8 U.S.C. 
1101 et seq.
    Job offer means the offer made by an employer or potential employer 
of H-2A workers to eligible workers describing all the material terms 
and conditions of employment, including those relating to wages, working 
conditions, and other benefits.
    Job opportunity means a job opening for temporary, full-time 
employment at a place in the U.S. to which a U.S. worker can be 
referred.
    Joint employment means that where two or more employers each have 
sufficient definitional indicia of employment to be considered the 
employer of an employee, those employers will be considered to jointly 
employ that employee. Each employer in a joint employment relationship 
to an employee is considered a joint employer of that employee.
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) means the 
organizational component of the Department that assures the safety and 
health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; 
providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; 
and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health 
under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) means the 
organizational component of the ETA that provides national leadership 
and policy guidance and develops regulations and procedures to carry out 
the responsibilities of the Secretary under the INA concerning the 
admission of foreign workers to the U.S. to perform work described in 
sec. 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the INA, as amended.
    Positive recruitment means the active participation of an employer 
or its authorized hiring agent in recruiting and interviewing qualified 
and eligible individuals in the area where the employer's job 
opportunity is located and any other State designated by the Secretary 
as an area of traditional or expected labor supply with respect to the 
area where the employer's job opportunity is located, in an effort to 
fill specific job openings with U.S. workers.

[[Page 570]]

    Prevailing means, with respect to practices engaged in by employers 
and benefits other than wages provided by employers, that:
    (1) Fifty percent or more of employers in an area and for an 
occupation engage in the practice or offer the benefit; but only if
    (2) This 50 percent or more of employers also employs in aggregate 
50 percent or more of U.S. workers in the occupation and area (including 
H-2A and non-H-2A employers for purposes of determinations concerning 
the provision of family housing, frequency of wage payments, and workers 
supplying their own bedding, but non-H-2A employers only for 
determinations concerning the provision of advance transportation).
    Prevailing piece rate means that amount that is typically paid to an 
agricultural worker per piece (which includes, but is not limited to, a 
load, bin, pallet, bag, bushel, etc.), to be determined by the SWA 
according to a methodology published by the Department. As is currently 
the case, the unit of production will be required to be clearly 
described; e.g., a field box of oranges (1\1/2\ bushels), a bushel of 
potatoes, and Eastern apple box (1\1/2\ metric bushels), a flat of 
strawberries (twelve quarts), etc.
    Prevailing hourly wage means the hourly wage determined by the SWA 
to be prevailing in the area in accordance with State-based wage 
surveys.
    Representative means a person or entity employed by, or duly 
authorized to act on behalf of, the employer with respect to activities 
entered into for, and/or attestations made with respect to, the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the United States Department of 
Labor, or the Secretary's designee.
    Secretary of Homeland Security means the chief official of the 
United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Secretary of 
Homeland Security's designee.
    Secretary of State means the chief official of the United States 
Department of State (DOS) or the Secretary of State's designee.
    State Workforce Agency (SWA) means the State government agency that 
receives funds pursuant to the Wagner-Peyser Act to administer the 
public labor exchange delivered through the State's One-Stop delivery 
system in accordance with the Wagner-Peyser Act at 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq. 
Separately, SWAs receive ETA grants, administered by OFLC, to assist 
them in performing certain activities related to foreign labor 
certification, including conducting housing inspections.
    Strike means a labor dispute wherein employees engage in a concerted 
stoppage of work (including stoppage by reason of the expiration of a 
collective-bargaining agreement) or engage in any concerted slowdown or 
other concerted interruption of operation. Whether a job opportunity is 
vacant by reason of a strike or lock out will be determined by 
evaluating for each position identified as vacant in the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification whether the specific vacancy has been 
caused by the strike or lock out.
    Successor in interest means that, in determining whether an employer 
is a successor in interest, the factors used under Title VII of the 
Civil Rights Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance 
Act will be considered. When considering whether an employer is a 
successor for purposes of Sec.  655.118, the primary consideration will 
be the personal involvement of the firm's ownership, management, 
supervisors, and others associated with the firm in the violations 
resulting in a debarment recommendation. Normally, wholly new management 
or ownership of the same business operation, one in which the former 
management or owner does not retain a direct or indirect interest, will 
not be deemed to be a successor in interest for purposes of debarment. A 
determination of whether or not a successor in interest exists is based 
on the entire circumstances viewed in their totality. The factors to be 
considered include:
    (1) Substantial continuity of the same business operations;
    (2) Use of the same facilities;
    (3) Continuity of the work force;
    (4) Similarity of jobs and working conditions;
    (5) Similarity of supervisory personnel;
    (6) Similarity in machinery, equipment, and production methods;

[[Page 571]]

    (7) Similarity of products and services; and
    (8) The ability of the predecessor to provide relief.
    Temporary agricultural labor certification means the certification 
made by the Secretary with respect to an employer seeking to file with 
DHS a visa petition to employ one or more foreign nationals as an H-2A 
worker, pursuant to secs. 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 214(a) and (c), and 218 
of the INA that:
    (1) There are not sufficient workers who are able, willing, and 
qualified, and who will be available at the time and place needed, to 
perform the agricultural labor or services involved in the petition, and
    (2) The employment of the foreign worker in such agricultural labor 
or services will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions 
of workers in the U.S. similarly employed (8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), 1184(a) and (c), and 1188).
    United States (U.S.), when used in a geographic sense, means the 
continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, and the territories of Guam, the Virgin Islands, and, as of the 
transition program effective date, as defined in the Consolidated 
Natural Resources Act of 2008, Public Law 110-229, Title VII, the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) means the 
Federal agency making the determination under the INA whether to grant 
petitions filed by employers seeking H-2A workers to perform temporary 
agricultural work in the U.S.
    United States worker (U.S. worker) means a worker who is
    (1) A citizen or national of the U.S., or
    (2) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the 
U.S., is admitted as a refugee under sec. 207 of the INA, is granted 
asylum under sec. 208 of the INA, or is an immigrant otherwise 
authorized (by the INA or by DHS) to be employed in the U.S.
    Wages means all forms of cash remuneration to a worker by an 
employer in payment for personal services.
    Within [number and type] days means, for purposes of determining an 
employer's compliance with the timing requirements for appeals and 
requests for review, a period that begins to run on the first business 
day after the Department sends a notice to the employer by means 
normally assuring next-day delivery, and will end on the day that the 
employer sends whatever communication is required by these rules back to 
the Department, as evidenced by a postal mark or other similar receipt.
    Work contract means all the material terms and conditions of 
employment relating to wages, hours, working conditions, and other 
benefits, required by the applicable regulations in Subpart B of 20 CFR 
part 655, Labor Certification for Temporary Agricultural Employment of 
H-2A Aliens in the U.S. (H-2A Workers), or these regulations, including 
those terms and conditions attested to by the H-2A employer, which 
contract between the employer and the worker may be in the form of a 
separate written document. In the absence of a separate written work 
contract incorporating the required terms and conditions of employment, 
agreed to by both the employer and the worker, the work contract at a 
minimum shall be the terms of the job order, as provided in 20 CFR part 
653, Subpart F, and covered provisions of the work contract shall be 
enforced in accordance with these regulations.
    (d) Definition of agricultural labor or services of a temporary or 
seasonal nature. For the purposes of this subpart means the following:
    (1) Agricultural labor or services, pursuant to sec. 
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the INA at 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a), is 
defined as:
    (i) Agricultural labor as defined and applied in sec. 3121(g) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1954 at 26 U.S.C. 3121(g);
    (ii) Agriculture as defined and applied in sec. 3(f) of the Fair 
Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) at 29 U.S.C. 203(f). Work performed 
by H-2A workers, or workers in corresponding employment, that is not 
defined as agriculture in sec. 3(f) is subject to the provisions of the 
FLSA as provided therein, including the overtime provisions in sec. 7(a) 
29 U.S.C. 207(a);
    (iii) The pressing of apples for cider on a farm;

[[Page 572]]

    (iv) Logging employment; or
    (v) Handling, planting, drying, packing, packaging, processing, 
freezing, grading, storing, or delivering to storage or to market or to 
a carrier for transportation to market, in its unmanufactured state, any 
agricultural or horticultural commodity while in the employ of the 
operator of a farm where no H-2B workers are employed to perform the 
same work at the same establishment; or
    (vi) Other work typically performed on a farm that is not 
specifically listed on the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification and is minor (i.e., less than 20 percent of the total time 
worked on the job duties and activities that are listed on the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification) and incidental to 
the agricultural labor or services for which the H-2A worker was sought.
    (2) An occupation included in either of the statutory definitions 
cited in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section is agricultural 
labor or services, notwithstanding the exclusion of that occupation from 
the other statutory definition.
    (i) Agricultural labor. For purposes of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this 
section means all services performed:
    (A) On a farm, in the employ of any person, in connection with 
cultivating the soil, or in connection with raising or harvesting any 
agricultural or horticultural commodity, including the raising, 
shearing, feeding, caring for, training, and management of livestock, 
bees, poultry, and furbearing animals and wildlife;
    (B) In the employ of the owner or tenant or other operator of a 
farm, in connection with the operation or maintenance of such farm and 
its tools and equipment, or in salvaging timber or clearing land of 
brush and other debris left by a hurricane, if the major part of such 
service is performed on a farm;
    (C) In connection with the production or harvesting of any commodity 
defined as an agricultural commodity in sec. 15(g) of the Agricultural 
Marketing Act, as amended at 12 U.S.C. 1141j, or in connection with the 
ginning of cotton, or in connection with the operation or maintenance of 
ditches, canals, reservoirs, or waterways, not owned or operated for 
profit, used exclusively for supplying and storing water for farming 
purposes;
    (D)(1) In the employ of the operator of a farm in handling, 
planting, drying, packing, packaging, processing, freezing, grading, 
storing, or delivering to storage or to market or to a carrier for 
transportation to market, in its unmanufactured state, any agricultural 
or horticultural commodity, but only if such operator produced more than 
one-half of the commodity with respect to which such service is 
performed;
    (2) In the employ of a group of operators of farms (other than a 
cooperative organization) in the performance of service described in 
paragraph (d)(2)(i)(D)(1) of this section, but only if such operators 
produced all of the commodity with respect to which such service is 
performed. For purposes of this paragraph, any unincorporated group of 
operators will be deemed a cooperative organization if the number of 
operators comprising such group is more than 20 at any time during the 
calendar quarter in which such service is performed;
    (3) The provisions of paragraphs (d)(2)(i)(D)(1) and (2) of this 
section do not apply to services performed in connection with commercial 
canning or commercial freezing or in connection with any agricultural or 
horticultural commodity after its delivery to a terminal market for 
distribution for consumption; or
    (4) On a farm operated for profit if such service is not in the 
course of the employer's trade or business and is not domestic service 
in a private home of the employer.
    (E) For purposes of (d)(2)(i) of this section, the term farm 
includes stock, dairy, poultry, fruit, fur-bearing animal, and truck 
farms, plantations, ranches, nurseries, ranges, greenhouses or other 
similar structures used primarily for the raising of agricultural or 
horticultural commodities, and orchards. See sec. 3121(g) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 at 26 U.S.C. 3121(g).
    (ii) Agriculture. For purposes of paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this 
section agriculture means farming in all its branches and among other 
things includes the cultivation and tillage of

[[Page 573]]

the soil, dairying, the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting 
of any agricultural or horticultural commodities (including commodities 
as defined as agricultural commodities in 12 U.S.C. 1141j(g)), the 
raising of livestock, bees, fur-bearing animals, or poultry, and any 
practices (including any forestry or lumbering operations) performed by 
a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such 
farming operations, including preparation for market, delivery to 
storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market. See 29 
U.S.C. 203(f), as amended.
    (iii) Agricultural commodity. For purposes of paragraph (d)(2)(ii) 
of this section agricultural commodity includes, in addition to other 
agricultural commodities, crude gum (oleoresin) from a living tree, and 
gum spirits of turpentine and gum rosin as processed by the original 
producer of the crude gum (oleoresin) from which derived. Gum spirits of 
turpentine means spirits of turpentine made from gum (oleoresin) from a 
living tree and gum rosin means rosin remaining after the distillation 
of gum spirits of turpentine. See 12 U.S.C. 1141j(g), sec. 15(g) of the 
Agricultural Marketing Act, as amended, and 7 U.S.C. 92.
    (3) Of a temporary or seasonal nature--(i) On a seasonal or other 
temporary basis. For the purposes of this subpart, of a temporary or 
seasonal nature means on a seasonal or other temporary basis, as defined 
in the WHD's regulation at 29 CFR 500.20 under the Migrant and Seasonal 
Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA).
    (ii) MSPA definition. The definition of on a seasonal or other 
temporary basis found in MSPA is summarized as follows:
    (A) Labor is performed on a seasonal basis where, ordinarily, the 
employment pertains to or is of the kind exclusively performed at 
certain seasons or periods of the year and which, from its nature, may 
not be continuous or carried on throughout the year. A worker who moves 
from one seasonal activity to another, while employed in agriculture or 
performing agricultural labor, is employed on a seasonal basis even 
though the worker may continue to be employed during a major portion of 
the year.
    (B) A worker is employed on other temporary basis where he or she is 
employed for a limited time only or the worker's performance is 
contemplated for a particular piece of work, usually of short duration. 
Generally, employment which is contemplated to continue indefinitely is 
not temporary.
    (C) On a seasonal or other temporary basis does not include (i) the 
employment of any foreman or other supervisory employee who is employed 
by a specific agricultural employer or agricultural association 
essentially on a year round basis; or (ii) the employment of any worker 
who is living at his or her permanent place of residence, when that 
worker is employed by a specific agricultural employer or agricultural 
association on essentially a year round basis to perform a variety of 
tasks for his or her employer and is not primarily employed to do field 
work.
    (iii) Temporary. For the purposes of this subpart, the definition of 
``temporary'' in paragraph (d)(3) of this section refers to any job 
opportunity covered by this subpart where the employer needs a worker 
for a position for a limited period of time, including, but not limited 
to, a peakload need, which is generally less than 1 year, unless the 
original temporary agricultural labor certification is extended pursuant 
to Sec.  655.110.

[73 FR 77207, Dec. 18, 2008, as amended at 74 FR 17601, Apr. 16, 2009]



Sec.  655.1301  Applications for temporary employment certification in 
agriculture.

    (a) Application filing requirements. (1) An employer that desires to 
apply for temporary employment certification of one or more nonimmigrant 
foreign workers must file a completed DOL Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification form and, unless a specific exemption applies, 
the initial recruitment report. If an association of agricultural 
producers files the application, the association must identify whether 
it is the sole employer, a joint employer with its employer-member 
employers, or the agent of its employer-members. The association must 
retain documentation substantiating

[[Page 574]]

the employer or agency status of the association and be prepared to 
submit such documentation to the CO in the event of an audit.
    (2) If an H-2ALC intends to file an application, the H-2ALC must 
meet all of the requirements of the definition of employer in Sec.  
655.100(b), and comply with all the assurances, guarantees, and other 
requirements contained in this part and in part 653, subpart F, of this 
chapter. The H-2ALC must have a place of business (physical location) in 
the U.S. and a means by which it may be contacted for employment. H-2A 
workers employed by an H-2ALC may not perform services for a fixed-site 
employer unless the H-2ALC is itself providing the housing and 
transportation required by Sec.  655.104(d) and (h), or has filed a 
statement confirming that the fixed-site employer will provide compliant 
housing and/or transportation, as required by Sec.  655.106, with the 
OFLC, for each fixed-site employer listed on the application. The H-2ALC 
must retain a copy of the statement of compliance required by Sec.  
655.106(b)(6).
    (3) An association of agricultural producers may submit a master 
application covering a variety of job opportunities available with a 
number of employers in multiple areas of intended employment, just as 
though all of the covered employers were in fact a single employer, as 
long as a single date of need is provided for all workers requested by 
the application and the combination of job opportunities is supported by 
an explanation demonstrating a business reason for the combination. The 
association must identify on the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, by name and address, each employer that will employ H-2A 
workers. If the association is acting solely as an agent, each employer 
will receive a separate labor certification.
    (b) Filing. The employer may send the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and all supporting documentation by U.S. Mail 
or private mail courier to the NPC. The Department will publish a Notice 
in the Federal Register identifying the address(es), and any future 
address changes, to which applications must be mailed, and will also 
post these addresses on the DOL Internet Web site at http://
www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/. The form must bear the original 
signature of the employer (and that of the employer's authorized 
attorney or agent if the employer is represented by an attorney or 
agent). An association filing a master application as a joint employer 
may sign on behalf of its employer members. The Department may also 
require applications to be filed electronically in addition to or 
instead of by mail.
    (c) Timeliness. A completed Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification must be filed no less than 45 calendar days before date of 
need.
    (d) Emergency situations--(1) Waiver of time period and required 
pre-filing activity. The CO may waive the time period for filing and 
pre-filing wage and recruitment requirements set forth in Sec.  655.102, 
along with their associated attestations, for employers who did not make 
use of temporary alien agricultural workers during the prior year's 
agricultural season or for any employer that has other good and 
substantial cause (which may include unforeseen changes in market 
conditions), provided that the CO can timely make the determinations 
required by Sec.  655.109(b).
    (2) Employer requirements. The employer requesting a waiver of the 
required time period and pre-filing wage and recruitment requirements 
must submit to the NPC a completed Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, a completed job offer on the ETA Form 790 Agricultural 
and Food Processing Clearance Order, and a statement justifying the 
request for a waiver of the time period requirement. The statement must 
indicate whether the waiver request is due to the fact that the employer 
did not use H-2A workers during the prior agricultural season or whether 
the request is for other good and substantial cause. If the waiver is 
requested for good and substantial cause, the employer's statement must 
also include detailed information describing the good and substantial 
cause which has necessitated the waiver request. Good and substantial 
cause may include, but is not limited to, such things as the substantial 
loss of U.S.

[[Page 575]]

workers due to weather-related activities or other reasons, unforeseen 
events affecting the work activities to be performed, pandemic health 
issues, or similar conditions.
    (3) Processing of applications. The CO shall promptly transmit the 
job order, on behalf of the employer, to the SWA serving the area of 
intended employment and request an expedited review of the job order in 
accordance with Sec.  655.102(e) and an inspection of housing in 
accordance with Sec.  655.104(d)(6)(iii). The CO shall process the 
application and job order in accordance with Sec.  655.107, issue a wage 
determination in accordance with Sec.  655.108 and, upon acceptance, 
require the employer to engage in positive recruitment consistent with 
Sec.  655.102(d)(2), (3), and (4). The CO shall require the SWA to 
transmit the job order for interstate clearance consistent with Sec.  
655.102(f). The CO shall specify a date on which the employer will be 
required to submit a recruitment report in accordance with Sec.  
655.102(k). The CO will make a determination on the application in 
accordance with Sec.  655.109.



Sec.  655.1302  Required pre-filing activity.

    (a) Time of filing of application. An employer may not file an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification before all of the 
pre-filing recruitment steps set forth in this section have been fully 
satisfied, except where specifically exempted from some or all of those 
requirements by these regulations. Modifications to these requirements 
for H-2ALCs are set forth in Sec.  655.106.
    (b) General attestation obligation. An employer must attest on the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification that it will comply 
with all of the assurances and obligations of this subpart and to 
performing all necessary steps of the recruitment process as specified 
in this section.
    (c) Retention of documentation. An employer filing an Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification must maintain documentation of 
its advertising and recruitment efforts as required in this subpart and 
be prepared to submit this documentation in response to a Notice of 
Deficiency from the CO prior to the CO rendering a Final Determination, 
or in the event of an audit. The documentation required in this subpart 
must be retained for a period of no less than 3 years from the date of 
the certification. There is no record retention requirement for any 
application (and supporting documentation) after the Secretary has made 
a final decision to deny the application.
    (d) Positive recruitment steps. An employer filing an application 
must:
    (1) Submit a job order to the SWA serving the area of intended 
employment;
    (2) Run two print advertisements (one of which must be on a Sunday, 
except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section);
    (3) Contact former U.S. employees who were employed within the last 
year as described in paragraph (h) of this section; and
    (4) Based on an annual determination made by the Secretary, as 
described in paragraph (i) of this section, recruit in all States 
currently designated as a State of traditional or expected labor supply 
with respect to each area of intended employment in which the employer's 
work is to be performed as required in paragraph (i)(2) of this section.
    (e) Job order. (1) The employer must submit a job order to the SWA 
serving the area of intended employment no more than 75 calendar days 
and no fewer than 60 calendar days before the date of need for 
intrastate and interstate clearance, identifying it as a job order to be 
placed in connection with a future application for H-2A workers. If the 
job opportunity is located in more than one State, the employer may 
submit a job order to any one of the SWAs having jurisdiction over the 
anticipated worksites. Where a future master application will be filed 
by an association of agricultural employers, the SWA will prepare a 
single job order in the name of the association on behalf of all 
employers that will be duly named on the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification. Documentation of this step by the applicant is 
satisfied by maintaining proof of posting from the SWA identifying the 
job order number(s) with the start and end dates of the posting of the 
job order.

[[Page 576]]

    (2) The job order submitted to the SWA must satisfy all the 
requirements for newspaper advertisements contained in Sec.  655.103 and 
comply with the requirements for agricultural clearance orders in 20 CFR 
part 653 Subpart F and the requirements set forth in Sec.  655.104.
    (3) The SWA will review the contents of the job order as provided in 
20 CFR part 653 Subpart F and will work with the employer to address any 
deficiencies, except that the order may be placed prior to completion of 
the housing inspection required by 20 CFR 653.501(d)(6) where necessary 
to meet the timeframes required by statute and regulation. However, the 
SWA must ensure that housing within its jurisdiction is inspected as 
expeditiously as possible thereafter. Any issue with regard to whether a 
job order may properly be placed in the job service system that cannot 
be resolved with the applicable SWA may be brought to the attention of 
the NPC, which may direct that the job order be placed in the system 
where the NPC determines that the applicable program requirements have 
been met. If the NPC concludes that the job order is not acceptable, it 
shall so inform the employer using the procedures applicable to a denial 
of certification set forth in Sec.  655.109(e).
    (f) Intrastate/Interstate recruitment. (1) Upon receipt and 
acceptance of the job order, the SWA must promptly place the job order 
in intrastate clearance on its active file and begin recruitment of 
eligible U.S. workers. The SWA receiving the job order under paragraph 
(e) of this section will promptly transmit, on behalf of the employer, a 
copy of its active job order to all States listed in the job order as 
anticipated worksites. The SWA must also transmit a copy of all active 
job orders to no fewer than three States, which must include those 
States, if any, designated by the Secretary as traditional or expected 
labor supply States (``out-of-State recruitment States'') for the area 
of intended employment in which the employer's work is to be performed 
as defined in paragraph (i) of this section.
    (2) Unless otherwise directed by the CO, the SWA must keep the job 
order open for interstate clearance until the end of the recruitment 
period, as set forth in Sec.  655.102(f)(3). Each of the SWAs to which 
the job order was referred must keep the job order open for that same 
period of time and must refer each eligible U.S. worker who applies (or 
on whose behalf an application is made) for the job opportunity.
    (3)(i) For the first 5 years after the effective date of this rule, 
the recruitment period shall end 30 days after the first date the 
employer requires the services of the H-2A workers, or on the last day 
the employer requires the services of H-2A workers in the applicable 
area of intended employment, whichever is sooner (the 30-day rule). 
During that 5-year period, the Department will endeavor to study the 
costs and benefits of providing for continuing recruitment of U.S. 
workers after the H-2A workers have already entered the country. Unless 
prior to the expiration of the 5-year period the Department conducts a 
study and publishes a notice determining that the economic benefits of 
such extended recruitment period outweigh its costs, the recruitment 
period will, after the expiration of the 5-year period, end on the first 
date the employer requires the services of the H-2A worker.
    (ii) Withholding of U.S. workers prohibited. The provisions of this 
paragraph shall apply so as long as the 30-day rule is in place.
    (A) Complaints. Any employer who has reason to believe that a person 
or entity has willfully and knowingly withheld U.S. workers prior to the 
arrival at the job site of H-2A workers in order to force the hiring of 
U.S. workers during the 30-day rule under paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this 
section may submit a written complaint to the CO. The complaint must 
clearly identify the person or entity who the employer believes has 
withheld the U.S. workers, and must specify sufficient facts to support 
the allegation (e.g., dates, places, numbers and names of U.S. workers) 
which will permit an investigation to be conducted by the CO.
    (B) Investigations. The CO must immediately investigate the 
complaint.

[[Page 577]]

The investigation must include interviews with the employer who has 
submitted the complaint, the person or entity named as responsible for 
withholding the U.S. workers, and the individual U.S. workers whose 
availability has purportedly been withheld.
    (C) Written findings. Where the CO determines, after conducting the 
interviews required by this paragraph, that the employer's complaint is 
valid and justified, the CO shall immediately suspend the application of 
the 30-day rule under paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section to the 
employer. The CO's determination shall be the final decision of the 
Secretary.
    (g) Newspaper advertisements. (1) During the period of time that the 
job order is being circulated by the SWA(s) for interstate clearance 
under paragraph (f) of this section, the employer must place an 
advertisement on 2 separate days, which may be consecutive, one of which 
must be a Sunday (except as provided in paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section), in a newspaper of general circulation serving the area of 
intended employment that has a reasonable distribution and is 
appropriate to the occupation and the workers likely to apply for the 
job opportunity. Both newspaper advertisements must be published only 
after the job order is accepted by the SWA for intrastate/interstate 
clearance.
    (2) If the job opportunity is located in a rural area that does not 
have a newspaper with a Sunday edition, the employer must, in place of a 
Sunday edition, advertise in the regularly published daily edition with 
the widest circulation in the area of intended employment.
    (3) The newspaper advertisements must satisfy the requirements of 
Sec. Sec.  655.103 and 655.104. The employer must maintain copies of 
newspaper pages (with date of publication and full copy of ad), or tear 
sheets of the pages of the publication in which the advertisements 
appeared, or other proof of publication containing the text of the 
printed advertisements and the dates of publication furnished by the 
newspaper.
    (4) If a professional, trade or ethnic publication is more 
appropriate for the occupation and the workers likely to apply for the 
job opportunity than a general circulation newspaper, and is the most 
likely source to bring responses from able, willing, qualified, and 
available U.S. workers, the employer may use a professional, trade or 
ethnic publication in place of one of the newspaper advertisements, but 
may not replace the Sunday advertisement (or the substitute required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this section).
    (h) Contact with former U.S. employees. The employer must contact by 
mail or other effective means its former U.S. employees (except those 
who were dismissed for cause, abandoned the worksite, or were provided 
documentation at the end of their previous period of employment 
explaining the lawful, job-related reasons they would not be re-
contacted) employed by the employer in the occupation at the place of 
employment during the previous year and solicit their return to the job. 
The employer must maintain copies of correspondence signed and dated by 
the employer or, if other means are used, maintain dated logs 
demonstrating that each worker was contacted, including the phone 
number, e-mail address, or other means that was used to make contact. 
The employer must list in the recruitment report any workers who did not 
return to the employ of the employer because they were either unable or 
unwilling to return to the job or did not respond to the employer's 
request, and must retain documentation, if provided by the worker, 
showing evidence of their inability, unwillingness, or non-
responsiveness.
    (i) Additional positive recruitment. (1) Each year, the Secretary 
will make a determination with respect to each State whether there are 
other States (``traditional or expected labor supply States'') in which 
there are a significant number of able and qualified workers who, if 
recruited, would be willing to make themselves available for work in 
that State, as well as which newspapers in each traditional or expected 
labor supply State that the employer may use to fulfill its obligation 
to run a newspaper advertisement in that State. Such determination must 
be based on information provided by State agencies or by other sources

[[Page 578]]

within the 120 days preceding the determination (which will be solicited 
by notice in the Federal Register), and will to the extent information 
is available take into account the success of recent efforts by out-of-
State employers to recruit in that State. The Secretary will not 
designate a State as a traditional or expected labor supply State if the 
State has a significant number of employers that are recruiting for U.S. 
workers for the same types of occupations and comparable work. The 
Secretary's annual determination as to traditional or expected labor 
supply States, if any, from which applicants from each State must 
recruit will be published in the Federal Register and made available 
through the ETA Web site.
    (2) Each employer must engage in positive recruitment in those 
States designated in accordance with paragraph (i)(1) with respect to 
the State in which the employer's work is to be performed. Such 
recruitment will consist of one newspaper advertisement in each State in 
one of the newspapers designated by the Secretary, published within the 
same period of time as the newspaper advertisements required under 
paragraph (g) of this section. An employer will not be required to 
conduct positive recruitment in more than three States designated in 
accordance with paragraph (i)(1) for each area of intended employment 
listed on the employer's application. The advertisement must refer 
applicants to the SWA nearest the area in which the advertisement was 
placed.
    (j) Referrals of U.S. workers. SWAs may only refer for employment 
individuals for whom they have verified identity and employment 
authorization through the process for employment verification of all 
workers that is established by INA sec. 274A(b). SWAs must provide 
documentation certifying the employment verification that satisfies the 
standards of INA sec. 274A(a)(5) and its implementing regulations at 8 
CFR 274a.6.
    (k) Recruitment report. (1) No more than 50 days before the date of 
need the employer must prepare, sign, and date a written recruitment 
report. The recruitment report must be submitted with the Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification. The recruitment report must:
    (i) List the original number of openings for which the employer 
recruited;
    (ii) Identify each recruitment source by name;
    (iii) State the name and contact information of each U.S. worker who 
applied or was referred to the job opportunity up to the date of the 
preparation of the recruitment report, and the disposition of each 
worker;
    (iv) Confirm that former employees were contacted and by what means; 
and
    (v) If applicable, explain the lawful job-related reason(s) for not 
hiring any U.S. workers who applied for the position.
    (2) The employer must update the recruitment report within 48 hours 
of the date that is the end of the recruitment period as specified in 
Sec.  655.102(f)(3). This supplement to the recruitment report must meet 
the requirements of paragraph (k)(1) of this section. The employer must 
sign and date this supplement to the recruitment report and retain it 
for a period of no less than 3 years. The supplement to the recruitment 
report must be provided in the event of an audit.
    (3) The employer must retain resumes (if provided) of, and evidence 
of contact with (which may be in the form of an attestation), each U.S. 
worker who applied or was referred to the job opportunity. Such resumes 
and evidence of contact must be retained along with the recruitment 
report and the supplemental recruitment report for a period of no less 
than 3 years, and must be provided in response to a Notice of Deficiency 
or in the event of an audit.



Sec.  655.1303  Advertising requirements.

    All advertising conducted to satisfy the required recruitment steps 
under Sec.  655.102 before filing the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification must meet the requirements set forth in this 
section and at Sec.  655.104 and must contain terms and conditions of 
employment which are not less favorable than those that will be offered 
to the H-2A workers. All advertising must contain the following 
information:

[[Page 579]]

    (a) The employer's name and location(s) of work, or in the event 
that a master application will be filed by an association, a statement 
indicating that the name and location of each member of the association 
can be obtained from the SWA of the State in which the advertisement is 
run;
    (b) The geographic area(s) of employment with enough specificity to 
apprise applicants of any travel requirements and where applicants will 
likely have to reside to perform the services or labor;
    (c) A description of the job opportunity for which certification is 
sought with sufficient information to apprise U.S. workers of services 
or labor to be performed and the anticipated period of employment of the 
job opportunity;
    (d) The wage offer, or in the event that there are multiple wage 
offers (such as where a master application will be filed by an 
association and/or where there are multiple crop activities for a single 
employer), the range of applicable wage offers and, where a master 
application will be filed by an association, a statement indicating that 
the rate(s) applicable to each employer can be obtained from the SWA;
    (e) The three-fourths guarantee specified in Sec.  655.104(i);
    (f) If applicable, a statement that work tools, supplies, and 
equipment will be provided at no cost to the worker;
    (g) A statement that housing will be made available at no cost to 
workers, including U.S. workers, who cannot reasonably return to their 
permanent residence at the end of each working day;
    (h) If applicable, a statement that transportation and subsistence 
expenses to the worksite will be provided by the employer;
    (i) A statement that the position is temporary and a specification 
of the total number of job openings the employer intends to fill;
    (j) A statement directing applicants to report or send resumes to 
the SWA of the State in which the advertisement is run for referral to 
the employer;
    (k) Contact information for the applicable SWA and the job order 
number.



Sec.  655.1304  Contents of job offers.

