<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Kirchner Law, PLLC]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kirchner Law PLLC: Trusted immigration attorneys providing expert legal solutions. Contact us for personalized assistance today!]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/immigrationblog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 01:27:07 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[A Critical Window for H-2B Reform: The Certified Seasonal Employer Designation]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you've been using the H-2B program for five or more years and doing everything right — timely filings, clean compliance record, consistent DOL labor certifications — there's a piece of pending legislation that could meaningfully change how the annual cap affects your business. The Certified Seasonal Employer (CSE) Designation would permanently exempt qualifying employers' peak historical workforce from the 66,000 annual cap. But the window to support it is narrow, and it opens right now.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/a-critical-window-for-h-2b-reform-the-certified-seasonal-employer-designation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a020b74e8ad7aab1e5a2950</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 18:02:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[H-2B Processing in 2026: The System Is Failing the Employers Who Followed the Rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[DOL processing of FY2026 second-half H-2B applications hit Group F this week — and the timing couldn't be more complicated. Updated data shows only a small slice of Group F, if any, will make it under the returning worker supplemental cap. But the cap isn't even the whole story. Consular interview scheduling is running 3–4 weeks behind, and Holy Week closures in Mexico are making it worse. H-2B employers deserve a program that functions. Right now, they're not getting it.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/h-2b-processing-in-2026-the-system-is-failing-the-employers-who-followed-the-rules</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c809ee5ed83abd8bc1a0e2</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 17:07:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_880c7b78f2784cb48e182e145a301663~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The FY 2026 Second Half H-2B Cap Has Been Met: What Employers Need to Know Now]]></title><description><![CDATA[On March 20, 2026, USCIS announced that the H-2B statutory cap for the second half of FY 2026 has been met, with March 10 established as the final receipt date. Employers who missed the cap are not without options — the supplemental returning worker allocation opens March 25, offering 27,736 visas for start dates of April 1–30. But eligibility is strict, the window is narrow, and the irreparable harm attestation is not a formality. Here is what you need to know now.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/the-fy-2026-second-half-h-2b-cap-has-been-met-what-employers-need-to-know-now</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bde3ed9b4f1678f0826cf7</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:21:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[H-2B Supplemental Visas — What Each Lottery Group Should Realistically Expect (FY 2026)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many employers ask: “ Okay… but what are my real chances of getting workers ?” First — A Quick Refresher on How Supplemental Visas Work For FY 2026, the government created 64,716 additional H-2B visas beyond the regular cap. They are divided by start date of need, not by lottery group: ➡️ April 1 – April 30, 2026: 27,736 visas (returning workers only) ➡️May 1 – September 30, 2026: 18,490 visas (new OR returning workers) This matters because lottery group affects how early you can file, and...]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/h-2b-supplemental-visas-what-each-lottery-group-should-realistically-expect-fy-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">699e2772e6cf3604ca348a71</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:37:46 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[FY2026 H-2B Supplemental Returning-Worker Cap Reached: What Employers Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[USCIS has reached the FY2026 first-half supplemental H-2B returning-worker cap (Jan. 1–Mar. 31 start dates), selecting petitions by lottery after demand exceeded the 18,490 available visas. Some timely filers will not receive receipt notices. Employers should promptly discuss contingency plans with counsel and continue advocating to Congress for a predictable, permanent H-2B solution.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/fy2026-h-2b-supplemental-returning-worker-cap-reached-what-employers-should-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6993427c7ae93e4cf2f83d95</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Green Card]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:22:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0e70a939d9b947e796d2ae7b1c078c3f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[H-2B April 1, 2026 Start Date Processing Update]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Department of Labor has issued first actions to 57.9% of H-2B Group B filings for April 1, 2026 start dates. Here’s what the latest processing data means for employers in Groups C–H still waiting.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/h-2b-april-1-2026-start-date-processing-update</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698b608b5412b49a8b5ac4a6</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:07:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_2bd6b863bef047ee9e06396b456689c8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[FY 2026 H-2B Supplemental Visas Released — And the Numbers Are Higher Than Expected]]></title><description><![CDATA[DHS has published the FY 2026 H-2B supplemental visa rule, making 64,716 additional H-2B visas available for seasonal employers. The visas are divided into three allocations based on start date of need, providing expanded hiring opportunities for businesses facing labor shortages.