News and Policy Updates

Latest update

What Drove the FY2026 Employment-Based Visa Bulletin Whiplash?

FY2026 was shaping up to be the strongest year for employment-based green cards in recent memory, then it reversed before the fiscal year was even out.

Jun 22, 2026 · Casium Legal Team

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October 14, 2026

PERM is being rewritten. Here is how to plan your green card pipeline now.

DOL has proposed higher prevailing wage floors, sent a rewrite of the PERM labor market test to White House review, and stepped up enforcement. Here is what is changing and what employers should do this quarter.

September 29, 2026

October 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 updates

USCIS switches to Chart B (Dates for Filing) for October 2026. China and India filing dates jump, EB-2 India reopens, and Worldwide EB-2 and EB-3 move back.

September 14, 2026

The End of "Duration of Status": What’s Changed and What’s Next?

DHS's final rule ends Duration of Status for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders on September 15, 2026. Here's what changes for each group, and how to stay compliant.

September 8, 2026

The critical role criterion: what USCIS is actually asking

Most applicants assume they meet the critical role criterion, then lose it on the half they did not prepare for. This guide breaks down what USCIS asks in each category, the difference between a critical, essential, and leading role, and the evidence to start gathering before you file.

August 24, 2026

DHS Proposes a $103K Fee on H-1B Cap Petitions

DHS has proposed a rule that would add a $103,265 fee to every cap-subject H-1B petition, paid at filing on top of all existing fees. This post explains who would pay, who is exempt, how the proposal differs from the $100,000 proclamation fee struck down in June, and what employers should do before the FY 2028 cap season. Public comments are open until September 24, 2026.

August 22, 2026

Visa Bulletin: September 2026 - Categories Hold as the FY2026 Limit Lands at 186,317

The September 2026 Visa Bulletin freezes nearly every employment-based category, but it finally publishes the real FY2026 annual limit. EB-4 advances two months, and the State Department attaches a new warning to EB-5.

August 12, 2026

Same words, different job: why O-1A evidence does not automatically carry to an EB-1A

The O-1A and EB-1A use nearly identical language about being among the small percentage at the very top of a field, but they ask the evidence to prove different things. A look at where a strong O-1A record thins out, based on what USCIS guidance actually says.

August 5, 2026

Visa Bulletin: August 2026 - India Holds Flat as China Advances

The August 2026 Visa Bulletin freezes India while China moves forward. EB-2 and EB-5 India stay unavailable until the October 1 reset, and USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart this month.

July 17, 2026

The end of Duration of Status: what F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their employers need to know

DHS has finalized a rule replacing open-ended student and exchange admission with a fixed date on your I-94. Here is what changes, who it affects, and what to do before it takes effect.

June 22, 2026

What Drove the FY2026 Employment-Based Visa Bulletin Whiplash?

FY2026 was shaping up to be the strongest year for employment-based green cards in recent memory, then it reversed before the fiscal year was even out.

June 16, 2026

Visa pathways for athletes building a career in the US

This guide walks through the full sequence of options, from the narrow B-1 event path, to the P-1A working runway that most league players rely on, to the higher-bar O-1A, and finally to the self-petitioned EB-1A green card.

June 8, 2026

Why File H-1B Labor Condition Applications Early?

Filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) before an H-1B petition is required, but timing it early can be a useful planning move. This post explains why employers, particularly those with employees not selected in the initial lottery.

June 3, 2026

46,000 More Employment-Based Green Cards Are Available in FY 2026

The State Department set the FY 2026 employment-based green card limit at 186,000, about 46,000 above the usual floor and the first increase in three years. We break down why the surplus happened, why high-demand countries still face slow movement, and what employers and green card applicants should do before the numbers expire on September 30, 2026.

May 15, 2026

Understanding the O-1A Visa

The O-1A visa is designed for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and strategic considerations for building a strong petition.

May 11, 2026

Foundations of a Strong O-1, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW Petition

USCIS officers adjudicate across every industry. They are sharp readers, but they are not in your field. The petition has to bridge that gap on paper, with no follow-up questions and no chance to course-correct. Nine principles that make the difference between approved petitions and RFEs.

