Weekly immigration insights and plain-language updates to make the system clearer, simpler, and easier to navigate.

This week, immigration attorney Ana Gabriela Urizar offers her insights on some of the latest headlines.

As of December 2025, EB-1 cases take 18-20.5 months to process. Depending on which EB-1 category you’re filing under, you may experience shorter wait times. Check out our EB-1 Processing Times guide, updated as of December 2025 with the latest data from USCIS.

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication from the U.S. Department of State that shows which Green Card applications can move forward based on the applicant’s “priority date.” 

For EB-1 filers, below are the dates outlined in the December Visa Bulletin:

If you’re interested in when you can file, check out our Visa Bulletin guide.

As of Q3 of fiscal year 2025, the approval rate for EB-1 petitions is 79.7%. Regardless of which subcategory you apply for, the EB-1 Green Card has a relatively high success rate compared to other visa categories. Check out our guide to see the latest data from USCIS and how it’s changed over time.

Online Filing for EB-1A
Did you know? You can now file an EB-1A application through the MyUSCIS portal. Prior to November 14th people had to submit their petitions by mail.

As of December 2025, EB-1 cases take 19.5 months to process. Curious to see how long an immigration officer may take to process your initial application? Check out our EB-2 NIW Processing Times guide, updated as of December 2025 with the latest data from USCIS.

For EB-2 filers, below are the filing dates outlined by the latest Visa Bulletin:

If you’re interested in when you can file, check out our Visa Bulletin guide.

As of Q3 of fiscal year 2025, the approval rate for EB-2 NIW petitions is 54%. Despite backlogs and tighter scrutiny from USCIS, strong EB-2 NIW cases still have a good chance of being approved. Check out our guide to see the latest data from USCIS and how it’s changed over time.

Online Filing for EB-2 NIW
Did you know? You can now file an EB-2 NIW application through the MyUSCIS portal. Prior to November 14th people had to submit their petitions by mail.

If you’re looking to further build your EB-1A profile, make sure your salary or equity remains at the top of your industry. For entrepreneurs, equity in a well-funded startup can also be considered a solid piece of evidence.

To figure out how your salary stacks up to others in your field, check out the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. It may also be worth taking a second look at whether you picked the right SOC code for the job. If the code doesn’t quite match what you actually do day-to-day, switching to a more accurate one can make it easier to show you’re earning a high wage—because you’re being compared to the right group of similar roles.

For example, 15-1252 Software Developers may show too high a salary for you. However, if 15-1251 Computer Programmers or any of the other Category 15 Job Codes are more accurate, consider applying under these instead.

Check out our EB-1A Guide for more information on how to apply and strengthen your application. Note that this is for educational purposes only, and you should always consult with an immigration attorney for advice tailored to your unique situation.

​Applications for the Trump Gold Card are officially open. In exchange for a contribution of at least $1 million and a $15,000 processing fee, qualified applicants may pursue permanent residence through the EB-1 or EB-2 categories, with a promise of “expedited processing.”

New immigration programs don’t come along often, and the Gold Card has generated understandable interest. As with any new immigration policy, however, the details matter. While the framework is now live, certain aspects of how the program will operate in practice are still coming into focus.

👮🏻 H-1B, H-4 applicants report delayed consular appointments: As consular officers implement stricter social media reviews, many Indians face months-long consular delays.

Attorney Insight: “Your employer likely will not punish you for consular delays," Urizar says. "Rather, they should work with you on amending your start date. If you're eligible, they could also consider allowing you to work as a foreign contractor. To prevent any risks to your status/H-1B petition, however, make sure you and/or your employer speak with an immigration attorney prior to arranging for remote work.”

📋 CBP Proposes Several Changes to ESTA Application, I-94 Departures: The suggested changes include app-based exit verification, social media checks, and expanded data requirements.

Attorney Insight: “If you qualify for the visa waiver program, you’ll basically need to submit more information about your digital profiles,” Urizar says. “If you have questions about something in your account, contact an immigration lawyer.”

👶 Supreme Court agrees to review Constitutionality of birthright citizenship: On December 5, the Supreme Court agreed to determine whether a previous executive action could restrict birthright citizenship.

Attorney Insight: “We likely won’t see an update on this until Spring/Summer 2026,” Urizar says. “In the meantime, we’ll have to keep a close eye on legal updates.”

🚩 TPS designation terminated for Ethiopians: According to an announcement from DHS, Ethiopian TPS holders have until February 13 to voluntarily leave the country or secure another legal status.

Attorney Insights: “If you’re affected by this, you should begin to explore alternative options,” Urizar says. “Depending on your background, you may qualify for a work-based visa like the O-1.”