USCIS Clarifies Immigration Re
On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published updated policy guidance within USCIS Policy Manual Volume 6 (PDF, 309.13 KB), detailing the impact of the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system introduced by the U.S. Department of Labor on the processing of immigration visa petitions for professional athletes. This update aims to ensure USCIS adjudicators have comprehensive information to swiftly and accurately determine eligibility for immigrant benefits.
**Regarding Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker:** Petitioners must demonstrate that both the alien beneficiary and the offered position meet the requested classification criteria. Notably, since June 1, 2023, electronically submitted petitions for H-1B and O-1 visas related to professional athletes through FLAG do not include details of the minimum job requirements. Consequently, contracts for professional athletes must incorporate this necessary information.
**Note:** Updates must clearly reflect changes implemented following the FLAG system’s introduction.
**Other Immigration Terms:**
– **H-1B**: Specialty Occupation Visa
– **O-1**: Extraordinary Ability Visa
This ensures adherence to legal terminology while enhancing readability and formal tone.
Source: USCIS