    (a) Preferential treatment of aliens prohibited. The employer's job 
offer must offer to U.S. workers no less than the same benefits, wages, 
and working conditions that the employer is offering, intends to offer, 
or will provide to H-2A workers. Except where otherwise permitted under 
this section, no job offer may impose on U.S. workers any restrictions 
or obligations that will not be imposed on the employer's H-2A workers.
    (b) Job qualifications. Each job qualification listed in the job 
offer must not substantially deviate from the normal and accepted 
qualifications required by employers that do not use H-2A workers in the 
same or comparable occupations and crops.
    (c) Minimum benefits, wages, and working conditions. Every job offer 
accompanying an H-2A application must include each of the minimum 
benefit, wage, and working condition provisions listed in paragraphs (d) 
through (q) of this section.
    (d) Housing--(1) Obligation to provide housing. The employer must 
provide housing at no cost to the worker, except for those U.S. workers 
who are reasonably able to return to their permanent residence at the 
end of the work day. Housing must be provided through one of the 
following means:
    (i) Employer-provided housing. Employer-provided housing that meets 
the full set of DOL OSHA standards set forth at 29 CFR 1910.142, or the 
full set of standards at Sec. Sec.  654.404 through 654.417 of this 
chapter, whichever are applicable under Sec.  654.401; or
    (ii) Rental and/or public accommodations. Rental or public 
accommodations or other substantially similar class of habitation that 
meets applicable local standards for such housing. In the absence of 
applicable local standards, State standards will apply. In the absence 
of applicable local or State standards, DOL OSHA standards at 29 CFR 
1910.142 will apply. Any charges for rental housing must be paid 
directly by the employer to the owner or operator of the housing. The 
employer must document that the housing complies with the local, State, 
or Federal housing standards. Such documentation may include but is not 
limited to

[[Page 580]]

a certificate from a State Department of Health or other State or local 
agency or a statement from the manager or owner of the housing.
    (2) Standards for range housing. Housing for workers principally 
engaged in the range production of livestock shall meet standards of DOL 
OSHA for such housing. In the absence of such standards, range housing 
for sheepherders and other workers engaged in the range production of 
livestock must meet guidelines issued by ETA.
    (3) Deposit charges. Charges in the form of deposits for bedding or 
other similar incidentals related to housing must not be levied upon 
workers. However, employers may require workers to reimburse them for 
damage caused to housing, bedding, or other property by the individual 
workers found to have been responsible for damage which is not the 
result of normal wear and tear related to habitation.
    (4) Charges for public housing. If public housing provided for 
migrant agricultural workers under the auspices of a local, county, or 
State government is secured by the employer, the employer must pay any 
charges normally required for use of the public housing units (but need 
not pay for optional, extra services) directly to the housing's 
management.
    (5) Family housing. When it is the prevailing practice in the area 
of intended employment and the occupation to provide family housing, 
family housing must be provided to workers with families who request it.
    (6) Housing inspection. In order to ensure that the housing provided 
by an employer under this section meets the relevant standard:
    (i) An employer must make the required attestation, which may 
include an attestation that the employer is complying with the 
procedures set forth in Sec.  654.403, at the time of filing the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification pursuant to Sec.  
655.105(e)(2).
    (ii) The employer must make a request to the SWA for a housing 
inspection no less than 60 days before the date of need, except where 
otherwise provided under this part.
    (iii) The SWA must make its determination that the housing meets the 
statutory criteria applicable to the type of housing provided prior to 
the date on which the Secretary is required to make a certification 
determination under INA sec. 218(c)(3)(A), which is 30 days before the 
employer's date of need. SWAs must not adopt rules or restrictions on 
housing inspections that unreasonably prevent inspections from being 
completed in the required time frame, such as rules that no inspections 
will be conducted where the housing is already occupied or is not yet 
leased. If the employer has attested to and met all other criteria for 
certification, and the employer has made a timely request for a housing 
inspection under this paragraph, and the SWA has failed to complete a 
housing inspection by the statutory deadline of 30 days prior to date of 
need, the certification will not be withheld on account of the SWA's 
failure to meet the statutory deadline. The SWA must in such cases 
inspect the housing prior to or during occupation to ensure it meets 
applicable housing standards. If, upon inspection, the SWA determines 
the supplied housing does not meet the applicable housing standards, the 
SWA must promptly provide written notification to the employer and the 
CO. The CO will take appropriate action, including notice to the 
employer to cure deficiencies. An employer's failure to cure substantial 
violations can result in revocation of the temporary labor 
certification.
    (7) Certified housing that becomes unavailable. If after a request 
to certify housing (but before certification), or after certification of 
housing, such housing becomes unavailable for reasons outside the 
employer's control, the employer may substitute other rental or public 
accommodation housing that is in compliance with the local, State, or 
Federal housing standards applicable under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this 
section and for which the employer is able to submit evidence of such 
compliance. The employer must notify the SWA in writing of the change in 
accommodations and the reason(s) for such change and provide the SWA 
evidence of compliance with the applicable local, State or Federal 
safety and health standards, in accordance with the requirements of

[[Page 581]]

paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section. The SWA must notify the CO of all 
housing changes and of any noncompliance with the standards set forth in 
paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section. Substantial noncompliance can 
result in revocation of the temporary labor certification under Sec.  
655.117.
    (e) Workers' compensation. The employer must provide workers' 
compensation insurance coverage in compliance with State law covering 
injury and disease arising out of and in the course of the worker's 
employment. If the type of employment for which the certification is 
sought is not covered by or is exempt from the State's workers' 
compensation law, the employer must provide, at no cost to the worker, 
insurance covering injury and disease arising out of and in the course 
of the worker's employment that will provide benefits at least equal to 
those provided under the State workers' compensation law for other 
comparable employment. The employer must retain for 3 years from the 
date of certification of the application, the name of the insurance 
carrier, the insurance policy number, and proof of insurance for the 
dates of need, or, if appropriate, proof of State law coverage.
    (f) Employer-provided items. Except as provided in this paragraph, 
the employer must provide to the worker, without charge or deposit 
charge, all tools, supplies, and equipment required to perform the 
duties assigned. The employer may charge the worker for reasonable costs 
related to the worker's refusal or negligent failure to return any 
property furnished by the employer or due to such worker's willful 
damage or destruction of such property. Where it is a common practice in 
the particular area, crop activity and occupation for workers to provide 
tools and equipment, with or without the employer reimbursing the 
workers for the cost of providing them, such an arrangement will be 
permitted, provided that the requirements of sec. 3(m) of the FLSA at 29 
U.S.C. 203(m) are met. Section 3(m) does not permit deductions for tools 
or equipment primarily for the benefit of the employer that reduce an 
employee's wage below the wage required under the minimum wage, or, 
where applicable, the overtime provisions of the FLSA.
    (g) Meals. The employer either must provide each worker with three 
meals a day or must furnish free and convenient cooking and kitchen 
facilities to the workers that will enable the workers to prepare their 
own meals. Where the employer provides the meals, the job offer must 
state the charge, if any, to the worker for such meals. The amount of 
meal charges is governed by Sec.  655.114.
    (h) Transportation; daily subsistence--(1) Transportation to place 
of employment. If the employer has not previously advanced such 
transportation and subsistence costs to the worker or otherwise provided 
such transportation or subsistence directly to the worker by other means 
and if the worker completes 50 percent of the work contract period, the 
employer must pay the worker for reasonable costs incurred by the worker 
for transportation and daily subsistence from the place from which the 
worker has departed to the employer's place of employment. For an H-2A 
worker coming from outside of the U.S., the place from which the worker 
has departed is the place of recruitment, which the Department 
interprets to mean the appropriate U.S. consulate or port of entry. When 
it is the prevailing practice of non-H-2A agricultural employers in the 
occupation in the area to do so, or when the employer extends such 
benefits to similarly situated H-2A workers, the employer must advance 
the required transportation and subsistence costs (or otherwise provide 
them) to U.S. workers. The amount of the transportation payment must be 
no less (and is not required to be more) than the most economical and 
reasonable common carrier transportation charges for the distances 
involved. The amount of the daily subsistence payment must be at least 
as much as the employer would charge the worker for providing the worker 
with three meals a day during employment (if applicable), but in no 
event less than the amount permitted under paragraph (g) of this 
section.
    (2) Transportation from last place of employment to home country. If 
the worker completes the work contract

[[Page 582]]

period, and the worker has no immediately subsequent H-2A employment, 
the employer must provide or pay for the worker's transportation and 
daily subsistence from the place of employment to the place from which 
the worker, disregarding intervening employment, departed to work for 
the employer. For an H-2A worker coming from outside of the U.S., the 
place from which the worker has departed will be considered to be the 
appropriate U.S. consulate or port of entry.
    (3) Transportation between living quarters and worksite. The 
employer must provide transportation between the worker's living 
quarters (i.e., housing provided or secured by the employer pursuant to 
paragraph (d) of this section) and the employer's worksite at no cost to 
the worker, and such transportation must comply with all applicable 
Federal, State or local laws and regulations, and must provide, at a 
minimum, the same vehicle safety standards, driver licensure, and 
vehicle insurance as required under 29 U.S.C. 1841 and 29 CFR part 500, 
subpart D. If workers' compensation is used to cover such 
transportation, in lieu of vehicle insurance, the employer must either 
ensure that the workers' compensation covers all travel or that vehicle 
insurance exists to provide coverage for travel not covered by workers' 
compensation.
    (i) Three-fourths guarantee--(1) Offer to worker. The employer must 
guarantee to offer the worker employment for a total number of work 
hours equal to at least three-fourths of the workdays of the total 
period beginning with the first workday after the arrival of the worker 
at the place of employment or the advertised contractual first date of 
need, whichever is later, and ending on the expiration date specified in 
the work contract or in its extensions, if any. For purposes of this 
paragraph a workday means the number of hours in a workday as stated in 
the job order and excludes the worker's Sabbath and Federal holidays. 
The employer must offer a total number of hours to ensure the provision 
of sufficient work to reach the three-fourths guarantee. The work hours 
must be offered during the work period specified in the work contract, 
or during any modified work contract period to which the worker and 
employer have mutually agreed and has been approved by the CO. The work 
contract period can be shortened by agreement of the parties only with 
the approval of the CO. In the event the worker begins working later 
than the specified beginning date of the contract, the guarantee period 
begins with the first workday after the arrival of the worker at the 
place of employment, and continues until the last day during which the 
work contract and all extensions thereof are in effect. Therefore, if, 
for example, a work contract is for a 10-week period, during which a 
normal workweek is specified as 6 days a week, 8 hours per day, the 
worker would have to be guaranteed employment for at least 360 hours 
(e.g., 10 weeks x 48 hours/week = 480-hours x 75 percent = 360). If a 
Federal holiday occurred during the 10-week span, the 8 hours would be 
deducted from the total guaranteed. A worker may be offered more than 
the specified hours of work on a single workday. For purposes of meeting 
the guarantee, however, the worker will not be required to work for more 
than the number of hours specified in the job order for a workday, or on 
the worker's Sabbath or Federal holidays. However, all hours of work 
actually performed may be counted by the employer in calculating whether 
the period of guaranteed employment has been met. If the employer 
affords the U.S. or H-2A worker during the total work contract period 
less employment than that required under this paragraph, the employer 
must pay such worker the amount the worker would have earned had the 
worker, in fact, worked for the guaranteed number of days.
    (2) Guarantee for piece rate paid worker. If the worker will be paid 
on a piece rate basis, the employer must use the worker's average hourly 
piece rate earnings or the AEWR, whichever is higher, to calculate the 
amount due under the guarantee.
    (3) Failure to work. Any hours the worker fails to work, up to a 
maximum of the number of hours specified in the job order for a workday, 
when the worker has been offered an opportunity to do so in accordance 
with paragraph (i)(1) of this section, and all hours of

[[Page 583]]

work actually performed (including voluntary work over 8 hours in a 
workday or on the worker's Sabbath or Federal holidays), may be counted 
by the employer in calculating whether the period of guaranteed 
employment has been met. An employer seeking to calculate whether the 
number of hours has been met must maintain the payroll records in 
accordance with paragraph (j)(2) of this section.
    (4) Displaced H-2A worker. The employer is not liable for payment 
under paragraph (i)(1) of this section to an H-2A worker whom the CO 
certifies is displaced because of the employer's compliance with Sec.  
655.105(d) with respect to referrals made after the employer's date of 
need. The employer is, however, liable for return transportation for any 
such displaced worker in accordance with paragraph (h)(2) of this 
section.
    (5) Obligation to provide housing and meals. Notwithstanding the 
three-fourths guarantee contained in this section, employers are 
obligated to provide housing and subsistence for each day of the 
contract period up until the day the workers depart for other H-2A 
employment, depart to the place outside of the U.S. from which the 
worker came, or, if the worker voluntarily abandons employment or is 
terminated for cause, the day of such abandonment or termination.
    (j) Earnings records. (1) The employer must keep accurate and 
adequate records with respect to the workers' earnings, including but 
not limited to field tally records, supporting summary payroll records, 
and records showing the nature and amount of the work performed; the 
number of hours of work offered each day by the employer (broken out by 
hours offered both in accordance with and over and above the three-
fourths guarantee at paragraph (i)(3) of this section); the hours 
actually worked each day by the worker; the time the worker began and 
ended each workday; the rate of pay (both piece rate and hourly, if 
applicable); the worker's earnings per pay period; the worker's home 
address; and the amount of and reasons for any and all deductions taken 
from the worker's wages.
    (2) Each employer must keep the records required by this part, 
including field tally records and supporting summary payroll records, 
safe and accessible at the place or places of employment, or at one or 
more established central recordkeeping offices where such records are 
customarily maintained. All records must be available for inspection and 
transcription by the Secretary or a duly authorized and designated 
representative, and by the worker and representatives designated by the 
worker as evidenced by appropriate documentation (an Entry of Appearance 
as Attorney or Representative, Form G-28, signed by the worker, or an 
affidavit signed by the worker confirming such representation). Where 
the records are maintained at a central recordkeeping office, other than 
in the place or places of employment, such records must be made 
available for inspection and copying within 72 hours following notice 
from the Secretary, or a duly authorized and designated representative, 
and by the worker and designated representatives as described in this 
paragraph.
    (3) To assist in determining whether the three-fourths guarantee in 
paragraph (i) of this section has been met, if the number of hours 
worked by the worker on a day during the work contract period is less 
than the number of hours offered, as specified in the job offer, the 
records must state the reason or reasons therefore.
    (4) The employer must retain the records for not less than 3 years 
after the completion of the work contract.
    (k) Hours and earnings statements. The employer must furnish to the 
worker on or before each payday in one or more written statements the 
following information:
    (1) The worker's total earnings for the pay period;
    (2) The worker's hourly rate and/or piece rate of pay;
    (3) The hours of employment offered to the worker (broken out by 
offers in accordance with, and over and above, the guarantee);
    (4) The hours actually worked by the worker;
    (5) An itemization of all deductions made from the worker's wages; 
and
    (6) If piece rates are used, the units produced daily.

[[Page 584]]

    (l) Rates of pay. (1) If the worker is paid by the hour, the 
employer must pay the worker at least the AEWR in effect at the time 
recruitment for the position was begun, the prevailing hourly wage rate, 
the prevailing piece rate, or the Federal or State minimum wage rate, 
whichever is highest, for every hour or portion thereof worked during a 
pay period; or
    (2)(i) If the worker is paid on a piece rate basis and the piece 
rate does not result at the end of the pay period in average hourly 
piece rate earnings during the pay period at least equal to the amount 
the worker would have earned had the worker been paid at the appropriate 
hourly rate, the worker's pay must be supplemented at that time so that 
the worker's earnings are at least as much as the worker would have 
earned during the pay period if the worker had instead been paid at the 
appropriate hourly wage rate for each hour worked;
    (ii) The piece rate must be no less than the piece rate prevailing 
for the activity in the area of intended employment; and
    (iii) If the employer who pays by the piece rate requires one or 
more minimum productivity standards of workers as a condition of job 
retention, such standards must be specified in the job offer and must be 
normal, meaning that they may not be unusual for workers performing the 
same activity in the area of intended employment.
    (m) Frequency of pay. The employer must state in the job offer the 
frequency with which the worker will be paid, which must be at least 
twice monthly.
    (n) Abandonment of employment or termination for cause. If the 
worker voluntarily abandons employment before the end of the contract 
period, fails to report for employment at the beginning of the contract 
period, or is terminated for cause, and the employer notifies the 
Department and DHS in writing or by any other method specified by the 
Department or DHS in a manner specified in a notice published in the 
Federal Register not later than 2 working days after such abandonment or 
abscondment occurs, the employer will not be responsible for providing 
or paying for the subsequent transportation and subsistence expenses of 
that worker under paragraph (h) of this section, and that worker is not 
entitled to the three-fourths guarantee described in paragraph (i) of 
this section. An abandonment or abscondment shall be deemed to begin 
after a worker fails to report for work at the regularly scheduled time 
for 5 consecutive working days without the consent of the employer. 
Employees may be terminated for cause, however, for shorter unexcused 
periods of time that shall not be considered abandonment or abscondment.
    (o) Contract impossibility. If, before the expiration date specified 
in the work contract, the services of the worker are no longer required 
for reasons beyond the control of the employer due to fire, weather, or 
other Act of God that makes the fulfillment of the contract impossible, 
the employer may terminate the work contract. Whether such an event 
constitutes a contract impossibility will be determined by the CO. In 
the event of such termination of a contract, the employer must fulfill a 
three-fourths guarantee for the time that has elapsed from the start of 
the work contract to the time of its termination as described in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this section. The employer must:
    (1) Return the worker, at the employer's expense, to the place from 
which the worker (disregarding intervening employment) came to work for 
the employer, or transport the worker to the worker's next certified H-
2A employer (but only if the worker can provide documentation supporting 
such employment), whichever the worker prefers. For an H-2A worker 
coming from outside of the U.S., the place from which the worker 
(disregarding intervening employment) came to work for the employer is 
the appropriate U.S. consulate or port of entry;
    (2) Reimburse the worker the full amount of any deductions made from 
the worker's pay by the employer for transportation and subsistence 
expenses to the place of employment; and
    (3) Pay the worker for any costs incurred by the worker for 
transportation and daily subsistence to that employer's place of 
employment. Daily subsistence will be computed as set forth in paragraph 
(h) of this section.

[[Page 585]]

The amount of the transportation payment will be no less (and is not 
required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common 
carrier transportation charges for the distances involved.
    (p) Deductions. The employer must make all deductions from the 
worker's paycheck that are required by law. The job offer must specify 
all deductions not required by law which the employer will make from the 
worker's paycheck. All deductions must be reasonable. However, an 
employer subject to the FLSA may not make deductions that would violate 
the FLSA.
    (q) Copy of work contract. The employer must provide to the worker, 
no later than on the day the work commences, a copy of the work contract 
between the employer and the worker. The work contract must contain all 
of the provisions required by paragraphs (a) through (p) of this 
section. In the absence of a separate, written work contract entered 
into between the employer and the worker, the job order, as provided in 
20 CFR part 653, Subpart F, will be the work contract.



Sec.  655.1305  Assurances and obligations of H-2A employers.

    An employer seeking to employ H-2A workers must attest as part of 
the Application for Temporary Employment Certification that it will 
abide by the following conditions of this subpart:
    (a) The job opportunity is and will continue through the recruitment 
period to be open to any qualified U.S. worker regardless of race, 
color, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or citizenship, 
and the employer has conducted and will continue to conduct the required 
recruitment, in accordance with regulations, and has been unsuccessful 
in locating sufficient numbers of qualified U.S. applicants for the job 
opportunity for which certification is sought. Any U.S. workers who 
applied or apply for the job were or will be rejected only for lawful, 
job-related reasons, and those not rejected on this basis have been or 
will be hired. In addition, the employer attests that it will retain 
records of all rejections as required by Sec.  655.119.
    (b) The employer is offering terms and working conditions which are 
not less favorable than those offered to the H-2A worker(s) and are not 
less than the minimum terms and conditions required by this subpart.
    (c) The specific job opportunity for which the employer is 
requesting H-2A certification is not vacant because the former occupant 
is on strike or being locked out in the course of a labor dispute.
    (d) The employer will continue to cooperate with the SWA by 
accepting referrals of all eligible U.S. workers who apply (or on whose 
behalf an application is made) for the job opportunity until the end of 
the recruitment period as specified in Sec.  655.102(f)(3).
    (e) During the period of employment that is the subject of the labor 
certification application, the employer will:
    (1) Comply with applicable Federal, State and local employment-
related laws and regulations, including employment-related health and 
safety laws;
    (2) Provide for or secure housing for those workers who are not 
reasonably able to return to their permanent residence at the end of the 
work day, without charge to the worker, that complies with the 
applicable standards as set forth in Sec.  655.104(d);
    (3) Where required, has timely requested a preoccupancy inspection 
of the housing and, if one has been conducted, received certification;
    (4) Provide insurance, without charge to the worker, under a State 
workers' compensation law or otherwise, that meets the requirements of 
Sec.  655.104(e); and
    (5) Provide transportation in compliance with all applicable 
Federal, State or local laws and regulations between the worker's living 
quarters (i.e., housing provided by the employer under Sec.  655.104(d)) 
and the employer's worksite without cost to the worker.
    (f) Upon the separation from employment of H-2A worker(s) employed 
under the labor certification application, if such separation occurs 
prior to the end date of the employment specified in the application, 
the employer will notify the Department and DHS in writing (or any other 
method specified by the Department or DHS) of the separation from 
employment not later than 2 work days after such separation

[[Page 586]]

is discovered by the employer. The procedures for reporting abandonments 
and abscondments are outlined in Sec.  655.104(n) of this subpart.
    (g) The offered wage rate is the highest of the AEWR in effect at 
the time recruitment is initiated, the prevailing hourly wage or piece 
rate, or the Federal or State minimum wage, and the employer will pay 
the offered wage during the entire period of the approved labor 
certification.
    (h) The offered wage is not based on commission, bonuses, or other 
incentives, unless the employer guarantees a wage paid on a weekly, bi-
weekly, or monthly basis that equals or exceeds the AEWR, prevailing 
hourly wage or piece rate, or the legal Federal or State minimum wage, 
whichever is highest.
    (i) The job opportunity is a full-time temporary position, 
calculated to be at least 30 hours per work week, the qualifications for 
which do not substantially deviate from the normal and accepted 
qualifications required by employers that do not use H-2A workers in the 
same or comparable occupations or crops.
    (j) The employer has not laid off and will not lay off any similarly 
employed U.S. worker in the occupation that is the subject of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification in the area of 
intended employment except for lawful, job related reasons within 60 
days of the date of need, or if the employer has laid off such workers, 
it has offered the job opportunity that is the subject of the 
application to those laid-off U.S. worker(s) and the U.S. worker(s) 
either refused the job opportunity or was rejected for the job 
opportunity for lawful, job-related reasons.
    (k) The employer has not and will not intimidate, threaten, 
restrain, coerce, blacklist, or in any manner discriminate against, and 
has not and will not cause any person to intimidate, threaten, restrain, 
coerce, blacklist, or in any manner discriminate against, any person who 
has with just cause:
    (1) Filed a complaint under or related to sec. 218 of the INA at 8 
U.S.C. 1188, or this subpart or any other Department regulation 
promulgated under sec. 218 of the INA;
    (2) Instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or 
related to sec. 218 of the INA, or this subpart or any other Department 
regulation promulgated under sec. 218 of the INA;
    (3) Testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or 
related to sec. 218 of the INA or this subpart or any other Department 
regulation promulgated under sec. 218 of the INA;
    (4) Consulted with an employee of a legal assistance program or an 
attorney on matters related to sec. 218 of the INA or this subpart or 
any other Department regulation promulgated under sec. 218 of the INA; 
or
    (5) Exercised or asserted on behalf of himself/herself or others any 
right or protection afforded by sec. 218 of the INA, or this subpart or 
any other Department regulation promulgated under sec. 218 of the INA.
    (l) The employer shall not discharge any person because of that 
person's taking any action listed in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(5) of 
this section.
    (m) All fees associated with processing the temporary labor 
certification will be paid in a timely manner.
    (n) The employer will inform H-2A workers of the requirement that 
they leave the U.S. at the end of the period certified by the Department 
or separation from the employer, whichever is earlier, as required under 
Sec.  655.111, unless the H-2A worker is being sponsored by another 
subsequent employer.
    (o) The employer and its agents have not sought or received payment 
of any kind from the employee for any activity related to obtaining 
labor certification, including payment of the employer's attorneys' 
fees, application fees, or recruitment costs. For purposes of this 
paragraph, payment includes, but is not limited to, monetary payments, 
wage concessions (including deductions from wages, salary, or benefits), 
kickbacks, bribes, tributes, in kind payments, and free labor. This 
provision does not prohibit employers or their agents from receiving 
reimbursement for costs that are the responsibility of the worker, such 
as government required passport or visa fees.
    (p) The employer has contractually forbidden any foreign labor 
contractor or recruiter whom the employer engages in international 
recruitment of

[[Page 587]]

H-2A workers to seek or receive payments from prospective employees, 
except as provided for in DHS regulations at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5)(xi)(A).
    (q) The applicant is either a fixed-site employer, an agent or 
recruiter, an H-2ALC (as defined in these regulations), or an 
association.



Sec.  655.1306  Assurances and obligations of H-2A Labor Contractors.

    (a) The pre-filing activity requirements set forth in Sec.  655.102 
are modified as follows for H-2ALCs:
    (1) The job order for an H-2ALC may contain work locations in 
multiple areas of intended employment, and may be submitted to any one 
of the SWAs having jurisdiction over the anticipated work areas. The SWA 
receiving the job order shall promptly transmit, on behalf of the 
employer, a copy of its active job order to all States listed in the 
application as anticipated worksites, as well as those States, if any, 
designated by the Secretary as traditional or expected labor supply 
States for each area in which the employer's work is to be performed. 
Each SWA shall keep the H-2ALC's job order posted until the end of the 
recruitment period, as set forth in Sec.  655.102(f)(3), for the area of 
intended employment that is covered by the SWA. SWAs in States that have 
been designated as traditional or expected labor supply States for more 
than one area of intended of employment that are listed on an 
application shall keep the H-2ALC's job order posted until the end of 
the applicable recruitment period that is last in time, and may make 
referrals for job opportunities in any area of intended employment that 
is still in an active recruitment period, as defined by Sec.  
655.102(f)(3).
    (2) The H-2ALC must conduct separate positive recruitment under 
Sec.  655.102(g) through (i) for each area of intended employment in 
which the H-2ALC intends to perform work, but need not conduct separate 
recruitment for each work location within a single area of intended 
employment. The positive recruitment for each area of intended 
employment must list the name and location of each fixed-site 
agricultural business to which the H-2ALC expects to provide H-2A 
workers, the expected beginning and ending dates when the H-2ALC will be 
providing the workers to each fixed site, and a description of the crops 
and activities the workers are expected to perform at such fixed site. 
Such positive recruitment must be conducted pre-filing for the first 
area of intended employment, but must be started no more than 75 and no 
fewer than 60 days before the listed arrival date (or the amended date, 
if applicable) for each subsequent area of intended employment. For each 
area of intended employment, the advertising that must be placed in any 
applicable States designated as traditional or expected labor supply 
States must be placed at the same time as the placement of other 
positive recruitment for the area of intended employment in accordance 
with Sec.  655.102(i)(2).
    (3) The job order and the positive recruitment in each area of 
intended employment may require that workers complete the remainder of 
the H-2ALC's itinerary.
    (4) An H-2ALC who hires U.S. workers during the course of its 
itinerary, and accordingly releases one or more of its H-2A workers, is 
eligible for the release from the three-quarters guarantee with respect 
to the released H-2A workers that is provided for in Sec.  
655.104(i)(4).
    (5) An H-2ALC may amend its application subsequent to submission in 
accordance with Sec.  655.107(d)(3) to account for new or changed 
worksites or areas of intended employment during the course of the 
itinerary in the following manner:
    (i) If the additional worksite(s) are in the same area(s) of 
intended employment as represented on the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, the H-2ALC is not required to re-recruit in 
those areas of intended employment if that recruitment has been 
completed and if the job duties at the new work sites are similar to 
those already covered by the application.
    (ii) If the additional worksite(s) are outside the area(s) of 
intended employment represented on the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification, the H-2ALC must submit in writing the new 
area(s) of intended employment

[[Page 588]]

and explain the reasons for the amendment of the labor certification 
itinerary. The CO will order additional recruitment in accordance with 
Sec.  655.102(d).
    (iii) For any additional worksite not included on the original 
application that necessitates a change in housing of H-2A workers, the 
H-2ALC must secure the statement of housing as described in paragraph 
(b)(6) of this section and obtain an inspection of such housing from the 
SWA in the area of intended employment.
    (iv) Where additional recruitment is required under paragraphs 
(a)(5)(i) or (a)(5)(ii) of this section, the CO shall allow it to take 
place on an expedited basis, where possible, so as to allow the amended 
dates of need to be met.
    (6) Consistent with paragraph (a)(5) of this section, no later than 
30 days prior to the commencement of employment in each area of intended 
employment in the itinerary of an H-2ALC, the SWA having jurisdiction 
over that area of intended employment must complete the housing 
inspections for any employer-provided housing to be used by the 
employees of the H-2ALC.
    (7) To satisfy the requirements of Sec.  655.102(h), the H-2ALC must 
contact all U.S employees that worked for the H-2ALC during the previous 
season, except those excluded by that section, before filing its 
application, and must advise those workers that a separate job 
opportunity exists for each area of intended employment that is covered 
by the application. The employer may advise contacted employees that for 
any given job opportunity, workers may be required to complete the 
remainder of the H-2ALC's itinerary.
    (b) In addition to the assurances and obligations listed in Sec.  
655.105, H-2ALC applicants are also required to:
    (1) Provide the MSPA Farm Labor Contractor (FLC) certificate of 
registration number and expiration date if required under MSPA at 29 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq., to have such a certificate;
    (2) Identify the farm labor contracting activities the H-2ALC is 
authorized to perform as an FLC under MSPA as shown on the FLC 
certificate of registration, if required under MSPA at 29 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq., to have such a certificate of registration;
    (3) List the name and location of each fixed-site agricultural 
business to which the H-2A Labor Contractor expects to provide H-2A 
workers, the expected beginning and ending dates when the H-2ALC will be 
providing the workers to each fixed site, and a description of the crops 
and activities the workers are expected to perform at such fixed site;
    (4) Provide proof of its ability to discharge financial obligations 
under the H-2A program by attesting that it has obtained a surety bond 
as required by 29 CFR 501.8, stating on the application the name, 
address, phone number, and contact person for the surety, and providing 
the amount of the bond (as calculated pursuant to 29 CFR 501.8) and any 
identifying designation utilized by the surety for the bond;
    (5) Attest that it has engaged in, or will engage in within the 
timeframes required by Sec.  655.102 as modified by Sec.  655.106(a), 
recruitment efforts in each area of intended employment in which it has 
listed a fixed-site agricultural business; and
    (6) Attest that it will be providing housing and transportation that 
complies with the applicable housing standards in Sec.  655.104(d) or 
that it has obtained from each fixed-site agricultural business that 
will provide housing or transportation to the workers a written 
statement stating that:
    (i) All housing used by workers and owned, operated or secured by 
the fixed-site agricultural business complies with the applicable 
housing standards in Sec.  655.104(d); and
    (ii) All transportation between the worksite and the workers' living 
quarters that is provided by the fixed-site agricultural business 
complies with all applicable Federal, State, or local laws and 
regulations and will provide, at a minimum, the same vehicle safety 
standards, driver licensure, and vehicle insurance as required under 29 
U.S.C. 1841 and 29 CFR part 500, subpart D, except where workers' 
compensation is used to cover such transportation as described in Sec.  
655.104(h)(3).



Sec.  655.1307  Processing of applications.

    (a) Processing. (1) Upon receipt of the application, the CO will 
promptly review the application for completeness

[[Page 589]]

and an absence of errors that would prevent certification, and for 
compliance with the criteria for certification. The CO will make a 
determination to certify, deny, or issue a Notice of Deficiency prior to 
making a Final Determination on the application. Applications requesting 
that zero job opportunities be certified for H-2A employment because the 
employer has been able to recruit a sufficient number of U.S. workers 
must comply with other requirements for H-2A applications and must be 
supported by a recruitment report, in which case the application will be 
accepted but will then be denied. Criteria for certification, as used in 
this subpart, include, but are not limited to, whether the employer has 
established the need for the agricultural services or labor to be 
performed on a temporary or seasonal basis; made all the assurances and 
met all the obligations required by Sec.  655.105, and/or, if an H-2ALC, 
by Sec.  655.106; complied with the timeliness requirements in Sec.  
655.102; and complied with the recruitment obligations required by 
Sec. Sec.  655.102 and 655.103.
    (2) Unless otherwise noted, any notice or request sent by the CO or 
OFLC to an applicant requiring a response shall be sent by means 
normally assuring next-day delivery, to afford the applicant sufficient 
time to respond. The employer's response shall be considered filed with 
the Department when sent (by mail, certified mail, or any other means 
indicated to be acceptable by the CO) to the Department, which may be 
demonstrated, for example, by a postmark.
    (b) Notice of deficiencies. (1) If the CO determines that the 
employer has made all necessary attestations and assurances, but the 
application fails to comply with one or more of the criteria for 
certification in paragraph (a) of this section, the CO will promptly 
notify the employer within 7 calendar days of the CO's receipt of the 
application.
    (2) The notice will:
    (i) State the reason(s) why the application fails to meet the 
criteria for temporary labor certification, citing the relevant 
regulatory standard(s);
    (ii) Offer the employer an opportunity to submit a modified 
application within 5 business days from date of receipt, stating the 
modification that is needed for the CO to accept the application for 
consideration;
    (iii) Except as provided for under paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this 
section, state that the CO's determination on whether to grant or deny 
the Application for Temporary Employment Certification will be made no 
later than 30 calendar days before the date of need, provided that the 
employer submits the requested modification to the application within 5 
business days and in a manner specified by the CO;
    (iv) Where the CO determines the employer failed to comply with the 
recruitment obligations required by Sec. Sec.  655.102 and 655.103, 
offer the employer an opportunity to correct its recruitment and conduct 
it on an expedited schedule. The CO shall specify the positive 
recruitment requirements, request the employer submit proof of corrected 
advertisement and an initial recruitment report meeting the requirements 
of Sec.  655.102(k) no earlier than 48 hours after the last corrected 
advertisement is printed, and state that the CO's determination on 
whether to grant or deny the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification will be made within 5 business days of receiving the 
required documentation, which may be a date later than 30 days before 
the date of need:
    (v) Offer the employer an opportunity to request an expedited 
administrative review or a de novo administrative hearing before an ALJ, 
of the Notice of Deficiency. The notice will state that in order to 
obtain such a review or hearing, the employer, within 5 business days of 
the receipt of the notice, must file by facsimile or other means 
normally assuring next day delivery, a written request to the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge of DOL and simultaneously serve a copy on the 
CO. The notice will also state that the employer may submit any legal 
arguments that the employer believes will rebut the basis of the CO's 
action; and
    (vi) State that if the employer does not comply with the 
requirements under paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iv) of this section or 
request an expedited administrative judicial review or a de novo hearing 
before an ALJ within the

[[Page 590]]

5 business days the CO will deny the application in accordance with the 
labor certification determination provisions in Sec.  655.109.
    (c) Submission of modified applications. (1) If the CO notifies the 
employer of any deficiencies within the 7 calendar day timeframe set 
forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the date by which the CO's 
Final Determination is required by statute to be made will be postponed 
by 1 day for each day that passes beyond the 5 business-day period 
allowed under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section to submit a modified 
application.
    (2) Where the employer submits a modified application as required by 
the CO, and the CO approves the modified application, the CO will not 
deny the application based solely on the fact that it now does not meet 
the timeliness requirements for filing applications.
    (3) If the modified application is not approved, the CO will deny 
the application in accordance with the labor certification determination 
provisions in Sec.  655.109.
    (d) Amendments to applications. (1) Applications may be amended at 
any time before the CO's certification determination to increase the 
number of workers requested in the initial application by not more than 
20 percent (50 percent for employers requesting less than 10 workers) 
without requiring an additional recruitment period for U.S. workers. 
Requests for increases above the percent prescribed, without additional 
recruitment, may be approved by the CO only when the request is 
submitted in writing, the need for additional workers could not have 
been foreseen, and the crops or commodities will be in jeopardy prior to 
the expiration of an additional recruitment period.
    (2) Applications may be amended to make minor changes in the total 
period of employment, but only if a written request is submitted to the 
CO and approved in advance. In considering whether to approve the 
request, the CO will review the reason(s) for the request, determine 
whether the reason(s) are on the whole justified, and take into account 
the effect(s) of a decision to approve on the adequacy of the underlying 
test of the domestic labor market for the job opportunity. If a request 
for a change in the start date of the total period of employment is made 
after workers have departed for the employer's place of work, the CO may 
only approve the change if the request is accompanied by a written 
assurance signed and dated by the employer that all such workers will be 
provided housing and subsistence, without cost to the workers, until 
work commences. Upon acceptance of an amendment, the CO will submit to 
the SWA any necessary modification to the job order.
    (3) Other amendments to the application, including elements of the 
job offer and the place of work, may be approved by the CO if the CO 
determines the proposed amendment(s) are justified by a business reason 
and will not prevent the CO from making the labor certification 
determination required under Sec.  655.109. Requested amendments will be 
reviewed as quickly as possible, taking into account revised dates of 
need for work locations associated with the amendment.
    (e) Appeal procedures. With respect to either a Notice of Deficiency 
issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the denial of a requested 
amendment under paragraph (d) of this section, or a notice of denial 
issued under Sec.  655.109(e), if the employer timely requests an 
expedited administrative review or de novo hearing before an ALJ, the 
procedures set forth in Sec.  655.115 will be followed.



