Visa Lawyer Blog

New DOL Wage Proposal Could Drive Up H-1B Hiring Costs

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:20:03 +0000

A newly proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) could significantly reshape the cost and strategy of hiring foreign talent through the H-1B and PERM programs.

The proposal, aimed at increasing wage protections for U.S. workers, is expected to drive up salary requirements—adding what some are calling “sticker shock” for employers.

What the Proposed Rule Does

The DOL’s proposal focuses on revising how prevailing wages are calculated across H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM programs. Instead of relying on lower wage percentiles, the rule would shift wage levels upward to better reflect actual market compensation.

Under the current system, wages are divided into four levels based on experience. The proposal would significantly raise each level—for example, entry-level wages would move from the 17th percentile to the 34th percentile, with similar increases across all tiers.

The DOL’s stated goal is to ensure foreign workers are paid comparably to similarly situated U.S. workers and to eliminate incentives for employers to hire lower-cost foreign labor.

Proposed Prevailing Wage Changes

OEWS wage level	Current percentile levels of the OEWS wage distribution	Proposed percentile levels of the OEWS wage distribution
Level I (Entry)	17th percentile	34th percentile
Level II (Qualified)	34th percentile	52nd percentile
Level III (Experienced)	50th percentile	70th percentile
Level IV (Fully Competent)	67th percentile	88th percentile

Impact on Employers

The financial implications could be substantial. Salaries for certain roles could rise dramatically, with some positions seeing increases of tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Overall, the rule is expected to:

Increase average wages by thousands per worker annually
Raise entry-level salaries significantly
Apply to new and pending applications, but not retroactively

For employers, this means higher labor costs, more complex workforce planning, and potential reconsideration of reliance on the H-1B program.

Broader Policy Goals

The proposal reflects a broader policy shift toward protecting U.S. workers. The DOL has emphasized that the current wage system may undercut domestic wages and create unfair competition.

By aligning H-1B wages more closely with market rates, the government aims to:

Reduce wage suppression
Prevent displacement of U.S. workers
Reinforce the original purpose of the H-1B program as a supplement—not a substitute—for domestic talent

What This Means Going Forward

If finalized, this rule would present new obstacles for employment-based immigration. Employers may need to:

Reevaluate hiring budgets and timelines
Explore alternative visa options
Consider global workforce strategies, including offshoring

For foreign workers, higher wage thresholds could make sponsorship more competitive but may also limit opportunities, particularly for entry-level roles.

Conclusion

The DOL’s proposed wage overhaul raises significant concerns about access to global talent and the future of employer-sponsored immigration, as the cost of employing workers in the United States continues to rise.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

USCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Selection Process for FY 2027

Jacob Sapochnick — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:20:37 +0000

Welcome back to Visalawyerblog! In this post, we bring you the latest H-1B lottery news.

On March 31, 2026, USCIS announced that they have selected enough beneficiaries from properly submitted electronic registrations to meet the H-1B regular cap and the U.S. advanced degree exemption for fiscal year 2027.

With this announcement, USCIS brings the 2027 FY H-1B cap season to a close.

What happens next?

At this point, USCIS has completed its selection process and sent out non-selection notifications via the myUSCIS online accounts to those petitioners and their attorneys who were not selected for FY 2027.

The status for registrations properly submitted for the FY 2027 H-1B numerical allocations, but that were not selected, will show:

Not Selected: Not eligible to file an H-1B cap petition based on this registration.

If I was selected, when can I submit my paper application by mail or online?

Only petitioners who were selected will be able to file a paper or online application on behalf of the alien worker, beginning April 1, 2026. Petitioner’s must include a copy of the applicable registration selection notice with the FY 2027 H-1B cap-subject petition. For paper applications, petitioners should ensure that they send their application to the correct service center within the filing period indicated on the registration selection notice.

Beginning April 1, USCIS will only accept the 02/27/26 edition of Form I-129. All H-1B cap subject petitions for FY 2027 must use this edition of the form.

$100,000 Fee Applies to Overseas H-1B Lottery Winners

U.S. employers must pay a $100,000 fee to file new H-1B petitions for workers from abroad pursuant to a presidential proclamation issued by President Trump in September.

