DOL Freezes H-2A Fees: Employers Get Digital Payment Breather Soon

2026-06270 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Job Corps Health Questionnaire

The Department of Labor wants to keep using the Job Corps Health Questionnaire to learn about applicants’ medical needs. They’re asking for your thoughts on this paperwork by June 1, 2026, aiming to keep things simple and clear without extra hassle. This helps make sure Job Corps can support students’ health while keeping paperwork light and easy.

2026-06324 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting feedback from Job Corps students to make their centers better. They’re asking for your thoughts on this plan by June 1, 2026, to keep paperwork light and easy. This helps ensure students’ voices are heard without wasting time or money.

2026-05683 — Agency Information Collection Activities for Application for Prevailing Wage Determination; Comment Request

The Department of Labor wants to keep using its forms for employers to request wage info for foreign workers, but they’re asking for your thoughts before extending the approval. No changes to the forms, so no new costs or hassles, just a chance to speak up by May 26, 2026. This helps keep paperwork easy and clear for businesses hiring workers from other countries.

2026-05700 — Revised Schedule of Remuneration for the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) Program That Reflects the Military Pay Increase Effective

Starting January 1, 2026, military veterans filing for unemployment benefits under the UCX program will see updated pay rates that match the new military pay raise. This change helps states calculate benefits more accurately when official military discharge papers aren’t available. If you’re an ex-servicemember filing a first claim after this date, your benefits could reflect these higher pay rates!

2026-05204 — Agency Information Collection Activities for H-2B Foreign Labor Certification Program; Comment Request

The Department of Labor wants to update and renew the forms used in the H-2B Foreign Labor Certification Program, which helps employers hire temporary non-agricultural workers from other countries. They plan to get rid of one form that’s no longer needed to make things easier and reduce paperwork. Employers and the public can send their thoughts by May 18, 2026, so changes can be smooth and less costly.

2025-12910 — Labor Certification Process for the Temporary Employment of Foreign Workers in Agriculture in the United States: Adverse Effect Wage Rate Updates for Non-Range Occupations

The Department of Labor just updated the minimum wages that farmers must pay temporary foreign farm workers (H-2A workers) for certain jobs outside livestock herding. These new wage rates help protect U.S. workers by making sure everyone gets fair pay. The changes kick in soon and affect employers hiring seasonal farm workers across various states.

Previous: 2025-14509 — Request for Comments on the Renewal of a Previously Approved Collection: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Alumni Survey

MARAD wants to renew its US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Survey with some small updates like removing gender questions and updating salary ranges. This affects USMMA grads who might see clearer, more relevant questions. They’re asking for public feedback before moving forward, with no big cost changes or delays expected.

Next: 2025-14511 — Pesticides: Notice of Receipt of Requests To Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations With a 180-Day Comment Period (June 2025)

The EPA got requests from companies to cancel some pesticide products and wants your thoughts before deciding. If approved, these pesticides will no longer be sold or used after the 180-day comment period ends in late 2025. This affects farmers, sellers, and anyone using these pesticides, so keep an eye on the deadlines to avoid surprises or money loss.