When and Where to File

The application package must be received at least 45 calendar days before the first day you need the workers to the:

U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Foreign Labor Certification
Chicago National Processing Center
Chicago, IL
Attention: H2A Program Unit

For Emergency Filings ONLY: You may file your H‐2A application less than 45 calendar days before you need the workers only in the following circumstances: If you are either filing for the first‐time or have a need for workers that could not be foreseen, you must file an emergency H‐2A application concurrently with the Chicago NPC and the SWA; or, If the SWA did not accept your job order or respond in a timely manner, you only need to submit the emergency H‐2A application to the Chicago NPC.