A petition will generally be subject to the fee if it is filed for consular processing only, or if it is only approvable with consular notification. This typically applies when the beneficiary is outside the United States or is inside the United States but is not eligible for a change of status.

When did the FY 2027 selection occur?

Selection for the FY 2027 H-1B lottery occurred in late March, at which time USCIS selected from properly submitted electronic registrations to meet the fiscal year (FY) 2027 H-1B cap, including petitions filed for the advanced degree exemption.

Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2027 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions online or by mail.

If I am selected, does that mean I will receive an H-1B visa?

No. Registration selection only indicates that petitioners are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. It does not indicate that the petition will be approved and there is no guarantee of approval. Petitioners filing H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must still submit evidence and establish eligibility for petition approval based on existing statutory and regulatory requirements. The burden of proving eligibility always falls upon the petitioner who is filing the H-1B petition on behalf of the alien worker.

To read the USCIS announcement please click here.

If you have any questions regarding your petition, please contact your case manager.

Weren’t selected in the FY 2027 lottery? Do not lose hope. We invite you to contact our office to determine what other visa options may be right for you.

If you are in this situation, we have just the blog post for you, Plan B: Alternatives to the H-1B Visa.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

Expanded Social Media Screening at Consular Interviews: What Visa Applicants Should Know

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:13 +0000

The U.S. Department of State has announced expanded screening and vetting procedures for visa applicants, effective Monday March 30. As a result, applying for a U.S. visa will now involve closer review of your background, including your online activity.

Who Is Affected

The following nonimmigrant visa applicants may now be subject to enhanced review of their social media and online presence:

A-3
C-3 (if a domestic worker)
G-5
H-3
H-4 (dependents of H-3)
K-1
K-2
K-3
Q
R-1
R-2
S
T
U

These are in addition to H-1B applicants and their dependents, as well as F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visa applicants already subject to this review.

What Has Changed

As part of the application process, such applicants may be asked to:

List all social media accounts
Adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public” or “open”
Ensure information provided is complete and accurate
Expect that consular officers may review content you have published on all social media platforms

The government has emphasized that visa decisions are made with national security in mind, and officers have broad discretion when evaluating applications.

Those deemed a threat to U.S. national security or public safety, or who intend to engage in activities inconsistent with the terms for their admission may be denied visas.

How This May Affect You

These changes can impact your case in several ways:

Longer processing times: Additional screening may delay visa approvals.
Requests for more information: You may be asked to provide further documentation or attend follow-up interviews.
Closer review of your online history: Applicants should carefully review their social media activity and ensure it does not raise national security concerns, public safety issues, or suggest intent to engage in activities inconsistent with the terms of the visa.

What You Should Do

To help avoid delays or issues, applicants should:

Be truthful and consistent in all parts of the visa application
Review public online presence for accuracy and address any information that could be misconstrued or misinterpreted before the interview
Respond promptly to any requests from the consulate.
Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about your case.

Bottom Line

To navigate expanded screening, keep your application and public online information accurate and consistent, be ready for additional questions or requests, and seek legal advice if needed.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

Changes to Diversity Visa Lottery for FY 2027: Passport Requirement Returns Starting April 10th

Jacob Sapochnick — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:04:36 +0000

On March 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of State published a final rule in the Federal Register requiring applicants to hold a valid passport before entering the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery—commonly known as the “green card lottery,” effective April 10, 2026.

This change marks a return to a policy first introduced during the Trump administration, later struck down in 2022, and now reinstated through formal rulemaking. For many applicants around the world, the update will reshape how—and whether—they can participate the green card lottery.

What Is the Diversity Visa Program?

The Diversity Visa program allocates up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States.

Applicants are selected through a randomized lottery system. For many, particularly in parts of Africa and other underrepresented regions, the program serves as a rare opportunity to pursue lawful permanent residency.

What’s Changing Under the New Rule?

The most important change is simple but impactful:

Applicants must now possess a valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry
They must provide passport details (number, country, expiration date) and
They must upload a digital scan of the passport’s biographic page at the time of registering.

Previously, applicants could enter the lottery without a passport and only needed one if selected. That flexibility is now gone.

