Envoy Global

USCIS has issued new guidance reaffirming that adjustment of status is a discretionary, case-by-case benefit, not an automatic pathway to a green card, and should not replace consular processing. The update signals increased scrutiny, particularly for applicants with status violations or those who could apply from abroad. Employers and foreign nationals should monitor how USCIS applies this broader discretionary framework in practice and work closely with counsel to assess strategy and position cases effectively for approval. 👉 Click the link in the comments for more information. #AOS #CorporateImmigration #immigrationattorney

Join us at Global Mobility Executive GME Live Americas on May 27 in Jersey City, where Addie Hogan and Brendan Coggan will discuss how organizations can navigate increasing pressure on immigration programs while doing more with less. Be sure to attend our session, “From Processing to Strategy: Building a Future-Ready Global Immigration Program,” to learn how organizations are: - Using technology to streamline processes, improve visibility and boost team capacity - Rethinking traditional destination strategies by exploring alternative locations and visa pathways - Strengthening compliance as governments increase enforcement Connect with Addie and Brendan on-site to learn more about how we're helping employers navigate increasingly complex programs, reduce risk and build more agile, future-ready immigration programs. #GlobalMobility #GMELive #FutureOfWork

When it comes to the O‑1 visa, modesty isn’t a strength. It’s a missed opportunity. In this clip from our recent webinar, Julieta Grinffiel explains why successfully pursuing an O‑1 often requires candidates to clearly and confidently articulate their achievements, sometimes more than they’re used to. What makes the process work: 🔵 Strong collaboration between the employee and the legal team 🔵 Clear storytelling around impact, recognition and expertise 🔵 Willingness to “brag” so attorneys can shape a compelling case With the right guidance, extraordinary ability doesn’t just speak for itself. It’s presented strategically and effectively. 🎥 Watch the clip to hear why confidence and collaboration matter in O‑1 cases. #O1Visa #H1BAlternatives #GlobalImmigration #EnvoyGlobal

H-1B visa costs are shifting in 2026, and many employers are reevaluating whether the H‑1B is still the most strategic investment for every role. From rising filing fees to consular delays and increased reliance on premium processing, understanding these cost drivers can help teams plan more effectively. Explore the key factors, and see how alternative visa pathways may offer more predictability in our H‑1B Alternatives & Global Talent Toolkit. #h1bvisa #GlobalMobility #CorporateImmigration #EnvoyGlobal

Congratulations to Addie Hogan and Christy Umstadter! 🎉

I recently had the opportunity to attend both the GBTA | Bay Area & GBTA l Silicon Valley Joint Education Day and the GBTA | Los Angeles Chapter Education Day. It’s always valuable to step back and hear what’s top of mind across the business travel ecosystem, and even more so when you can compare perspectives across regions. A few themes that consistently came up in conversations: • Travel programs are becoming more complex as global policies and visa requirements continue to evolve • AI is starting to move from concept to real use cases, but there are still a lot of open questions • There is increased pressure to balance cost, compliance, risk, and employee experience at the same time What stood out most to me is how much closer business travel is getting to broader mobility and workforce strategy. These decisions are no longer happening in isolation. They’re tied to how companies attract, move, and support talent globally. The organizations that align these pieces effectively across travel departments, HR, and mobility teams will be in a much stronger position moving forward. Interested to hear what others are seeing in this space right now. #businessvisa #envoyglobal #globalmobility #LABTA #SVBTA #BABTA #BusinessTravel #EducationDay

With immigration compliance pressures rising in 2026, employers are feeling the strain across multiple fronts. Anne Walsh breaks down what our recent poll revealed: an almost even split across all four categories. That balance underscores how multifaceted compliance has become in an increasingly complex, enforcement‑driven environment and why HR and mobility teams are seeking support on several fronts at once. #ImmigrationCompliance #PERM #PublicAccessFiles #H1B #LCA

Thanks to AILA for including my article in the latest issue of the AILA Law Journal! It looks at USCIS and the Scrutiny of Signatures. Preview here: (https://lnkd.in/gHG9v7RD. #AILALawJournal #ImmigrationLaw. On this topic, the Department of Homeland Security just issued an interim final rule, effective July 10, 2026, which amends the regulations to give USCIS explicit authority to deny a petition with an invalid signature. With the new regulations USCIS will reject the opportunity to "cure" a deficient signature (with the exception of applications for certificates of citizenship).

‼️ Beware the B-2 Bridge for H-1B Change of Status‼️ USCIS is closing the B-2 bridge loophole and triggering $100K payments for H-1B employers. What is the B-2 Bridge Loophole? -When individuals lose work authorization after employment ends, a common approach has been to file a B‑2 visitor application to remain in the U.S. temporarily. This allows extra time to wrap up personal affairs and search for new employment. If a new petition (e.g., H‑1B) is filed while the B‑2 is pending, the B‑2 has been used as a “bridge” to maintain continuity in status. Historically, practitioners have advised limiting this strategy to no more than 180 days beyond the 60‑day grace period, due to unlawful presence considerations. However, some individuals have stayed longer if the B‑2 remained pending. What's changing? -USCIS is now frequently denying B‑2 applications when applicants also pursue an H‑1B change of status while the B‑2 is pending. When that happens the B‑2 denial means the individual is considered out of status retroactively, starting from the end of their prior employment. Given current processing times, this often results in more than 180 days out of status This triggers significant consequences including 1) Employer liability: A potential $100,000 fee tied to the H‑1B petition; and 2) Immigration consequences: Possible unlawful presence bars, including a 3‑year reentry bar. Big Picture - What does this mean? -Individuals: This puts individuals relying on a B-2 bridge while looking for new US employment at serious risk of status complications and loss of status. If you are an individual outside of the 60 day grace period relying on a B-2 - I strongly encourage you do not remain in the US past 180 days after your 60 day grace period (240 days past end of employment). If your B-2 is denied after the 180 days, you may trigger a 3 year bar to the US. Individuals who accrue more than 180 days, but less than one year, of unlawful presence are barred from being re-admitted or re-entering the United States for 3 years. -Employers: This impacts employers looking to hire someone on an H-1B (as a change of status) who is in the US with a pending B-2. Your company may be required to pay $100K for the approval of the H-1. Employers should carefully weigh all circumstances and speak with your immigration team to ensure visibility into all possible outcomes for these cases. Bottom line: -The B‑2 bridge strategy is no longer a low‑risk stopgap. Both individuals and employers should reassess its use carefully in light of heightened scrutiny and potentially severe penalties.

Waiting for H‑1B lottery results is no longer a viable strategy for many employers. In this clip from our recent webinar, Jordan Mendez explains why organizations are starting to evaluate H‑1B alternatives earlier in the hiring process, well before lottery outcomes are known. Early planning helps employers: 🔵Avoid unnecessary risk and cost 🔵Make informed decisions around role design and wage requirements 🔵Identify viable backup options before time becomes a constraint Learn why proactive planning for H-1B alternatives is becoming essential. #H1B #H1BAlternatives #ImmigrationStrategy #WorkforcePlanning #GlobalMobility #EnvoyGlobal