U.S. Immigration News: Key Changes and Developments in October 2026
Updated: 7 days ago
October 2026 brought several significant developments in U.S. immigration policy. New measures and regulatory changes affected employment-based immigration, work authorization, visa extensions, humanitarian programs, and consular procedures.
Some of these changes have already taken effect, while others remain proposals subject to public comment and further review.
Below, we examine seven major immigration developments from October 2026 and explain what they may mean for foreign professionals, employers, and individuals planning their immigration journey to the United States.
1. U.S. Department of Labor Suspends PERM Processing for Eight Major Technology Companies
U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling announced the suspension of Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) processing for eight major technology companies.
The affected companies include Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, and Capgemini.
According to the Secretary's announcement, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) would stop accepting new PERM applications from these employers and suspend the processing of applications already pending.
The announcement came amid federal investigations into alleged violations involving hiring practices and employment-based immigration. However, the existence of an investigation does not establish that any violations have occurred.
Why Does This Matter?
PERM labor certification is an important step toward obtaining lawful permanent residence (a green card) in many EB-2 and EB-3 cases.
Through this process, employers must comply with established recruitment requirements and demonstrate that the applicable labor certification standards have been satisfied.
The suspension of PERM processing could affect the immigration timelines of employees at the companies involved, particularly those working in the United States under temporary nonimmigrant classifications with limitations on the duration of their authorized stay.
Importantly, the announced measures concern PERM processing for the identified employers. They do not automatically invalidate existing H-1B visas, previously issued green cards, or the broader employment-based immigration system.
The potential implications of this decision for employers and foreign professionals were examined in an article published by the international news outlet The Epoch Times. The article features perspectives from U.S. administration officials, Microsoft leadership, and immigration attorneys, including Viktoria Bloomberg, founder of Bloomrich Law Firm.
Commenting on the situation, Viktoria emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of Microsoft's data before drawing conclusions about the potential displacement of American workers by foreign professionals. At the same time, she acknowledged that concerns regarding discriminatory hiring practices deserve serious consideration.
As of the publication of this article, a detailed public directive from the DOL specifying the full scope and duration of the suspension had not been identified.
2. DHS Finalizes Restrictions on Automatic Extensions of Employment Authorization Documents
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule confirming the elimination of automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories of applicants.
Previously, individuals who timely filed an application to renew their employment authorization could qualify for an automatic extension of their existing EAD while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviewed the renewal application.
However, on October 30, 2025, DHS changed this policy, ending automatic extensions for certain renewal applications filed on or after that date.
On October 14, 2026, DHS finalized the restrictions that had previously been introduced.
What does this mean for applicants?
For affected categories, filing an EAD renewal application on time no longer automatically guarantees continued employment authorization. If an existing EAD expires before USCIS approves the renewal application, the individual may experience a gap in employment authorization. However, important exceptions remain.
Certain automatic extensions may continue to apply to eligible renewal applications filed before October 30, 2025. Extensions specifically authorized by law or through separate Federal Register notices, including certain Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provisions, may also remain available.
The practical consequences therefore depend on the applicant's immigration category, filing date, and eligibility for an applicable exception.
3. USCIS Proposes Changes to How Previously Approved Employment Petitions Are Considered During Extensions
USCIS published a proposed rule that would remove the regulatory provision addressing consideration of prior approvals when adjudicating certain requests to extend nonimmigrant status.
The proposal concerns the principle commonly known as deference to prior approvals.
Under the existing framework, USCIS may consider a previous approval when reviewing an extension involving the same parties and circumstances, particularly when there have been no material changes or new information affecting eligibility.
The proposed change would affect petitions filed using Form I-129, including certain H-1B, L-1, and O-1 petitions.
What could change?
If finalized, the proposal would remove the regulatory language specifically addressing consideration of prior approvals in relevant extension cases. USCIS adjudicators could conduct a fresh assessment of eligibility even when a substantially similar petition was previously approved. This could result in additional scrutiny, more extensive documentary requirements, and potentially more Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
However, the proposal would not prohibit USCIS from considering a previous approval. Rather, it would eliminate the specific regulatory provision addressing that consideration.
For employers and foreign professionals, the proposed approach underscores the importance of maintaining thorough documentation and preparing well-supported extension petitions.
Important: As of October 29, 2026, this remains a proposed rule and has not taken effect.
The public comment period closes on November 13, 2026.
4. DHS Temporarily Maintains TPS Protection for Ukrainian and Sudanese Nationals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Ukrainian and Sudanese nationals currently protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) would retain their protection for the time being.
The existing TPS designations for Ukraine and Sudan had previously been scheduled to expire on October 19, 2026.
However, DHS indicated that a further announcement regarding the future of these programs would be issued at a later date.
In the meantime, individuals covered by the applicable TPS designations would continue to receive temporary protection from removal and related employment authorization benefits, subject to the applicable requirements.
According to media reports, approximately 101,000 Ukrainian nationals and 1,800 Sudanese nationals could be affected.
What does this mean for TPS holders?