The rule is expected to take effect April 10, 2026, and apply to the DV-2027 lottery cycle.

Why the Government Says This Matters

According to the State Department, the new requirement is aimed at reducing fraud and improving identity verification in the lottery process.

Officials have pointed to widespread abuse in prior years, including:

Duplicate or fake entries
Third parties submitting applications without applicants’ knowledge
Identity manipulation to increase selection chances

By requiring passports upfront, the government believes it can better confirm identity and eliminate invalid submissions early in the process.

What This Means for Future Applicants

The DV-2027 lottery registration start date has not been officially announced and is delayed beyond the traditional October opening due to administrative changes.

Nevertheless, for those planning to apply for the DV lottery, preparation starts now.

Before the registration window opens, applicants should:

Ensure they have a valid passport
Confirm passport details are accurate and unexpired
Prepare a clear digital scan of the passport

Failure to meet these requirements could result in automatic disqualification.

To read the final rule, please click here.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

Teenager’s Death in ICE Detention Draws Scrutiny

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:00:27 +0000

A tragic case out of South Florida is raising serious concerns for teens pulled into the tight grip of immigration enforcement. A 19-year-old Mexican national, Royer Perez-Jimenez, recently died while in ICE custody at a detention facility, with early reports pointing to a possible suicide. The incident is still under investigation, but it highlights ongoing concerns about conditions inside immigration detention centers.

His death marks the youngest reported in ICE custody during President Trump’s second term and adds to a growing number of detainee deaths nationwide. At least 36 people have died in ICE custody since January 2025, continuing an alarming trend.

In light of this tragedy, the Mexican government has called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing concerns over detainee safety and accountability. Meanwhile, longstanding issues within detention centers persist, including reports of poor conditions, inadequate medical care, and the psychological toll of prolonged detention.

ICE maintains that detainees are held in safe and humane conditions and receive appropriate medical care. However, the increasing number of deaths continues to fuel public scrutiny, with calls for greater oversight and systemic reform.

In South Florida alone, 29-year-old Honduran Genry Ruiz-Guillen, died while in detention from complications related to schizoaffective disorder at Krome Detention Center; 44-year-old Ukrainian national Maksym Chernyak, who did not receive adequate medical care while also detained at Krome; 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise of Haiti at the Broward Transitional Center; 49-year-old Canadian Johnny Noviello, died after six weeks in immigration detention in downtown Miami; 67-year-old Jordanian national Hasan Ali Moh’D Saleh, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while in ICE custody at Larkin Community Hospital; and 27-year-old Jairo Garcia-Hernandez, died while in ICE custody at the same hospital.

These deaths point to broader systemic failures in the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. Despite claims of humane conditions, the rising toll raises serious concerns about oversight, accountability, and detainee care. Without meaningful reform, tragedies like these are likely to continue.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

April 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-2 Final Action Dates For All Countries Except China and India Become Current, USCIS to Continue Honoring Dates for Filing

Jacob Sapochnick — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 23:29:52 +0000

We are pleased to report that the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has published the April 2026 Visa Bulletin.

In this blog post, we breakdown the movement of the employment-based and family-sponsored categories in the coming month.

USCIS Adjustment of Status

For adjustment of status filings to permanent residence in the month of April, USCIS will continue using the Dates for Filing Chart for the employment-based and family-sponsored categories.

Highlights of the April 2026 Visa Bulletin

At a Glance

What can we expect to see in the month of April?

Employment-Based Categories

Final Action Advancements

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India and China will advance one month to April 1, 2023
All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will advance 10 months to July 15, 2014
Except China, all other countries (Worldwide, Mexico, Philippines) will become current

*Note, there is an immigrant visa freeze for all countries subject to the 75-country ban on immigrant visa issuance. Lawsuits opposing the freeze are currently pending.

