End of Q1 Updates: Visa Bulletin, H-1B Registration & Key Compliance Alert
- Jia Law Group
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
As we reach the end of Q1, we are sharing several key updates across employment-based immigration, including the April Visa Bulletin, the conclusion of the FY2027 H-1B registration period, and ongoing litigation surrounding the $100,000 H-1B fee.
April 2026 Visa Bulletin – Significant Forward Movement
The April 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects meaningful advancement across multiple employment-based categories, particularly for India and China.
Key Highlights
EB-1: Remains current for most countries. China and India advance to April 1, 2023 (Final Action Dates).
EB-2: Remains current for most countries. India advances to July 15, 2014 (Final Action Date) and January 15, 2015 (Dates for Filing). China shows no movement.
EB-3: Advances across most countries. India progresses in both Final Action and Filing Dates. China advances in Final Action Dates, while movement for the Philippines remains limited.
EB-4: Advances to July 15, 2022.
EB-5: China advances to September 1, 2016. Set-aside categories remain current.
USCIS will continue to accept filings under the Dates for Filing chart, allowing earlier submission of adjustment of status applications.
Key Takeaway
This forward movement creates expanded filing opportunities, particularly for applicants from India. Applicants eligible under the filing chart should consider preparing filings promptly, as priority date movement may fluctuate throughout the fiscal year.
FY2027 H-1B Registration Period Closed
The H-1B registration period for FY2027 officially closed on March 19 at 5:00 PM (EST), following a 5-hour extension beyond the original noon deadline.
Key Updates
Wage-Weighted Selection: This is the first year USCIS is expected to implement a wage-weighted lottery system. USCIS may conduct multiple rounds of internal selection, and we anticipate that first-round results will be released within a few days, consistent with prior years.
JLG Case Status: All JLG client registrations were successfully submitted before the original March 19 noon deadline. We will notify clients promptly as soon as updates become available.
Next Steps for Selected Registrants
Filing Window: H-1B petitions must be filed between April 1 and June 30.
OPT Considerations: If OPT expires before June 30, the petition must be filed prior to expiration. Eligible applicants may rely on cap-gap provisions to continue working while the petition remains pending.
Update on $1,000,000 H-1B Fee Litigation
Legal challenges to the $100,000 H-1B fee are ongoing, with cases currently under review in multiple federal courts. The fee remains in effect, but its long-term validity is uncertain.
Key Developments
Recent Hearings: Courts have heard arguments in two separate cases, one in California and one before the D.C. Circuit.
Central Issue: Whether the $100,000 charge constitutes a permissible administrative fee or an unauthorized tax. Plaintiffs argue such a charge requires congressional approval, while the government maintains it falls within agency authority.
Current Status: Courts have not issued decisions and continue to evaluate the legal arguments. The fee remains in effect for now.
The fee is expected to apply to beneficiaries filing from outside the United States or those required to undergo consular processing. To date, about 70 employers have been subject to the fee.
Voter Registration Advisory
A recent case involved an H-1B visa holder who was unknowingly registered to vote as a result of default procedures or inadvertent errors in the state system, which led to denial of entry into the United States. Individuals on non-citizen visas are strongly advised to verify their voter registration status through their state’s official voter registration website to ensure records are accurate.
If you have questions regarding your case or would like to discuss next steps, please click here to contact our team.