USCIS
Green Card
Lawful Permanent Resident
Form I-485
September 5, 2026
DHS issued an interim final rule on September 4, 2026, expanding eligibility for lawful permanent resident registration to certain children born in the United States to foreign government employees.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: An interim final rule effective September 4, 2026, broadens who may register as a lawful permanent resident via Form I-485.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Parents of children born in the United States on or after September 4, 2026, to at least one foreign government employee where neither parent is a U.S. citizen.
- Timeline for Action: The rule applies only to births on or after the effective date and is currently blocked for certain individuals by court order.
- Next Steps: Consult an immigration attorney to review eligibility and watch for further USCIS guidance on Form I-485 filings.
USCIS
Green Card
Diversity Visa
Adjustment of Status
September 5, 2026
A federal court temporarily vacated Policy Memorandum PM-602-0193 and directed USCIS to resume ordinary processing of certain FY-2026 Diversity Visa adjustment of status applications.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: A court order temporarily removes the USCIS hold on certain FY-2026 Diversity Visa adjustment of status cases.
- Who Should Be Concerned: FY-2026 Diversity Visa selectees and derivative beneficiaries in the United States with pending adjustment applications subject to PM-602-0193.
- Timeline for Action: Processing should resume during the remainder of the FY-2026 Diversity Visa fiscal year.
- Next Steps: Check case status regularly and consult an immigration attorney about how the order may affect your application.
USCIS
Visa Updates
Immigration News 2026
Policy Changes
September 5, 2026
USCIS published a 30-day Federal Register notice on September 4, 2026, seeking comments on extending the e-Request Tool information collection without changes.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: USCIS published a 30-day notice on September 4, 2026, for extending the e-Request Tool information collection without changes.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Immigration applicants, petitioners, and representatives who use the e-Request Tool for case inquiries or accommodations.
- Timeline for Action: The 30-day comment period is open following the September 4, 2026 notice.
- Next Steps: Visit the Federal Register notice and uscis.gov/e-request to review details and submit comments if desired.
USCIS
Fraud Prevention
International Offices
Document Verification
September 4, 2026
USCIS will open a new international field office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on September 9, 2026, to handle document verification, fraud investigations, and DNA collection for family relationships.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: USCIS opens a new field office in Addis Ababa on September 9, 2026, for document verification, fraud investigations, and DNA collection.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Individuals in Ethiopia needing USCIS services for document authenticity, suspected fraud cases, or DNA-based family relationship confirmations.
- Timeline for Action: Services begin September 9, 2026; monitor the USCIS International Immigration Offices webpage for updates.
- Next Steps: Check the USCIS website regularly and schedule an appointment once details are posted.
USCIS
H-1B
Visa Updates
Policy Changes
August 26, 2026
DHS published a proposed rule on August 25, 2026 that would add a $103,265 fee to all H-1B cap-subject petitions.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: DHS proposes a $103,265 filing fee for all H-1B cap-subject petitions.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Employers filing H-1B petitions subject to the annual numerical cap, including advanced degree cases.
- Timeline for Action: The 30-day comment period closes on September 24, 2026.
- Next Steps: Review the Federal Register notice and submit comments before the deadline if the proposal affects your filings.
USCIS
EB-2
Visa Bulletin
EB-5
Family-sponsored
August 23, 2026
The U.S. Department of State released the September 2026 Visa Bulletin, showing significant forward movement in several family-sponsored categories while most employment-based categories remained unchanged.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: Family-sponsored categories advanced while most employment-based dates stayed the same or unavailable.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visa applicants, especially those from China, India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
- Timeline for Action: Review the bulletin immediately as it is the final one for FY 2026.
- Next Steps: Compare your priority date to the new final action dates and speak with your immigration attorney about filing options.
USCIS
Green Card
Public Charge
Adjustment of Status
I-485
August 19, 2026
USCIS issued updated guidance on August 18, 2026, for public charge inadmissibility determinations in adjustment of status cases. The guidance follows a DHS final rule effective September 18, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: USCIS updated public charge guidance takes effect for I-485 filings on or after September 18, 2026.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Most family- and employment-based adjustment of status applicants who are not in exempt categories.
- Timeline for Action: Review cases now if filing on or after the September 18, 2026 effective date.
- Next Steps: Consult qualified counsel to evaluate the five statutory factors and any public benefits received.
USCIS
Work Authorization
Employment Authorization
Form I-9
I-9 Compliance
August 16, 2026
Employers must complete I-9 reverification before temporary work authorization expires while avoiding prohibited over-reverification that can trigger discrimination claims.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: Track all temporary work authorization expiration dates well in advance and complete Supplement B by the deadline.
- Key Point: Never reverify U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or expiring List B identity documents.
- Key Point: Allow employees to choose which acceptable document to present rather than specifying one.