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 China will advance 1.5 months to June 15, 2021
EB-3 Worldwide and Mexico will advance 8 months to June 1, 2024

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 China will advance 1.8 months to February 1, 2019

EB-4 Special Immigrants and Religious Workers

All countries will advance 1 year to July 15, 2022

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 China will advance 2 weeks to September 1, 2016

Dates for Filing Advancements

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

Except India, and China, All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will advance 2.5 months to January 15, 2015
Except China, All other countries will remain current

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will advance 5 months to January 15, 2015
EB-3 Worldwide and Mexico will become current

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will advance 5 months to January 15, 2015
EB-3 Worldwide, Mexico, and Philippines will advance 1.3 months to August 1, 2022

Family-Sponsored Categories

Final Action Advancements

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 1.8 months to February 15, 2007
F1 Philippines will advance 2 months to May 1, 2013
F1 All other countries (Worldwide, China, and India) will advance by 5.7 months to May 1, 2017

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Philippines will advance 3.5 months to April 8, 2013
F2B Except Mexico, All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 5.6 months to May 22, 2017

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Philippines will advance 4 months to July 1, 2005
F3 Except Mexico, All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 3.5 months to December 22, 2011

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Philippines will advance 5 months to February 1, 2007
F4 Except Mexico and India, All other countries (Worldwide and China) will advance 5 months to June 8, 2008

Dates for Filing Advancements

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 4.5 months to April 15, 2008
Except Philippines, All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 6 months to March 1, 2018

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

All countries will become current

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will advance 2.9 months to May 15, 2010
F2B Except Philippines, All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 4.8 months to August 8, 2017

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Philippines will advance 1.4 months to July 15, 2006
F3 Except Mexico, All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance November 22, 2012

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Philippines will advance 2.2 months to March 22, 2008
F4 Except Mexico and India, All other countries (Worldwide and China) will advance 2.5 months to May 15, 2009

Employment-Based Categories

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for employment-based categories in the month of April.

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India and China will advance one month to April 1, 2023
All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will advance 10 months to July 15, 2014
EB-2 China will remain at September 1, 2021
All other countries (Worldwide, Mexico, Philippines) will become current

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will remain at November 15, 2013
EB-3 China will advance 1.5 months to June 15, 2021
EB-3 Philippines will remain at August 1, 2023
All other countries (Worldwide and Mexico) will advance 8 months to June 1, 2024

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will remain at November 15, 2013
EB-3 China will advance 1.8 months to February 1, 2019
All other countries (Worldwide, Mexico, Philippines) will remain at November 1, 2021

EB-4 Special Immigrants and Religious Workers

All countries will advance 1 year to July 15, 2022

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 India will remain at May 1, 2022
EB-5 China will advance 2 weeks to September 1, 2016
All other countries will remain current

EB-5 Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will remain current

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Employment- based	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	C	01APR23	01APR23	C	C
2nd	C	01SEP21	15JUL14	C	C
3rd	01JUN24	15JUN21	15NOV13	01JUN24	01AUG23
Other Workers	01NOV21	01FEB19	15NOV13	01NOV21	01NOV21
4th	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22
Certain Religious Workers	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22	15JUL22
5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5, NU, RU)	C	01SEP16	01MAY22	C	C
5th Set Aside: Rural (20%, including NR, RR)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: High Unemployment (10%, including NH, RH)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: Infrastructure (2%, including RI)	C	C	C	C	C

DATES FOR FILING FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Dates for Filing cutoff dates will apply in April.

EB-1 Aliens of extraordinary ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

EB-1 India and China will remain at December 1, 2023
All other countries will remain current

EB-2 Members of the Professions and Aliens of Exceptional Ability

EB-2 India will advance 2.5 months to January 15, 2015
EB-2 China will remain at January 1, 2022
All other countries will remain current

EB-3 Professionals and Skilled Workers

EB-3 India will advance 5 months to January 15, 2015
EB-3 China will remain at January 1, 2022
EB-3 Philippines will remain at January 1, 2024
All other countries (Worldwide and Mexico) will become current

EB-3 Other Workers

EB-3 India will advance 5 months to January 15, 2015
EB-3 China will remain at October 1, 2019
All other countries (Worldwide, Mexico, and Philippines) will advance 1.3 months to August 1, 2022

EB-4 Special Immigrants and Religious Workers

EB-4 will remain at January 1, 2023

EB-5 Unreserved Categories (C5, T5, I5, and R5)

