USCIS

FY 2027 H-1B Cap Registration Period and New Selection Process

USCIS announced the FY 2027 H-1B cap initial registration period will be from March 4 to March 19, 2026. A new final rule implements a weighted selection process prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid aliens to protect American workers' wages and job opportunities.

H-2B Visa Cap Reached for Returning Workers FY 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the cap has been reached for the first allocation of returning worker H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2026. The agency received more petitions than available visas and used a random selection process for petitions received between February 2 and February 6, 2026.

USCIS Policy Update for VAWA Self-Petitioners

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual with new guidance for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners. The update clarifies eligibility requirements, evidence expectations, and adjudication standards, aiming to streamline the process and reduce RFEs. This guidance is effective immediately.

USCIS Policy Clarifies VAWA Confidentiality Provisions

USCIS issued policy guidance clarifying the applicability of VAWA confidentiality provisions (8 U.S.C. 1367(a)(1) and (a)(2)). This update revises how USCIS handles information related to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes seeking immigration relief, and resolves technical errors in safe address procedures.

J-1 Visa for Exchange Visitors - Purpose and Background

This document outlines the purpose and background of the J-1 visa for exchange visitors, detailing its creation by Congress to promote cultural and educational exchanges. It explains the roles of the U.S. Department of State and USCIS in administering the program and the historical context of the two-year foreign residence requirement.