On September 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation restricting the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers into the United States. This action follows growing concerns regarding systemic abuse of the H-1B visa program and its impact on U.S. workers, particularly in the IT and STEM sectors.
New H-1B Visa Proposal: $100,000 Filing Fee Announced
The Trump Administration has announced plans to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications. This marks a significant departure from the current fee structure and could dramatically impact U.S. employers and highly skilled foreign workers.
Key Highlights
A $100,000 fee would be...Understanding the Difference Between Unlawful Presence and Unlawful Status
In U.S. immigration law, the terms “unlawful presence” and “unlawful status” are often used interchangeably. However, they are not the same — and confusing the two can lead to serious mistakes with long-term consequences. Recent policy shifts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) make this distinction more important than ever for students, workers,...
U.S. State Department Narrows Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers
The U.S. Department of State has announced changes to the interview waiver program for nonimmigrant visas, effective October 1, 2025. These updates significantly reduce the categories of applicants who can obtain a visa without appearing in person before a consular officer.
Key Changes Effective October 1, 2025Entering Canada by Land: Questions You Can Expect at the Border
Crossing into Canada by car may seem simple, but Canadian border officials can ask detailed questions to determine your admissibility. Being prepared helps travelers avoid delays or denials.
Immigration Status Checks
The first question will often be about your current U.S. immigration status. Officers want to know why you are...
DHS Issues New Rules for Employers on Handling Revoked Work Permits
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released new instructions for employers who use the federal E-Verify system. These updates, announced on August 27, 2025, are designed to clarify how companies should respond when an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is no longer valid.
Key Updates for EmployersUSCIS Announces Major Changes to the U.S. Naturalization Test for 2025
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the first major updates to the naturalization civics test as part of a broader effort to strengthen the U.S. citizenship process. These changes, which take effect in 2025, will directly impact applicants seeking to become naturalized U.S. citizens.
Navigating the October 2025 Visa Bulletin: New Fiscal Year Brings Modest Forward Movement
The October 2025 Visa Bulletin opens the new fiscal year with some forward movement in Family-Based and Employment-Based categories. While EB-4 remains heavily backlogged and Religious Workers are “Unavailable,” modest advances are seen in EB-2, EB-3, and Family categories. Here’s what you need to know.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final...Immigration Raids Highlight Risks for Employers Using Subcontracted Labor
Recent federal enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sent a strong reminder to U.S. employers: immigration compliance responsibilities extend well beyond direct hires. Raids at factories, farms, and construction sites in recent months have uncovered widespread unauthorized employment — much of it...
Express Entry as a Pathway to Canadian Citizenship
Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most efficient and widely used immigration routes. Rather than being a single program, it is an online management system that handles applications under three main categories:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)