IMMIGRATION ALERTS

The UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published its review of sponsored work route salary thresholds. Key proposals: Skilled Worker going rates shift from median to 25th percentile, new entrant threshold set at £33,400, Global Business Mobility alignment, and a three-year smoothing formula to prevent sharp spikes. If adopted, these changes would widen eligible overseas talent pools for UK employers.

The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking public input on H-2A Labor Supply States through July 21, 2026. This annual process determines how agricultural employers recruit U.S. workers before hiring foreign H-2A visa holders – a critical opportunity for farmers, associations, and stakeholders to shape labor market testing rules.

The U.S. CDC has expanded its Ebola-related entry ban to include Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days. The 30-day suspension removes previous exceptions for LPRs, effective immediately. U.S. citizens remain exempt.

USCIS adjustment of status policy 2026 treats AOS as extraordinary relief. Stricter discretion, negative factors, consular processing push. Complete FAQ for green card applicants.

The EB-2 India visa category is fully unavailable through September 2026 after reaching its annual FY2026 limit. USCIS cannot approve adjustment of status applications until October 1. Thousands of Indian professionals on H-1B visas face extended waits.

USCIS adjustment of status limited 2026: Most green card applicants must leave US for consular processing. Extraordinary circumstances only.

US Visa Bulletin June 2026: India EB-2 retrogression 10.5 months, EB-1 India -3.5 months. F-1 +7 months, F-2B +2.5 months.

U.S. CDC imposes 30‑day entry ban on foreign nationals who have been in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan within past 21 days. Exemptions for US citizens, permanent residents.

U.S. DOL guidance: English proficiency mandatory for foreign commercial drivers. Effective June 13, 2026. Affects PERM, H‑2B, and DOT‑regulated roles.

USCIS opens June filings – Final Action Dates apply. EB-1 current for most, India EB-2 stuck at 2013. EB-5 set-asides current.

U.S. CBP and TSA release travel guidance for FIFA World Cup 2026 – Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, mobile apps, and security playbook to streamline entry for millions of visitors.

DHS to end "Duration of Status" for F, J, I visas. Fixed stay periods, 30-day grace period, extension requirements, and unlawful presence accrual. Major shift for international students.

Yemen TPS termination stayed by court order – USCIS updates Form I-9 and E-Verify guidance. EADs extended; use "as per court order" and "July 1, 2026".

DHS shutdown ends after 76 days – Secretary Mullin announces reopening. Funding restored for most agencies; ICE and CBP still awaiting separate package.

USCIS launches enhanced FBI security vetting – delays for green card, citizenship, asylum cases. Fingerprints re-submitted; applicants need no action. Plan for short-to-medium delays.

DOL PERM processing reaches 501 days (January 2025 backlog). PWD processing at January 2026. Critical for H-1B 365-day rule extensions.

US Passport Changes 2026: State Department moves to single 38-page passport book – 26 and 50-page options eliminated. Public comments open until June 22.

H-2B Visa Update April 2026: DOL releases latest processing numbers for second half FY 2026. 92,313 workers certified, 6,343 cases finalized. Prevailing wage guidance.

United States resumes direct air travel with Venezuela after years of suspension – flights from Miami and Houston to Caracas now operating.

US Visa Wait Times April 2026: Toronto 14 months, Mumbai 7 months for B1/B2. Work and student visas faster in most locations.