The FY 2027 H-1B Season: A New Era of High Stakes and Higher Wages
For more than 10 years, the H-1B lottery felt like pure luck. That time is now behind us. As we head into the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) cycle, the old random selection system has been replaced by a Wage-Weighted System, and new fees have fundamentally changed how U.S. employers assess the costs and benefits. […]
Whistleblower vs. Qui Tam: The Critical Distinction
This briefing will help you understand the key differences between the Illinois Whistleblower Act (IWA) and the Illinois False Claims Act (IFCA). It’s 2026, and things are vastly different for those who speak up in Illinois due to the recent enactment of new laws. Whether you’re flagging a safety problem or a larger financial fraud […]
How is Mediation Useful in Your Legal Battles
As a lawyer and trained mediator working right here in Illinois, I often explain to clients that going to court is like using a sledgehammer, while mediation works more like a precise tool. A judge who is unfamiliar with your business and family makes the final decision in a lawsuit. During mediation, you retain the […]
EB-5 Visa Investment Guide: Requirements, Investment Amount, and How to Qualify
If you are considering obtaining permanent residency from the US government, investing is one of the most preferred options. This program is known as the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, but after the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, 2022, a lot of things have changed. That law established new minimum investment requirements, additional investor protections, and […]
Forms available to file online
AR-11 | Alien’s Change of Address Card G-639 | Freedom of Information/Privacy Act and Online FOIA Request I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status I-589| Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal I-765 | Application for Employment AuthorizationFiling under one of these categories:(c)(3)(A) […]
Important Agencies of US Immigration System
Department of Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov) The DHS’s first priority is to protect the nation against further terrorist attacks. Component agencies will analyze threats and intelligence, guard our borders and airports, protect our critical infrastructure, and coordinate the response of our nation for future emergencies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (www.uscis.gov) The USCIS is the government agency that […]
USCIS Highlights Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens
The May 2019 Presidential Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens emphasizes that certain requirements apply to you if you have sponsored (or will sponsor) an immigrant, or if you have otherwise agreed to make your income and assets available to help sponsor the immigrant, by filing: Since 1997, U.S. immigration law has required an alien’s […]
Application Pending Further Action (221g)
Refusal under Section 221(g) means that essential information is missing from an application or that an application has been placed on administrative hold. The consular officer who interviews you will tell you at the end of your interview if action on your case is being refused under 221(g) pending further information. The officer will either […]
H1B USCIS Update on H-1B Cap Electronic Registration System
H1B is a nonimmigrant, employment based visa that is granted to an eligible temporary worker. H1B must-have a US based, sponsor or employer who is ready to hire the applicant for specialty occupation. Employer must apply for your H1B visa petition with the US Immigration Department. Once approved, this petition is a work permit in the form […]