Ending automatic work permit extensions
The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule ending automatic EAD extensions for renewal applicants. This policy is officially in effect per the regulatory timeline.
News / Rumor vs. rule
Rumor vs. rule
Every week, headlines claim that H-1B or green card rules are changing. We check each claim against the official record in our policy timeline. Auto-summary Verdicts are drafted automatically using only the linked sources.
In effect the rule is final and in force · Proposed, not final · Blocked by a court · No official action found
Week of Nov 2, 2026
The $100,000 H-1B fee proclamation
Although the administration extended the proclamation, the actual fee remains blocked by a federal court order. A court in Massachusetts previously vacated the policy, and appeals are ongoing.
Proposed $103,265 fee for H-1B petitions
A rule proposing a steep fee for certain H-1B petitions has been introduced, but it remains a proposal rather than a finalized regulation. Further administrative steps are required before enactment.
Week of Oct 26, 2026
A $100,000 fee on H-1B visas is being imposed.
A federal court vacated the $100,000 fee policy, and the appellate court declined to pause that ruling during the appeal. Although the administration extended the proclamation, the fee remains blocked by court order.
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The US has changed the H-1B lottery selection process to a weighted system.
A final rule establishing a weighted selection process for cap-subject H-1B registrations took effect on February 27, 2026. The initial wage-weighted lottery was subsequently carried out under this rule for FY2027.
The administration is ending deference to prior USCIS determinations for H-1B visas.
A rule proposing to remove deference for prior USCIS determinations was published on October 14, 2026. It remains a proposed rule with the public comment period still open.
Week of Oct 19, 2026
H-1B fee is increasing to $103,265
A rule proposing a $103,265 fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions was published by DHS. However, official policy records show it remains a proposed rule and has not been finalized.
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting H-1B spouses
DHS published a final rule removing automatic employment authorization document extensions for renewal applicants. Because this is an officially published final rule, the policy change is currently in effect.
New bill raises the H-1B salary threshold to nearly $140,000
Headlines report a legislative proposal to increase the H-1B salary exemption threshold from $60,000 to nearly $140,000. The provided policy timeline contains no record or official administrative action confirming this change.
Week of Oct 12, 2026
DHS is introducing steep new fees for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).
A rule establishing new fees for Optional Practical Training was proposed on October 8, 2026. Because it is only a proposed rule, the fee is not currently in effect.
The US government suspended major tech companies from the PERM green card sponsorship program.
The Labor Department announced the suspension of eight employers from PERM filings on October 8, 2026. However, no written notice has been issued yet, meaning it is not a finalized action.
A new green card pathway has been approved that includes spouses and children.
Headlines claim new green card categories and family eligibility pathways have been approved by the US government. The provided policy timeline contains no record of such an official action.
Week of Oct 5, 2026
A US House bill proposes raising serious H-1B violation fines to $250,000.
Headlines report on a legislative proposal to dramatically increase fines for H-1B violations. However, the provided timeline records no executive, regulatory, or enacted policy facts regarding this bill.
DHS is introducing a $70,000 fee for F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
A rule establishing new fees for F-1 Optional Practical Training has only been formally published as a proposed rule. It has not been finalized or enacted as an enforceable policy.
The US has suspended major IT companies, including Microsoft and Infosys, from the PERM green card program.
The Labor Department announced the suspension of eight employers from PERM filings, but no formal written notice has taken effect yet. Because the action remains announced without final documentation, it is pending rather than fully in effect.
Week of Sep 28, 2026
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is in effect
Federal judges have issued court orders blocking the $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The policy remains blocked by court order despite the administration's extension.
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USCIS is raising immigration and visa fees
USCIS announced FY 2027 inflation adjustments and higher immigration fees that are final rules. New charges are set to take effect starting in October 2026.
Week of Sep 21, 2026
DHS is implementing a new $103,265 fee on certain H-1B petitions.
The Department of Homeland Security has published a proposed rule regarding fees for certain H-1B petitions. Because it is currently a proposed rule open for public comment, it is not finalized or in effect.
A new US bill will reshape green card rules for family and employment sponsorships.
The provided policy facts do not reference any enacted or pending legislation overhauling green card rules. There is no official record in the timeline confirming action on this proposed bill.
A $100,000 H-1B visa fee is in effect and extended through September 2027.
A federal court vacated the $100,000 fee policy, and the First Circuit declined to pause that ruling while the appeal proceeds. Although the administration issued an extension through September 2027, the fee remains blocked by court order.
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