Changes to F-1 and J-1 Visa Status: What You Need to Know
Starting Sept 15, 2026, DHS ends D/S for F-1/J-1 visas. Stays are capped at 4 years or program end, with a 30-day grace period and transfer limits.
2026/9/10
LYD Law
Legal Insights
Stay informed with the latest immigration law updates, policy changes, and expert analysis
Is the H-4 EAD Ending? What Trump’s New Regulatory Proposal Means for H-1B Families
Trump moves to rescind H-4 EADs via a long-term rule. Current EADs remain valid. Explore Plan B options with LYD Law.
2026/9/8
LYD Law
Breaking: USCIS Proposes $103,265 Fee for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions: A Complete Employer & Student Guide
USCIS proposes a $103,265 fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions. Learn key rule details, legal timeline, and alternative Plan B visa strategies.
2026/8/24
LYD Law
Urgent Alert: BIA Overturns 14-Year Precedent, Triggering Unlawful Presence Bars for Advance Parole Travel
The BIA overturned a 14-year precedent: Advance Parole travel now triggers severe unlawful presence reentry bars. Seek legal counsel before departing.
2026/8/18
LYD Law
BREAKING: Trump Admin Tightens CPT Scrutiny, Warning Schools of Severe Legal Consequences
Trump admin tightens CPT scrutiny. DSOs face HSI probes, perjury charges, and SEVP certification loss for improper authorizations.
2026/8/14
LYD Law
Changing Jobs During the EB-2/EB-3 Green Card Process: A Complete Guide to Priority Date Retention and H-1B Extensions
Changing jobs on EB-2/EB-3? Learn how I-140 approval and AC21 180-day rules protect your Priority Date and H-1B extension status.
2026/8/6
LYD Law
BREAKING: USCIS to Issue Direct Denials Without RFE? Deep Dive into the New Evidence Standards
USCIS PA-2026-05: Direct denials allowed without RFE for missing initial evidence. RFE response capped at 12 weeks; mail extension cut to 3 days.
2026/8/6
LYD Law
The End of “Duration of Status”: A Complete Guide to the New Fixed-Term Visa Rules for International Students and Exchange Visitors
DHS ends F/J/I "Duration of Status" Sept 15. Stays capped at 4 yrs; extensions need I-539. Grace periods cut to 30 days; 2nd masters banned.
2026/7/27
LYD Law
End of F-1 "Duration of Status"? How International Students Should Navigate the Status Dilemma Under the New D/S Rule
DHS ends F-1 D/S Sept 15, capping stays at 4 years. Extensions require I-539s, grace periods drop to 30 days, and 2nd master's paths are restricted.
2026/7/20
LYD Law
2026 U.S. Visa Policy Update: How the DHS Proposal to Eliminate "Duration of Status" (D/S) Impacts International Students?
DHS plans to end F-1/J-1 D/S, capping stays at 4 years and banning lateral degrees. This kills backup OPT options. Lawsuits are expected.
2026/7/15
LYD Law
US Immigration Law Explained: Lawful Status vs. Lawful Presence — Key Differences for I-485, EAD, and Visa Holders
In U.S. immigration, "Lawful Status" (formal visas) and "Lawful Presence" (authorized stays like a pending I-485) are distinct concepts. An EAD grants presence, not status. Confusing the two can trigger severe penalties and jeopardize your future.
2026/7/9
LYD Law
Deep Analysis: Federal Judge Rules Trump's $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Unlawful
A federal judge struck down the $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unconstitutional tax and APA violation. USCIS cannot enforce the fee now, but appeal risks loom.
2026/6/8
LYD Law
Deep Dive into USCIS New Policy on I-485 Adjustment of Status: The Ultimate Guide to Strict Discretionary Standards, Risk Mitigation, and Denial Remedies
The new USCIS policy changes I-485 Adjustment of Status into a discretionary benefit. LYD Law Firm explains the stricter standards for green card applicants, critical adverse/positive factors, and key risk mitigation strategies.
2026/5/27
LYD Law