The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major change to how H-1B work visas will be selected in the future. For the first time, the government is moving away from the long-criticized random lottery system and replacing it with a weighted selection process that favors higher-paid and higher-skilled workers.
Traveling to the U.S.? Understanding Passport Validity Rules Before You Fly
Many travelers are surprised to learn that a valid passport alone may not be enough to board a flight to the United States. In some cases, travelers are denied boarding because their passport does not meet the required validity period, even though their visa is still valid.
To avoid...
World Cup 2026 and U.S. Visa Restrictions: What International Fans and Travelers Should Know
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place across multiple U.S. cities, many international fans are planning travel to attend matches, support their national teams, and experience the tournament. At the same time, ongoing U.S. travel restrictions and visa policies are creating uncertainty for travelers from certain countries.
Navigating the January 2026 Visa Bulletin: New Year Movement Across Employment and Family Categories
The January 2026 Visa Bulletin opens the calendar year with notable forward movement in several Employment-Based categories, steady progress in Family-Based preferences, and an important reminder regarding the pending expiration of the Religious Worker (SR) program. Applicants should review the updates carefully, as demand continues to shape cut-off dates early in FY 2026 visabulletin_January2026.
Holiday Travel and ICE Enforcement: What International Students Should Know Before Leaving Campus
As the holiday season approaches, many international students plan to travel within the United States or return home to visit family. While travel is a normal part of student life, recent events have raised questions about immigration enforcement activity and how students can protect themselves during holiday travel.
Understanding...
Important H-1B Update: Presidential Proclamation and $100,000 Fee
A recent Presidential Proclamation introduces significant changes for certain new H-1B workers, including a temporary pause on approvals and new entry restrictions unless a $100,000 government fee is paid. These measures apply to specific H-1B petitions and individuals seeking entry to the United States. The Proclamation took effect on September 21, 2025,...
Proposed Bill Raises Questions About Dual Citizenship — What U.S. Citizens Should Know
Recently, questions have circulated online about whether the United States may restrict or eliminate dual citizenship for naturalized citizens. These concerns stem from discussion around a newly introduced bill that has raised alarm among many immigrants who hold more than one passport.
At this time, it is important to...
Understanding L-1A, L-1B, and L-1 Blanket Visas: A Practical Guide for Global Businesses Expanding to the U.S.
Many international companies look to the United States to expand their operations—whether it’s an IT firm, a medical group, or a restaurant business entering the U.S. market. One of the most effective immigration tools for this type of expansion is the L-1 visa, which allows companies to transfer key personnel from a foreign...
Canada’s New Citizenship-by-Descent Rules Are Now in Effect: What Families Abroad Need to Know
Canada has officially implemented new citizenship rules that affect Canadians born or adopted outside the country, and their children. These changes are now in force under Bill C-3, an amendment to the Citizenship Act, and are intended to make citizenship law clearer and more consistent for modern Canadian families living internationally.
USCIS Updates Photo Rules to Strengthen Identity Verification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance that limits the age of photos used for certain immigration documents. Effective immediately, USCIS generally requires photos to have been taken within three (3) years of the date a USCIS form is filed. USCIS also indicates that self-submitted photos will no longer...
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