Streamlining the Green Card Process: USCIS Revises Medical Exam Submission Rules
USCIS now mandates that Form I-693 (medical exam results) accompany Form I-485 (green card applications) upon submission. Failure to include this documentation can lead to application rejections. The goal? Speedier processing and reduced backlogs. Refugees, asylees, and specific visa holders may qualify to reuse prior medical exams under certain conditions.
The PERM Takeaway: This procedural update highlights USCIS’s focus on efficiency. Employers sponsoring green card applicants must communicate these changes early, ensuring applicants are prepared to avoid costly delays that could impact workforce planning.
The H-1B Cap Is Full: What Now?
USCIS has officially reached the FY 2025 H-1B visa cap, selecting about 29% of applicants from 470,342 registrations—down significantly from last year’s 758,994. A streamlined lottery system helped reduce multiple registrations. While cap-exempt petitions remain available, no further lotteries will occur. Employers should already be gearing up for FY 2026.
The PERM Takeaway: For industries reliant on high-skilled foreign workers, the reduced registration numbers reinforce the competitive nature of H-1B visas. Employers should consider PERM as a strategic alternative to secure long-term workforce stability.
DHS: Record Removals Amid Border Policy Tightening
DHS reported record-breaking removal numbers in FY 2024, with over 640 repatriation flights to more than 155 countries, resulting in a 55% drop in Border Patrol encounters. This enforcement surge follows a presidential proclamation to limit noncitizen entry at the southern border.
The PERM Takeaway: Heightened enforcement measures may influence the availability of foreign labor, particularly for seasonal and lower-wage roles.
A Silver Lining for Families of Fallen U.S. Workers Abroad
DHS introduced new immigration classifications for surviving family members of U.S. government employees who died while working abroad. These statuses grant permanent residency and work authorization, expanding options for impacted families.
The PERM Takeaway: While this update affects a niche group, it underscores DHS’s willingness to innovate and adapt policies. For employers, staying informed about evolving immigration options can help identify untapped talent pipelines.
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