US Visa Policy Digest

EAD Policy Shifts

• 🔥 End of Automatic Extensions: DHS interim final rule on October 30, 2025, ends automatic EAD extensions for timely filed...

Critical EAD shifts for employers:

• No automatic extensions for renewals filed on/after Oct 30, 2025; pre-filings retain 540 days.
• TPS EADs capped...

USCIS processing holds in 2026 raise alarms:

• Delays hitting work permits, green cards, TPS, citizenship
• Key risks outlined for applicants and employers
• Next steps: Learn what to watch and do now

• Cap hit: USCIS reached FY2027 H-1B registration limit; next steps outlined for completers.
• Oracle impact: Job cuts threaten H-1B workers – six...

DOJ Enforcement on Discriminatory Hiring

• 🔥 Compunnel Settlement: The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division announced a $313,420...

Real-world H-1B violation risk: Commentator Sara Gonzales confronted Naveen Tumula, an H-1B worker sponsored by Flexera Global, allegedly operating...

High-profile USCIS enforcement: Probing Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) for hiring a Brazilian national as nanny without work authorization.

• Matter...

• DOJ settlement: Compunnel pays $313,420 ($58k back pay to US citizen, $255k penalty) for unlawful citizenship restrictions in H-1B ads.
• Corrective...

Hiring Compliance Risks

• 🔥 New 'H-1B Only' Job Posting: Following Compunnel's $313,420 settlement for discriminatory hiring, a LinkedIn post...

Essential L-1 visa steps for UK nationals and companies:

• Qualify employee: 1+ year abroad in executive/managerial (L-1A) or specialized role (L-1B),...

Key pitfalls in O-1 petitions and actionable fixes:

• 'Rule of Three' myth: 3 criteria alone fails final merits test—aim for 4-5 strong ones.
  -...

Big Tech H-1B pattern alert: Oracle cut 20,000-30,000 jobs worldwide on March 31, 2026, tied to $2.1B restructuring for AI/cloud growth.

• Filed...

Small employers hit hardest by $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, hindering hires in tech, healthcare, education.

• Nonprofits struggle: Wayside Youth...

• Retail caution: Walmart's certified apps fell >50% YoY to 312 in Q1 FY2026; others like Target stable but down end-2025.
• Tech pullback: Amazon...

Heightened DOJ scrutiny on discriminatory hiring persists:

• Compunnel settlement: $313,420 fine ($58k back pay to US citizen, $255k penalties) for...

State University H-1B Hiring Restrictions

• 🔥 Florida Pauses Faculty Hires: Florida's Board of Governors approved a 10-month pause on hiring...

• Bill status: House File 2513 passed Iowa House 68-27, cleared Senate committees, awaits full Senate vote.
• Targets: Bans new H-1B contracts at...

Critical compliance alert for H-1B employers:

• Compunnel Software Group settled with DOJ after posting 'H-1B workers ONLY' jobs and emails seeking...

Dramatic cost jump from $1,700-$4,500 to $100,000 per application shocks employers and workers.

• Employers hesitate: Major financial hit limits...

Emerging trend: Red states are restricting H-1B use in public universities and agencies, bypassing federal limits.

• Florida: Board of Governors'...