Starting March 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration will delete H-1B visa applications and related records older than five years from the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. This action aligns with the National Archives and Records Administration's guidelines for data retention.

Employers and applicants should download any pertinent records before their deletion dates to maintain compliance and ensure access to necessary documentation. The deletion process is part of broader reforms by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to enhance the H-1B visa program's transparency and efficiency. Notably, the USCIS is introducing measures to prevent duplicate applications by selecting beneficiaries rather than applications, thereby promoting fairness in the selection process.

Additionally, a new electronic registration system will require employers to register candidates online before filing complete H-1B petitions, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork. The registration fee will also increase from $10 to $215 per entry, prompting employers to be more selective in their sponsorship decisions.

These changes aim to create a more equitable and efficient H-1B visa application process, ensuring that all applicants have an equal opportunity while maintaining the integrity of the system.