us visa application

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that all available EB-2 immigrant visas for Indian applicants in fiscal year 2026 have been issued. Embassies and consulates will cease issuing these visas until the annual limits reset on October 1, 2026, marking the start of fiscal year 2027.

USCIS officers are now questioning green card applicants about their choice of Adjustment of Status over consular processing, following a recent policy memo. Attorneys are advising clients to prepare comprehensive evidence showcasing strong US ties and contributions to strengthen their cases for adjustment of status.

Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that nearly 540,000 family-sponsored green card applications and about 170,000 employment-based applications are currently pending.

In a significant policy update, the US government has categorized green card adjustments as a scarce discretionary privilege, a decision that may force many Indian H-1B visa holders to pursue their applications outside the country. Immigration attorneys foresee a rise in legal battles, warning that this could jeopardize the residency journey for numerous individuals, leaving them facing increased risks.

South Africa's Bafana Bafana faced a major travel disruption ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a visa processing failure grounded the squad at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly condemned SAFA's handling of the situation, calling it "embarrassing." All players eventually received their visas, with departure confirmed for Monday. However, the assistant coach, team doctor, head of security and one analyst remained without clearance. South Africa open the tournament against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, their first World Cup since hosting the event in 2010.

US Homeland Security has clarified that green card applicants generally don't need to leave the country during processing, easing confusion from an earlier announcement. While officers retain case-by-case discretion, especially for those with visa overstays or reliance on public aid, no major policy shift has occurred.

Many Indian immigrants on employment and student visas rely on getting their green card while they’re still in the US. The new rule adds further uncertainty to the process.

USCIS has issued a new policy memo requiring most foreigners seeking a green card to apply from their home country, shifting from adjustment of status within the U.S. This stricter standard emphasizes weighing negative factors like immigration violations and inconsistent conduct, demanding stronger evidence of "unusual or outstanding" positive ties to the U.S. for those applying domestically.

USCIS has clarified a new Green Card policy. This policy could have required many to apply from abroad. However, USCIS now states that applicants with national interest or economic benefit may continue their current process. This offers relief to many H-1B visa holders and tech industry workers. The agency is reasserting its interpretation of immigration law.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a new 'America First' visa scheduling system in India, prioritizing business professionals and investors crucial to US economic and strategic interests. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and expedite travel for those contributing to trade and investment, while also emphasizing stricter security screenings for all applicants.

While many tech firms scale back, Nvidia is aggressively hiring foreign talent via the H-1B visa program, increasing its certified positions. This surge reflects the company's immense demand for AI specialists and engineers, contrasting with competitors like Google and Amazon. CEO Jensen Huang emphasizes immigration's vital role in US technological leadership.

USCIS reports significant changes in the H-1B visa season, with a focus on higher-skilled foreign workers. This year, 71.5% of selected applicants hold U.S. master's degrees or higher, a notable increase from last year. The agency also noted a substantial drop in registrations within the lowest wage category, indicating a successful effort to curb low-wage applications and protect American jobs.

USCIS now has the power to reject or deny immigration applications, even keeping fees, if an invalid signature is found months or years later. This new rule, effective July 10, 2026, applies broadly to most benefit requests, including visas and Green Cards. Applicants cannot usually fix signature errors after submission.