Sophie Zhang Teamat Reid & Wise · Immigration

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✦ Insights

Briefings & analysis
on U.S. immigration.

A small selection of recent posts from the Sophie Zhang Team's policy and practice briefings. Topics range from USCIS adjudication trends to lottery results, fee changes, and case-strategy guidance for founders, investors, and exceptional-ability candidates.

Regulatory update
Automatic EAD Extensions Have Ended: Renew Early, and Make the Green Card the Real Plan
You filed your work permit renewal, but can you keep working once the old card expires? A new DHS rule ends automatic extensions for many EAD categories. We explain who is affected, when to renew, and how concurrent EB-5 filing can secure a work permit on the way to a green card.
November 8, 2026
Regulatory update
The H-1B Landscape Now: The Lottery, Job Changes, Layoffs, and Visa Stamping Under the Latest Rules
A wave of H-1B changes has arrived at once. We separate the rules already in effect, the fees limited by court rulings, and the proposals still under review, and walk through the lottery, job changes, the layoff grace period, and visa stamping.
September 23, 2026
Guide
Expanding Into the U.S.: Choosing Work Visas for Executives and Technical Staff
Setting up a U.S. team? This guide walks through the L-1, H-1B, and O-1 options for executives and key technical staff, starting from how the company actually plans to staff the business, and how to bridge status for people already in the U.S.
September 11, 2026
Guide
Compelling Circumstances EAD: What H-1B Employees Facing a Layoff Need to Know
Lost your H-1B job while stuck in the green card backlog? The Compelling Circumstances EAD can keep you working, but job loss alone rarely qualifies and approval carries real trade-offs. Here is who qualifies, what counts as compelling, and what happens after.
August 13, 2026
Regulatory update
USCIS Tightens Discretionary Review of I-485 Applications: How Should Applicants Respond?
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued a new policy memo tightening discretionary review of I-485 adjustment applications, raising new risks for green card applicants in the U.S.
May 31, 2026

These summaries are general; your circumstances may differ. For situation-specific advice, please reach out.

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