Several recent and proposed changes to U.S. immigration procedures could have significant practical implications for employers and visa holders. Here are some developments to watch: More USCIS filings may move online: USCIS has finalized an interim final rule,...
Immigration attorneys across the country are reporting a concerning trend: ICE has reportedly detained certain noncitizens while they traveling on domestic flights at U.S. airports. Recent reports have come from multiple airports, including Newark (EWR) and San...
On May 11, 2026, USCIS published a new interim final rule addressing how the agency will handle immigration filings containing invalid signatures. The rule becomes effective for filings received by USCIS on or after July 10, 2026. Under the new rule, if USCIS later...
Recent reporting indicates that the U.S. Department of State has issued internal guidance instructing consular officers to ask all nonimmigrant visa applicants two new questions during visa interviews: Whether the applicant has experienced harm or mistreatment in...
On March 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would significantly change how government-set “prevailing wages” are calculated for key employment-based immigration programs. The rule would directly affect...
On January 30, 2026, USCIS announced the dates for the upcoming H-1B visa cap registration window. The window will open at noon ET (9am PT) on Wednesday March 4, 2026 and will close at noon ET (9am PT) on Thursday March 19, 2026. The registration fee will remain $215....
The Department of State (“DOS”) announced it will expand screening and vetting for all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents beginning December 15, 2025. Consular officers will review the online presence of all visa applicants, including any social media, to...
Update 7/29/2026: On July 24, 2026, the District Court's order overturning the $100,000 fee was upheld by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The fee is currently, and as of the date of this writing, not in effect. USCIS has indicated that it will follow the Court's...
Update: December 23, 2025 On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the proposed changes to the H-1B cap selection system in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) discussed below would become the subject of a final rule,...
