Contreras Law Group, LLC

08/07/2026

Every immigration case begins with hope.

For some, it's the hope of reuniting with family.

For others, it's the hope of building a business, creating jobs, earning citizenship, or giving their children opportunities they never had themselves.

Behind every petition, every application, and every interview is a person—or an employer—with goals, sacrifices, and dreams for the future.

Immigration law is about more than forms and deadlines. It's about helping people move forward.

At Contreras Law Group, we're grateful to be part of those journeys every day.

Whether we're helping an employer build their workforce, a family reunite, or a client take the Oath of Allegiance, we're reminded that every approval represents a new beginning.

Here's to new opportunities, new beginnings, and the people courageous enough to pursue them.

08/05/2026

How early should employers start preparing for an April 1 H-2B season?

Earlier than many realize.

One of the first steps in the H-2B process is obtaining a Prevailing Wage Determination from the U.S. Department of Labor. That determination is required before the labor certification can be filed and typically takes at least one month to receive.

But timing isn't the only reason to start early.

Preparing a strong H-2B petition takes more than completing forms. It takes time to evaluate your business operations, determine the appropriate temporary need category, identify the strongest supporting evidence, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

After 17 years dedicated to the H-2B program and thousands of petitions filed across a wide variety of industries, we've learned that every employer's case is unique. Often, we're able to identify evidence and develop strategies that employers hadn't considered, helping present the strongest possible case for temporary need.

To ensure we have sufficient time to properly prepare each petition, our deadline for accepting new H-2B cases with April 1 (or earlier) start dates is September 1.

If you're planning to hire H-2B workers next spring, now is the time to start the conversation.

08/03/2026

🚨 Student Visa Update

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule that will significantly change how many F-1, J-1, and I visa holders are admitted to the United States.

For years, many international students were admitted for "Duration of Status (D/S)," allowing them to remain in the U.S. as long as they maintained their status. Under the new rule, many students will instead receive a fixed admission period, which may require some students to apply for an extension with USCIS if they need additional time to complete their program.

Although the new rule does not affect every student in the same way, it places an even greater importance on understanding your admission period, maintaining your status, and planning ahead.

If you are currently studying in the United States—or plan to in the future—it's important to understand how these changes could affect you.

📖 Read our latest blog for a detailed explanation of the new rule, who it affects, and what international students should do next.

🔗 Read the full article: https://contreras-lawgroup.com/f/dhs-ends-duration-of-status-for-f-and-j-visa-holders

📞 Questions? Contact Contreras Law Group to discuss your options.

07/31/2026

Many employers focus on explaining why they need H-2B workers—but equally important is proving it with objective evidence.

The Department of Labor and USCIS expect employers to support their temporary need with documentation, not just statements.

Depending on your business, this may include:
✔ Customer contracts
✔ Invoices
✔ Payroll records
✔ Production or sales data
✔ Historical business trends

No two H-2B cases are exactly alike. The strongest petitions are tailored to the employer's business and supported by evidence that clearly demonstrates the temporary need.

With 17 years of experience focused on the H-2B program and thousands of petitions filed across a wide range of industries, we've learned that the best evidence isn't always the most obvious. Every business is different, and there are often ways to demonstrate temporary need that employers haven't considered.

One of the most valuable parts of our process is working with employers to understand their operations, identify the strongest available evidence, and develop a strategy that presents their temporary need as clearly and persuasively as possible.

If you're planning to file for the upcoming H-2B season, now is the time to begin gathering documentation.

07/28/2026

A new USCIS rule allows certain affirmative asylum cases to be referred directly to immigration court without an interview.

By: Michele A. Contreras, Esq.  

07/28/2026

DHS is ending “duration of status” for F and J visa holders and replacing it with fixed admission periods.

By: Michele A. Contreras, Esq.  

07/28/2026

A new $750 pilot program may allow certain B-1/B-2 applicants to obtain faster visa interview appointments.

By: Michele A. Contreras, Esq.  

07/20/2026

At Contreras Law Group, our mission is simple: helping employers, businesses, and families navigate the U.S. immigration system with confidence.

We know that immigration is more than paperwork- it's about people, livelihoods, and opportunities. Whether we're helping an employer secure a seasonal workforce, sponsoring a professional through PERM, or guiding a family toward permanent residence or U.S. citizenship, we're committed to providing practical legal solutions and exceptional client service.

Thank you to our clients and referral partners for trusting us to be part of your journey.

07/17/2026

The Department of Labor has released the assignment groups for H-2B applications filed during the July 3–5 filing window for October 1, 2026 start dates.

Although Assignment Group A alone contains enough worker positions to reach the regular cap, that does not mean employers in Group B are out of the running.

Historically, many Group B employers have ultimately received visas as cases ahead of them were delayed, withdrawn, or reduced during processing. In our experience, every Group B case filed by Contreras Law Group has ultimately received visas.

We're optimistic that many Group B employers will have the same opportunity this year.

This is also why preparation matters. Applications that are complete, accurate, and supported by strong documentation are better positioned to continue moving through the process while other cases resolve Notices of Deficiency or other processing issues.

As demand for H-2B workers continues to increase each year, experienced legal representation has never been more important.

To everyone waiting on the next steps in the process—we'll continue monitoring developments and keeping our clients informed.

07/15/2026

At Contreras Law Group, immigration law isn't just what we do—it's our passion.

We are committed to helping employers grow their businesses, families stay together, and individuals achieve their immigration goals through knowledgeable, practical legal representation.

Whether you're an employer navigating a complex employment-based immigration process or a family pursuing permanent residence or U.S. citizenship, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We believe every client deserves clear communication, thoughtful legal strategy, and personalized service.

Thank you to our clients and referral partners for trusting us to be part of your immigration journey.