DHS
Policy Change
Visas
Employment
March 19, 2026
A new federal rule has gone into effect that restricts Commercial Driver's License (CDL) eligibility, potentially stripping up to 200,000 immigrant truck drivers of their licenses.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Non-domiciled CDL eligibility is now strictly limited to specific visa holders, rendering many current immigrant drivers ineligible to work.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Immigrant truck drivers holding non-domiciled CDLs, and the motor carriers that employ them.
- Timeline for Action: The rule took effect on March 16, 2026, and impacts are immediate as licenses expire or come up for renewal.
- Next Steps: Affected drivers must verify their visa status eligibility, and employers should audit their driver files to ensure compliance and explore alternative staffing or visa options.
Policy Change
USCIS
H-1B
Visa Updates
Work Visa
March 18, 2026
The FY 2027 H-1B cap registration period closes on March 19 at noon ET, marking the first year of the new wage-weighted selection system that prioritizes higher-wage positions.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The H-1B registration deadline is strictly enforced; no late submissions will be accepted after noon ET on March 19, 2026.
- Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers for H-1B visas and prospective H-1B employees.
- Timeline for Action: Registrations must be submitted by noon ET on March 19, 2026; petition filing begins April 1, 2026.
- Next Steps: Employers must finalize and submit all registrations immediately. Under the new wage-weighted system, employers should also review salary levels to maximize selection odds.
Policy Change
State Department
Visa Updates
Diversity Visa
Green Card Lottery
March 18, 2026
A new State Department final rule effective April 10, 2026, will require Diversity Visa lottery entrants to submit valid passport details and a JPEG passport scan with their application to combat fraud.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Applicants must have a valid, unexpired passport to enter the Diversity Visa lottery under the new rule effective April 10, 2026.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Individuals from eligible countries planning to apply for the upcoming DV-2027 green card lottery.
- Timeline for Action: The rule takes effect April 10, 2026, and will apply to the next registration cycle (DV-2027).
- Next Steps: Prospective applicants should ensure their passports are valid and prepare a clear JPEG scan of the biographic page ahead of the registration period. Those in countries with limited passport access should seek guidance from an immigration attorney.
USCIS
Green Card
Visa Updates
EB-2
EB-3
Visa Bulletin
Employment-Based
March 18, 2026
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin shows EB-2 Final Action Dates becoming current for all countries except China and India, with significant forward movement for India's EB-2 and EB-3 categories, and USCIS will honor Dates for Filing in April.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: EB-2 Final Action Dates become current for all countries except China and India in April 2026, allowing eligible applicants to file for final green card approval.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Foreign nationals in employment-based green card backlogs, particularly those from India and China, and their sponsoring employers.
- Timeline for Action: USCIS will accept adjustment of status applications based on Dates for Filing in April 2026; applicants should act quickly.
- Next Steps: Consult with an immigration attorney to determine if your priority date is current under the Dates for Filing or Final Action Dates chart and prepare all required documents for filing.
Policy Change
Citizenship
Department of State
March 15, 2026
Following years of legal pressure, the State Department has reduced the fee to renounce U.S. citizenship from $2,350 down to $450, effective immediately.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The cost to formally give up U.S. citizenship is now significantly more affordable, dropping to $450.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Dual citizens, "accidental Americans" living abroad, and expatriates seeking to avoid complex U.S. tax reporting requirements.
- Timeline for Action: The new fee applies to all renunciation appointments scheduled on or after April 13, 2026.
- Next Steps: If you were delaying renunciation due to the high cost, you can now schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, renouncing citizenship is permanent; always consult with an immigration attorney and tax professional before making this decision.
Policy Change
USCIS
H-1B
Work Visa
March 14, 2026
USCIS has published a new version of Form I-129 that requires detailed job and wage information, mandatory for H-1B petitions filed on or after April 1, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Stricter Filing Requirements: Employers must use the new Form I-129 and provide detailed, consistent data regarding job requirements and wage levels.
- Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers sponsoring H-1B workers and the foreign professionals they intend to hire.
- Timeline for Action: The new form is mandatory for all petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2026. Failure to use it will result in automatic rejection.
- Next Steps: Employers and their legal counsel must immediately transition to the new form and meticulously cross-check all petition details against the approved LCA to avoid processing delays or denials.
