As we approach October 1 – the date when adjudication of H-1B cap petitions should have been completed – USCIS announced it is extending the suspension of premium processing for H-1B cap petitions until Feb. 19, 2019. It is also expanding the suspension to include most H-1B petitions and raising the premium processing fee for all Forms I-129 and Forms I-140. The fee will increase from $1,225 to $1,410.

These unparalleled changes are affecting US businesses’ ability to hire top foreign talent to supplement their workforce and remain competitive. Foreign-born workers account for 17% of the US labor force, and as a result of these changes, many employers will not be able to obtain H-1Bs for their foreign workers as planned.

As the restrictions on legal work visas continue, we are exploring options with our clients including and beyond the H-1B.