EB-5 India will remain at May 1, 2024
EB-5 China will remain at October 1, 2016
All other countries will remain current

EB-5 Set-Aside Categories (Rural, High Unemployment, and Infrastructure) will also remain current

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Employment- based	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
1st	C	01DEC23	01DEC23	C	C
2nd	C	01JAN22	15JAN15	C	C
3rd	C	01JAN22	15JAN15	C	01JAN24
Other Workers	01AUG22	01OCT19	15JAN15	01AUG22	01AUG22
4th	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23
Certain Religious Workers	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23	01JAN23
5th Unreserved (including C5, T5, I5, R5)	C	01OCT16	01MAY24	C	C
5th Set Aside: (Rural: NR, RR – 20%)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: (High Unemployment: NH, RH – 10%)	C	C	C	C	C
5th Set Aside: (Infrastructure: RI – 2%)	C	C	C	C	C

FINAL ACTION DATES FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Final Action cutoff dates will apply for family-sponsored categories in the month of April.

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 1.8 months to February 15, 2007
F1 Philippines will advance 2 months to May 1, 2013
F1 All other countries (Worldwide, China, and India) will advance by 5.7 months to May 1, 2017

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

F2A Mexico will remain at February 1, 2023
F2A All other countries will remain at February 1, 2024

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will remain at February 15, 2009
F2B Philippines will advance 3.5 months to April 8, 2013
F2B All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 5.6 months to May 22, 2017

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will remain at May 1, 2001
F3 Philippines will advance 4 months to July 1, 2005
F3 All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 3.5 months to December 22, 2011

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will remain at April 8, 2001
F4 Philippines will advance 5 months to February 1, 2007
F4 India will remain at November 1, 2006
F4 All other countries (Worldwide and China) will advance 5 months to June 8, 2008

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01MAY17	01MAY17	01MAY17	15FEB07	01MAY13
F2A	01FEB24	01FEB24	01FEB24	01FEB23	01FEB24
F2B	22MAY17	22MAY17	22MAY17	15FEB09	08APR13
F3	22DEC11	22DEC11	22DEC11	01MAY01	01JUL05
F4	08JUN08	08JUN08	01NOV06	08APR01	01FEB07

DATES FOR FILING FOR FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCE CASES

The following Dates for Filing cutoff dates will apply for family-sponsored categories in the month of April.

F-1 Unmarried Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F1 Mexico will advance 4.5 months to April 15, 2008
F1 Philippines will remain at April 22, 2015
All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 6 months to March 1, 2018

F-2A Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

All countries will become current

F-2B Unmarried Sons and Daughters (21 years of age or older) of Permanent Residents

F2B Mexico will advance 2.9 months to May 15, 2010
F2B Philippines will remain at October 1, 2013
F2B All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance 4.8 months to August 8, 2017

F3 Married Sons and Daughters of U.S. Citizens

F3 Mexico will remain at July 1, 2001
F3 Philippines will advance 1.4 months to July 15, 2006
F3 All other countries (Worldwide, China, India) will advance November 22, 2012

F-4 Brothers and Sisters of Adult U.S. Citizens

F4 Mexico will remain at April 30, 2001
F4 Philippines will advance 2.2 months to March 22, 2008
F4 India will remain at December 15, 2006
All other countries (Worldwide and China) will advance 2.5 months to May 15, 2009

*The bold represents the Visa Bulletin advancements

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01MAR18	01MAR18	01MAR18	15APR08	22APR15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	08AUG17	08AUG17	08AUG17	15MAY10	01OCT13
F3	22NOV12	22NOV12	22NOV12	01JUL01	15JUL06
F4	15MAY09	15MAY09	15DEC06	30APR01	22MAR08

Note Addressing Immigrant Visa Availability

The April Visa Bulletin explains that recent forward movement in cutoff dates is due to reduced immigrant visa issuance at U.S. consulates, driven by Trump administration policies such as nationality-based travel bans and pauses in visa processing affecting dozens of countries.

It also warns that if demand increases or restrictions are lifted, some dates could retrogress before the fiscal year ends on September 30, 2026.

Conclusion

The EB-2 Final Action Dates will become current in April for all countries except China and India, and the Dates for Filing for the EB-3 Professional & Skilled Worker category will become current for all countries except China, India, and Philippines.

