The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have implemented a series of coordinated immigration measures, including expanded visa and entry restrictions, a pause on immigrant visa issuance, and enhanced review of pending immigration benefit applications for certain foreign nationals. These actions follow recent presidential directives emphasizing national security, rigorous … Continue reading Expanded Visa Restrictions and Immigrant Visa Issuance Pause

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The number of H-1B visas issued annually is limited to 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for U.S. advanced degree holders. Since the number of applications are usually higher than the statutory limit USCIS must manage the high demand and determine which petitions go towards the projected number of petitions needed to reach the annual H-1B … Continue reading Changes to H-1B Lottery Selection

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U.S. consulates worldwide are undergoing heightened vetting and increased security reviews, which are directly impacting the scheduling of visa appointments. Interview dates are being canceled, moved, or significantly delayed — even for applicants who already had confirmed appointments on the calendar. Consular posts continue to adjust operations in response to new screening protocols, and these … Continue reading Important Client Update: Increased Consular Vetting and Appointment Disruptions

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The prevailing wage rates under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) have been updated. Employers who hire temporary foreign workers on LMIA-based work permits must review current wages and make any necessary adjustments to align with the newly published annual rates. You can access the updated wage information here: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-wages. While not every occupation experienced a … Continue reading CANADA – Prevailing Wages Updated

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Effective today, October 30, 2025, DHS has issued an interim final rule (IFR) that eliminates the maximum 540-day automatic extension of employment authorization for most categories of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications. What Has Changed? For renewal applications filed on or after October 30, 2025, most EAD holders will no longer receive an automatic … Continue reading Rule Change for Automatic EAD Extension

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Congress has not yet reached an agreement on federal funding, and a government shutdown could occur as early as midnight tonight. While some immigration services continue during a shutdown, others are suspended or significantly impacted. Below is an overview of what to expect based on prior shutdowns and current agency guidance: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration … Continue reading Client Update: Potential Government Shutdown

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Significant changes to the H-1B visa lottery process have been announced by the Trump administration on September 23, 2025. These changes could impact how H-1B visas are allocated, especially for employers in the tech industry and those hiring international talent. Key Highlights of the Proposal: Wage-Based Selection: The new system would prioritize H-1B applicants based on … Continue reading Wage-based H-1B Lottery Coming Soon?

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We are alerting clients to a recent increase in activity surrounding Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) that could expose employers to significant compliance risks. Several U.S. companies have reported receiving emails from individuals referencing LCAs posted by the company—often generated via Guest Worker Visas https://—and copying members of Congress. These messages typically request consideration for employment and may … Continue reading Compliance Alert: Surge in LCA-Related Inquiries and Potential DOL Complaints

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The United States Department of State has issued new, immediate instructions impacting all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants, as of September 6, 2025. This update marks a significant change to where applicants must schedule their visa interviews and the process for individuals from several countries. Summary of Major Changes Country of Residence Requirement: The Department now … Continue reading Department of State Announces Immediate Changes to Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures

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We would like to inform you about important changes to the dropbox procedures at the consulates, as announced by the U.S. Department of State. These changes will affect the eligibility criteria for waivers of the nonimmigrant visa interview. The Department of State is cancelling the dropbox program for all H-1B and L-1 visa holders and their … Continue reading Dropbox Program Cancelled for H-1B and L-1 Visa Holders

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