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USCIS Premium Processing Fees Increase in 2026: What New Jersey Employers and Professionals Need to Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | January 15, 2026

Businesses across New Jersey especially in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing rely heavily on U.S. immigration programs to hire and retain global talent. In January 2026, USCIS officially announced an increase in premium processing fees, effective March 1, 2026, impacting employers and individuals who depend on fast immigration decisions . For companies facing tight hiring timelines, understanding these changes and planning accordingly has never been more important. This is where working with an experienced Immigration Attorney in New Jersey can make a measurable difference.   What Is Premium Processing? Premium processing is an optional USCIS service that guarantees expedited adjudication of certain immigration petitions. By...

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DHS Overhauls the H-1B Lottery: What Employers and Foreign Professionals Must Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | January 9, 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced one of the most significant changes to the H-1B visa program in decades. Beginning with the FY 2027 cap season, the government will move away from the long-criticized random lottery system and adopt a weighted selection process that prioritizes higher-paid and higher-skilled positions. This policy shift will have major implications for U.S. employers, foreign professionals, and organizations that rely on the H-1B program to recruit specialized global talent. At VKM Law Group, we are already advising clients to reassess their H-1B strategies in light of these changes. Under the new system, selection probability...

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The ABCs of H-1B Visas: What Employers and Foreign Professionals Need to Know

Posted in: Vinay Malik | January 9, 2026

The H-1B filing season is officially underway, and for U.S. employers and prospective foreign professionals, early preparation is no longer optional, it is essential. Each year, the H-1B cap season becomes increasingly competitive and complex, and recent regulatory changes have raised the stakes even further. At VKM Law Group, our Immigration Attorneys work closely with businesses across New Jersey and beyond to help them navigate the H-1B process strategically and compliantly. In this first installment of our seven-part series, we break down what employers and beneficiaries need to know as the H-1B cap season moves into full swing.   H-1B Registration: The Mandatory...

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