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/fy-2026-h-2b-supplemental-visas-released-and-the-numbers-are-higher-than-expected</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697e562e2b413b3ab9dbc8ae</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 19:29:57 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DHS Must Release Supplemental H-2B Visas to Prevent a Processing Bottleneck at DOL]]></title><description><![CDATA[Demand for H-2B visas has surged 60% in five years, but DOL processing delays are pushing certifications dangerously close to peak season. Without a mid-December release of supplemental FY26 visas, employers could face duplicative filings, bottlenecks, and late worker arrivals into June or July. DHS must act now—and H-2B employers should contact their congressional representatives to urge immediate publication of the supplemental rule.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/dhs-must-release-supplemental-h-2b-visas-to-prevent-a-processing-bottleneck-at-dol</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6939c7ed0b27bc7cafca3bb1</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Green Card]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:25:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_8a48c2403ca74d589c9488440c5708ed~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wrapping Up the H-2B Season: Employer Compliance Checklist]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the H-2B season ends, employers should review key compliance steps, from verifying worker contact details and timely departures to maintaining payroll and document records. This guide outlines essential end-of-season responsibilities to help ensure DOL and USCIS compliance.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/wrapping-up-the-h-2b-season-employer-compliance-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68ffd899c6c41f853f1f9f1b</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 20:45:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/be2c632522231bd3c200e58f5dc4b4a4.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_683,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why the H-2A Visa Program Is Central to America’s Food Security]]></title><description><![CDATA[The H-2A visa program sustains U.S. food security by providing farms with lawful, reliable labor amid ongoing domestic labor shortages.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/why-the-h-2a-visa-program-is-central-to-america-s-food-security</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68ed053bc5e7336952dffdeb</guid><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><category><![CDATA[H-2A]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:02:21 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Harvesting Change: The New H-2A Wage Rule for Agricultural Employers]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Department of Labor’s new Interim Final Rule, effective October 2, 2025, overhauls how Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) are determined for H-2A agricultural workers. The rule replaces the national average with state-level data and introduces skill-based wage levels, marking a major step toward localized, market-driven wage determination. Growers and workers alike should prepare now for its wide-ranging compliance impacts.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/harvesting-change-the-new-h-2a-wage-rule-for-agricultural-employers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68e9679a51f676ec2abf3f9a</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2A]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 20:12:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_724be282cbf74904b513a8d8e09b6a74~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[USCIS Issues Final Rule to Streamline H-2A Petition Filings]]></title><description><![CDATA[USCIS has issued a final rule, effective October 2, 2025, introducing Form I-129H2A to streamline H-2A petition filings. Employers may now submit petitions for unnamed beneficiaries once the Department of Labor accepts a Temporary Labor Certification, before final approval. While approval still depends on DOL certification, this change could help reduce delays for agricultural employers facing seasonal deadlines.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/uscis-issues-final-rule-to-streamline-h-2a-petition-filings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68dc4d613b3a4a5a15958061</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2A]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:41:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8a01a878263a49ff95eaa15e7c92d158.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What a Federal Government Shutdown Could Mean for the H-2 Programs and U.S. Immigration Processing]]></title><description><![CDATA[With a possible government shutdown approaching on October 1, 2025, employers relying on H-2B visas should prepare for disruptions. While USCIS, CBP, and consulates abroad are expected to continue many operations, the Department of Labor’s FLAG system will shut down, halting prevailing wage requests, H-2B applications (ETA-9142B), H-2A applications (ETA-9142A), LCAs, and PERM filings. Early action and planning are critical to minimize delays.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/what-a-federal-government-shutdown-could-mean-for-the-h-2b-program-and-u-s-immigration-processing</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68dbfd973b3a4a5a1594b71b</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[H-2A]]></category><category><![CDATA[Green Card]]></category><category><![CDATA[H-1B]]></category><category><![CDATA[J-1 Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:03:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_8a48c2403ca74d589c9488440c5708ed~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Proposed DHS Rule Could Reshape the H-1B Lottery]]></title><description><![CDATA[The administration has proposed replacing the random H-1B lottery with a wage-based selection process favoring higher-paid roles. The rule is still in the notice-and-comment stage, but employers should prepare now. Here’s what you need to know about the proposed changes, the $100k H-1B fee, and what steps to take next.