In the family-sponsored categories, major movement can be seen for most categories. The Dates for Filing for the F2A category spouses and children of permanent residents will become current in April.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

Trump Seeks to End Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:00:28 +0000

The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the United States. TPS is a humanitarian program that allows people from countries affected by disasters or conflict to live and work in the U.S. legally, without fear of deportation.

This move comes as part of a broader effort to scale back immigration protections. The Supreme Court has already allowed the administration to reduce TPS protections for Venezuelan migrants, while a similar request involving Syrian immigrants is still pending.

Haiti was first granted TPS in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake, and the designation has been extended several times since. The administration set a termination date of February 3, 2026, arguing that conditions in Haiti have improved enough to allow the return of TPS holders.

Last December, five Haitian nationals challenged the decision, seeking to block the termination. A federal district court sided with them last month, finding that the decision to end protections may have been influenced in part by racial bias. The Justice Department appealed, but a divided three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., refused to halt the lower court’s ruling.

In an emergency filing with the Supreme Court, Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the lower courts had overstepped, interfering in “an area of wide Executive Branch latitude.”

If the Supreme Court sides with the administration, more than 350,000 Haitians in the U.S. could lose their work authorization and protection from deportation. For many, this would not just be a legal issue—it could upend lives, careers, and families that have been established over more than a decade.

The Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick is carefully monitoring these developments and will provide further information as it becomes available.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

Homeland Security Seeks Access to Federal Child Support Database Containing Employment Data for Millions

Jacob Sapochnick — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:51:11 +0000

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking to gain access to a federal database designed to track child support payments—a move that could expand the government’s ability to locate individuals for immigration enforcement.

According to reporting by ProPublica, officials have discussed whether DHS could obtain information from the Federal Parent Locator Service, a system maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The system helps states locate parents who owe child support.

One part of the system, the National Directory of New Hires, collects employment data reported by employers across the United States. The database includes wage and employment information for millions of workers.

Officials familiar with the discussions said DHS is evaluating whether this information could help immigration authorities locate undocumented immigrants. Although the database does not contain immigration status information, employment records could potentially help identify individuals’ locations.

The proposal has raised public concerns because federal law limits access and use of the child support system. Immigration enforcement is not currently listed as an authorized purpose for accessing the data.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the agency has not received a formal request from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to access the database. A DHS spokesperson also said the Department is not currently seeking access to the Federal Parent Locator Service.

The Bottom Line

If immigration authorities gain access to employment information collected through the child support system, it will likely prompt immediate legal challenges seeking to safeguard individual privacy and sensitive data involving children that is unrelated to immigration.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

Trump Taps Senator Mullin to Lead DHS After Firing Kristi Noem

Jacob Sapochnick — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:00:52 +0000

Source: Flickr Creative Commons Attribution Gage Skidmore

On March 5, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the firing of Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary and nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin to take her place at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Noem’s tenure had been controversial, drawing bipartisan scrutiny over hardline immigration enforcement tactics including the deaths of U.S. Citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as internal management issues at DHS. Her replacement reflects not just a personnel change but a continuation of the administration’s approach to immigration and border security.

Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican with a decade of legislative experience and close ties to Trump, brings to the role a firm commitment to strict immigration enforcement. Although some hoped the shake-up might bring a softer approach to immigration, most signs point to continuity, with Mullin expected to maintain the administration’s focus on border security and strict enforcement.

Markwayne Mullin’s Immigration Stance — Key Points

Border security first: Mullin has called for completing the U.S.–Mexico border wall and reinstating policies like Remain in Mexico to reduce illegal crossings and strengthen border integrity.
Enforce existing laws: He emphasizes strict enforcement of current immigration statutes and has backed significant funding for border enforcement agencies, including ICE and Border Patrol.
Defending enforcement agencies: Mullin has publicly defended Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, framing them as vital to national security and criticizing efforts to restrict their authority.
Birthright citizenship view: In 2025, he made headlines by saying children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents should accompany their parents if deported — a view that challenges traditional interpretations of birthright citizenship.
Support for “law and order”: He has opposed sanctuary cities and backed legislative efforts that prioritize robust interior enforcement alongside border measures.