Sec.  655.1308  Offered wage rate.

    (a) Highest wage. To comply with its obligation under Sec.  
655.105(g), an employer must offer a wage rate that is the highest of 
the AEWR in effect at the time recruitment for a position is begun, the 
prevailing hourly wage or piece rate, or the Federal or State minimum 
wage.
    (b) Wage rate request. The employer must request and obtain a wage 
rate determination from the NPC, on a form prescribed by ETA, before 
commencing any recruitment under this subpart, except where specifically 
exempted from this requirement by these regulations.
    (c) Validity of wage rate. The recruitment must begin within the 
validity

[[Page 591]]

period of the wage determination obtained from the NPC. Recruitment for 
this purpose begins when the job order is accepted by the SWA for 
posting.
    (d) Wage offer. The employer must offer and advertise in its 
recruitment a wage at least equal to the wage rate required by paragraph 
(a) of this section.
    (e) Adverse effect wage rate. The AEWR will be based on published 
wage data for the occupation, skill level, and geographical area from 
the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment Statistics 
(OES) survey. The NPC will obtain wage information on the AEWR using the 
On-line Wage Library (OWL) found on the Foreign Labor Certification Data 
Center Web site (http://www.flcdatacenter.com/). This wage shall not be 
less than the July 24, 2009 Federal minimum wage of $7.25.
    (f) Wage determination. The NPC must enter the wage rate 
determination on a form it uses, indicate the source, and return the 
form with its endorsement to the employer.
    (g) Skill level. (1) Level I wage rates are assigned to job offers 
for beginning level employees who have a basic understanding of the 
occupation. These employees perform routine tasks that require limited, 
if any, exercise of judgment. The tasks provide experience and 
familiarization with the employer's methods, practices, and programs. 
The employees may perform higher level work for training and 
developmental purposes. These employees work under close supervision and 
receive specific instructions on required tasks and results expected. 
Their work is closely monitored and reviewed for accuracy.
    (2) Level II wage rates are assigned to job offers for employees who 
have attained, through education or experience, a good understanding of 
the occupation. These employees perform moderately complex tasks that 
require limited judgment. An indicator that the job request warrants a 
wage determination at Level II would be a requirement for years of 
education and/or experience that are generally required as described in 
the O*NET Job Zones.
    (3) Level III wage rates are assigned to job offers for employees 
who have a sound understanding of the occupation and have attained, 
either through education or experience, special skills or knowledge. 
These employees perform tasks that require exercising judgment and may 
coordinate the activities of other staff. They may have supervisory 
authority over those staff. A requirement for years of experience or 
educational degrees that are at the higher ranges indicated in the O*NET 
Job Zones would be an indicator that a Level III wage should be 
considered. Frequently, key words in the job title can be used as 
indicators that an employer's job offer is for an experienced worker. 
Words such as lead, senior, crew chief, or journeyman would be 
indicators that a Level III wage should be considered.
    (4) Level IV wage rates are assigned to job offers for employees who 
have sufficient experience in the occupation to plan and conduct work 
requiring judgment and the independent evaluation, selection, 
modification, and application of standard procedures and techniques. 
Such employees receive only minimal guidance and their work is reviewed 
only for application of sound judgment and effectiveness in meeting the 
establishment's procedures and expectations. They generally have 
management and/or supervisory responsibilities.
    (h) Retention of documentation. An employer filing an Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification must maintain documentation of 
its wage determination from the NPC as required in this subpart and be 
prepared to submit this documentation with the filing of its 
application. The documentation required in this subpart must be retained 
for a period of no less than 3 years from the date of the certification. 
There is no record retention requirement for applications (and 
supporting documentation) that are denied.



Sec.  655.1309  Labor certification determinations.

    (a) COs. The Administrator, OFLC is the Department's National CO. 
The Administrator, OFLC, and the CO(s) in the NPC(s) (by virtue of 
delegation from the Administrator, OFLC), have

[[Page 592]]

the authority to certify or deny applications for temporary employment 
certification under the H-2A nonimmigrant classification. If the 
Administrator, OFLC has directed that certain types of temporary labor 
certification applications or specific applications under the H-2A 
nonimmigrant classification be handled by the National OFLC, the 
Director(s) of the NPC(s) will refer such applications to the 
Administrator, OFLC.
    (b) Determination. No later than 30 calendar days before the date of 
need, as identified in the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, except as provided for under Sec.  655.107(c) for 
modified applications, or applications not otherwise meeting 
certification criteria by that date, the CO will make a determination 
either to grant or deny the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification. The CO will grant the application if and only if: the 
employer has met the requirements of this subpart, including the 
criteria for certification set forth in Sec.  655.107(a), and thus the 
employment of the H-2A workers will not adversely affect the wages and 
working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
    (c) Notification. The CO will notify the employer in writing (either 
electronically or by mail) of the labor certification determination.
    (d) Approved certification. If temporary labor certification is 
granted, the CO must send the certified Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification and a Final Determination letter to the 
employer, or, if appropriate, to the employer's agent or attorney. The 
Final Determination letter will notify the employer to file the 
certified application and any other documentation required by USCIS with 
the appropriate USCIS office and to continue to cooperate with the SWA 
by accepting all referrals of eligible U.S. workers who apply (or on 
whose behalf an application is made) for the job opportunity until the 
end of the recruitment period as set forth in Sec.  655.102(f)(3). 
However, the employer will not be required to accept referrals of 
eligible U.S. workers once it has hired or extended employment offers to 
eligible U.S. workers equal to the number of H-2A workers sought.
    (e) Denied certification. If temporary labor certification is 
denied, the Final Determination letter will be sent to the employer by 
means normally assuring next-day delivery. The Final Determination 
Letter will:
    (1) State the reasons certification is denied, citing the relevant 
regulatory standards and/or special procedures;
    (2) If applicable, address the availability of U.S. workers in the 
occupation as well as the prevailing benefits, wages, and working 
conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers in the occupation and/or 
any applicable special procedures;
    (3) Offer the applicant an opportunity to request an expedited 
administrative review, or a de novo administrative hearing before an 
ALJ, of the denial. The notice must state that in order to obtain such a 
review or hearing, the employer, within 7 calendar days of the date of 
the notice, must file by facsimile (fax), telegram, or other means 
normally assuring next day delivery, a written request to the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge of DOL (giving the address) and simultaneously 
serve a copy on the CO. The notice will also state that the employer may 
submit any legal arguments which the employer believes will rebut the 
basis of the CO's action; and
    (4) State that if the employer does not request an expedited 
administrative judicial review or a de novo hearing before an ALJ within 
the 7 calendar days, the denial is final and the Department will not 
further consider that application for temporary alien agricultural labor 
certification.
    (f) Partial certification. The CO may, to ensure compliance with all 
regulatory requirements, issue a partial certification, reducing either 
the period of need or the number of H-2A workers being requested or both 
for certification, based upon information the CO receives in the course 
of processing the temporary labor certification application, an audit, 
or otherwise. The number of workers certified shall be reduced by one 
for each referred U.S. worker who is qualified, able, available and 
willing. If a partial labor certification is issued, the Final 
Determination letter will:

[[Page 593]]

    (1) State the reasons for which either the period of need and/or the 
number of H-2A workers requested has been reduced, citing the relevant 
regulatory standards and/or special procedures;
    (2) If applicable, address the availability of U.S. workers in the 
occupation;
    (3) Offer the applicant an opportunity to request an expedited 
administrative review, or a de novo administrative hearing before an 
ALJ, of the decision. The notice will state that in order to obtain such 
a review or hearing, the employer, within 7 calendar days of the date of 
the notice, will file by facsimile or other means normally assuring next 
day delivery a written request to the Chief Administrative Law Judge of 
DOL (giving the address) and simultaneously serve a copy on the CO. The 
notice will also state that the employer may submit any legal arguments 
which the employer believes will rebut the basis of the CO's action; and
    (4) State that if the employer does not request an expedited 
administrative judicial review or a de novo hearing before an ALJ within 
the 7 calendar days, the denial is final and the Department will not 
further consider that application for temporary alien agricultural labor 
certification.
    (g) Appeal procedures. If the employer timely requests an expedited 
administrative review or de novo hearing before an ALJ under paragraph 
(e)(3) or (f)(3) of this section, the procedures at Sec.  655.115 will 
be followed.
    (h) Payment of processing fees. A determination by the CO to grant 
an Application for Temporary Employment Certification in whole or in 
part under paragraph (d) or (f) of this section will include a bill for 
the required fees. Each employer of H-2A workers under the Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification (except joint employer 
associations, which shall not be assessed a fee in addition to the fees 
assessed to the members of the association) must pay in a timely manner 
a non-refundable fee upon issuance of the certification granting the 
application (in whole or in part), as follows:
    (1) Amount. The application fee for each employer receiving a 
temporary agricultural labor certification is $100 plus $10 for each H-
2A worker certified under the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification, provided that the fee to an employer for each temporary 
agricultural labor certification received will be no greater than 
$1,000. There is no additional fee to the association filing the 
application. The fees must be paid by check or money order made payable 
to ``United States Department of Labor.'' In the case of H-2A employers 
that are members of an agricultural association acting as a joint 
employer applying on their behalf, the aggregate fees for all employers 
of H-2A workers under the application must be paid by one check or money 
order.
    (2) Timeliness. Fees received by the CO no more than 30 days after 
the date the temporary labor certification is granted will be considered 
timely. Non-payment of fees by the date that is 30 days after the 
issuance of the certification will be considered a substantial program 
violation and subject to the procedures in Sec.  655.115.



Sec.  655.1310  Validity and scope of temporary labor certifications.

    (a) Validity period. A temporary labor certification is valid for 
the duration of the job opportunity for which certification is granted 
to the employer. Except as provided in paragraph and (d) of this 
section, the validity period is that time between the beginning and 
ending dates of certified employment, as listed on the Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification. The certification expires on the 
last day of authorized employment.
    (b) Scope of validity. Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) 
of this section, a temporary labor certification is valid only for the 
number of H-2A workers, the area of intended employment, the specific 
occupation and duties, and the employer(s) specified on the certified 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification (as originally filed 
or as amended) and may not be transferred from one employer to another.
    (c) Scope of validity--associations--(1) Certified applications. If 
an association

[[Page 594]]

is requesting temporary labor certification as a joint employer, the 
certified Application for Temporary Employment Certification will be 
granted jointly to the association and to each of the association's 
employer members named on the application. Workers authorized by the 
temporary labor certification may be transferred among its certified 
employer members to perform work for which the temporary labor 
certification was granted, provided the association controls the 
assignment of such workers and maintains a record of such assignments. 
All temporary agricultural labor certifications to associations may be 
used for the certified job opportunities of any of its employer members 
named on the application. If an association is requesting temporary 
labor certification as a sole employer, the certified Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification is granted to the association only.
    (2) Ineligible employer-members. Workers may not be transferred or 
referred to an association's employer member if that employer member has 
been debarred from participation in the H-2A program.
    (d) Extensions on period of employment--(1) Short-term extension. An 
employer who seeks an extension of 2 weeks or less of the certified 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification must apply for such 
extension to DHS. If DHS grants the extension, the corresponding 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification will be deemed 
extended for such period as is approved by DHS.
    (2) Long-term extension. For extensions beyond 2 weeks, an employer 
may apply to the CO at any time for an extension of the period of 
employment on the certified Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification for reasons related to weather conditions or other factors 
beyond the control of the employer (which may include unforeseen changes 
in market conditions), provided that the employer's need for an 
extension is supported in writing, with documentation showing that the 
extension is needed and that the need could not have been reasonably 
foreseen by the employer. The CO will grant or deny the request for 
extension of the period of employment on the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification based on the available information, and will 
notify the employer of the decision in writing. The employer may appeal 
a denial for a request of an extension in accordance with the procedures 
contained in Sec.  655.115. The CO will not grant an extension where the 
total work contract period under that application and extensions would 
be 12 months or more, except in extraordinary circumstances.
    (e) Requests for determinations based on nonavailability of able, 
willing, available, eligible, and qualified U.S. workers--(1) Standards 
for requests. If a temporary labor certification has been partially 
granted or denied based on the CO's determination that able, willing, 
available, eligible, and qualified U.S. workers are available, and, on 
or after 30 calendar days before the date of need, some or all of those 
U.S. workers are, in fact, no longer able, willing, eligible, qualified, 
or available, the employer may request a new temporary labor 
certification determination from the CO. Prior to making a new 
determination the CO will promptly ascertain (which may be through the 
SWA or other sources of information on U.S. worker availability) whether 
specific able, willing, eligible and qualified replacement U.S. workers 
are available or can be reasonably expected to be present at the 
employer's establishment within 72 hours from the date the employer's 
request was received. The CO will expeditiously, but in no case later 
than 72 hours after the time a complete request (including the signed 
statement included in paragraph (e)(2) of this section) is received, 
make a determination on the request. An employer may appeal a denial of 
such a determination in accordance with the procedures contained in 
Sec.  655.115.
    (2) Unavailability of U.S. workers. The employer's request for a new 
determination must be made directly to the CO by telephone or electronic 
mail, and must be confirmed by the employer in writing as required by 
this paragraph. If the employer telephonically or via electronic mail 
requests the new determination by asserting solely that U.S. workers 
have become unavailable, the employer must submit to the CO a

[[Page 595]]

signed statement confirming such assertion. If such signed statement is 
not received by the CO within 72 hours of the CO's receipt of the 
request for a new determination, the CO will deny the request.
    (3) Notification of determination. If the CO determines that U.S. 
workers have become unavailable and cannot identify sufficient specific 
able, willing, eligible, and qualified U.S. workers who are or who are 
likely to be available, the CO will grant the employer's request for a 
new determination. However, this does not preclude an employer from 
submitting subsequent requests for new determinations, if warranted, 
based on subsequent facts concerning purported nonavailability of U.S. 
workers or referred workers not being eligible workers or not able, 
willing, or qualified because of lawful job-related reasons.



Sec.  655.1311  Required departure.

    (a) Limit to worker's stay. As defined further in DHS regulations, a 
temporary labor certification limits the authorized period of stay for 
an H-2A worker. See 8 CFR 214.2(h). A foreign worker may not remain 
beyond his or her authorized period of stay, as established by DHS, 
which is based upon the validity period of the labor certification under 
which the H-2A worker is employed, nor beyond separation from employment 
prior to completion of the H-2A contract, absent an extension or change 
of such worker's status under DHS regulations.
    (b) Notice to worker. Upon establishment of a program by DHS for 
registration of departure, an employer must notify any H-2A worker that 
when the worker departs the U.S. by land at the conclusion of employment 
as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the worker must register 
such departure at the place and in the manner prescribed by DHS.



Sec.  655.1312  Audits.

    (a) Discretion. The Department will conduct audits of temporary 
labor certification applications for which certification has been 
granted. The applications selected for audit will be chosen within the 
sole discretion of the Department.
    (b) Audit letter. Where an application is selected for audit, the CO 
will issue an audit letter to the employer/applicant. The audit letter 
will:
    (1) State the documentation that must be submitted by the employer;
    (2) Specify a date, no fewer than 14 days and no more than 30 days 
from the date of the audit letter, by which the required documentation 
must be received by the CO; and
    (3) Advise that failure to comply with the audit process may result 
in a finding by the CO to:
    (i) Revoke the labor certification as provided in Sec.  655.117 and/
or
    (ii) Debar the employer from future filings of H-2A temporary labor 
certification applications as provided in Sec.  655.118.
    (c) Supplemental information request. During the course of the audit 
examination, the CO may request supplemental information and/or 
documentation from the employer in order to complete the audit.
    (d) Audit violations. If, as a result of the audit, the CO 
determines the employer failed to produce required documentation, or 
determines that the employer violated the standards set forth in Sec.  
655.117(a) with respect to the application, the employer's labor 
certification may be revoked under Sec.  655.117 and/or the employer may 
be referred for debarment under Sec.  655.118. The CO may determine to 
provide the audit findings and underlying documentation to DHS or 
another appropriate enforcement agency. The CO shall refer any findings 
that an employer discouraged an eligible U.S. worker from applying, or 
failed to hire, discharged, or otherwise discriminated against an 
eligible U.S. worker, to the Department of Justice, Civil Rights 
Division, Office of Special Counsel for Unfair Immigration Related 
Employment Practices.



Sec.  655.1313  H-2A applications involving fraud or willful
misrepresentation.

    (a) Referral for investigation. If the CO discovers possible fraud 
or willful misrepresentation involving an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification the CO may refer the matter to the DHS and the 
Department's Office of the Inspector General for investigation.

[[Page 596]]

    (b) Terminated processing. If a court or the DHS determines that 
there was fraud or willful misrepresentation involving an Application 
for Temporary Employment Certification, the application will be deemed 
invalid. The determination is not appealable. If a certification has 
been granted, a finding under this paragraph will be cause to revoke the 
certification.



Sec.  655.1314  Setting meal charges; petition for higher meal charges.

    (a) Meal charges. Until a new amount is set under this paragraph an 
employer may charge workers up to $9.90 for providing them with three 
meals per day. The maximum charge allowed by this paragraph (a) will be 
changed annually by the same percentage as the 12 month percentage 
change for the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers for Food 
between December of the year just concluded and December of the year 
prior to that. The annual adjustments will be effective on the date of 
their publication by the Administrator, OFLC, as a Notice in the Federal 
Register. When a charge or deduction for the cost of meals would bring 
the employee's wage below the minimum wage set by the FLSA at 29 U.S.C. 
206 (FLSA), the charge or deduction must meet the requirements of 29 
U.S.C. 203(m) of the FLSA, including the recordkeeping requirements 
found at 29 CFR 516.27.
    (b) Filing petitions for higher meal charges. The employer may file 
a petition with the CO to charge more than the applicable amount for 
meal charges if the employer justifies the charges and submits to the CO 
the documentation required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (1) Required documentation. Documentation submitted must include the 
cost of goods and services directly related to the preparation and 
serving of meals, the number of workers fed, the number of meals served 
and the number of days meals were provided. The cost of the following 
items may be included: Food; kitchen supplies other than food, such as 
lunch bags and soap; labor costs that have a direct relation to food 
service operations, such as wages of cooks and dining hall supervisors; 
fuel, water, electricity, and other utilities used for the food service 
operation; and other costs directly related to the food service 
operation. Charges for transportation, depreciation, overhead and 
similar charges may not be included. Receipts and other cost records for 
a representative pay period must be retained and must be available for 
inspection by the CO for a period of 1 year.
    (2) Effective date for higher charge. The employer may begin 
charging the higher rate upon receipt of a favorable decision from the 
CO unless the CO sets a later effective date in the decision.
    (c) Appeal. In the event the employer's petition for a higher meal 
charge is denied in whole or in part, the employer may appeal the 
denial. Appeals will be filed with the Chief Administrative Law Judge. 
ALJ's will hear such appeals according to the procedures in 29 CFR part 
18, except that the appeal will not be considered as a complaint to 
which an answer is required. The decision of the ALJ is the final 
decision of the Secretary.



Sec.  655.1315  Administrative review and de novo hearing before an 
administrative law judge.

    (a) Administrative review--(1) Consideration. Whenever an employer 
has requested an administrative review before an ALJ of a decision by 
the CO: Not to accept for consideration an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification; to deny an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification; to deny an amendment of an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification; or to deny an extension of an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the CO will send a 
certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge by means normally assuring next-day delivery. The Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will immediately assign an ALJ (which may be a 
panel of such persons designated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge 
from BALCA established by 20 CFR part 656, which will hear and decide 
the appeal as set forth in this section) to review the record for legal 
sufficiency. The ALJ may not remand the case and may not receive 
evidence in addition to what the CO used to make the determination.

[[Page 597]]

    (2) Decision. Within 5 business days after receipt of the ETA case 
file the ALJ will, on the basis of the written record and after due 
consideration of any written submissions (which may not include new 
evidence) from the parties involved or amici curiae, either affirm, 
reverse, or modify the CO's decision by written decision. The decision 
of the ALJ must specify the reasons for the action taken and must be 
immediately provided to the employer, the CO, the Administrator, OFLC, 
and DHS by means normally assuring next-day delivery. The ALJ's decision 
is the final decision of the Secretary.
    (b) De novo hearing. (1) Request for hearing; conduct of hearing. 
Whenever an employer has requested a de novo hearing before an ALJ of a 
decision by the CO: Not to accept for consideration an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification; to deny an Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification; to deny an amendment of an Application for 
Temporary Employment Certification; or to deny an extension of an 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification, the CO will send a 
certified copy of the ETA case file to the Chief Administrative Law 
Judge by means normally assuring next-day delivery. The Chief 
Administrative Law Judge will immediately assign an ALJ (which may be a 
panel of such persons designated by the Chief Administrative Law Judge 
from BALCA established by 20 CFR part 656 of this chapter, but which 
will hear and decide the appeal as provided in this section) to conduct 
the de novo hearing. The procedures in 29 CFR part 18 apply to such 
hearings, except that:
    (i) The appeal will not be considered to be a complaint to which an 
answer is required;
    (ii) The ALJ will ensure that the hearing is scheduled to take place 
within 5 calendar days after the ALJ's receipt of the ETA case file, if 
the employer so requests, and will allow for the introduction of new 
evidence; and
    (iii) The ALJ's decision must be rendered within 10 calendar days 
after the hearing.
    (2) Decision. After a de novo hearing, the ALJ must affirm, reverse, 
or modify the CO's determination, and the ALJ's decision must be 
provided immediately to the employer, CO, Administrator, OFLC, and DHS 
by means normally assuring next-day delivery. The ALJ's decision is the 
final decision of the Secretary.



Sec.  655.1316  Job Service Complaint System; enforcement of work
contracts.

    (a) Complaints arising under this subpart may be filed through the 
Job Service Complaint System, as described in 20 CFR part 658, Subpart 
E. Complaints which involve worker contracts must be referred by the SWA 
to ESA for appropriate handling and resolution, as described in 29 CFR 
part 501. As part of this process, ESA may report the results of its 
investigation to the Administrator, OFLC for consideration of employer 
penalties or such other action as may be appropriate.
    (b) Complaints alleging that an employer discouraged an eligible 
U.S. worker from applying, failed to hire, discharged, or otherwise 
discriminated against an eligible U.S. worker, or discovered violations 
involving the same, may be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice, 
Civil Rights Division, Office of Special Counsel for Unfair Immigration 
Related Employment Practices (OSC), in addition to any activity, 
investigation, and/or enforcement action taken by ETA or an SWA. 
Likewise, if OSC becomes aware of a violation of these regulations, it 
may provide such information to the appropriate SWA and the CO.



Sec.  655.1317  Revocation of approved labor certifications.

    (a) Basis for DOL revocation. The CO, in consultation with the 
Administrator, OFLC, may revoke a temporary agricultural labor 
certification approved under this subpart, if, after notice and 
opportunity for a hearing (or failure to file rebuttal evidence), it is 
found that any of the following violations were committed with respect 
to that temporary agricultural labor certification:
    (1) The CO finds that issuance of the temporary agricultural labor 
certification was not justified due to a willful misrepresentation on 
the application;
    (2) The CO finds that the employer:
    (i) Willfully violated a material term or condition of the approved 
temporary

[[Page 598]]

agricultural labor certification or the H-2A regulations, unless 
otherwise provided under paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) through (iv) of this 
section; or
    (ii) Failed, after notification, to cure a substantial violation of 
the applicable housing standards set out in 20 CFR 655.104(d); or
    (iii) Significantly failed to cooperate with a DOL investigation or 
with a DOL official performing an investigation, inspection, or law 
enforcement function under sec. 218 of the INA at 8 U.S.C. 1188, this 
subpart, or 29 CFR part 501 (ESA enforcement of contractual 
obligations); or
    (iv) Failed to comply with one or more sanctions or remedies imposed 
by the ESA for violation(s) of obligations found by that agency, or with 
one or more decisions or orders of the Secretary or a court order 
secured by the Secretary under sec. 218 of the INA at 8 U.S.C. 1188, 
this subpart, or 29 CFR part 501 (ESA enforcement of contractual 
obligations).
    (3) The CO determines after a recommendation is made by the WHD ESA 
in accordance with 29 CFR 501.20, which governs when a recommendation of 
revocation may be made to ETA, that the conduct complained of upon 
examination meets the standards of paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this 
section; or
    (4) If a court or the DHS, or, as a result of an audit, the CO, 
determines that there was fraud or willful misrepresentation involving 
the Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (b) DOL procedures for revocation. (1) The CO will send to the 
employer (and his attorney or agent) a Notice of Intent to Revoke by 
means normally ensuring next-day delivery, which will contain a detailed 
statement of the grounds for the proposed revocation and the time period 
allowed for the employer's rebuttal. The employer may submit evidence in 
rebuttal within 14 calendar days of the date the notice is issued. The 
CO must consider all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to 
revoke the temporary agricultural labor certification.
    (2) If rebuttal evidence is not timely filed by the employer, the 
Notice of Intent to Revoke will become the final decision of the 
Secretary and take effect immediately at the end of the 14-day period.
    (3) If, after reviewing the employer's timely filed rebuttal 
evidence, the CO finds that the employer more likely than not meets one 
or more of the bases for revocation under Sec.  655.117(a), the CO will 
notify the employer, by means normally ensuring next-day delivery, 
within 14 calendar days after receiving such timely filed rebuttal 
evidence, of his/her final determination that the temporary agricultural 
labor certification should be revoked. The CO's notice will contain a 
detailed statement of the bases for the decision, and must offer the 
employer an opportunity to request a hearing. The notice must state 
that, to obtain such a hearing, the employer must, within 10 calendar 
days of the date of the notice file a written request to the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, United States Department of Labor, 800 K 
Street, NW., Suite 400-N, Washington, DC 20001-8002, and simultaneously 
serve a copy to the Administrator, OFLC. The timely filing of a request 
for a hearing will stay the revocation pending the outcome of the 
hearing.
    (c) Hearing. (1) Within 5 business days of receipt of the request 
for a hearing, the CO will send a certified copy of the ETA case file to 
the Chief Administrative Law Judge by means normally assuring next-day 
delivery. The Chief Administrative Law Judge will immediately assign an 
ALJ to conduct the hearing. The procedures in 29 CFR part 18 apply to 
such hearings, except that:
    (i) The request for a hearing will not be considered to be a 
complaint to which an answer is required;
    (ii) The ALJ will ensure that the hearing is scheduled to take place 
within 15 calendar days after the ALJ's receipt of the ETA case file, if 
the employer so requests, and will allow for the introduction of new 
evidence; and
    (iii) The ALJ's decision must be rendered within 20 calendar days 
after the hearing.
    (2) Decision. After the hearing, the ALJ must affirm, reverse, or 
modify the CO's determination. The ALJ's decision must be provided 
immediately to the employer, CO, Administrator, OFLC, DHS, and DOS by 
means normally assuring next-day delivery. The

[[Page 599]]

ALJ's decision is the final decision of the Secretary.
    (d) Employer's obligations in the event of revocation. If an 
employer's temporary agricultural labor certification is revoked under 
this section, and the workers have departed the place of recruitment, 
the employer will be responsible for:
    (1) Reimbursement of actual inbound transportation and subsistence 
expenses, as if the worker meets the requirements for payment under 
Sec.  655.104(h)(1);
    (2) The worker's outbound transportation expenses, as if the worker 
meets the requirements for payment under Sec.  655.104(h)(2);
    (3) Payment to the worker of the amount due under the three-fourths 
guarantee as required by Sec.  655.104(i); and
    (4) Any other wages, benefits, and working conditions due or owing 
to the worker under these regulations.



Sec.  655.1318  Debarment.

    (a) The Administrator, OFLC may not issue future labor 
certifications under this subpart to an employer and any successor in 
interest to the debarred employer, subject to the time limits set forth 
in paragraph (c) of this section, if:
    (1) The Administrator, OFLC finds that the employer substantially 
violated a material term or condition of its temporary labor 
certification with respect to the employment of domestic or nonimmigrant 
workers; and
    (2) The Administrator, OFLC issues a Notice of Intent to Debar no 
later than 2 years after the occurrence of the violation.
    (b) The Administrator, OFLC may not issue future labor 
certifications under this subpart to an employer represented by an agent 
or attorney, subject to the time limits set forth in paragraph (c) of 
this section, if:
    (1) The Administrator, OFLC finds that the agent or attorney 
participated in, had knowledge of, or had reason to know of, an 
employer's substantial violation; and
    (2) The Administrator, OFLC issues the agent or attorney a Notice of 
Intent to Debar no later than 2 years after the occurrence of the 
violation.
    (c) No employer, attorney, or agent may be debarred under this 
subpart for more than 3 years.
    (d) For the purposes of this section, a substantial violation 
includes:
    (1) A pattern or practice of acts of commission or omission on the 
part of the employer or the employer's agent which:
    (i) Are significantly injurious to the wages or benefits required to 
be offered under the H-2A program, or working conditions of a 
significant number of the employer's U.S. or H-2A workers; or
    (ii) Reflect a significant failure to offer employment to all 
qualified domestic workers who applied for the job opportunity for which 
certification was being sought, except for lawful job-related reasons; 
or
    (iii) Reflect a willful failure to comply with the employer's 
obligations to recruit U.S. workers as set forth in this subpart; or
    (iv) Reflect a significant failure to comply with the audit process 
in violation of Sec.  655.112; or
    (v) Reflect the employment of an H-2A worker outside the area of 
intended employment, or in an activity/activities, not listed in the job 
order (other than an activity minor and incidental to the activity/
activities listed in the job order), or after the period of employment 
specified in the job order and any approved extension;
    (2) The employer's persistent or prolonged failure to pay the 
necessary fee in a timely manner, following the issuance of a deficiency 
notice to the applicant and allowing for a reasonable period for 
response;
    (3) Fraud involving the Application for Temporary Employment 
Certification or a response to an audit;
    (4) A significant failure to cooperate with a DOL investigation or 
with a DOL official performing an investigation, inspection, or law 
enforcement function under sec. 218 of the INA at 8 U.S.C. 1188, this 
subpart, or 29 CFR part 501 (ESA enforcement of contractual 
obligations); or
    (5) A significant failure to comply with one or more sanctions or 
remedies imposed by the ESA for violation(s) of obligations found by 
that agency (if applicable), or with one or more decisions

[[Page 600]]

or orders of the Secretary or a court order secured by the Secretary 
under sec. 218 of the INA at 8 U.S.C. 1188, this subpart, or 29 CFR part 
501 (ESA enforcement of contractual obligations); or
    (6) A single heinous act showing such flagrant disregard for the law 
that future compliance with program requirements cannot reasonably be 
expected.
    (e) DOL procedures for debarment under this section will be as 
follows:
    (1) The Administrator, OFLC will send to the employer, attorney, or 
agent a Notice of Intent to Debar by means normally ensuring next-day 
delivery, which will contain a detailed statement of the grounds for the 
proposed debarment. The employer, attorney or agent may submit evidence 
in rebuttal within 14 calendar days of the date the notice is issued. 
The Administrator, OFLC must consider all relevant evidence presented in 
deciding whether to debar the employer, attorney, or agent.
    (2) If rebuttal evidence is not timely filed by the employer, 
attorney, or agent, the Notice of Intent to Debar will become the final 
decision of the Secretary and take effect immediately at the end of the 
14-day period.
    (3) If, after reviewing the employer's timely filed rebuttal 
evidence, the Administrator, OFLC determines that the employer, 
attorney, or agent more likely than not meets one or more of the bases 
for debarment under Sec.  655.118(d), the Administrator, OFLC will 
notify the employer, by means normally ensuring next-day delivery, 
within 14 calendar days after receiving such timely filed rebuttal 
evidence, of his/her final determination of debarment and of the 
employer, attorney, or agent's right to appeal.
    (4) The Notice of Debarment must be in writing, must state the 
reason for the debarment finding, including a detailed explanation of 
the grounds for and the duration of the debarment, and must offer the 
employer, attorney, or agent an opportunity to request a hearing. The 
notice must state that, to obtain such a hearing, the debarred party 
must, within 30 calendar days of the date of the notice, file a written 
request to the Chief Administrative Law Judge, United States Department 
of Labor, 800 K Street, NW., Suite 400-N, Washington, DC 20001-8002, and 
simultaneously serve a copy to the Administrator, OFLC. The debarment 
will take effect 30 days from the date the Notice of Debarment is issued 
unless a request for a hearing is properly filed within 30 days from the 
date the Notice of Debarment is issued. The timely filing of the request 
for a hearing stays the debarment pending the outcome of the hearing.
    (5)(i) Hearing. Within 10 days of receipt of the request for a 
hearing, the Administrator, OFLC will send a certified copy of the ETA 
case file to the Chief Administrative Law Judge by means normally 
assuring next-day delivery. The Chief Administrative Law Judge will 
immediately assign an ALJ to conduct the hearing. The procedures in 29 
CFR part 18 apply to such hearings, except that the request for a 
hearing will not be considered to be a complaint to which an answer is 
required;
    (ii) Decision. After the hearing, the ALJ must affirm, reverse, or 
modify the Administrator, OFLC 's determination. The ALJ's decision must 
be provided immediately to the employer, Administrator, OFLC, DHS, and 
DOS by means normally assuring next-day delivery. The ALJ's decision is 
the final decision of the Secretary, unless either party, within 30 
calendar days of the ALJ's decision, seeks review of the decision with 
the Administrative Review Board (ARB).
    (iii) Review by the ARB.
    (A) Any party wishing review of the decision of an ALJ must, within 
30 days of the decision of the ALJ, petition the ARB to review the 
decision. Copies of the petition must be served on all parties and on 
the ALJ. The ARB must decide whether to accept the petition within 30 
days of receipt. If the ARB declines to accept the petition or if the 
ARB does not issue a notice accepting a petition within 30 days after 
the receipt of a timely filing of the petition, the decision of the ALJ 
shall be deemed the final agency action. If a petition for review is 
accepted, the decision of the ALJ shall be stayed unless and until the 
ARB issues an order affirming the decision. The ARB must serve notice of 
its decision to accept or

[[Page 601]]

not to accept the petition upon the ALJ and upon all parties to the 
proceeding in person or by certified mail.
    (B) Upon receipt of the ARB's notice to accept the petition, the 
Office of Administrative Law Judges shall promptly forward a copy of the 
complete hearing record to the ARB.
    (C) Where the ARB has determined to review such decision and order, 
the ARB shall notify each party of:
    (1) The issue or issues raised;
    (2) The form in which submissions shall be made (i.e., briefs, oral 
argument, etc.); and
    (3) The time within which such presentation shall be submitted.
    (D) The ARB's final decision must be issued within 90 days from the 
notice granting the petition and served upon all parties and the ALJ, in 
person or by certified mail. If the ARB fails to provide a decision 
within 90 days from the notice granting the petition, the ALJ's decision 
will be the final decision of the Secretary.
    (f) Debarment involving members of associations. If the 
Administrator, OFLC determines a substantial violation has occurred, and 
if an individual employer-member of an agricultural association acting 
as a joint employer is determined to have committed the violation, the 
debarment determination will apply only to that member of the 
association unless the Administrator, OFLC determines that the 
association or other association members participated in the violation, 
in which case the debarment will be invoked against the complicit 
association or other association members.
    (g) Debarment involving agricultural associations acting as joint 
employers. If the Administrator, OFLC determines a substantial violation 
has occurred, and if an agricultural association acting as a joint 
employer with its members is found to have committed the violation, the 
debarment determination will apply only to the association, and will not 
be applied to any individual employer-member of the association unless 
the Administrator, OFLC determines that the member participated in the 
violation, in which case the debarment will be invoked against any 
complicit association members as well. An association debarred from the 
H-2A temporary labor certification program will not be permitted to 
continue to file as a joint employer with its members during the period 
of the debarment.
    (h) Debarment involving agricultural associations acting as sole 
employers. If the Administrator, OFLC determines a substantial violation 
has occurred, and if an agricultural association acting as a sole 
employer is determined to have committed the violation, the debarment 
determination will apply only to the association and any successor in 
interest to the debarred association.



