The FY 2027 H-1B lottery season has concluded, and applicants are awaiting results while exploring alternative visa strategies. At the same time, increased government scrutiny on STEM OPT employment and evolving travel risks are raising new compliance concerns for students, employers, and green card holders. This update provides key insights into current...
DHS Issues Warning on STEM OPT Employer Fraud: What International Students and Employers Need to Know
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), has recently issued an important alert regarding fraud concerns involving employers participating in the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This development signals increased government scrutiny—particularly targeting certain types of employers and employment arrangements.
New U.S. Visa Screening Rule: Expanded Social Media Review for More Applicants
The U.S. Department of State has announced an important update to its visa screening process that will affect a wide range of nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Effective March 30, 2026, the government is expanding its review of applicants’ online presence to include additional visa categories beyond those already subject to...
I-751 Joint Filing vs. Waiver: What If Your Marriage Ends Before Removing Conditions?
For many conditional permanent residents, filing Form I-751 to remove conditions on a green card is a critical step in maintaining lawful status in the United States. While most applicants file jointly with their spouse, not all marriages continue through the two-year conditional period.
When a relationship breaks down,...
Traveling Outside the U.S. as a Green Card Holder: How Long Is Too Long?
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) often travel abroad for personal, professional, or family reasons. However, extended time outside the United States can raise serious concerns about whether permanent residence has been abandoned.
Understanding how long you can remain outside the U.S.—and what risks may arise—is critical to maintaining...
H-1B Selected but Denied? What to Do After an RFE or Petition Denial
Being selected in the H-1B lottery is a major milestone. However, selection alone does not guarantee approval. Many H-1B petitions receive Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and in some cases, petitions are ultimately denied.
When this happens, both employers and employees are often left asking: what are the next steps?
Hired an Employee but Missed the H-1B Cap? What to Do If OPT Is Expiring Soon
Hiring international talent can be a valuable investment for U.S. employers. However, a common challenge arises when an employer hires a new employee working on Optional Practical Training (OPT), only to realize that the H-1B cap season has already passed or the employee was not selected in the lottery.
From H-1B to Canada PR: Can You Move to Canada and Return to the U.S. Later?
For skilled professionals on H-1B status, the U.S. green card backlog — particularly in EB-2 and EB-3 for Indian and Chinese nationals — can stretch for decades. As a result, many individuals are exploring Canada’s Express Entry system as a parallel path: obtaining Canadian permanent residence more quickly, building long-term stability, and...
H-1B Lottery Not Selected? Work Visa Options Beyond the H-1B Cap
Each year, USCIS receives far more H-1B registrations than the limited number of cap-subject visas available, making the lottery highly competitive for employers and foreign national professionals alike. As a result, many qualified candidates are not selected.
For that reason, it is important for both employers and H-1B candidates...
New Visa Bond Program for B-1/B-2 Applicants: What Travelers to the U.S. Need to Know
The U.S. Department of State has introduced a Visa Bond Pilot Program that may affect certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants. This program adds a new requirement for select individuals to post a financial bond before receiving a visa, creating additional considerations for travelers planning temporary visits to the United States.
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