Future of OPT: International Students and U.S. Universities Must Do
OPT and its STEM-OPT extension face possible elimination or restriction via H.R. 2315 and DHS rulemaking. Ending FICA…
Should I Reschedule My Visa Interview During the Shutdown?
Embassies say confirmed visa interviews before or during a shutdown remain valid unless officially canceled. Avoid rescheduling based…
Will U.S. Embassy in India Expand Visa Slots to Clear Backlogs?
To address visa backlogs, the U.S. Embassy in India added 250,000 appointments in 2024 and plans one million…
Administrative Processing Delays During a Government Shutdown: What to Expect
The October 1, 2025 shutdown curtailed interagency systems and staff, lengthening administrative processing for consular visas. With 3.4…
How Long Will Embassy Visa Backlogs Clear After November 2025 Shutdown
The November 2025 shutdown created a layered global backlog of visa appointments requiring several weeks to months to…
Expected H-1B Stamping Delays at U.S. Consulates After 2025 Shutdown
Shutdown-related DOL delays and consular staffing constraints slowed H-1B stamping despite open posts. Expect reduced appointment availability, longer…
H-1B Extensions After LCA Expiration During a Government Shutdown
The government shutdown beginning October 1, 2025, froze the DOL FLAG system, preventing LCA certifications and halting H-1B…
Can I File H-1B Transfer Immediately After LCA Certification?
The DOL resumed LCA processing October 31, 2025, reopening FLAG and enabling employers to file LCAs and immediately…
Are U.S. Consulates Abroad Operating Normally for Visas and Passports?
Consular visa and passport services continue during the 2025 shutdown due to fee funding, but expect longer waits,…
Is My H-1B/H-1B1/E-3 Pending After Shutdown? Updated Timelines
FLAG resumed in late October 2025, allowing new LCAs and case tracking. LCAs pending during the shutdown remain…
Shutdown Effects on Visa and Passport Processing Times and Recovery
Fee-funded passport and visa services are still operating during the shutdown; routine passport processing is 4–6 weeks. DOL…
South Korea Eases Work Visas for Thai Youth, Extending Stays
South Korea eased D-10 and E-7 visa rules for Thai youth: TOPIK 6 holders under 29 with Korean…
UK visa changes set to cut university income, Home Office warns
UK visa reforms — an 18‑month Graduate Route, a 6% tuition levy, and higher maintenance (£1,171/month outside London)…
From F-1 to H-1B: A Practical Guide for U.S. Employment
New rules add a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions starting September 21, 2025, and shift selection toward…