DHS, DOL, and the State Department released their 2026 regulatory agendas on July 6, giving employers an early look at what's still in the pipeline for the rest of the year and into 2027. The duration of status change and the public charge rescission we've already covered are now finalized. What follows...
Effective with the Department of Labor's 7/2026-6/2027 occupational data series, O*NET reclassified Computer Systems Analysts, SOC code 15-1211.00, from Job Zone 3 back to Job Zone 4. It sounds like a small administrative shift, but for employers sponsoring H-1B workers or filing PERM applications in this occupation, it changes the baseline USCIS...
Employers sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residence through the PERM labor certification process should be aware of a growing trend at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Recent Requests for Information (RFIs) suggest that DOL is taking a closer look at whether sponsoring employers can demonstrate their ability to pay the offered...
A recent Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against Cloudera is drawing significant attention within the employment-based immigration community and may signal increased government scrutiny of PERM recruitment practices. The case highlights growing enforcement efforts involving employer hiring procedures, labor certification compliance, and recruitment transparency.
For employers sponsoring foreign workers...
Employers sponsoring foreign workers for permanent residence through the PERM labor certification process are facing increased scrutiny. Recent trends suggest that applications are being denied more frequently, often due to technical errors or insufficient documentation.
Understanding these risks can help employers avoid costly delays and improve the chances of...
Recent developments from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) may significantly impact employers sponsoring foreign workers. A newly proposed rule aims to increase prevailing wage levels for both H-1B petitions and PERM-based green card applications, potentially raising labor costs for many employers.
If implemented, this rule could change how...
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.
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...
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...
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...
