On January 28th a federal judge in Nebraska ruled that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must approve an EB-1A petition that was previously denied, based on the court’s finding that the “final merits requirement,” was unlawfully adopted by USCIS. What Happened in the EB-1A Case? On January 28, 2026,…
Articles Posted in Employment-Based Categories
U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals Residing in 75 Countries as It Reassesses “Public Charge” Rules
In a new change to U.S. consular policy, the State Department has announced it will indefinitely pause immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries (see listed countries below), while it establishes a process for determining whether applicants are likely to become financially dependent on the U.S. government (also known…
February Visa Bulletin: EB-3 Worldwide Advances, Modest Movements for Family-Sponsored Categories
We are pleased to report that the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has published the February 2026 Visa Bulletin. In this blog post, we breakdown the movement of the employment-based and family-sponsored categories in the coming month. USCIS Adjustment of Status For adjustment of status filings to permanent residence in…
USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fees Will Increase Effective March 1st
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that the agency will increase the fees for premium processing service for certain employment-based applications and petitions on March 1, 2026 to reflect inflationary adjustments. Those who plan to file a request for premium processing postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include…
January Visa Bulletin: Strong Movement for Employment-Based Categories and Family-Sponsored Categories
We are pleased to report that the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has published the January 2026 Visa Bulletin. In this blog post, we breakdown the movement of the employment-based and family-sponsored categories in the coming month. USCIS Adjustment of Status For adjustment of status filings to permanent…
What You Need to Know About the New Trump Gold Card Program (December 2025)
The Trump Gold Card Program — established by Executive Order 14351 and to be launched December 18, 2025— represents one of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration policy in decades. Designed to create a pathway to U.S. permanent residency for wealthy foreign nationals willing to make substantial financial gifts…
December Visa Bulletin: Strong Movement for Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories, and Slight Movement for Family-Sponsored Categories
We are pleased to report that the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has published the December 2025 Visa Bulletin. In this blog post, we breakdown the movement of the employment-based and family-sponsored categories in the coming month. USCIS Adjustment of Status For adjustment of status filings to permanent…
DHS Ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization: What You Need to Know
On October 29, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an interim final rule that will end the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for most renewal applicants effective October 30, 2025. In this post, we’ll unpack what’s changing, who it affects, the rationale behind the change, and…
November Visa Bulletin: No Movement for Employment-Based Categories, Modest Movement for Family Sponsored Categories
We are pleased to report that the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has published the November 2025 Visa Bulletin. In this blog post, we breakdown the movement of the employment-based and family-sponsored categories in the coming month. USCIS Adjustment of Status For adjustment of status filings to permanent…
DHS Proposes Rule to Increase H-1B Lottery Selection Odds for Higher-Paid Workers
On September 24, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a proposed rule that would change the current selection process for selecting H-1B visa petitions subject to the annual numerical limits established by the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under the proposed rule, the current random lottery system would be…