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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
The EB-1A extraordinary ability green card category remains one of the most effective U.S. immigration options for high-achieving professionals. Unlike many employment-based green card pathways, EB-1A does not require a PERM labor certification and may be pursued without a traditional employer sponsorship structure. At the same time, EB-1A adjudications have become more rigorous. USCIS increasingly […]
Overview Foreign nationals working in the United States in temporary status—such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-3, H-2B, J-1, or F-1 OPT/STEM OPT—may understandably feel anxious about recent immigration enforcement activity. Even when you are lawfully present and fully compliant with U.S. immigration rules, an unexpected interaction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be […]
In recent months, nonimmigrant visa revocation has emerged as a significant concern for employers, foreign workers, students, and travelers interacting with the U.S. immigration system. Recent changes in enforcement and vetting practices are making visa validity less certain, with serious implications for individuals and organizations alike. Factors Driving Current Visa Revocations Traditionally, once a U.S. […]
Background on the Fee In September 2025, a Presidential Proclamation on H-1B visas introduced a new one-time supplemental fee of $100,000 associated with certain H-1B petitions. This unprecedented change significantly altered the cost structure for employers seeking to sponsor H-1B visas. Who the Fee Applies To The $100,000 fee applies primarily to new H-1B petitions […]
Date: January 15, 2026 Executive Summary The U.S. State Department has directed U.S. consular posts to pause immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This development will impact: • Employment-based and family-based green card applicants processing through a U.S. consulate abroad, and • Dependents applying for immigrant visas abroad. The […]
Interviews Being Scheduled for Late 2026/Early 2027 Meltzer Hellrung is monitoring ongoing H-1B and H-4 visa appointment delays at U.S. Consulates in India. Recent reports indicate that some applicants have experienced significant interview backlogs, including rescheduling previously confirmed appointments and scheduling of new appointment for late 2026 and early 2027. Key Developments Appointment delays and […]