The SEA Summer Strategy Session and Retreat, hosted by Labor Consultants International, will bring together SEA Leadership and the leading H-2B strategists.
At this meeting we will reflect on lessons learned from 2023 and go over the various cap relief scenarios for 2024 to put you in the best position to get your workers. With DOL’s persistent processing issues, it is imperative that you have a strategy that takes this into account. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to network with the most engaged employers and H-2B program agents/facilitators.
What: 2023 SEA Summer Strategy Session and Retreat
When: August 20 – 23, 2023
Where: Coeur D’Alene Resort
Coeur D’Alene, Idaho (35 miles from Spokane, WA airport)
The room block at Coeur D’Alene Resort is sold out. We have secured a room block at the nearby Staybridge Suites. Click here to reserve your hotel room.
Meeting Registration: $350 meeting registration fee includes welcome dinner, breakfast, lunch and lake cruise. Click link below to register.
Tentative Agenda:
Sunday, August 20th
- Fly into Spokane
- Welcome reception at Terry Forrester’s hanger
Monday, August 21st
Morning: Strategy Session
Welcome and Recap of FY 2023
Speaker: Gray Delany
- How many visas were issued in 2023, 1st half vs. 2nd half, Northern Central America visa issuances
- When caps were met, start dates who got workers in each allotment
- DOL processing timeline
Expectations for FY 2024
Speaker: Gray Delany, Debra Dixon, Cristina Antelo, Stephen Replogle
- Review of anticipated cap relief language (unlimited NCA, anticipated DHS discretionary visa release, appropriations language scenarios, outlook for permanent fix)
- Graham/Padilla bill update
- DOL processing demand for October 1st applications and what that means for additional 1st half cap relief visa availability
Are NCA workers a viable option?
Speakers: Triple H Services, Highland Turf, Gallegos Masonry, SEA member agents/processors with NCA experience
- 2023 overview (demand, timelines, country comparison)
- Comparison in timing for 1st half vs 2nd half requests.
- CGI/Atlas/Travel Docs issues, and replacement for 2024?
- Quality of workers (have some large employers speak on the worker’s ability compared to new workers from Mexico, try to obtain Resignation/AWOL, absoncions, term rates from LCI, PES, MAS, etc)
Mitigating and Preparing for DOL Processing Delays:
Speaker: Luke Hettinger
- Review of the early demand at DOL for FY2024, and expectations for cap relief (quantity and timing). This would include when 1st half cap is expected to be met, when additional visas would be made available, and when those visas will be exhausted.
- Discussion of DOL registration and potential impact on changing need from 2023 certification to a new start date for 2024.
- Availability of NCA workers as a back-up to returning workers.
- Expected DOL 2024 processing timeline, projection for 2024 requested start dates
DOL/USCIS/State “Case Studies” discussion: Examples of department issues from 2023. What were the issues, what steps did we take to resolve them and what was the resolution?
Speakers: SEA member agents
- DOL Case Studies:
- How to address changes in start date/number of workers?
- How long before you request an update on an outstanding case (and best method)?
- When should I involve SEA?
- USCIS Case Studies:
- USCIS revoked my application due to an error, how can I fix it?
- USCIS made a mistake on my approval, what can I do to fix it?
- USCIS entered my approval in PIMS incorrectly. Who can fix it?
- DOS Case Studies:
- Visa printing issues
- Wrong consulate listed on petition
- Consulate says visas have been issued for all positions on petition when in fact they have not
Q & A Session
Analysis of Graham/Padilla legislation
Speaker: Leon Sequeira
- Cap impact analysis
- Preparing for new fees, audits and regulations
Looking Ahead
- Presidential Election in 2024
- SEPAC Fundraiser
Afternoon: Free time
Evening lake cruise
Tuesday, August 22nd
- Recreation day
- Golf outing at Coeur D’Alene Resort.
- Fly Fishing lesson with ROW Outfitters on the North Fork of the Coeur D’Alene River.
- Kayaking on the Coeur D’Alene River or Lake Coeur D’Alene.
Wednesday, August 23rd
- Depart