PERM Processing Times Update: August 1, 2025
PERM Applications As of August 1, 2025, the Department of Labor is conducting Analyst Reviews of PERM applications filed on or before April 2024 and is now reviewing Reconsideration Requests to the Certifying Officers that were appealed on or before June 2025. The DOL has not provided a priority date related to Audit Reviews. Please […]
Important change to CSPA age calculation starting Aug. 15, 2025
Important update from USCIS that could impact some dependent children in family- and employment-based immigration cases. This is about the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) – which is the rule that helps certain kids avoid “aging out” when they turn 21 before their green card process is complete. So, what’s changing? • Right now (Feb. […]
Important Update: Proposed Rule to Replace “Duration of Status” for F, J, and I Visa Holders
On August 7, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completed its review of a proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to end “duration of status” (D/S) for certain nonimmigrants. Currently, most F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and I visa holders are admitted for […]
BREAKING NEWS: White House clears H-1B weighted selection rule, lottery could be out.
A sweeping overhaul of the H-1B visa process is now poised to move forward after clearing a key White House review. Instead of the current lottery system, visas will be awarded by wage levels, prioritizing higher-paid roles. What just happened On August 8, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) signed off on a […]
Important Update: New U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program – Effective August 20, 2025
On August 5, 2025, the Department of State announced a one-year Visa Bond Pilot Program. Starting August 20, 2025, some B-1 (business visitor) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants from certain countries will be required to post a refundable bond before a visa is issued. Who’s affected right now? Countries in the pilot as of August […]
Client Alert: New Family-Based Immigrant Policy Alert
On August 1, 2025, USCIS issued new guidance stating that family-based petitions will soon be subject to higher levels of scrutiny and vetting. The new guidance is meant to help USCIS officers determine whether an applicant is eligible for the sought immigration benefits. The update also provides officers with more clarity regarding procedural matters, such […]
Update to the Visa Interview Waiver Program – July 25, 2025
The US Department of State has released an update on its Visa Interview Waiver program which supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025. Effective September 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants will generally require an in-person interview with a Consular Officer with the following exceptions: A-1 or A-2 Diplomats, Foreign Government officials and […]
FY2026 H1B CAP REACHED
Please note that as of July 18, 2025, USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the H-1B visa cap. This includes both the regular cap and the Master’s cap. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the CAP: Extensions for current H-1B workers Change of terms of employment for […]
PERM Processing Times Update: July 14, 2025
PERM Applications As of July 1, 2025, the Department of Labor is conducting Analyst Reviews of PERM applications filed on or before March 2024 and is now reviewing Reconsideration Requests to the Certifying Officers that were appealed on or before May 2025. The DOL has not provided a priority date related to Audit Reviews. Please […]
USCIS to Implement New Fees
On July 11, 2025, USCIS announced that it will be implementing new fees for certain immigration benefits. While it is not clear whether the fees will be increased or decreased, this announcement is most likely indicative of higher fees. Per the USCIS announcement, “USCIS will soon begin to collect new fees for certain immigration […]