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Immigration Law Blog

Get professional analysis on immigration policy changes, USCIS updates, and visa developments. Our blog provides practical guidance and insights to help you navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law.

USCIS Green Card EB-2 EB-3 October 26, 2026

November 2026 Visa Bulletin EB Category Advances

The U.S. Department of State released the Visa Bulletin for November 2026. USCIS will accept adjustment of status applications based on the Dates for Filing chart.

What This Means for You:

  • Who this affects: Immigrant visa applicants and adjustment of status applicants with priority dates before the listed Final Action or Filing dates in employment-based categories.
  • What changed: Worldwide EB-2 Final Action Date advances to April 1, 2025; EB-3 Other Workers for Mexico and most countries advance to June 1, 2022.
  • By when: Effective November 1, 2026.
  • What to do: Applicants with qualifying priority dates should review eligibility before the effective date.
Source: Travel.state.gov
CBP Visa Border Crossing October 11, 2026

CBP Proposes Rail Carrier Traveler Data Requirements

On October 11, 2026, CBP published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require rail carriers to submit advance electronic traveler information and notices of arrival or departure for trains crossing the U.S. border.

What This Means for You:

  • Key Point: CBP proposes requiring rail carriers to submit advance traveler data and notices for border-crossing trains.
  • Who Should Be Concerned: Rail carriers operating international passenger or crew services and all passengers and crew on such trains.
  • Timeline for Action: Comments due December 14, 2026; no effective date set.
  • Next Steps: Review the Federal Register notice and submit comments if applicable.
Source: Govinfo.gov
DHS OPT F-1 Visa Policy Changes SEVP October 9, 2026

DHS Proposes New OPT Fees for F-1 Students

On October 8, 2026, DHS/ICE published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing fees of $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT paid by SEVP-certified institutions.

What This Means for You:

  • Key Point: SEVP-certified schools would pay $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT under the proposed rule.
  • Who Should Be Concerned: F-1 nonimmigrant students seeking OPT and SEVP-certified educational institutions that recommend them.
  • Timeline for Action: Comments on the rule are due November 9, 2026; a transition period would delay fees until 60 days after any final rule.
  • Next Steps: Review the Federal Register notice and submit comments via Docket No. ICEB-2026-0100 if affected.
Source: Federalregister.gov
USCIS ESTA Parole Fee Adjustments October 2, 2026

DHS Announces FY 2027 HR-1 Immigration Fee Adjustments

DHS published inflation adjustments to certain HR-1 immigration fees on October 1, 2026. New amounts for parole, ESTA, and EVUS fees take effect October 16, 2026.

What This Means for You:

  • Key Point: DHS raises parole, ESTA, and EVUS fees effective October 16, 2026, while the I-94 fee stays the same.
  • Who Should Be Concerned: Noncitizens subject to HR-1 parole, ESTA applicants, EVUS enrollees, certain land-border I-94 filers, and employers or sponsors involved in parole.
  • Timeline for Action: New fees apply to grants or applications on or after October 16, 2026.
  • Next Steps: Consult an immigration attorney to confirm how the changes affect your specific filing and prepare the updated payment amounts.
Source: Federalregister.gov
USCIS Visa Bulletin EB-5 October 1, 2026

EB-5 Fee Adjustments Effective November 30, 2026

DHS published a final rule on September 30, 2026, adjusting USCIS fees for EB-5 immigration benefit requests and codifying provisions of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.

What This Means for You:

  • Key Point: New EB-5 fees take effect for applications postmarked November 30, 2026 or later.
  • Who Should Be Concerned: EB-5 immigrant investors filing Forms I-526 or I-526E, regional center operators submitting I-956 series forms, and parties making Integrity Fund payments.
  • Timeline for Action: Review filings now to determine whether submission before or after November 30, 2026 is feasible.
  • Next Steps: Verify required fees on the USCIS website and prepare filings with the correct payment amounts before the effective date.
Source: Federalregister.gov

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