Jim Grey
Saudi Umrah Reform Opens to All Visa Holders with Nusuk Rules
The 2025 Umrah reform lets all valid Saudi visa holders perform Umrah if they register via Nusuk and…
Lithuania moves to curb international students with stricter rules
A Lithuanian bill would halve bachelor students’ work hours to 20 weekly, limit family reunification for master’s students,…
DV-2026 Update: Cuba Ineligibility and UK Entrant Status Clarifications
A Department of State review found limited DV-2026 selection errors. Cuban natives are ineligible due to exceeding the…
Trump’s 15% Cap: Which U.S. Universities Are Most Exposed?
An October 2025 memo would cap international undergraduates at 15% and 5% per country, tied to federal funding.…
Cotton Seeks 85,000 H-1B Cap for Universities and Research
Sen. Tom Cotton’s Visa Cap Enforcement Act would end H-1B exemptions for universities and nonprofits, force them into…
H-1B Transfer Pending After Termination During Government Shutdown
An H-1B worker laid off has a 60-day discretionary grace period to remain lawfully in the U.S., but…
What to Expect for E-2 Visa Renewal Appointments During a Shutdown
E-2 renewals usually proceed early in a shutdown due to fee funding, but prolonged stoppages can reduce services…
Can H-4 Dependents File for Initial EAD During a Government Shutdown?
H-4 dependents can file initial H-4 EAD (Form I-765) during a government shutdown because USCIS is fee-funded and…
O-1A/O-1B Petitions and Premium Processing During a Shutdown
USCIS remains operational during the October 2025 shutdown and continues accepting O-1A/B petitions. Premium processing is active at…
Australian E-3 Visa at U.S. Consulates During a Government Shutdown
During a shutdown, the Department of Labor suspends LCA processing, blocking new E-3 consular visas unless the LCA…
Are Pending I-539 Status Changes Processed During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, Form I-539 filings generally continue during federal shutdowns: new and pending cases are processed,…
Can I File Form I-130 During a Government Shutdown? USCIS Continues
During the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues fee-funded I-130 processing, while E-Verify and DOL functions (PERM, LCAs)…
Can J-2 Dependents Apply for EAD During a Government Shutdown?
Despite the October 1, 2025 shutdown, USCIS continues to process J-2 EAD applications because it’s fee-funded. J-2s can…
Can You Re-Enter the U.S. with Advance Parole During a Shutdown?
During a government shutdown, Advance Parole holders can request re-entry but CBP decides admission. Ports stay open, yet…
Are L-1 Extension Petitions Processed During a Federal Shutdown?
USCIS usually continues processing L-1 extension petitions during shutdowns because it is fee-funded and L-1s don't require a…