February 2013 Visa Numbers Have Been Released

A federal court’s injunction over the DHS fixed-period admission rule nationwide means the existing duration-of-status (D/S) framework for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors will remain in place while litigation continues.

The U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide to conduct training programs for consular officers on public charge assessments. This development affects scheduling at U.S. embassies and consulates globally, though it does not mean all immigrant visa applications have been canceled or permanently suspended.

A federal judge has invalidated the U.S. Department of State's nationality-based policy suspending immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries. The ruling in CLINIC v. Rubio requires the government to return to individualized adjudication under U.S. immigration law, though it does not eliminate existing travel restrictions or guarantee visa issuance.

Following a federal court order in Medani v. Trump, the U.S. Department of State has resumed issuing Diversity Immigrant Visas after a nine-month pause that began in December 2025. DV-2026 selectees now face a critical deadline of September 30, 2026, to complete their visa processing or permanently lose their opportunity for permanent residence through the diversity visa lottery program.

On Sept. 11, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would eliminate the discretionary 60-day grace period currently available to many employment-based nonimmigrants following the termination of their employment.

Applicants in these categories are instructed to set their social media profiles to “public” or “open.” Similar screening already applies to several categories, including F, J, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.

If you're applying for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States, you'll need to complete a medical examination as part of the process.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that, effective January 21, 2026, it will indefinitely pause the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries while it conducts...

Following two federal court decisions, the U.S. Department of State has lifted categorical pauses on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries and diversity visa processing for DV-2026 selectees. While these policy changes allow cases to proceed through ordinary adjudication, they do not guarantee visa approval or admission, and timing remains critical as diversity visa eligibility expires September 30, 2026.

The FTC secured a settlement with Growth Cave, LLC and related entities ("Growth Cave"), along with the company's co-CEOs...

The United States Embassy in India today announced it is implementing a new visa processing system throughout India.

Thirteen Democratic AGs, led by Colorado AG Phil Weiser, have moved to intervene in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California's review of an antitrust settlement...

Kentucky AG Russell Coleman filed a lawsuit against Character Technologies, Inc. and its founders alleging violations of the state's consumer protection and data privacy laws arising...

On December 5, 2024, the New York City Council approved with modifications the NYC Department of City Planning's (DCP) City of Yes for Housing Opportunity...

Texas AG Ken Paxton has announced a settlement with TPC Group, Inc. and TPC Group LLC (collectively, "TPC"), to resolve lawsuits alleging that TPC violated Texas law through conduct that resulted in an explosion that leveled a chemical manufacturing facility in Port Neches, Texas.

A bipartisan coalition of 23 AGs and several state banking regulators submitted a comment letter urging the OCC to withdraw two proposals...

Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell settled with Franklin Credit Management Corporation (Franklin Credit), to resolve allegations that the mortgage servicer violated the commonwealth's foreclosure-prevention law...

Texas AG Ken Paxton sued the Roblox Corporation, which operates a popular online gaming platform used predominantly by children and teens...

The Court granted petitions for panel rehearing in two precedential cases: NRA Group, LLC v. Durenleau and Murrin v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The panels issued amended opinions making minor changes in each case...