- Key Point: For ambiguous cases or pending extensions, seek legal review before taking action to prevent both under- and over-compliance.
Policy Change
USCIS
F-1
Employment Authorization
Forms
August 15, 2026
USCIS will require new 09/15/26 editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 starting September 15, 2026. Older editions filed on or after that date will be rejected, with no grace period.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Use the correct form edition for the submission date; USCIS will reject an outdated edition on or after September 15, 2026.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Anyone preparing an I-539 or I-765 filing, including students, workers, dependents, and their employers or schools.
- Timeline for Action: Review planned filings now; the change takes effect September 15, 2026, with no grace period.
- Next Steps: Confirm the edition date, submission date, evidence, fee, and delivery plan before filing; seek qualified legal guidance for status-sensitive cases.
Policy Change
USCIS
Public Charge
Immigrant Visa
Consular Processing
August 15, 2026
The Department of State is using a pilot that may require selected immigrant visa applicants with a public-charge denial to apply for a USCIS public-charge bond. Only applicants notified by a consular officer should take action; current valid visas are unaffected.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: A public-charge bond is a case-specific option after official notice, not a form to file preemptively.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Immigrant visa applicants abroad who receive a public-charge denial or a consular notice requiring a bond.
- Timeline for Action: Act promptly if notified by a consular officer; no immediate deadline applies to applicants who have not received notice.
- Next Steps: Preserve the consular notice, gather financial and supporting evidence, and obtain individualized legal advice before responding or arranging a bond.
USCIS
H-1B
Asylum
Regulatory Agenda
August 15, 2026
The Federal Register published the Department of Homeland Security's portion of the Unified Agenda summarizing projected regulatory actions focused on USCIS components.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: The agenda summarizes projected, existing, and completed DHS regulatory actions with a focus on USCIS.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Noncitizens, immigrants, asylum seekers, employers sponsoring foreign workers, and other parties subject to DHS/USCIS immigration regulations.
- Timeline for Action: The agenda is published semiannually as required by law.
- Next Steps: Review the complete Unified Agenda at reginfo.gov and consult an immigration attorney for guidance on your case.
Visa Updates
EOIR
Policy Changes
August 15, 2026
On August 11, 2026, the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review published an interim final rule establishing procedures for adjudicating civil penalties against international marriage brokers for violations of the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: EOIR published an interim final rule on August 11, 2026, that sets procedures for civil penalties against international marriage brokers for IMBRA violations.
- Who Should Be Concerned: International marriage brokers operating in the United States subject to IMBRA requirements and parties in related EOIR administrative proceedings.
- Timeline for Action: The rule takes effect September 10, 2026, with comments due by September 10, 2026.
- Next Steps: Review current IMBRA disclosure practices and monitor the Federal Register for any updates on the adjudication process.
BIA
Adjustment of Status
Inadmissibility
Advance Parole
Unlawful Presence
August 15, 2026
On August 13, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals overruled prior precedent and held that travel under advance parole counts as a departure triggering the 10-year unlawful presence inadmissibility bar.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: Advance parole departures now trigger the 10-year unlawful presence bar under INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II).
- Who Should Be Concerned: Noncitizens with accrued unlawful presence, including some DACA recipients, TPS holders, and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens with pending adjustment applications.
- Timeline for Action: The decision took effect on August 13, 2026, and applies to those who have already traveled or plan to travel.
- Next Steps: Consult an immigration attorney before any international travel and review pending adjustment applications.
USCIS
Immigration Forms
E-Filing
Policy Changes
August 15, 2026
On August 11, 2026, DHS issued an interim final rule authorizing USCIS to require electronic filing for certain immigration benefit forms after providing notice.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point: USCIS can require e-filing for forms available electronically for 180 days after 60 days of website notice.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Noncitizens, immigrants, employers, and representatives filing USCIS benefit requests.
- Timeline for Action: No forms mandated yet; watch for 60-day notices on the USCIS website.
- Next Steps: Monitor USCIS.gov for updates and consider requesting a hardship waiver if electronic filing poses difficulties.
DHS
Policy Change
USCIS
Fraud Prevention
RFE
NOID
August 14, 2026
USCIS announces a policy change allowing denial of benefit requests at filing when initial evidence is missing or eligibility is not clearly demonstrated, effective Aug 5, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: USCIS may deny a benefit at filing if the initial evidence is missing or eligibility is not clearly demonstrated, without issuing an RFE or NOID.
- Who Should Be Concerned: All applicants for USCIS benefits (green cards, work permits, family petitions, asylum, etc.).
- Timeline for Action: Immediate; applies to filings on or after August 5, 2026.
- Next Steps: Before filing, review each form’s required evidence, ensure completeness, and consider pre-filing review with an experienced immigration attorney.
