Articles and Blogs

The fiscal year (“FY”) 2027 H-1B cap season will be the first to operate under a weighted selection system that replaces the prior fully random lottery. Employers should understand how this new process affects both the regular (bachelor’s) cap and the advanced degree (master’s) cap, as it changes selection mechanics but not the overall... READ MORE

The upcoming National Resident Matching Program is expected to be affected by several recent immigration-related developments under the Trump administration that employers should incorporate into their match planning strategy, including nationality-based travel restrictions, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) adjudication pause and the $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions filed on behalf of... READ MORE

On January 14, 2026, the Department of State announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for applicants who are nationals of the following 75 countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic... READ MORE

On June 9, 2025, the Trump Administration’s sweeping travel ban took effect, suspending entry for citizens of twelve countries and imposing partial restrictions on nationals from seven more.[1] The measure was introduced as part of a broader effort to address national security and vetting concerns, signaling that the restrictions were only the beginning of... READ MORE

For thousands of skilled foreign professionals, the H-1B classification provides a pathway to work in the United States. However, with a strict annual limit, or cap, of 65,000 H-1B visas—plus an additional 20,000 reserved for those with advanced U.S. degrees—the demand for H-1B status far exceeds the available supply. As a result, the U.S.... READ MORE

On August 18, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking allowing for optional alternative procedures for the examination of documents required by the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. Currently, to complete the Form I-9, employers must physically examine documentation presented by new employees within three business days... READ MORE

Effective May 4, 2022, certain foreign nationals who timely filed to renew their Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) will receive an automatic extension of the period of employment authorization up to 540 days beyond the original expiration date. This is an effort by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to temporarily alleviate the current situation... READ MORE

On October 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) announced the Interim Final Rule entitled “Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program,” and the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced the Interim Final Rule “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States,” which together... READ MORE

On Monday, June 22, 2020, President Trump signed an executive order regarding immigration policies and enforcement amidst the COVID-19 pandemic titled “Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens Who Present A Risk to the U.S. Labor Market Following the Coronavirus Outbreak” (the “Executive Order”). Most significantly, the new proclamation affects nonimmigrant visas that permit work authorization.... READ MORE

On May 11, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published a policy memorandum providing temporary flexibility for physicians completing a J-1 waiver service obligation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy memorandum addresses the full-time work requirement and telehealth services for these physicians in light of the Public Health Emergency issued in response to the... READ MORE