H-1B Lottery Planning for FY 2026
Many companies have begun preparing for the next H-1B cap season as demand for STEM graduates and foreign national hires remains strong. Employers are reviewing sponsorship needs, evaluating long-term hiring plans, and identifying candidates who may require cap registration in the coming cycle. This early preparation can help businesses manage timelines effectively and reduce disruptions related to work authorization. Interest continues to grow across technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance roles as organizations focus on building stable, long-term immigration strategies.
DHS Emphasizes Ongoing Compliance Requirements
DHS recently emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate and consistent information in immigration filings, including worksite locations, job duties, wage data, and related employment details. These elements are reviewed during adjudications and may also be evaluated during worksite visits. Ensuring that records match what was submitted in the petition supports continued compliance with current regulations.
December 2025 Visa Bulletin Overview
The December Visa Bulletin shows modest advancement in several employment-based categories. EB-1 remains current for most countries. EB-2 and EB-3 have advanced slightly for select regions, and family-based categories remain largely unchanged with small movements in certain preference classifications. Individuals with pending or planned filings may find it helpful to monitor these updates monthly to understand potential timing for next steps in their case strategy.
Public Charge Guidance Update
USCIS released updated guidance explaining how officers evaluate the public charge ground of inadmissibility when reviewing adjustment of status applications. The agency confirmed that officers will continue using a totality of the circumstances approach, which means no single factor controls the outcome. Instead, officers review multiple aspects of an applicant’s situation, such as financial stability and access to support, to determine whether the person is likely to rely primarily on certain types of government cash assistance or long-term institutional care. This guidance applies to both pending and newly filed applications.
Final Thoughts
Recent updates across multiple agencies reflect ongoing attention to skilled immigration, compliance requirements, and visa processing movement. These developments continue to shape planning for workers and employers who rely on predictable and consistent immigration pathways