01Visa updates
The rules moved this month. We read each change for your petition.
DOL updates PERM and prevailing wage processing times as of Oct. 31
DOL OFLC released monthly processing times for PERM applications and prevailing wage determinations as of Oct. 31, 2026, covering multiple visa categories by program and receipt month. Employment-based green-card and H-1B work-visa applicants can now review current processing times to plan filings.
EB-based and H-1B visa filersDOL updates PERM and prevailing wage processing times
DOL released updated processing times for PERM labor certifications (data current through October 31, 2026) and prevailing wage determinations (through September 30, 2026). The update shows PERM priority date progression and prevailing wage receipt months by visa category including H-1B, H-2B, CW-1 and PERM. Employers and applicants should reference the new times when planning filings.
PERM and prevailing wage filersDOL updates PERM and prevailing wage processing times
DOL released updated processing times for PERM labor certification and prevailing wage determinations as of October 21, 2026. PERM analyst review cases have a priority date of January 2026; audit review cases are at December 2025. Prevailing wage processing times for H-1B, H-2B, CW-1, and PERM categories have been updated to reflect current workload.
PERM applicants and H-1B filersUSCIS updates fee guidance for L-1 intracompany transferee petitions
USCIS is revising Policy Manual guidance on filing fees for L-1 intracompany transferee petitions to implement changes from the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee final rule. Employers filing L-1 petitions should review the updated guidance to confirm current fees. The policy alert was published Oct. 27, 2026.
L-1 intracompany transferee employersUSCIS designates Dates for Filing chart for November I-485 filings
USCIS designated the Dates for Filing chart for November 2026 adjustment-of-status (I-485) filings. Employment-based and family-sponsored applicants use this chart to determine when they may file based on their priority dates in the monthly Visa Bulletin.
Adjustment-of-status applicantsUSCIS proposes removing deference to prior approvals in visa extensions
USCIS proposes removing 8 CFR 214.1(c)(5), which currently gives the agency deference to prior approvals when reviewing extension requests for employment visa petitions. Under the proposal, each extension would be adjudicated de novo without reliance on prior favorable determinations involving the same facts. The change is subject to public comment.
Employment visa extension filers02Blog
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04Founder Brief
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05Original research
U.S. Visa Approval Rate History
Historical approval rates by visa category from FY 2015 to FY 2025 Q3. Trend lines, policy context, and filing-volume signals, all from USCIS source data.
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