The Department of State (DOS) established a temporary Paid Expedite pilot program allowing certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants to pay an additional fee for expedited visa interview scheduling. DOS has now launched the pilot program, providing eligible applicants at designated U.S. consular posts with the opportunity to obtain earlier visa interview appointments.
Continue Reading Department of State Launches $750 Paid Expedite Pilot Program for B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Appointments
Recent news reports regarding the erroneous registration of noncitizens to vote serve as an important reminder of a broader issue that immigration practitioners encounter with increasing frequency: the disconnect between state administrative systems and the federal immigration system.
A transition to Pay.gov for visa-related fees may affect consular processing where payment verification issues arise.
Recent reports from the American Immigration Lawyers Association indicate that the U.S. Department of State may be preparing a restructuring of visa processing operations across Africa.
Continue Reading U.S. Department of State Reportedly Considering Centralized Visa Processing Hubs Across Africa
The DOS published a temporary final rule amending the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services to establish a new fee for expedited nonimmigrant visa interview appointments.
The Department of State’s April 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects forward movement in both family‑based and employment‑based immigrant visa categories.
Continue Reading April 2026 Visa Bulletin: Developments Across Family‑ and Employment‑Based Categories
The U.S. Department of State published its April 2026 Visa Bulletin, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that employment-based adjustment applicants must rely on the Dates for Filing chart this month.
Continue Reading Department of State Releases April 2026 Visa Bulletin: Continued Advancement in Employment-Based Green Card Across Multiple Categories
The U.S. Department of State has expanded its visa bond pilot program for B1/B2 visitor visas, affecting nationals from dozens of countries around the world.
On Feb. 28, 2026, the U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution security alert following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran.
Continue Reading State Department Issues Worldwide Caution: What Visa Applicants and US Travelers Need to Know
On Feb. 2, 2026, a coalition of immigrant advocacy groups and individual plaintiffs filed a federal lawsuit challenging the State Department’s freeze on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The complaint also contests newly implemented consular directives that reportedly expand the application of the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
Continue Reading Federal Lawsuit Challenges 2026 State Department Immigrant Visa Pause: Examining Administrative Procedure Act Claims and DS-260 Considerations