Labor announces new procedures for hiring international employees The US Department of Labor (DOL) recently changed its procedures to obtain a prevailing wage determination required for all H-1B employment visa petitions. This includes initial H-1B requests and extensions for UND faculty and staff. The new DOL requirements added two months to the process. It is important for hiring officials to begin the H-1B visa process with the Office of International Programs early in the hiring process. A routine H-1B takes 6.5 to 7.5 months to obtain from the Department of Homeland Security. An expedited H-1B takes up to four months. Homeland Security charges an additional $1,000 for the expedited service. If you have any questions, contact William Young. -- William Young, Associate Director, International Programs, williamyoung@mail.und.edu, 777-3935