Category: Immigration

Immigration

H-1B/H-4 Visa Update: U.S. State Department Expands Online Presence Review to Include H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

Written by Howard Shapiro and Jason Farkas According to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of State (DOS), as of December 15, 2025, the DOS will expand the requirement that an “online presence review” be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents (H-4). Per the announcement, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants at U.S. consular posts abroad will undergo a review of their … Continue reading H-1B/H-4 Visa Update: U.S. State Department Expands Online Presence Review to Include H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants

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Immigration

White House Issues, Clarifies Proclamation on H-1B Restrictions

Written by David Rugendorf, Howard Shapiro, and Janice LuoOn September 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” which imposes certain restrictions on H-1B visas. The proclamation, effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on September 21, 2025, specifies that no H-1B specialty occupation worker may enter the United States absent proof of an employer petitioner payment of … Continue reading White House Issues, Clarifies Proclamation on H-1B Restrictions

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Immigration

Trump Administration To Enforce Registration, Address Requirements

Written by David Rugendorf and David Wulkan The Trump administration is signaling its intent to more rigorously enforce certain provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act which, although they have been in existence for quite some time, have not previously been as strictly enforced. On February 25, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it will require foreign nationals to: (See Department of Homeland … Continue reading Trump Administration To Enforce Registration, Address Requirements

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Immigration

ICE Inspections, Site Visits and Raids

Written by Howard D. Shapiro and David S. Rugendorf There have been many announcements regarding worksite inspections and raids being conducted at employment sites around the country by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Employers should recognize that a site visit is not an indication that the company, its managers or any of its employees, did anything wrong. Certainly, the visit … Continue reading ICE Inspections, Site Visits and Raids

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Immigration

2024 Updates to Key Business Immigration Policies

Written by Deeba Fahami The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently implemented new final rules that have greatly impacted the business immigration landscape. Effective February 26, 2024, premium processing was adjusted to reflect inflationary increases from June 2021 through June 2023.[1] USCIS also introduced a new Fee Schedule, new fees, and other immigration changes which took effect on April 1, 2024.[2] Premium … Continue reading 2024 Updates to Key Business Immigration Policies

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Immigration

Major Changes Coming Soon To USCIS Fees

Written by Brian Fu and Frida P. Glucoft Major fee structure changes are coming into effect that will significantly affect individuals looking to live and work in the United States, as well as the companies looking to sponsor employees from other countries. We summarize the key changes to prepare new plans and budgets in anticipation of these changes. I. What are some key changes? On … Continue reading Major Changes Coming Soon To USCIS Fees

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Immigration

USCIS Releases More Information on Upcoming H-1B Cap Registration

Written by Frida P. Glucoft and Jason A. Farkas UPDATE: Following our client alert from January 30, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released more information and confirmed dates with respect to the upcoming H-1B Cap registration, along with several significant updates. At noon Eastern (9:00am Pacific) February 28, 2024, the USCIS will launch the new “organizational accounts” in its USCIS … Continue reading USCIS Releases More Information on Upcoming H-1B Cap Registration

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Immigration

USCIS to Begin Accepting Online Filings of Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Petitions

Written by Frida P. Glucoft and Jason A. Farkas On January 12, 2024, after years of anticipation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced and unveiled long awaited enhancements to its existing online filing capabilities.  At long last, and for the first time, the USCIS will begin accepting online filings of employment-based nonimmigrant petitions. The catch (and there are several): rollout begins just … Continue reading USCIS to Begin Accepting Online Filings of Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Petitions

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Immigration, MSK Blog

Department of State Pilot Program – Limited Stateside H-1B Visa Renewal

Written by Brian Fu Between January 29, 2024 and April 1, 2024, the Department of State will relaunch a Stateside Visa Renewal Program for limited H-1B visa applicants to apply for a visa renewal within the United States instead of with a U.S. consular post abroad. Each week, 2,000 online application spots will be released, and the online portal will automatically lock once the limits … Continue reading Department of State Pilot Program – Limited Stateside H-1B Visa Renewal

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Immigration

US Adds Israel to Visa Waiver Program/ESTA

Written by David Rugendorf Through a September 27, 2023 joint announcement from the Departments of State and Homeland Security, the US government has added Israel to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), also commonly known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Citizens and nationals of Israel may soon travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a … Continue reading US Adds Israel to Visa Waiver Program/ESTA

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