In a major policy shift that raises the stakes for U.S. employers, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has expanded its Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program (CWAPP) to include federal immigration law violations. Under the DOJ’s new White Collar Enforcement Plan, rolled out on May 12, 2025, employers now face heightened liability exposure...
U.S. Visa Processing in 2025: New Consular Trends, Policies, and Pitfalls to Watch
For foreign nationals and families pursuing U.S. visas through consulates abroad, recent developments at the U.S. Department of State have introduced new procedures and heightened scrutiny. From shifting vetting standards to policy-driven decision-making, visa applicants must now navigate a more complex and dynamic landscape than ever before.
This article...
TPS Venezuela Update: Supreme Court Decision Threatens Work Authorization for Thousands
A recent decision from the U.S. Supreme Court may significantly impact the immigration status and work authorization of thousands of Venezuelan nationals currently in the United States under the 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation.
What Just Happened?On May 19, 2025, the U.S....
How to Qualify for a U.S. Visa Based on Extraordinary Ability
For foreign nationals at the top of their field, the U.S. immigration system offers unique pathways to live and work in the United States. But success isn’t just about being gifted — it’s about proving it with the right documentation and legal strategy.
At NPZ Law Group, we help...
Can Border Officers Search Your Social Media? Here’s What You Need to Know
As international travelers continue to enter the U.S. for business, education, or tourism, questions about digital privacy—especially concerning social media—have become increasingly common. At the NPZ Law Group, we’re often asked: Can Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers review my social media at the border?
Yes, Officers May Request to...
Understanding the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement and U.S. Visa Options: What You Need to Know
Certain foreign nationals who participate in J-1 Exchange Visitor programs are subject to a two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). This means they must return to their home country for at least two years before becoming eligible for specific U.S. immigration benefits. However, this requirement doesn’t close all doors—there are...
Warning to F-1 OPT Students: Failure to Report Employment May Lead to Termination of SEVIS Record
F-1 visa students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) must remain vigilant about maintaining their legal status in the U.S. A recent notice from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) highlights the consequences of failing to report employment during OPT.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) monitors...
Corporate Immigration in the United States: A Foundational Overview for Employers and Professionals
Corporate immigration is a vital component of workforce mobility and talent acquisition in the United States. Each year, businesses rely on immigration programs to bring highly skilled professionals, executives, researchers, and investors to the U.S. while navigating a legal system shaped by decades of policy evolution.
This overview introduces...
Site Visits by USCIS: What Employers of H-1B Workers Should Understand and Prepare For
Securing approval for an H-1B or L-1 petition is a critical step in bringing international talent to the U.S., but compliance doesn’t stop there. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), through its Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate, regularly conducts site inspections to ensure employers and foreign workers are meeting the terms of approved...
Your Monthly Immigration Brief: Key U.S. and Canadian Updates Inside
As travel season ramps up, staying informed about immigration updates is more important than ever. This month's newsletter covers urgent travel advisories, the latest updates to F-1 status rules, new visa application timelines, marriage-based green card changes, and important Canadian immigration developments — all in one convenient PDF.
Whether...