Background On September 19, 2025, the President issued a Proclamation under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) imposing a $100,000 supplemental fee on certain H-1B petitions. The measure, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, was announced as part of broader reforms intended to prioritize domestic employment opportunities and […]
Beginning October 16, 2025, all individuals granted parole or re-parole into the United States will be required to pay a $1,000 immigration parole fee, subject to annual inflation adjustments.
Introduction Government shutdowns are not merely fiscal events; they have tangible legal and procedural consequences within the immigration landscape. When the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) ceases operations due to lapse in appropriations, the statutory and regulatory ecosystem governing H-1B, PERM Labor Certification, and Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) is effectively paralyzed. The DOL Office of
How the DOL Shutdown Affects H-1B and PERM Processing Timelines Read More »
In a world where hybrid work is the norm rather than the exception, LCA compliance must evolve accordingly. Employers must understand that flexibility in work arrangements does not equate to flexibility in legal obligations.
Best Practices for LCA Posting and Recordkeeping in Hybrid Work Environments Read More »
USCIS site visits are a lawful component of the government’s integrity verification program. They are not punitive in nature but can have serious repercussions if handled improperly.
How to Handle a USCIS Site Visit: Tips for Employers and Employees Read More »
The suit challenges the constitutionality and legality of a presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, by President Donald J. Trump, which imposes a $100,000 entry fee on all new H-1B visa applicants seeking admission to the United States.
$100,000 H-1B Fee Under Legal Challenge: Global Nurse Force v. Trump Read More »
A “shutdown” in this context refers to the cessation of non-essential government functions due to a lack of authorized federal funding, as governed by the Antideficiency Act (31 U.S.C. § 1341).
DOL Shutdown and Its Impact on Immigration Processing: A Legal and Strategic Overview Read More »
Introduction On October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. (ET), the United States entered a partial government shutdown after Congress failed to enact a funding bill. Under the Anti deficiency Act, federal agencies without independent fee funding must suspend operations. While several immigration-related functions continue, the Department of Labor (DOL)—a critical player in employment-based immigration—has ceased
Introduction For decades, Indian professionals have played a vital role in the U.S. economy’s reliance on high-skilled talent. The H-1B visa program under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) remains the primary pathway for specialty occupation workers, while employment-based green card categories under INA §§ 203(b)(2) and (b)(3) offer long-term permanent residence opportunities.
STEM OPT Extension Checklist: A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Students and Employers The STEM OPT extension offers a valuable opportunity for international graduates in STEM fields to gain additional U.S. work experience. However, the program imposes strict compliance requirements on both students and employers. By following this checklist and understanding the obligations set forth in
STEM OPT Extension Checklist Read More »