May 6, 2026

Thirty Years of Dormant Authority. The DOL Is Using It.

Project Firewall is the Department of Labor's H-1B enforcement initiative, run by the Wage and Hour Division in coordination with DOJ, EEOC, and USCIS. This guide walks employers through who is affected, what the rules require, where operational pressure shows up, and a 30 to 60 day plan to reset controls before an inquiry lands.

April 21, 2026

Can You Be a Content Creator While on a Temporary Work Visa?

Can you build a personal brand or become a content creator while on a U.S. work visa? This guide breaks down what’s allowed and what’s risky across H-1B, O-1, and TN visas. It explains how immigration law treats monetized content, brand deals, and affiliate income, and what steps individuals can take to stay compliant while growing as creators.

April 13, 2026

Building an Immigration Program vs. Filing Cases: What Scaling Companies Get Wrong

As companies grow their sponsored workforce, immigration shifts from a simple task to a complex operational function. This blog breaks down why reactive, case-by-case filing stops working at scale, and how missed timelines, lack of visibility, and compliance gaps start to surface. It also outlines what a structured immigration program looks like, when companies typically hit the breaking point, and how to move toward a more predictable, transparent system that supports both talent and leadership.

April 7, 2026

Thinking About Switching Immigration Firms? A Few Things To Keep In Mind For a Thoughtful Transition

If you run an immigration or mobility program, changing firms is not just a vendor move. Done badly, it can mean missed expiries, messy audits, shaken trust from the people who’s right to work depends on you, and business impacts like delayed start dates, blocked travel, and stalled projects. Done well, it means fewer fire drills, better employee experience, and cleaner updates for your leadership.

April 6, 2026

DOL Proposes Major Increase to Prevailing Wages: Implications for Corporate Mobility

A new proposal from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) could significantly raise prevailing wage requirements across several key employment-based immigration categories. If finalized as drafted, the rule would have far-reaching consequences for corporate mobility programs, particularly those relying on early- and mid-career talent.

March 31, 2026

You got selected in the H-1B lottery. Now can you travel?

When does the $100,000 H-1B fee get triggered, and what does travel have to do with it? A focused guide for F-1 students.

March 9, 2026

Beyond PERM: How Employers Can Modernize Green Card Strategy Without Pulling Back on Sponsorship

PERM has long been the default path for employment-based green cards. But longer timelines, recruitment challenges, and business constraints are pushing employers to rethink their approach.

March 9, 2026

Navigating the FY 2027 H-1B Cap: Why Wage Strategy and Consistency Matter More Than Ever

The FY 2027 H-1B cap season introduces a wage-weighted lottery and a revised Form I-129, making consistent job design, wage strategy, and program-level planning critical for employers.

March 3, 2026

U.S. Consulates Adjust Visa Operations as Middle East Security Situation Escalates

Recent security developments in parts of the Middle East are beginning to affect how U.S. embassies and consulates operate across the region. Several posts have reduced services, cancelled routine visa appointments, or shifted resources toward emergency assistance as local conditions evolve.

February 26, 2026

The $100,000 Question: Is One Trip Worth Your H-1B Career?

A new $100,000 H-1B fee is triggered by consular processing. Learn how it affects travel, layoffs, F-1 to H-1B plans, and employer hiring strategies in 2025.

January 29, 2026

H‑1B Layoffs + Government Shutdown: A Calm Guide to a Messy Moment

Ashlee Drake Berry, Head of Legal at Casium, shares a clear, practical framework for navigating an H-1B layoff, especially when a government shutdown may slow immigration systems.

January 24, 2026

How the H-1B Lottery Is Changing in 2026

A new wage-weighted system will give higher-paying roles more chances in the lottery, based on official Department of Labor wage levels. This blog explains what’s changing, what remains the same, who’s most affected, and how employers can plan ahead.

