Last Week’s Highlights in Immigration: Visa Shocks and Policy Shake-ups

Visa Sticker Shock: New $250 Visa Fee Incoming

Starting soon, a new mandatory $250 "visa integrity fee" will impact nearly all U.S. visa applicants including workers, students, and tourists. While refundable under strict compliance conditions, uncertainty and potential delays are expected. Learn more. 

The PERM Takeaway: Employers should brace for increased visa processing expenses, budgeting accordingly and streamlining compliance procedures to minimize financial and administrative burdens.

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Mounting Backlogs at USCIS Spell Delays

New USCIS data reveals soaring backlogs and longer processing times due to heightened scrutiny under the Trump administration, affecting both family and employment-based immigration categories.

The PERM Takeaway: Employers should proactively manage recruitment timelines and maintain clear communication with candidates to mitigate disruptions caused by processing delays.

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Harvard Under Scrutiny Over J-1 Visa Usage

Harvard faces a federal investigation into its J-1 visa program, highlighting growing U.S. oversight and potential implications for institutions nationwide.

The PERM Takeaway: Educational institutions and affiliated employers must rigorously ensure compliance in their foreign-national sponsorships to avoid heightened scrutiny and potential disruptions.

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H-1B Visa Cap Already Hit for FY 2026

USCIS announces the H-1B cap is reached, closing new petitions for the fiscal year. Extensions, transfers, and cap-exempt filings remain open.

The PERM Takeaway: Employers should explore alternative visa options, remain strategic in workforce planning, and consider early preparation for next year's H-1B cycle to avoid disruptions.

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Trump Administration Proposes Ending H-1B Lottery

A revived proposal aims to replace the H-1B lottery with a wage-based system, favoring higher-paid candidates and potentially sidelining international graduates and entry-level workers.

The PERM Takeaway: Employers should anticipate significant changes in H-1B strategies, prioritizing compensation structures and evaluating recruitment strategies that align with the proposed wage-based selection.

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'Alligator Alcatraz' Faces Calls for Closure Amid Safety Concerns

Advocacy groups are demanding the shutdown of Florida’s controversial detention facility due to severe health hazards and reported human rights violations.

The PERM Takeaway: Employers should monitor evolving public sentiment and governmental response to immigration enforcement practices, as policy shifts could affect immigration reform and compliance environments.