The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for July 2026 includes updates for China, India, and the Philippines in several employment-based green card categories: Retrogression in the EB-1 category for India. High demand has made it necessary to retrogress the final...
Topic: Immigration Updates
DOS Creates $750 Fee for Expedited B-1/B-2 Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointments
The Department of State (DOS) published a temporary final rule, effective July 1 through December 31, 2026, to create a $750 fee for an expedited B-1/B-2 business and tourism nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview appointment. The new fee will allow B-1/B-2 visa applicants...
DOS Plans Drastic Cuts to Visa-Processing Posts in Africa
According to reports, the Department of State (DOS) plans to cut most visa-processing capabilities at its posts in Africa from almost 50 down to 20 in June. Based on an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press, the 20 hubs to remain open for processing include...
India Per-Country Limit Reached in EB-5 Unreserved Category
On June 10, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) announced that as of June 5, it had issued all available immigrant visas in the employment-based fifth preference (EB-5) unreserved category for applicants chargeable to India for fiscal year 2026. The annual limits will...
USCIS ‘Quietly’ Lifts Processing Holds for Physicians
According to reports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has “quietly” lifted processing holds in the United States on pending immigration benefit applications for physicians. This includes H-1B petitions filed by U.S. employers for physician employees and J-1...
USCIS Follows Compliance Order to Resume Processing of Applications for Nationals From 39 Countries, But Files Appeal
On June 12, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued an alert under a court order, and subsequent compliance order, in Dorcas v. USCIS. The court had vacated policy guidance (PM 602-0192, PM 602-0194, and PA 2025-26) based on several presidential...
Federal Court Pauses Decision to Declare $100,000 H-1B Fee an Unlawful Tax
On June 12, 2026, a U.S. district court partially stayed its decision on June 8, 2026, that vacated a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy implementing Presidential Proclamation 10973 by imposing a $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions. The court allowed...
USCIS Opens New Asylum Office in San Antonio
On June 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has opened an additional asylum office in San Antonio, Texas. As of May 28, 2026, those who filed for asylum with USCIS who reside in the jurisdiction of the Houston Asylum Office may...
USCIS Announces 16 New Classes of Admission for Employment-Based Immigrants Under the Gold Card Program
On June 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced 16 new classes of admission (COAs) for employment-based immigrant categories under the Gold Card program, established by Executive Order 14351. USCIS noted that the Gold Card program is available to...
DOS Releases FAQs on FIFA World Cup Visa Processing
The Department of State (DOS) recently released frequently asked questions (FAQs) on visa processing for the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). DOS explained that PASS gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets...
