News in United States
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US July 2026 Visa Bulletin Released with Mixed Employment-Based Category Movement
The July 2026 Visa Bulletin shows advancement in EB-1 China and EB-3 China and India, while EB-1 India retrogresses and EB-2 India becomes unavailable ahead of the fiscal year reset. Other employment-based categories see limited forward movement, reflecting continued pressure on visa numbers.
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Expat Experience: Moving from Boston to the French Pyrenees
An American expat describes relocating from a corporate career in Boston to rural château life in the Vallée d'Ossau region of France. The account covers challenges and adjustments involved in making France a permanent home.
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October 15 Final Tax Filing Deadline for US Expats Who Filed Form 4868
US expats who filed Form 4868 before the June 15 deadline have until October 15 to submit their 2025 tax return and avoid late-filing penalties. The FBAR is also due on October 15, regardless of whether a US tax return is required.
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US Tax Filing Requirements for Green Card Holders Living Abroad
The IRS treats Green Card holders as US tax residents, requiring them to report worldwide income regardless of where they live. This obligation persists even when residing outside the United States.
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US Marginal Tax Rates Explained: How Additional Income Is Taxed
Marginal tax rates determine the rate applied to the highest portion of income, affecting how raises, bonuses, freelance earnings, and overseas income are taxed by the IRS. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, not total income.
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IRA Early Withdrawal Penalty Rules for US Expats Explained
Withdrawing funds from an IRA before age 59½ generally triggers a penalty from the IRS in addition to regular income tax. Certain exceptions may apply that reduce or eliminate the penalty for early access.
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Tax Guide for US Expats Living in Uruguay
Uruguay's tax rules for US expats include considerations around residency status, foreign income, and US filing obligations. The guide covers how Uruguay's territorial tax system interacts with US tax requirements for Americans living there.
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US EB-5 Unreserved Visa Cap for India Reached for FY 2026
The U.S. Department of State confirmed that as of June 5, 2026, all available EB-5 unreserved immigrant visas chargeable to India have been issued for fiscal year 2026. U.S. embassies and consulates can no longer issue EB-5 unreserved visas to Indian applicants for the remainder of FY 2026.
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Tax, Visa, and Financial Overview for Americans Moving to France
A panel of three experts covers visa options, tax obligations, and financial considerations for Americans relocating to France. Topics include US-France tax treaty implications, visa pathways, and cross-border money management.
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Timeline for Renouncing U.S. Citizenship
The process of renouncing U.S. citizenship typically takes a few weeks to over a year, depending on appointment availability, tax filing status, and processing time for final documentation. Key factors include securing a consular appointment and being current with U.S. tax obligations.
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US Senate Passes Secure America Act Allocating $69.5 Billion to DHS and DOJ
Senate Republicans passed the Secure America Act (S.2) on June 5, 2026, sending the bill to the White House. The legislation allocates $69.5 billion to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice for immigration enforcement funding.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas: Immigration Considerations for Attendees
The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins June 11, with Dallas among the host cities. Travelers attending the tournament should be aware of immigration entry requirements and preparation steps for visiting the United States.
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US Expat Tax Filing Options When the June 15 Deadline Has Not Been Met
Americans living abroad who have not completed their US tax return by the June 15 expat filing deadline have additional options available, such as further extensions. The article outlines steps for those who still need to file after the deadline passes.
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U.S. Foreign Tax Credit Rules for Americans Living Abroad
Americans living abroad who pay income tax to a foreign country may use the Foreign Tax Credit to offset their U.S. tax liability. The credit applies to eligible foreign income taxes but is subject to limitations and is not a blanket reduction.
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US Introduces $750 Optional Expedited Interview Fee for B1/B2 Visa Applicants
The US Department of State has issued a temporary final rule adding an optional $750 expedited interview fee for B1/B2 visa applicants, effective July 1 through December 31, 2026. Eligible applicants who pay the fee can secure an interview appointment within 10 business days, subject to availability.
