🗞️Grape Law Newsletter - July 2025
Grape Law Firm PLLC
Based in Manhattan NY, Grape Law offers modern US immigration law services for its clients across the globe.
🖐️ Welcome to the July edition of Grape Law's newsletter!
This month, two major developments reshaped the U.S. immigration landscape. USCIS confirmed that the H-1B cap for fiscal year 2026 has been reached—both for the standard quota and the master’s cap. At the same time, new application fees for asylum seekers and employment authorization requests were announced, introducing additional costs that will affect thousands of applicants starting in July 2025.
July also brought exciting milestones at Grape Law. Our founding attorney, Muhammed Üzüm, was selected as a jury member for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s CO—100 program, after Grape Law's own recognition in last year’s top 100 list. Üzüm’s latest article for the AILA blog is now live, and our recent webinar on E-1, E-2, and L-1 visas offered investors and business leaders a strategic roadmap for expanding to the U.S.
In this edition, you'll find the latest policy news, visa bulletin insights, and updates from our blog and webinars. We’re also spotlighting our newest F-1 visa infographic and sharing practical answers to your most pressing immigration questions.
Enjoy reading!
🗽 U.S. Visa and Green Card News
1. FY 2026 H-1B Cap Reached
USCIS has announced that it has received enough petitions to meet both the regular cap of 65,000 and the 20,000 advanced degree exemption (master’s cap) for fiscal year 2026. Some H-1B filings remain eligible.
Highlights:
ℹ️ Cap-Exempt Filings: Petitions to extend, amend, or transfer H-1B status for existing workers are still being accepted.
ℹ️ Continuing Process: Petitions not subject to the FY 2026 cap will continue to be processed.
ℹ️ No Impact on Active H-1Bs: Individuals already counted under the cap can remain eligible for future filings.
2. USCIS Announces New Application Fees for Asylum and Work Permits
USCIS is implementing new immigration-related fees based on the H.R. 1 law, effective July 22, 2025. Applications postmarked without correct fees after August 21, 2025, will be rejected.
Highlights:
ℹ️ Asylum Fees: $100 for initial I-589 filings; an additional $100 annual fee applies if the case is pending over one year.
ℹ️ EAD Cost: $550 for initial applications; $275 for renewals. Applies to asylum, parole, and TPS categories.
ℹ️ Other Increases: TPS application fee rises from $50 to $500; a $250 fee introduced for Special Immigrant Juvenile filings.
3. Interview Waiver Narrowed for U.S. Visa Applicants
According to a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on July 25, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will be required to attend in-person interviews starting September 2, 2025.
Under the revised policy, children under 14 and adults over 79 will generally no longer be eligible for interview waivers. Unless they meet one of the limited exceptions, these applicants will now be required to appear in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Who Remains Exempt?
🍇 Grape in June
Now We Are the Jury, You Earn the Glory
Last year, Grape Law was selected as one of the top 100 companies out of more than 14,000 applicants in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s CO—100 program. This year, Grape Law’s founding attorney Muhammed Üzüm achieved a new milestone by being selected as one of the jury members who will choose the top 100 companies for 2025.
Muhammed Üzüm's New Article for AILA Blog Is Live
In his latest article for the AILA blog, Muhammed Üzüm breaks down how to build an extraordinary ability case that stands up in today’s USCIS climate. Read here.
We Covered Every Angle of the E-1, E-2 & L-1 Visas in Our Latest Webinar
In our webinar titled “Settle in the U.S. with E-1, E-2 & L-1 Visas,” we took a deep dive into the visa options available to investors looking to expand into the U.S. market, as well as to executives and managers aiming to lead and grow their business operations stateside.
👉 Watch the full recording here.
📊August Visa Bulletin
Making sense of the Visa Bulletin:
Family-based
Employment-based categories
Visa bulletin, simplified
Learn the Visa bulletin in detail below ⤵️
📄 This Month in the Grape Law Blog
With the Grape Law library, we have created a vast and comprehensive resource that expands from visa and Green Card options to types of companies in the U.S., and from insights on immigrant living in the country to the intricacies of U.S. immigration law. Here below are 3 articles compiled from GLF library.
ℹ️ Grape Infograpichs
The F-1 visa is designed for international students pursuing full-time academic or language studies in the United States. It offers a pathway to study at accredited institutions and may open doors to work opportunities during and after your education. Learn more about the F-1 visa below.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Do If My Green Card Application Is Denied?
If your Green Card application is denied, the first step is to carefully review the denial notice to understand the reason behind the decision. Depending on the situation, you may have several options: reapplying, filing a motion to reopen or reconsider, or in some cases, submitting an appeal. In certain cases, switching to a different immigration pathway may be more appropriate. Acting promptly and consulting with an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the next steps effectively.
ℹ️ Practical Information
How to Create a USCIS Account?
Setting up a USCIS account is one of the most efficient ways to track your immigration process online. Visit the official USCIS website, click on “Sign Up,” and register using your email address and a secure password. Once verified, your account will allow you to monitor your case status, upload documents, and receive updates directly from USCIS in one centralized platform.
🧐U.S. Immigration Tips
Properly Document Your E-2 Investment
A successful visa interview requires clear, concise, and truthful answers to consular officer questions. Prepare organized documentation supporting your visa category and clearly articulate your intended purpose in the U.S. Demonstrating strong ties to your home country and confidence in your responses significantly boosts your chances of approval.
💻Upcoming Webinars
You are invited! Settle in U.S. with E-1, E-2 & L-1 Visas
Are you looking to expand your investments to the United States? Or are you already doing business with the U.S. and want to manage and grow your operations on the ground?
Join our exclusive webinar to learn how the E-1 Treaty Trader, E-2 Treaty Investor, and L-1 Intra-Company Transfer visas can help you reach your business and expansion goals in the U.S.
Register and reserve your spot below ⤵️
📩 For all your questions and requests about immigration and business matters in the U.S., you can send an email to info@grapelaw.com, or get in touch with us here.
Until the next edition, take care!👋