DOS

December 2025 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for December 2025. This bulletin details the 'Final Action Dates' and 'Dates for Filing Applications' for preference immigrant visas, indicating when applicants can submit required documentation.

November 2025 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2025, detailing the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for immigrant visas. This bulletin informs visa applicants when they should assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.

February 2026 Visa Bulletin Cutoff Dates

The Department of State has published the Visa Bulletin for February 2026, detailing the cutoff dates for immigrant visa applications. This bulletin indicates when applicants should be prepared to submit their documentation to the National Visa Center for final action.

March 2026 Visa Bulletin

The Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for March 2026, detailing immigrant visa availability. This bulletin provides "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing Applications" for various preference categories, guiding applicants on when to submit documentation for immigrant visas and adjustment of status applications.

US Sanctions Rwandan Officials for Violating Washington Accords

The United States has sanctioned the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) and four senior RDF officers for their support of the M23 movement in the DRC, violating the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. This action, taken under Executive Order 13413, demonstrates U.S. resolve to uphold regional stability.

Sanctioning Timeshare Resort Linked to CJNG for Defrauding U.S. Citizens

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against Kovay Gardens, a Mexican timeshare resort, and associated individuals and companies for their involvement in timeshare fraud schemes orchestrated by the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This action was taken under executive orders targeting illicit drug proliferation and terrorism.

US Designates Russia-Based Cyber Firm for Trade Secret Theft

The U.S. Department of State has designated Russia-based Matrix LLC (Operation Zero) and its director, Sergey Zelenyuk, for significant theft of U.S. trade secrets. This action, taken under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act and Executive Order 13694, blocks their assets in the U.S. and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting business with them.

State Department Sanctions for Intellectual Property Theft

The Department of State has sanctioned one individual and two entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) for theft of trade secrets. This action, supported by Treasury designations, marks the first use of PAIPA and targets cyber tools stolen from a U.S. company.

US Sanctions Target Iran's Weapons Procurement and Shadow Fleet

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against individuals and entities in Iran, Türkiye, and the UAE involved in Iran's weapons procurement networks. Additionally, numerous shadow fleet vessels and their operators involved in transporting Iranian petroleum products were sanctioned.

US Sanctions Nicaraguan Officials for Repression

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on five senior Nicaraguan officials for their roles in the repression of the Nicaraguan people. These actions are taken under Executive Orders 13851 and 14088, targeting individuals involved in human rights abuses and consolidation of power by the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship.