As 2026 begins, many U.S. employers are entering a more demanding immigration environment—one shaped by tighter review standards, higher costs, and increased enforcement activity. For companies relying on foreign national talent, the best approach this year is early planning and stronger internal coordination between HR, recruiting, and legal teams.
Category: PERM (Labor Certification)
Green Card Preparation for Employees: What to Do Before the Process Begins
For many foreign nationals working in the United States, employment-based permanent residence is an important long-term goal. While the green card process itself involves multiple legal steps, much of the success of a case depends on preparation well before filing begins.
Employees who understand what to expect—and take action...
Project Firewall: DOL’s New H-1B Enforcement Initiative
On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Project Firewall, a new enforcement initiative aimed at protecting America’s highly skilled workforce and strengthening oversight of the H-1B visa program.
This development follows the recent Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. Together, these...
ABC’s OF H-1Bs (THIS IS PART 2 OF AN 7 PART SERIES). HOW MUCH DO PROSPECTIVE H-1B EMPLOYERS NEED TO PAY TO H-1B EMPLOYEES AND WHY THE FEDERALLY MANDATED PREVAILING WAGE IS SO IMPORTANT.
Employers who seek to hire an H-1B nonimmigrant in a specialty occupation must first make a filing with the Department of Labor (DOL) and obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA). The LCA, among other things, must specify the number of workers sought, the occupational classification in which...
DHS Final Rule Modernizes H-1B Program: Flexibility, Efficiency, and Integrity Enhanced
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a final rule that modernizes the H-1B visa program, effective January 17, 2025. The changes aim to streamline the approval process, enhance flexibility for employers and workers, and bolster the integrity of the program through improved oversight.
What is...Can Employers Recoup Visa Sponsorship Costs? A Closer Look at Repayment Agreements
Hiring highly skilled foreign workers is sometimes the only way for companies to fill critical roles, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and science. However, the cost of sponsoring these employees for work visas and permanent residency can add up quickly. So, what happens if the employee resigns shortly after the company...
ABC’s OF H-1Bs (THIS IS PART 2 OF AN 7 PART SERIES). HOW MUCH DO PROSPECTIVE H-1B EMPLOYERS NEED TO PAY TO H-1B EMPLOYEES AND WHY THE FEDERALLY MANDATED PREVAILING WAGE IS SO IMPORTANT.
Employers who seek to hire an H-1B nonimmigrant in a specialty occupation must first make a filing with the Department of Labor (DOL) and obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA). The LCA, among other things, must specify the number of workers sought, the occupational classification in which...
Deciphering Post-Certification Shifts: A Deep Dive into PERM Labor Modifications
In the realm of immigration and employment, navigating the complex world of PERM labor certifications is pivotal, especially when changes arise after certification. This guide delves into the intricacies of evaluating potential impacts of changes on an approved PERM during a foreign national's green card process.
The Importance of PERM Labor Certification:
For a foreign national...
Deciphering Post-Certification Shifts: A Deep Dive into PERM Labor Modifications Continue reading…
What Are the PERM Advertising Requirements for Employers?
The PERM process can be difficult to navigate. The requirements are specific and many. For many, if not most, employment-based visas and green cards, the sponsoring employer is required to obtain PERM labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). A major part of the PERM process is the advertising requirements with...
What Are the PERM Advertising Requirements for Employers? Continue reading…
THE PERMANENT LABOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS
While there are many ways to get the green card in the U.S., the most common one in the employment-based arena is using the PERM Labor Certification Process. A permanent labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) allows an employer to hire...