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22 Sep 2026

I recently attended my H1B visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. The consular officer mentioned that my social media might need to be reviewed, but did not clearly explain whether anything else was needed. My CEAC status now says “Refused,” even though I have received H1B visas before. Does this mean my visa will not be issued?

Answer Not necessarily. When checking a case on CEAC, the status may show only “Issued” or “Refused,” without distinguishing between a refusal that requires additional processing and a refusal that is based on another ground of ineligibility. Thus, a “Refused” status may reflect a refusal under...

09:33 / Consulates / FAQs / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
15 Sep 2026

I have an arrest or criminal record and will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. What should I consider before traveling?

Answer Any arrest, charge, or conviction can complicate a nonimmigrant visa application, although a criminal record does not automatically make every applicant inadmissible. The result depends on the offense, criminal statute, disposition, sentence, and other facts. If a criminal ground of inadmissibility applies, the applicant may...

11:07 / Consulates / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Worker
15 Sep 2026

NewsFlash! Court Postpones Effective Date of Rule Ending Duration of Status

A federal district court in Massachusetts has postponed the effective date of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule that would eliminate the duration-of-status (D/S) framework for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and certain I nonimmigrants. The rule, titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period...

06:56 / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Legislation / NewsBrief / Student / USCIS News / Worker
01 Sep 2026

Possible Changes to H-4 Spouse Employment Authorization

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a proposal that could significantly affect certain H-4 dependent spouses of H1B nonimmigrant workers. Listed under Regulatory Information Number 1615-AD14, the proposal would eliminate the regulatory basis for eligible H-4 spouses to request employment authorization under the...

13:41 / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
22 Aug 2026

September 2026 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the September 2026 Visa Bulletin. Cutoff dates across the employment-based and family-based categories generally hold steady from August 2026, with no forward movement or retrogression this month, but the DOS continues to caution that retrogression, or categories...

11:10 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News / Visa Bulletin
18 Aug 2026

NewsFlash! USCIS Issues Sweeping New Public Charge Guidance Effective September 18, 2026

On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued extensive new policy guidance explaining how the agency will apply the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The guidance implements the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) final rule published on July 20, 2026, which...

15:33 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News