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27 Oct 2026

My application under the company’s blanket L approval was denied at the consulate. Can the employer still file an individual L-1 petition with USCIS?

Answer Generally, yes. A blanket L refusal does not necessarily prevent the employer from filing an individual Form I-129 petition with USCIS. The individual petition should address the concerns raised during the blanket application and include detailed evidence establishing each L-1 requirement. (27.Oct.2026) Sheela Murthy and other...

10:42 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
21 Oct 2026

Preparing for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview

A consular interview is an important step for many applicants seeking a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Procedures and questions vary by visa category and consular post, but preparation can help applicants to present accurate information about their travel plans and qualifications. This article explains what to...

15:55 / Consulates / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker
20 Oct 2026

I am in TN status and my employer plans to start a green card case for me. Will the immigrant petition automatically cancel my TN status?

Answer No. The filing of a PERM labor certification or Form I-140 does not terminate valid TN status. However, TN classification requires temporary intent, and an immigrant filing can create complications during visa issuance, admission, or a future TN application/petition. The timing of travel and future...

14:09 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker
13 Oct 2026

NewsFlash! DHS Proposes to End Deference to Prior Nonimmigrant Worker Petition Approvals

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would eliminate the regulation requiring U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally to defer to an earlier eligibility determination when reviewing a Form I-129 filing involving the same parties and underlying facts....

18:13 / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / USCIS News / Worker
13 Oct 2026

My H1B change-of-employer petition has been filed. Can I begin working for the new employer before the petition is approved?

Answer An individual who is eligible for H1B portability generally may begin working for the new employer once USCIS receives and accepts for processing a properly filed, nonfrivolous petition. Portability is not available in every situation, however, and beginning employment before approval carries risk if the...

10:57 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / Worker
07 Oct 2026

NewsFlash! DHS Proposes $70,000 Initial OPT Fee and $30,000 Fee for Subsequent OPT

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a proposed rule on October 7, 2026, that would require Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified schools to pay $70,000 before first recommending an F-1 student for optional practical training (OPT), and $30,000 before a subsequent OPT recommendation after...

14:43 / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Student / Worker
06 Oct 2026

During my one year of employment abroad, I made several short business trips to the United States. Do the trips prevent me from qualifying for L-1 based on the L-1 one-year requirement?

Answer Brief trips to the United States generally do not interrupt the continuity of qualifying employment abroad. However, days spent physically in the United States normally do not count toward the required one year. The employer should document the employment period with the qualifying entity abroad...

13:19 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Travel / Worker
30 Sep 2026

Automatic Visa Revalidation May Permit Limited Reentry from Canada or Mexico

International travel can present challenges for foreign nationals whose visa stamps have expired, even when they remain in valid nonimmigrant status in the United States. In limited circumstances, however, automatic visa revalidation (AVR) may allow certain travelers to seek readmission to the United States without...

13:30 / Consulates / For Employers / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Options / Student / Travel / Worker
29 Sep 2026

I am applying for TN status to work for a U.S. employer. Am I allowed to pay the government filing fees and attorney fees myself?

Answer Generally, yes. Unlike the H1B category, the TN classification does not have special immigration provisions that ordinarily require the employer to pay specified filing and attorney fees. Any repayment arrangement or payroll deduction still must comply with applicable employment and wage laws. (29.Sep.2026) Sheela Murthy and...

11:29 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / Worker