Overview
- USCIS, which said Wednesday it met the 85,000 cap for FY2027, opened a filing window of at least 90 days for employers with selected registrations.
- From April 1, USCIS accepts only the 02/27/26 edition of Form I-129, which it uses to check that job details and wage levels match the registration and the Labor Condition Application.
- The selection model now weights Department of Labor wage levels, so higher paid roles have better odds and employers must classify jobs based on required education, experience, and supervision rather than a candidate’s credentials.
- A presidential proclamation adds a $100,000 supplemental fee to some new H-1B cases routed for consular processing, which is pushing many filings toward change of status and limiting international travel while petitions are pending.
- The State Department expanded social media screening on March 30 across more visa types, and immigration lawyers warn the extra checks could lengthen interview scheduling and lead to more requests for evidence.