The EB-2 visa quota for this fiscal year is full. Pending applicants can still file if current under the September Visa Bulletin, but final approvals will wait until October 1.

The Pentagon plans to send 600 military lawyers as temporary immigration judges to tackle the 3.5 million-case backlog. Critics worry they lack enough immigration law experience.

Temporary Protected Status for about 270,000 Venezuelans will end September 10, 2025. Migrants may self-deport with a CBP app or risk deportation if they don’t have other legal status.

Federal agents detained 475 workers at a Hyundai-LG plant in Georgia for working illegally. Most were subcontractors from South Korea, which raised diplomatic concerns and paused construction.

USCIS officers can now investigate, arrest, carry firearms, and speed up removals under a new rule. The goal is to prevent fraud and work better with law enforcement.

Starting November 1, immigrant visa applicants will need to attend interviews in their country of residence or nationality. Only rare medical or humanitarian cases may get exceptions. This applies to all visa types.

The U.S. has paused work visas for foreign truck drivers, following a deadly crash involving an undocumented driver in Florida. The freeze affects H-2B, E-2, and EB-3 visas, but doesn’t impact Canadian or Mexican drivers on B-1 visas.

Getting a U.S. B1/B2 tourist visa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be difficult for some due to long wait times. Citizens from 42 countries with a Visa Waiver can skip the visa, but others, like Ecuador and Nigeria, face delays up to 9 months, possibly missing the tournament.

USCIS now allows payments via ACH debit from U.S. bank accounts, phasing out paper checks and money orders by October 28, 2025. This aims to reduce payment delays and fraud. Credit and prepaid card options are still available.

The Trump administration proposes a rule limiting international students to 4 years in the U.S. on F and J visas, and 240 days for foreign journalists on I visas. Extensions will require reapplication and fees.

USCIS is bringing back neighborhood checks for naturalization applicants after 30 years. Officers may now contact neighbors, employers, or colleagues to assess an applicant’s character and eligibility for citizenship.

In 2024, 194,554 international students worked in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training, with 95,384 in STEM fields, a 54 percent increase. Total international enrollment reached 1.58 million, supporting $43.8 billion in economic activity and 378,175 jobs. Rising visa hurdles are pushing some students to consider Canada, the U.K., and Australia.