Ahran McCloskey

Ahran combines her nearly two decades of government service with perspectives on global mobility gained from living and studying in Asia, Europe, and Canada to help companies and individuals with the full spectrum of immigration issues – from petition to visa to enforcement.

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FY 2027 H‑1B lottery selections have been announced: What happens next?

By Ahran McCloskey on April 1, 2026

On March 31, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it had completed its initial round of selections for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. This marks the first cap season in which USCIS applied its new weighted selection process which favors the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-paid individuals. Whether a registration was selected or not, there are important steps for employers and prospective H-1B beneficiaries to consider in the weeks ahead.

New weighted selection process for Cap‑Subject H-1B Petitions

By Ahran McCloskey on January 7, 2026

On Dec. 29, 2025, the Federal Register published a final rule titled “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap‑Subject H-1B Petitions,” announcing a major transformation of how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allocates H‑1B visas under the annual cap when random selection is required. Random selection is only implemented when USCIS receives more registrations (or petitions) than it projects to meet the numerical allocations. This final rule becomes effective on Feb. 27, 2026 and will be in effect for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 registration process.

New compliance obligations under H-1B proclamation effective Sept. 21

By Ahran McCloskey on September 20, 2025

On Sept. 19, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a Proclamation significantly restricting the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers. As details about the impact of the Proclamation will continue to emerge over the coming days, our current understanding is that it does not affect beneficiaries of approved petitions or those who are in possession of valid H-1B nonimmigrant visas. We understand that the ability of current H-1B visa holders to leave the United States and re-enter is not affected. According to current White House information, the entry restriction will first be applied to beneficiaries who are the recipients of H-1B cap numbers after the next lottery cycle in 2026. Our understanding of the Proclamation will continue to evolve as more detail is shared about its impact and intent, so we encourage you to regularly check back here for updates and clarifications.