PERM Processing Times Update: November 2025
The Department of Labor has resumed processing Prevailing Wage and Labor Certification applications for temporary and permanent employment in the US. The FLAG system is no accessible and permits system users to prepare and submit new applications as well as submit and receive information associated with applications pending final determination. The DOL anticipates increased […]
Client Alert: EAD Automatic Extension
The Department of Homeland Security has announced an interim final rule ending the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents for aliens filing renewal applications in certain employment authorization categories. Aliens who file to renew their EAD on or after Oct. 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD. The USCIS and […]
USCIS Guidance on Trump $100,000 H-1B Fee Proclamation
Extensions, Amendments and Change of Status H-1B Filings Exempted The USCIS has clarified on October 20, 2025, regarding who will be subject to the new $100,000 fee for an H-1B visa as per the Presidential Executive Proclamation of September 19, 2025. While the guidance provides clarifications for most instances, it still leaves some aspects unclear. […]
November 2025 Visa Bulletin
The November 2025 visa bulletin has been published. USCIS will be accepting cases in November based on dates for filing, not on final action, for employment-based cases. There are no changes from the October 2025 Visa Bulletin. Dates for Filing No changes at all. Final Action No changes at all.
Lawsuit Challenges New H-1B Fee Imposed by Presidential Proclamation
Following the release of the Presidential Proclamation on September 19, 2025, Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, a joint lawsuit has been filed in California challenging the legality of the Proclamation and requesting the Court to set aside enforcement and implementation of certain sections. The Proclamation restricts the entry of foreign nationals to perform […]
Senators Grassley and Durbin Introduce Bi-Partisan H-1B and L-1 Reform Bill
Dramatic Changes Envisioned to H-1B and L-1 Programs Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) reintroduced legislation, with bipartisan support, to reform the H-1B and L-1 visa programs. In preparation for the introduction of the legislation, the Senators have written to 10 major employers in the United States (including […]
Government Shutdown Update
The U.S. federal government has shut down as of October 1, 2025, after failing to pass a funding appropriations bill for the 2026 fiscal year. We expect Immigration operations to be impacted as follows: Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): USCIS will continue to process applications and petitions for immigration benefits, […]
Proposed H-1B Lottery Selection Process
On September 23rd, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published an “unofficial” version of its proposed rule for the selection of applications for the FY2027 H Cap, entitled “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap.” This new rule will seek to revamp the process by which H-1B applications are selected […]
Trump H-1B Proclamation. Project Firewall
Uncertainty Reigns on New Initiatives President Trump’s Proclamation of a national emergency brought on by H-1B workers and a resultant $100,000 fee starting on September 21, 2025, has left a certain level of confusion in its wake. The original Proclamation seemed to target those who were outside the United States with the $100,000 fee but […]
Political Showdown May Lead to Government Shutdown on October 1, 2025
Political uncertainty on Capitol Hill may lead to a government shutdown starting on October 1, 2025. To prepare for this eventuality our recommendation to our Clients are as follows: IMMEDIATELY, submit Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) for all extension cases projected to be filed in the next two to three months. File multi-slot headquarters based LCAs […]