As Mullin awaits Senate confirmation, his nomination highlights that immigration enforcement remains at the forefront of the government’s priorities. Whether his leadership style will significantly shift DHS operations or primarily reinforce the Trump administration’s existing agenda remains a key question heading into 2026.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!

What You Need to Know About Rising Tensions in the Middle East and Impact on Visa Issuance

Jacob Sapochnick — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:57:29 +0000

Rising tensions in the Middle East are causing immediate disruptions to visa processing and international travel across the region. According to the State Department, several embassies throughout the Middle East have halted or significantly limited visa services following airstrikes targeting Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions.

The situation is fluid and is evolving on a daily basis.

Widespread Travel Disruptions Across the Middle East

The escalating security situation has triggered widespread travel interruptions throughout the region. Airspace closures have been reported in Iran, Israel, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, and Qatar. Airlines have suspended flights throughout the region, and there are reports of land border closures and shelter-in-place advisories in several countries.

These disruptions are expected to significantly affect visa issuance, passport returns, and the movement of workers.

U.S. Embassy Visa Services Suspended or Limited

The following U.S. diplomatic missions across the region have implemented operational changes, including canceled appointments, and the suspension of routine visa services until further notice.

United Arab Emirates: The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai canceled all visa and U.S. citizen services appointments from March 2–4 while personnel sheltered in place.
Beirut: Since February 23^rd non-emergency personnel have departed and all consular visa services have been suspended.
Qatar: Routine consular appointments at the U.S. Embassy in Doha have been canceled due to ongoing security concerns until further notice.
Israel: The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv branch office have suspended all routine visa services through March 13 and are prioritizing assistance to U.S. citizens.
Jordan: The U.S. Embassy in Amman issued a shelter-in-place directive and visa services are suspended for the foreseeable future.
Kuwait: Embassy personnel have been ordered to shelter in place and all routine visa have been suspended.
Dubai: The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai branch office issued a shelter-in-place directive and all routine visa services and appointments have been postponed.
Pakistan: The State Department has ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks. At the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, the consulate will not be open for routine services on March 6, but staff remain available for emergency services only.
Cyprus: The State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave Cyprus due to the threat of armed conflict. All routine visa services and U.S. Citizen services have been suspended.
Saudi Arabia: The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia has suspended all routine and emergency consular services until further notice. The State Department has authorized non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Consulate in Dhahran has specifically ordered the public to stay away from the area due to ongoing attacks and security concerns.

What U.S. Visa Applicants and Employers Should Expect

Visa applicants in the region and employers should anticipate significant delays and disruptions in visa processing during this time. Likely impacts include:

Appointment cancellations and delayed rescheduling
Extended administrative processing times
Delays in passport returns
Possible ripple effects at consular posts outside the immediate region
Emergency appointments limited to humanitarian or urgent national-interest cases

Key Steps Employers Should Take Now

Organizations with personnel in the Middle East should take immediate precautions. Recommended actions include confirming the safety and location of employees, reviewing travel plans, and suspending non-essential travel.

Employers should also verify employees’ visa status and maintain clear communication with affected personnel.

Outlook for Visa Processing in the Region

The regional security environment remains volatile and could lead to additional embassy closures and expanded travel restrictions in the coming days. As conditions continue to change rapidly, visa applicants should monitor embassy websites and official government updates regularly.

Travel Bans

Please be aware that the U.S. Department of State announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, while it develops a process to evaluate whether applicants may become financially dependent on the U.S. government under the public charge standard.

During this suspension, U.S. consular posts may still accept applications and conduct interviews, but they cannot print or issue immigrant visas (including family- and employment-based green cards) for affected applicants until the new policy is implemented.

Countries in the Middle East subject to the immigrant visa ban include Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

Non-immigrant visas are not subject to the travel ban.

The Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick is carefully monitoring the developments in the region and will provide further information as it becomes available.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

Helpful Links

JOIN OUR NEW FACEBOOK GROUP

Need more immigration updates? We have created a new facebook group to address the impact of the new executive orders and other changing developments. Follow us there!