U.S. DOL Issues Strict Guidance: English Proficiency Required for Foreign Commercial Drivers

Washington, May 18, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued new guidance reinforcing the mandatory English language proficiency requirement for foreign workers seeking to operate commercial motor vehicles in the United States.

In a set of detailed FAQs released on May 14, 2026, the DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) reminded employers of their obligations when sponsoring foreign nationals for roles involving commercial driving under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

U.S. DOL: English proficiency required for foreign commercial drivers starting June 13, 2026.

Key Takeaways from the DOL Guidance

• All operators of commercial motor vehicles in the U.S. must demonstrate English language proficiency as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

• Employers sponsoring foreign workers through labor certification programs must explicitly include this English proficiency requirement in their applications.

• Failure to meet this standard will result in the DOL issuing a Notice of Deficiency, halting the processing of the labor certification application until corrections are made.

• Screening and testing for English proficiency remains the responsibility of the FMCSA, while the Department of State conducts separate proficiency assessments during visa interviews.

The five-page FAQ document aims to ensure full compliance and prevent mismatches between labor certification approvals and actual visa eligibility.

Implementation Timeline

To give employers and stakeholders sufficient time to adjust, the DOL has delayed full implementation of the new FAQs by 30 days. The guidance will take full effect on June 13, 2026.

Why This Matters

Commercial truck drivers, bus operators, and other commercial vehicle roles have seen increasing demand for foreign workers amid ongoing labor shortages in the U.S. logistics and transportation sectors. The new guidance serves as a clear reminder that English proficiency is not optional — it is a legal safety requirement designed to ensure clear communication on the road, at weigh stations, during inspections, and in emergency situations.

Immigration attorneys and compliance experts recommend that employers immediately review and update their job descriptions, recruitment materials, and PERM labor certification applications to explicitly state the English language proficiency requirement.

Broader Context

This move aligns with broader efforts by U.S. agencies to strengthen safety standards while managing skilled labor immigration. It particularly affects H-2B, EB-3, and certain other visa categories used for commercial drivers.

Foreign workers and sponsoring companies should ensure that candidates possess verifiable English skills sufficient to understand highway signs, communicate with authorities, and handle documentation — all critical for safe commercial vehicle operation.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, and compliance requirements on U.S. work visas, labor certification (PERM), and transportation sector immigration rules, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa