October Reflections & Looking Ahead
As October comes to a close and we move into the final months of 2026, we hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall season here in New England!
The immigration landscape continues to evolve, bringing new developments, policy updates, and important considerations for individuals, families, and employers navigating the U.S. immigration system.
At Foster Immigration, we remain committed to helping our clients stay informed and prepared as these changes unfold. In this month's newsletter, we highlight some of the latest immigration news, share updates from our firm, and offer helpful insights as we approach the holiday season and the end of the year.
Thank you, as always, for your continued trust in our team!
Note from the Attorney
As we approach the end of 2026, now is a good time to review immigration deadlines and prepare for upcoming travel.
Foreign nationals planning international trips should check passport validity, visa expiration dates, and any visa stamping requirements well in advance, as consular delays may affect return travel.
Employers should also review upcoming visa expirations and anticipated extensions to ensure timely filings.
A little advance planning can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother start to the new year.
As always, the Foster Immigration team is here to help!
Foster Immigration Highlights
Team Highlight: Congratulations, Justin!
We are proud to share that our Associate Attorney (pending MA admission), Justin Rapaport, received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Advanced Legal Writing from New England Law | Boston.
This recognition reflects Justin’s outstanding legal writing skills, dedication to his studies, and commitment to professional growth.
Please join us in congratulating Justin on this well-deserved achievement!
Halloween Fun at Foster Immigration!
On Friday, October 30th, the Foster Immigration team got together for a festive Halloween lunch! It was a wonderful opportunity to take a break from our busy schedules, enjoy some good food, and spend quality time together.
Moments like these remind us that a strong team is built not only through hard work and dedication, but also through laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Here's to a wonderful team and more opportunities to celebrate together!
Immigration News: Policy Updates, Agency Guidance & Practical Insights
October 2026 Visa Bulletin: Employment-Based Green Card Updates
The U.S. Department of State released its October 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking the beginning of fiscal year 2027 and bringing encouraging advancements in several employment-based immigration categories.
Notably, China experienced significant forward movement in several employment-based categories. India also saw encouraging progress in certain categories, potentially allowing more applicants to move forward with their green card applications.
Importantly, USCIS confirmed that applicants could use the Dates for Filing chart for employment-based Adjustment of Status applications in October, potentially opening the door for more individuals to take the next step toward permanent residence.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor their priority dates and consult with immigration counsel to determine their eligibility for filing.
H-1B Employers: Staying Ahead of Compliance Requirements
As employers plan for the final months of 2026, reviewing H-1B employee records and upcoming expiration dates remains essential.
Changes in work locations, job duties, or employment conditions may require additional immigration-related action. Employers are encouraged to review these changes with immigration counsel before implementation to help maintain compliance and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Legal Disclaimer: This newsletter may be considered attorney advertising under the rules of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Receipt of this newsletter does not create an attorney–client relationship with Foster Immigration, a trade name of PampaninFoster, LLC. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.