DHS
Policy Change
USCIS
Electronic Filing
E-Filing
August 14, 2026
USCIS issues an interim final rule enabling mandatory electronic filing for certain benefits, with a grace period and waivers; online accounts and e-filing rollout begin August 11, 2026.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: USCIS may require electronic filing for eligible forms that have been available online for 180 days or more.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Applicants and practitioners filing for any USCIS benefit online; impact varies by form type.
- Timeline for Action: Immediate for eligible forms; a 60-day grace period for compliance and potential waivers.
- Next Steps: Establish a USCIS online account, identify which forms will require e-filing, and prepare for the transition including potential hardship waivers.
BIA
Immigration
Advance Parole
Unlawful Presence
DOJ EOIR
August 14, 2026
BIA issues Matter of Delcarmen-Lara, holding that advance parole departure can count as a departure triggering 3- and 10-year bars, overruling prior interpretations.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The BIA holds that departure on advance parole can count as a departure for the 3- and 10-year unlawful-presence bars under INA 212(a)(9)(B).
- Who Should Be Concerned: Travelers who depart the U.S. on advance parole after August 13, 2026, especially those with prior unlawful presence or ongoing admissibility proceedings.
- Timeline for Action: Immediate; the ruling is effective for post-August 13, 2026 travel decisions and reentry planning.
- Next Steps: Consult an immigration attorney about travel plans, review potential implications for reentry and waivers, and reassess relief options in light of the Delcarmen-Lara holding.
DHS
Policy Change
USCIS
Visa Updates
Electronic Filing
August 12, 2026
DHS's August 11, 2026 interim final rule allows USCIS to make certain forms electronic-only after 180 days of e-filing availability and at least 60 days of advance public notice. The rule creates a waiver process for undue hardship but does not immediately make all USCIS forms online-only.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: The rule is effective now, but USCIS must give at least 60 days’ notice before a specific eligible form becomes e-filing-only.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Anyone preparing a USCIS filing, including family-based, employment-based, student-related, humanitarian, and naturalization applicants, as well as petitioning employers and representatives.
- Timeline for Action: No immediate deadline, but monitor USCIS form pages; public comments on the rule are due October 13, 2026.
- Next Steps: Confirm access to a USCIS online account, organize digital evidence and payment procedures, and check the official form page before mailing any future filing.
DHS
Policy Change
H-1B
L-1
USCIS Fees
August 10, 2026
Effective September 9, 2026, DHS is expanding the $4,000 H-1B and $4,500 L-1 9-11 Biometric Fee to apply to all extension of status petitions filed by covered employers.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Covered employers must now pay the $4,000 (H-1B) or $4,500 (L-1) 9-11 Biometric Fee for all extension of status petitions.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Employers with 50 or more U.S. employees, where more than 50% are in H-1B or L-1 status, and their sponsored workers.
- Timeline for Action: The final rule takes effect on September 9, 2026.
- Next Steps: Employers should immediately adjust their immigration budgets and ensure all extension petitions filed on or after September 9 include the new required fees.
TPS
DHS
Policy Change
USCIS
Employment Authorization
August 8, 2026
USCIS has officially terminated Temporary Protected Status for Burma and South Sudan effective August 7, 2026, invalidating associated work permits.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: TPS designations for Burma and South Sudan have officially ended, and associated work permits are no longer valid.\n- Who Should Be Concerned: TPS beneficiaries from Burma and South Sudan, and U.S. employers who have hired them.\n- Timeline for Action: Immediate; the termination took effect on August 7, 2026.\n- Next Steps: Employers must reverify Form I-9 for affected workers; beneficiaries should consult an immigration attorney to explore other options.
Policy Change
Visa Updates
Department of State
B-1/B-2 Visas
August 8, 2026
The Visa Bond Program has been made permanent, enabling bonds up to $20,000 for B-1/B-2 visa applicants from 50 countries.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Consular officers can now permanently require a visa bond of up to $20,000 for B-1/B-2 applicants from 50 specific countries.\n- Who Should Be Concerned: Foreign nationals from the targeted countries applying for tourist or business visitor visas.\n- Timeline for Action: The rule is already in effect as of August 3, 2026.\n- Next Steps: Check the State Department website to see if your country is on the targeted list, and be prepared to arrange for a substantial bond payment if required during your visa interview.
Policy Change
Immigration News 2026
Citizenship
Visas
August 8, 2026
Two executive orders narrow birthright citizenship definitions and target birth tourism, with expected legal challenges.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: New executive orders attempt to deny birthright citizenship to children of certain foreign workers and curb birth tourism.\n- Who Should Be Concerned: Pregnant foreign nationals applying for U.S. visas, and foreign embassy or international organization employees expecting children in the U.S.\n- Timeline for Action: No immediate deadline, but monitor developments as legal challenges are expected to unfold quickly.\n- Next Steps: Pregnant individuals planning travel to the U.S. should consult an immigration attorney to understand potential visa scrutiny and entry risks at the border.
