Immigration

Beginning December 8, 2025, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants across various consular posts have started receiving rescheduling notices for their previously confirmed visa interview appointments. These changes impact interviews scheduled on or after December 15, 2025, with new appointment dates being pushed as far out as March or even June 2026. This abrupt shift is attributed to the U.S. Department of State’s implementation of a new online presence review requirement, which is significantly impacting interview capacity at U.S. consulates globally. Key Developments Mass Rescheduling of H-1B and H-4 Interviews Consulates, including Hyderabad and Chennai, are unilaterally rescheduling visa appointments, some to dates as...

In a significant policy update, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will shorten the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), as part of an initiative to enhance its screening and vetting procedures for work authorization in the United States. Who Is Affected by the EAD Validity Change? Beginning December 5, 2025, USCIS will limit the maximum validity period of some initial and renewal EADs to 18 months, down from the previous 5 years. This change applies to specific categories, including: Refugees Asylees Individuals granted withholding of removal Applicants with pending asylum or adjustment of status...

On September 21, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued formal guidance on the recent Presidential Proclamation mandating a $100,000 filing fee for certain H-1B petitions. This memorandum offers official confirmation of points we previously analyzed in our earlier breakdown of the proclamation. Below, we outline the key clarifications provided by USCIS and what they mean for employers, current H-1B visa holders, and prospective applicants. Key Takeaways from USCIS Policy Guidance Prospective Only The $100,000 fee only applies to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. Employers planning new filings should be prepared to budget accordingly. Not Retroactive Petitions...