Recent USCIS policy changes and Department of State staffing challenges may affect employment-based permanent residence processing.
U.S. Department of State Reportedly Considering Centralized Visa Processing Hubs Across Africa
Recent reports from the American Immigration Lawyers Association indicate that the U.S. Department of State may be preparing a restructuring of visa processing operations across Africa.
Continue Reading U.S. Department of State Reportedly Considering Centralized Visa Processing Hubs Across Africa
The Current DHS Shutdown’s Impact on Immigration Agencies
With annual appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) having lapsed on Feb. 14, 2026, immigration stakeholders are again navigating the practical consequences of a DHS-specific shutdown. Despite the current shutdown, most DHS immigration functions continue, but the impact may vary across agencies and programs. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department
USCIS ‘High-Risk’ Country Policy Explained: An Analysis of PM-602-0194 Nearly 60 Days Later
On Jan. 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum that has had wide-ranging effects on immigration benefit processing.
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U.S. State Department Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries – What Applicants and Businesses Need to Know
The U.S. State Department has announced a temporary halt on immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective Jan. 21, 2026. This pause comes as the department reassesses its vetting procedures under existing immigration law, specifically focusing on the public charge rule — a determination of whether an applicant is likely to require long-term
January 2026 Visa Bulletin: Key Movements and EB-5 Advancements for China
- China (Mainland-Born)
- Final Action
NVC Update: Residency Proof Now Required for Employment-Based and EB-5 Immigrant Visa Applicants
- Interview for the immigrant visa in their country of residence,
Travel Ban Creates New Considerations for Individual Investors: State Department Guidance Provides Clarity on Available Options
Individual investors from affected countries have sought clarity about how the June 4, 2025, Presidential Proclamation would impact their ability to travel to the United States for investment activities, property management, or immigration through investment programs. Unlike corporate entities with legal departments and immigration counsel, individual investors may require additional support to navigate complex policy changes effectively.
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EB-5 Unreserved Backlog for China and India Moving Forward
The August 2025 Visa Bulletin may bring welcome news for EB-5 investors from China and India. After months of minimal advancement, final action dates (Chart A in the bulletin) for the unreserved EB-5 category have moved forward, unlocking visa availability during the final two months of the fiscal year 2025.
As reported in the August
March 2025 Visa Bulletin Updates
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the availability of immigrant numbers in its March 2025 Visa Bulletin. All dates listed below are based on the final action dates for employment-based preference cases. Applicants must have a priority date that is earlier than the final action date listed for their preference category and country