The Chander Law Firm, P.C.

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The Chander Law Firm, P.C.

Immigration law firm representing individuals, families, and businesses in U.S. immigration matters and federal litigation. http://www.chanderlaw.com

03/23/2026

The Chander Law Firm is proud to share that Vishal Chander was invited to speak at the Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA) Annual Convention in Frisco, Texas on February 20, 2026.

Mr. Chander presented “Immigration Fundamentals for ESL Professionals,” addressing the intersection of immigration law and education, with a focus on compliance issues affecting English language programs and international students.

This marks the third time Mr. Chander has presented at the TCCTA Annual Convention, reflecting the firm’s continued commitment to supporting educators and institutions navigating complex immigration requirements.

We appreciate TCCTA for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to contribute to this important dialogue.

Learn more:

Presentation on immigration compliance for ESL programs, including SEVIS, F-1 status, and enforcement issues affecting schools and students.

03/17/2026

The Chander Law Firm, P.C. is pleased to share that Vishal Chander, Principal and Founder of the firm, recently spoke on the AILA New York Chapter’s H-1B CLE held on February 25.

The three-hour Continuing Legal Education program was presented to immigration attorneys who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) New York Chapter and covered H-1B fundamentals as well as preparation for the upcoming FY2027 H-1B registration period.

Mr. Chander presented on cap-exempt H-1B entities, which are not subject to the annual H-1B quota. His presentation addressed the statutory framework governing these exemptions and discussed categories such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and affiliated nonprofit entities.

More information about the presentation is available on our website:

Immigration attorney Vishal Chander presented on cap-exempt H-1B petitions during the AILA New York H-1B 101 CLE, covering universities, research organizations, and affiliated nonprofit entities.

03/04/2026

On March 3, 2026, Vishal Chander, Founder and Principal of The Chander Law Firm PC, led a continuing legal education (CLE) course with Hasan Shafiqullah, Immigration Supervising Attorney of The Legal Aid Society of New York on current immigration and enforcement trends and ethics at New York University (NYU) School of Law. Mr. Chander led the discussion in his capacity as co-chair of the Issues Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) in partnership with the NYU Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (NYU APALSA) and other bar associations.

Hasan Shafiqullah is one of the leading nonprofit voices in immigration law. Mr. Shafiqullah’s frontline experience in removal defense and federal immigration litigation provided a critical lens into how enforcement priorities are evolving and how those changes are affecting immigrant communities across New York and nationwide.

On March 3, 2026, Vishal Chander, Founder and Principal of The Chander Law Firm PC, led a continuing legal education (CLE) course with Hasan Shafiqullah,

01/30/2026

USCIS has announced the FY 2027 H-1B registration period will open March 4–19, 2026, with a new weighted selection system prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid beneficiaries. Employers should begin preparing now, especially with early position planning and new fee considerations.

Read our short guide on best practices for this year’s cap season here:

USCIS announced the FY 2027 H-1B registration period will run March 4–19, 2026. Learn best practices for employers, including key updates on the new weighted selection system and the limited $100,000 fee.

01/23/2026

We are seeing continued reports of visa interview cancellations and long rescheduling delays at U.S. consulates, particularly affecting Indian nationals who require nonimmigrant visa stamping to return to the United States.

Key takeaways for potential visa applicants:

Travel Caution Advised - Indian nationals in valid U.S. nonimmigrant status (including H-1B, H-4, L-1/L-2, O-1, and similar categories) should carefully consider avoiding international travel if visa stamping is required. Even confirmed appointments may be cancelled without notice and rescheduled months later, creating a real risk of being unable to return to the U.S.

Third-Country Visa Processing Is Not Recommended - The U.S. Department of State ended routine third-country national (TCN) nonimmigrant visa processing effective December 12, 2025. Applicants are now generally required to apply in their country of nationality or residence, with only very limited discretionary exceptions.

Expanded Social Media Review - Applicants for H-1B/H-4 and F, M, and J visas are subject to online presence and social media review. Applicants are instructed to set social media accounts to public, disclose all required usernames, and ensure consistency with information provided in the DS-160, petition filings, and employment or academic history. Omissions or inconsistencies may result in additional scrutiny or delays.

Expedite Requests Are Limited - Expedited appointments are granted sparingly and only in narrow circumstances, such as medical emergencies, urgent humanitarian situations, national interest matters, or documented, extraordinary hardship. Approval rates remain low during periods of systemic backlog.

Bottom line: International travel currently carries increased risk for nonimmigrant visa holders—especially Indian nationals. Non-essential travel should be postponed where possible, and individuals should seek case-specific legal guidance before making travel decisions.

