Labor Surplus Spots Named: Perks for FY 2026 Hiring

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.

2025-14510 — Temporary Suspension of H-2A Certification Fees

Starting September 2, 2025, the Department of Labor is pausing H-2A certification fees to switch from paper checks to electronic payments. Employers applying for H-2A temporary work visas won’t have to pay fees during this break, but any bills sent before the pause still need to be paid on time. This change makes paying easier and more modern, with updates coming later on when fees start again.

Previous: 2025-19135 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; High-Voltage Continuous Mining Machines Standards for Underground Coal Mines

The Department of Labor wants to update rules about high-voltage mining machines used underground in coal mines. This affects miners and mine operators by making sure safety info is collected properly and efficiently. They’re asking for public feedback soon, so everyone has a chance to weigh in before any changes happen.

Next: 2025-19137 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Displaced Worker, Job Tenure, and Occupational Mobility Supplement to CPS

The Department of Labor is asking for approval to keep collecting info about workers who lost jobs, how long people stay in jobs, and how they move between occupations. This helps understand job trends and affects workers, employers, and policymakers. The review process is happening now, so stay tuned for updates and possible changes that won’t cost extra money.