This Week in Immigration: June 19, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

July Visa Bulletin Brings Setbacks for India, Gains for EB-3 Applicants

The July Visa Bulletin brought mixed news for employment-based applicants. EB-2 India became unavailable, while EB-1 India retrogressed by two months. EB-5 Unreserved for India also became unavailable. China saw gains in several categories, including EB-1, EB-3, and EB-5. EB-3 was the brightest spot overall, advancing 4.5 months for China and two months for most other countries. In the family-sponsored categories, F1, F2B, and F4 moved forward, while all other categories remained unchanged.

Court Temporarily Reinstates $100,000 H-1B Fee

A federal judge has temporarily paused a June 8 ruling that struck down the Trump administration's $100,000 H-1B filing fee, allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to continue collecting the fee for now. The move gives the administration time to seek a longer stay from the appeals court as it challenges the decision. The government has until June 18 to file its request. The fee's future remains uncertain as the case moves through the courts.

State Dept. Releases New Guidance on World Cup Visa Appointments

The State Department has released new FAQs explaining how the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) works for World Cup fans seeking B-1/B-2 visitor visas. Spouses and minor children may qualify for priority appointments, but travelers must still meet all visa requirements and pass security screening. The agency also clarified that current travel restrictions are still in effect and that most applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence. FIFA PASS helps secure interview appointments but does not guarantee visa approval.

African Visa Applicants May Need to Travel Farther Under New U.S. Plan

The State Department plans to reduce the number of U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa that can process visa applications from nearly 50 to 20, according to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press. Under the proposal, applicants in many countries would need to travel to designated regional hubs for visa interviews, potentially increasing costs and wait times. Consular sections in non-hub countries would remain open for limited services, including assistance for U.S. citizens and certain diplomatic or national interest cases.

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