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VisasUpdate


USCIS Premium Processing Fees Rise: New Rates Effective March 1, 2026 – Up to $2965 for I-140 & I-129
USCIS Premium Processing Fees Confirmed for March 2026: The new rates are here. Find out how much more employers will pay for I-140, H-1B, and OPT petitions starting March 1, 2026, and how to lock in the current lower fees before the deadline.
XAVIO
Feb 19


USCIS H-2B Supplemental Visa Cap: First 18,490 Allocation Reached – Lottery Completed
USCIS confirms the first FY 2026 USCIS H-2B Supplemental Visa Cap (18,490 returning worker visas) is closed as of February 6, 2026, with lottery results finalized for January–March start dates. Remaining allocations: 27,736 visas for April starts and 18,490 for May–September 2026. Essential reading for employers tracking the USCIS H-2B Supplemental Visa Cap.
XAVIO
Feb 19


Ethiopia TPS: Federal Court Stays Termination, Auto-Extends EADs and Protections
Breaking: Massachusetts federal court blocks Ethiopia TPS termination. EADs auto-extended, status preserved. What beneficiaries need to know now.
XAVIO
Feb 14


DHS Funding Lapse: Immigration Processing Expected to Continue Amid Potential Shutdown
DHS funding expires at midnight, but immigration processing is expected to continue with minimal disruption. USCIS remains operational, border inspections continue, and ICE enforcement stays active. E-Verify authorization may lapse. Latest updates inside.
XAVIO
Feb 14


DOL Updates PERM Processing Times February 2026: Latest Prevailing Wage and Audit Details
As of February 9, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor is processing PERM analyst reviews for cases filed in September 2024 or earlier, while audit reviews are underway for filings from June 2025 or earlier. Prevailing wage determinations are seeing a 3–4 month lag for OEWS-based requests. With standard PERM processing now averaging 500–512 days and no premium option available, employers should anticipate total green card timelines of 18–24 months or more and plan accordingly.
XAVIO
Feb 12


National Interest Exception for Adoption Visas Under New 2026 Restrictions
U.S. State Department confirms adoption visas qualify for National Interest Exceptions under 2026 restrictions. Step-by-step guide for families navigating Presidential Proclamation 10998 and the immigrant visa pause.
VISASUPDATE
Jan 31


FY 2027 H-1B Visa: USCIS Announces Wage-Weighted Lottery and $100,000 Fee
USCIS announces major changes for the FY 2027 H-1B visa program, implementing a wage-weighted lottery system and a new $100,000 fee for consular processing. Registration opens March 4, 2026. Learn key dates, employer requirements, and strategies to navigate these transformative updates.
VISASUPDATE
Jan 31


EB-3 Visa Exhausted for FY 2025: A Closer Look at the Latest Visa Bulletin Developments
n a significant update for employment-based immigration, the U.S. Department of State has announced that the annual limit for the EB-3 visa category, including its subcategories for Professionals, Skilled Workers, and Other Workers (EW), has been fully met for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
VISASUPDATE
Sep 10, 2025


Navigating the New CBP Fee Increase Effective September 30, 2025
A recent announcement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms significant changes to its fee structure for key immigration and travel programs. Published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025, these updates will be implemented on September 30, 2025, for the remainder of the fiscal year.
VISASUPDATE
Sep 1, 2025


H-2B Visa Program: FY 2025 Second Half Processing Updates
The H-2B temporary worker program remains a critical solution for U.S. businesses in seasonal industries. With FY 2025’s second half underway, here’s what employers need to know about application processing, visa availability, and regulatory changes.
VISASUPDATE
Aug 10, 2025


DHS Visa Changes: Proposed Overhaul for International Student and Exchange Visitor Visas
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed sweeping DHS Visa Changes that could reshape the visa framework for international students (F status), exchange visitors (J status), and foreign media representatives (I status). The proposal, which cleared review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on August 8, 2025, seeks to replace the current "duration of status" (D/S) policy with fixed periods of stay.
VISASUPDATE
Aug 8, 2025


U.S. Department of Labor Releases August 2025 Update on PERM and Prevailing Wage Determination Processing Times
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published its latest report on processing times for Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) applications and Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) requests as of August 1, 2025. These updates are critical for employers and foreign workers navigating the employment-based green card process, as they provide insight into current timelines and potential delays.
VISASUPDATE
Aug 6, 2025


New Visa Bond Pilot Program Targets B-1/B-2 Applicants from High-Risk Countries
The U.S. State Department is set to implement a Visa Bond Pilot Program requiring certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants from designated countries to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 to obtain their visa. The temporary rule, expected to be published soon, will take effect 15 days after its announcement.
VISASUPDATE
Aug 4, 2025


USCIS Updates Form G-1055 Fee Schedule: Key Changes and Filing Tips
The USCIS Form G-1055 has been updated with new fees for certain immigration applications, including Form I-765 under the Family Reunification Task Force (FRTF) and biometric services for Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) forms. These changes, mandated by the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, take effect on July 31, 2025, and impact filing costs for employment authorization and deportation relief applications.
VISASUPDATE
Aug 1, 2025


August 2025 U.S. Visa Bulletin: Critical Updates for Employment-Based Immigration
The U.S. Department of State has released the August 2025 Visa Bulletin, presenting significant developments for employment-based immigration applicants. As we approach the fiscal year-end cutoff on September 30, 2025, understanding these changes is crucial for strategic planning.
VISASUPDATE
Jul 15, 2025


PERM Processing Times July 2025: Latest Updates and Trends
The PERM processing times for July 2025, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), provide crucial insights for employers and foreign workers navigating the employment-based green card process. The Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program is a mandatory step for EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visas, ensuring that hiring foreign workers does not negatively impact U.S. workers. Below is a detailed breakdown of the latest PERM processing times as of July 1, 2025.
VISASUPDATE
Jul 8, 2025


H-2B Visa FY 2026: Critical July 3-5 Filing Window for Employers Seeking Temporary Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has officially announced the opening of the H-2B Visa FY 2026 filing period, marking a crucial opportunity for American employers to address seasonal labor shortages.
VISASUPDATE
Jun 26, 2025


CBP Link Mobile App: U.S. Customs Launches New Travel & Trade Tool
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced the CBP Link Mobile App, a groundbreaking tool designed to streamline entry processes for travelers and businesses.
VISASUPDATE
Jun 25, 2025


U.S. Resumes F1 Visa Processing with Stricter F1 Visa Screening Measures
The U.S. State Department has announced the resumption of visa processing for foreign students and exchange visitors under the F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa classifications, introducing expanded Enhanced Student Visa Screening procedures to ensure national security.
VISASUPDATE
Jun 20, 2025


USCIS Strengthens Fraud Prevention with Updated Form N-648 Policy Guidance
On June 13, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced enhanced fraud prevention measures for Form N-648, the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. This policy update aims to ensure the integrity of the naturalization process while safeguarding legitimate disability claims.
VISASUPDATE
Jun 13, 2025
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