December 12, 2025

2025 Employment-Based Immigration: Year in Review

2025 brought major shifts to employment-based immigration, from H-1B modernization and lottery changes to new fees, stricter visa interviews, and tighter EAD rules. This guide breaks down what changed, why it matters, and how workers and employers should plan for 2026.

December 1, 2025

EB-1 Visas: The Green Card Pathway for Top Talent

Choosing the EB-1 category is a big step toward building a permanent life in the United States. But the EB-1 path isn’t just one route; it’s three unique options. In this blog, we break down EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C.

November 13, 2025

Filing LCAs Again? Here’s What HR Teams Should Keep in Mind

The Department of Labor has resumed processing LCAs and PERM filings through the FLAG system. Learn how HR and People Ops teams can stay compliant, avoid delays, and manage filings effectively with Casium’s immigration platform.

November 5, 2025

DHS Eliminates Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has eliminated the 540-day automatic extension for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), marking a major shift for employers and visa holders. This article explains what’s changing, who’s affected, and how businesses can stay compliant.

September 23, 2025

The U.S. Gold Visa (Gold Card) Program: Fast-Track Green Cards for Top Talent

The new U.S. Gold Visa (Gold Card program) offers a fast-track green card pathway for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-value individuals who make a $1M–$2M contribution to support American industry.

September 15, 2025

Visa Bulletin: October 2025 - Updates Across Employment-Based Visas

The October 2025 Visa Bulletin brings much-needed movement across most employment-based visa categories.

August 28, 2025

O-1A or O-1B? Which Visa Works for Different Designers

Designers often find themselves at the crossroads of art, business, and technology, making it tricky to decide between the O-1A and O-1B visa. This blog unpacks how each visa fits across different design roles like UX and product to fashion, graphic, industrial, animation, interior, and architecture.

August 27, 2025

H-1B Visa Reform: How the Wage-Based Selection Could Reshape Hiring

The H-1B visa system may be shifting from a random lottery to a wage-based selection model. Under this proposal, USCIS would rank applications by wage levels, prioritizing higher-paying roles before moving to lower tiers. Check out this piece to learn more about the changes and what they might mean for you.

August 18, 2025

Visa Bulletin (September 2025): Updates Across Employment-based Visas

The September 2025 Visa Bulletin shows minimal movement across all employment-based categories as the fiscal year nears its end. Most categories remain unchanged from August, with visa numbers nearly exhausted before the October reset.

August 3, 2025

O-1A Visa (Part 4): Common Mistakes That Can Derail Even Strong O-1A Petitions

This comprehensive guide reveals the critical mistakes that can derail even the strongest O-1A visa petitions, helping qualified professionals avoid common pitfalls that lead to denials. Learn why simply meeting three criteria isn't enough, how to avoid weak evidence and documentation errors, ensure proper field-of-endeavor connections, craft compelling reference letters, handle procedural requirements, and maintain narrative consistency throughout your petition.

August 3, 2025

O-1A Visa (Part 3): Building A Compelling Petition

Learn how to organize evidence effectively, leverage expert reference letters strategically, ensure documentation authenticity, and present a coherent narrative of sustained excellence. The article covers essential documentation standards, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to demonstrate clear relevance to your planned U.S. employment.

August 2, 2025

O-1A Visa (Part 2): Understanding the Criteria-Based Pathway

From judging others’ work to original contributions and high salaries, we explain each criterion clearly, with examples, documentation tips, and common mistakes to avoid. If you’re gathering your documents and wondering if your achievements stack up, this guide is a must-read.

June 12, 2025

O-1A Visa (Part 1): Understanding the “Extraordinary Ability” Requirements

This blog breaks down what the visa is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what makes someone “extraordinary.” Whether you're a startup founder or a published researcher, this is your practical guide to understanding eligibility, navigating documentation, and figuring out if the O-1A fits your career goals.

June 8, 2025

Decoding the Visa Bulletin & How to Read it!

From Final Action Dates to Priority Dates, we explain how to read the bulletin, why it matters, and what it means for your timeline, especially if you’re born in India or China.

