FOIA Success - Labor file received from DOL

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atlantabhopali

Registered Users (C)
Hi All,

Hope everybody had a great thanksgiving.

I did not have a copy of my Labor file, and required the same for filing AC-21. The options were to either file FOIA request for the file with BCIS or FOIA with Dept of Labor. I chose to file with DOL as (a) it takes lesser time to process (b) no forms to fill - a simple letter is sufficient (c) can talk with a live person (FOIA officer) who is responsible to process the actual request, and hence knows what is going on.

The process was simple:
(a) Called 1-877-US-2JOBS and ask for the FOIA officer/regional DOL numbers.
(b) Called regional FOIA officer to confirm what was required to file such a request. She required only a simple, non-notarized letter stating that I need copies of everything in the file and am the beneficiary.
(c) Sent the letter on Oct 20th and received the file on Nov 21st.

DOL sent me copies of all the forms filled by my employer/myself during labor and a copy of the labor approval letter they had originally sent to my employer. While they did not provide the actual ETA-750s, the provided forms have job description, code, offered salary, prevailing wage, etc - basically all information required to file AC-21.

All free of charge and no lawyer help required.

cheers

-ab
 
Could you please clarify my questions

Hello Altanta Bhopali,

I also require a copy of the labor certification. As advised by you, I did call the toll free number and asked for a FOIA person. But they didn't have any FOIA person.

Exactly what did you ask when you called the toll free number- Ask for a FOIA person in your regional ETA or ask for labor certifying person in your regional ETA.

Do you have a format of the request letter that you had sent ( like to whom the letter was addressed and what was the content) and where did you sent this letter to (regional ETA?)?

Thank you so much.

SN
 
SN,

The toll free number would give u the numbers for ur local and regional DOL. Then, you would need to call the regional DOL and ask for the FOIA officer there.

The letter I sent was as follows:

<Your Name>
<Your Address>
<Your Email>
<Your Phone>

Date: XX/YY/ZZ

Attention: FOIA Officer
US Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
Address 1
City, State, Zipcode

Subject: FOIA request for Labor Certification (green card) case file

Dear FOIA Officer,

This is to request a copy of my entire labor certification case file, as provided under the FOIA law. I especially require the job description, salary, prevailing wage, DOT/O’ NET job code, job title, and/or job locations, as and if mentioned in the file.

I, <your name>, am the beneficiary of a labor certification (green card) filed by <Sponsoring Employer Name>. For verification purpose, my date of birth is <Ur DOB> and <Sponsoring Employer's Name> address mentioned on the file would be <Sponsoring Employer's Address>. The case was filed around <Approx Date if you know it> and was certified in <Approx Date if you know it>. Unfortunately, I do not have the exact dates.

Please send me the copy of the entire case file. I agree to pay any charges associated with such a request. I also affirm under the penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the United States of America that the information provided in this letter is correct. Please feel free to reach me at <Ur phone> for any further information.

Sincerely,


<Your Name/Signature>
 
Tahnk You Atlantabhopali

Thanks a lot Atlantabhopali. I really appreciate you taking the effort to write in detail about the letter.


SN
 
Will employer know if one gets copy as you mentioned above.
Do we need I-140 copy also for filing AC21. If so how to get that.
 
question

Could you please let me know which Reigonal office have you contacted.

thanks,

taipai :eek:
 
Hi atlantabhopali,
I am in process of changing jobs and do not have any labour related documents.
I tried following your steps but to no use so far.
Every time I called Chicago regional office I was transferred to the officers who approve the labour cases. And they refused to share anything about labour processing.
Do mind sharing the telephone number and the name of person you contacted ( if its not a problem )?

Thanks
 
Tried sending the info in pm to you, but it was not activated. Let me know if u can activate it and i will send the info to you thru pm.
 
I too Need the information Given Above

AtlantaBhopali,
Could you do the same for me too what you did for dec0226. Thanks

FastShipperNJ
 
FOIA Success!

I am happy to share info. here that I got each and every document which is there with BCIS belongs to my case. But it took 90 days to get response from VSC.
 
longwait,

congrats on getting ur file. It would be helpful for the board members if you can post here the details like:

1. Cover letter u wrote to the service center (please attach a word doc if you can)
2. Form that filled in (please attach a sample pdf if you can)
3. Address you sent it to.
4. Info on fees paid if any
5. Other info that you might think would be helpful for others planning to go the Service Center Route.

It is good to see that people are being able to get their docs thru both, DOL (approx 20-30 days) as well as USCIS (3 months), using FOIA. Atleast something's working :)

- atlantabhopali
 
Hi Longwait,
Can you share the information with me. You may send private message to me , if you prefer that .
Thanks
 
Hi Longwait/sn99,
Can you share the information with me. You may send private message to me , if you prefer that .


thanks!!
 
Hi ,
Can anyone of you share the information with me, how to get documents from Vermont center. You can send me a private message , if you prefer that .


thanks!!
 
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