H-1B petitions come with real costs, including government filing fees and attorney fees. Some employers may ask employees to pay their own H-1B legal or filing fees to cut costs or because they misunderstand or copy incorrect practices. Employers should understand the regulations governing H-1B-related payments and who is responsible for them, because improper payments […]
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A 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 […]
Read MoreOverview In order to allow U.S. firms to temporarily employ foreign workers in “specialty occupations” — positions that call for the theoretical and practical application of a particular body of knowledge — the H-1B nonimmigrant visa classification was created. In highly skilled fields, the main justification is to fill labor shortages domestically by enabling firms […]
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 […]
Read MoreA new DHS regulation could either end or sharply restrict optical practical training (OPT), altering the primary post-graduation work pathway for international students in the United States. Introduction The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it is preparing a new regulation that could change the rules surrounding student practical training programs—including Optional Practical […]
Read MoreDHS has proposed a sweeping biometrics rule that would allow USCIS to require fingerprints, photos, and even DNA from virtually anyone connected to an immigration filing—including U.S. citizens, green card holders, and children—unless specifically exempted. Introduction On November 3, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the […]
Read MoreThe DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has fully resumed processing prevailing wage and labor certification applications following the government shutdown, allowing stalled employment-based immigration cases to move forward again, though stakeholders should expect slower-than-normal processing times. Introduction The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has made an official announcement that the Office of Foreign Labor […]
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Nov 13 2025
Introduction Effective October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only accept electronic payments for paper-filed forms. This change, announced in a news release, marks the formal end of filing fees paid by check, money order, or other paper-based instruments for applications, petitions, and requests submitted by mail. How to Pay: Credit, Debit, […]
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