USCIS has officially announced that it has received enough petitions to meet the H-1B cap for Fiscal Year 2026. 🔒 No new cap-subject H-1B petitions will be accepted for FY 2026 moving forward. However, it's important to note: ✅ Cap-exempt filings are still allowed including: Extensions of stay Changes of employer Amendments Concurrent employment Petitions filed by cap-exempt institutions This update marks the end of the FY 2026 H-1B lottery, with petitions now moving into adjudication and possible RFE or approval stages. 📌 If you missed out this year, it’s time to plan early for the next year or explore alternate visa strategies. This update can be found here . #H1B #H1BLottery #USCIS #VisaCap #ImmigrationUpdate #CapExempt #TheVisaCode #USImmigration #FY2026 #Immigration

The U.S. Department of State has revised its non-immigrant visa reciprocity policy for Nigerian citizens. Effective immediately, most non-diplomatic, non-immigrant U.S. visas issued to Nigerian nationals will be limited to single-entry with a validity of three months. Key Highlights: Visas issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid and unchanged. The change aligns with the U.S. government’s visa reciprocity policy, which is regularly reviewed and based on global security and technical standards. The new restrictions are part of broader efforts to ensure secure travel, effective visa overstay management, and robust information sharing. Standard Benchmarks Include: Use of secure travel documents with verifiable identity. Control of visa overstays through monitoring and enforcement. Security data sharing, including relevant criminal background information. Ongoing Engagement with Nigeria: The U.S. Mission has acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to improve systems in line with international best practices. Discussions are ongoing to address the remaining gaps and restore longer visa validity in the future. The United States reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria and encouraging safe, lawful travel for business, education, and cultural exchange.

Effective May 1, 2025 , Nigeria's Interior Ministry has introduced new immigration reforms  aimed at managing visa compliance. Foreign nationals in Nigeria including U.S. citizens should take note of the following: Key Information for Visitors and Expats in Nigeria Amnesty Period (Until July 31, 2025) Foreign nationals with expired visas or residence permits  may regularize their status without penalty  during this period. The amnesty  is intended to encourage compliance without the burden of fines or penalties. Overstay Penalty (Effective August 1, 2025) A $15 daily surcharge  will apply for each day of overstay starting August 1, 2025 . Overstays of 6 months or more  will result in a 5-year re-entry ban . Overstays of 1 year or more  will result in a 10-year re-entry ban . Online Portal for Regularization Nigeria has launched a new digital platform ( link )  allowing individuals with: Expired visa-on-arrival permits Lapsed single-entry visas Overdue expatriate residence cards to regularize their status without visiting immigration offices . Recommendations for U.S. Citizens: If your visa or permit has expired, take immediate action  to regularize your status before July 31, 2025 . Use the official Nigeria Immigration Service portal  to begin your application online. Keep digital and physical copies of all submissions and approvals for your records. For assistance, contact: U.S. Embassy Abuja, Nigeria   Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central District Area+234 209 461 4328 and after hours +234 209 461 4000, press zero AbujaACS@state.gov https://ng.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Consulate General Lagos 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island+234 201 460 3400 during business hours and after hours LagosACS@state.gov https://ng.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs+1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444 Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates. More details can be found here

If you're planning to apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa —whether it's for work, study, or travel, there's a new rule you should know about. Starting in 2025 , a Visa Integrity Fee  will be added to the cost of getting a visa. Let’s break it down in simple terms. What is the Visa Integrity Fee? It’s a new fee  that anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa  (like H-1B, F-1, J-1, etc.) will need to pay on top of the existing visa fees . It’s part of a broader effort to ensure visa holders follow the rules and to improve the immigration system. How Much Will It Cost? In 2025 , the fee will be: $250 , or A higher amount  if the U.S. government decides to increase it. So, at minimum, expect to pay an extra $250  when you get your visa. Will It Go Up Later? Yes. Starting in 2026 , the fee will go up slightly every year  based on inflation . So, it might increase a little bit each year. Can You Get This Money Back? Maybe, but only if you follow all the rules. You might be able to get your money reimbursed   after  your visa expires if: ✅ You followed all the visa rules such as no unauthorized work. ✅ You either: Left the U.S. within 5 days  after your visa expired, without asking to stay longer, or Got an approved extension  or green card  during your stay. So, if you played by the rules and left on time , there’s a chance to get that money back. But you'll need to apply for it. No Exceptions This fee cannot be waived or reduced —not even for students or low-income applicants. Everyone  has to pay it. Where Does the Money Go? Most of the money collected will go to the U.S. Treasury , helping to fund government programs and visa system improvements. Who Will Be Affected? This fee will apply to most nonimmigrant visa types , such as: F-1  (students) H-1B  (skilled workers) J-1  (exchange visitors) L-1  (transfers within companies) O, P, TN , and more So if you're not applying for a green card, this will likely affect you. Final Thoughts The new Visa Integrity Fee is one more cost to keep in mind when applying for a U.S. visa. While it's meant to improve compliance and security, it adds to the already high cost  of international travel and study. If you're planning to apply for a visa soon, budget for this extra fee  and make sure to follow the visa conditions closely—especially if you want a chance to get your money back later. Need Help Navigating Your Visa Process? This new rule adds another layer of complexity to an already tricky process. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation to understand how the Visa Integrity Fee applies to your specific visa type or situation. We’ll help you understand the rules, avoid mistakes, and plan your visa process with confidence.  We’re here to help you plan smart and avoid surprises. 📞 WhatsApp : +91 8248583284  📧 Email : info@thevisacode.com  🌐 Website :   www.thevisacode.com  📱 Instagram & Threads : @thevisacode

