The U.S. Department of State announced an update to its “Countries Subject to Visa Bonds” notice on January 6, 2026, expanding the pilot program to include thirty-two additional nations—including Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Uganda, and Venezuela—and expanding acceptable ports of entry to include nine international airports in the United States and
Articles Discussing Employment-Related Visas.
$100K H-1B Fee Case Fast-Tracked in Federal Appeals Court
The U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit agreed on Jan. 5, 2025, to fast-track the appeal of the recent federal court ruling upholding the Trump Administration’s imposition of a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa petitions. On Dec. 24, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia upheld the… Continue Reading
USCIS Implements Wage Based H-1B Visa Distribution System for FY 2027
USCIS Implements Wage Based H-1B Visa Distribution System for FY 2027
H‑1B, H‑4 Visa Appointments Rescheduling Begins Amid Expanded Social Media Vetting Policies
U.S. consulates abroad have recently begun postponing a wide range of H‑1B and H‑4 visa interviews, resulting in significant delays in visa processing. Consulates in India have been among the most affected, as India remains the largest source of H‑1B visa holders worldwide. Beginning in the second week of December, applicants with interviews scheduled between… Continue Reading
Federal Court Upholds Administration’s $100K Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
A federal judge has granted the Trump Administration’s motion for summary judgment and upheld the legality of the $100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B visa petitions. Chamber of Commerce of the USA v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:25-cv-03675 (D.D.C. Dec. 23, 2025). President Donald Trump’s Sept. 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry… Continue Reading
New ‘Weighted Selection Process’ to Allocate H-1B Visas Takes Effect 02.27.26
Takeaways DHS has announced a final rule that replaces the usual randomized selection lottery H-1B cap selection process for one favoring higher-skilled and higher-paid foreign professionals. The “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions” final rule is scheduled to be published on Dec. 29, 2025, and go into effect… Continue Reading
Federal Court Upholds Trump Administration $100,000 Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
A federal judge has granted the Trump Administration’s motion for summary judgment and upheld the legality of the $100,000 fee requirement for certain H-1B visa petitions. Chamber of Commerce of the USA v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, No. 1:25-cv-03675 (D.D.C. Dec. 23, 2025).
President Donald Trump’s Sept. 19, 2025, Presidential
DHS Announces ‘Weighted Selection Process’ to Allocate H-1B Visas Effective Feb. 2026
Takeaways
DHS announced in a final rule that it will apply a new H-1B selection process, replacing the random lottery, to allocate cap-subject H-1B visas beginning with FY 2027. Registrants submitted under higher wage levels will have a better chance of being selected, with positions under the highest wage
January 2026 Visa Bulletin Shows Advancement for Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Categories
The U.S. Department of State’s January 2026 Visa Bulletin shows advancement from the December 2025 Visa Bulletin in both final action dates and dates for filing in several categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it would continue to accept employment-based adjustment of status filings based on
Social Media Vetting Expansion for Visa Applicants
Social Media Vetting Expansion for Visa Applicants
On December 15, the Department of State (DOS) announced it will expand its social media vetting requirement to additional nonimmigrant visa classifications, including H-1B, H-4 dependents, F, M, and J.
tgelbman@littler.com Thu, 12/18/2025 – 10:50
Expanded Online Presence Review Requirements for H-1B Applicants and H-4 Dependents
The U.S. State Department (DOS) has announced expanded visa screening procedures impacting H-1B specialty occupation workers and their H-4 dependents applying for visas at U.S. consular posts abroad.
New EEOC Guidance Aligns with DOL’s H-1B ‘Project Firewall,’ Stresses Foreign Worker Preferences Can Be a Form of ‘National Origin’ Discrimination
State Department Announces Expanded Screening and Vetting of H-1B and H-4 Visa Applications
Starting December 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will expand its online presence review to include all H-1B and dependent H-4 visa applicants. As part of the expansion, announced by the State Department on December 3, 2025, H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must make their social media profiles public
Employers Can Expect Higher H‑1B/H‑4 Visa Denials + Delays as State Department Expands Review of Applicants’ Social‑Media Presence
Takeaways
Starting 12.15.25, all H‑1B visa applicants and their H‑4 dependents must make their social‑media profiles public. Consular officers will scrutinize social-media activity, resumes and online work history. Employers sponsoring H-1B workers should anticipate possible delays, administrative processing or denials, especially for roles in tech, social media or other sensitive
DOL’s Recently Launched “Project Firewall” Increases Employer Risks + Penalties for H-1B Practices
Takeaways
The launch of Project Firewall signals the current administration’s tougher, more restrictive stance on high-skilled immigration. Key aspects of the enforcement initiative include increased investigations, interagency coordination, greater employer accountability and intent to protect American workers. Employers should review their H-1B policies and practices now.
Introduction
The U.S. Department of