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US Federal Court Strikes Down $100,000 H-1B Petition Fee
A US federal court ruled on June 8, 2026 that the Trump administration's $100,000 fee requirement on certain H-1B petitions is unlawful. The decision has immediate implications for employers sponsoring H-1B workers and the broader future of the fee policy.
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US Federal Court Strikes Down $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Requirement
A US federal court ruled on June 8, 2026 that the Trump administration lacked authority to impose a $100,000 fee per H-1B visa petition, vacating the policy immediately. The decision was issued by US District Judge Leo Sorokin in Boston.
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USCIS Opens Asylum Office in San Antonio, Texas
USCIS opened a new Asylum Office in San Antonio, Texas, effective May 28, 2026, to increase interview capacity for affirmative asylum applications. Applicants within the Houston Asylum Office jurisdiction may now be scheduled for interviews at either the Houston or San Antonio location.
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Delta Air Lines Launches Direct New York–Malta Route
Delta Air Lines has introduced a direct flight service between New York and Malta. The route is being discussed in the context of broader implications for Malta's connectivity, finance, and commerce.
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Foreign Tax Credit vs Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for US Expats in 2026
US citizens living abroad can use either the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which excludes qualifying foreign earnings from US taxable income, or the Foreign Tax Credit, which reduces US tax liability based on foreign taxes paid. The optimal choice depends on individual circumstances, as the two mechanisms produce different outcomes for different income situations.
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Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Limit Set at $132,900 for 2026 Tax Year
US citizens living abroad must still report worldwide income to the IRS but can exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income for the 2026 tax year using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Qualifying taxpayers must meet either the bona fide residence or physical presence test.
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US Expats with Foreign Bank Accounts: FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) Filing Requirements
US citizens and residents holding foreign bank accounts may be required to file FinCEN Form 114, also known as the FBAR, as an informational report to the US government. The filing obligation applies when aggregate foreign account balances exceed certain thresholds.
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US Federal Court Blocks DHS Policy Suspending Immigration Benefits for Nationals of 39 Countries
A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down a Trump administration DHS policy on June 5, 2026 that had suspended adjudication of asylum applications, work permits, green cards, and citizenship applications for nationals of approximately 39 countries. The court order blocks the policy, restoring processing of those immigration benefits for affected applicants.
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US travel restrictions and immigration policy changes affecting foreign nationals in summer 2026
New US travel restrictions and immigration policy changes may affect foreign nationals from certain countries traveling during summer 2026. Employers and global workforces are advised to review current entry requirements and policy updates before travel.
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Common Reporting Standard: How Financial Data Is Shared and How Tax Residency Affects Reporting
Over 100 tax authorities automatically exchange financial account data annually under the Common Reporting Standard, with the United States remaining the most notable non-participant. Changing tax residency is described as the primary legal mechanism for altering what financial information gets reported about an individual.
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DHS Proposes Rule Restricting Work Authorization for Parolees and Certain Immigrants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule that would significantly limit access to Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for parolees, deferred action recipients, and individuals with final removal orders. The proposal is framed as an effort to reduce unauthorized employment and prioritize U.S. workers.
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BAL Immigration receives top ranking in Chambers USA Guide 2026
The Chambers USA Guide 2026 has ranked BAL as a top immigration law firm in the United States, continuing a streak of national recognition spanning 14 years.
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FBAR Penalties for US Expats: What Happens When You Miss the Filing
US citizens living abroad who fail to file an FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) may face significant penalties, though voluntary disclosure before IRS contact can often result in reduced or waived penalties. The severity of consequences typically depends on timing and the circumstances of the missed filing.
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Investment Environment and Themes for US Expats in 2026
A presentation at the 2026 US Expats Financial Conference covers investment environments and themes relevant to US expats in 2026.
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DHS Memo Directs ICE Attorneys to Develop Asylum Anti-Fraud Policies
A memo from DHS General Counsel James Percival instructs ICE attorneys in the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor to establish anti-fraud policies targeting immigration attorneys who file false asylum claims in immigration court.