June 5, 2025

From F‑1 OPT to O‑1, EB‑2, or EB-2 NIW: A Guide for Researchers in the U.S.

Finished your F‑1 OPT or STEM OPT and wondering what’s next? You’re not alone. Many international researchers, postdocs, engineers, and startup founders face this same question: How do I stay and keep building my career in the U.S.? The good news? There are powerful visa pathways beyond the H‑1B lottery. In this guide, we break down three strong options tailored for high-achieving professionals:

May 20, 2025

Understanding EB-2 NIW Timeline & Legal Fees - Part 3

In Part 3 of our EB-2 NIW series, we answer two of the most common questions applicants have: How long does it take? And what legal expenses are involved in the process?

May 3, 2025

Understanding the EB-2 NIW Visa Process - Part 2

In this second part, we walk you through the EB-2 NIW process, from preparing your petition to receiving your green card.

April 25, 2025

Understanding EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and Eligibility - Part 1

The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) offers a unique opportunity for highly skilled immigrants including researchers, founders, academics, and professionals to apply for a U.S. green card without needing a job offer or employer sponsorship. This blog explains how the EB-2 visa works, the benefits of the NIW route, who qualifies, and what the application process involves.

January 12, 2025

USCIS Policy Update January 8th 2025: Transforming the O-1A Visa Landscape for Founders, Innovators, and Emerging Tech Experts

Explore how the latest USCIS updates to O-1A visa guidelines empower founders and tech innovators, enhancing pathways for extraordinary talent in emerging technologies and startups in the U.S. This blog post delves into the expanded guidance provided by USCIS, focusing on the practical impact for applicants and companies.

August 27, 2024

Cracking the Code: Mastering the O-1 Visa Membership Criteria

The O-1A visa is a coveted gateway to the United States for individuals who possess extraordinary abilities in their field. In this article, we’ll delve into one of the criteria for your O-1A visa application: the membership criteria. Discover what it takes to meet this requirement and learn how it can position yourself for success.

August 1, 2024

Startup Success: How to Launch Your Business on STEM OPT

The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension offers international students in the U.S. a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. If you’re dreaming about launching your own business while on STEM OPT, here’s a guide to help you navigate the possibilities and regulations.

August 1, 2024

Visa Ventures: Your Guide to U.S. Start-Up Success

Ready to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to the U.S.? Navigating the visa landscape can be tricky, but we've got you covered! Let’s dive into the exciting options available to find the perfect fit for your start-up journey. Whether you're eyeing a pathway to temporary stay, aiming for permanent residency, or both, there's a pathway tailored for you.

July 30, 2024

Unlocking Extraordinary: Your Guide to the O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa is a highly sought-after, non-immigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary abilities in their field. The O-1 visa provides a temporary pathway for these individuals to work in the United States. Let's explore the world of 'extraordinary ability' and break down everything you need to know about this prestigious visa category.

June 8, 2024

Demystifying the EB-1A Visa: Your Path to U.S. Permanent Residency

This guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of the EB-1A visa, its eligibility criteria, and application process. Let's dive into this exciting immigration option to see if it could be right for you!

June 8, 2024

Extraordinary Abilities Faceoff: O-1A vs EB-1A Visas Explained

Are you a highly skilled professional considering working in the United States? If so, you've probably come across two popular visa options: the O-1A and the EB-1A. Let's dive into the details of these visas to help you determine which one might be the best fit for your career goals.

June 8, 2024

A Guide to the International Entrepreneur Parole

In today’s global economy, the United States continues to attract entrepreneurial talent from around the world through initiatives like the International Entrepreneurship Parole (IEP). This article aims to help you understand its eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and criticisms.

August 27, 2023

The Power of Judging: Elevate Your O-1A Visa Application with These Tips

The O-1A visa is a prestigious route to the United States for individuals who exhibit extraordinary abilities across various fields, including arts, sciences, business, and athletics. If you’re aiming for this visa, understanding and meeting the judging criterion is crucial. This article will guide you through what this criterion entails and how you can position yourself for success.

