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...

18 Sep 2026

NewsFlash! H1B $100K Payment: Back Again?

The White House has issued a new proclamation purporting to extend the September 2025 H1B entry restrictions for another year, again requiring a $100,000 payment for certain H1B workers seeking entry.Notably, the prior implementation of the $100,000 payment was vacated by a federal district court,...

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...

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...

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...