Full practice alert:

Reports indicate widespread H-1B and H-4 visa interview cancellations at U.S. consulates in India, with appointments rescheduled into 2026. Learn current guidance on travel, visa stamping, social media vetting, and expedite requests.

01/13/2026

The Chander Law Firm, P.C. recently participated in a three-hour AILA New York CLE focused on family-based immigration practice. Our Principal, Vishal Chander, served as a featured speaker and program co-organizer.

A three-hour CLE on family-based immigration law presented by AILA New York, featuring Vishal Chander as speaker and program co-chair.

01/09/2026

📢 Practice Alert: USCIS Announces Increase to Premium Processing Fees 📢

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule increasing USCIS premium processing fees, reflecting inflation from June 2023 through June 2025.

These changes, authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act, will take effect on March 1, 2026. Any premium processing request postmarked on or after that date must include the new fee. The fee increases apply to key immigration forms including I-129, I-140, I-539, and I-765.

🔗 Learn more and view the updated fee schedule:
https://chanderlaw.com/practice-alert-uscis-announces-increase-to-premium-processing-fees-effective-march-1-2026/

If you have questions about how this may impact your filings or immigration strategy, our team is here to help.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule increasing USCIS premium processing fees, reflecting inflation from June 2023 through

12/29/2025

Our new website is live.

The Chander Law Firm has launched a redesigned website to better serve businesses, families, and individuals navigating U.S. immigration law. The new site provides updated information about our practice areas, attorney profile, and ways to get in touch.

🔗 Visit us at: https://www.chanderlaw.com

Thank you to our clients, colleagues, and community for your continued trust.

The Chander Law Firm provides experienced representation in U.S. immigration law for businesses, families, and individuals, including employment-based, family-based, investor, and humanitarian matters.

12/23/2025

Today, USCIS announced that it will implement a weighted H-1B selection process for the FY2027 (2026) H-1B registration cycle. Registrations will be given a multiplier effect based on the OEWS Wage Level. The impact:

1. Employers will need to have evaluations of the Wage Level for the job offer prior to filing an H-1B registration.
2. F-1/OPT graduates and positions requiring higher degree (PhDs and Masters) for minimum entry will be adversely impacted. Industries that will be impacted will include AI and data science because many of those roles require higher degrees.
3. The weighted system will be easily abused by bad actors.

Get all the details by reading the article.

By Vishal Chander On December 23, 2025, U.S.

10/31/2025

The Department of Labor has reenabled the FLAG portal, necessary to file PERM, LCA, and PWD applications. The FLAG system has been disabled since the government shutdown began. Employers should file applications as soon as possible. It is unclear whether the FLAG system will be disabled again.

It looks like the FLAG system is back online. File your PERMs, LCAs, or PWDs now in just in case it is shut down again.

10/30/2025

Quick Summary

New guidance suggests change of status H-1B petitions are not subject to the $100,000 fee. This means that F-1 students holding valid status in the United States may be eligible for new H-1B petitions without paying the $100,000 fee.

This guidance potentially has immediate positive impact on cap exempt institutions like hospitals, universities, and research institutions.

Given prior statements from the administration, it is not clear whether the fee will apply to change of status petitions filed during the 2026 (FY 2027) H-1B cap-subject filing season. Employers should prepare to file H-1B registrations for eligible F-1 international students and wait for future guidance.

H-1B beneficiaries with approved change of status petitions will not be able to travel internationally without triggering the $100,000 fee.

Exceptions to the H-1B fee can be requested by emailing [email protected] and demonstrating that the H-1B worker’s presence is in the national interest, that no American worker is available to fill the role, that the alien worker does not pose a threat to the security or welfare of the United States, and that requiring the petitioning employer to make the payment on the alien's behalf would significantly undermine the interests of the United States.

The $100,000 fee must be paid prior to filing the H-1B petition and can be paid using the following link: https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/1772005176. Proof of payment or evidence of an exception to the fee must be provided with the H-1B petition.

USCIS will deny, not reject and return, petitions that do not show proof of H-1B payment or an exception to the fee. This means H-1B petitioners will lose government fees paid.

Vishal Chander, The Chander Law Firm PC Quick Summary New guidance suggests change of status H-1B petitions are not subject to the $100,000 fee. This means that F-1 students holding valid status in the United States may be eligible for new H-1B petitions without paying the $100,000 fee.

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469 Fashion Avenue, 12th Floor
Dallas, TX
10018

Telephone

+12127312444

Website

http://www.chanderlaw.com/

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