Blog
Analysis
Is 'Extraordinary' The New 'Ordinary'? O Visa Trends and the New Gold Rush
For the past two decades, the H-1B lottery and employment-based green cards have formed the twin pillars of skilled immigration to America. That architecture is now crumbling. As EB-2 NIW approval rates plummet from 95% to 54%, EB-1A approvals slide to 67% and new H-1B petitions face a $100,000 fee, one visa category
O-1A Rising Amidst H-1B Chaos
The O-1A visa, long a dynamic yet often overlooked visa category, is now gaining attention. The O-1A is increasingly becoming one of the only viable alternatives to H-1B, for now.
“Are You Still Working?” and other Seemingly Innocuous CBP/Consular Officer Questions, the Hyundai Plant Raid, and the Fine line between What's OK and not OK on B1/BS/ESTA
It’s a familiar story: a client, colleague, or family member comes back from a consulate interview or U.S. border crossing frustrated, scoffing as they recount their experience. “Why did they ask me that? They already know the answer! Why ask, and in such a confusing way?” Is such an approach a feature or
Resources
International Students: Staying in Status
Students on F-1 visas have faced a great deal of scrutiny in the early part of 2025. Even those who have not been politically active have faced issues with their immigration status due to minor infractions and simple mistakes. It is critical for students to understand the rules and limitations of their status and ensure
Demystifying the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Process
Planning a temporary stay in the United States? Whether it’s for tourism, business, work, or study, understanding the U.S. nonimmigrant visa process is crucial. At Gray Whale Law, we believe in simplifying complex legal procedures, and that’s why we’ve created this guide to break down the essential steps for obtaining a U.S. nonimmigrant visa in
Unpacking the Affidavit of Support: Your Guide to Form I-864
What Exactly is Form I-864? Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, is a legally enforceable promise that a sponsor makes to the U.S. government. By signing this form, you are guaranteeing that the immigrant you are sponsoring will have adequate financial support and will not become a public charge, meaning they won’t need to rely
Updates
Automatic extensions of work permits terminated
According to a new interim final rule, issued by USCIS on October 30th, 2025, most foreign nationals who previously qualified for the maximum 540-day automatic extension of work authorizations will no longer receive them. Before the publication of this rule, certain EAD categories were eligible for automatic extensions, as long as requests for
Government Shutdown
When Congress doesn’t pass a budget for the government on time, part of the government might stop operating. This is called a “government shutdown.” During a shutdown, only certain government employees can keep working. As of October 1, 2025, the federal government has officially shut down. This flyer describes what happens to immigration-related agencies during
New Immigration Fees Authorized by the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a new law, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The Act includes new fees for certain immigration applications which take effect immediately. These new fees are in addition to the existing fees you already pay. On July 9, EOIR announced that it will begin collecting immigration court filing