Casium

The FY2026 employment-based dates surged, then retrogressed, with EB-2 India going unavailable. Here is what drove the whiplash and what FY2027 holds for filers.

Dreaming of building a sports career in the United States? From short-term competition visas to long-term immigration options, understanding the right pathway is essential. Learn how visa categories like B-1, P-1A, O-1A, and EB-1A support athletes, coaches, and sports professionals at different stages of their careers. Discover which option best matches your goals and how strategic planning can open the door to lasting opportunities in the US sports industry.

The U.S. Department of State has announced that all FY2026 EB-2 visas for India-born applicants have been allocated.

As a result, no new EB-2 visas will be issued at U.S. embassies and consulates for this category until FY2027 begins on October 1, 2026.

For employers, this means India-born employees with pending EB-2 cases requiring consular processing may face delays until the new fiscal year. International travel and workforce planning should be considered accordingly.

Keep an eye on the upcoming Visa Bulletin for updates on how the Department of State plans to manage the EB-2 India queue moving into FY2027.

Planning an O-1, EB-1, or EB-2 NIW petition guide by Casium? A strong immigration petition is built on clear evidence, expert drafting, persuasive recommendation letters, and strategic presentation. This blog explains how successful O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW petitions are structured to help USCIS officers clearly understand a candidate’s achievements, impact, and eligibility. From plain-language writing and documented accomplishments to strong legal alignment and focused evidence selection, every section highlights what truly strengthens a petition. Ideal for researchers, founders, executives, artists, and professionals preparing for U.S. immigration pathways.

If selected in the H-1B lottery, hold off on international travel and discuss plans with your employer or attorney.

With the new $100,000 fee rule, leaving the U.S. before H-1B activation (typically October 1) or needing a new petition, amendment, or re-filing may trigger this fee.

You may need to attend visa stamping at a U.S. consulate and re-enter with a valid H-1B visa and approval notice.

While abroad, changes in employment, job location, or petition status may require additional filings, possibly at higher costs.

Key takeaway: don’t treat travel as routine—consult your attorney, HR, or mobility team to avoid delays, costs, or disruptions.

Can you monetize content on an H-1B, O-1, or TN visa? Learn what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how to handle brand deals and sponsorships without violating your visa status.

“If you run an immigration program, changing firms is not just a vendor move — done badly, it can mean missed expiries, messy audits, shaken trust, and delayed start dates.”

Switching immigration partners isn’t just operational — it directly impacts employees, timelines, and business continuity. From handling active visa cases to ensuring compliance records and defining clear communication rules, every step matters more than most teams expect.

A thoughtful transition can reduce fire drills, improve employee experience, and bring clarity to leadership reporting — but only if done right.

USCIS has completed FY 2027 H-1B initial registration selection. Petitions may be filed beginning April 1, 2026. If you manage immigration for your team, here is what happens next:

1️⃣ Selected employees are eligible to file. You have until June 30, 2026 to file.

2️⃣ Employees with a "Submitted" status were not selected in this round. USCIS may conduct additional rounds if needed to reach the cap. No action is required yet.

3️⃣ For employees who were not selected, this is the moment to start the conversation about alternate pathways. Waiting costs time, and some options have long lead times.

Depending on their background, there may be viable routes worth evaluating: O-1A, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, L-1, and others.

Green card sponsorship is no longer a one-path process.

As PERM timelines extend and recruitment outcomes become less predictable, employers are rethinking how and when PERM fits into their strategy. At the same time, alternative options like EB-1 and EB-2 NIW, along with self-petition pathways, are becoming part of a more balanced, employee-specific approach.

This article explains how organizations can continue supporting green cards while adapting to today’s realities.

H-1B FY 2027 is no longer just about timely registration. It is about strategy.

With the introduction of a wage-weighted lottery and the revised Form I-129, employers must rethink how they approach H-1B filings.

Higher wage levels now directly influence selection probability, while inconsistencies across registrations, LCAs, and petitions increase the risk of scrutiny.

This shift makes H-1B a program-level exercise, where compensation strategy, SOC alignment, and role consistency must work together.

Employers who align these elements will not only improve selection outcomes but also build a more defensible and sustainable H-1B program.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide caution as the security situation in parts of the Middle East continues to deteriorate. In response, several U.S. embassies and consulates have adjusted their operations, including cancelling or postponing some visa and citizen service appointments and limiting routine services.

Travel disruptions, airspace closures, and evolving security assessments may also affect visa processing timelines and passport movements. Applicants and employers should regularly check consulate operating status as conditions may change quickly.

In 2025, certain H-1B petitions requiring consular processing may trigger a $100,000 supplemental fee.

Change of Status filed inside the U.S. ➤ No fee

Consular Processing abroad ➤ $100,000 fee

This means travelling without a valid visa stamp, leaving the U.S. after a layoff, or planning post-lottery travel could turn a routine H-1B filing into a six-figure decision for employers.

The key: The fee is triggered by consular processing — plan your H-1B strategy accordingly.

Losing a job while on an H-1B visa is more than a career setback. It immediately raises questions about legal status, timelines, and future opportunities. When government systems slow down or shut down, uncertainty increases even further.

Many professionals react in panic. Some leave the country too quickly. Others rely on informal advice that later creates serious problems. Unfortunately, small mistakes during this phase can affect future visa options.

This is why I have written a clear and practical guide for H-1B professionals facing layoffs.

The article explains how to: • Understand your official employment end date • Use temporary visa options wisely • Think carefully before traveling • Avoid unintentional overstays • Organize your documents and timeline

Instead of reacting emotionally, the guide focuses on helping you take informed, steady steps forward.

If you or someone you know is going through this situation, this resource may help you feel more confident and prepared.