H-1B, PERM, Student Work Authorization, Visa Availability and Status Risks

The blocked $100,000 H-1B fee, possible replacement near $103,265, proposed OPT training fees, sharp October employment retrogression, and DOL’s reported PERM freeze affecting eight employers continue to unsettle employers and foreign workers. The October Visa Bulletin advances EB-5 China filing availability but warns that movement may reverse; expanded State Department online-presence screening and upcoming USCIS and ICE fee increases add uncertainty.