SWAS Immigration FIRM LLC

10/15/2026

DHS has finalized its rule ending automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).

Under the rule, filing an eligible EAD renewal application on or after October 30, 2025, generally no longer provides an automatic extension of work authorization while USCIS processes the application.

The final rule took effect on October 14, 2026. Certain exceptions remain, including extensions provided by law or applicable Federal Register notices.

If your work permit is expiring, check whether you qualify for an exception and plan ahead to avoid a potential gap in work authorization.

Source: Federal Register, October 14, 2026.

10/15/2026

The response period for certain refugee status termination notices has been reduced from 30 days to 10 days under a new DHS rule effective October 14, 2026.

The rule applies when USCIS seeks to terminate refugee status based on a determination that the individual did not qualify as a refugee when admitted to the United States.

Refugees who receive a Notice of Intent to Terminate should act promptly and seek qualified legal guidance.

10/14/2026

Whether you're pursuing a visa, permanent residency, or U.S. citizenship, informed decisions today can make a difference along the way.

Take your time, ask questions, and seek reliable guidance when you need it. You don't have to navigate every step alone.

10/12/2026

Once a dream, now a reality 🇺🇸

We're proud to have supported Maria through the naturalization process and to celebrate this milestone with them.

Contact SWAS to begin your own journey to US citizenship.

10/10/2026

The court's order restores the previous process while the lawsuit continues.

The ruling may help detained immigrants pursuing certain forms of immigration relief, including:

✅ Green cards through eligible adjustment-of-status applications
✅T visas for eligible survivors of human trafficking
✅U visas for eligible victims of certain crimes
✅Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
✅Certain applications connected to asylum, including follow-to-join benefits

10/09/2026

The U.S. Department of Labor has suspended eight major technology companies from the PERM labor certification process, a key step in many employer-sponsored green card applications.

The companies are:

Microsoft
Adobe
Cognizant
Infosys
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Wipro
HCL Technologies
Capgemini

What does this mean for foreign workers?

The department has stopped accepting new PERM applications from these companies and processing pending cases.

This could delay the green card process for affected employees, including some H-1B workers relying on employer sponsorship.

10/09/2026

The Trump administration has proposed new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain practical work experience in the United States.

Under the proposal, educational institutions would pay $70,000 for a student's initial OPT participation and $30,000 for subsequent participation, including a STEM OPT extension. Institutions could pass these costs on to students or employers.

The proposal is not yet in effect as it must go through the federal rulemaking process before any new requirements can take effect.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

𝐔𝐒 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐀𝐍 𝐎-𝟏 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀?

One of the biggest misconceptions about U.S. immigration is that the O-1 visa is only for celebrities.

That's simply not true.

The O-1 visa is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in fields such as:

✅Science
✅Business
✅Education
✅Arts
✅Athletics
✅Film and television

USCIS doesn't decide cases based on popularity or social media followers. Instead, it looks at the strength of the evidence supporting your achievements.

Depending on your profession, that evidence may include:

✅National or international awards
✅Media coverage of your work
✅Published research or scholarly contributions
✅Leadership or critical roles at distinguished organizations
✅Original contributions with significant impact
✅A high salary compared with others in your field
✅Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement

Many researchers, physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, designers, professors, and executives have successfully obtained O-1 visas without ever becoming household names.

That said, extraordinary ability is only one part of the process. In most cases, you'll also need a U.S. employer or agent to sponsor your O-1 petition and show that you'll be working in your area of expertise.

If you're unsure whether you qualify—or whether the O-1 visa is the right option for your career—an experienced employment-based immigration attorney can evaluate your credentials and discuss your options.

📞 Book a consultation with SWAS Immigration Firm to find the employment-based immigration pathway that's right for you.

10/07/2026

During an interview, an immigration officer may review your application, ask questions about your eligibility, clarify information, and assess the facts of your case. USCIS evaluates evidence based on its relevance, reliability, and credibility.

Here are a few things to avoid:

❌ Do not guess.
If you genuinely do not remember a date, address, or other detail, do not make one up. Explain that you do not remember and provide the most accurate information you can.

❌ Do not exaggerate or add details that are not true.
Trying to make your case sound stronger by changing facts can create credibility concerns and may have serious immigration consequences.

❌ Do not hide or deny important information.
Your immigration history, prior applications, travel, employment, family circumstances, or other facts may be relevant to your case. A misrepresentation can occur in an interview, on an immigration form, or through submitted evidence.

❌ Do not give answers that conflict with your application without explaining why.
Not every inconsistency means a case will be denied. Mistakes, misunderstandings, translation issues, or changes in circumstances can happen. However, you should be prepared to explain any differences truthfully and clearly.

❌ Do not memorize a script.
Preparation is helpful, but rehearsed answers can cause problems if you are unable to explain your own circumstances naturally or if your answers do not match the facts and evidence in your case.

Before your interview, carefully review your application and supporting documents. Make sure you understand what was submitted, identify any errors or changes, and gather any documents listed in your interview notice. USCIS may also request additional information or evidence when needed.

The goal is not to “beat” the interview. The goal is to communicate the truth clearly and accurately.

If you are concerned about inconsistencies, past immigration issues, missing information, or difficult questions you may face, speaking with an experienced immigration attorney before the interview may help you understand your case and prepare appropriately.