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26 Mar 2026

NewsFlash! DOL Proposes Significant Hike to Prevailing Wages for H1B, H1B1, E-3, and PERM

Tomorrow, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register that proposes to dramatically increase the prevailing wage levels used in the H1B, H1B1, E-3, and PERM labor certification programs. The NPRM is titled "Improving Wage...

10:49 / Employment Based / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Legislation / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News / Worker
26 Mar 2026

CBP Preclearance Now Available at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Effective March 10, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance operations have launched at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) in downtown Toronto. U.S.-bound travelers departing from this airport now will complete U.S. immigration and customs inspection before boarding in Canada. Once they arrive...

00:20 / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker
24 Mar 2026

I have a pending I-485 application for adjustment of status and decided not to renew my H1B and to switch to my EAD. Am I still in an immigration status?

Answer A pending I-485 application alone does not grant an immigration status but instead places the applicant in a period of authorized stay, which means the applicant can be present in the United States without accruing unlawful presence. (25.Mar.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

22:51 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker
24 Mar 2026

I am now eligible to file for adjustment of status based on the dates-for-filing chart (Chart B) and my spouse and children will be applying with me. Will filing based on Chart B lock in my child’s age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)?

Answer As of 08.Aug.2025, the USCIS rescinded the policy that allows a child’s age calculation under the CSPA to be based on Chart B. Since then, only the final-action chart (Chart A) is used to calculate a child’s age under the CSPA. (25.Mar.2026)Sheela Murthy and other...

22:47 / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident
18 Mar 2026

April 2026 Visa Bulletin

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the April 2026 Visa Bulletin. There is some substantial forward movement, especially for unlisted countries of chargeability. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin Summary Employment-Based, First...

10:47 / EB5 Investor / Employment Based / For Employers / For Individuals / Investor / NewsBrief / Resident / Visa Bulletin
18 Mar 2026

My H-4 EAD renewal is still pending and my current EAD will expire soon. Because of processing delays, my work authorization may be interrupted, and I will need to stop working. Can I file a writ of mandamus lawsuit to force USCIS to adjudicate my H-4 EAD application?

Answer This may be an option provided that the H-4 EAD renewal has been pending for longer than what a court might consider reasonable. (17.Mar.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access...

06:16 / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Nonimmigrant Family / USCIS News / Worker
18 Mar 2026

I am from a country subject to the travel ban / visa pause, and my U.S. citizen spouse would like to sponsor me for a green card. Is there an exception to the travel ban for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens?

Answer The initial travel ban established by Presidential Proclamation 10949 for certain high-risk countries included a categorical exception for immediate family members of U.S. citizens. However, the subsequently issued Presidential Proclamation 10998 that halted visa processing for an expanded list of countries removed that categorical exception...

06:11 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / Worker
18 Mar 2026

Our company is trying to determine the correct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for an employee’s H1B petition. Do the employee’s own degree credentials factor into this analysis?

Answer Typically not, as occupational classifications are determined based on the job duties and other details of the position, independent of the particular employee’s credentials. (17.Mar.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here....

06:06 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker