USCIS Alerts

H-1B Registration Lottery Completed

USCIS announced completion of the FY 2027 H-1B registration lottery on March 31, 2026, having received sufficient registrations to meet fiscal year allocations including the advanced degree exemption. Selected petitioners may file H-1B cap-subject petitions beginning April 1, 2026, using the new Form I-129 edition (02/27/26), with a filing window of at least 90 days.

Strengthened Screening and Vetting Update

USCIS announced findings from a comprehensive review revealing prior screening and vetting measures for immigration benefits were inadequate, resulting in approvals and naturalizations of individuals who should not have been granted status. The agency has implemented policy memoranda placing holds on pending asylum applications, diversity visa adjustment of status applications, and benefit requests from high-risk countries.

USCIS H-2B Cap Met for FY 2026 Second Half

USCIS has announced that the H-2B statutory cap for the second half of fiscal year 2026 has been met. The final receipt date for new cap-subject petitions requesting an employment start date between April 1 and October 1, 2026, was March 10, 2026. Filing dates for supplemental visa allocations are now available.

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Yemen

The Department of Homeland Security has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, effective May 4, 2026. This decision follows a review of country conditions and consultations with government agencies, determining that Yemen no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation.