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.

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.

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.

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.

The H-2B visa process isn’t a true lottery, but it can feel like one. During peak filing periods, employer applications are randomly grouped by the Department of Labor, and only those in the earliest groups may secure visas before the cap is reached. Even with DOL certification, a USCIS petition may be unsuccessful if visas run out. However, workers already in H-2B status may be cap-exempt and not subject to these limits.

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed rescinding the 2024 H-2A Final Rule, which had expanded protections for temporary agricultural workers. The rule included NLRA-style rights, seatbelt mandates, stricter termination rules, and increased data reporting. Legal challenges and enforcement concerns have prompted DOL to reconsider. Employers should watch this rollback closely for its impact on H-2A compliance and farm labor operations.

President Trump’s new travel ban, effective June 9, 2025, blocks or restricts U.S. visa access for 19 countries. Twelve face a full suspension for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, while seven face targeted limits, especially on tourist, student, and exchange visas. While some exceptions apply, the policy significantly disrupts travel, employment, and education plans. Affected individuals should consult legal counsel for guidance.

Considering a cultural exchange program? Learn the key differences between the Q-1 and J-1 visa programs. This post breaks down who can sponsor, how applications are filed, and the role of employment in each program. Whether you're a business seeking to host cultural ambassadors or a university welcoming international interns, this guide will help you choose the right path.

A new body of research is helping settle the debate around the H-2B visa program and H-2B visa benefits—and the results are compelling....

The Q-1 visa allows U.S. employers to bring in foreign nationals for work-based cultural exchange programs. Participants share their home country’s traditions, language, and history while working in roles that support cultural learning. This visa is ideal for businesses committed to cultural outreach. Learn what it takes to qualify, how to file, and what documents and fees are required to sponsor Q-1 participants.