Oguz Law Newsletter | February: Key Policy Changes, Visa Updates, and Legal Insights

?? Greetings from Oguz Law Newsletter!

In this issue, we bring you expert insights, key updates, and practical tips to help you confidently navigate your visa process. Stay informed about Priority Dates, Dates for Filing, Final Action Dates, Cut-off Dates, and backlog updates by following us on LinkedIn and enabling notifications. Get the latest immigration news before anyone else—because every step matters on your path to the U.S.

?? Live Q&A with Dorukhan K. Oguz Thank you for joining our Instagram Live on February 2nd, where Founding Attorney Dorukhan K. Oguz answered your questions on work permit card loss, court hearings, asylum applications, and deportation risks. Stay connected and follow us for updates on upcoming sessions, where we’ll continue to provide insights and solutions for your immigration journey!

?? Webinar: Insights on Immigration and Entrepreneurship Our team shared valuable insights on the immigrant experience in the U.S. in a webinar led by Gülbabil K?kver, Alp Baltürk, and Said Do?rul. From entrepreneurship to legal rights and everyday solutions, the session provided practical guidance for those building a life and business in the U.S.

Held in Turkish, this discussion highlighted key challenges and opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to supporting immigrants at every step.

1- Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Order on Birthright Citizenship

A federal judge in Maryland has ruled against President Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and certain visa holders. The judge stated that the order violates the 14th Amendment and contradicts long-standing Supreme Court precedent. This decision follows a similar block from a Seattle court, preventing the policy from taking effect while legal challenges continue. The White House has vowed to appeal.

2- USCIS Announces H-1B Registration Dates for FY 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-1B registration period for the fiscal year 2026 cap will open on March 7, 2025, and close on March 24, 2025.

?? Key Updates:

• Online Registration: Employers must register each candidate through a USCIS online account and pay a $215 fee per beneficiary.
• Selection Process: USCIS will randomly select beneficiaries (not individual registrations) and notify petitioners by March 31, 2025.
• New Features for FY 2026:
• Payment Adjustments: The credit card transaction limit has been temporarily increased to $99,999.99 for bulk payments.

?? Employers should create or update their USCIS accounts and review the new system enhancements before registration begins.

3- USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on O-1 Visas for Extraordinary Ability

On Jan. 8, 2025, USCIS updated its Policy Manual (Vol. 2, Part M), providing new guidance on evidence for O-1 nonimmigrant visas. These updates include specific examples for applicants in critical and emerging technologies.

?? Key Updates:

• Petition Filing: A beneficiary's owned business (LLC, corporation) can now file a petition on their behalf.
• Evidentiary Criteria: Updated guidance on evidence for O-1A (extraordinary ability) and O-1B (arts/entertainment) applicants.
• Government Support: Clarified how U.S. government agency letters can support applications.
• Career Changes: New examples for technological professionals qualifying after occupational shifts.
• Extension Limits: Clarified when one-year extensions apply for O-1 holders.

?? These updates support President Biden's AI executive order, streamlining pathways for experts in emerging technologies.

??? Important Dates to Note

?? Key Information About Visa Categories

Family-Based Categories:

• F-1: Unmarried children (21 years or older) of U.S. citizens
• F-2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of U.S. Green Card holders
• F-2B: Unmarried children (21 years or older) of U.S. Green Card holders
• F-3: Married children of U.S. citizens
• F-4: Siblings of U.S. citizens

Employment-Based Categories:

• EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers and professors, and multinational executives and managers
• EB-2: Professionals with exceptional skills or advanced degrees
• EB-3: Bachelor's degree holders, skilled workers, and unskilled workers
• EB-5: Investors in U.S. businesses

?? Oguz Law Explained: Change of Status for J-1 Work and Travel Participants

If your J-1 visa is about to expire, you can apply for a Change of Status to stay in the U.S. without leaving. Standard options include B-2 (tourist) or F-1 (student) visas.

• B-2: Extend your stay as a tourist for up to 6 months.
• F-1: For those planning to study full-time.

Processing takes about six months, and you can stay in the U.S. if you apply before your visa expires.

?? Recommended Blog Posts by Oguz Law Experts for This Month

Here is a blog post the Oguz Law team recommended as an essential resource for the visa application process.

• This guide explains the H-1B cap exemption, which allows employers like universities and nonprofit organizations to hire foreign professionals without the 85,000 cap. Unlike regular H-1B applications, cap-exempt submissions can be made year-round, offering flexibility for fields such as education, research, and healthcare.

Stay informed, and let us help guide you through every step of your journey to the American dream!