Despite heightened scrutiny, evolving adjudication standards, and continued operational pressure on U.S. immigration agencies, 2026 may prove a viable — and even advantageous — year for U.S. employers to sponsor global talent. The employers who may see the greatest success might approach sponsorship strategically, plan well in advance, and incorporate lessons learned from government practices
Some individuals who live, study, or conduct business in the United States obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to comply with U.S. tax laws. However, a common misconception persists — that having an ITIN allows someone to work legally in the United States.
The truth is: an ITIN does not provide work authorization.
As the new Trump administration takes shape, tech companies and foreign workers are keenly observing potential changes to the H-1B visa program and other related tech visas. The administration is expected to appease its opposing stakeholders by maintaining strong relationships with the tech industry while also
Earlier in 2024, the Department of Homeland Security introduced a regulation to reform the H-1B lottery process, shifting from an employer-centric to a beneficiary-centric selection. While this change may improve overall selection rates, high demand for H-1B visas is projected to continue to exceed the available annual 65,000 numeric limit (cap). Employers should therefore
Amid the evolving global economy throughout the past year, employers may be reassessing their approach to talent acquisition and retention. Companies are navigating uncertainty by recalibrating mobility programs, aiming to not only attract but also retain talent to fulfill a skills gap in the U.S. workforce. Central to leveraging foreign talent is the power of
On Oct. 20, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released policy guidance, effective immediately, for L-1 petitions filed by a sole proprietorship.
This guidance is reflected in the latest USCIS Policy Manual and upholds existing policy, stating that a sole proprietorship may not file an L-1 petition on behalf of its owner. The
The GT team recently obtained L-2 extension of status approvals for the spouse and daughter of an L-1 principal visa holder, enabling the family members to continue residing in the United States as L-2 dependents.
The L-2 visa is for dependents of a principal L-1 visa holder, allowing them to reside in the United States
On March 10, 2023, U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided clarification on the 60-day grace period offered to nonimmigrant workers who have been terminated or who have resigned from their jobs. This is relevant given recent layoffs affecting nonimmigrant visa holders.
USCIS now clarifies that the “grace period starts the day after termination of
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) plans to test a program that would permit H- and L-visa holders to renew their visa stamps from within the United States, rather than requiring those individuals to travel abroad to renew their visas at a U.S. consulate. A visa stamp is placed in a visa holder’s passport, allowing