2025 Family-Based Immigration Backlogs and 2026 Developments
2025 brought deeper family-based backlogs, unpredictable Visa Bulletin retrogression, and stricter vetting that lengthened I-130 adjudications and consular…
US Firms Still Sponsor H-1B Despite $100K Fee, Reports Say
A US$100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions, effective September 2025, sharply raises sponsorship costs. Big tech still hires…
Holiday Layoffs and U.S. Work Visas: Rights and Pathways
Layoffs during holidays create urgent immigration risks: H‑1B holders typically get a 60‑day window; OPT/STEM have strict unemployment…
H-1B 2025 Preparation for Employers: Start in December
Prepare now for H-1B Registration 2025: registrations run March 7–24, 2025, costing US$215 each. Because selection uses a…
Project Firewall Intensifies H-1B Oversight: What Employers Should Know
Launched September 2025, Project Firewall lets the DOL open proactive H‑1B investigations without complaints. About 200 reviews target…
Switching Jobs on OPT: Essential Rules for F-1 Students in 2025
You can change employers during OPT or STEM OPT, but must report changes to your DSO within 10…
Late Spring 2025 Admissions: Rolling Options for Intl Students
Late Spring 2025 and rolling admissions let international students start in January 2026. Shortlist programs, verify spring availability,…
Spring 2025 Travel Checklist for International Students to the U.S.
Prepare for Spring 2025 by securing valid passport, visa, signed I‑20/DS‑2019, and SEVIS receipt. Book flights 6–8 weeks…
Maintaining F-1 Status Over Winter Break: Do’s and Don’ts
During Winter break, F-1 students must keep SEVIS active, confirm I-20 and travel signatures, and carry essential documents.…
Spring 2025 U.S. Intake: Essential Visa, Travel, and Campus Prep Guide
For Spring 2025 F-1 students: confirm a signed I-20 Form (Original), pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, secure your…
Canada PGWP Expirations Put Thousands of Graduates at Risk
Thirty‑one thousand six hundred ten PGWP holders were valid on Sept. 30, 2025, and most permits expire by…
Traveling Abroad with Approved I-140: Key Steps and Documentation
I-140 approval supports your green card case but doesn’t grant re-entry. Travel rules depend on current visa status,…
How to Read Your LCA and Find the Correct Wage Level
Obtain the certified LCA to confirm the employer pays at least the higher of prevailing or actual wage.…
I-140 Approved but I-485 Filing Blocked: Your Options
I-140 approval doesn’t automatically let you file I-485; you must wait for your priority date to be current…