What changed, and what it means for you

What Drove the FY2026 Employment-Based Visa Bulletin Whiplash?

PERM is being rewritten. Here is how to plan your green card pipeline now.

October 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 updates

The End of "Duration of Status": What’s Changed and What’s Next?

The critical role criterion: what USCIS is actually asking

DHS Proposes a $103K Fee on H-1B Cap Petitions

Visa Bulletin: September 2026 - Categories Hold as the FY2026 Limit Lands at 186,317

Same words, different job: why O-1A evidence does not automatically carry to an EB-1A

Visa Bulletin: August 2026 - India Holds Flat as China Advances

The end of Duration of Status: what F-1 and J-1 visa holders and their employers need to know

What Drove the FY2026 Employment-Based Visa Bulletin Whiplash?

Visa pathways for athletes building a career in the US

Why File H-1B Labor Condition Applications Early?

46,000 More Employment-Based Green Cards Are Available in FY 2026

Understanding the O-1A Visa

Foundations of a Strong O-1, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW Petition

Thirty Years of Dormant Authority. The DOL Is Using It.

Can You Be a Content Creator While on a Temporary Work Visa?

Building an Immigration Program vs. Filing Cases: What Scaling Companies Get Wrong

Thinking About Switching Immigration Firms? A Few Things To Keep In Mind For a Thoughtful Transition

DOL Proposes Major Increase to Prevailing Wages: Implications for Corporate Mobility

You got selected in the H-1B lottery. Now can you travel?

Beyond PERM: How Employers Can Modernize Green Card Strategy Without Pulling Back on Sponsorship

Navigating the FY 2027 H-1B Cap: Why Wage Strategy and Consistency Matter More Than Ever

U.S. Consulates Adjust Visa Operations as Middle East Security Situation Escalates

The $100,000 Question: Is One Trip Worth Your H-1B Career?

H‑1B Layoffs + Government Shutdown: A Calm Guide to a Messy Moment

How the H-1B Lottery Is Changing in 2026

2025 Employment-Based Immigration: Year in Review

EB-1 Visas: The Green Card Pathway for Top Talent

Filing LCAs Again? Here’s What HR Teams Should Keep in Mind

DHS Eliminates Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

The U.S. Gold Visa (Gold Card) Program: Fast-Track Green Cards for Top Talent

Visa Bulletin: October 2025 - Updates Across Employment-Based Visas

O-1A or O-1B? Which Visa Works for Different Designers

H-1B Visa Reform: How the Wage-Based Selection Could Reshape Hiring

Visa Bulletin (September 2025): Updates Across Employment-based Visas

O-1A Visa (Part 4): Common Mistakes That Can Derail Even Strong O-1A Petitions

O-1A Visa (Part 3): Building A Compelling Petition

O-1A Visa (Part 2): Understanding the Criteria-Based Pathway

O-1A Visa (Part 1): Understanding the “Extraordinary Ability” Requirements

Decoding the Visa Bulletin & How to Read it!

From F‑1 OPT to O‑1, EB‑2, or EB-2 NIW: A Guide for Researchers in the U.S.

Understanding EB-2 NIW Timeline & Legal Fees - Part 3

Understanding the EB-2 NIW Visa Process - Part 2

Understanding EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) and Eligibility - Part 1

USCIS Policy Update January 8th 2025: Transforming the O-1A Visa Landscape for Founders, Innovators, and Emerging Tech Experts

Cracking the Code: Mastering the O-1 Visa Membership Criteria

Startup Success: How to Launch Your Business on STEM OPT

Visa Ventures: Your Guide to U.S. Start-Up Success

Unlocking Extraordinary: Your Guide to the O-1 Visa

Demystifying the EB-1A Visa: Your Path to U.S. Permanent Residency

Extraordinary Abilities Faceoff: O-1A vs EB-1A Visas Explained

A Guide to the International Entrepreneur Parole

The Power of Judging: Elevate Your O-1A Visa Application with These Tips

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