Jim Grey
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…
Can You Request Expedited Immigration During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS generally continues operations during shutdowns because it is fee-funded, and applicants may request discretionary expedite processing with…
USCIS Processing During Shutdown: Which Services Remain Available
Although a federal shutdown begins October 1, 2025, USCIS will largely keep processing applications due to fee funding.…