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21 Jan 2026

I am currently on OPT and my employer will be filing for me in the H1B lottery. They have agreed to raise my salary to increase my odds of being selected. When would they have to start paying the increased salary, if I am selected?

Answer The employer would not have to start paying the H1B salary until you are actually in H1B status. If you are selected in the lottery, 01.Oct.2026 will be the earliest requested start date. (21.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law....

13:58 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / Worker
14 Jan 2026

DOS Pausing Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries

In a significant development for international travel, a U.S. Department of State (DOS) memorandum has revealed a plan to indefinitely freeze visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective 21.Jan.2026. This move represents a major expansion of the current administration’s immigration and border policies.According to...

13:16 / Consulates / Employment Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel / Worker
14 Jan 2026

Do we still get automatic extension of H-4 EADs based on applying for a renewal?

Answer Unfortunately, the rule allowing for the automatic extension of EADs based on a pending renewal was eliminated in October 2025. EAD renewal applications filed on or after 30.Oct.2025 normally are not granted automatic extensions. (13.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the...

07:22 / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / H-4 Dependents / Nonimmigrant Family / Worker
09 Jan 2026

USCIS Premium Processing Fees to Increase, Effective 01.Mar.2026

On Monday, 12.Jan.2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to publish a final rule in the Federal Register that will increase the premium processing fees. This fee increase will go into effect on 01.Mar.2026.Per the final rule, premium processing fees that are currently...

14:22 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Visitor / Worker
30 Dec 2025

After I was laid off from my H1B position, I filed an application to change status to B-2. While that application was pending, I left the U.S. I later received a notice telling me the application had been denied because of my travel. Does this mean I violated my status while the B-2 was pending?

Answer If a person travels while an application or petition requesting a change of status is pending, the change of status request normally will be deemed abandoned and therefore denied. Such a denial typically would not retroactively result in a violation of status. (30.Dec.2025)Sheela Murthy and...

17:12 / B-2 / FAQs / For Individuals / Travel / Visitor / Worker
22 Dec 2025

Many years ago, I worked in H1B status for less than six months. I did not like the employer, so I returned to India. I am now back in the U.S. in H-4 status. If I want to again work in H1B status, do I need to go through the lottery?

Answer If a person has been counted against the H1B cap, they normally work in H1B status for a maximum of six years. If the individual has not utilized the full six years of H1B time, an employer typically can file an H1B petition on the...

17:45 / FAQs / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / Worker