On October 6, 2006, the U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") issued a new regulation which extends the time frame during which employers can opt to convert pending labor certification applications that were filed as a "traditional" application with the DOL and which are now pending at DOL Backlog Elimination Centers (BECs) to a Reduction in Recruitment (RiR) format. We are evaluating the regulation and providing employers with advice about the possible advantages and disadvantages of RiR conversion in the wake of this just issued regulation. For a more detailed analysis of the new regulation please click here.