The U.S. State Department’s “Catch and Revoke” program uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor foreign nationals, particularly student visa holders. The program aims to identify individuals who express support for Hamas, Hezbollah, or other U.S.-designated terrorist organizations through social media activity or participation in protests and revoke their visas. To date, approximately 300 foreign nationals
Students / CPT / OPT / STEM
USCIS Announces Initial FY 2026 H-1B Cap Selection: What Employers Need to Do Next
Takeaways
- The initial drawing includes registrants under both the 65,000 regular cap and the 20,000 master’s cap.
- Employers and attorneys have been notified of selection results through their myUSCIS accounts.
- H-1B petitions must be filed between 04.01.25 and 06.30.25 to use the cap selection.
USCIS announced on Mar. 31, 2025, that it has completed the…
What’s Changing to H-1B Cap Gap for F-1 Students?
By Amy L. Peck on
Takeaways
- The new DHS rule extends the H-1B Cap Gap period from 10.1 to 04.1.
- F-1 students with pending or approved H-1B petitions benefit from this extension.
- Employers must adjust their processes to comply with the new rule.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule (89 FR 10354) that…
U.S. Visa Dropbox Eligibility Reverts to Pre-COVID Standard, More Applicants Will Need In-Person Interviews
The U.S. Department of State has unexpectedly updated Consular websites with revised eligibility requirements for Visa Interview Waiver (“dropbox”) appointments.
Effective immediately, dropbox eligibility is limited to applicants renewing a visa in the same nonimmigrant classification that expired within the past 12 months. While no official government announcement has been made, Visa Application Centers (VACs)…
H-1B Cap Update: USCIS Announces FY2026 H-1B Cap Registration Period and Massive Fee Hike
The H-1B cap season for Fiscal Year 2026 is quickly approaching. USCIS announced on Feb. 5, 2025, that the registration period for FY 2026 will open at noon (EST) on Friday, March 7, 2025, and close at noon (EST) on Monday, March 24, 2025, and that the registration fee will go up significantly. Employers should…
President Trump’s Immigration-Related Executive Orders: Potential Impact on Employers
By Otieno B. Ombok & Marissa A. Prianti on
Posted in Biden Administration, Citizenship, Compliance and Enforcement, Department of State, Deportation, EADs, Executive Orders, Fees and Penalties, Green Cards, H-1B, H-4, Humanitarian Programs, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Immigration Litigation, Other Non-immigrant Visas, Students / CPT / OPT / STEM, Supreme Court, Temporary (Non-immigrant) Work Visas, TPS, Travel (General), Trump Administration, US Immigration, USCIS
Following his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump issued a number of immigration-related Executive Orders (EOs) sure to have impact on employers and their business operations. So far, the focus in the media has been on border security, asylum, refugees, removal of undocumented aliens (deportation) and birthright citizenship. However, there are other aspects covered…
H-1B Visas: Will Trump 2.0 Be a Turning Point for Employers Needing Skilled Foreign Workers?
Skilled immigration is making headlines with renewed focus on the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program, the most popular employment-based visa for foreign professional workers. View our full legal update and insights here.
Hong Kong Residents Protected By New Deferred Enforced Departure Directive
By Michael H. Neifach on
- Take measures to authorize employment authorization for the duration of the deferral; and
- Consider
Missed Opportunity: Outdated Schedule A List Means PERM Processing Delays Continue
- The failure to move forward with this rule is a significant disappointment for many high-skilled immigrants and the employers who need them, all
USCIS H-1B Modernization Final Rule Effective January 17: Highlights for Employers
On Dec. 18, 2024, USCIS released the Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers Final Rule. First proposed in October 2023, the Biden Administration has been urged to finalize the rule. The rule codifies certain USCIS guidance by regulation. The regulation is effective Jan. 17…