AI Generated We are pleased to share the successful completion of a complex and time-sensitive OCI reissuance case for one of our clients in India. The client had lost their previous OCI card, and time was running out due to the impending expiration of their Indian e-tourist visa. Our team quickly assessed the situation and provided end-to-end assistance in navigating multiple processes: 🔹 Filing registration of residence with the FRRO  🔹 Converting the e-tourist visa to an Entry (X) visa  🔹 Simultaneously preparing and submitting the OCI reissuance application Despite the challenges posed by a lack of procedural clarity in many Indian immigration processes, our team worked diligently and strategically to ensure timely approvals at every stage. We thank our client for entrusting us with this urgent matter. Their trust in our capabilities was key to achieving this outcome. 📌 Our team is fully equipped to assist with:  ✅ OCI issuance or reissuance  ✅ Indian visa conversions  ✅ Visa processing for India If you or someone you know needs support with Indian immigration or consular matters, feel free to reach out to us.

AI generated Effective August 1, 2025, a third-party/representative passport collection service will be discontinued to ensure the safety and security of applicants' passports/documents. 1. Applicants must collect their passports/documents in person. 2. Please note: Passports for applicants under the age of 18 must be collected by a parent or guardian who must present an original consent letter signed by both parents. 3. Scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter will not be accepted. Premium Delivery Still an Option: Applicants may also choose to have their passports delivered to their home or office for a nominal fee of ₹1200 per applicant, at their discretion. For more details, you can refer to this page #Immigration   #USImmigration   #USVisaApplicantsIndia   #USVisaNews   #TheVisaCode

AI Generated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), proposed a rule to establishing a fixed period of admission and an extension of stay procedure for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and representatives of foreign information media. This can be found here . Existing Policy - I-94 for Students and Dependents Receive I-94 with Duration of Status (D/S) Historically, students in F, M, or J status and their dependents have been admitted to the United States with a Duration of Status (D/S) notation on their I-94 records. The D/S allows them to remain in the U.S. for as long as they maintain their valid status. For F-1 students, this means they may stay in the country for several consecutive years without needing to depart, provided they continue to meet the requirements of their status, such as maintaining full-time enrolment, participating in authorized practical training (e.g., OPT), and, if eligible, pursuing STEM OPT extensions. Unlawful Presence or Overstay - FMJ and Dependents with D/S i-94s As of now, the unlawful presence FMJ and their dependents is not triggered unless unless DHS (Department of Homeland Security), an IJ (Immigration Judge), or the BIA (board of immigration appeals) makes a formal finding of a status violation. 📅Is this new proposal? The Trump administration previously proposed introducing a "duration-specific I-94" for international students (F, J, and I visa holders), replacing the current "Duration of Status" (D/S)" i-94s. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was published on 9/25/20 by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This can be found here .   ✅ What Happened Later? The rule was formally withdrawn by the Biden administration in 2021, after receiving over 32,000 public comments opposing it. This NPRM was later withdrawn by the ICE, DHS under Biden administration on 07/06/2021 . As of now, FMJ students continue to receive i-94 with "Duration of Status (D/S)".   🔎 What is Proposed? The current proposal by ICE, DHS is intended to establish a specific or fixed period of admission. This can be found here . A fixed end date (e.g., 2 or 4 years) Students would need to apply for extensions if their studies exceeded that period   ⚠️ Key Changes That Would Occur:                Current i-94 “Duration of Status (D/S)” Proposed Change (Fixed I-94) No fixed end date on I-94 I-94 would have a specific expiration date Student stay is valid as long as SEVIS active Must file extension if program continues Less paperwork during course of study More paperwork, costs, and USCIS processing University DSO manages SEVIS compliance Direct DHS/USCIS supervision U nlawful Presence only from date of Formal Finding by DHS, an IJ, or the BIA Unlawful Presence from the day after expiration of i-94. 📌 Summary: The revival of this policy change, it would result in increased compliance and administrative overhead for students. We will more clarity once the interim and/or final rule on the validity of i-94 that would issued to students admitted on FMJ status. We assume that this would cover the timeline required for completion of the coursework and post completion optional practical training. We also need to wait to know of the unlawful presence would be triggered from the date of violation of status. it must be note that Trump during his previous term introduced this policy and the same was struck down.

