The U.S. Department of State says it will pause issuing immigrant visas to applicants who are nationals of 75 listed countries, citing “public charge” (public benefits) concerns and a broader policy review. Introduction On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a “full review” of immigration-related policies, regulations, and guidance aimed at […]
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Jan 15 2026
The Department of State has released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin. You can access the copy of the Visa Bulletin on the Department of State website here. Note: USCIS has designated the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications and the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored adjustment of status applications within the U.S. for February […]
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Jan 15 2026
A new USCIS policy memorandum directs officers to hold final decisions on pending benefit applications connected to countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10998, while the agency conducts enhanced national security and public safety review. Introduction On January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194, titled Hold and Review of USCIS […]
Read MoreThe Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule raising USCIS premium processing fees for eligible filings, and requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 must include the new fee. Introduction On January 12, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule adjusting premium processing fees to reflect inflation measured from […]
Read MoreA coalition of 20 states has filed suit to block the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B cases, arguing it is unlawful and would severely disrupt employers that rely on highly skilled foreign workers. What’s Happening Recent reporting indicates that 20 states, led by Democratic attorneys general, have sued the Trump administration over its […]
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Dec 31 2025
DHS has finalized a new H-1B selection system that replaces the random lottery with a wage-level “weighted” process, giving higher-paid positions a stronger chance of selection starting with the FY 2027 registration season. Introduction On December 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced a major […]
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Dec 30 2025
Meng Law Group is now accepting new H-1B cap cases for the year 2026, and we would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the H-1B registration process for 2026. Accepting New H-1B Cases Our office has begun preparing for the 2026 H-1B season (i.e., fiscal year 2027 cap), and we are now accepting […]
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Dec 26 2025
The Department of State has released the January 2026 Visa Bulletin. You can access the copy of the Visa Bulletin on the Department of State website here. Note: USCIS has designated the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based adjustment of status applications and the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored adjustment of status applications within the U.S. for January […]
Read MoreUSCIS will now issue green card-based work permits (EADs) for only 18 months instead of five years for all applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025. Introduction U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made an official announcement discussing a major change to work permits (Employment Authorization Documents, or “EADs”) for many […]
Read MoreBeginning December 15, 2025, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will undergo an online presence review as part of the U.S. Department of State’s expanded screening process. Introduction The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued an official announcement that, beginning December 15, 2025, consular officers will conduct an online presence review for all H-1B […]
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