Sec.  655.1319  Document retention requirements.

    (a) Entities required to retain documents. All employers receiving a 
certification of the Application for Temporary Employment Certification 
for agricultural workers under this subpart are required to retain the 
documents and records as provided in the regulations cited in paragraph 
(c) of this section.
    (b) Period of required retention. Records and documents must be 
retained for a period of 3 years from the date of certification of the 
Application for Temporary Employment Certification.
    (c) Documents and records to be retained. (1) All applicants must 
retain the following documentation:
    (i) Proof of recruitment efforts including:
    (A) Job order placement as specified in Sec.  655.102(e)(1);
    (B) Advertising as specified in Sec.  655.102(g)(3), or, if used, 
professional, trade, or ethnic publications;
    (C) Contact with former U.S. workers as specified in Sec.  
655.102(h);
    (D) Multi-state recruitment efforts (if required under Sec.  
655.102(i)) as specified in Sec.  655.102(g)(3);
    (ii) Substantiation of information submitted in the recruitment 
report prepared in accordance with Sec.  655.102(k)(2), such as evidence 
of non-applicability of contact of former employees as specified in 
Sec.  655.102(h);
    (iii) The supplemental recruitment report as specified in Sec.  
655.102(k) and any supporting resumes and contact information as 
specified in Sec.  655.102(k)(3);
    (iv) Proof of workers' compensation insurance or State law coverage 
as specified in Sec.  655.104(e);

[[Page 602]]

    (v) Records of each worker's earnings as specified in Sec.  
655.104(j);
    (vi) The work contract or a copy of the Application for Temporary 
Employment Certification as defined in 29 CFR 501.10 and specified in 
Sec.  655.104(q);
    (vii) The wage determination provided by the NPC as specified in 
Sec.  655.108;
    (viii) Copy of the request for housing inspection submitted to the 
SWA as specified in Sec.  655.104(d); and
    (2) In addition to the documentation specified in paragraph (c)(1) 
of this section, H-2ALCs must also retain:
    (i) Statements of compliance with the housing and transportation 
obligations for each fixed-site employer which provided housing or 
transportation and to which the H-2ALC provided workers during the 
validity period of the certification, unless such housing and 
transportation obligations were met by the H-2ALC itself, in which case 
proof of compliance by the H-2ALC must be retained, as specified in 
Sec.  655.101(a)(5);
    (ii) Proof of surety bond coverage which includes the name, address, 
and phone number of the surety, the bond number of other identifying 
designation, the amount of coverage, and the payee, as specified in 29 
CFR 501.8; and
    (3) Associations filing must retain documentation substantiating 
their status as an employer or agent, as specified in Sec.  
655.101(a)(1).



PART 656_LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OF
ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES--Table of Contents



                 Subpart A_Purpose and Scope of Part 656

Sec.
656.1 Purpose and scope of part 656.
656.2 Description of the Immigration and Nationality Act and of the 
          Department of Labor's role thereunder.
656.3 Definitions, for purposes of this part, of terms used in this 
          part.

        Subpart B_Occupational Labor Certification Determinations

656.5 Schedule A.

                  Subpart C_Labor Certification Process

656.10 General instructions.
656.11 Substitutions and modifications to applications.
656.12 Improper commerce and payment.
656.15 Applications for labor certification for Schedule A occupations.
656.16 Labor certification applications for sheepherders.
656.17 Basic labor certification process.
656.18 Optional special recruitment and documentation procedures for 
          college and university teachers.
656.19 Live-in household domestic service workers.
656.20 Audit procedures.
656.21 Supervised recruitment.
656.24 Labor certification determinations.
656.26 Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals review of denials of 
          labor certification.
656.27 Consideration by and decisions of the Board of Alien Labor 
          Certification Appeals.
656.30 Validity and invalidation of labor certifications.
656.31 Labor certification applications involving fraud, willful 
          misrepresentation, or violations of this part.
656.32 Revocation of approved labor certifications.

               Subpart D_Determination of Prevailing Wage

656.40 Determination of prevailing wage for labor certification 
          purposes.
656.41 Review of prevailing wage determinations.

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A), 1182(p); sec.122, Pub. L. 101-
649, 109 Stat. 4978; and Title IV, Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681.

    Effective Date Note: At 86 FR 3672, Jan. 14, 2021, the authority 
citation for part 656 was revised, effective Mar. 12, 2021. At 86 FR 
13995, Mar. 5, 2021, the effective date was extended to May 14, 2021. 
For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as 
follows:
    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A), 1182(p); sec.122, Pub. L. 101-
649, 109 Stat. 4978; and Title IV, Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681.

    Source: 69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, unless otherwise noted.



                 Subpart A_Purpose and Scope of Part 656



Sec.  656.1  Purpose and scope of part 656.

    (a) Under section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality 
Act (INA or Act) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)), certain aliens may not obtain 
immigrant visas for entrance into the United States in order to engage 
in permanent employment unless the Secretary of Labor has

[[Page 603]]

first certified to the Secretary of State and to the Secretary of 
Homeland Security that:
    (1) There are not sufficient United States workers who are able, 
willing, qualified and available at the time of application for a visa 
and admission into the United States and at the place where the alien is 
to perform the work; and
    (2) The employment of the alien will not adversely affect the wages 
and working conditions of United States workers similarly employed.
    (b) The regulations under this part set forth the procedures through 
which such immigrant labor certifications may be applied for, and 
granted or denied.
    (c) Correspondence and questions about the regulations in this part 
should be addressed to: Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 
Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., 
Room C-4312, Washington, DC 20210.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 35522, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  656.2  Description of the Immigration and Nationality Act and of
the Department of Labor's role thereunder.

    (a) Description of the Act. The Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) 
regulates the admission of aliens into the United States. The Act 
designates the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State 
as the principal administrators of its provisions.
    (b) Burden of proof under the Act. Section 291 of the Act (8 U.S.C. 
1361) provides, in pertinent part, that:

    Whenever any person makes application for a visa or any other 
documentation required for entry, or makes application for admission, or 
otherwise attempts to enter the United States, the burden of proof shall 
be upon such person to establish that he is eligible to receive such 
visa or such document, or is not subject to exclusion under any 
provision of this Act * * *.

    (c)(1) Role of the Department of Labor. The permanent labor 
certification role of the Department of Labor under the Act derives from 
section 212(a)(5)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)), which provides that any 
alien who seeks admission or status as an immigrant for the purpose of 
employment under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 203(b) of the Act may 
not be admitted unless the Secretary of Labor has first certified to the 
Secretary of State and to the Secretary of Homeland Security that:
    (i) There are not sufficient United States workers who are able, 
willing, qualified, and available at the time of application for a visa 
and admission to the United States and at the place where the alien is 
to perform such skilled or unskilled labor; and
    (ii) The employment of such alien will not adversely affect the 
wages and working conditions of workers in the United States similarly 
employed.
    (2) This certification is referred to in this part 656 as a ``labor 
certification.''
    (3) We certify the employment of aliens in several instances: For 
the permanent employment of aliens under this part; and for temporary 
employment of aliens for agricultural and nonagricultural employment in 
the United States classified under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii), under 
the DHS regulation at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(5) and (6) and sections 
101(a)(15)(H)(ii), 214, and 218 of the Act. See 8 U.S.C. 
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii), 1184, and 1188. We also administer labor attestation 
and labor condition application programs for the admission and/or work 
authorization of the following nonimmigrants: Specialty occupations and 
fashion models (H-1B visas), specialty occupations from countries with 
which the U.S. has entered agreements listed in the INA (H-1B1 visas), 
registered nurses (H-1C visas), and crewmembers performing longshore 
work (D visas), classified under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b), 
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1), 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(c), and 1101(a)(15)(D), 
respectively. See also 8 U.S.C. 1184(c), (m), and (n), and 1288.



Sec.  656.3  Definitions, for purposes of this part, of terms used in
this part.

    Act means the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, 8 U.S.C. 
1101 et seq.
    Agent means a person who is not an employee of an employer, and who 
has been designated in writing to act on behalf of an alien or employer 
in connection with an application for labor certification.

[[Page 604]]

    Applicant means a U.S. worker (see definition of U.S. worker below) 
who is applying for a job opportunity for which an employer has filed an 
Application for Permanent Employment Certification (ETA Form 9089).
    Application means an Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification submitted by an employer (or its agent or attorney) in 
applying for a labor certification under this part.
    Area of intended employment means the area within normal commuting 
distance of the place (address) of intended employment. There is no 
rigid measure of distance which constitutes a normal commuting distance 
or normal commuting area, because there may be widely varying factual 
circumstances among different areas (e.g., normal commuting distances 
might be 20, 30, or 50 miles). If the place of intended employment is 
within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or a Primary Metropolitan 
Statistical Area (PMSA), any place within the MSA or PMSA is deemed to 
be within normal commuting distance of the place of intended employment; 
however, not all locations within a Consolidated Metropolitan 
Statistical Area (CMSA) will be deemed automatically to be within normal 
commuting distance. The borders of MSA's and PMSA's are not controlling 
in the identification of the normal commuting area; a location outside 
of an MSA or PMSA (or a CMSA) may be within normal commuting distance of 
a location that is inside (e.g., near the border of) the MSA or PMSA (or 
CMSA). The terminology CMSAs and PMSAs are being replaced by the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB). However, ETA will continue to recognize 
the use of these area concepts as well as their replacements.
    Attorney means any person who is a member in good standing of the 
bar of the highest court of any state, possession, territory, or 
commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and who 
is not under suspension or disbarment from practice before any court or 
before DHS or the United States Department of Justice's Executive Office 
for Immigration Review. Such a person is permitted to act as an agent, 
representative, or attorney for an employer and/or alien under this 
part.
    Barter, for purposes of an Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification (Form ETA 9089) or an Application for Alien Labor 
Certification (Form ETA 750), means the transfer of ownership of a labor 
certification application or certification from one person to another by 
voluntary act or agreement in exchange for a commodity, service, 
property or other valuable consideration.
    Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA or Board) means 
the permanent Board established by this part, chaired by the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge, and consisting of Administrative Law Judges 
assigned to the Department of Labor and designated by the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge to be members of the Board of Alien Labor 
Certification Appeals. The Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals is 
located in Washington, DC, and reviews and decides appeals in 
Washington, DC.
    Certifying Officer (CO) means a Department of Labor official who 
makes determinations about whether or not to grant applications for 
labor certifications.
    Closely-held Corporation means a corporation that typically has 
relatively few shareholders and whose shares are not generally traded in 
the securities market.
    Employer means:
    (1) A person, association, firm, or a corporation that currently has 
a location within the United States to which U.S. workers may be 
referred for employment and that proposes to employ a full-time employee 
at a place within the United States, or the authorized representative of 
such a person, association, firm, or corporation. An employer must 
possess a valid Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). For 
purposes of this definition, an ``authorized representative'' means an 
employee of the employer whose position or legal status authorizes the 
employee to act for the employer in labor certification matters. A labor 
certification can not be granted for an Application for Permanent 
Employment Certification filed on behalf of an independent contractor.
    (2) Persons who are temporarily in the United States, including but 
not

[[Page 605]]

limited to, foreign diplomats, intra-company transferees, students, and 
exchange visitors, visitors for business or pleasure, and 
representatives of foreign information media can not be employers for 
the purpose of obtaining a labor certification for permanent employment.
    Employment means:
    (1) Permanent, full-time work by an employee for an employer other 
than oneself. For purposes of this definition, an investor is not an 
employee. In the event of an audit, the employer must be prepared to 
document the permanent and full-time nature of the position by 
furnishing position descriptions and payroll records for the job 
opportunity involved in the Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification.
    (2) Job opportunities consisting solely of job duties that will be 
performed totally outside the United States, its territories, 
possessions, or commonwealths can not be the subject of an Application 
for Permanent Employment Certification.
    Employment and Training Administration (ETA) means the agency within 
the Department of Labor (DOL) that includes the Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification (OFLC).
    Immigration Officer means an official of the Department of Homeland 
Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) who 
handles applications for labor certifications under this part.
    Job opportunity means a job opening for employment at a place in the 
United States to which U.S. workers can be referred.
    Nonprofessional occupation means any occupation for which the 
attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree is not a usual requirement 
for the occupation.
    Non-profit or tax-exempt organization for the purposes of Sec.  
656.40 means an organization that:
    (1) Is defined as a tax exempt organization under the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986, section 501(c)(3), (c)(4), or (c)(6) (26 U.S.C. 
501(c)(3), (c)(4) or (c)(6)); and
    (2) Has been approved as a tax-exempt organization for research or 
educational purposes by the Internal Revenue Service.
    Office of Foreign Labor Certification means the organizational 
component within the Employment and Training Administration that 
provides national leadership and policy guidance and develops 
regulations and procedures to carry out the responsibilities of the 
Secretary of Labor under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as 
amended, concerning alien workers seeking admission to the United States 
in order to work under section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, as amended.
    O*NET means the system developed by the Department of Labor, 
Employment and Training Administration, to provide to the general public 
information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, interests 
and specific vocational preparation levels associated with occupations. 
O*NET is based on the Standard Occupational Classification system. 
Further information about O*NET can be found at http://
www.onetcenter.org.
    Prevailing wage determination (PWD) means the prevailing wage 
provided or approved by an OFLC National Processing Center (NPC), in 
accordance with OFLC guidance governing foreign labor certification 
programs. This includes PWD requests processed for purposes of employer 
petitions filed with DHS under Schedule A or for sheepherders.
    Professional occupation means an occupation for which the attainment 
of a bachelor's or higher degree is a usual education requirement. A 
beneficiary of an application for permanent alien employment 
certification involving a professional occupation need not have a 
bachelor's or higher degree to qualify for the professional occupation. 
However, if the employer is willing to accept work experience in lieu of 
a baccalaureate or higher degree, such work experience must be 
attainable in the U.S. labor market and must be stated on the 
application form. If the employer is willing to accept an equivalent 
foreign degree, it must be clearly stated on the Application for 
Permanent Employment Certification form.
    Purchase, for purposes of an Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification (Form ETA 9089) or an Application for Alien Labor 
Certification (Form ETA

[[Page 606]]

750), means the transfer of ownership of a labor certification 
application or certification from one person to another by voluntary act 
and agreement, based on a valuable consideration.
    Sale, for purposes of an Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification (Form ETA 9089) or an Application for Alien Labor 
Certification (Form ETA 750), means an agreement between two parties, 
called, respectively, the seller (or vendor) and the buyer (or 
purchaser) by which the seller, in consideration of the payment or 
promise of payment of a certain price in money terms, transfers 
ownership of a labor certification application or certification to the 
buyer.
    Secretary means the Secretary of Labor, the chief official of the 
U.S. Department of Labor, or the Secretary's designee.
    Secretary of Homeland Security means the chief official of the U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security or the Secretary of Homeland Security's 
designee.
    Secretary of State means the chief official of the U.S. Department 
of State or the Secretary of State's designee.
    Specific vocational preparation (SVP) means the amount of lapsed 
time required by a typical worker to learn the techniques, acquire the 
information, and develop the facility needed for average performance in 
a specific job-worker situation. Lapsed time is not the same as work 
time. For example, 30 days is approximately 1 month of lapsed time and 
not six 5-day work weeks, and 3 months refers to 3 calendar months and 
not 90 work days. The various levels of specific vocational preparation 
are provided below.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Level                                Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...............................  Short demonstration.
2...............................  Anything beyond short demonstration up
                                   to and including 30 days.
3...............................  Over 30 days up to and including 3
                                   months.
4...............................  Over 3 months up to and including 6
                                   months.
5...............................  Over 6 months up to and including 1
                                   year.
6...............................  Over 1 year up to and including 2
                                   years.
7...............................  Over 2 years up to and including 4
                                   years.
8...............................  Over 4 years up to and including 10
                                   years.
9...............................  Over 10 years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    State Workforce Agency (SWA), formerly known as State Employment 
Security Agency (SESA), means the state agency that receives funds under 
the Wagner-Peyser Act to provide employment-related services to U.S. 
workers and employers and/or administers the public labor exchange 
delivered through the state's one-stop delivery system in accordance 
with the Wagner-Peyser Act.
    United States, when used in a geographic sense, means the 50 states, 
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 
Guam.
    United States worker means any worker who is:
    (1) A U.S. citizen;
    (2) A U.S. national;
    (3) Lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
    (4) Granted the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary 
residence under 8 U.S.C. 1160(a), 1161(a), or 1255a(a)(1);
    (5) Admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157; or
    (6) Granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 35522, June 21, 2006; 
72 FR 27944, May 17, 2007; 73 FR 78068, Dec. 19, 2008]



        Subpart B_Occupational Labor Certification Determinations



Sec.  656.5  Schedule A.

    We have determined there are not sufficient United States workers 
who are able, willing, qualified, and available for the occupations 
listed below on Schedule A and the wages and working conditions of 
United States workers similarly employed will not be adversely affected 
by the employment of aliens in Schedule A occupations. An employer 
seeking a labor certification for an occupation listed on Schedule A may 
apply for that labor certification under Sec.  656.15.

                               Schedule A

    (a) Group I:
    (1) Persons who will be employed as physical therapists, and who 
possess all the qualifications necessary to take the physical therapist 
licensing examination in the state in which they propose to practice 
physical therapy.
    (2) Aliens who will be employed as professional nurses; and

[[Page 607]]

    (i) Who have received a Certificate from the Commission on Graduates 
of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS);
    (ii) Who hold a permanent, full and unrestricted license to practice 
professional nursing in the state of intended employment; or
    (iii) Who have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for 
Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), administered by the National Council of 
State Boards of Nursing.
    (3) Definitions of Group I occupations:
    (i) Physical therapist means a person who applies the art and 
science of physical therapy to the treatment of patients with 
disabilities, disorders and injuries to relieve pain, develop or restore 
function, and maintain performance, using physical means, such as 
exercise, massage, heat, water, light, and electricity, as prescribed by 
a physician (or a surgeon).
    (ii) Professional nurse means a person who applies the art and 
science of nursing which reflects comprehension of principles derived 
from the physical, biological and behavioral sciences. Professional 
nursing generally includes making clinical judgments involving the 
observation, care and counsel of persons requiring nursing care; 
administering of medicines and treatments prescribed by the physician or 
dentist; and participation in the activities for the promotion of health 
and prevention of illness in others. A program of study for professional 
nurses generally includes theory and practice in clinical areas such as 
obstetrics, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and medicine.
    (b) Group II:
    (1) Sciences or arts (except performing arts). Aliens (except for 
aliens in the performing arts) of exceptional ability in the sciences or 
arts including college and university teachers of exceptional ability 
who have been practicing their science or art during the year prior to 
application and who intend to practice the same science or art in the 
United States. For purposes of this group, the term ``science or art'' 
means any field of knowledge and/or skill with respect to which colleges 
and universities commonly offer specialized courses leading to a degree 
in the knowledge and/or skill. An alien, however, need not have studied 
at a college or university in order to qualify for the Group II 
occupation.
    (2) Performing arts. Aliens of exceptional ability in the performing 
arts whose work during the past 12 months did require, and whose 
intended work in the United States will require, exceptional ability.



                  Subpart C_Labor Certification Process



Sec.  656.10  General instructions.

    (a) Filing of applications. A request for a labor certification on 
behalf of any alien who is required by the Act to be a beneficiary of a 
labor certification in order to obtain permanent resident status in the 
United States may be filed as follows:
    (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (3), and (4) of this 
section, an employer seeking a labor certification must file under this 
section and Sec.  656.17.
    (2) An employer seeking a labor certification for a college or 
university teacher must apply for a labor certification under this 
section and must also file under either Sec.  656.17 or Sec.  656.18.
    (3) An employer seeking labor certification for an occupation listed 
on Schedule A must apply for a labor certification under this section 
and Sec.  656.15.
    (4) An employer seeking labor certification for a sheepherder must 
apply for a labor certification under this section and must also choose 
to file under either Sec.  656.16 or Sec.  656.17.
    (b) Representation. (1) Employers may have agents or attorneys 
represent them throughout the labor certification process. If an 
employer intends to be represented by an agent or attorney, the employer 
must sign the statement set forth on the Application for Permanent 
Employment Certification form: That the attorney or agent is 
representing the employer and the employer takes full responsibility for 
the accuracy of any representations made by the attorney or agent. 
Whenever, under this part, any notice or other document is required to 
be sent to the employer, the document will be sent to the attorney or 
agent who has been authorized to represent the employer on

[[Page 608]]

the Application for Permanent Employment Certification form.
    (2)(i) It is contrary to the best interests of U.S. workers to have 
the alien and/or agents or attorneys for either the employer or the 
alien participate in interviewing or considering U.S. workers for the 
job offered the alien. As the beneficiary of a labor certification 
application, the alien can not represent the best interests of U.S. 
workers in the job opportunity. The alien's agent and/or attorney can 
not represent the alien effectively and at the same time truly be 
seeking U.S. workers for the job opportunity. Therefore, the alien and/
or the alien's agent and/or attorney may not interview or consider U.S. 
workers for the job offered to the alien, unless the agent and/or 
attorney is the employer's representative, as described in paragraph 
(b)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (ii) The employer's representative who interviews or considers U.S. 
workers for the job offered to the alien must be the person who normally 
interviews or considers, on behalf of the employer, applicants for job 
opportunities such as that offered the alien, but which do not involve 
labor certifications.
    (3) No person under suspension or disbarment from practice before 
any court or before the DHS or the United States Department of Justice's 
Executive Office for Immigration Review is permitted to act as an agent, 
representative, or attorney for an employer and/or alien under this 
part.
    (c) Attestations. The employer must certify to the conditions of 
employment listed below on the Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification under penalty of perjury under 18 U.S.C. 1621 (2). Failure 
to attest to any of the conditions listed below results in a denial of 
the application.
    (1) The offered wage equals or exceeds the prevailing wage 
determined pursuant to Sec.  656.40 and Sec.  656.41, and the wage the 
employer will pay to the alien to begin work will equal or exceed the 
prevailing wage that is applicable at the time the alien begins work or 
from the time the alien is admitted to take up the certified employment;
    (2) The wage offered is not based on commissions, bonuses or other 
incentives, unless the employer guarantees a prevailing wage paid on a 
weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis that equals or exceeds the 
prevailing wage;
    (3) The employer has enough funds available to pay the wage or 
salary offered the alien;
    (4) The employer will be able to place the alien on the payroll on 
or before the date of the alien's proposed entrance into the United 
States;
    (5) The job opportunity does not involve unlawful discrimination by 
race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, or 
citizenship;
    (6) The employer's job opportunity is not:
    (i) Vacant because the former occupant is on strike or locked out in 
the course of a labor dispute involving a work stoppage;
    (ii) At issue in a labor dispute involving a work stoppage.
    (7) The job opportunity's terms, conditions and occupational 
environment are not contrary to Federal, state or local law;
    (8) The job opportunity has been and is clearly open to any U.S. 
worker;
    (9) The U.S. workers who applied for the job opportunity were 
rejected for lawful job-related reasons;
    (10) The job opportunity is for full-time, permanent employment for 
an employer other than the alien.
    (d) Notice. (1) In applications filed under Sec. Sec.  656.15 
(Schedule A), 656.16 (Sheepherders), 656.17 (Basic Process), 656.18 
(College and University Teachers), and 656.21 (Supervised Recruitment), 
the employer must give notice of the filing of the Application for 
Permanent Employment Certification and be able to document that notice 
was provided, if requested by the Certifying Officer, as follows:
    (i) To the bargaining representative(s) (if any) of the employer's 
employees in the occupational classification for which certification of 
the job opportunity is sought in the employer's location(s) in the area 
of intended employment. Documentation may consist of a copy of the 
letter and a copy of the Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification form that was sent to the bargaining representative.
    (ii) If there is no such bargaining representative, by posted notice 
to the employer's employees at the facility or

[[Page 609]]

location of the employment. The notice must be posted for at least 10 
consecutive business days. The notice must be clearly visible and 
unobstructed while posted and must be posted in conspicuous places where 
the employer's U.S. workers can readily read the posted notice on their 
way to or from their place of employment. Appropriate locations for 
posting notices of the job opportunity include locations in the 
immediate vicinity of the wage and hour notices required by 29 CFR 516.4 
or occupational safety and health notices required by 29 CFR 1903.2(a). 
In addition, the employer must publish the notice in any and all in-
house media, whether electronic or printed, in accordance with the 
normal procedures used for the recruitment of similar positions in the 
employer's organization. The documentation requirement may be satisfied 
by providing a copy of the posted notice and stating where it was 
posted, and by providing copies of all the in-house media, whether 
electronic or print, that were used to distribute notice of the 
application in accordance with the procedures used for similar positions 
within the employer's organization.
    (2) In the case of a private household, notice is required under 
this paragraph (d) only if the household employs one or more U.S. 
workers at the time the application for labor certification is filed. 
The documentation requirement may be satisfied by providing a copy of 
the posted notice to the Certifying Officer.
    (3) The notice of the filing of an Application for Permanent 
Employment Certification must:
    (i) State the notice is being provided as a result of the filing of 
an application for permanent alien labor certification for the relevant 
job opportunity;
    (ii) State any person may provide documentary evidence bearing on 
the application to the Certifying Officer of the Department of Labor;
    (iii) Provide the address of the appropriate Certifying Officer; and
    (iv) Be provided between 30 and 180 days before filing the 
application.
    (4) If an application is filed under Sec.  656.17, the notice must 
contain the information required for advertisements by Sec.  656.17(f), 
must state the rate of pay (which must equal or exceed the prevailing 
wage entered by the SWA on the prevailing wage request form), and must 
contain the information required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (5) If an application is filed on behalf of a college and university 
teacher selected in a competitive selection and recruitment process, as 
provided by Sec.  656.18, the notice must include the information 
required for advertisements by Sec.  656.18(b)(3), and must include the 
information required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
    (6) If an application is filed under the Schedule A procedures at 
Sec.  656.15, or the procedures for sheepherders at Sec.  656.16, the 
notice must contain a description of the job and rate of pay, and must 
meet the requirements of this section.
    (e)(1)(i) Submission of evidence. Any person may submit to the 
Certifying Officer documentary evidence bearing on an application for 
permanent alien labor certification filed under the basic labor 
certification process at Sec.  656.17 or an application involving a 
college and university teacher selected in a competitive recruitment and 
selection process under Sec.  656.18.
    (ii) Documentary evidence submitted under paragraph (e)(1)(i) of 
this section may include information on available workers, information 
on wages and working conditions, and information on the employer's 
failure to meet the terms and conditions for the employment of alien 
workers and co-workers. The Certifying Officer must consider this 
information in making his or her determination.
    (2)(i) Any person may submit to the appropriate DHS office 
documentary evidence of fraud or willful misrepresentation in a Schedule 
A application filed under Sec.  656.15 or a sheepherder application 
filed under Sec.  656.16.
    (ii) Documentary evidence submitted under paragraph (e)(2) of this 
section is limited to information relating to possible fraud or willful 
misrepresentation. The DHS may consider this information under Sec.  
656.31.
    (f) Retention of documents. Copies of applications for permanent 
employment certification filed with the Department of Labor and all 
supporting documentation must be retained by the employer for 5 years 
from the date of

[[Page 610]]

filing the Application for Permanent Employment Certification.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  656.11  Substitutions and modifications to applications.

    (a) Substitution or change to the identity of an alien beneficiary 
on any application for permanent labor certification, whether filed 
under this part or 20 CFR part 656 in effect prior to March 28, 2005, 
and on any resulting certification, is prohibited for any request to 
substitute submitted after July 16, 2007.
    (b) Requests for modifications to an application will not be 
accepted for applications submitted after July 16, 2007.

[72 FR 27944, May 17, 2007]



Sec.  656.12  Improper commerce and payment.

    The following provision applies to applications filed under both 
this part and 20 CFR part 656 in effect prior to March 28, 2005, and to 
any certification resulting from those applications:
    (a) Applications for permanent labor certification and approved 
labor certifications are not articles of commerce. They shall not be 
offered for sale, barter or purchase by individuals or entities. Any 
evidence that an application for permanent labor certification or an 
approved labor certification has been sold, bartered, or purchased shall 
be grounds for investigation under this part and may be grounds for 
denial under Sec.  656.24, revocation under Sec.  656.32, debarment 
under Sec.  656.31(f), or any combination thereof.
    (b) An employer must not seek or receive payment of any kind for any 
activity related to obtaining permanent labor certification, including 
payment of the employer's attorneys' fees, whether as an incentive or 
inducement to filing, or as a reimbursement for costs incurred in 
preparing or filing a permanent labor certification application, except 
when work to be performed by the alien in connection with the job 
opportunity would benefit or accrue to the person or entity making the 
payment, based on that person's or entity's established business 
relationship with the employer. An alien may pay his or her own costs in 
connection with a labor certification, including attorneys' fees for 
representation of the alien, except that where the same attorney 
represents both the alien and the employer, such costs shall be borne by 
the employer. For purposes of this paragraph (b), payment includes, but 
is not limited to, monetary payments; wage concessions, including 
deductions from wages, salary, or benefits; kickbacks, bribes, or 
tributes; in kind payments; and free labor.
    (c) Evidence that an employer has sought or received payment from 
any source in connection with an application for permanent labor 
certification or an approved labor certification, except for a third 
party to whose benefit work to be performed in connection with the job 
opportunity would accrue, based on that person's or entity's established 
business relationship with the employer, shall be grounds for 
investigation under this part or any appropriate Government agency's 
procedures, and may be grounds for denial under Sec.  656.32, revocation 
under Sec.  656.32, debarment under Sec.  656.31(f), or any combination 
thereof.

[72 FR 27945, May 17, 2007]



Sec.  656.15  Applications for labor certification for Schedule A 
occupations.