To keep your immigrant visa case active with the National Visa Center (NVC): ✅ Log in to CEAC ( https://ceac.state.gov/iv ) at least once every 12 months, even if you are not uploading new documents. ✅ Every login or document submission updates your last contact date. If you do not contact NVC for over 1 year, your case may enter pre-termination, and all submitted forms, fees, and documents may expire. ALERT: If your case has already been marked "Documentarily Complete" by NVC, you do not need to take action to keep it active.  However, monitor CEAC closely for your visa interview to be scheduled at the consular post. WARNING:  Failure to maintain contact for over a year at the NVC stage, or missing your visa interview, could lead to termination of your petition registration. In limited cases, it may be possible to reinstate the petition and resume processing. Stay informed. Stay on track. Don’t risk delays. Need help with immigrant visa processing or NVC submissions? 📧 Email:  info@thevisacode.com 📱 Phone/WhatsApp: +91.824.858.3284

For many families navigating the U.S. immigration process, time is everything. When a life-or-death medical emergency  strikes, the thought of waiting months or years for a visa can feel unbearable. Thankfully, there’s a narrow pathway available through the National Visa Center (NVC) , but it’s important to know the rules clearly. ✅ When Can You Request an Expedite? An expedite request  may be granted only  if: A visa is currently available  in your relative’s category (check the Visa Bulletin). There is a life-or-death medical emergency  involving the petitioner or beneficiary. You can submit documented proof  of this emergency. If a visa is not available  (i.e., the priority date is not current), unfortunately, the NVC cannot approve any expedite request  — even in dire situations. This is a hard limit under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. 📧 How to Submit an Expedite Request To request an expedite, you must: Send an email to:   NVCExpedite@state.gov Subject line:  Only your Case Number or Receipt Number Details of life or death medical emergency along with supporting documents must be submitted. 💡 Pro Tip: Your expedite request should be clear, urgent, and supported by medical documentation.  If the NVC deems the request valid and a visa is available, your case may be forwarded faster to the U.S. embassy or consulate for final processing. At our firm, we’ve helped clients navigate this sensitive and time-bound process with precision. If you or someone you know is facing a medical emergency and a pending visa case, feel free to reach out for guidance. 🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 Because in moments of crisis, clarity and timing matter most. #Immigration #NVC #USVisa #VisaExpedite #FamilyImmigration #MedicalEmergency #USCIS #VisaProcessing #ImmigrationLaw #TheVisaCode

📅 USCIS has confirmed the following chart usage for July 2025: ( https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin )   ####   📌 For Family-Sponsored Filings (India)   ➡️ Use the "Dates for Filing" chart   ✔️ This means applicants can submit their I-485 based on the Dates for Filing if their priority date is earlier than the listed date.   📖 Chart to Refer: Dates for Filing Chart – Family   ####   📌 For Employment-Based Filings (India)   ➡️ Use the "Final Action Dates" chart   ✔️ Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) can only be filed if the priority date is current according to the Final Action Dates chart.   📖 Chart to Refer: Final Action Chart – Employment   ####   Visa Bulletin for June 2025 can be found here: 🔗  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-july-2025.html   ####   Should you require any clarification you may reach out to our team.   🌐www.thevisacode.com 📧 info@thevisacode.com 📞 +91.824.858.3284 (WhatsApp)   #USImmigration   #Immigration   #TheVisaCode   #FamilyBasedImmigration #EmploymentBasedImmigration   #VisaBulletin   #FinalActionChart #DateforFilingChart   #DOS   #July2025VisaBulletin   #USVisaNews #ImmigrantVisaNews   #AdjustmentofStatus   #i485