On Sept. 18, 2026, the White House announced two significant actions affecting the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program.
Continue Reading September 2026 H-1B Changes: New Compliance Scrutiny and Extension of the $100,000 Entry Restriction
The Current DHS Shutdown’s Impact on Immigration Agencies
With annual appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) having lapsed on Feb. 14, 2026, immigration stakeholders are again navigating the practical consequences of a DHS-specific shutdown. Despite the current shutdown, most DHS immigration functions continue, but the impact may vary across agencies and programs. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department
USCIS Finalizes Wage Weighted H-1B Cap Selection Rule, Effective Feb. 27, 2026
USCIS has finalized a major restructuring of the H-1B cap selection process.
Continue Reading USCIS Finalizes Wage Weighted H-1B Cap Selection Rule, Effective Feb. 27, 2026
Facts vs. Fiction – Project Firewall and the New Era of H-1B Enforcement
The Department of Labor (DOL)’s new Project Firewall has become a much discussed—and misunderstood—development in U.S. business immigration. Announced in September 2025, this initiative signals an increased focus on federal enforcement of the H-1B visa program. While employers are right to take notice, some of the conversation around Project Firewall has been driven by speculation.
Government Shutdown: What Employers Need to Know About Immigration Services
The federal government shutdown is disrupting some immigration functions. Most significantly, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s FLAG system is down, preventing the filing of LCAs, prevailing wage requests, and PERM applications. While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remain operational due to fee-based funding, employers should prepare
Responding to I-9 and LCA Audits: Employer Considerations
Government agencies are increasingly auditing employers for compliance with Form I-9 employment verification requirements and Labor Condition Application (LCA) obligations related to H-1B and other work visas. These audits often come with little notice, and mishandling them may result in penalties and business disruption.
Continue Reading Responding to I-9 and LCA Audits: Employer Considerations
Department of Labor Guidance Amidst COVID-19
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued guidance regarding several immigration processes in light of employer office closures around the country due to COVID-19. Many of these issues include extending posting dates and filing deadlines. The DOL notes that it intends to remain fully operational, as its employees have teleworking capabilities, and that applications will
DOL Implements New LCA Form Effective Nov. 19, 2018
The Labor Condition Application (LCA) Form, ETA 9035, is a required form for non-immigrant visa categories including the H-1B, H-1B1 (Chile/Singapore) and E-3 (Australia). Pursuant to The Department of Labor’s plans to better protect American workers, confront fraud, and increase transparency, a new version of the LCA form took effect on Nov. 19, 2018. This