IMMIGRATION NEWS
Dated summaries of U.S. immigration policy changes that affect F-1, OPT, H-1B, PERM, and green card cases, with what is confirmed, what is still unclear, and the sources.
The Ninth Circuit paused a court order to open DV-2027 lottery registration by November 1, 2026. Registration is still closed, with no new dates.
Read detailsClosedDV-2027 registration
DHS proposed ending deference to prior approvals in H-1B and other extensions. A final rule also confirms EAD renewals no longer extend the old card.
Read details6,044more RFEs a year, DHS estimates
DOL suspended Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL, and Capgemini from PERM on October 8, 2026. New and pending applications are on hold.
Read details8employers named
DHS proposed a $70,000 fee for initial OPT and $30,000 for later OPT, including STEM OPT, on October 7, 2026. It is not in effect yet.
Read details$70,000proposed fee for initial OPT
A September 18, 2026 proclamation extended the $100,000 H-1B payment to September 21, 2027, but federal court orders still stop USCIS from collecting it.
Read details$100,000payment, not being collected
A September 18, 2026 executive order directs DOL, DHS, and State to weigh an employer's recent or planned layoffs when reviewing H-1B filings and visas.
Read details30 daysfor DOL to review past LCA filings
DHS proposed on September 11, 2026 to end the 60-day grace period for H-1B, L-1, O-1, E, and TN workers whose jobs end. It is not in effect.
Read details60 daysgrace period the proposal would remove
DOL suspended Cognizant and Cloudera from PERM in September 2026 during a criminal investigation, under 20 CFR 656.31.
Read details2employers named
DHS proposed a $103,265 fee on each H-1B cap-subject petition on August 25, 2026. Cap-exempt filings and extensions would not pay it. Not in effect.
Read details$103,265proposed fee per cap petition
A federal court postponed the rule ending duration of status on September 14, 2026. D/S and the 60-day grace period still apply during the appeal.
Read details60 daysgrace period still applies