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Discover how the top 10 US Immigration updates from 2025 can help HR leaders prepare for 2026. Learn more.
In brief
- New US immigration restrictions — including higher H‑1B costs, expanded vetting and tighter travel rules — are increasing uncertainty and friction in accessing global talent.
- Structural shifts such as a weighted H‑1B lottery and shorter work authorization validity require earlier, more strategic workforce and compensation planning.
- Elevated scrutiny and evolving compliance requirements heighten regulatory and operational risk, reinforcing the need for stronger governance and proactive immigration strategy.
What changed in 2025?
2025 saw significant changes to US immigration policy and procedures in the form of executive orders, presidential proclamations and regulatory amendments, among others. While some of the most impactful changes only began to take shape in the last few months of the year, many of them are already having a sizable impact in 2026.
Let’s take a look at 10 key updates affecting corporate business immigration and global mobility, their impact on foreign national employees and their US employers, and some strategies to respond and move forward.
Top 10 US Immigration from 2025:
- Presidential proclamation establishes new $100,000 payment 1 for certain H-1B petitions
- Changes to H-1B and H-4 visa vetting processes leads to appointment cancellations and delays in visa issuance
- Amendment to H-1B regulations creates new weighted selection process for H-1B lottery
- White House announces new partial and full travel restrictions
- USCIS announces adjudication hold and approved benefit re-review
- USCIS announces reduction of maximum validity periods for certain EADs
- DHS announces end to 540-day automatic extension of EADs
- DOS disallows third-country national nonimmigrant visa applications
- USCIS establishes process for registration requirement for certain foreign nationals in the United States
- DHS implements $1,000 immigration parole fee
Download our report to learn more about the Top 10 US Immigration Updates from 2025 that HR leaders should know.
Summary
As US immigration policy continues to evolve, recent changes have significantly increased the cost, complexity and uncertainty associated with accessing foreign talent. For CHROs, staying informed and taking a strategic, proactive approach to immigration will be critical to mitigating risk and minimizing disruption to workforce planning and broader talent agendas in 2026 and beyond.
For additional information, or to discuss the insights shared in this article, please contact the contributors, Marwah Serag, Sheila Synder and Melanie Bradshaw. You can find their contact details at eylaw.ca.