Official updates on H-1B, F-1, OPT, CPT, STEM OPT, PERM and I-140, pulled from USCIS, the Federal Register, ICE/SEVP, and the White House.
DHS proposes eliminating the 60-day grace period after employment ends for certain nonimmigrant visa holders. H-1B workers and dependents would lose status immediately upon job cessation rather than having 60 days to find new employment or depart.
Federal Register notice regarding H-1B petition fees. (Full details refer to the August 25 entry.)
DHS proposes a new $103,265 fee for all H-1B cap-subject petitions (including advanced degree exemption) payable at filing. Employers would pay this additional fee on top of existing H-1B fees to help fund federal immigration administration.
DHS proposes a $103,265 fee for all H-1B cap-subject petitions including advanced degree exemption holders. Affects all H-1B applicants.
USCIS revised Forms I-539 and I-765 effective September 15, 2026 to align with new academic student procedures. Old form editions will be rejected, affecting F-1 and OPT applicants.
USCIS issued an interim final rule enabling mandatory electronic filing for certain immigration benefit requests. This modernizes the system for H-1B, F-1, OPT, and other visa petitions and applications.
DHS clarified that the 9-11 Biometric Entry-Exit Fee now applies to all H-1B extension of status petitions, regardless of employer change, in addition to initial petitions. H-1B extension applicants must pay this fee.
Key information for new F-1 students arriving in the US, including visa entry procedures and initial status documentation requirements.
USCIS reached FY 2027 H-1B cap: 65,000 regular allocations and 20,000 advanced degree exemptions. No further petitions accepted for FY 2027.
DHS finalized a rule changing F-1, J, and I visas from duration-of-status to fixed-time-period admission with new extension procedures. F-1 students now have a specific departure date rather than staying for the duration of their program.
DHS finalized updates to alien registration forms and procedures, designating a general registration form and adjusting accepted registration evidence. H-1B, F-1, and all other visa holders must comply with new registration requirements.
DHS published FAQs on a final rule establishing fixed admission periods and extension procedures for F-1 students, replacing unlimited 'duration of status'. F-1 students must now track specific admit-until dates and request extensions to maintain valid status.
Effective July 17, 2026, F-1 students shifted from unlimited 'duration of status' to fixed time-period admissions with defined extension procedures. Students must manage specific admit-until dates rather than open-ended authorization to remain in the US.
Two individuals pleaded guilty to H-1B visa fraud conspiracy. Enforcement action against fraudulent H-1B schemes.
USCIS completed FY 2027 H-1B initial registration selection. The cap including master's degree exemption has been reached.
DOL proposes revising prevailing wage calculations for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and employment-based green card (EB-2, EB-3) applications using updated OEWS data. This aims to align wages with U.S. worker rates and reduce employer incentives to replace rather than supplement American workers.
FMCSA restricted non-domiciled commercial driver licenses to holders of specific employment-based nonimmigrant visas including H-1B. Foreign nationals on student, tourist, or other visa categories can no longer obtain non-domiciled CDLs.
FY 2027 H-1B initial registration period: March 4-19, 2026. H-1B applicants must register during this window for cap lottery.
DHS implemented a weighted selection process for H-1B cap-subject petitions prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid beneficiaries effective FY 2027. This changes how employers and H-1B workers compete in the annual cap lottery.
DHS amended H-1B visa selection process to prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid beneficiaries. Change aims to protect American worker wages and job opportunities.
Guidance on Form I-983 that F-1 students must complete to request Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization following degree completion.
USCIS reduced the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain alien categories. Workers and OPT/STEM OPT holders using EAD must renew more frequently.