Community Digest · Apnacircle News
USCIS updates, H-1B cap, green card priority dates, visa rule changes, and travel policy — curated for immigrants in the US.
USCIS completed the FY2027 H-1B cap lottery in April 2026. Selected registrants received notifications online and have 90 days to file complete cap-subject H-1B petitions. Employers can request premium processing ($2,805) for a decision within 15 business days. If not selected, watch for a second lottery round if the initial pool falls short of the annual cap.
Source: USCIS — H-1B Specialty Occupations →The State Department's May 2026 Visa Bulletin shows no movement in India EB-2 Final Action Dates, which remain at January 2013. EB-3 India Final Action Date sits at May 2013. The enormous backlog — driven by per-country caps — means Indian nationals face estimated multi-decade waits under current rules. Check both the Final Action Date and Date for Filing columns each month at travel.state.gov.
Source: State Dept. — Visa Bulletin →USCIS has expanded premium processing availability to additional petition types, allowing employers and applicants to pay an expedite fee for faster decisions. As of early 2026, it covers I-140 immigrant petitions, most H, L, O, P, Q, and R nonimmigrant classifications, and certain I-539 applications. Check uscis.gov/forms for the current list of eligible petition types and processing times.
Source: USCIS — Premium Processing →F-1 students with STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month OPT extension after the standard 12-month period. You must be employed by an E-Verify employer, and your employer must complete a training plan (Form I-983). File Form I-765 at least 90 days before your current OPT expires — USCIS processing can take 3–5 months and premium processing is not available for OPT. Your new EAD card must be valid before your first day of work.
Source: DHS — Study in the States →USCIS Advance Parole (Form I-131) processing times have extended significantly and can exceed 12 months at some service centers. Green card applicants with pending I-485s should not travel internationally without an approved AP document or a valid visa stamp. File I-131 well in advance of any planned travel. H-4 and L-2 dependents with valid status may have separate travel options — consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.
Source: USCIS — Form I-131 →