BIZARRE: 3 - What They Never Told You

USCIS launches new resources for R-1 religious workers and employers: What applicants need to know

USCIS has updated guidance for R-1 religious workers and employers. New rules outline eligibility, filing procedures, and documentation requirements. R-1 status is granted for thirty months initially, with a five-year maximum stay. After five years, workers must leave the US before reapplying. USCIS may conduct unannounced workplace inspections to verify…

The Economic Times · Sep 3

US Green Card: USCIS can now check sponsor’s credit information; what changes for applicants

USCIS has updated Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, effective August 31. The revised form includes a privacy release for credit information verification. Sponsors with credit freezes must respond to USCIS requests to avoid delays. The income requirement remains the primary financial assessment tool for sponsors. This change provides USCIS…

The Economic Times · Sep 3

USCIS can now seek credit information of a green card sponsor from agencies

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made an overnight change to the Form I-864, which is the ‘Affidavit of Support’ filed by those sponsoring family members for a green card. From Aug 31, only the new version will be accepted for filings submitted on or after this date…

The Times of India · Sep 2

ICE Keeps Venezuelan Soccer Pro Detained as Third Bond Bid Fails

Homero Calderón, a Venezuelan pro soccer player, has spent over six months in ICE custody in Georgia after a judge denied his bond for a third time.

Latin Times · Aug 26

Indian-American group warns $103,265 H-1B visa fee may push US jobs overseas

An Indian-American group voiced concerns over proposed H1-B visa fee increases. The proposed fees could make hiring jobs overseas economically impractical for companies. This move might negatively impact cash-strapped startups and large corporations significantly. International student enrollment in the United States is already showing signs of weakness. The group urges…

The Economic Times · Aug 26

A New $103,265 H-1B Fee Arrives — While the Old $100,000 One Is Still Blocked in Court

DHS proposes a $103,265 H-1B fee as its blocked $100K predecessor sits vacated in court — here's what's confirmed, what changed, and who it hits.

Latin Times · Aug 25

H-1B proposed fee could face legal challenge as immigration lawyers question DHS authority

The Trump administration's proposed $103,265 fee on cap-subject H-1B petitions may face a legal challenge, with immigration lawyers questioning whether the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has the statutory authority to impose such a steep charge and use the proceeds to fund immigration-related activities across multiple federal agencies.

The Times of India · Aug 25

Trump’s immigration crackdown has a Plan B, C and D

Donald Trump’s second-term immigration strategy has relied on multiple legal and administrative routes to tighten entry and stay in the US. When courts block one measure, the administration has often pursued the same objective through narrower orders, agency rules, higher fees or additional screening.

The Economic Times · Aug 25

Trump’s H-1B fee bombshell: Why employers do not have to pay $103,265 yet

The US has proposed a $103,265 fee for new cap-subject H-1B petitions, but employers do not have to pay it yet. This explainer breaks down the six steps before implementation—from public comments and DHS review to a final rule, USCIS filing instructions and the fee’s effective date.

The Economic Times · Aug 25

US universities pausing CPT program after new ICE memo: Indian students in a fix

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 international students in the US to gain off-campus work experience, such as internships or co-op programs, while completing their degree. Unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is approved directly by USCIS after graduation, CPT is authorized entirely by…

The Times of India · Aug 24