USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to reduce maximum EAD validity for numerous categories, including refugees, asylees, TPS holders, parolees, and applicants for asylum or adjustment. Most will drop from 5 years to 18 months, and some to 1 year. More frequent vetting, more renewals....
The U.S. Department of State will expand online presence reviews to all H-1B and H-4 applicants starting 15.Dec.2025. Applicants must set all social media profile privacy settings to “public” for the vetting process. More here....
USCIS is halting all pending asylum applications & benefit requests from individuals tied to the 19 “high risk” countries listed in PP 10949. Agency will re-review past approvals, require interviews, & reassess national security vetting across the board. Read more....
The O*NET framework has been revamped: The old 5 “Job Zones” are being replaced by a 4-level structure. Entry-level roles that once fell under Zone 1 or 2 are now grouped into a unified “Job Zone 1-2” to reflect rapidly rising skill and training requirements....
USCIS will consider negative, country-specific factors when vetting foreign nationals from 19 high-risk countries for discretionary benefits, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10949....
Murthy Law Firm Managing Attorney Adam Rosen shared his insights on the $100K H1B fee with The Economic Times, India....
DHS is proposing rule to expand biometrics collection that would require biometrics from anyone regardless of age, expand DNA collection, use, & storage, allow collection upon arrest, and modify how VAWA and T visa applicants demonstrate good moral character. Public comments can be submitted once...
USCIS is issuing RFEs for the new $100K H1B fee - sometimes in error. Employers may not always be subject to the fee when USCIS says so. Don’t panic, plan. Talk to your attorney about your options on how to respond to the RFE....
Have a valid Advance Parole? USCIS may send you an Immigration Parole Fee Notice. REMEMBER if you are an applicant for adjustment of status & returning to the U.S. after temporary trip abroad, the fee does not apply....
DHS ending EAD auto-extensions for most renewal applications received on & after 30.Oct.2025, with limited exceptions (e.g., TPS). Timely file your renewals (up to 180 days early) to avoid work authorization gaps. Read more....
