February 2026 » Page 2 of 3

DHS

DHS Shutdown: What to Know

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shut down after lawmakers failed to meet the funding deadline. The shutdown suspends pay for the department’s personnel and some of its services. This is the third government shutdown since October 2025, but it’s much more limited than the previous two. Government departments outside

February 17, 2026

DHS

Lawmakers Push for H-1B Fee Exemption

A bipartisan group of over one hundred lawmakers urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to adopt an exemption for health care workers from the new one-hundred-thousand-dollar H-1B application fee. The group explained the fee deepens an already critical staffing shortage nationwide. The move is the latest in a series

February 16, 2026

CBP Home app

Voluntary Departure Rates Hit All Time High

Due to the increasingly strict immigration landscape, more individuals chose voluntary departure over the course of the past year. The change not only reflects increased government scrutiny towards immigration procedures, but the increasing difficulties faced by individuals navigating the immigration system. Voluntary departure rates are only slated to rise soon.

February 16, 2026

F-1

End Date Checklist for Designated School Officials

With the beginning of a new academic year, it’s a great time for designated school officials (DSOs) to review critical compliance material. Specifically, the program end date (PED) on the Form I-20. Proactive review now reduces the chances of encountering immigration issues later. End Date Checklist Using the following checklist

February 13, 2026

Form I-485

Notice to Appear for Pending I-485 Applicants: A Guide

One of the most misunderstood issues in adjustment of status practice is the distinction between lawful nonimmigrant status and a period of authorized stay. This difference has become increasingly important as USCIS has exercised its authority to issue a Notice to Appear (NTAs) to certain applicants with pending Form I-485

February 13, 2026

Employment Based Visa

DOL Announces PERM and PWD Processing Times

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released updated processing times for PERM labor certifications and prevailing wage determinations. These timelines have a direct impact on employers sponsoring foreign nationals for employment based green card applications. If you are planning to initiate a case this quarter, you need to account for

February 13, 2026

F-1

F-1 and M-1 Student Visa Compliance, Travel, and Status Protection

Federal agencies have increased scrutiny of student visa programs. U.S. educational institutions will now experience increased audits and more rigorous review. Students should anticipate heightened scrutiny during inspection at U.S. ports of entry, as well as closer review during initial visa issuance and subsequent visa renewals. If you plan to

February 12, 2026

B-2

Navigating the B-2 Visa Bridge in 2026

The B-2 visa “bridge” strategy remains one of the most important post-termination tools available to H-1B workers. When employment ends, many individuals file a timely Form I-539 seeking a change of status to B-2 visitor to remain in the United States lawfully while they wind down personal affairs, search for

February 11, 2026

ICE

Immigration Enforcement Cooperation Splits States

The recent uptake in immigration enforcement operations raised scrutiny towards local law enforcement’s cooperation with immigration authorities. Under special scrutiny is local law enforcement’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Therefore, many lawmakers proposed holding ICE agents accountable. Examples of Accountability After a surge in ICE operations in Chicago,

February 10, 2026

ICE

Immigrant Data Sharing Between IRS and ICE Blocked

A federal judge blocked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from sharing immigration data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The judge explained data sharing violated taxpayer’s privacy rights. This marks the second time a federal judge blocked immigrant data sharing between the two agencies. The judge explained that immigration data

February 10, 2026