The month of April 2026 was another month of administrative and fiscal adjustments for immigration systems in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Following the high-stakes H-1B lottery in March, April marks the transition into the H-1B petition season—the period where selected candidates and their employers must formally submit their petitions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Meanwhile, substantial fee updates and new policies regarding permanent residency have created a dynamic environment for applicants worldwide.
In this recap, we analyze the official start of the H-1B petition filing window, the considerable advancements in the May Visa Bulletin, the implementation of the new USCIS fee schedule, and the UK’s latest efforts to automate residency status upgrades.
U.S. Immigration News
April marks the start of the U.S. immigration system’s another operational and fiscal shift. With the implementation of a revised filing fee structure and the opening of the H-1B petition season, both employers and applicants must now navigate a more costly and time-sensitive processes.
H-1B Filing Season Officially Begins
Following the successful completion of the March lottery, the 90-day window to submit H-1B petitions officially opened on April 1, 2026. Employers whose employee registrations were selected must now file their petitions with USCIS. It is imperative that these filings include an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor. The deadline for submission is June 30, 2026, and any petitions received after this date will be rejected, regardless of selection status in the lottery.
If you were selected in the H-1B lottery, our experts can help you and your employer manage the petition process. If not, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn about your alternative work visa options. We are an email away: info@grapelaw.com.
Read also: Alternatives to H-1B Visa: A Comprehensive Guide
May 2026 Visa Bulletin Published
The Department of State has released the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, highlighting major progress in Priority Dates for the EB-3 and F2A categories. A notable development occurred in the F2A (Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents) category, where the Final Action Date—the date that determines when a Green Card can actually be issued—leapt forward by six months, moving from February 1, 2024, to August 1, 2024. This advancement offers a shortened waiting period for families within this range, allowing many more applicants to finalize their adjustment of status or consular processing.
May Visa Bulletin for Green Card Categories
Updated USCIS Filing Fees Take Effect
As of April 1, 2026, a new and mandatory fee schedule is in effect for all USCIS filings. These changes represent a substantial increase in the cost of employment-based immigration. The filing fee for Form I-129 (H-1B) has risen to $780. Furthermore, most for-profit employers are now required to pay a new $600 “Asylum Program Fee” with each petition to help fund the cost of asylum processing. For those seeking expedited results, the Premium Processing fee has been adjusted to $2,965. Applicants must ensure they use the correct fee amounts, as incorrect payments will result in the immediate rejection of the filing.
UK Immigration News
The UK continues to refine its immigration framework by streamlining the path to permanent residency for those already residing within the country’s borders through increased digitalization.
Automatic Upgrades to Settled Status Are in Effect
On April 9, 2026, the Home Office launched an innovative automated system to convert Pre-settled Status holders to Settled Status (permanent residence). By performing automated checks of tax and benefits records, the system can now identify individuals who have maintained at least 30 months of UK residence within a five-year period. These eligible individuals are being upgraded automatically without the need to submit a formal application. However, this automation comes with increased scrutiny as the Home Office has also ramped up reviews to cancel the status of individuals who have failed to maintain their continuous residence requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I file my H-1B petition if my LCA is still pending?
No. A certified LCA is a mandatory requirement for an H-1B petition. As LCA processing takes 7 to 10 days, we recommend initiating this process immediately to ensure you meet the June 30 filing deadline.
How do I know if my UK Pre-settled Status has been automatically upgraded?
The Home Office sends a digital notification via email to individuals who have been successfully upgraded. You can also verify your current status at any time through the official “View and Prove Your Immigration Status” service on the UK government website.
Are non-profit organizations exempt from the new $600 Asylum Program Fee?
Yes. Specifically, 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations are exempt from this fee. Small employers (those with 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees) also qualify for a reduced fee of $300 rather than the full $600.
What does the leap in the F2A Final Action Date mean for my Green Card?
If your Priority Date (the date your initial petition was filed) is now earlier than the new Final Action Date of August 1, 2024, a Green Card is officially available to you. If you are in the U.S., you may be eligible to file for an Adjustment of Status (I-485).
Will my petition be rejected if I used the old fee amounts in early April?
Yes. USCIS is strictly enforcing the new fee schedule for any petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2026. Filings with incorrect fees will be returned as unfiled.
The immigration landscape in April 2026 underscores the importance of both financial planning and strict adherence to administrative deadlines. With rising costs in the U.S. and increased automation in the UK, staying informed is a requirement for lasting success.
Whether you are looking for answers and help regarding the H-1B filing season or managing your residency status abroad, our team of expert attorneys is ready to provide the professional guidance you need. For support with your application or to discuss your case, contact us at info@grapelaw.com.
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