    (a) Filing application. An employer must apply for a labor 
certification for a Schedule A occupation by filing an application with 
the appropriate DHS office, and not with an ETA application processing 
center.
    (b) General documentation requirements. A Schedule A application 
must include:
    (1) An Application for Permanent Employment Certification form, 
which includes a prevailing wage determination in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  656.40 and 656.41.
    (2) Evidence that notice of filing the Application for Permanent 
Employment Certification was provided to the bargaining representative 
or the employer's employees as prescribed in Sec.  656.10(d).
    (c) Group I documentation. An employer seeking labor certification 
under Group I of Schedule A must file with DHS, as part of its labor 
certification application, documentary evidence of the following:

[[Page 611]]

    (1) An employer seeking Schedule A labor certification for an alien 
to be employed as a physical therapist (Sec.  656.5(a)(1)) must file as 
part of its labor certification application a letter or statement, 
signed by an authorized state physical therapy licensing official in the 
state of intended employment, stating the alien is qualified to take 
that state's written licensing examination for physical therapists. 
Application for certification of permanent employment as a physical 
therapist may be made only under this Sec.  656.15 and not under Sec.  
656.17.
    (2) An employer seeking a Schedule A labor certification for an 
alien to be employed as a professional nurse (Sec.  656.5(a)(2)) must 
file as part of its labor certification application documentation that 
the alien has received a Certificate from the Commission on Graduates of 
Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS); that the alien holds a full and 
unrestricted (permanent) license to practice nursing in the state of 
intended employment; or that the alien has passed the National Council 
Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Application for 
certification of employment as a professional nurse may be made only 
under this Sec.  656.15(c) and not under Sec.  656.17.
    (d) Group II documentation. An employer seeking a Schedule A labor 
certification under Group II of Schedule A must file with DHS, as part 
of its labor certification application, documentary evidence of the 
following:
    (1) An employer seeking labor certification on behalf of an alien to 
be employed as an alien of exceptional ability in the sciences or arts 
(excluding those in the performing arts) must file documentary evidence 
showing the widespread acclaim and international recognition accorded 
the alien by recognized experts in the alien's field; and documentation 
showing the alien's work in that field during the past year did, and the 
alien's intended work in the United States will, require exceptional 
ability. In addition, the employer must file documentation about the 
alien from at least two of the following seven groups:
    (i) Documentation of the alien's receipt of internationally 
recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field for which 
certification is sought;
    (ii) Documentation of the alien's membership in international 
associations, in the field for which certification is sought, which 
require outstanding achievement of their members, as judged by 
recognized international experts in their disciplines or fields;
    (iii) Published material in professional publications about the 
alien, about the alien's work in the field for which certification is 
sought, which shall include the title, date, and author of such 
published material;
    (iv) Evidence of the alien's participation on a panel, or 
individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an 
allied field of specialization to that for which certification is 
sought;
    (v) Evidence of the alien's original scientific or scholarly 
research contributions of major significance in the field for which 
certification is sought;
    (vi) Evidence of the alien's authorship of published scientific or 
scholarly articles in the field for which certification is sought, in 
international professional journals or professional journals with an 
international circulation;
    (vii) Evidence of the display of the alien's work, in the field for 
which certification is sought, at artistic exhibitions in more than one 
country.
    (2) An employer seeking labor certification on behalf of an alien of 
exceptional ability in the performing arts must file documentary 
evidence that the alien's work experience during the past twelve months 
did require, and the alien's intended work in the United States will 
require, exceptional ability; and must submit documentation to show this 
exceptional ability, such as:
    (i) Documentation attesting to the current widespread acclaim and 
international recognition accorded to the alien, and receipt of 
internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence;
    (ii) Published material by or about the alien, such as critical 
reviews or articles in major newspapers, periodicals, and/or trade 
journals (the title, date, and author of such material shall be 
indicated);

[[Page 612]]

    (iii) Documentary evidence of earnings commensurate with the claimed 
level of ability;
    (iv) Playbills and star billings;
    (v) Documents attesting to the outstanding reputation of theaters, 
concert halls, night clubs, and other establishments in which the alien 
has appeared or is scheduled to appear; and/or
    (vi) Documents attesting to the outstanding reputation of theaters 
or repertory companies, ballet troupes, orchestras, or other 
organizations in which or with which the alien has performed during the 
past year in a leading or starring capacity.
    (e) Determination. An Immigration Officer determines whether the 
employer and alien have met the applicable requirements of Sec.  656.10 
and of Schedule A (Sec.  656.5); reviews the application; and determines 
whether or not the alien is qualified for and intends to pursue the 
Schedule A occupation. The Schedule A determination of DHS is conclusive 
and final. The employer, therefore, may not appeal from any such 
determination under the review procedures at Sec.  656.26.
    (f) Refiling after denial. If an application for a Schedule A 
occupation is denied, the employer, except where the occupation is as a 
physical therapist or a professional nurse, may at any time file for a 
labor certification on the alien beneficiary's behalf under Sec.  
656.17. Labor certifications for professional nurses and for physical 
therapists shall not be considered under Sec.  656.17.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 73 FR 78068, Dec. 19, 2008]



Sec.  656.16  Labor certification applications for sheepherders.

    (a) Filing requirements and required documentation. (1) An employer 
may apply for a labor certification to employ an alien (who has been 
employed legally as a nonimmigrant sheepherder in the United States for 
at least 33 of the preceding 36 months) as a sheepherder by filing an 
Application for Permanent Employment Certification form directly with 
DHS, not with an office of DOL.
    (2) A signed letter or letters from each U.S. employer who has 
employed the alien as a sheepherder during the immediately preceding 36 
months, attesting the alien has been employed in the United States 
lawfully and continuously as a sheepherder for at least 33 of the 
immediately preceding 36 months, must be filed with the application.
    (b) Determination. An Immigration Officer reviews the application 
and the letters attesting to the alien's previous employment as a 
sheepherder in the United States, and determines whether or not the 
alien and the employer(s) have met the requirements of this section.
    (1) The determination of the Immigration Officer under this 
paragraph (b) is conclusive and final. The employer(s) and the alien, 
therefore, may not make use of the review procedures set forth at 
Sec. Sec.  656.26 and 656.27 to appeal such a determination.
    (2) If the alien and the employer(s) have met the requirements of 
this section, the Immigration Officer must indicate on the Application 
for Permanent Employment Certification form the occupation, the 
immigration office that made the determination, and the date of the 
determination (see Sec.  656.30 for the significance of this date). The 
Immigration Officer must then promptly forward a copy of the Application 
for Permanent Employment Certification form, without attachments, to the 
Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) Administrator.
    (c) Alternative filing. If an application for a sheepherder does not 
meet the requirements of this section, the application may be filed 
under Sec.  656.17.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  656.17  Basic labor certification process.

    (a) Filing applications. (1) Except as otherwise provided by 
Sec. Sec.  656.15, 656.16, and 656.18, an employer who desires to apply 
for a labor certification on behalf of an alien must file a completed 
Department of Labor Application for Permanent Employment Certification 
form (ETA Form 9089). The application must be filed with an ETA 
application processing center. Incomplete applications will be denied. 
Applications filed and certified electronically must, upon receipt of 
the labor certification, be signed immediately by the employer in

[[Page 613]]

order to be valid. Applications submitted by mail must contain the 
original signature of the employer, alien, attorney, and/or agent when 
they are received by the application processing center. DHS will not 
process petitions unless they are supported by an original certified ETA 
Form 9089 that has been signed by the employer, alien, attorney and/or 
agent.
    (2) The Department of Labor may issue or require the use of certain 
identifying information, including user identifiers, passwords, or 
personal identification numbers (PINS). The purpose of these personal 
identifiers is to allow the Department of Labor to associate a given 
electronic submission with a single, specific individual. Personal 
identifiers can not be issued to a company or business. Rather, a 
personal identifier can only be issued to specific individual. Any 
personal identifiers must be used solely by the individual to whom they 
are assigned and can not be used or transferred to any other individual. 
An individual assigned a personal identifier must take all reasonable 
steps to ensure that his or her personal identifier can not be 
compromised. If an individual assigned a personal identifier suspects, 
or becomes aware, that his or her personal identifier has been 
compromised or is being used by someone else, then the individual must 
notify the Department of Labor immediately of the incident and cease the 
electronic transmission of any further submissions under that personal 
identifier until such time as a new personal identifier is provided. Any 
electronic transmissions submitted with a personal identifier will be 
presumed to be a submission by the individual assigned that personal 
identifier. The Department of Labor's system will notify those making 
submissions of these requirements at the time of each submission.
    (3) Documentation supporting the application for labor certification 
should not be filed with the application, however in the event the 
Certifying Officer notifies the employer that its application is to be 
audited, the employer must furnish required supporting documentation 
prior to a final determination.
    (b) Processing. (1) Applications are screened and are certified, are 
denied, or are selected for audit.
    (2) Employers will be notified if their applications have been 
selected for audit by the issuance of an audit letter under Sec.  
656.20.
    (3) Applications may be selected for audit in accordance with 
selection criteria or may be randomly selected.
    (c) Filing date. Non-electronically filed applications accepted for 
processing shall be date stamped. Electronically filed applications will 
be considered filed when submitted.
    (d) Refiling procedures. (1) Employers that filed applications under 
the regulations in effect prior to March 28, 2005, may, if a job order 
has not been placed pursuant to those regulations, refile such 
applications under this part without loss of the original filing date 
by:
    (i) Submitting an application for an identical job opportunity after 
complying with all of the filing and recruiting requirements of this 
part 656; and
    (ii) Withdrawing the original application in accordance with ETA 
procedures. Filing an application under this part stating the employer's 
desire to use the original filing date will be deemed to be a withdrawal 
of the original application. The original application will be deemed 
withdrawn regardless of whether the employer's request to use the 
original filing date is approved.
    (2) Refilings under this paragraph must be made within 210 days of 
the withdrawal of the prior application.
    (3) A copy of the original application, including amendments, must 
be sent to the appropriate ETA application processing center when 
requested by the CO under Sec.  656.20.
    (4) For purposes of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, a job 
opportunity shall be considered identical if the employer, alien, job 
title, job location, job requirements, and job description are the same 
as those stated in the original application filed under the regulations 
in effect prior to March 28, 2005. For purposes of determining identical 
job opportunity, the original application includes all accepted 
amendments up to

[[Page 614]]

the time the application was withdrawn, including amendments in response 
to an assessment notice from a SWA pursuant to Sec.  656.21(h) of the 
regulations in effect prior to March 28, 2005.
    (e) Required pre-filing recruitment. Except for labor certification 
applications involving college or university teachers selected pursuant 
to a competitive recruitment and selection process (Sec.  656.18), 
Schedule A occupations (Sec. Sec.  656.5 and 656.15), and sheepherders 
(Sec.  656.16), an employer must attest to having conducted the 
following recruitment prior to filing the application:
    (1) Professional occupations. If the application is for a 
professional occupation, the employer must conduct the recruitment steps 
within 6 months of filing the application for alien employment 
certification. The employer must maintain documentation of the 
recruitment and be prepared to submit this documentation in the event of 
an audit or in response to a request from the Certifying Officer prior 
to rendering a final determination.
    (i) Mandatory steps. Two of the steps, a job order and two print 
advertisements, are mandatory for all applications involving 
professional occupations, except applications for college or university 
teachers selected in a competitive selection and recruitment process as 
provided in Sec.  656.18. The mandatory recruitment steps must be 
conducted at least 30 days, but no more than 180 days, before the filing 
of the application.
    (A) Job order. Placement of a job order with the SWA serving the 
area of intended employment for a period of 30 days. The start and end 
dates of the job order entered on the application shall serve as 
documentation of this step.
    (B) Advertisements in newspaper or professional journals. (1) 
Placing an advertisement on two different Sundays in the newspaper of 
general circulation in the area of intended employment most appropriate 
to the occupation and the workers likely to apply for the job 
opportunity and most likely to bring responses from able, willing, 
qualified, and available U.S. workers.
    (2) If the job opportunity is located in a rural area of intended 
employment that does not have a newspaper with a Sunday edition, the 
employer may use the edition with the widest circulation in the area of 
intended employment.
    (3) The advertisements must satisfy the requirements of paragraph 
(f) of this section. Documentation of this step can be satisfied by 
furnishing copies of the newspaper pages in which the advertisements 
appeared or proof of publication furnished by the newspaper.
    (4) If the job involved in the application requires experience and 
an advanced degree, and a professional journal normally would be used to 
advertise the job opportunity, the employer may, in lieu of one of the 
Sunday advertisements, place an advertisement in the professional 
journal most likely to bring responses from able, willing, qualified, 
and available U.S. workers. Documentation of this step can be satisfied 
by providing a copy of the page in which the advertisement appeared.
    (ii) Additional recruitment steps. The employer must select three 
additional recruitment steps from the alternatives listed in paragraphs 
(e)(1)(ii)(A)-(J) of this section. Only one of the additional steps may 
consist solely of activity that took place within 30 days of the filing 
of the application. None of the steps may have taken place more than 180 
days prior to filing the application.
    (A) Job fairs. Recruitment at job fairs for the occupation involved 
in the application, which can be documented by brochures advertising the 
fair and newspaper advertisements in which the employer is named as a 
participant in the job fair.
    (B) Employer's Web site. The use of the employer's Web site as a 
recruitment medium can be documented by providing dated copies of pages 
from the site that advertise the occupation involved in the application.
    (C) Job search Web site other than the employer's. The use of a job 
search Web site other than the employer's can be documented by providing 
dated copies of pages from one or more website(s) that advertise the 
occupation involved in the application. Copies of web pages generated in 
conjunction with the newspaper advertisements required by paragraph 
(e)(1)(i)(B) of this section can serve as documentation of the use

[[Page 615]]

of a Web site other than the employer's.
    (D) On-campus recruiting. The employer's on-campus recruiting can be 
documented by providing copies of the notification issued or posted by 
the college's or university's placement office naming the employer and 
the date it conducted interviews for employment in the occupation.
    (E) Trade or professional organizations. The use of professional or 
trade organizations as a recruitment source can be documented by 
providing copies of pages of newsletters or trade journals containing 
advertisements for the occupation involved in the application for alien 
employment certification.
    (F) Private employment firms. The use of private employment firms or 
placement agencies can be documented by providing documentation 
sufficient to demonstrate that recruitment has been conducted by a 
private firm for the occupation for which certification is sought. For 
example, documentation might consist of copies of contracts between the 
employer and the private employment firm and copies of advertisements 
placed by the private employment firm for the occupation involved in the 
application.
    (G) Employee referral program with incentives. The use of an 
employee referral program with incentives can be documented by providing 
dated copies of employer notices or memoranda advertising the program 
and specifying the incentives offered.
    (H) Campus placement offices. The use of a campus placement office 
can be documented by providing a copy of the employer's notice of the 
job opportunity provided to the campus placement office.
    (I) Local and ethnic newspapers. The use of local and ethnic 
newspapers can be documented by providing a copy of the page in the 
newspaper that contains the employer's advertisement.
    (J) Radio and television advertisements. The use of radio and 
television advertisements can be documented by providing a copy of the 
employer's text of the employer's advertisement along with a written 
confirmation from the radio or television station stating when the 
advertisement was aired.
    (2) Nonprofessional occupations. If the application is for a 
nonprofessional occupation, the employer must at a minimum, place a job 
order and two newspaper advertisements within 6 months of filing the 
application. The steps must be conducted at least 30 days but no more 
that 180 days before the filing of the application.
    (i) Job order. Placing a job order with the SWA serving the area of 
intended employment for a period of 30 days. The start and end dates of 
the job order entered on the application serve as documentation of this 
step.
    (ii) Newspaper advertisements. (A) Placing an advertisement on two 
different Sundays in the newspaper of general circulation in the area of 
intended employment most appropriate to the occupation and the workers 
likely to apply for the job opportunity.
    (B) If the job opportunity is located in a rural area of intended 
employment that does not have a newspaper that publishes a Sunday 
edition, the employer may use the newspaper edition with the widest 
circulation in the area of intended employment.
    (C) Placement of the newspaper advertisements can be documented in 
the same way as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(i)(B)(3) of this section 
for professional occupations.
    (D) The advertisements must satisfy the requirements of paragraph 
(f) of this section.
    (f) Advertising requirements. Advertisements placed in newspapers of 
general circulation or in professional journals before filing the 
Application for Permanent Employment Certification must:
    (1) Name the employer;
    (2) Direct applicants to report or send resumes, as appropriate for 
the occupation, to the employer;
    (3) Provide a description of the vacancy specific enough to apprise 
the U.S. workers of the job opportunity for which certification is 
sought;
    (4) Indicate the geographic area of employment with enough 
specificity to apprise applicants of any travel requirements and where 
applicants will likely have to reside to perform the job opportunity;
    (5) Not contain a wage rate lower than the prevailing wage rate;

[[Page 616]]

    (6) Not contain any job requirements or duties which exceed the job 
requirements or duties listed on the ETA Form 9089; and
    (7) Not contain wages or terms and conditions of employment that are 
less favorable than those offered to the alien.
    (g) Recruitment report. (1) The employer must prepare a recruitment 
report signed by the employer or the employer's representative noted in 
Sec.  656.10(b)(2)(ii) describing the recruitment steps undertaken and 
the results achieved, the number of hires, and, if applicable, the 
number of U.S. workers rejected, categorized by the lawful job related 
reasons for such rejections. The Certifying Officer, after reviewing the 
employer's recruitment report, may request the U.S. workers' resumes or 
applications, sorted by the reasons the workers were rejected.
    (2) A U.S. worker is able and qualified for the job opportunity if 
the worker can acquire the skills necessary to perform the duties 
involved in the occupation during a reasonable period of on-the-job 
training. Rejecting U.S. workers for lacking skills necessary to perform 
the duties involved in the occupation, where the U.S. workers are 
capable of acquiring the skills during a reasonable period of on-the-job 
training is not a lawful job-related reason for rejection of the U.S. 
workers.
    (h) Job duties and requirements. (1) The job opportunity's 
requirements, unless adequately documented as arising from business 
necessity, must be those normally required for the occupation and must 
not exceed the Specific Vocational Preparation level assigned to the 
occupation as shown in the O*NET Job Zones. To establish a business 
necessity, an employer must demonstrate the job duties and requirements 
bear a reasonable relationship to the occupation in the context of the 
employer's business and are essential to perform the job in a reasonable 
manner.
    (2) A foreign language requirement can not be included, unless it is 
justified by business necessity. Demonstrating business necessity for a 
foreign language requirement may be based upon the following:
    (i) The nature of the occupation, e.g., translator; or
    (ii) The need to communicate with a large majority of the employer's 
customers, contractors, or employees who can not communicate effectively 
in English, as documented by:
    (A) The employer furnishing the number and proportion of its 
clients, contractors, or employees who can not communicate in English, 
and/or a detailed plan to market products or services in a foreign 
country; and
    (B) A detailed explanation of why the duties of the position for 
which certification is sought requires frequent contact and 
communication with customers, employees or contractors who can not 
communicate in English and why it is reasonable to believe the allegedly 
foreign-language-speaking customers, employees, and contractors can not 
communicate in English.
    (3) If the job opportunity involves a combination of occupations, 
the employer must document that it has normally employed persons for 
that combination of occupations, and/or workers customarily perform the 
combination of occupations in the area of intended employment, and/or 
the combination job opportunity is based on a business necessity. 
Combination occupations can be documented by position descriptions and 
relevant payroll records, and/or letters from other employers stating 
their workers normally perform the combination of occupations in the 
area of intended employment, and/or documentation that the combination 
occupation arises from a business necessity.
    (4)(i) Alternative experience requirements must be substantially 
equivalent to the primary requirements of the job opportunity for which 
certification is sought; and
    (ii) If the alien beneficiary already is employed by the employer, 
and the alien does not meet the primary job requirements and only 
potentially qualifies for the job by virtue of the employer's 
alternative requirements, certification will be denied unless the 
application states that any suitable combination of education, training, 
or experience is acceptable.
    (i) Actual minimum requirements. DOL will evaluate the employer's 
actual minimum requirements in accordance with this paragraph (i).

[[Page 617]]

    (1) The job requirements, as described, must represent the 
employer's actual minimum requirements for the job opportunity.
    (2) The employer must not have hired workers with less training or 
experience for jobs substantially comparable to that involved in the job 
opportunity.
    (3) If the alien beneficiary already is employed by the employer, in 
considering whether the job requirements represent the employer's actual 
minimums, DOL will review the training and experience possessed by the 
alien beneficiary at the time of hiring by the employer, including as a 
contract employee. The employer can not require domestic worker 
applicants to possess training and/or experience beyond what the alien 
possessed at the time of hire unless:
    (i) The alien gained the experience while working for the employer, 
including as a contract employee, in a position not substantially 
comparable to the position for which certification is being sought, or
    (ii) The employer can demonstrate that it is no longer feasible to 
train a worker to qualify for the position.
    (4) In evaluating whether the alien beneficiary satisfies the 
employer's actual minimum requirements, DOL will not consider any 
education or training obtained by the alien beneficiary at the 
employer's expense unless the employer offers similar training to 
domestic worker applicants.
    (5) For purposes of this paragraph (i):
    (i) The term ``employer'' means an entity with the same Federal 
Employer Identification Number (FEIN), provided it meets the definition 
of an employer at Sec.  656.3.
    (ii) A ``substantially comparable'' job or position means a job or 
position requiring performance of the same job duties more than 50 
percent of the time. This requirement can be documented by furnishing 
position descriptions, the percentage of time spent on the various 
duties, organization charts, and payroll records.
    (j) Conditions of employment. (1) Working conditions must be normal 
to the occupation in the area and industry.
    (2) Live-in requirements are acceptable for household domestic 
service workers only if the employer can demonstrate the requirement is 
essential to perform, in a reasonable manner, the job duties as 
described by the employer and there are not cost-effective alternatives 
to a live-in household requirement. Mere employer assertions do not 
constitute acceptable documentation. For example, a live-in requirement 
could be supported by documenting two working parents and young children 
in the household, and/or the existence of erratic work schedules 
requiring frequent travel and a need to entertain business associates 
and clients on short notice. Depending upon the situation, acceptable 
documentation could consist of travel vouchers, written estimates of 
costs of alternatives such as babysitters, or a detailed listing of the 
frequency and length of absences of the employer from the home.
    (k) Layoffs. (1) If there has been a layoff by the employer 
applicant in the area of intended employment within 6 months of filing 
an application involving the occupation for which certification is 
sought or in a related occupation, the employer must document it has 
notified and considered all potentially qualified laid off (employer 
applicant) U.S. workers of the job opportunity involved in the 
application and the results of the notification and consideration. A 
layoff shall be considered any involuntary separation of one or more 
employees without cause or prejudice.
    (2) For the purposes of paragraph (k)(1) of this section, a related 
occupation is any occupation that requires workers to perform a majority 
of the essential duties involved in the occupation for which 
certification is sought.
    (l) Alien influence and control over job opportunity. If the 
employer is a closely held corporation or partnership in which the alien 
has an ownership interest, or if there is a familial relationship 
between the stockholders, corporate officers, incorporators, or 
partners, and the alien, or if the alien is one of a small number of 
employees, the employer in the event of an audit must be able to 
demonstrate the existence of a bona fide job opportunity, i.e., the job 
is available to all U.S. workers,

[[Page 618]]

and must provide to the Certifying Officer, the following supporting 
documentation:
    (1) A copy of the articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, 
business license or similar documents that establish the business 
entity;
    (2) A list of all corporate/company officers and shareholders/
partners of the corporation/firm/business, their titles and positions in 
the business' structure, and a description of the relationships to each 
other and to the alien beneficiary;
    (3) The financial history of the corporation/company/partnership, 
including the total investment in the business entity and the amount of 
investment of each officer, incorporator/partner and the alien 
beneficiary; and
    (4) The name of the business' official with primary responsibility 
for interviewing and hiring applicants for positions within the 
organization and the name(s) of the business' official(s) having control 
or influence over hiring decisions involving the position for which 
labor certification is sought.
    (5) If the alien is one of 10 or fewer employees, the employer must 
document any family relationship between the employees and the alien.



Sec.  656.18  Optional special recruitment and documentation procedures
for college and university teachers.

    (a) Filing requirements. Applications for certification of 
employment of college and university teachers must be filed by 
submitting a completed Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification form to the appropriate ETA application processing center.
    (b) Recruitment. The employer may recruit for college and university 
teachers under Sec.  656.17 or must be able to document the alien was 
selected for the job opportunity in a competitive recruitment and 
selection process through which the alien was found to be more qualified 
than any of the United States workers who applied for the job. For 
purposes of this paragraph (b), documentation of the ``competitive 
recruitment and selection process'' must include:
    (1) A statement, signed by an official who has actual hiring 
authority from the employer outlining in detail the complete recruitment 
procedures undertaken; and which must set forth:
    (i) The total number of applicants for the job opportunity;
    (ii) The specific lawful job-related reasons why the alien is more 
qualified than each U.S. worker who applied for the job; and
    (2) A final report of the faculty, student, and/or administrative 
body making the recommendation or selection of the alien, at the 
completion of the competitive recruitment and selection process;
    (3) A copy of at least one advertisement for the job opportunity 
placed in a national professional journal, giving the name and the 
date(s) of publication; and which states the job title, duties, and 
requirements;
    (4) Evidence of all other recruitment sources utilized; and
    (5) A written statement attesting to the degree of the alien's 
educational or professional qualifications and academic achievements.
    (c) Time limit for filing. Applications for permanent alien labor 
certification for job opportunities as college and university teachers 
must be filed within 18 months after a selection is made pursuant to a 
competitive recruitment and selection process.
    (d) Alternative procedure. An employer that can not or does not 
choose to satisfy the special recruitment procedures for a college or 
university teacher under this section may avail itself of the basic 
process at Sec.  656.17. An employer that files for certification of 
employment of college and university teachers under Sec.  656.17 or this 
section must be able to document, if requested by the Certifying 
Officer, in accordance with Sec.  656.24(a)(2)(ii), the alien was found 
to be more qualified than each U.S. worker who applied for the job 
opportunity.



Sec.  656.19  Live-in household domestic service workers.

    (a) Processing. Applications on behalf of live-in household domestic 
service occupations are processed pursuant to the requirements of the 
basic process at Sec.  656.17.
    (b) Required documentation. Employers filing applications on behalf 
of live-in household domestic service workers

[[Page 619]]

must provide, in event of an audit, the following documentation:
    (1) A statement describing the household living accommodations, 
including the following:
    (i) Whether the residence is a house or apartment;
    (ii) The number of rooms in the residence;
    (iii) The number of adults and children, and ages of the children, 
residing in the household; and
    (iv) That free board and a private room not shared with any other 
person will be provided to the alien.
    (2) Two copies of the employment contract, each signed and dated 
prior to the filing of the application by both the employer and the 
alien (not by their attorneys or agents). The contract must clearly 
state:
    (i) The wages to be paid on an hourly and weekly basis;
    (ii) Total hours of employment per week, and exact hours of daily 
employment;
    (iii) That the alien is free to leave the employer's premises during 
all non-work hours except the alien may work overtime if paid for the 
overtime at no less than the legally required hourly rate;
    (iv) That the alien will reside on the employer's premises;
    (v) Complete details of the duties to be performed by the alien;
    (vi) The total amount of any money to be advanced by the employer 
with details of specific items, and the terms of repayment by the alien 
of any such advance by the employer;
    (vii) That in no event may the alien be required to give more than 
two weeks' notice of intent to leave the employment contracted for and 
the employer must give the alien at least two weeks' notice before 
terminating employment;
    (viii) That a duplicate contract has been furnished to the alien;
    (ix) That a private room and board will be provided at no cost to 
the worker; and
    (x) Any other agreement or conditions not specified on the 
Application for Permanent Employment Certification form.
    (3) Documentation of the alien's paid experience in the form of 
statements from past or present employers setting forth the dates (month 
and year) employment started and ended, hours of work per day, number of 
days worked per week, place where the alien worked, detailed statement 
of duties performed on the job, equipment and appliances used, and the 
amount of wages paid per week or month. The total paid experience must 
be equal to one full year's employment on a full-time basis. For 
example, two year's experience working half-days is the equivalent of 
one year's full time experience. Time spent in a household domestic 
service training course can not be included in the required one year of 
paid experience. Each statement must contain the name and address of the 
person who signed it and show the date on which the statement was 
signed. A statement not in English shall be accompanied by a written 
translation into English certified by the translator as to the accuracy 
of the translation, and as to the translator's competency to translate.



Sec.  656.20  Audit procedures.

    (a) Review of the labor certification application may lead to an 
audit of the application. Additionally, certain applications may be 
selected randomly for audit and quality control purposes. If an 
application is selected for audit, the Certifying Officer shall issue an 
audit letter. The audit letter will:
    (1) State the documentation that must be submitted by the employer;
    (2) Specify a date, 30 days from the date of the audit letter, by 
which the required documentation must be submitted; and
    (3) Advise that if the required documentation has not been sent by 
the date specified the application will be denied.
    (i) Failure to provide documentation in a timely manner constitutes 
a refusal to exhaust available administrative remedies; and
    (ii) The administrative-judicial review procedure provided in Sec.  
656.26 is not available.
    (b) A substantial failure by the employer to provide required 
documentation will result in that application

[[Page 620]]

being denied under Sec.  656.24 and may result in a determination by the 
Certifying Officer pursuant to Sec.  656.24 to require the employer to 
conduct supervised recruitment under Sec.  656.21 in future filings of 
labor certification applications for up to 2 years.
    (c) The Certifying Officer may in his or her discretion provide one 
extension, of up to 30 days, to the 30 days specified in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this section.
    (d) Before making a final determination in accordance with the 
standards in Sec.  656.24, whether in course of an audit or otherwise, 
the Certifying Officer may:
    (1) Request supplemental information and/or documentation; or
    (2) Require the employer to conduct supervised recruitment under 
Sec.  656.21.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006]



Sec.  656.21  Supervised recruitment.

    (a) Supervised recruitment. Where the Certifying Officer determines 
it appropriate, post-filing supervised recruitment may be required of 
the employer for the pending application or future applications pursuant 
to Sec.  656.20(b).
    (b) Requirements. Supervised recruitment shall consist of 
advertising for the job opportunity by placing an advertisement in a 
newspaper of general circulation or in a professional, trade, or ethnic 
publication, and any other measures required by the CO. If placed in a 
newspaper of general circulation, the advertisement must be published 
for 3 consecutive days, one of which must be a Sunday; or, if placed in 
a professional, trade, or ethnic publication, the advertisement must be 
published in the next available published edition. The advertisement 
must be approved by the Certifying Officer before publication, and the 
CO will direct where the advertisement is to be placed.
    (1) The employer must supply a draft advertisement to the CO for 
review and approval within 30 days of being notified that supervised 
recruitment is required.
    (2) The advertisement must:
    (i) Direct applicants to send resumes or applications for the job 
opportunity to the CO for referral to the employer;
    (ii) Include an identification number and an address designated by 
the Certifying Officer;
    (iii) Describe the job opportunity;
    (iv) Not contain a wage rate lower than the prevailing wage rate;
    (v) Summarize the employer's minimum job requirements, which can not 
exceed any of the requirements entered on the application form by the 
employer;
    (vi) Offer training if the job opportunity is the type for which 
employers normally provide training; and
    (vii) Offer wages, terms and conditions of employment no less 
favorable than those offered to the alien.
    (c) Timing of advertisement. (1) The advertisement shall be placed 
in accordance with the guidance provided by the CO.
    (2) The employer will notify the CO when the advertisement will be 
placed.
    (d) Additional or substitute recruitment. The Certifying Officer may 
designate other appropriate sources of workers from which the employer 
must recruit for U.S. workers in addition to the advertising described 
in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (e) Recruitment report. The employer must provide to the Certifying 
Officer a signed, detailed written report of the employer's supervised 
recruitment, signed by the employer or the employer's representative 
described in Sec.  656.10(b)(2)(ii), within 30 days of the Certifying 
Officer's request for such a report. The recruitment report must:
    (1) Identify each recruitment source by name and document that each 
recruitment source named was contacted. This can include, for example, 
copies of letters to recruitment sources such as unions, trade 
associations, colleges and universities and any responses received to 
the employer's inquiries. Advertisements placed in newspapers, 
professional, trade, or ethnic publications can be documented by 
furnishing copies of the tear sheets of the pages of the publication in 
which the advertisements appeared, proof of publication furnished by the 
publication, or dated copies of the web pages if the advertisement 
appeared on the web as well as in the publication in which the 
advertisement appeared.

[[Page 621]]

    (2) State the number of U.S. workers who responded to the employer's 
recruitment.
    (3) State the names, addresses, and provide resumes (other than 
those sent to the employer by the CO) of the U.S. workers who applied 
for the job opportunity, the number of workers interviewed, and the job 
title of the person who interviewed the workers.
    (4) Explain, with specificity, the lawful job-related reason(s) for 
not hiring each U.S. worker who applied. Rejection of one or more U.S. 
workers for lacking skills necessary to perform the duties involved in 
the occupation, where the U.S. workers are capable of acquiring the 
skills during a reasonable period of on-the-job training, is not a 
lawful job-related reason for rejecting the U.S. workers. For the 
purpose of this paragraph (e)(4), a U.S. worker is able and qualified 
for the job opportunity if the worker can acquire the skills necessary 
to perform the duties involved in the occupation during a reasonable 
period of on-the-job training.
    (f) The employer shall supply the CO with the required documentation 
or information within 30 days of the date of the request. If the 
employer does not do so, the CO shall deny the application.
    (g) The Certifying Officer in his or her discretion, for good cause 
shown, may provide one extension to any request for documentation or 
information.



Sec.  656.24  Labor certification determinations.

