Last updated: November 9, 2026. This page summarizes recent U.S. immigration developments that may matter to individuals, families, employers and investors. Each item links to its source. It is general information, not legal advice, and rules change quickly, so contact us about your own situation at 202.449.8544 or info@iimmlaw.com.
Latest immigration news
USCIS will use the Dates for Filing chart for November 2026
November 2026 | The State Department’s November 2026 Visa Bulletin is out. USCIS has said applicants for employment-based green cards should use the Dates for Filing chart this month. For the EB-2 category, the cutoff for most countries, along with Mexico and the Philippines, stays at March 15, 2026. Source: Morgan Lewis
USCIS will accept only the new Form I-129 edition starting November 9
November 9, 2026 | USCIS published a new edition of Form I-129, the petition employers use for temporary foreign workers, dated 09/09/26. USCIS is accepting both the new edition and the 02/27/26 edition until November 9, 2026. From that date it will accept only the 09/09/26 edition. Employers should confirm the edition on the USCIS forms page before filing. Source: Manifest Law
USCIS extends a fee affecting L-1 petitions
November 3, 2026 | A USCIS policy alert extends a fee that first applied only to certain L-1A and L-1B petitions. It now applies to all L-1 petitions from covered employers postmarked on or before September 30, 2027, unless the filing is an amended petition that does not seek an extension of the worker’s current status. Source: Cyrus D. Mehta & Partners
The $100,000 H-1B payment is not being collected for now
November 9, 2026 | Following court orders, USCIS has said it will comply and is not currently collecting the $100,000 payment that the presidential proclamation requires for certain new H-1B petitions. DHS has said it would collect the payment if the orders are lifted, and the litigation is continuing. A separate DHS proposal for a $103,265 fee on certain cap-subject H-1B petitions is not yet in effect. Source: AILA and Ogletree Deakins
Automatic work permit extension has ended for most renewals
October 30, 2025 | DHS ended the automatic extension of up to 540 days for most people renewing their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) when the renewal is filed on or after October 30, 2025. Renewals filed before that date keep the extension, and some categories are not affected. Workers whose cards are about to expire should plan to file renewals as early as they can. Source: Littler
USCIS proposes removing deference to prior approvals
October 14, 2026 | USCIS has proposed a rule that would eliminate its practice of deferring to earlier approvals when the same facts are filed again, such as for extensions. Public comments are due November 13, 2026. If adopted, renewals of work and investor visas could receive a fresh review of the evidence. Source: Thomson Reuters Practical Law
New USCIS guidance on good moral character for naturalization
November 4, 2026 | USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0201 on how officers evaluate good moral character in citizenship cases. The memo covers failure to support dependents, public benefits and sponsorship through an affidavit of support. Source: Thomson Reuters Practical Law
Official sources
Talk to an immigration attorney
Changes like these can affect your case, your filing deadlines or your employees. Call 202.449.8544 or email info@iimmlaw.com. Our office is at 1604 Spring Hill Rd, Suite 210, Vienna, VA 22182.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and agency policies change, and the right option depends on your facts.