DHS proposes ending deference in employment visa renewals
The proposal would subject every extension to a new review and is not yet in effect; the public would have until November 13, 2026, to submit comments.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to publish a proposal ending USCIS’s deference policy. If approved, extensions of H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E visas would be evaluated as new petitions.
The measure is identified as docket USCIS-2026-0529 and was signed by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The current rule would remain in place until a final rule is published.
The public comment period runs approximately through November 13, 2026. The proposal could affect Cuban professionals working in the United States on employer-sponsored visas.
DHS estimates the change would generate about 6,044 additional requests for evidence each year. Petitions receiving those requests take an average of 76 days to resolve, compared with 12 days for petitions that do not receive them.
Sources consulted
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