    (a)(1) The Office of Foreign Labor Certification Administrator (OFLC 
Administrator) is the National Certifying Officer. The OFLC 
Administrator and the certifying officers in the ETA application 
processing centers have the authority to certify or deny labor 
certification applications.
    (2) If the labor certification presents a special or unique problem, 
the Director of an ETA application processing center may refer the 
matter to the Office of Foreign Labor Certification Administrator (OFLC 
Administrator). If the OFLC Administrator has directed that certain 
types of applications or specific applications be handled in the ETA 
national office, the Directors of the ETA application processing centers 
shall refer such applications to the OFLC Administrator.
    (b) The Certifying Officer makes a determination either to grant or 
deny the labor certification on the basis of whether or not:
    (1) The employer has met the requirements of this part.
    (2) There is in the United States a worker who is able, willing, 
qualified, and available for and at the place of the job opportunity.
    (i) The Certifying Officer must consider a U.S. worker able and 
qualified for the job opportunity if the worker, by education, training, 
experience, or a combination thereof, is able to perform in the normally 
accepted manner the duties involved in the occupation as customarily 
performed by other U.S. workers similarly employed. For the purposes of 
this paragraph (b)(2)(i), a U.S. worker is able and qualified for the 
job opportunity if the worker can acquire the skills necessary to 
perform the duties involved in the occupation during a reasonable period 
of on-the-job training.
    (ii) If the job involves a job opportunity as a college or 
university teacher, the U.S. worker must be at least as qualified as the 
alien.
    (3) The employment of the alien will not have an adverse effect upon 
the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. In 
making this determination, the Certifying Officer considers such things 
as: labor market information, the special circumstances of the industry, 
organization, and/or occupation, the prevailing wage in the area of 
intended employment, and prevailing working conditions, such as hours, 
in the occupation.
    (c) The Certifying Officer shall notify the employer in writing 
(either electronically or by mail) of the labor certification 
determination.
    (d) If a labor certification is granted, except for a labor 
certification for an occupation on Schedule A (Sec.  656.5) or for 
employment as a sheepherder under Sec.  656.16, the Certifying Officer 
must send the certified application and complete Final Determination 
form to the employer, or, if appropriate, to the employer's agent or 
attorney, indicating

[[Page 622]]

the employer may file all the documents with the appropriate DHS office.
    (e) If the labor certification is denied, the Final Determination 
form will:
    (1) State the reasons for the determination;
    (2) Quote the request for review procedures at Sec.  656.26 (a) and 
(b);
    (3) Advise that failure to request review within 30 days of the date 
of the determination, as specified in Sec.  656.26(a), constitutes a 
failure to exhaust administrative remedies;
    (4) Advise that, if a request for review is not made within 30 days 
of the date of the determination, the denial shall become the final 
determination of the Secretary;
    (5) Advise that if an application for a labor certification is 
denied, and a request for review is not made in accordance with the 
procedures at Sec.  656.26(a) and (b), a new application may be filed at 
any time; and
    (6) Advise that a new application in the same occupation for the 
same alien can not be filed while a request for review is pending with 
the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals.
    (f) If the Certifying Officer determines the employer substantially 
failed to produce required documentation, or the documentation was 
inadequate, or determines a material misrepresentation was made with 
respect to the application, or if the Certifying Officer determines it 
is appropriate for other reasons, the employer may be required to 
conduct supervised recruitment pursuant to Sec.  656.21 in future 
filings of labor certification applications for up to two years from the 
date of the Final Determination.
    (g)(1) The employer may request reconsideration within 30 days from 
the date of issuance of the denial.
    (2) For applications submitted after July 16, 2007, a request for 
reconsideration may include only:
    (i) Documentation that the Department actually received from the 
employer in response to a request from the Certifying Officer to the 
employer; or
    (ii) Documentation that the employer did not have an opportunity to 
present previously to the Certifying Officer, but that existed at the 
time the Application for Permanent Labor Certification was filed, and 
was maintained by the employer to support the application for permanent 
labor certification in compliance with the requirements of Sec.  
656.10(f).
    (3) Paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this section notwithstanding, the 
Certifying Officer will not grant any request for reconsideration where 
the deficiency that caused denial resulted from the applicant's 
disregard of a system prompt or other direct instruction.
    (4) The Certifying Officer may, in his or her discretion, reconsider 
the determination or treat it as a request for review under Sec.  
656.26(a).

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 71 FR 35523, June 21, 2006; 
72 FR 27945, May 17, 2007]



Sec.  656.26  Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals review of 
denials of labor certification.

    (a) Request for review. (1) If a labor certification is denied, if a 
labor certification is revoked pursuant to Sec.  656.32, or if a 
debarment is issued under Sec.  656.31(f), a request for review of the 
denial, revocation, or debarment may be made to the Board of Alien Labor 
Certification Appeals by the employer or debarred person or entity by 
making a request for such an administrative review in accordance with 
the procedures provided in paragraph (a) of this section. In the case of 
a finding of debarment, receipt by the Department of a request for 
review, if made in accordance with this section, shall stay the 
debarment until such time as the review has been completed and a 
decision rendered thereon.
    (2) A request for review of a denial or revocation:
    (i) Must be sent within 30 days of the date of the determination to 
the Certifying Officer who denied the application or revoked the 
certification;
    (ii) Must clearly identify the particular labor certification 
determination for which review is sought;
    (iii) Must set forth the particular grounds for the request; and
    (iv) Must include a copy of the Final Determination.
    (3) A request for review of debarment:

[[Page 623]]

    (i) Must be sent to the Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor 
Certification, within 30 days of the date of the debarment 
determination;
    (ii) Must clearly identify the particular debarment determination 
for which review is sought;
    (iii) Must set forth the particular grounds for the request; and
    (iv) Must include a copy of the Notice of Debarment.
    (4)(i) With respect to a denial of the request for review, 
statements, briefs, and other submissions of the parties and amicus 
curiae must contain only legal argument and only such evidence that was 
within the record upon which the denial of labor certification was 
based.
    (ii) With respect to a revocation or a debarment determination, the 
BALCA proceeding may be de novo.
    (b) Upon the receipt of a request for review, the Certifying Officer 
immediately must assemble an indexed Appeal File:
    (1) The Appeal File must be in chronological order, must have the 
index on top followed by the most recent document, and must have 
consecutively numbered pages. The Appeal File must contain the request 
for review, the complete application file, and copies of all the written 
material, such as pertinent parts and pages of surveys and/or reports 
upon which the denial was based.
    (2) The Certifying Officer must send the Appeal File to the Board of 
Alien Labor Certification Appeals, Office of Administrative Law Judges, 
800 K Street, NW., Suite 400-N, Washington, DC 20001-8002.
    (3) The Certifying Officer must send a copy of the Appeal File to 
the employer. The employer may furnish or suggest directly to the Board 
of Alien Labor Certification Appeals the addition of any documentation 
that is not in the Appeal File, but that was submitted to DOL before the 
issuance of the Final Determination. The employer must submit such 
documentation in writing, and must send a copy to the Associate 
Solicitor for Employment and Training Legal Services, Office of the 
Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC 20210.
    (c) Debarment Appeal File. Upon the receipt of a request for review 
of debarment, the Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 
immediately must assemble an indexed Appeal File:
    (1) The Appeal File must be in chronological order, must have the 
index on top followed by the most recent document, and must have 
consecutively numbered pages. The Appeal File must contain the request 
for review, the complete application file(s), and copies of all written 
materials, such as pertinent parts and pages of surveys and/or reports 
or documents received from any court, DHS, or the Department of State, 
upon which the debarment was based.
    (2) The Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, must 
send the Appeal File to the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals, 
Office of Administrative Law Judges, 800 K St., NW., Suite 400-N, 
Washington, DC 20001-8002.
    (3) The Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, must 
send a copy of the Appeal File to the debarred person or entity. The 
debarred person or entity may furnish or suggest directly to the Board 
of Alien Labor Certification Appeals the addition of any documentation 
that is not in the Appeal File. The debarred person or entity must 
submit such documentation in writing, and must send a copy to the 
Associate Solicitor for Employment and Training Legal Services, Office 
of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20210.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 27945, May 17, 2007]



Sec.  656.27  Consideration by and decisions of the Board of Alien Labor
Certification Appeals.

    (a) Panel designations. In considering requests for review before 
it, the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals may sit in panels of 
three members. The Chief Administrative Law Judge may designate any 
Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals member to submit proposed 
findings and recommendations to the Board of Alien Labor Certification 
Appeals or to any duly designated panel thereof to consider a particular 
case.

[[Page 624]]

    (b) Briefs and Statements of Position. In considering the requests 
for review before it, the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals 
must afford all parties 30 days to submit or decline to submit any 
appropriate Statement of Position or legal brief. The Certifying Officer 
is to be represented solely by the Solicitor of Labor or the Solicitor's 
designated representative.
    (c) Review on the record. The Board of Alien Labor Certification 
Appeals must review a denial of labor certification under Sec.  656.24, 
a revocation of a certification under Sec.  656.32, or an affirmation of 
a prevailing wage determination under Sec.  656.41 on the basis of the 
record upon which the decision was made, the request for review, and any 
Statements of Position or legal briefs submitted and, except in cases 
over which the Secretary has assumed jurisdiction pursuant to 29 CFR 
18.95, must:
    (1) Affirm the denial of the labor certification, the revocation of 
certification, or the affirmation of the PWD; or
    (2) Direct the Certifying Officer to grant the certification, 
overrule the revocation of certification, or overrule the affirmation of 
the PWD; or
    (3) Direct that a hearing on the case be held under paragraph (e) of 
this section.
    (d) Notifications of decisions. The Board of Alien Labor 
Certification Appeals must notify the employer, the Certifying Officer, 
and the Solicitor of Labor of its decision, and must return the record 
to the Certifying Officer unless the case has been set for hearing under 
paragraph (e) of this section.
    (e) Hearings--(1) Notification of hearing. If the case has been set 
for a hearing, the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals must 
notify the employer, the alien, the Certifying Officer, and the 
Solicitor of Labor of the date, time, and place of the hearing, and that 
the hearing may be rescheduled upon written request and for good cause 
shown.
    (2) Hearing procedure. (i) The ``Rules of Practice and Procedure For 
Administrative Hearings Before the Office of Administrative Law 
Judges,'' at 29 CFR part 18, apply to hearings under this paragraph (e).
    (ii) For the purposes of this paragraph (e)(2), references in 29 CFR 
part 18 to: ``administrative law judge'' mean the Board of Alien Labor 
Certification Appeals member or the Board of Alien Labor Certification 
Appeals panel duly designated under Sec.  656.27(a); ``Office of 
Administrative Law Judges'' means the Board of Alien Labor Certification 
Appeals; and ``Chief Administrative Law Judge'' means the Chief 
Administrative Law Judge in that official's function of chairing the 
Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 85 FR 13029, Mar. 6, 2020; 85 
FR 30615, May 20, 2020]



Sec.  656.30  Validity of and invalidation of labor certifications.

    (a) Priority date. (1) The filing date for a Schedule A occupation 
or sheepherders is the date the application was dated by the Immigration 
Officer.
    (2) The filing date, established under Sec.  656.17(c), of an 
approved labor certification may be used as a priority date by the 
Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, as 
appropriate.
    (b) Expiration of labor certifications. For certifications resulting 
from applications filed under this part and 20 CFR part 656 in effect 
prior to March 28, 2005, the following applies:
    (1) An approved permanent labor certification granted on or after 
July 16, 2007 expires if not filed in support of a Form I-140 petition 
with the Department of Homeland Security within 180 calendar days of the 
date the Department of Labor granted the certification.
    (2) An approved permanent labor certification granted before July 
16, 2007 expires if not filed in support of a Form I-140 petition with 
the Department of Homeland Security within 180 calendar days of July 16, 
2007.
    (c) Scope of validity. For certifications resulting from 
applications filed under this part or 20 CFR part 656 in effect prior to 
March 28, 2005, the following applies:
    (1) A permanent labor certification for a Schedule A occupation or 
sheepherders is valid only for the occupation set forth on the 
Application for Alien Employment Certification (Form ETA

[[Page 625]]

750) or the Application for Permanent Employment Certification (Form ETA 
9089) and only for the alien named on the original application, unless a 
substitution was approved prior to July 16, 2007. The certification is 
valid throughout the United States unless the certification contains a 
geographic limitation.
    (2) A permanent labor certification involving a specific job offer 
is valid only for the particular job opportunity, the alien named on the 
original application (unless a substitution was approved prior to July 
16, 2007), and the area of intended employment stated on the Application 
for Alien Employment Certification (Form ETA 750) or the Application for 
Permanent Employment Certification (Form ETA 9089).
    (d) Invalidation of labor certifications. After issuance, a labor 
certification may be revoked by ETA using the procedures described in 
Sec.  656.32. Additionally, after issuance, a labor certification is 
subject to invalidation by the DHS or by a Consul of the Department of 
State upon a determination, made in accordance with those agencies' 
procedures or by a court, of fraud or willful misrepresentation of a 
material fact involving the labor certification application. If evidence 
of such fraud or willful misrepresentation becomes known to the CO or to 
the Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification, the CO, or the Chief 
of the Division of Foreign Labor Certification, as appropriate, shall 
notify in writing the DHS or Department of State, as appropriate. A copy 
of the notification must be sent to the regional or national office, as 
appropriate, of the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General.
    (e) Duplicate labor certifications. (1) The Certifying Officer shall 
issue a duplicate labor certification at the written request of a 
Consular or Immigration Officer. The Certifying Officer shall issue such 
duplicate labor certifications only to the Consular or Immigration 
Officer who initiated the request.
    (2) The Certifying Officer shall issue a duplicate labor 
certification to a Consular or Immigration Officer at the written 
request of an alien, employer, or an alien's or employer's attorney/
agent. Such request for a duplicate labor certification must be 
addressed to the Certifying Officer who issued the labor certification; 
must include documentary evidence from a Consular or Immigration Officer 
that a visa application or visa petition, as appropriate, has been 
filed; and must include a Consular Office or DHS tracking number.
    (3) A duplicate labor certification shall be issued by the 
Certifying Officer with the same filing and expiration dates, as 
described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, as the original 
approved labor certification.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 27946, May 17, 2007]



Sec.  656.31  Labor certification applications involving fraud, willful
misrepresentation, or violations of this part.

    The following provisions apply to applications filed under both this 
part and 20 CFR part 656 in effect prior to March 28, 2005, and to any 
certifications resulting from those applications.
    (a) Denial. A Certifying Officer may deny any application for 
permanent labor certification if the officer finds the application 
contains false statements, is fraudulent, or was otherwise submitted in 
violation of the Department's permanent labor certification regulations.
    (b) Possible fraud or willful misrepresentation. (1) If the 
Department learns an employer, attorney, or agent is involved in 
possible fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with the 
permanent labor certification program, the Department will refer the 
matter to the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, or 
other government entity, as appropriate, for investigation, and send a 
copy of the referral to the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector 
General (OIG). In these cases, or if the Department learns an employer, 
attorney, or agent is under investigation by the Department of Justice, 
Department of Homeland Security, or other government entity for possible 
fraud or willful misrepresentation in connection with the permanent 
labor certification program,

[[Page 626]]

the Department may suspend processing of any permanent labor 
certification application involving such employer, attorney, or agent 
until completion of any investigation and/or judicial proceedings. 
Unless the investigatory agency, in writing, requests the Department to 
do otherwise, the Department shall provide written notification to the 
employer of the suspension in processing.
    (2) A suspension pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section may 
last initially for up to 180 days. No later than 180 days after the 
suspension began, if no criminal indictment or information has been 
issued, or judicial proceedings have not been concluded, the National 
Certifying Officer may resume processing some or all of the 
applications, or may extend the suspension in processing until 
completion of any investigation and/or judicial proceedings.
    (c) Criminal indictment or information. If the Department learns 
that an employer, attorney, or agent is named in a criminal indictment 
or information in connection with the permanent labor certification 
program, the processing of applications related to that employer, 
attorney, or agent may be suspended until the judicial process is 
completed. Unless the investigatory or prosecutorial agency, in writing, 
requests the Department to do otherwise, the Department shall provide 
written notification to the employer of the suspension in processing.
    (d) No finding of fraud or willful misrepresentation. If an 
employer, attorney, or agent is acquitted of fraud or willful 
misrepresentation charges, or if such criminal charges are withdrawn or 
otherwise fail to result in a finding of fraud or willful 
misrepresentation, the Certifying Officer shall decide each pending 
permanent labor certification application related to that employer, 
attorney, or agent on the merits of the application.
    (e) Finding of fraud or willful misrepresentation. If an employer, 
attorney, or agent is found to have committed fraud or willful 
misrepresentation involving the permanent labor certification program, 
whether by a court, the Department of State or DHS, as referenced in 
Sec.  656.30(d), or through other proceedings:
    (1) Any suspension of processing of pending applications related to 
that employer, attorney, or agent will terminate.
    (2) The Certifying Officer will decide each such application on its 
merits, and may deny any such application as provided in Sec.  656.24 
and in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (3) In the case of a pending application involving an attorney or 
agent found to have committed fraud or willful misrepresentation, DOL 
will notify the employer associated with that application of the finding 
and require the employer to notify DOL in writing, within 30 days of the 
notification, whether the employer will withdraw the application, 
designate a new attorney or agent, or continue the application without 
representation. Failure of the employer to respond within 30 days of the 
notification will result in a denial. If the employer elects to continue 
representation by the attorney or agent, DOL will suspend processing of 
affected applications while debarment proceedings are conducted under 
paragraph (f) of this section.
    (f) Debarment. (1) No later than six years after the date of filing 
of the labor certification application that is the basis for the 
finding, or, if such basis requires a pattern or practice as provided in 
paragraphs (f)(1)(iii), (iv), and (v) of this section, no later than six 
years after the date of filing of the last labor certification 
application which constitutes a part of the pattern or practice, the 
Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, may issue to an 
employer, attorney, agent, or any combination thereof a Notice of 
Debarment from the permanent labor certification program for a 
reasonable period of no more than three years, based upon any action 
that was prohibited at the time the action occurred, upon determining 
the employer, attorney, or agent has participated in or facilitated one 
or more of the following:
    (i) The sale, barter, or purchase of permanent labor applications or 
certifications, or any other action prohibited under Sec.  656.12;
    (ii) The willful provision or willful assistance in the provision of 
false or

[[Page 627]]

inaccurate information in applying for permanent labor certification;
    (iii) A pattern or practice of a failure to comply with the terms of 
the Form ETA 9089 or Form ETA 750;
    (iv) A pattern or practice of failure to comply in the audit process 
pursuant to Sec.  656.20;
    (v) A pattern or practice of failure to comply in the supervised 
recruitment process pursuant to Sec.  656.21; or
    (vi) Conduct resulting in a determination by a court, DHS or the 
Department of State of fraud or willful misrepresentation involving a 
permanent labor certification application, as referenced in Sec.  
656.31(e).
    (2) The Notice of Debarment shall be in writing; shall state the 
reason for the debarment finding, including a detailed explanation of 
how the employer, attorney or agent has participated in or facilitated 
one or more of the actions listed in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (v) of 
this section; shall state the start date and term of the debarment; and 
shall identify appeal opportunities under Sec.  656.26. The debarment 
shall take effect on the start date identified in the Notice of 
Debarment unless a request for review is filed within the time permitted 
by Sec.  656.26. DOL will notify DHS and the Department of State 
regarding any Notice of Debarment.
    (g) False statements. To knowingly and willfully furnish any false 
information in the preparation of the Application for Permanent 
Employment Certification (Form ETA 9089) or the Application for Alien 
Employment Certification (Form ETA 750) and any supporting 
documentation, or to aid, abet, or counsel another to do so is a Federal 
offense, punishable by fine or imprisonment up to five years, or both 
under 18 U.S.C. 2 and 1001. Other penalties apply as well to fraud or 
misuse of ETA immigration documents and to perjury with respect to such 
documents under 18 U.S.C. 1546 and 1621.

[72 FR 27946, May 17, 2007]



Sec.  656.32  Revocation of approved labor certifications.

    (a) Basis for DOL revocation. The Certifying Officer in consultation 
with the Chief, Division of Foreign Labor Certification may take steps 
to revoke an approved labor certification, if he/she finds the 
certification was not justified. A labor certification may also be 
invalidated by DHS or the Department of State as set forth in Sec.  
656.30(d).
    (b) Department of Labor procedures for revocation. (1) The 
Certifying Officer sends to the employer a Notice of Intent to Revoke an 
approved labor certification which contains a detailed statement of the 
grounds for the revocation and the time period allowed for the 
employer's rebuttal. The employer may submit evidence in rebuttal within 
30 days of receipt of the notice. The Certifying Officer must consider 
all relevant evidence presented in deciding whether to revoke the labor 
certification.
    (2) If rebuttal evidence is not filed by the employer, the Notice of 
Intent to Revoke becomes the final decision of the Secretary.
    (3) If the employer files rebuttal evidence and the Certifying 
Officer determines the certification should be revoked, the employer may 
file an appeal under Sec.  656.26.
    (4) The Certifying Officer will inform the employer within 30 days 
of receiving any rebuttal evidence whether or not the labor 
certification will be revoked.
    (5) If the labor certification is revoked, the Certifying Officer 
will also send a copy of the notification to the DHS and the Department 
of State.



               Subpart D_Determination of Prevailing Wage



Sec.  656.40  Determination of prevailing wage for labor certification
purposes.

    (a) Application process. The employer must request a PWD from the 
NPC, on a form or in a manner prescribed by OFLC. The NPC shall receive 
and process prevailing wage determination requests in accordance with 
these regulations and with Department guidance. The NPC will provide the 
employer with an appropriate prevailing wage rate. The NPC shall 
determine the wage in accordance with sec. 212(p) of the INA. Unless the 
employer chooses to appeal the center's PWD under Sec.  656.41(a), it 
files the Application for Permanent Employment Certification either 
electronically or by mail with

[[Page 628]]

the processing center of jurisdiction and maintains the PWD in its 
files. The determination shall be submitted to the CO, if requested.
    (b) Determinations. The National Processing Center will determine 
the appropriate prevailing wage as follows:
    (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, if 
the job opportunity is covered by a collective bargaining agreement 
(CBA) that was negotiated at arms-length between the union and the 
employer, the wage rate set forth in the CBA agreement is considered as 
not adversely affecting the wages of U.S. workers similarly employed, 
that is, it is considered the ``prevailing wage'' for labor 
certification purposes.
    (2) If the job opportunity is not covered by a CBA, the prevailing 
wage for labor certification purposes shall be based on the wages of 
workers similarly employed using the wage component of the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) 
in accordance with paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, unless the 
employer provides an acceptable survey under paragraphs (b)(3) and (g) 
of this section or elects to utilize a wage permitted under paragraph 
(b)(4) of this section.
    (i) The BLS shall provide the OFLC Administrator with the OES wage 
data by occupational classification and geographic area, which is 
computed and assigned at four levels set commensurate with the 
education, experience, and level of supervision of similarly employed 
workers, as determined by the Department. Based on this determination, 
the prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC Administrator at four 
levels:
    (A) The Level I Wage shall be computed as the arithmetic mean of the 
fifth decile of the OES wage distribution and assigned for the most 
specific occupation and geographic area available.
    (B) The Level II Wage shall be determined by first dividing the 
difference between Level I and IV by three and then adding the quotient 
to the computed value for Level I and assigned for the most specific 
occupation and geographic area available.
    (C) The Level III Wage shall be determined by first dividing the 
difference between Level I and IV by three and then subtracting the 
quotient from the computed value for Level IV and assigned for the most 
specific occupation and geographic area available.
    (D) The Level IV Wage shall be computed as the arithmetic mean of 
the upper decile of the OES wage distribution and assigned for the most 
specific occupation and geographic area available.
    (ii) The OFLC Administrator will publish, at least once in each 
calendar year, on a date to be determined by the OFLC Administrator, the 
prevailing wage levels under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section as a 
notice posted on the OFLC website.
    (3) If the employer provides a survey acceptable under paragraph (g) 
of this section, the prevailing wage for labor certification purposes 
shall be the arithmetic mean of the wages of workers similarly employed 
in the area of intended employment. If an otherwise acceptable survey 
provides a median and does not provide an arithmetic mean, the 
prevailing wage applicable to the employer's job opportunity shall be 
the median of the wages of workers similarly employed in the area of 
intended employment.
    (4) The employer may utilize a current wage determination in the 
area under the Davis-Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 276a et seq., 29 CFR part 1, 
or the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act, 41 U.S.C. 351 et seq.
    (c) Validity period. The National Processing Center must specify the 
validity period of the prevailing wage, which in no event may be less 
than 90 days or more than 1 year from the determination date. To use a 
prevailing wage rate provided by the NPC, employers must file their 
applications or begin the recruitment period required by Sec. Sec.  
656.17(e) or 656.21 of this part within the validity period specified by 
the NPC.
    (d) Similarly employed. For purposes of this section, similarly 
employed means having substantially comparable jobs in the occupational 
category in the area of intended employment, except that, if a 
representative sample of workers in the occupational category

[[Page 629]]

can not be obtained in the area of intended employment, similarly 
employed means:
    (1) Having jobs requiring a substantially similar level of skills 
within the area of intended employment; or
    (2) If there are no substantially comparable jobs in the area of 
intended employment, having substantially comparable jobs with employers 
outside of the area of intended employment.
    (e) Institutions of higher education and research entities. In 
computing the prevailing wage for a job opportunity in an occupational 
classification in an area of intended employment for an employee of an 
institution of higher education, or an affiliated or related nonprofit 
entity, a nonprofit research organization, or a Governmental research 
organization, the prevailing wage level takes into account the wage 
levels of employees only at such institutions and organizations in the 
area of intended employment.
    (1) The organizations listed in this paragraph (e) are defined as 
follows:
    (i) Institution of higher education means an institution of higher 
education as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
1965. Section 101(a) of that Act, 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)(2000), provides an 
institution of higher education is an educational institution in any 
state that:
    (A) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of 
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the 
recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
    (B) Is legally authorized within such state to provide a program of 
education beyond secondary education;
    (C) Provides an educational program for which the institution awards 
a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program that is 
acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
    (D) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
    (E) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or 
association or, if not so accredited, is an institution that has been 
granted preaccreditation status by such an agency or association that 
has been recognized by the Secretary of Education for the granting of 
preaccreditation status, and the Secretary of Education has determined 
there is satisfactory assurance the institution will meet the 
accreditation standards of such an agency or association within a 
reasonable time.
    (ii) Affiliated or related nonprofit entity means a nonprofit entity 
(including but not limited to a hospital and a medical or research 
institution) connected or associated with an institution of higher 
education, through shared ownership or control by the same board or 
federation, operated by an institution of higher education, or attached 
to an institution of higher education as a member, branch, cooperative, 
or subsidiary.
    (iii) Nonprofit research organization or Governmental research 
organization means a research organization that is either a nonprofit 
organization or entity primarily engaged in basic research and/or 
applied research, or a United States Government entity whose primary 
mission is the performance or promotion of basic research and/or applied 
research. Basic research is general research to gain more comprehensive 
knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific 
applications in mind. Basic research is also research that advances 
scientific knowledge, but does not have specific immediate commercial 
objectives although it may be in fields of present or commercial 
interest. It may include research and investigation in the sciences, 
social sciences, or humanities. Applied research is research to gain 
knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific, 
recognized need may be met. Applied research includes investigations 
oriented to discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific 
commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services. 
It may include research and investigation in the sciences, social 
sciences, or humanities.
    (2) Nonprofit organization or entity, for the purpose of this 
paragraph (e), means an organization qualified as a tax exempt 
organization under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, section 501(c)(3), 
(c)(4), or (c)(6) (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), (c)(4) or (c)(6)), and which has

[[Page 630]]

received approval as a tax exempt organization from the Internal Revenue 
Service, as it relates to research or educational purposes.
    (f) Professional athletes. In computing the prevailing wage for a 
professional athlete (defined in Section 212(a)(5)(A)(iii)(II) of the 
Act) when the job opportunity is covered by professional sports league 
rules or regulations, the wage set forth in those rules or regulations 
is considered the prevailing wage (see Section 212(p)(2) of the Act). 
INA Section 212(a)(5)(A)(iii)(II), 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)(iii)(II) 
(1999), defines ``professional athlete'' as an individual who is 
employed as an athlete by--
    (1) A team that is a member of an association of six or more 
professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed 
$10,000,000 per year, if the association governs the conduct of its 
members and regulates the contests and exhibitions in which its member 
teams regularly engage; or
    (2) Any minor league team that is affiliated with such an 
association.
    (g) Employer-provided wage information. (1) If the job opportunity 
is not covered by a CBA, or by a professional sports league's rules or 
regulations, the NPC will consider wage information provided by the 
employer in making a PWD. An employer survey can be submitted either 
initially or after NPC issuance of a PWD derived from the OES survey. In 
the latter situation, the new employer survey submission will be deemed 
a new PWD request.
    (2) In each case where the employer submits a survey or other wage 
data for which it seeks acceptance, the employer must provide the NPC 
with enough information about the survey methodology, including such 
items as sample size and source, sample selection procedures, and survey 
job descriptions, to allow the NPC to make a determination about the 
adequacy of the data provided and validity of the statistical 
methodology used in conducting the survey in accordance with guidance 
issued by the OFLC national office.
    (3) The survey submitted to the NPC must be based upon recently 
collected data.
    (i) A published survey must have been published within 24 months of 
the date of submission to the NPC, must be the most current edition of 
the survey, and the data upon which the survey is based must have been 
collected within 24 months of the publication date of the survey.
    (ii) A survey conducted by the employer must be based on data 
collected within 24 months of the date it is submitted to the NPC.
    (4) If the employer-provided survey is found not to be acceptable, 
the NPC will inform the employer in writing of the reasons the survey 
was not accepted.
    (5) The employer, after receiving notification that the survey it 
provided for NPC consideration is not acceptable, may file supplemental 
information as provided by paragraph (h) of this section, file a new 
request for a PWD, or appeal under Sec.  656.41.
    (h) Submittal of supplemental information by employer. (1) If the 
employer disagrees with the skill level assigned to its job opportunity, 
or if the NPC informs the employer its survey is not acceptable, or if 
there are other legitimate bases for such a review, the employer may 
submit supplemental information to the NPC.
    (2) The NPC will consider one supplemental submission about the 
employer's survey or the skill level the NPC assigned to the job 
opportunity or any other legitimate basis for the employer to request 
such a review. If the NPC does not accept the employer's survey after 
considering the supplemental information, or affirms its determination 
concerning the skill level, it will inform the employer of the reasons 
for its decision.
    (3) The employer may then apply for a new wage determination or 
appeal under Sec.  656.41 of this part.
    (i) Frequent users. The Secretary will issue guidance regarding the 
process by which employers may obtain a wage determination to apply to a 
subsequent application, when the wage is for the same occupation, skill 
level, and area of intended employment. In no case may the wage rate the 
employer provides the NPC be lower than the highest wage required by any 
applicable Federal, State, or local law.

[[Page 631]]

    (j) Fees prohibited. No SWA or SWA employee may charge a fee in 
connection with the filing of a request for a PWD, responding to such a 
request, or responding to a request for a review of a SWA prevailing 
wage determination under Sec.  656.41.

[69 FR 77386, Dec. 27, 2004, as amended at 73 FR 78068, Dec. 19, 2008; 
85 FR 63915, Oct. 8, 2020]

    Effective Date Note: At 86 FR 3672, Jan. 14, 2021, Sec.  656.40 was 
amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(2), and (b)(3), effective Mar. 
15, 2021. At 86 FR 13994, Mar. 12, 2021, the effective date of the 
amendment was delayed until May 15, 2021. For the convenience of the 
user, the revised text is set forth as follows:



Sec.  656.40  Determination of prevailing wage for labor certification 
          purposes.

    (a) Application process. The employer must request a PWD from the 
NPC, on a form or in a manner prescribed by OFLC. The NPC shall receive 
and process prevailing wage determination requests in accordance with 
these regulations and with Department guidance. The NPC will provide the 
employer with an appropriate prevailing wage rate. The NPC shall 
determine the wage in accordance with sec. 212(p) of the INA. Unless the 
employer chooses to appeal the center's PWD under Sec.  656.41(a) of 
this part, it files the Application for Permanent Employment 
Certification either electronically or by mail with the processing 
center of jurisdiction and maintains the PWD in its files. The 
determination shall be submitted to the CO, if requested.
    (b) * * *
    (2) If the job opportunity is not covered by a CBA, the prevailing 
wage for labor certification purposes shall be based on the wages of 
workers similarly employed using the wage component of the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics Survey (OES) 
in accordance with subparagraph (b)(2)(i), unless the employer provides 
an acceptable survey under paragraphs (b)(3) and (g) of this section or 
elects to utilize a wage permitted under paragraph (b)(4) of this 
section.
    (i) The BLS shall provide the OFLC Administrator with the OES wage 
data by occupational classification and geographic area, which is 
computed and assigned at levels set commensurate with the education, 
experience, and level of supervision of similarly employed workers, as 
determined by the Department.
    (ii) Except as provided under paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section, 
the prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC Administrator at the 
following four levels:
    (A) The Level I Wage shall be computed as the 35th percentile of the 
OES wage distribution and assigned for the most specific occupation and 
geographic area available.
    (B) The Level II Wage shall be determined by first dividing the 
difference between Levels I and IV by three and then adding the quotient 
to the computed value for Level I and assigned for the most specific 
occupation and geographic area available.
    (C) The Level III Wage shall be determined by first dividing the 
difference between Levels I and IV by three and then subtracting the 
quotient from the computed value for Level IV and assigned for the most 
specific occupation and geographic area available.
    (D) The Level IV Wage shall be computed as the 90th percentile of 
the OES wage distribution and assigned for the most specific occupation 
and geographic area available. Where the Level IV Wage cannot be 
computed due to wage values exceeding the uppermost interval of the OES 
wage interval methodology, the OFLC Administrator shall determine the 
Level IV Wage using the current hourly wage rate applicable to the 
highest OES wage interval for the specific occupation and geographic 
area, or the arithmetic mean of the wages of all workers for the most 
specific occupation and geographic area available, whichever is highest.
    (iii) Transition Wage Rates:
    (A) For the period from the effective date of this rule through June 
30, 2021, the prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC 
Administrator at the following four levels:
    (1) The Level I Wage shall be computed as the arithmetic mean of the 
lower one-third of the OES wage distribution and assigned for the most 
specific occupation and geographic area available.
    (2) The Level IV Wage shall be computed as the arithmetic mean of 
the upper two-thirds of the OES wage distribution and assigned for the 
most specific occupation and geographic area available.
    (3) The Level II Wage and Level III Wage shall be determined by 
applying the formulae provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of 
this section to the Level I and Level IV values in paragraphs 
(b)(2)(iii)(A)(1) and (2) of this section.
    (B) For the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, the 
prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC Administrator at the 
following four levels:
    (1) The Level I Wage shall be 90 percent of the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, or the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section, whichever is higher.
    (2) The Level IV Wage shall be 90 percent of the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(D) of this section, or the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(A)(2) of this section, whichever is higher.

