FY2027 H-1B wage-weighted selection, $100k fee block, DOL fraud probe, PERM overhaul, grace period elimination proposal, biometric fee expansion, new extension cost proposal
Key Questions
What is the current status of the $100,000 H-1B visa fee?
A federal appeals court has kept the fee blocked during appeal, creating a circuit split that may reach the Supreme Court. The fee remains in effect only for consular processing.
Has the FY2027 H-1B cap been reached?
Yes, USCIS announced the cap was reached at 85,000 registrations with no second lottery. Registrations dropped 38.5% due to the proposed fee.
What is the DOL IG investigating regarding H-1B and PERM?
The DOL Inspector General has launched a nationwide fraud probe with subpoenas targeting staffing firms for benching, fee-shifting, and misrepresentation.
What major changes are proposed for the PERM process?
DOL has proposed the biggest PERM overhaul since 2004, including new recruitment and documentation requirements that could reshape employment-based green cards.
What is the deadline for EB-5 investors holding H-1B status?
H-1B holders must meet the September 2026 EB-5 deadline before stricter rules potentially take effect.
How does the new USCIS signature rule affect filings?
Effective July 10, only handwritten signatures are accepted; typed names or stamps result in denial with no cure and fee forfeiture.
What does Sen. Sheehy's bill propose for H-1B visas?
The bill would pause H-1B visas for three years, impose a $200k wage floor, eliminate dual intent and student work authorization, and ban federal contractors from using the program.
How are Texas H-1B restrictions affecting research?
Restrictions are creating a chilling effect on foreign-born scientists at institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center.
USCIS FY27 cap complete; registrations down 38.5%. $100k fee blocked by 1st Circuit (stay denied), likely Supreme Court. DOL IG calls H-1B a 'criminal enterprise' with organized crime ties. DHS proposed rule to eliminate 60-day grace period still under OMB review — threat to 730k workers. DHS expands 9-11 biometric fee to H-1B/L-1 extensions effective Sept 9 (final rule confirmed). DHS also proposes higher costs for H-1B/L-1 extensions. F-1 issuances to Indians down 62%. Senator Schmitt pushes PERM modernization. 26% underemployment rate for CS grads. New data: H-1B filings map shows Democratic districts dominate but fastest growth in Texas Republican districts. Ajay Bhutoria criticizes grace period elimination. EB-5 grandfathering deadline (49 days left) tied to grace period elimination.