Policy Change
USCIS
Green Card
EAD
March 13, 2026
USCIS has issued a Request for Information seeking vendor proposals to create secure, mobile digital versions of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
What This Means for You:
- Immediate Onboarding Potential: Future digital EADs could allow workers to start employment immediately upon approval, eliminating the wait for physical cards in the mail.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Foreign nationals awaiting Green Cards or EADs, U.S. employers, and HR professionals managing global mobility.
- Timeline for Action: This is currently in the proposal stage (vendors have until April 6, 2026, to respond). No immediate action is required from applicants.
- Next Steps: Employers and applicants should monitor USCIS announcements regarding the pilot rollout of digital credentials, which could begin as early as FY 2028.
DHS
Policy Change
CBP
Travel
March 12, 2026
The Global Entry program has been restarted amid the ongoing DHS shutdown, though travelers still face significant airport delays due to staffing shortages.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are active again, but general airport security and border processing may experience significant delays.
- Who Should Be Concerned: International travelers, permanent residents returning to the U.S., and individuals relying on DHS services at ports of entry.
- Timeline for Action: Ongoing as long as the DHS shutdown continues.
- Next Steps: Arrive at airports at least two to three hours early for international flights and check your airline's status before traveling.
Policy Change
Green Card
Visa Updates
Diversity Visa
March 12, 2026
Starting April 10, 2026, the State Department will require all Diversity Visa lottery entrants to provide valid passport information and a scanned copy of their passport.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: You cannot enter the next Diversity Visa lottery without a valid, unexpired passport.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Foreign nationals planning to enter the annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
- Timeline for Action: The rule takes effect on April 10, 2026, applying to all future DV lottery registration periods.
- Next Steps: Apply for or renew your passport immediately if you intend to participate in the next green card lottery.
Policy Change
USCIS
H-1B
Visa Updates
Work Visa
March 6, 2026
USCIS opened FY 2027 H-1B cap registration on March 4, 2026, through March 19, introducing for the first time a wage-weighted lottery that favors higher-paid workers over a purely random selection.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1 — New Wage-Weighted Selection: For the first time, H-1B lottery selection will favor registrations where the offered wage is at a higher OEWS wage level. Employers offering Level III or Level IV wages have a statistically better chance of selection than those offering Level I wages.
- Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers sponsoring foreign national workers for H-1B status, HR professionals, and international workers on OPT/STEM OPT who are seeking H-1B cap sponsorship.
- Timeline for Action: The registration window closes at noon ET on March 19, 2026. Employers must register and pay the $215 fee per beneficiary before this deadline. There are no extensions.
- Next Steps: Work immediately with an immigration attorney to submit registrations. Ensure all beneficiary passport information is accurate and consistent. Review offered wage levels against OEWS prevailing wage data to understand your selection probability under the new weighted system.
TPS
DHS
Policy Change
USCIS
Work Authorization
Deportation
March 6, 2026
DHS terminated Temporary Protected Status for Yemen, with all TPS benefits and Employment Authorization Documents expiring on May 4, 2026, leaving Yemeni nationals without another lawful status potentially subject to removal.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1 — Immediate Work Authorization Impact: Yemeni TPS holders' EADs are valid only through May 4, 2026. After that date, individuals without another lawful status will lose work authorization and become subject to removal.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Yemeni nationals currently in the United States under TPS, their U.S. citizen or permanent resident family members, and employers who employ Yemeni TPS holders.
- Timeline for Action: Affected individuals have until May 4, 2026, to explore alternative immigration options. This is an urgent matter requiring immediate legal consultation.
- Next Steps: Contact an immigration attorney immediately to evaluate all available options, including asylum, adjustment of status through a family or employer petition, or other forms of relief. Employers should update their I-9 records to reflect the new EAD expiration date of May 4, 2026, and plan for potential workforce impacts.
Policy Change
USCIS
H-1B
Business Immigration
Lottery
March 2, 2026
The H-1B visa lottery registration for FY 2027 is now open from March 4-19, 2026, and will for the first time use a weighted selection process that prioritizes higher wage levels.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The H-1B lottery is no longer purely random; it now favors positions with higher salaries.
- Who Should Be Concerned: U.S. employers and foreign professionals seeking H-1B visas, particularly those in roles with entry-level or lower-tier wages.
- Timeline for Action: The registration period is very short, closing at noon Eastern on March 19, 2026. All registrations must be submitted within this window.
- Next Steps: Employers must ensure they accurately determine the appropriate OES wage level for the proffered position. Consulting with an immigration attorney is critical to navigate these new, complex requirements and submit a successful registration.