[[Page 632]]

    (3) The Level II Wage and Level III Wage shall be determined by 
applying the formulae provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of 
this section to the wages established under paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(B)(1) 
and (3) of this section.
    (C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if the 
employer submitting the Form ETA-9035/9035E, Labor Condition Application 
for Nonimmigrant Workers and, as applicable, the Form ETA-9141, 
Application for Prevailing Wage Determination, will employ an H-1B 
nonimmigrant in the job opportunity subject to the Labor Condition 
Application for Nonimmigrant Workers who was, as of October 8, 2020, the 
beneficiary of an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, or 
successor form, or is eligible for an extension of his or her H-1B 
status under sections 106(a) and (b) of the American Competitiveness in 
the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21), Public Law 106-313, as 
amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations 
Authorization Act, Public Law 107-273 (2002), and the H-1B nonimmigrant 
is eligible to be granted immigrant status but for application of the 
per country limitations applicable to immigrants under paragraphs 
203(b)(1), (2), and (3) of the INA, or remains eligible for an extension 
of the H-1B status at the time the Labor Condition Application for 
Nonimmigrant Workers is filed:
    (1) For the period from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, the 
prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC Administrator at the 
following four levels:
    (i) The Level I Wage shall be 85 percent of the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, or the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(A)(1) of this section, whichever is higher.
    (ii) The Level IV Wage shall be 85 percent of the wage provided 
under paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(D) of this section, or the wage provided 
under paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(A)(2) of this section, whichever is higher.
    (iii) The Level II Wage and Level III Wage shall be determined by 
applying the formulae provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of 
this section to the wages established under paragraphs 
(b)(2)(iii)(C)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (2) For the period from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, the 
prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC Administrator at the 
following four levels:
    (i) The Level I Wage shall be 90 percent of the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, or the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(C)(1)(i) of this section, whichever is higher.
    (ii) The Level IV Wage shall be 90 percent of the wage established 
under paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(D) of this section, or the wage established 
under paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(C)(1)(ii) of this section, whichever is 
higher.
    (iii) The Level II Wage and Level III Wage shall be determined by 
applying the formulae provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of 
this section to the wages established under paragraphs 
(b)(2)(iii)(C)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section.
    (3) For the period from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, the 
prevailing wage shall be provided by the OFLC Administrator at the 
following four levels:
    (i) The Level I Wage shall be 95 percent of the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of this section, or the wage provided under 
paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(C)(2)(i) of this section, whichever is higher.
    (ii) The Level IV Wage shall be 95 percent of the wage provided 
under paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(D) of this section, or the wage provided 
under paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(C)(2)(ii) of this section, whichever is 
higher.
    (iii) The Level II Wage and III Wage shall be determined by applying 
the formulae provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of this 
section to the wages established under paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(C)(3)(i) 
and (ii) of this section.
    (4) Beginning July 1, 2024, the prevailing wage shall be provided by 
the OFLC Administrator in accordance with the computations under 
paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section.
    (5) Where the Level I Wage or Level IV Wage provided under 
paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)(C)(1) through (3) of this section exceeds the 
Level I Wage or Level IV Wage provided under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of 
this section in a given period, the Level I Wage or Level IV Wage for 
that period shall be the wage provided under paragraph (b)(2)(ii), and 
the Level II Wage and Level III Wage for that period shall be adjusted 
by applying the formulae provided in paragraphs (b)(2)(ii)(B) and (C) of 
this section.
    (D) Where a Level IV Wage provided under paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of 
this section cannot be computed due to wage values exceeding the 
uppermost interval of the OES wage interval methodology, the OFLC 
Administrator shall determine the Level IV Wage using the current hourly 
wage rate applicable to the highest OES wage interval for the specific 
occupation and geographic area or the arithmetic mean of the wages of 
all workers for the most specific occupation and geographic area 
available, whichever is highest.
    (iv) The OFLC Administrator will publish, at least once in each 
calendar year, on a date to be determined by the OFLC Administrator, the 
prevailing wage levels under paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this 
section as a notice posted on the OFLC website.
    (3) If the employer provides a survey acceptable under paragraph (g) 
of this section, the prevailing wage for labor certification purposes 
shall be the arithmetic mean of the wages of workers similarly employed 
in the

[[Page 633]]

area of intended employment. If an otherwise acceptable survey provides 
a median and does not provide an arithmetic mean, the prevailing wage 
applicable to the employer's job opportunity shall be the median of the 
wages of workers similarly employed in the area of intended employment.

                                * * * * *



Sec.  656.41  Review of prevailing wage determinations.

    (a) Review of NPC PWD. Any employer desiring review of a PWD made by 
a CO must make a request for such review within 30 days of the date from 
when the PWD was issued. The request for review must be sent to the 
director of the NPC that issued the PWD within 30 days of the date of 
the PWD; clearly identify the PWD from which review is sought; set forth 
the particular grounds for the request; and include all the materials 
pertaining to the PWD submitted to the NPC up to the date of the PWD 
received from the NPC.
    (b) Processing of request by NPC. Upon the receipt of a request for 
review, the NPC will review the employer's request and accompanying 
documentation, and add any material that may have been omitted by the 
employer, including any material the NPC sent the employer up to the 
date of the PWD.
    (c) Review on the record. The director will review the PWD solely on 
the basis upon which the PWD was made and, upon the request for review, 
may either affirm or modify the PWD.
    (d) Request for review by BALCA. Any employer desiring review of the 
director's determination must make a request for review by the BALCA 
within 30 days of the date of the Director's decision.
    (1) The request for review, statements, briefs, and other 
submissions of the parties and amicus curiae must contain only legal 
arguments and only such evidence that was within the record upon which 
the director made his/her affirmation of the PWD.
    (2) The request for review must be in writing and addressed to the 
director of the NPC making the determination. Upon receipt of a request 
for a review, the director will assemble an indexed appeal file in 
reverse chronological order, with the index on top followed by the most 
recent document.
    (3) The director will send the Appeal File to the Office of 
Administrative Law Judges, BALCA. The BALCA handles the appeals in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  656.26 and 656.27.

[73 FR 78069, Dec. 19, 2008]

[[Page 635]]



                              FINDING AIDS




  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and 
an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in 
the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations 
which is published separately and revised annually.

  Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
  Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
  List of CFR Sections Affected

[[Page 637]]



                    Table of CFR Titles and Chapters




                      (Revised as of April 1, 2021)

                      Title 1--General Provisions

         I  Administrative Committee of the Federal Register 
                (Parts 1--49)
        II  Office of the Federal Register (Parts 50--299)
       III  Administrative Conference of the United States (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Miscellaneous Agencies (Parts 400--599)
        VI  National Capital Planning Commission (Parts 600--699)

                    Title 2--Grants and Agreements

            Subtitle A--Office of Management and Budget Guidance 
                for Grants and Agreements
         I  Office of Management and Budget Governmentwide 
                Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Parts 2--199)
        II  Office of Management and Budget Guidance (Parts 200--
                299)
            Subtitle B--Federal Agency Regulations for Grants and 
                Agreements
       III  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
        IV  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
         X  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Department of Defense (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
     XVIII  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        XX  United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 
                2000--2099)
      XXII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2200--2299)
     XXIII  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                2600--2699)

[[Page 638]]

     XXVII  Small Business Administration (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
      XXIX  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 3100--
                3199)
     XXXII  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 3300--
                3399)
     XXXIV  Department of Education (Parts 3400--3499)
      XXXV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 3500--
                3599)
     XXXVI  Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive 
                Office of the President (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Peace Corps (Parts 3700--3799)
     LVIII  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
       LIX  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 5900--
                5999)

                        Title 3--The President

         I  Executive Office of the President (Parts 100--199)

                           Title 4--Accounts

         I  Government Accountability Office (Parts 1--199)

                   Title 5--Administrative Personnel

         I  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1--1199)
        II  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 1300--1399)
        IV  Office of Personnel Management and Office of the 
                Director of National Intelligence (Parts 1400--
                1499)
         V  The International Organizations Employees Loyalty 
                Board (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      VIII  Office of Special Counsel (Parts 1800--1899)
        IX  Appalachian Regional Commission (Parts 1900--1999)
        XI  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 2100--2199)
       XIV  Federal Labor Relations Authority, General Counsel of 
                the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Federal 
                Service Impasses Panel (Parts 2400--2499)
       XVI  Office of Government Ethics (Parts 2600--2699)
       XXI  Department of the Treasury (Parts 3100--3199)
      XXII  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 3200--
                3299)
     XXIII  Department of Energy (Parts 3300--3399)
      XXIV  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Parts 3400--
                3499)
       XXV  Department of the Interior (Parts 3500--3599)
      XXVI  Department of Defense (Parts 3600--3699)

[[Page 639]]

    XXVIII  Department of Justice (Parts 3800--3899)
      XXIX  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 3900--3999)
       XXX  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4099)
      XXXI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 4100--4199)
    XXXIII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 4300--4399)
     XXXIV  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 4400--4499)
      XXXV  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 4500--4599)
     XXXVI  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 4600--4699)
    XXXVII  Federal Election Commission (Parts 4700--4799)
        XL  Interstate Commerce Commission (Parts 5000--5099)
       XLI  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 5100--
                5199)
      XLII  Department of Labor (Parts 5200--5299)
     XLIII  National Science Foundation (Parts 5300--5399)
       XLV  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 5500--
                5599)
      XLVI  Postal Rate Commission (Parts 5600--5699)
     XLVII  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 5700--5799)
    XLVIII  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 5800--5899)
      XLIX  Federal Labor Relations Authority (Parts 5900--5999)
         L  Department of Transportation (Parts 6000--6099)
       LII  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 6200--
                6299)
      LIII  Department of Education (Parts 6300--6399)
       LIV  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 6400--6499)
        LV  National Endowment for the Arts (Parts 6500--6599)
       LVI  National Endowment for the Humanities (Parts 6600--
                6699)
      LVII  General Services Administration (Parts 6700--6799)
     LVIII  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System 
                (Parts 6800--6899)
       LIX  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                6900--6999)
        LX  United States Postal Service (Parts 7000--7099)
       LXI  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 7100--7199)
      LXII  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 7200--
                7299)
     LXIII  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 7300--7399)
      LXIV  Merit Systems Protection Board (Parts 7400--7499)
       LXV  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                7500--7599)
      LXVI  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                7600--7699)
     LXVII  Institute of Museum and Library Services (Parts 7700--
                7799)
    LXVIII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 7800--7899)
      LXIX  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 7900--7999)
       LXX  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 8000--8099)
      LXXI  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 8100--8199)
    LXXIII  Department of Agriculture (Parts 8300--8399)

[[Page 640]]

     LXXIV  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 8400--8499)
     LXXVI  Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (Parts 
                8600--8699)
    LXXVII  Office of Management and Budget (Parts 8700--8799)
      LXXX  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 9000--9099)
   LXXXIII  Special Inspector General for Afghanistan 
                Reconstruction (Parts 9300--9399)
    LXXXIV  Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 9400--
                9499)
    LXXXVI  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 9600--
                9699)
     XCVII  Department of Homeland Security Human Resources 
                Management System (Department of Homeland 
                Security--Office of Personnel Management) (Parts 
                9700--9799)
    XCVIII  Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 
                Efficiency (Parts 9800--9899)
      XCIX  Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization 
                Commission (Parts 9900--9999)
         C  National Council on Disability (Parts 10000--10049)
        CI  National Mediation Board (Part 10101)

                      Title 6--Domestic Security

         I  Department of Homeland Security, Office of the 
                Secretary (Parts 1--199)
         X  Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Parts 
                1000--1099)

                         Title 7--Agriculture

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Agriculture 
                (Parts 0--26)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of 
                Agriculture
         I  Agricultural Marketing Service (Standards, 
                Inspections, Marketing Practices), Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 27--209)
        II  Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 210--299)
       III  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         V  Agricultural Research Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Farm Service Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                700--799)
      VIII  Agricultural Marketing Service (Federal Grain 
                Inspection Service, Fair Trade Practices Program), 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 800--899)

[[Page 641]]

        IX  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 900--999)
         X  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Milk), Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1000--1199)
        XI  Agricultural Marketing Service (Marketing Agreements 
                and Orders; Miscellaneous Commodities), Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1200--1299)
       XIV  Commodity Credit Corporation, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  Foreign Agricultural Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  (Parts 1600--1699) [Reserved]
      XVII  Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
                Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service 
                Agency, Department of Agriculture (Parts 1800--
                2099)
        XX  (Parts 2200--2299) [Reserved]
       XXV  Office of Advocacy and Outreach, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2500--2599)
      XXVI  Office of Inspector General, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 2600--2699)
     XXVII  Office of Information Resources Management, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of Operations, Department of Agriculture (Parts 
                2800--2899)
      XXIX  Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 2900--2999)
       XXX  Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3000--3099)
      XXXI  Office of Environmental Quality, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3100--3199)
     XXXII  Office of Procurement and Property Management, 
                Department of Agriculture (Parts 3200--3299)
    XXXIII  Office of Transportation, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3300--3399)
     XXXIV  National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Parts 
                3400--3499)
      XXXV  Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3500--3599)
     XXXVI  National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 3600--3699)
    XXXVII  Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture 
                (Parts 3700--3799)
   XXXVIII  World Agricultural Outlook Board, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 3800--3899)
       XLI  [Reserved]
      XLII  Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities 
                Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 4200--
                4299)

[[Page 642]]

         L  Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing 
                Service, and Rural Utilities Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Part 5001)

                    Title 8--Aliens and Nationality

         I  Department of Homeland Security (Parts 1--499)
         V  Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1000--1399)

                 Title 9--Animals and Animal Products

         I  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department 
                of Agriculture (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agricultural Marketing Service (Fair Trade Practices 
                Program), Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
                Agriculture (Parts 300--599)

                           Title 10--Energy

         I  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Department of Energy (Parts 200--699)
       III  Department of Energy (Parts 700--999)
         X  Department of Energy (General Provisions) (Parts 
                1000--1099)
      XIII  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (Parts 1300--
                1399)
      XVII  Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (Parts 1700--
                1799)
     XVIII  Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste 
                Commission (Parts 1800--1899)

                      Title 11--Federal Elections

         I  Federal Election Commission (Parts 1--9099)
        II  Election Assistance Commission (Parts 9400--9499)

                      Title 12--Banks and Banking

         I  Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1--199)
        II  Federal Reserve System (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Export-Import Bank of the United States (Parts 400--
                499)
         V  (Parts 500--599) [Reserved]
        VI  Farm Credit Administration (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Credit Union Administration (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Federal Financing Bank (Parts 800--899)
        IX  (Parts 900--999) [Reserved]
         X  Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Parts 1000--
                1099)

[[Page 643]]

        XI  Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Federal Housing Finance Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Financial Stability Oversight Council (Parts 1300--
                1399)
       XIV  Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (Parts 1400--
                1499)
        XV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Office of Financial Research, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, 
                Department of the Treasury (Parts 1800--1899)

               Title 13--Business Credit and Assistance

         I  Small Business Administration (Parts 1--199)
       III  Economic Development Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (Parts 400--499)
         V  Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board (Parts 
                500--599)

                    Title 14--Aeronautics and Space

         I  Federal Aviation Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--199)
        II  Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation 
                (Aviation Proceedings) (Parts 200--399)
       III  Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 400--1199)
         V  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        VI  Air Transportation System Stabilization (Parts 1300--
                1399)

                 Title 15--Commerce and Foreign Trade

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Commerce (Parts 
                0--29)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Commerce and 
                Foreign Trade
         I  Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                30--199)
        II  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Foreign-Trade Zones Board, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 400--499)
       VII  Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 700--799)

[[Page 644]]

      VIII  Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce 
                (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 900--999)
        XI  National Technical Information Service, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 1100--1199)
      XIII  East-West Foreign Trade Board (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Minority Business Development Agency (Parts 1400--
                1499)
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Foreign Trade 
                Agreements
        XX  Office of the United States Trade Representative 
                (Parts 2000--2099)
            Subtitle D--Regulations Relating to Telecommunications 
                and Information
     XXIII  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                2300--2399) [Reserved]

                    Title 16--Commercial Practices

         I  Federal Trade Commission (Parts 0--999)
        II  Consumer Product Safety Commission (Parts 1000--1799)

             Title 17--Commodity and Securities Exchanges

         I  Commodity Futures Trading Commission (Parts 1--199)
        II  Securities and Exchange Commission (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Department of the Treasury (Parts 400--499)

          Title 18--Conservation of Power and Water Resources

         I  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of 
                Energy (Parts 1--399)
       III  Delaware River Basin Commission (Parts 400--499)
        VI  Water Resources Council (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Susquehanna River Basin Commission (Parts 800--899)
      XIII  Tennessee Valley Authority (Parts 1300--1399)

                       Title 19--Customs Duties

         I  U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of 
                Homeland Security; Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--199)
        II  United States International Trade Commission (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  International Trade Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 300--399)
        IV  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department 
                of Homeland Security (Parts 400--599) [Reserved]

[[Page 645]]

                     Title 20--Employees' Benefits

         I  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Railroad Retirement Board (Parts 200--399)
       III  Social Security Administration (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 500--599)
         V  Employment and Training Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 600--699)
        VI  Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Benefits Review Board, Department of Labor (Parts 
                800--899)
      VIII  Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (Parts 
                900--999)
        IX  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1000--1099)

                       Title 21--Food and Drugs

         I  Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1--1299)
        II  Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 1300--1399)
       III  Office of National Drug Control Policy (Parts 1400--
                1499)

                      Title 22--Foreign Relations

         I  Department of State (Parts 1--199)
        II  Agency for International Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Peace Corps (Parts 300--399)
        IV  International Joint Commission, United States and 
                Canada (Parts 400--499)
         V  United States Agency for Global Media (Parts 500--599)
       VII  U.S. International Development Finance Corporation 
                (Parts 700--799)
        IX  Foreign Service Grievance Board (Parts 900--999)
         X  Inter-American Foundation (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  International Boundary and Water Commission, United 
                States and Mexico, United States Section (Parts 
                1100--1199)
       XII  United States International Development Cooperation 
                Agency (Parts 1200--1299)
      XIII  Millennium Challenge Corporation (Parts 1300--1399)
       XIV  Foreign Service Labor Relations Board; Federal Labor 
                Relations Authority; General Counsel of the 
                Federal Labor Relations Authority; and the Foreign 
                Service Impasse Disputes Panel (Parts 1400--1499)
        XV  African Development Foundation (Parts 1500--1599)
       XVI  Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Parts 
                1600--1699)
      XVII  United States Institute of Peace (Parts 1700--1799)

[[Page 646]]

                          Title 23--Highways

         I  Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1--999)
        II  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and 
                Federal Highway Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
       III  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1300--1399)

                Title 24--Housing and Urban Development

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Housing and Urban Development (Parts 0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Housing and Urban 
                Development
         I  Office of Assistant Secretary for Equal Opportunity, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                100--199)
        II  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 200--299)
       III  Government National Mortgage Association, Department 
                of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Housing and Office of Multifamily Housing 
                Assistance Restructuring, Department of Housing 
                and Urban Development (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Office of Assistant Secretary for Community Planning 
                and Development, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 600--699) [Reserved]
       VII  Office of the Secretary, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Housing Assistance Programs and 
                Public and Indian Housing Programs) (Parts 700--
                799)
      VIII  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Section 8 Housing Assistance 
                Programs, Section 202 Direct Loan Program, Section 
                202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and 
                Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons With 
                Disabilities Program) (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian 
                Housing, Department of Housing and Urban 
                Development (Parts 900--1699)
         X  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Interstate Land Sales 
                Registration Program) [Reserved]
       XII  Office of Inspector General, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 2000--2099)
        XV  Emergency Mortgage Insurance and Loan Programs, 
                Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2700--2799) [Reserved]
        XX  Office of Assistant Secretary for Housing--Federal 
                Housing Commissioner, Department of Housing and 
                Urban Development (Parts 3200--3899)

[[Page 647]]

      XXIV  Board of Directors of the HOPE for Homeowners Program 
                (Parts 4000--4099) [Reserved]
       XXV  Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (Parts 4100--
                4199)

                           Title 25--Indians

         I  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--299)
        II  Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 300--399)
       III  National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
        IV  Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Parts 
                700--899)
         V  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 
                and Indian Health Service, Department of Health 
                and Human Services (Part 900--999)
        VI  Office of the Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1000--1199)
       VII  Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                      Title 26--Internal Revenue

         I  Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury 
                (Parts 1--End)

           Title 27--Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms

         I  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department 
                of the Treasury (Parts 1--399)
        II  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 
                Department of Justice (Parts 400--799)

                   Title 28--Judicial Administration

         I  Department of Justice (Parts 0--299)
       III  Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice 
                (Parts 300--399)
         V  Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice (Parts 500--
                599)
        VI  Offices of Independent Counsel, Department of Justice 
                (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Independent Counsel (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the 
                District of Columbia (Parts 800--899)
        IX  National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council 
                (Parts 900--999)
        XI  Department of Justice and Department of State (Parts 
                1100--1199)

[[Page 648]]

                            Title 29--Labor

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Labor (Parts 
                0--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Labor
         I  National Labor Relations Board (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 200--299)
       III  National Railroad Adjustment Board (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Labor-Management Standards, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 400--499)
         V  Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (Parts 
                500--899)
        IX  Construction Industry Collective Bargaining Commission 
                (Parts 900--999)
         X  National Mediation Board (Parts 1200--1299)
       XII  Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (Parts 
                1400--1499)
       XIV  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Parts 1600--
                1699)
      XVII  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 
                Department of Labor (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2200--2499)
       XXV  Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department 
                of Labor (Parts 2500--2599)
     XXVII  Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission 
                (Parts 2700--2799)
        XL  Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Parts 4000--
                4999)

                      Title 30--Mineral Resources

         I  Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 1--199)
        II  Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 200--299)
        IV  Geological Survey, Department of the Interior (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 500--599)
       VII  Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 
                Department of the Interior (Parts 700--999)
       XII  Office of Natural Resources Revenue, Department of the 
                Interior (Parts 1200--1299)

                 Title 31--Money and Finance: Treasury

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Treasury 
                (Parts 0--50)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Money and Finance
         I  Monetary Offices, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                51--199)
        II  Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                200--399)
        IV  Secret Service, Department of the Treasury (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 500--599)

[[Page 649]]

        VI  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Investment Security, Department of the 
                Treasury (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Federal Claims Collection Standards (Department of the 
                Treasury--Department of Justice) (Parts 900--999)
         X  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Department of 
                the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)

                      Title 32--National Defense

            Subtitle A--Department of Defense
         I  Office of the Secretary of Defense (Parts 1--399)
         V  Department of the Army (Parts 400--699)
        VI  Department of the Navy (Parts 700--799)
       VII  Department of the Air Force (Parts 800--1099)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National 
                Defense
       XII  Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency (Parts 
                1200--1299)
       XVI  Selective Service System (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  Office of the Director of National Intelligence (Parts 
                1700--1799)
     XVIII  National Counterintelligence Center (Parts 1800--1899)
       XIX  Central Intelligence Agency (Parts 1900--1999)
        XX  Information Security Oversight Office, National 
                Archives and Records Administration (Parts 2000--
                2099)
       XXI  National Security Council (Parts 2100--2199)
      XXIV  Office of Science and Technology Policy (Parts 2400--
                2499)
     XXVII  Office for Micronesian Status Negotiations (Parts 
                2700--2799)
    XXVIII  Office of the Vice President of the United States 
                (Parts 2800--2899)

               Title 33--Navigation and Navigable Waters

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, Department 
                of Defense (Parts 200--399)
        IV  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development 
                Corporation, Department of Transportation (Parts 
                400--499)

                          Title 34--Education

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary, Department of 
                Education (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Regulations of the Offices of the 
                Department of Education

[[Page 650]]

         I  Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 200--299)
       III  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative 
                Services, Department of Education (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, 
                Department of Education (Parts 400--499)
         V  Office of Bilingual Education and Minority Languages 
                Affairs, Department of Education (Parts 500--599) 
                [Reserved]
        VI  Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of 
                Education (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Office of Educational Research and Improvement, 
                Department of Education (Parts 700--799) 
                [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Regulations Relating to Education
        XI  (Parts 1100--1199) [Reserved]
       XII  National Council on Disability (Parts 1200--1299)

                          Title 35 [Reserved]

             Title 36--Parks, Forests, and Public Property

         I  National Park Service, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
        II  Forest Service, Department of Agriculture (Parts 200--
                299)
       III  Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  American Battle Monuments Commission (Parts 400--499)
         V  Smithsonian Institution (Parts 500--599)
        VI  [Reserved]
       VII  Library of Congress (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (Parts 800--
                899)
        IX  Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation (Parts 
                900--999)
         X  Presidio Trust (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance 
                Board (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  National Archives and Records Administration (Parts 
                1200--1299)
        XV  Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust (Parts 1500--
                1599)
       XVI  Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National 
                Environmental Policy Foundation (Parts 1600--1699)

             Title 37--Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights

         I  United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department 
                of Commerce (Parts 1--199)
        II  U.S. Copyright Office, Library of Congress (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  Copyright Royalty Board, Library of Congress (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Institute of Standards and Technology, 
                Department of Commerce (Parts 400--599)

[[Page 651]]

           Title 38--Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief

         I  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 0--199)
        II  Armed Forces Retirement Home (Parts 200--299)

                       Title 39--Postal Service

         I  United States Postal Service (Parts 1--999)
       III  Postal Regulatory Commission (Parts 3000--3099)

                  Title 40--Protection of Environment

         I  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1--1099)
        IV  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Justice (Parts 1400--1499)
         V  Council on Environmental Quality (Parts 1500--1599)
        VI  Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (Parts 
                1600--1699)
       VII  Environmental Protection Agency and Department of 
                Defense; Uniform National Discharge Standards for 
                Vessels of the Armed Forces (Parts 1700--1799)
      VIII  Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Parts 1800--
                1899)
        IX  Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Part 
                1900)

          Title 41--Public Contracts and Property Management

            Subtitle A--Federal Procurement Regulations System 
                [Note]
            Subtitle B--Other Provisions Relating to Public 
                Contracts
        50  Public Contracts, Department of Labor (Parts 50-1--50-
                999)
        51  Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or 
                Severely Disabled (Parts 51-1--51-99)
        60  Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Equal 
                Employment Opportunity, Department of Labor (Parts 
                60-1--60-999)
        61  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' 
                Employment and Training Service, Department of 
                Labor (Parts 61-1--61-999)
   62--100  [Reserved]
            Subtitle C--Federal Property Management Regulations 
                System
       101  Federal Property Management Regulations (Parts 101-1--
                101-99)
       102  Federal Management Regulation (Parts 102-1--102-299)
  103--104  (Parts 103-001--104-099) [Reserved]
       105  General Services Administration (Parts 105-1--105-999)
       109  Department of Energy Property Management Regulations 
                (Parts 109-1--109-99)
       114  Department of the Interior (Parts 114-1--114-99)
       115  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 115-1--115-99)
       128  Department of Justice (Parts 128-1--128-99)
  129--200  [Reserved]

[[Page 652]]

            Subtitle D--Other Provisions Relating to Property 
                Management [Reserved]
            Subtitle E--Federal Information Resources Management 
                Regulations System [Reserved]
            Subtitle F--Federal Travel Regulation System
       300  General (Parts 300-1--300-99)
       301  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances (Parts 301-1--
                301-99)
       302  Relocation Allowances (Parts 302-1--302-99)
       303  Payment of Expenses Connected with the Death of 
                Certain Employees (Part 303-1--303-99)
       304  Payment of Travel Expenses from a Non-Federal Source 
                (Parts 304-1--304-99)

                        Title 42--Public Health

         I  Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 1--199)
   II--III  [Reserved]
        IV  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 400--699)
         V  Office of Inspector General-Health Care, Department of 
                Health and Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)

                   Title 43--Public Lands: Interior

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Lands
         I  Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 400--999)
        II  Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior 
                (Parts 1000--9999)
       III  Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation 
                Commission (Parts 10000--10099)

             Title 44--Emergency Management and Assistance

         I  Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 0--399)
        IV  Department of Commerce and Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 400--499)

                       Title 45--Public Welfare

            Subtitle A--Department of Health and Human Services 
                (Parts 1--199)
            Subtitle B--Regulations Relating to Public Welfare

[[Page 653]]

        II  Office of Family Assistance (Assistance Programs), 
                Administration for Children and Families, 
                Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 
                200--299)
       III  Office of Child Support Enforcement (Child Support 
                Enforcement Program), Administration for Children 
                and Families, Department of Health and Human 
                Services (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 400--499)
         V  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United 
                States, Department of Justice (Parts 500--599)
        VI  National Science Foundation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  Commission on Civil Rights (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 800--899)
        IX  Denali Commission (Parts 900--999)
         X  Office of Community Services, Administration for 
                Children and Families, Department of Health and 
                Human Services (Parts 1000--1099)
        XI  National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities 
                (Parts 1100--1199)
       XII  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                1200--1299)
      XIII  Administration for Children and Families, Department 
                of Health and Human Services (Parts 1300--1399)
       XVI  Legal Services Corporation (Parts 1600--1699)
      XVII  National Commission on Libraries and Information 
                Science (Parts 1700--1799)
     XVIII  Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation (Parts 1800--
                1899)
       XXI  Commission of Fine Arts (Parts 2100--2199)
     XXIII  Arctic Research Commission (Parts 2300--2399)
      XXIV  James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation (Parts 
                2400--2499)
       XXV  Corporation for National and Community Service (Parts 
                2500--2599)

                          Title 46--Shipping

         I  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                1--199)
        II  Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 200--399)
       III  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage), Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 400--499)
        IV  Federal Maritime Commission (Parts 500--599)

                      Title 47--Telecommunication

         I  Federal Communications Commission (Parts 0--199)
        II  Office of Science and Technology Policy and National 
                Security Council (Parts 200--299)

[[Page 654]]

       III  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  National Telecommunications and Information 
                Administration, Department of Commerce, and 
                National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 400--499)
         V  The First Responder Network Authority (Parts 500--599)

           Title 48--Federal Acquisition Regulations System

         1  Federal Acquisition Regulation (Parts 1--99)
         2  Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of 
                Defense (Parts 200--299)
         3  Department of Health and Human Services (Parts 300--
                399)
         4  Department of Agriculture (Parts 400--499)
         5  General Services Administration (Parts 500--599)
         6  Department of State (Parts 600--699)
         7  Agency for International Development (Parts 700--799)
         8  Department of Veterans Affairs (Parts 800--899)
         9  Department of Energy (Parts 900--999)
        10  Department of the Treasury (Parts 1000--1099)
        12  Department of Transportation (Parts 1200--1299)
        13  Department of Commerce (Parts 1300--1399)
        14  Department of the Interior (Parts 1400--1499)
        15  Environmental Protection Agency (Parts 1500--1599)
        16  Office of Personnel Management Federal Employees 
                Health Benefits Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                1600--1699)
        17  Office of Personnel Management (Parts 1700--1799)
        18  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Parts 
                1800--1899)
        19  Broadcasting Board of Governors (Parts 1900--1999)
        20  Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Parts 2000--2099)
        21  Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employees 
                Group Life Insurance Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation (Parts 2100--2199)
        23  Social Security Administration (Parts 2300--2399)
        24  Department of Housing and Urban Development (Parts 
                2400--2499)
        25  National Science Foundation (Parts 2500--2599)
        28  Department of Justice (Parts 2800--2899)
        29  Department of Labor (Parts 2900--2999)
        30  Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security 
                Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) (Parts 3000--3099)
        34  Department of Education Acquisition Regulation (Parts 
                3400--3499)
        51  Department of the Army Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5100--5199) [Reserved]
        52  Department of the Navy Acquisition Regulations (Parts 
                5200--5299)

[[Page 655]]

        53  Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition 
                Regulation Supplement (Parts 5300--5399) 
                [Reserved]
        54  Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense (Parts 
                5400--5499)
        57  African Development Foundation (Parts 5700--5799)
        61  Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services 
                Administration (Parts 6100--6199)
        99  Cost Accounting Standards Board, Office of Federal 
                Procurement Policy, Office of Management and 
                Budget (Parts 9900--9999)

                       Title 49--Transportation

            Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
                (Parts 1--99)
            Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to 
                Transportation
         I  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
                Administration, Department of Transportation 
                (Parts 100--199)
        II  Federal Railroad Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 200--299)
       III  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 300--399)
        IV  Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (Parts 
                400--499)
         V  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 500--599)
        VI  Federal Transit Administration, Department of 
                Transportation (Parts 600--699)
       VII  National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK) 
                (Parts 700--799)
      VIII  National Transportation Safety Board (Parts 800--999)
         X  Surface Transportation Board (Parts 1000--1399)
        XI  Research and Innovative Technology Administration, 
                Department of Transportation (Parts 1400--1499) 
                [Reserved]
       XII  Transportation Security Administration, Department of 
                Homeland Security (Parts 1500--1699)

                   Title 50--Wildlife and Fisheries

         I  United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of 
                the Interior (Parts 1--199)
        II  National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 200--299)
       III  International Fishing and Related Activities (Parts 
                300--399)
        IV  Joint Regulations (United States Fish and Wildlife 
                Service, Department of the Interior and National 
                Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and 
                Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce); Endangered Species Committee 
                Regulations (Parts 400--499)
         V  Marine Mammal Commission (Parts 500--599)

[[Page 656]]

        VI  Fishery Conservation and Management, National Oceanic 
                and Atmospheric Administration, Department of 
                Commerce (Parts 600--699)

[[Page 657]]





           Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR




                      (Revised as of April 1, 2021)

                                                  CFR Title, Subtitle or 
                     Agency                               Chapter

Administrative Conference of the United States    1, III
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation         36, VIII
Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                  7, XXV
Afghanistan Reconstruction, Special Inspector     5, LXXXIII
     General for
African Development Foundation                    22, XV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 57
Agency for International Development              2, VII; 22, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
Agricultural Marketing Service                    7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
Agricultural Research Service                     7, V
Agriculture, Department of                        2, IV; 5, LXXIII
  Advocacy and Outreach, Office of                7, XXV
  Agricultural Marketing Service                  7, I, VIII, IX, X, XI; 9, 
                                                  II
  Agricultural Research Service                   7, V
  Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service      7, III; 9, I
  Chief Financial Officer, Office of              7, XXX
  Commodity Credit Corporation                    7, XIV
  Economic Research Service                       7, XXXVII
  Energy Policy and New Uses, Office of           2, IX; 7, XXIX
  Environmental Quality, Office of                7, XXXI
  Farm Service Agency                             7, VII, XVIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 4
  Federal Crop Insurance Corporation              7, IV
  Food and Nutrition Service                      7, II
  Food Safety and Inspection Service              9, III
  Foreign Agricultural Service                    7, XV
  Forest Service                                  36, II
  Information Resources Management, Office of     7, XXVII
  Inspector General, Office of                    7, XXVI
  National Agricultural Library                   7, XLI
  National Agricultural Statistics Service        7, XXXVI
  National Institute of Food and Agriculture      7, XXXIV
  Natural Resources Conservation Service          7, VI
  Operations, Office of                           7, XXVIII
  Procurement and Property Management, Office of  7, XXXII
  Rural Business-Cooperative Service              7, XVIII, XLII
  Rural Development Administration                7, XLII
  Rural Housing Service                           7, XVIII, XXXV
  Rural Utilities Service                         7, XVII, XVIII, XLII
  Secretary of Agriculture, Office of             7, Subtitle A
  Transportation, Office of                       7, XXXIII
  World Agricultural Outlook Board                7, XXXVIII
Air Force, Department of                          32, VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement       48, 53
Air Transportation Stabilization Board            14, VI
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau          27, I
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,       27, II
     Bureau of
AMTRAK                                            49, VII
American Battle Monuments Commission              36, IV
American Indians, Office of the Special Trustee   25, VII
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service        7, III; 9, I
Appalachian Regional Commission                   5, IX
Architectural and Transportation Barriers         36, XI
   Compliance Board
[[Page 658]]

