December 2025 » Page 2 of 3

H-1B visa

H-1B Lawsuit Filed by Multiple States

Twenty states filed a lawsuit against the new one hundred-thousand-dollar H-1B application fee. The plaintiffs argue the fee goes against Congress’ intentions for the work visa program. This lawsuit is the latest of several judicial challenges towards the enforcement of new H-1B fee. On December 12, 2025 the Attorney General

December 16, 2025

Department of State

Visa Holders Report Rise in Prudential Visa Revocations

Several visa holders are reporting emails from the Department of State (DOS) reported a rise in prudential visa revocations. The move is a symptom of increased government scrutiny towards visa applicants. These prudential visa revocations are happening for both visa applicants and individuals who were granted a nonimmigrant visa without

December 12, 2025

Gold Card

Immigrant Gold Card Available Now

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released Form I-140G, Immigrant petition for the Gold Card Program, on December 10, 2025. This means individuals can now apply for an expedited path to lawful residency and citizenship. The Gold Card was initially introduced as an immigrant alternative to the EB-5 investors

December 10, 2025

H-1B visa

Visa Appointments Postponed for H-1B and H-4 Petitioners

U.S. consulates are canceling and rescheduling H-1B and H-4 visa appointments. The temporary pause is likely due to expanded review of online applications. The move is part of larger effort increasing government scrutiny towards the H-1B program. Many of the visa appointments have been rescheduled by months. Some have even

December 10, 2025

Green Card

Green Card Interviews Result in Detention of Noncitizen Spouses

During the month November, there were several reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have started detaining green card applicants during or immediately after their interviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices, most notably in the San Diego field office. Arrests reportedly involved visa “overstays”

December 9, 2025

SEVIS

SEVIS Verification Period Begins

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) annual verification period for principal designated school officials (PDSOs), designated school officials (DSOs), responsible officers (ROs), and alternative responsible officers (AROs) is underway. School officials must complete their annual verification before March 2, 2026. U.S. colleges and exchange program sponsors must complete

December 9, 2025

employment authorization document

Employment Authorization Document Validity Period Decreased

On December 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced increased vetting procedures and reduced validity periods for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). These policy changes are part of larger effort to increase government scrutiny towards immigration and visa screening. These policy changes are effective immediately. The announcement reduced the

December 5, 2025

Green Card

Green Card Removal Cancellation Denied by Circuit Court

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay a green card holder’s removal. The court argued that it couldn’t block the plaintiff’s removal because they didn’t disclose being charged under a New Mexico state law. The decision reaffirms that lawful permanent residents can lose their status if convicted of

December 5, 2025

H-1B visa

Government Pushes Court to Drop H-1B Fee Lawsuit

The government pushed back against the Chamber of Commerce’s lawsuit against the one hundred-thousand-dollar H-1B application fee. The lawsuit was initially introduced in October 2025 and seeks a total judicial block against the implementation of the H-1B fee. While not the only lawsuit, the Chamber of Commerce’s represents the most

December 4, 2025

Department of State

Visa Applicants Must Disclose Online Presence to DOS

On December 3, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) announced that it will expand its online presence review requirement to all H-1B principal applicants and H-4 dependents, effective December 15, 2025. DOS previously issued a similar directive that applied to F, M, and J visa applicants effective June 18, 2025.

December 4, 2025