U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, to first electronically register and pay the associated $215.00 H-1B registration fee before filing a petition. USCIS will open an initial registration period for a minimum of 14 calendar days...
Category: H-1B Visa
USCIS Introduces a Weighted H-1B Cap Selection System: What Changes Starting FY 2027
On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a major change to how H-1B cap registrations will be selected in future years. Instead of using a fully random lottery, USCIS will begin using a weighted selection system that gives higher chances of selection to higher-paid positions.
DHS Overhauls the H-1B Lottery: What Employers and Foreign Workers Need to Know
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.
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,...
Major Visa Appointment Changes for H-1B and H-4 Applicants: What Travelers and Employers Need to Know
Many H-1B and H-4 visa applicants are experiencing unexpected changes to their stamping appointments at U.S. consulates abroad. Starting December 8, 2025, consular posts began rescheduling interviews originally set for mid-December and beyond. Many new dates now fall in March 2026, and some are being pushed as far out as June 2026.
India Visa Stamping Update: Some H-1B/H-4 Interviews Being Rescheduled to 2026
If you have a U.S. visa stamping appointment in India (especially H-1B or H-4), you may want to double-check your appointment details before you finalize travel.
We are seeing reports that, starting around December 8, 2025, some applicants received notices that their consular interviews scheduled on or after December...
New Visa Scrutiny for Applicants Working in Content Moderation, Trust & Safety, and Fact-Checking Roles: What Foreign Nationals Need to Know
A recent directive from the U.S. Department of State has drawn significant attention across the technology and global workforce communities. According to reports, consular officers overseas have been instructed to take a closer look at visa applicants whose professional background involves trust and safety, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance, or related areas.
U.S. Visa Vetting Update: H-1B & H-4 Applicants Should Review Social Media Privacy Settings
The U.S. Department of State recently announced expanded screening and vetting that may include an “online presence review” for certain visa applicants. For H-1B applicants (and in some cases H-4 dependents applying with them), this is a reminder to review your public online footprint before your visa interview.
The...
U.S. Labor Department Expands H-1B Enforcement: What “Project Firewall” Could Mean for Employers
Employers that use the H-1B program may be seeing a new enforcement environment take shape. A recent report describes a more proactive posture from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), including the use of an initiative described as “Project Firewall” and an increased willingness to open investigations beyond those triggered by individual complaints.
How Immigration Policy Is Shaping the U.S. Healthcare Workforce Shortage in 2026
Healthcare systems across the United States continue to experience major staffing shortages, affecting hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rural health centers, and emergency departments. Retirements, burnout, training limitations, and uneven distribution of providers are driving a nationwide workforce crisis. Immigration policy now plays an increasingly important role in determining how quickly health...