Author: FarAwayJobs

In another change to immigration procedure, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its plans to overhaul the rules for employment-based green card petitions, including extraordinary ability (EB-1A) and national interest waiver (EB-2 NIW) cases. While no changes have taken effect yet, draft regulations are expected in 2026, and they could reshape how top talent and employers navigate the green card process. The goal of these updates is to modernize outdated standards, improve consistency, and strengthen anti-fraud measures. Many of the proposed changes would also codify rules that have previously only existed in policy memos or case law. Jennifer…

The Trump administration has unveiled a new immigration initiative called the Gold Card, introduced by executive order on September 19, 2025. The program aims to offer wealthy foreigners an expedited pathway to U.S. permanent residency (a green card), under a new fast-track regime. Here’s what the Gold Card is, who it applies to, how it might work, and what remains unclear. What Is the Gold Card Program? The Gold Card is a visa/residency program created by executive order to give certain non-U.S. persons a faster route to immigrant visas. According to the White House fact sheet: An individual applicant must…

Poor indoor air quality can reduce cognitive performance by up to 50% High CO2 levels (1,000+ ppm) can make you feel sluggish and impair decision-making.Air monitor detects issues, like a “canary in the coal mine” for ventilation.I never paid much attention to air quality before. Then I realized I was sitting 10+ hours in the same room. Shouldn’t I check if the air was any good? Remember the last time you were stuck in an airplane for 5+ hours? The air feels stuffy and stale. Same thing can happen at work!The Invisible Culprit Behind Your WFH SlumpPicture this: You’ve been…

With USCIS recently announcing that the FY 2026 H-1B cap has been reached, many prospective applicants and employers are asking: when is the next lottery, and when does registration reopen? What We Know About the Next H-1B Lottery USCIS reached the full cap for the regular H-1B quota (65,000 visas) and the advanced degree exemption (20,000 additional visas) for fiscal year 2026. Registration for FY 2026 took place in early March 2025. Specifically, the registration period opened March 7, 2025, and closed March 21, 2025. After the lottery selections, USCIS allowed petitioners whose registrations were selected to file full H-1B…

The September 2025 Presidential Proclamation announcing a $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions shocked employers and foreign workers alike. People are asking, “Is this fee legally valid? Can a President or federal agency impose such a drastic increase without going through the normal rulemaking process?” The short answer: while proclamations can shape immigration policy in the short term, lasting fee increases must go through the formal procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), including publication in the Federal Register and a public comment period. Presidential Proclamations vs. Federal Regulations A Presidential Proclamation, like the one issued in September, can…

In recent months, employers who sponsor foreign nationals for green cards have faced an unexpected risk: lawsuits and federal investigations claiming favoritism toward foreign workers over U.S. workers. What used to seem like a routine immigration process has now become a potential litigation minefield. Both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have announced aggressive enforcement against “anti-American” hiring bias, and private lawsuits are on the rise. This means every employer engaging in the PERM labor certification process must revisit their practices to have concrete compliance and minimized risk. Rosanna Berardi, Esq., Managing Partner of…

For Canadian snowbirds who spend their winters in the U.S., keeping track of immigration paperwork can feel overwhelming. One form that often causes confusion is the G-325R Registration Form, which plays an important role when travelers enter the U.S. without an I-94 record being issued. Understanding when and how to file this form is crucial for your visits to be stress-free. At Berardi Immigration Law, we work with countless Canadian clients who winter in Florida, Arizona, and other warm-weather states. We know how important it is to keep your travel records in order and avoid unnecessary complications. “Snowbirds want peace…

At Berardi Immigration Law, we are honored to assist entrepreneurs in bringing their business goals to life in the United States. One of our recent clients, a seasoned Canadian business owner in the construction industry, successfully obtained an E-2 visa to launch a new U.S.-based affiliate of their thriving Canadian company. Expanding Across Borders: A Vision for Growth Our client approached us with a well-defined vision: to establish a U.S. construction company that would serve as an extension of their successful Canadian operation. With a strong foothold in Canada’s residential and commercial construction sectors, the client saw a strategic opportunity…

Employers across the U.S. rely on talented foreign nationals to fill vital roles in their organizations. Whether it’s a skilled engineer, a researcher, or a healthcare professional, helping employees secure the right visa is not just a compliance task, it’s a strategic investment in your workforce. Employers who take proactive steps to understand and support the immigration process can reduce stress for their international hires, avoid costly delays, and strengthen long-term retention. Understand Visa Types, Eligibility & Employer Responsibilities The first step in supporting international employees is to understand the visa categories most relevant to your business. Common employment-based visas…

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is undergoing one of the most significant changes to its role in decades. Under a final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS officers who are classified as 1811 special agents will now have more and higher-impact law enforcement authority. What does that mean, exactly? This rule grants USCIS new powers typically reserved for federal law enforcement agencies, including the ability to: make arrests; carry firearms; execute search and arrest warrants; and investigate and present cases for prosecution. These changes seem to show a strategic shift, giving USCIS greater independence in…