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Complete guide for small businesses to sponsor employees for green cards. Covers EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories, PERM process, timelines, and specific challenges for smaller companies. Includes official government sources and step-by-step procedures for retaining international talent.

Bottom Line: These changes represent the most restrictive visa application policies in recent years, requiring applicants to plan further ahead and apply in their home countries. Similar restrictions for immigrant visas take effect November 1, 2025. Recommendation: Apply early, verify eligibility for any remaining waivers, and prepare for extended processing times. If you need help, please contact our office at SanSha Law Office and we will be happy to consult and guide you through this process

The U.S. State Department has announced new restrictions requiring immigrant visa applicants to interview at designated consular locations based on their residence, effective November 1, 2025. This policy eliminates the previous flexibility allowing applicants to choose interview locations. The changes affect all immigration categories including family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa applications. Special processing arrangements exist for countries with suspended operations. The new rules may extend processing times and increase costs for applicants and sponsoring employers. Current applicants should verify their designated processing location and prepare for potential impacts on their immigration timeline. Contact us at SanSha Law Office for a consultation if you would like more information.

Like all international travelers, lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—also known as Green Card holders—are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) when arriving at an airport or land port of entry. While LPRs enjoygreater rights than nonimmigrants when returning to the United ...

On August 08, 2025, USCIS announced that it was updating its Policy Manual to clarify that a visa becomes available for the purposes of Child Status Protection Act age calculation based on the Final Action Dates chart of the Department of State Visa Bulletin. The new guidance applies to requests ...

The landscape of skilled worker immigration continues to evolve, making strategic workforce planning more critical than ever. Companies that adapt their hiring strategies now will be better positioned for success. Smart approaches we're seeing from forward-thinking employers: Diversifying vi...

Recent shifts in H-1B visa processing have created new considerations for both employers and foreign workers. As we navigate these changes, it's important to understand what this means for workforce planning. Three key areas companies should monitor: Processing timelines - Standard processin...

On June 04, 2025, President Trump issued a presidential proclamation that enacts total and partial restrictions on immigration and travel to the U.S. for citizens of 19 countries. The new travel ban will take effect on Monday June 09, 2025, at 12:01 am EDT. **Full Travel Ban** The ban will comp...

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal at 11:59 PM on August 5, 2025. Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) categorized under A12 or C19, issued to beneficiaries from Nepal with expiration dates as follows, will be extended until ...

On February 25, 2025, the USCIS announced the implementation of a new registration requirement, mandating that certain non-U.S. citizens register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Accordingly, the DHS published an interim final rule (IFR) that amended DHS regulations to designate a ...

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers come to your workplace, they must have either (1) a valid search warrant, or (2) consent from your employer to enter non-public...

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights.If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights: You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the doo...

All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers stop you on the street or in a public place, remember your options and rights: You Have the Right to ...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices including phones, laptops,tablets and other electronic devices—of anyone entering the U.S., including U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Thesesearches can happen at U.S. land crossings, airports, seaports, and ev...

Navigating Divorce and Your Marriage based Green Card: What You Need to Know Going through a divorce is never easy. But if you're an immigrant with a green card, it can add an extra layer of stress and uncertainty. You may be wondering: Will my green card be revoked? Can I still apply for citize...

On February 05, 2025, USCIS announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon EST on March 7, 2025, and run through noon EST on March 24, 2025. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to regis...

Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccin...

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for specific categories. The executive order noted that the Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States. The Fourteenth Amen...

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule to modernize and improve the efficiency of the H-1B program, add benefits and flexibilities, and improve integrity measures. These provisions mainly amended the regulations governing H-1B specialty occupation...

As discussed in our previous blog, the Applicants of Certain Nationalities are issued special nonimmigrant work visas in addition to highly popular H-1B Nonimmigrant Work Visa. Accordingly, E3 Nonimmigrant visa is granted only to citizens ofAustralia, who have a legitimate offer of employment in ...

As discussed in our previous blog, the Applicants of Certain Nationalities are issued special nonimmigrant work visas in addition to highly popular H-1B Nonimmigrant Work Visa. Accordingly, NAFTA Professional (TN) Nonimmigrant Visa is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professio...

Applicants of Certain Nationalities are issued special nonimmigrant work visas in addition to highly popular H-1B Nonimmigrant Work Visa. i)               H-1B1 Nonimmigrant Work Visa: This visa is available to citizens of Chile and Singapore. This program provides for the temporary employment...

The entry submission period for the FY2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa program began from 12:00 pm (ET) on October 2, 2024, and will continue till 12:00 pm (ET) on November 7, 2024. The entry form is only available for submission during this period. Entries must be submitted online through DOS's web...

A nonimmigrant worker may lose employment either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations. Below is a compilation of options that may be available to nonimmigrant...

A nonimmigrant worker may lose employment either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations. 60-Day Grace Period Regulations permit a discretionary grace period th...