Temporary Protected Status allows eligible nationals of designated countries to remain temporarily in the United States when conditions in their home countries meet certain statutory criteria. Eligible TPS beneficiaries may also obtain employment authorization.
The October announcement indicated that existing protection was not automatically terminated on October 19. However, this should not be interpreted as an announcement of a new TPS extension for a specific number of months.
Questions regarding the validity of individual Employment Authorization Documents, automatic extensions, and acceptable proof of employment authorization may require further agency guidance.
TPS beneficiaries should continue monitoring official USCIS notices and evaluate how future announcements may affect their individual circumstances.
5. USCIS Increases Certain Immigration Filing Fees
New fees for several immigration-related applications and procedures took effect on October 16, 2026. The increases resulted from annual inflation adjustments applicable to certain immigration fees established under federal law.
The updated amounts include:
These amounts concern specific statutory fees and may not represent the total cost of filing a particular application when additional fees apply.
Why does this matter?
The updated fees generally apply to relevant applications postmarked on or after October 16, 2026.
USCIS has indicated that applications requiring the adjusted fees may be rejected if submitted with an incorrect payment amount.
Even a relatively small difference in the filing fee can therefore create complications, potentially resulting in rejected submissions and missed deadlines.
Before submitting any immigration application, applicants should verify the applicable fees directly through USCIS and confirm whether additional charges or exemptions apply to their circumstances.
6. State Department Reports Revocation of More Than 300,000 U.S. Visas
The U.S. Department of State reported that more than 300,000 U.S. visas had been revoked since the beginning of President Donald Trump's second term in January 2025.
According to Reuters, the Department had previously reported more than 175,000 visa revocations as of August 2026.
The October figures indicate a further increase in the total number of revoked visas.
State Department officials have linked visa revocations to various factors, including alleged violations of U.S. laws, immigration requirements, misrepresentations, and national security concerns.
What should U.S. visa holders understand?
A U.S. visa and lawful immigration status are not the same thing. A visa generally allows a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission.
The revocation of a visa does not necessarily mean that a person's previously authorized period of stay in the United States automatically ends. The consequences depend on the circumstances, the legal basis for the revocation, and the individual's immigration status.
However, a person whose visa has been revoked generally cannot use that visa for future travel to the United States.
It is also important to distinguish the reporting period: the figure of more than 300,000 revocations covers the period beginning in January 2025, rather than October 2026 alone.
As immigration and visa screening practices continue to evolve, foreign nationals should pay particular attention to compliance with visa conditions, accuracy in immigration filings, and any circumstances that could affect their ability to travel or maintain lawful status.
7. State Department Publishes Updated List of Countries Subject to Visa Bonds of Up to $20,000
The U.S. Department of State published an updated list of countries whose nationals are subject to the Visa Bond Program. Under this program, certain applicants for B-1/B-2 visitor visas may be required to post a financial bond as a condition of visa issuance.
Depending on the determination made by a consular officer, the required bond may be:
$10,000;
$15,000; or
$20,000.
The published list includes countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and others.
How does the Visa Bond Program work?
If an applicant is subject to the program and otherwise qualifies for a B-1/B-2 visa, a consular officer determines the required bond amount.
Applicants should make the payment only after receiving instructions from the consular officer and must use the designated U.S. government payment system, Pay.gov.
Posting the bond does not guarantee visa issuance.
The bond may be returned if the applicant satisfies the applicable conditions, including compliance with the permitted period of stay and relevant departure requirements.
The program also includes specific requirements concerning authorized ports of entry and departure. Travelers subject to the bond must use designated commercial airports.
An important clarification: The publication of the list on October 2 does not mean that every country listed became subject to the program that month.
The State Department provides separate effective dates for individual countries, and several requirements had already taken effect before October 2026.
Before applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, applicants should verify whether their nationality and passport are covered by the program and review the requirements currently applicable to their country.
What Do These October Immigration Developments Mean for Individuals and Employers?
The immigration developments of October 2026 demonstrate why it is essential to distinguish between final rules, proposed regulations, administrative actions, and temporary policy announcements.
For U.S. employers and foreign professionals, issues involving PERM labor certification, extensions of employment-based petitions, and timely renewal of employment authorization require particular attention.
For individuals protected under TPS and other humanitarian immigration programs, monitoring official agency announcements and understanding the requirements for maintaining documentation and work authorization remain important.
Meanwhile, individuals planning to apply for U.S. visas should consider evolving consular procedures, including additional financial requirements and increased scrutiny of visa eligibility and compliance.
U.S. immigration laws and policies continue to evolve, and even procedural changes may have significant consequences depending on the circumstances of an individual case.
At Bloomrich Law Firm, we assist entrepreneurs, professionals, employers, and families in developing immigration strategies tailored to their individual circumstances, professional objectives, and long-term plans.
If you have questions about your immigration situation or would like to discuss potential legal options, please contact our team at info@bloomrich.com.
This article is based on official government publications and reporting by established news organizations. The information is current as of October 29, 2026, is provided for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute individualized legal advice. Immigration requirements and their application may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Comments