Two recent federal court decisions have temporarily halted significant immigration policies and could provide relief for employers and foreign nationals with affected cases. $100,000 H-1B Visa Payment Requirement Struck Down On June 8, 2026, a federal district court...
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,...
Update: USCIS has issued new Policy Manual guidance on the public charge ground of inadmissibility, and generally expanding the scope of inquiry, effective September 18, 2026, along with a revised edition of the Form I-485 required for filings as of September 18....
On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memo addressing how officers should exercise their discretion when adjudicating Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications (Form I‑485) filed within the United States. Historically,...
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...
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....
June 12, 2026 update: On June 12, 2026, USCIS posted that it would comply with the court order and that any related policy memos "should be treated as if they are not in effect." June 9, 2026 update: In a June 5, 2026 decision, a federal court concluded that USCIS...
On October 16, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began assessing and collecting a $1,000 parole fee pursuant to its announcement in the Federal Register. Unless an exception applies (see below), the parole fee will attach when a foreign national’s parole...
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...
