USCIS Will Run Second FY 2025 H-1B Cap Lottery

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On August 25, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is scheduled to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register that would impose a new $103,265 H-1B fee on every H-1B cap-subject petition.

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...

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador for 18 months, from March 10, 2025 to September 9...

The Ministry of Justice has extended the exemption until December 31, 2025. Applicants from eligible countries or regions will see a pop-up notification on the K-ETA website when selecting their nationality.

As expected, the Thai government has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a program that allows eligible foreign remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers...

TheEU Home Affairs Commissioner confirmed on October 10, 2024 that the November 10, 2024 commencement date for the EES was no longer viable.

Nationals of 63 countries who registered for a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card at least three days prior to travel are now eligible for autogate entry at Malaysian airports...

On June 17, 2024, the majority of the Act on the Modernization of Citizenship Law was implemented, an amending law that revolutionizes German citizenship law.

Effective immediately, applicants renewing their work permits in mainland United Arab Emirates will be required to amend their job title ...

The following countries have extended internal checks at their borders into March-June 2025: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden.

The availability of the special humanitarian visa for Ukrainian nationals and stateless persons has been further extended until December 31, 2025.

The government has extended the visa exemption for Russian nationals until October 31, 2024, however the visa exemption validity period is now 60 days.