The U.S. Department of State recently updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.2) to expand and clarify the scope of B-1 visa eligibility for foreign nationals providing after-sales services and training to U.S. workers....more
The Winter Olympics may have come to a close, but for sports organizations, leagues and teams across the United States, the real work never ends. The Olympic Games are just one stop in an increasingly crowded global sports...more
The U.S. Department of State has announced a temporary pause on the issuance of immigrant visas for applicants from certain countries. Effective January 21, 2026, immigrant visa issuance at the U.S. Consulates abroad will be...more
The U.S. Department of State announced an update to its “Countries Subject to Visa Bonds” notice on January 6, 2026, expanding the pilot program to include thirty-two additional nations—including Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria,...more
On December 9, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), proposed significant changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application process...more
In September, U.S. federal agencies led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted one of the largest single-site worksite enforcement actions in U.S. history at the...more
On September 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of State updated the list of countries included in its visa bond pilot program, pursuant to the temporary final rule published on August 5, 2025. As a result, beginning on October...more
Effective October 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) is significantly narrowing eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. This change will impact many foreign nationals, especially those who travel...more
The U.S. Department of State recently announced upcoming changes to its interview waiver process, whereby certain individuals are exempt from attending an in-person interview at a U.S. Consulate and can instead apply through...more
On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced that, with few exceptions, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will require an in-person interview with a...more
On July 25, the U.S. Department of State announced a sweeping rollback of the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program — often called the “drop box” system. Under the drop box system, many applicants for nonimmigrant visas...more
As U.S. immigration policies evolve under directives from the Trump Administration, foreign nationals entering the United States to conduct business activities must prepare for heightened scrutiny. Both companies and...more
There are times when international travel may be more challenging or stressful than other times. At present, the United States finds itself in a period of significantly increased immigration enforcement occurring in the...more
You may be disappointed if your candidate was not selected for an H-1B visa in the recent cap lottery – but not all hope is lost. If you employ foreign nationals, the good news is that you can explore certain short-term,...more
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated Qatar for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Qatar will be the first Gulf State to join the VWP program which allows for streamlined travel and entry to...more
Missing out on the H-1B visa lottery can be disheartening, but it’s not necessarily the end of the road. If you employ foreign nationals, the good news is that you can explore certain short-term, long-term, and even some...more
1. Choosing the Right Legal Structure - 1.1 Introduction - Establishing a business entity in the United States can be an important strategic step for any international company that wants to avail itself of the...more
Federal immigration officials announced on December 13 that the H-1B cap has been reached for FY 2024. Although you most likely expected the announcement, the finality inevitably leaves many employers and foreign national...more
Effective October 19, 2023, Israeli citizens traveling to the U.S. for business or pleasure are now able to apply to enter the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program by obtaining ESTA Travel Authorization instead of a visitor...more
Beginning on October 19, 2023, eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can apply for visa-free travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)....more
On September 27, 2023, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas announced that Israel will join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Pursuant to the designation, beginning on...more
A company that tried to use B-1 visas as inexpensive workarounds instead of H-1Bs learned the hard way that such a tactic could end up costing you dearly after it agreed to a nearly $10 million settlement with the federal...more
The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) includes information on which citizens of treaty countries can come to the U.S. for specific activities. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) interprets that information...more
1. Choosing the Right Legal Structure - 1.1 Introduction - Establishing a business entity in the United States can be an important strategic step for any international company that wants to avail itself of the world’s...more
When the Russian army entered Ukraine on February 24, 2022, that set in motion panic for family and friends in the U.S. and the need to quickly explore visa options for their loved ones in the Ukraine, Russia, and neighboring...more