With Winter Storm Fern wreaking havoc, you can check the USCIS website to see if your Application Support Center for biometrics or USCIS field office for interview has closed for inclement weather. More info....
A USCIS interim final rule on R-1 religious workers has been filed for public inspection in the Federal Register. DHS/USCIS issue this rule to remove the 1-yr abroad requirement for R-1 religious workers at their max stay. This would allow their return to the U.S. sooner...
DOS has reportedly ordered visa processing to freeze in 75 countries as of 21.Jan.2026 while the consulates revise vetting processes. India does not appear to be on the list. Detailed article to come....
It’s time to plan for the H1B lottery for all foreign national employees, no matter their country of birth. With long processing times and a backlogged Visa Bulletin, many F-1 students risk running out of time to pursue a green card while staying in status....
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a public statement on December 23, 2025, re the H1B weighted selection process. The final rule makes the new process effective Feb. 27, 2026. That means, it will be in place for the FY 2027 H-1B...
USCIS now requires immigration-document photos to be no more than 3 years old and no longer accepts self-submitted photos. Only USCIS or authorized providers’ photos will be used – a shift aimed at tightening identity verification and reducing fraud across key forms like the I-90,...
DHS is terminating all Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for nationals of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, & Honduras. Parole will return to case-by-case review, with current FRP paroles ending 14.Jan.2026 unless a Form I-485 was filed by 15.Dec.2025. Employment authorization tied to...
USCIS has released a draft of Form I-140G, for the proposed “Gold Card” immigrant program. The form and instructions have been posted online, offering a first look at how the program may be structured and what will be required. Stay tuned for official guidance once...
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....
