Immigration

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...

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. President issued a groundbreaking proclamation that redefines the landscape of the H-1B visa program, a long-standing pathway for skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States. For employers, employees, and legal practitioners, this new development introduces high-stakes financial and procedural challenges and demands immediate attention. As a leading immigration law firm serving clients across the United States, VKM Law Group breaks down what this means for you and how we can help you navigate this complex transition. What Does the New H-1B Proclamation Say? Effective September 21, 2025, U.S. employers seeking to hire foreign workers under...