Arctic Research Commission                        45, XXIII
Armed Forces Retirement Home                      5, XI; 38, II
Army, Department of                               32, V
  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 51
Benefits Review Board                             20, VII
Bilingual Education and Minority Languages        34, V
     Affairs, Office of
Blind or Severely Disabled, Committee for         41, 51
     Purchase from People Who Are
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 19
Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office    34, IV
     of
Census Bureau                                     15, I
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services          42, IV
Central Intelligence Agency                       32, XIX
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board    40, VI
Chief Financial Officer, Office of                7, XXX
Child Support Enforcement, Office of              45, III
Children and Families, Administration for         45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
Civil Rights, Commission on                       5, LXVIII; 45, VII
Civil Rights, Office for                          34, I
Coast Guard                                       33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)                46, III
Commerce, Department of                           2, XIII; 44, IV; 50, VI
  Census Bureau                                   15, I
  Economic Analysis, Bureau of                    15, VIII
  Economic Development Administration             13, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 13
  Foreign-Trade Zones Board                       15, IV
  Industry and Security, Bureau of                15, VII
  International Trade Administration              15, III; 19, III
  National Institute of Standards and Technology  15, II; 37, IV
  National Marine Fisheries Service               50, II, IV
  National Oceanic and Atmospheric                15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
       Administration                             VI
  National Technical Information Service          15, XI
  National Telecommunications and Information     15, XXIII; 47, III, IV
       Administration
  National Weather Service                        15, IX
  Patent and Trademark Office, United States      37, I
  Secretary of Commerce, Office of                15, Subtitle A
Commercial Space Transportation                   14, III
Commodity Credit Corporation                      7, XIV
Commodity Futures Trading Commission              5, XLI; 17, I
Community Planning and Development, Office of     24, V, VI
     Assistant Secretary for
Community Services, Office of                     45, X
Comptroller of the Currency                       12, I
Construction Industry Collective Bargaining       29, IX
     Commission
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau              5, LXXXIV; 12, X
Consumer Product Safety Commission                5, LXXI; 16, II
Copyright Royalty Board                           37, III
Corporation for National and Community Service    2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
Cost Accounting Standards Board                   48, 99
Council on Environmental Quality                  40, V
Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity    5, XCVIII
     and Efficiency
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency    5, LXX; 28, VIII
     for the District of Columbia
Customs and Border Protection                     19, I
Defense, Department of                            2, XI; 5, XXVI; 32, 
                                                  Subtitle A; 40, VII
  Advanced Research Projects Agency               32, I
  Air Force Department                            32, VII
  Army Department                                 32, V; 33, II; 36, III; 
                                                  48, 51
  Defense Acquisition Regulations System          48, 2
  Defense Intelligence Agency                     32, I
  Defense Logistics Agency                        32, I, XII; 48, 54

[[Page 659]]

  Engineers, Corps of                             33, II; 36, III
  National Imagery and Mapping Agency             32, I
  Navy, Department of                             32, VI; 48, 52
  Secretary of Defense, Office of                 2, XI; 32, I
Defense Contract Audit Agency                     32, I
Defense Intelligence Agency                       32, I
Defense Logistics Agency                          32, XII; 48, 54
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board           10, XVII
Delaware River Basin Commission                   18, III
Denali Commission                                 45, IX
Disability, National Council on                   5, C; 34, XII
District of Columbia, Court Services and          5, LXX; 28, VIII
     Offender Supervision Agency for the
Drug Enforcement Administration                   21, II
East-West Foreign Trade Board                     15, XIII
Economic Analysis, Bureau of                      15, VIII
Economic Development Administration               13, III
Economic Research Service                         7, XXXVII
Education, Department of                          2, XXXIV; 5, LIII
  Bilingual Education and Minority Languages      34, V
       Affairs, Office of
  Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office  34, IV
       of
  Civil Rights, Office for                        34, I
  Educational Research and Improvement, Office    34, VII
       of
  Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of   34, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 34
  Postsecondary Education, Office of              34, VI
  Secretary of Education, Office of               34, Subtitle A
  Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,  34, III
       Office of
Educational Research and Improvement, Office of   34, VII
Election Assistance Commission                    2, LVIII; 11, II
Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of     34, II
Emergency Oil and Gas Guaranteed Loan Board       13, V
Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board              13, IV
Employee Benefits Security Administration         29, XXV
Employees' Compensation Appeals Board             20, IV
Employees Loyalty Board                           5, V
Employment and Training Administration            20, V
Employment Policy, National Commission for        1, IV
Employment Standards Administration               20, VI
Endangered Species Committee                      50, IV
Energy, Department of                             2, IX; 5, XXIII; 10, II, 
                                                  III, X
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 9
  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission            5, XXIV; 18, I
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 109
Energy, Office of                                 7, XXIX
Engineers, Corps of                               33, II; 36, III
Engraving and Printing, Bureau of                 31, VI
Environmental Protection Agency                   2, XV; 5, LIV; 40, I, IV, 
                                                  VII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 15
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 115
Environmental Quality, Office of                  7, XXXI
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission           5, LXII; 29, XIV
Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant Secretary  24, I
     for
Executive Office of the President                 3, I
  Environmental Quality, Council on               40, V
  Management and Budget, Office of                2, Subtitle A; 5, III, 
                                                  LXXVII; 14, VI; 48, 99
  National Drug Control Policy, Office of         2, XXXVI; 21, III
  National Security Council                       32, XXI; 47, II
  Presidential Documents                          3
  Science and Technology Policy, Office of        32, XXIV; 47, II
  Trade Representative, Office of the United      15, XX
       States
Export-Import Bank of the United States           2, XXXV; 5, LII; 12, IV
Family Assistance, Office of                      45, II

[[Page 660]]

Farm Credit Administration                        5, XXXI; 12, VI
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation          5, XXX; 12, XIV
Farm Service Agency                               7, VII, XVIII
Federal Acquisition Regulation                    48, 1
Federal Aviation Administration                   14, I
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
Federal Claims Collection Standards               31, IX
Federal Communications Commission                 5, XXIX; 47, I
Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of   41, 60
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation                7, IV
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation             5, XXII; 12, III
Federal Election Commission                       5, XXXVII; 11, I
Federal Emergency Management Agency               44, I
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal    48, 21
     Acquisition Regulation
Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition     48, 16
     Regulation
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission              5, XXIV; 18, I
Federal Financial Institutions Examination        12, XI
     Council
Federal Financing Bank                            12, VIII
Federal Highway Administration                    23, I, II
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation            1, IV
Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office       12, XVII
Federal Housing Finance Agency                    5, LXXX; 12, XII
Federal Labor Relations Authority                 5, XIV, XLIX; 22, XIV
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center           31, VII
Federal Management Regulation                     41, 102
Federal Maritime Commission                       46, IV
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service        29, XII
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission  5, LXXIV; 29, XXVII
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration       49, III
Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council   40, IX
Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                   28, III
Federal Procurement Policy Office                 48, 99
Federal Property Management Regulations           41, 101
Federal Railroad Administration                   49, II
Federal Register, Administrative Committee of     1, I
Federal Register, Office of                       1, II
Federal Reserve System                            12, II
  Board of Governors                              5, LVIII
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board        5, VI, LXXVI
Federal Service Impasses Panel                    5, XIV
Federal Trade Commission                          5, XLVII; 16, I
Federal Transit Administration                    49, VI
Federal Travel Regulation System                  41, Subtitle F
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network              31, X
Financial Research Office                         12, XVI
Financial Stability Oversight Council             12, XIII
Fine Arts, Commission of                          45, XXI
Fiscal Service                                    31, II
Fish and Wildlife Service, United States          50, I, IV
Food and Drug Administration                      21, I
Food and Nutrition Service                        7, II
Food Safety and Inspection Service                9, III
Foreign Agricultural Service                      7, XV
Foreign Assets Control, Office of                 31, V
Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the       45, V
     United States
Foreign Service Grievance Board                   22, IX
Foreign Service Impasse Disputes Panel            22, XIV
Foreign Service Labor Relations Board             22, XIV
Foreign-Trade Zones Board                         15, IV
Forest Service                                    36, II
General Services Administration                   5, LVII; 41, 105
  Contract Appeals, Board of                      48, 61
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 5
  Federal Management Regulation                   41, 102
  Federal Property Management Regulations         41, 101
  Federal Travel Regulation System                41, Subtitle F

[[Page 661]]

  General                                         41, 300
  Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel    41, 304
       Expenses
  Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death    41, 303
       of Certain Employees
  Relocation Allowances                           41, 302
  Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Allowances          41, 301
Geological Survey                                 30, IV
Government Accountability Office                  4, I
Government Ethics, Office of                      5, XVI
Government National Mortgage Association          24, III
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards          7, VIII; 9, II
     Administration
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council          2, LIX; 40, VIII
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation            45, XVIII
Health and Human Services, Department of          2, III; 5, XLV; 45, 
                                                  Subtitle A
  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services        42, IV
  Child Support Enforcement, Office of            45, III
  Children and Families, Administration for       45, II, III, IV, X, XIII
  Community Services, Office of                   45, X
  Family Assistance, Office of                    45, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 3
  Food and Drug Administration                    21, I
  Indian Health Service                           25, V
  Inspector General (Health Care), Office of      42, V
  Public Health Service                           42, I
  Refugee Resettlement, Office of                 45, IV
Homeland Security, Department of                  2, XXX; 5, XXXVI; 6, I; 8, 
                                                  I
  Coast Guard                                     33, I; 46, I; 49, IV
  Coast Guard (Great Lakes Pilotage)              46, III
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Federal Emergency Management Agency             44, I
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems
  Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau      19, IV
  Transportation Security Administration          49, XII
HOPE for Homeowners Program, Board of Directors   24, XXIV
     of
Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing       24, IV
     Assistance Restructuring, Office of
Housing and Urban Development, Department of      2, XXIV; 5, LXV; 24, 
                                                  Subtitle B
  Community Planning and Development, Office of   24, V, VI
       Assistant Secretary for
  Equal Opportunity, Office of Assistant          24, I
       Secretary for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 24
  Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, Office    12, XVII
       of
  Government National Mortgage Association        24, III
  Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office   24, II, VIII, X, XX
       of Assistant Secretary for
  Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing     24, IV
       Assistance Restructuring, Office of
  Inspector General, Office of                    24, XII
  Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant  24, IX
       Secretary for
  Secretary, Office of                            24, Subtitle A, VII
Housing--Federal Housing Commissioner, Office of  24, II, VIII, X, XX
     Assistant Secretary for
Housing, Office of, and Multifamily Housing       24, IV
     Assistance Restructuring, Office of
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau        19, IV
Immigration Review, Executive Office for          8, V
Independent Counsel, Office of                    28, VII
Independent Counsel, Offices of                   28, VI
Indian Affairs, Bureau of                         25, I, V
Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant           25, VI
     Secretary
Indian Arts and Crafts Board                      25, II
Indian Health Service                             25, V
Industry and Security, Bureau of                  15, VII

[[Page 662]]

Information Resources Management, Office of       7, XXVII
Information Security Oversight Office, National   32, XX
     Archives and Records Administration
Inspector General
  Agriculture Department                          7, XXVI
  Health and Human Services Department            42, V
  Housing and Urban Development Department        24, XII, XV
Institute of Peace, United States                 22, XVII
Inter-American Foundation                         5, LXIII; 22, X
Interior, Department of                           2, XIV
  American Indians, Office of the Special         25, VII
       Trustee
  Endangered Species Committee                    50, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 14
  Federal Property Management Regulations System  41, 114
  Fish and Wildlife Service, United States        50, I, IV
  Geological Survey                               30, IV
  Indian Affairs, Bureau of                       25, I, V
  Indian Affairs, Office of the Assistant         25, VI
       Secretary
  Indian Arts and Crafts Board                    25, II
  Land Management, Bureau of                      43, II
  National Indian Gaming Commission               25, III
  National Park Service                           36, I
  Natural Resource Revenue, Office of             30, XII
  Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of              30, V
  Reclamation, Bureau of                          43, I
  Safety and Enforcement Bureau, Bureau of        30, II
  Secretary of the Interior, Office of            2, XIV; 43, Subtitle A
  Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,     30, VII
       Office of
Internal Revenue Service                          26, I
International Boundary and Water Commission,      22, XI
     United States and Mexico, United States 
     Section
International Development, United States Agency   22, II
     for
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 7
International Development Cooperation Agency,     22, XII
     United States
International Development Finance Corporation,    5, XXXIII; 22, VII
     U.S.
International Joint Commission, United States     22, IV
     and Canada
International Organizations Employees Loyalty     5, V
     Board
International Trade Administration                15, III; 19, III
International Trade Commission, United States     19, II
Interstate Commerce Commission                    5, XL
Investment Security, Office of                    31, VIII
James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation      45, XXIV
Japan-United States Friendship Commission         22, XVI
Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries       20, VIII
Justice, Department of                            2, XXVIII; 5, XXVIII; 28, 
                                                  I, XI; 40, IV
  Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,     27, II
       Bureau of
  Drug Enforcement Administration                 21, II
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 28
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Prison Industries, Inc.                 28, III
  Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the     45, V
       United States
  Immigration Review, Executive Office for        8, V
  Independent Counsel, Offices of                 28, VI
  Prisons, Bureau of                              28, V
  Property Management Regulations                 41, 128
Labor, Department of                              2, XXIX; 5, XLII
  Benefits Review Board                           20, VII
  Employee Benefits Security Administration       29, XXV
  Employees' Compensation Appeals Board           20, IV
  Employment and Training Administration          20, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 29
  Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office    41, 60
       of
  Federal Procurement Regulations System          41, 50
  Labor-Management Standards, Office of           29, II, IV

[[Page 663]]

  Mine Safety and Health Administration           30, I
  Occupational Safety and Health Administration   29, XVII
  Public Contracts                                41, 50
  Secretary of Labor, Office of                   29, Subtitle A
  Veterans' Employment and Training Service,      41, 61; 20, IX
       Office of the Assistant Secretary for
  Wage and Hour Division                          29, V
  Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of       20, I, VI
Labor-Management Standards, Office of             29, II, IV
Land Management, Bureau of                        43, II
Legal Services Corporation                        45, XVI
Libraries and Information Science, National       45, XVII
     Commission on
Library of Congress                               36, VII
  Copyright Royalty Board                         37, III
  U.S. Copyright Office                           37, II
Management and Budget, Office of                  5, III, LXXVII; 14, VI; 
                                                  48, 99
Marine Mammal Commission                          50, V
Maritime Administration                           46, II
Merit Systems Protection Board                    5, II, LXIV
Micronesian Status Negotiations, Office for       32, XXVII
Military Compensation and Retirement              5, XCIX
     Modernization Commission
Millennium Challenge Corporation                  22, XIII
Mine Safety and Health Administration             30, I
Minority Business Development Agency              15, XIV
Miscellaneous Agencies                            1, IV
Monetary Offices                                  31, I
Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in     36, XVI
     National Environmental Policy Foundation
Museum and Library Services, Institute of         2, XXXI
National Aeronautics and Space Administration     2, XVIII; 5, LIX; 14, V
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 18
National Agricultural Library                     7, XLI
National Agricultural Statistics Service          7, XXXVI
National and Community Service, Corporation for   2, XXII; 45, XII, XXV
National Archives and Records Administration      2, XXVI; 5, LXVI; 36, XII
  Information Security Oversight Office           32, XX
National Capital Planning Commission              1, IV, VI
National Counterintelligence Center               32, XVIII
National Credit Union Administration              5, LXXXVI; 12, VII
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact     28, IX
     Council
National Drug Control Policy, Office of           2, XXXVI; 21, III
National Endowment for the Arts                   2, XXXII
National Endowment for the Humanities             2, XXXIII
National Foundation on the Arts and the           45, XI
     Humanities
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency           32, I
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration    23, II, III; 47, VI; 49, V
National Imagery and Mapping Agency               32, I
National Indian Gaming Commission                 25, III
National Institute of Food and Agriculture        7, XXXIV
National Institute of Standards and Technology    15, II; 37, IV
National Intelligence, Office of Director of      5, IV; 32, XVII
National Labor Relations Board                    5, LXI; 29, I
National Marine Fisheries Service                 50, II, IV
National Mediation Board                          5, CI; 29, X
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   15, IX; 50, II, III, IV, 
                                                  VI
National Park Service                             36, I
National Railroad Adjustment Board                29, III
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (AMTRAK)  49, VII
National Science Foundation                       2, XXV; 5, XLIII; 45, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 25
National Security Council                         32, XXI; 47, II
National Technical Information Service            15, XI
National Telecommunications and Information       15, XXIII; 47, III, IV, V
   Administration
[[Page 664]]

National Transportation Safety Board              49, VIII
Natural Resource Revenue, Office of               30, XII
Natural Resources Conservation Service            7, VI
Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation, Office of      25, IV
Navy, Department of                               32, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 52
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation             24, XXV
Northeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste  10, XVIII
     Commission
Nuclear Regulatory Commission                     2, XX; 5, XLVIII; 10, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 20
Occupational Safety and Health Administration     29, XVII
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission  29, XX
Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of                30, V
Oklahoma City National Memorial Trust             36, XV
Operations Office                                 7, XXVIII
Patent and Trademark Office, United States        37, I
Payment From a Non-Federal Source for Travel      41, 304
     Expenses
Payment of Expenses Connected With the Death of   41, 303
     Certain Employees
Peace Corps                                       2, XXXVII; 22, III
Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation       36, IX
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation              29, XL
Personnel Management, Office of                   5, I, IV, XXXV; 45, VIII
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 17
  Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Federal  48, 21
       Acquisition Regulation
  Federal Employees Health Benefits Acquisition   48, 16
       Regulation
  Human Resources Management and Labor Relations  5, XCVII
       Systems, Department of Homeland Security
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety           49, I
     Administration
Postal Regulatory Commission                      5, XLVI; 39, III
Postal Service, United States                     5, LX; 39, I
Postsecondary Education, Office of                34, VI
President's Commission on White House             1, IV
     Fellowships
Presidential Documents                            3
Presidio Trust                                    36, X
Prisons, Bureau of                                28, V
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board       6, X
Procurement and Property Management, Office of    7, XXXII
Public and Indian Housing, Office of Assistant    24, IX
     Secretary for
Public Contracts, Department of Labor             41, 50
Public Health Service                             42, I
Railroad Retirement Board                         20, II
Reclamation, Bureau of                            43, I
Refugee Resettlement, Office of                   45, IV
Relocation Allowances                             41, 302
Research and Innovative Technology                49, XI
     Administration
Rural Business-Cooperative Service                7, XVIII, XLII
Rural Development Administration                  7, XLII
Rural Housing Service                             7, XVIII, XXXV
Rural Utilities Service                           7, XVII, XVIII, XLII
Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau of   30, II
Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation     33, IV
Science and Technology Policy, Office of, and     32, XXIV; 47, II
     National Security Council
Secret Service                                    31, IV
Securities and Exchange Commission                5, XXXIV; 17, II
Selective Service System                          32, XVI
Small Business Administration                     2, XXVII; 13, I
Smithsonian Institution                           36, V
Social Security Administration                    2, XXIII; 20, III; 48, 23
Soldiers' and Airmen's Home, United States        5, XI
Special Counsel, Office of                        5, VIII
Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,    34, III
     Office of
State, Department of                              2, VI; 22, I; 28, XI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 6

[[Page 665]]

Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,       30, VII
     Office of
Surface Transportation Board                      49, X
Susquehanna River Basin Commission                18, VIII
Tennessee Valley Authority                        5, LXIX; 18, XIII
Trade Representative, United States, Office of    15, XX
Transportation, Department of                     2, XII; 5, L
  Commercial Space Transportation                 14, III
  Emergency Management and Assistance             44, IV
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 12
  Federal Aviation Administration                 14, I
  Federal Highway Administration                  23, I, II
  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration     49, III
  Federal Railroad Administration                 49, II
  Federal Transit Administration                  49, VI
  Maritime Administration                         46, II
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  23, II, III; 47, IV; 49, V
  Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety         49, I
       Administration
  Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation   33, IV
  Secretary of Transportation, Office of          14, II; 49, Subtitle A
  Transportation Statistics Bureau                49, XI
Transportation, Office of                         7, XXXIII
Transportation Security Administration            49, XII
Transportation Statistics Bureau                  49, XI
Travel Allowances, Temporary Duty (TDY)           41, 301
Treasury, Department of the                       2, X; 5, XXI; 12, XV; 17, 
                                                  IV; 31, IX
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau        27, I
  Community Development Financial Institutions    12, XVIII
       Fund
  Comptroller of the Currency                     12, I
  Customs and Border Protection                   19, I
  Engraving and Printing, Bureau of               31, VI
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 10
  Federal Claims Collection Standards             31, IX
  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center         31, VII
  Financial Crimes Enforcement Network            31, X
  Fiscal Service                                  31, II
  Foreign Assets Control, Office of               31, V
  Internal Revenue Service                        26, I
  Investment Security, Office of                  31, VIII
  Monetary Offices                                31, I
  Secret Service                                  31, IV
  Secretary of the Treasury, Office of            31, Subtitle A
Truman, Harry S. Scholarship Foundation           45, XVIII
United States Agency for Global Media             22, V
United States and Canada, International Joint     22, IV
     Commission
United States and Mexico, International Boundary  22, XI
     and Water Commission, United States Section
U.S. Copyright Office                             37, II
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation      43, III
     Commission
Veterans Affairs, Department of                   2, VIII; 38, I
  Federal Acquisition Regulation                  48, 8
Veterans' Employment and Training Service,        41, 61; 20, IX
     Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Vice President of the United States, Office of    32, XXVIII
Wage and Hour Division                            29, V
Water Resources Council                           18, VI
Workers' Compensation Programs, Office of         20, I, VII
World Agricultural Outlook Board                  7, XXXVIII

[[Page 667]]



List of CFR Sections Affected



All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that 
were made by documents published in the Federal Register since January 
1, 2016 are enumerated in the following list. Entries indicate the 
nature of the changes effected. Page numbers refer to Federal Register 
pages. The user should consult the entries for chapters, parts and 
subparts as well as sections for revisions.
For changes to this volume of the CFR prior to this listing, consult the 
annual edition of the monthly List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA). The 
LSA is available at www.govinfo.gov. For changes to this volume of the 
CFR prior to 2001, see the ``List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 
1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000'' published in 11 separate volumes. 
The ``List of CFR Sections Affected 1986-2000'' is available at 
www.govinfo.gov.

                                  2016

20 CFR
                                                                   81 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter V
603 Authority citation revised.....................................56333
603.2 (d) revised..................................................56333
603.5 (e) revised..................................................56333
603.6 (b)(8) added.................................................56333
615 Authority citation revised.....................................57778
615.1 Revised......................................................57778
615.2 Revised......................................................57778
615.3 Amended...............................................57778, 57781
615.4 (a) and (b) introductory text amended........................57778
615.7 (b)(3) added; (d) introductory text revised..................57781
615.8 (a) introductory text, (c) introductory text, (2), (d) 
        introductory text, (3), (4), (e) introductory text, (8), 
        (f)(1) introductory text, (ii), (4), (g)(1) and (5) 
        amended....................................................57778
    (e)(5)(iii), (f)(2)(i), (iii), (h)(3) and (4) amended..........57781
615.9 (d) amended..................................................57778
615.11 Revised.....................................................57781
615.12 (e) redesignated as (f); (d)(1), (2) and new (f) revised; 
        (d)(3) and new (e) added...................................57782
615.13 Revised.....................................................57783
615.14 (a)(1) through (4), (b) introductory text, (c)(1), (2), (3) 
        introductory text, (5), (6), (7)(i), (ii), (iii), (d)(1), 
        (2), (3) and (6) amended...................................57778
    (c)(4) revised.................................................57783
615.15 Revised.....................................................57783
620 Added..........................................................50302
651 Revised........................................................56333
652 Revised........................................................56337
653 Revised........................................................56341
654 Authority citation revised.....................................56349
654.400--654.417 (Subpart E) Revised...............................56349
655 Authority citation revised.....................................43448
    Authority citation corrected...................................48700
655.620 (a) revised................................................43448
655.801 (b) revised................................................43448
655.810 (b)(1) introductory text, (2) introductory text and (3) 
        introductory text revised..................................43448

                                  2017

20 CFR
                                                                   82 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter V
620 Removed........................................................21916
641 Authority citation revised; interim............................56880
641.100 Introductory text and (b) revised; interim.................56880
641.140 Amended....................................................56880

[[Page 668]]

641.200--641.240 (Subpart B) Revised; interim......................56881
641.300 Revised; interim...........................................56882
641.302 (f) and (g) revised; interim...............................56882
641.315 (a)(2) revised; interim....................................56882
641.320 (b) revised; interim.......................................56882
641.325 (c) through (f) revised; interim...........................56882
641.335 Revised; interim...........................................56882
641.365 (a) revised; interim.......................................56883
641.370 Added; interim.............................................56883
641.410 (c) revised; interim.......................................56883
641.500 Revised; interim...........................................56883
641.512 Revised; interim...........................................56883
641.535 (a)(2)(ii), (3)(i), and (7) revised; interim...............56883
641.540 (c) revised; interim.......................................56883
641.545 (a) revised; interim.......................................56883
641.565 (a)(1)(ii) revised; interim................................56883
641.630 Heading and (b)(2) revised; interim........................56884
641.700--641.750 (Subpart G) Revised; interim......................56884
641.827 (b) revised; interim.......................................56885
641.833 (a) revised; interim.......................................56886
641.850 (d) revised; interim.......................................56886
641.910 (d) revised; interim.......................................56886
641.920 (b) revised; interim.......................................56886
655.64 Added (temporary)...........................................32999
655.65 Added (temporary)...........................................32999
655.620 (a) amended.................................................5380
655.801 (b) amended.................................................5380
655.810 (b)(1) introductory text, (2) introductory text and (3) 
        introductory text amended...................................5380

                                  2018

20 CFR
                                                                   83 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter V
641.100 Regulation at 82 FR 56880 confirmed........................36417
641.140 Regulation at 82 FR 56880 confirmed........................36417
641.200--641.240 (Subpart B) Regulation at 82 FR 56881 confirmed 
                                                                   36417
641.300 Regulation at 82 FR 56882 confirmed........................36417
641.302 Regulation at 82 FR 56882 confirmed........................36417
641.315 Regulation at 82 FR 56882 confirmed........................36417
641.320 Regulation at 82 FR 56882 confirmed........................36417
641.325 Regulation at 82 FR 56882 confirmed........................36417
641.335 Regulation at 82 FR 56882 confirmed........................36417
641.365 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.370 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.410 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.500 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.512 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.535 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.540 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.545 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.565 Regulation at 82 FR 56883 confirmed........................36417
641.630 Regulation at 82 FR 56884 confirmed........................36417
641.700--641.750 (Subpart G) Regulation at 82 FR 56884 confirmed 
                                                                   36417
641.827 Regulation at 82 FR 56885 confirmed........................36417
641.833 Regulation at 82 FR 56886 confirmed........................36417
641.850 Regulation at 82 FR 56886 confirmed........................36417
641.910 Regulation at 82 FR 56886 confirmed........................36417
641.920 Regulation at 82 FR 56886 confirmed........................36417
655.64 Added (temporary)...........................................24918
655.66 Added (temporary)...........................................24918
655.620 (a) amended...................................................11
655.801 (b) amended...................................................11
655.810 (b)(1) introductory text, (2) introductory text and (3) 
        introductory text amended.....................................11

                                  2019

20 CFR
                                                                   84 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter V
620 Added..........................................................53051
655 Authority citation revised.....................................12431
655.19 (e)(1) revised..............................................62446
655.40 (b) revised.................................................62446
655.41 (a) revised.................................................62446

[[Page 669]]

655.42 Removed.....................................................62447
655.56 (c)(2)(ii) removed; (c)(2)(iii), (iv), and (v) redesignated 
        as new (c)(2)(ii), (iii), and (iv).........................62447
655.64 Added (temporary)...........................................20020
655.67 Added (temporary)...........................................20021
655.71 (c)(2) revised..............................................62447
655.143 (b)(3) and (4) revised; (b)(5) added.......................49456
655.151 Removed....................................................49457
655.152 Removed....................................................49457
655.161 (a) amended................................................49457
655.167 (c)(1)(ii) removed; (c)(1)(iii) and (iv) redesignated as 
        new (c)(1)(ii) and (iii)...................................49457
655.225 (d) removed; (e) redesignated as new (d)...................49457
655.400--655.499 (Subpart E) Added; interim........................12431
655.620 (a) amended..................................................217
655.801 (b) amended..................................................217
655.810 (b)(1) introductory text, (2) introductory text, and (3) 
        introductory text amended....................................217

                                  2020

20 CFR
                                                                   85 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter V
617 Authority citation revised.....................................51972
    Removed........................................................51972
    Appendices A, B, and C transferred to 618......................51972
618 Revised........................................................51972
    Appendices A, B, and C transferred from 617....................51972
641.900 (e) revised; eff. 4-20-20..................................13028
    (e) revised....................................................30614
641.920 (d)(5) revised; eff. 4-20-20...............................13028
    (d)(5) revised.................................................30614
645 Removed........................................................65694
651.10 Amended.......................................................625
652.204 Amended......................................................626
652.207 (b)(3) revised...............................................626
652.210 (b) introductory text revised................................626
652.215 Revised......................................................626
652.216 Revised......................................................626
653.102 Amended......................................................626
653.103 (c) and (d)..................................................626
653.107 (a)(1), (2) introductory text, (3), (4), (b) introductory 
        text, (2), (4)(iv), (5) through (11), and (c) revised; 
        (a)(6) added.................................................626
653.108 (b) introductory text, (2), (c), (d), (g)(2)(i)(D), (vii), 
        (3), (s)(2), (3), (9), and (11) revised; (g)(1), (2)(v), 
        (i), and (o) amended.........................................627
653.109 (c) revised..................................................628
653.111 Revised......................................................628
653.501 (a) introductory text, (c)(3)(vii), (d)(6), and (9) 
        revised......................................................628
653.502 (e)(2) revised...............................................628
653.503 (d) and (e) revised..........................................628
655 Authority citation revised.....................................63914
655.103 (b) amended................................................70477
655.120 (c) removed; (b) redesignated as new (c); new (b) added....70477
655.171 (a) and (b)(2) revised; eff. 4-20-20.......................13028
    (a) and (b)(2) revised.........................................30614
655.181 (b)(3) revised; eff. 4-20-20...............................13029
    (b)(3) revised.................................................30614
655.182 (f)(6) revised; eff. 4-20-20...............................13029
    (f)(6) revised.................................................30614
655.183 (c) revised; eff. 4-20-20..................................13029
    (c) revised....................................................30614
655.461 (e) revised; eff. 4-20-20..................................13029
    (e) revised....................................................30615
655.472 (b)(3) revised; eff. 4-20-20...............................13029
    (b)(3) revised.................................................30615
655.473 (f)(6) revised; eff. 4-20-20...............................13029
    (f)(6) revised.................................................30615
655.620 (a) amended.................................................2296
655.731 (a)(2)(ii) introductory text, (A), and (A)(2) revised; 
        interim....................................................63914
655.801 (b) amended.................................................2296
655.810 (b)(1) introductory text, (2) introductory text, and (3) 
        introductory text amended...................................2296
655.845 (h) and (i) revised; eff. 4-20-20..........................13029
    (h) and (i) revised............................................30615
656 Authority citation revised.....................................63915
656.27 (c) revised; eff. 4-20-20...................................13029
    (c) revised....................................................30615

[[Page 670]]

656.40 (a), (b)(2), and (3) revised; interim.......................63915

                                  2021

   (Regulations published from January 1, 2021, through April 1, 2021)

20 CFR
                                                                   86 FR
                                                                    Page
Chapter IV
501.3 (a), (b), (c)(2), (6), (f), and (h) revised...................1771
501.4 (e) removed...................................................1771
501.5 (c) and (f) revised...........................................1771
Chapter V
641.900 (d) and (e) revised.........................................1777
641.920 (d)(1) and (5) revised......................................1777
655 Authority citation revised......................................3672
655.61 (e) revised.....................................................4
    Regulation at 86 FR 4 withdrawn.................................7927
655.72 (b)(3) revised..................................................4
    Regulation at 86 FR 4 withdrawn.................................7927
655.73 (g)(6) revised..................................................4
    Regulation at 86 FR 4 withdrawn.................................7927
655.182 (f)(3) and (5)(i) revised...................................1778
655.473 (f)(3)(i) and (5)(i) revised................................1778
655.620 (a) amended.................................................2967
655.731 (a)(2)(ii) introductory text, (A) introductory text, and 
        (2) revised.................................................3672
    Regulation at 86 FR 3672 eff. date delayed to 5-14-21..........13995
655.801 (b) amended.................................................2967
655.810 (b)(1) introductory text, (2) introductory text, and (3) 
        introductory text amended...................................2967
655.845 (f) revised.................................................1778
655.1245 (f) revised................................................1778
656 Authority citation revised......................................3672
656.40 (a), (b)(2), and (3) revised.................................3672
    Regulation at 86 FR 3672 eff. date delayed to 5-14-21..........13995


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