State Department Expands Visa Bond Program, Adds Seven More Countries
Appeals Court Speeds Review of Controversial US $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee
Weighted H-1B Lottery Rule Takes Effect—Higher Wages, Better Odds
Latest News
US Military Strike in Venezuela Shuts Caribbean Airspace, Disrupts Corporate Travel
An FAA airspace closure linked to U.S. military action in Venezuela caused widespread Caribbean flight cancellations, leaving business and leisure travelers stranded and prompting airlines to issue waivers and special rescue flights. Advisory restrictions remain through February 2, underscoring the need for robust travel-risk monitoring.
Data Show 38 % Drop in British Columbians Driving to U.S. in 2025
Vehicle counts show British Columbia residents made dramatically fewer drives into Washington State in 2025, with a 38 % decline in December alone. Analysts link the slide to U.S. trade tensions and new biometric-entry rules, signaling headwinds for cross-border commerce and business travel.
US Expands Visa Bond Program: Seven More Countries Face up to $15,000 Deposit
The State Department has extended its visa-bond program to seven additional countries, meaning applicants from 13 nations must now post up to US $15,000 to seek a U.S. visitor visa. While Washington argues the bonds curb over-stays, businesses warn of higher travel costs and possible project delays when hosting partners from the affected states. The policy, effective 1 January 2026, underscores the need for corporate travel teams to budget for bonds or explore waiver options.
NAFSA Issues Detailed Guidance on New Presidential Travel Ban (Proclamation 10998)
An advisory issued by NAFSA on 5 Jan 2026 unpacks Presidential Proclamation 10998, which broadened U.S. entry bans to 39 countries as of 1 Jan 2026. While individuals already in the U.S. with valid visas are exempt, new visa issuance is suspended or curtailed for many categories. Employers and universities must review travel plans, identify affected nationals and, where critical, pursue national-interest waivers.
USCIS Rolls Out Tougher Naturalization Civics Test for All New Citizenship Applicants
Effective immediately, all naturalization applications filed after 20 Oct 2025 are subject to USCIS’s 2025 Civics Test, which doubles the number of potential questions and raises the pass threshold. The agency says the move strengthens assimilation; employers should prepare for longer study periods and possible interview delays for staff aiming to become U.S. citizens.
CBP Mandates Electronic Refunds: Importers Must Enroll in ACH by 6 February 2026
CBP will stop issuing paper duty-refund checks next month and move to ACH-only disbursements. Importers—including relocation firms handling household goods—must enroll through the ACE portal or appoint a broker with a U.S. bank account. The shift promises faster refunds but demands swift compliance, especially for foreign-based companies.
Fragomen Elevates 17 Attorneys Worldwide, Citing Surging Corporate Immigration Demand
Fragomen promoted nine new Partners and eight Counsel on 5 Jan 2026, bolstering its U.S. leadership as corporations grapple with fee hikes and tighter travel rules. The move highlights sustained growth in demand for specialist immigration advice and signals further investment in tech-driven mobility compliance tools.