Month: February 2026

March 2026 Visa Bulletin: Recent Administrative Policies Bring Notable Forward Movement to EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Categories

The March 2026 Visa Bulletin brings significant forward movement across several employment-based “Dates for Filing” categories, offering welcome news for employers and foreign national professionals awaiting the opportunity to file adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications. What Moved? EB-1 India and China advances four months. EB-2 Rest of World, Mexico, and the Philippines become […]

Written by on February 25, 2026

Employment-Based Adjustment of Status Interviews in an Era of Heightened Enforcement.

USCIS is applying greater scrutiny to all immigration benefit requests, including employment-based adjustment of status (AOS) applications. As a result, AOS interviews have become more detailed and documentation-focused. Failing to prepare can have dire consequences, not only for the applicant but also for the employer who values their work. In some cases, applicants with prior […]

Written by on February 25, 2026

The Anatomy of a Form I-9 Audit: What Employers Should Know

As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to expand the scope of its worksite enforcement operations, it is important to understand why Form I-9 audits occur and how they are conducted. What Triggers an I-9 Audit ICE, through Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has authority to inspect employer Forms I-9. Audits may be triggered by […]

Written by on February 18, 2026

Preparing for the New Weighted H-1B Registration System

For the second consecutive year, employers participating in the H-1B cap registration process will need to adapt to a major change. Last year introduced the beneficiary centric registration process, which attempted to reduce the number of multiple entries by applicants. This year, USCIS is moving forward with a weighted selection system, increasing the odds of […]

Written by on February 18, 2026

Navigating International Travel for Foreign Nationals: 2026 Updates & Employer Strategies

Stay ahead by subscribing to our newsletter Downloadable PDF Resource HERE ⚖️ Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, please contact Meltzer Hellrung. H-1B Lottery 2026 & International Travel for Foreign Nationals: FAQ for Employers This FAQ summarizes key questions from our February 11, 2026 webinar: “Navigating […]

Written by on February 12, 2026

The Trump “Gold Card” Faces Its First Legal Challenge 

The Trump administration’s new “Gold Card” immigration initiative is already facing a significant legal test that could determine whether the program survives in its current form.  Earlier this month, a  lawsuit in federal court challenging the legality of the program, which was launched by executive order in September 2025. The lawsuit seeks to halt implementation […]

Written by on February 10, 2026

Preparing for an ICE Worksite Visit: What Employers Need to Know

Unannounced site visits by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement agencies are increasing nationwide. ICE visits can be disruptive and stressful for employers, particularly when frontline staff are unsure how to respond. Preparation is critical. A clear, well-communicated protocol can reduce risk, prevent inadvertent violations, and ensure a lawful and professional response.  […]

Written by on February 10, 2026

Federal Court Rules EB-1A “Final Merits” Test Illegal – Signaling  

Significant Shift in Extraordinary Ability Adjudications  A recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska marks an important development in the adjudication of EB-1A extraordinary ability immigrant visa petitions. In Mukherji v. Miller, the court rejected USCIS’s long-standing use of a two-step adjudication process and ordered the agency to approve an […]

Written by on February 2, 2026

Digital Nomad Visas and the H-1B Lottery – Another Option for Employers 

Each year, many highly skilled professionals are not selected in the H-1B lottery, forcing both individuals and employers to consider short-term and medium-term alternatives. One little used option that may deserve greater consideration is the use of digital nomad visa options in locations and time zones conducive to maintaining work ties to the United States.  […]

Written by on February 2, 2026