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/proposed-dhs-rule-could-reshape-the-h-1b-lottery</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d6a81fa1c77a4812440faf</guid><category><![CDATA[H-1B]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:19:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_1520e6a9eda64a5483778167ada87f73~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Major Policy Shift: New $100k Fee for H-1B Petitions]]></title><description><![CDATA[The White House issued an Executive Order on September 19, 2025, imposing a $100,000 fee on all new H-1B petitions, effective September 21. Initial confusion suggested the fee could apply to all H-1B workers abroad, but USCIS and CBP later clarified it applies only to new filings, with possible exemptions for extensions and amendments. The administration has since confirmed physicians and medical residents may also be exempt, though further guidance is pending.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/major-policy-shift-new-100-000-fee-for-h-1b-petitions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d59b694e05786c1c93e0ee</guid><category><![CDATA[H-1B]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:43:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_0b96bc1023ad478aa0e11510b179795e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do H-2B Visa Workers Pay Taxes? What Employers and Workers Need to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[H-2B visa workers must pay U.S. taxes, including federal income tax, most state income taxes, and Social Security and Medicare contributions. Employers are required to withhold the correct amounts and issue W-2 forms each year. Workers must also file annual tax returns—usually as nonresidents using Form 1040NR. Staying compliant is critical, not just to avoid IRS penalties, but to protect future visa and green card opportunities.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/do-h-2b-visa-workers-pay-taxes-what-employers-and-workers-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68a612855d6422f657765323</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Green Card]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:35:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_29cb217ff9e04685b179467d6f793f4f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wage-Based H-1B Reform: A Policy Shift That Risks Leaving Small Businesses and Emerging Talent Behind]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Heritage Foundation’s latest report and a new DHS proposal both call for replacing the H-1B lottery with a wage-based selection system. While framed as targeting “top talent,” this shift risks shutting out small businesses, start-ups, and early-career professionals. By prioritizing the highest salaries, the policy could further concentrate visas among large corporations and reduce diversity in the U.S. high-skilled labor market.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/wage-based-h-1b-reform-a-policy-shift-that-risks-leaving-small-businesses-and-emerging-talent-behin</link><guid isPermaLink="false">689e461781e6ee2fae4e3261</guid><category><![CDATA[H-1B]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2025 20:54:43 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Biggest Mistake Agricultural Employers Make with H-2A Visas — And How to Avoid It]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many agricultural employers lose critical harvest help by starting the H-2A visa process too late. With a 75–90 day minimum timeline, waiting until crops are nearly ready means workers won’t arrive in time. Learn the steps to secure seasonal labor, key program requirements, and why planning months ahead is essential to keeping your harvest on track and your operation running smoothly.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/h2a-visa-timeline-planning</link><guid isPermaLink="false">689656f35db657d9112d0fa6</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2A]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:50:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e4e80d2e1aeb41799dcafdab15f66ed1.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[H-2B Compliance: Understanding Employer Obligations When H-2B Workers Leave Early or Fail to Report]]></title><description><![CDATA[H-2B employers are required to notify both USCIS and the Department of Labor within two working days if a worker fails to report, abandons the job, is terminated early, or finishes the job more than 30 days ahead of schedule. These notices are critical for compliance and may impact outbound travel obligations and wage guarantees. Understanding when and how to report these events helps employers stay in good standing with federal agencies.]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/understanding-employer-obligations-when-h-2b-workers-leave-early-or-fail-to-report</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6881085d4af16ab5e5ff0a70</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:16:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a22d795b011547f2b7a1d4f204901e88.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the New U.S. Visa Integrity Fee: What You Need to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[Planning a trip to the U.S. soon? There's a significant new cost to consider: the U.S. Visa Integrity Fee. Signed into law, this non-waivable $250 charge applies to most nonimmigrant visa holders, including tourists, students, and temporary workers. ]]></description><link>https://www.kirchnerimmigration.com/single-post/understanding-the-new-u-s-visa-integrity-fee-what-you-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">687e571683d12f9006131ec7</guid><category><![CDATA[H-2B Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[H-1B]]></category><category><![CDATA[Nonimmigrant Visas]]></category><category><![CDATA[Q1 Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Cultural Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[J-1 Visa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Immigration]]></category><category><![CDATA[H-2A]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:13:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_83a629597ad64d84993471e2a8a503c8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Meagan Kirchner</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>