This Week in Immigration: March 27, 2026

U.S. Immigration News

DOL Proposes Major H-1B Wage Increase Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed a sweeping change to how H-1B and other employment-based visa wages are set, raising minimum salary thresholds across all levels. Entry-level wages could increase by more than 30%, with the lowest tier moving from the 17th to the 34th percentile of local wage data. The proposal also applies to H-1B1, E-3, and PERM cases. If finalized, the rule would affect new filings only. Employers have roughly 60 days to submit public comments before the rule is finalized. Learn more in our detailed blog post.

U.S. Expands Social Media Vetting to More Visa Categories

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) will expand online presence screening to additional nonimmigrant visa categories starting March 30, 2026. Newly affected applicants include K-1 fiancé(e) visas, religious workers, trainees, domestic workers, and humanitarian categories such as T and U visas. Applicants must make social media accounts public for review. The policy builds on earlier expansions covering student and H-1B visas. Officials say the move strengthens national security screening, but employers should expect longer processing times and increased scrutiny for affected applicants.

Green Card Income Requirement Updated for 2026

‍The U.S. government has updated the minimum income required to sponsor a family member for a green card, based on new federal poverty guidelines. In 2026, most sponsors must earn at least $27,050 to support a household of two, with higher thresholds for larger families.

The requirement, tied to 125% of federal poverty levels, is an important part of the Affidavit of Support process. Sponsors who fall short can still qualify by combining household income, using a joint sponsor, or counting certain assets.

House Bill Aims to Protect OPT Program for International Graduates

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the “Keep Innovators in America Act” to formally authorize the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in federal law. OPT allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after graduation for up to 12 months, or up to three years for STEM graduates. Lawmakers and industry groups say the program is a key bridge into the workforce and a major factor in attracting international students. The bill comes as the program faces ongoing legal challenges and potential policy changes. 

National Interest Exemptions to $100K H-1B Fee Denied

Immigration attorneys are reporting a wave of denials for national interest exemption requests tied to the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, announced late last year. According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), denials began this week for applications submitted as far back as October. Applicants appear to be receiving nearly identical denials, saying the government will not grant broad or industry-wide exemptions, even when requests were filed for individual workers. The decisions are final and cannot be appealed, leaving employers with limited options to avoid the fee.

U.S. Population Growth Slows as Immigration Drops

U.S. population growth slowed to its lowest level since the pandemic, driven largely by a sharp decline in immigration, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The population grew by 1.8 million between mid-2024 and mid-2025, while net international migration fell by more than 50%. The slowdown is hitting major cities especially hard, as they rely on immigration to offset domestic outflows. Economists warn the trend could weigh on economic growth, with potential declines in consumer spending and labor force participation.

Global Immigration News

U.K. Raises Visa Fees Across Key Routes Starting April 2026

The UK Home Office will increase visa and immigration fees beginning April 8, 2026, affecting work, student, visitor, and settlement applications. Skilled Worker visas will rise by roughly £50–£100, while Indefinite Leave to Remain increases to £3,226. Visitor visas and student fees also tick up modestly, and the Electronic Travel Authorisation jumps to £20. Priority services remain unchanged. The changes are a result of ongoing government efforts to adjust immigration costs, adding pressure on employers and applicants to plan ahead.

Malaysia Launches One-Stop Platform for Expat Hiring

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority has launched a new digital system to streamline expatriate hiring, effective March 16, 2026. The MIDA Expatriate System (MES) consolidates multiple steps, from company registration to visa approvals, into a single platform. Integrated with Malaysia’s immigration system, it allows one login, one-time document submission, and real-time tracking. The move replaces fragmented processes across agencies, aiming to standardize timelines and reduce administrative burden for employers hiring foreign talent.

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