On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions where the worker is outside the United States. Effective September 21, 2025, U.S. entry will be restricted unless the petition is accompanied by this payment. The restriction is temporary (12 months, through September 20, 2026) but may […]
Headlines: FY 2026 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2026 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). USCIS Announces Work Permit Procedures for Certain Hong Kong […]
Headlines: OFLC Releases FAQs on Employer Needs and Communications During Recent Major Disasters – The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification released frequently asked questions on issues related to employer needs and communications in Hurricane Helene-affected areas and Vermont. USCIS Updates Guidance on Expedite Requests – The update clarifies how the agency considers […]
Headlines: Three Important Cases Pending Before U.S. Supreme Court – Three important cases are pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. According to observers, at stake are the legitimacy of the current U.S. immigration court system and a longstanding precedent decision. DOS Proposes Updates to Au Pair Exchange Visitor Program – The Department of State proposes […]
President Trump’s latest Proclamation is a brazen attempt by Trump to rewrite US immigration laws under the guise of protecting Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Proclamation places a ban on permanent immigration to the US with some exceptions. Although the EO purports to halt permanent immigration for 60 days it leaves open the possibility […]
REMOTE WORK: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of remote work policies and practices in several countries . CANADA – The Entry/Exit Program is a significant development that has been many years in the making. COLOMBIA – There have been several developments. ITALY – The working holiday visa will soon be available bilaterally between […]
HEADLINES DOL Unveils New H-2A Proposed Rule – Among other things, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would mandate electronic filing of job orders and applications, promote the use of digital signatures, and provide employers with the option of staggering the entry of H-2A workers on a single application. House Holds Hearing on USCIS Policy Changes, […]
White House Executive Orders: U.S. Travel Ban FAQs Monday, January 30, 2017 – 9:15am Note: the information below is based on what we know as of the morning of January 30, 2017.  New developments continue to rapidly change the implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order: “Protecting The Nation From Terrorist Attacks By Foreign Nation,” which includes a […]
Feature Article REFUGEES AND RELATED BENEFITS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of recent developments with respect to refugees and the benefits granted to them. Country Updates: BELGIUM – This article summarizes details on work permit exemptions, related to technical work, for foreign employees in Belgium. CANADA – Several developments have been announced. […]
Headlines:  1. USCIS Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Change Certain Employment-Based Visa Programs – USCIS seeks public comments on a proposed rule published on December 31, 2015, “Retention of EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers,” that would change certain aspects of employment-based visa programs.  2. […]
