Takeaways
- DHS has proposed a $70,000 fee for an initial OPT period and a $30,000 fee for each subsequent period, including a STEM OPT extension.
- The student’s school would pay the fee before recommending OPT in SEVIS, although the proposal
Immigration Blog
Insight, News, and Strategy on Immigration Matters Around the World
The Immigration Blog published by Jackson Lewis P.C. focuses on legal developments and compliance issues related to immigration in the workplace. It covers topics such as employer obligations under immigration laws, visa and work authorization processes, government enforcement actions, and policy changes affecting immigrant workers. The blog addresses practical implications for employers, including responses to government notices, visa adjudication delays, and discrimination concerns related to national origin. It also discusses regulatory updates from agencies like USCIS, EEOC, and the Department of State, and provides guidance on managing risks associated with immigration benefits, employee documentation, and workplace investigations involving immigrant employees.
Latest from Immigration Blog
USCIS Updates Public Charge Guidance for Adjustment Applications Filed on or After Sept. 18
Takeaways
- USCIS’s updated public charge guidance applies to Form I-485 applications postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Sept. 18, 2026.
- USCIS will determine whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge through a prospective evaluation based on
…
DHS Seeks to Roll Back Grace Period for H-1B, Other Employment-Based Nonimmigrants Following Employment Termination
On Sept. 11, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would eliminate the discretionary 60-day grace period currently available to many employment-based nonimmigrants following the termination of their employment.
If finalized, the rule would represent…
Federal Court Blocks DHS F-1, J-1 Fixed-Period Admission Rule; Curricular Practical Training Restrictions Remain
Takeaways
- A federal court’s injunction over the DHS fixed-period admission rule nationwide means the existing duration-of-status (D/S) framework for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors will remain in place while litigation continues.
- The injunction does not affect the separate
…
Massachusetts’ New 48-Hour Employee Notification Rule Changes Employer Obligations Post-ICE I-9 Inspection Request
Takeaways
- Massachusetts employers must provide written notice to all employees within 48 hours of receiving an ICE Notice of Inspection or request to review I-9 forms and other employment records, unless federal law requires otherwise.
- The requirement went into effect
…
State Department Pauses Immigrant Visa Interviews Following Court Ruling Vacating 75-Country Suspension
Takeaways
- The State Department is pausing immigrant visa interview appointments while consular officers receive updated public-charge training. The agency has not publicly announced the duration or precise scope of this pause.
- The pause follows an August 21 federal court decision
…
DHS Proposes $103,265 Fee for All H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to publish a proposed rule on Aug. 25, 2026, in the Federal Register that would impose a new $103,265 fee on all cap subject H-1B visa petitions. This new proposal would be…
Revised Form I-485 Takes Effect Sept. 18
On Sept. 18, 2026, USCIS will publish a revised edition of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, the form used to apply for a green card through adjustment of status. The revised form aligns with the…
FinCEN Joint Advisory Adds Financial-Activity Dimension to Employer Worksite Compliance Considerations
Takeaways
- New joint FinCEN advisory identifies payroll, tax, and labor-contractor practices that may be associated with unauthorized employment and related fraud.
- Employers using staffing companies and labor contractors should evaluate those relationships in light of the advisory’s red-flag indicators.
- The
…
H-1B Workers Could Lose 60-Day Grace Period Under DHS Proposal
On Aug. 6, 2026, DHS submitted a proposed rule, “Eliminating the Discretionary 60-day Grace Period,” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that seeks to eliminate the 60-day grace period available to H-1B workers and certain other employment-based visa…