Department of State Expands Social Media Screening to Additional Visa Categories
Photo by EVG Kowalievska from Pexels The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently expanded its online presence review requirements to several additional nonimmigrant visa categories, increasing the number of applicants whose social media activity may be reviewed during the visa adjudication process. The update took effect on March 30, 2026, and applies to a broad […]
Mass Cancellations of H-1B Visa Appointments in India: What Applicants Should Know
Photo by rchphoto from Getty Images Beginning in December 2025, U.S. consulates in India reportedly began mass cancellations and rescheduling of H-1B visa appointments, creating significant delays and uncertainty for many visa applicants and employers. Many appointments were pushed to March 2026 or later, with some applicants reporting rescheduled interview dates extending into 2027. What […]
USPS Updates Postmark Rules: What It Means for Immigration Filings
Photo by annastills In December 2025, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) issued a final rule changing how postmarks are applied and understood. While mail filing procedures themselves have not changed, the update changes the understanding of what a postmark is and what they actually represent—an important distinction for anyone submitting time-sensitive immigration filings. What Changed […]
AILA Flyer: New USCIS Policy on Green Card Applications Filed Within the United States (Adjustment of Status)
USCIS issued a memo on May 22nd, 2026, concerning large changes in the standard AOS process. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) released this flyer issuing guidance on understanding the memo and how to strategize for future AOS petitions: Click here to view the file in pdf format.
Diversity Visa (DV) Issuance Pause: What Applicants Should Know Now
Photo by adrian825 from Getty Images In December 2025, the U.S. Department of State implemented a pause on issuing diversity immigrant visas (DV) while it conducts a review of the program’s screening and vetting procedures. As of now, this policy remains an important development for DV applicants to be aware of. Why the Pause Was Implemented The […]
FY 2027 H-1B Cap Season: What Employers Should Know Now
Photo by jaydeep_ from Pixabay The FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period opened on March 4, 2026, and closed on March 19, 2026. USCIS conducted its initial round of selections and many employers are now in the next phase of preparing and filing H-1B cap petitions for selected beneficiaries. While the registration window has passed, […]
What Happens If You Fly Without a REAL ID
Photo by Margo Evardson from Pexels On February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented a new identity verification process for passengers who arrive at airport security without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification. Travelers who do not present proper ID and still wish to fly may be referred to TSA […]
Department of Homeland Security Final Rule Ends Duration of Status (D/S): What F-1, J-1, and I Visa Holders Need to Know
Photo by Prostock-Studio from Getty Images For decades, many international students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives admitted to the United States were granted Duration of Status (D/S) on their Form I-94. Under this system, individuals could generally remain in the U.S. for as long as they maintained their immigration status and complied with the […]