The H-1B visa program serves as a crucial gateway for skilled foreign professionals seeking employment in the United States. However, due to the annual cap on H-1B visas—65,000 under the regular quota and an additional 20,000 designated for individuals with advanced degrees—many highly qualified applicants face significant uncertainty when attempting to secure sponsorship through the competitive lottery system. For employers and foreign workers aiming to navigate around these constraints, H-1B cap-exempt employers present a valuable alternative. These organizations have the unique ability to sponsor H-1B petitions without being subject to the annual cap, providing a strategic advantage that allows them…
Author: Snehal Batra
The FY 2026 H-1B cap registration opened on March 7, 2025. Employers should ensure their USCIS online accounts are set up, payment methods verified, and beneficiary information ready. The new beneficiary-centric selection process and organizational account updates aim to streamline the process. USCIS will announce lottery selections by March 31, 2025. Additionally, under the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order issued on Jan. 20, 2025, all noncitizens in the U.S. must comply with registration requirements under INA 262. Noncitizens 14 years or older who were not registered when applying for a visa and have remained in the U.S.…
Immigration authorities may conduct worksite visits to verify employment authorization, compliance with visa sponsorship obligations, and adherence to U.S. immigration laws. As enforcement efforts increase, businesses must be prepared to respond appropriately when visited by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). Both agencies play a role in investigating immigration-related issues at workplaces. ICE enforces immigration laws and employment verification compliance, while FDNS focuses on fraud detection and compliance for visa sponsorship programs. Employers should have a clear plan in place to ensure legal compliance while protecting their business and employees. Below are the essential…
Image Courtesy : X.com The U.S. immigration landscape is evolving once again with the proposed Trump Gold Card, a new investor visa that seeks to replace the long-standing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. While both options offer a pathway to U.S. permanent residency, they differ significantly in investment requirements, benefits, and policy considerations. If you’re a high-net-worth individual exploring U.S. investment immigration, understanding these two programs is critical. Let’s break it down. What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program? The EB-5 visa is an existing investment-based immigration program designed to stimulate the U.S. economy. Established in 1990, it grants foreign investors a Green Card if they meet…
February 19, 2025 The U.S. Department of State has quietly updated Visa Interview Waiver eligibility rules, limiting waivers to a smaller group of applicants. These changes took effect immediately and are already affecting visa applicants at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. If you need a visa renewal or stamping, it is critical to understand these updates to avoid travel disruptions and ensure compliance with the new rules. Key Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Previously, applicants could qualify for a visa interview waiver if: They were applying for a visa in a different category (e.g., switching from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa).…