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USCIS Implements New Policies Affecting Asylum, Refugees, and Applicants from “High-Risk” Countries
Photo courtesy of Andrew Patrick Photo USCIS Implements New Policies Affecting Asylum, Refugees, and Applicants from “High-Risk” Countries U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced significant policy changes that will impact the processing of various immigration benefits. These measures include pauses on adjudications, expanded re-review of previously approved cases, and additional scrutiny for applicants […]
USCIS Changes H-1B Visa Selection Process
Photo courtesy of iStock DHS Changes H-1B Visa Selection Process: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major change to the H-1B visa selection process—moving away from the traditional random lottery and toward a weighted selection system that prioritizes higher-skilled and higher-paid applicants. This change […]
DOS Expands Online Presence Review for H-1B & H-4 Visas
Photo courtesy of Google Images DOS Expands Online Presence Review to H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants On December 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that it will expand its online presence review requirement to all H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents, effective December 15, 2025. This policy extends a vetting practice that […]
USCIS Announces Temporary Pauses and Reviews Affecting Certain Immigration Cases
Photo courtesy of KHUNKORN from khunkorn USCIS Announces Temporary Pauses and Reviews Affecting Certain Immigration Cases In early December 2025, the Trump administration announced a series of significant immigration policy changes following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The individual accused in the incident had previously entered the United States through […]
USCIS Modernizes Fee Payments with Electronic Funds
Photo Courtesy by Ivan S from Pexels USCIS Modernizes Fee Payments with Electronic Funds U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant update to how immigration filing fees can be paid. Effective August 29, 2025, USCIS requires applicants and petitioners to submit filing fees through direct electronic debit from a U.S. bank account, marking […]
USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S.
Photo Courtesy by Изображения пользователя Be Easy USCIS Increases Screening, Vetting of Aliens Working in U.S. On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14159, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce the long-standing Alien Registration Requirement (ARR) under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA §262). While this requirement has existed for […]
Notices to Appear (NTAs) Issued During the 60-Day Grace Period
Photo Courtesy by iStock USCIS Issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) During the 60-Day Grace Period: What H-1B Workers and Employers Need to Know Recent reports from immigration practitioners reveal a concerning trend: USCIS is issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs) to H-1B workers even when they are still within the 60-day grace period and have timely […]
Update to Employment Authorization Document Validity Periods
Photo courtesy of Andrew Patrick Photo USCIS Updates Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Validity Periods On December 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to the maximum validity periods for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The update reflects revisions to the USCIS Policy Manual and was effective immediately. The changes apply only to […]