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JLJ Law Group, PLLC

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JLJ Law Group, PLLC

We take the time to listen to you carefully, answer your questions, explain your legal options, and Our attorneys, Jennifer C. Ha and Linh N.

At JLJ Law Group, you can receive personal attention and representation with integrity from lawyers who recognize the importance of our work for your future. We emphasize real solutions to individual problems rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Tran-Layton are highly approachable professionals dedicated to helping clients overcome legal challenges in the areas of bankruptcy, immigration, a

nd family law. We also have experience in other practice areas including business disputes and contracts. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your legal needs and options. Please note that this page is made available for informational purposes only, and is provided with the understanding that it does not constitute the rendering of legal or other professional advice. Nothing herein (including Recommendations) should be used to form an expectation that the same results could be obtained for other clients in similar matters without reference to the specific factual and legal circumstances of each client’s case. Similarly, no representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than legal services performed by other lawyers.

09/03/2026

HOW EARLY SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR OPT?

For F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT, there are three numbers to remember: 90–60–30.

• 90 days before your program end date: The earliest USCIS may receive your Form I-765.
• 60 days after your program end date: The latest USCIS may receive it.
• 30 days after your DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS: The separate deadline for USCIS to receive your application. Missing this deadline may result in your application being denied.

⚠️ A quick reminder: Always check the program end date on your I-20. It may not be the same as your graduation ceremony date.

WHEN CAN YOU ACTUALLY START WORKING?
You may request an OPT start date beginning the day after your program ends and no later than 60 days after your program end date. However, requesting a date does not automatically authorize you to work.

You may legally begin working only after:
1. USCIS approves your OPT;
2. You receive your EAD card;
3. The start date shown on the card has arrived.

Waiting until the end of the filing window leaves little room to address a rejected filing, missing documentation, or unexpected processing delays.

Start preparing early and coordinate with your DSO before filing.

Not sure whether your OPT timeline or Form I-765 filing is on track?
Contact JLJ Law Group to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific circumstances.

General information only; does not constitute legal advice. Individual circumstances may vary.

09/02/2026

F-1 STUDENT DEADLINE ALERT: CHECK YOUR FORMS BEFORE FILING

Applying for OPT, STEM OPT, an extension of stay, a change of status, or reinstatement? An important USCIS update takes effect on September 15, 2026

Starting that day, USCIS will require new editions of Form I-765 and Form I-539, with no grace period for the previous editions.

What you need to know:
• Filing before September 15: Use the current edition only
• Filing on or after September 15: Use the new edition only
• Do not file the new edition early: USCIS will reject it if submitted before September 15
• Check your form: Verify the edition date at the bottom of each page before submitting

For OPT and STEM OPT applicants, using the wrong edition could cause a rejection and put a time-sensitive filing window at risk.

Not sure which edition to use or how this update affects your application?

Contact JLJ Law Group before filing.

Official USCIS source is provided in the comments.

General information only; does not constitute legal advice.

08/29/2026

📢 LATEST PERM PROCESSING UPDATE FROM DOL
(Data updated as of August 28, 2026)

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has updated its PERM processing times:
• Analyst Review: Currently processing cases filed in November 2025
• Audit Review: Currently processing cases filed in December 2025
• Reconsideration Requests: Currently processing requests filed in April 2026

⏳ How long is PERM processing taking now?
According to DOL, PERM applications completed in July 2026 took an average of approximately 372 days, more than 12 months.

This average is for reference only. Actual processing times may vary from case to case, especially if an application is selected for an audit or requires additional documentation.

📌 When was your PERM application filed?

Contact JLJ Law Group if you need help checking your case status or understanding where your application currently stands.

Follow our page for the latest updates on PERM, EB-3, the Visa Bulletin, and U.S. immigration cases.

Follow our page for the latest updates on PERM, EB-3, the Visa Bulletin, and U.S. immigration cases.

08/26/2026

📢 NOTICE: SOME U.S. IMMIGRANT VISA INTERVIEWS MAY BE TEMPORARILY RESCHEDULED

The U.S. Department of State has confirmed that it is conducting a training program for consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. As a result, some immigrant visa interview appointments may be adjusted or rescheduled.

The training includes guidance on case review, including the “Public Charge” standard — whether an applicant may become dependent on public benefits in the United States.

📌 What clients should know:

✅️ If you receive an email saying your interview has been postponed or rescheduled, please wait for further instructions regarding your new appointment date.

✅️ A rescheduled interview does not mean that your case has been denied or canceled.

✅️ This notice relates to interview scheduling at U.S. consular posts. Other parts of the immigration process, including PERM, I-140, USCIS, and NVC processing, do not automatically stop because of this notice.

JLJ Law Group will continue to monitor official updates and keep clients informed of any new developments.

Source: Reuters, citing information from the U.S. Department of State
Updated: August 26, 2026

08/22/2026

SEPTEMBER 2026 VISA BULLETIN: Strong Gains for Family Petitions, EB-3 Holds Steady

Here is the breakdown of the latest Visa Bulletin for September 2026.

💙 EB-3: No Movement Compared to August
Dates for both Skilled and Unskilled Workers are officially at a standstill this month. September is the final month of the US fiscal year (FY2026)—a time when visa quotas are tightest—so avoiding retrogression (dates rolling backward) is actually good news.

It is normal to feel impatient if your Priority Date is close, but holding steady is far better than losing ground. Visa Bulletin movement is never a straight line; it slows down or pauses as the Department of State balances remaining visa numbers with processing capacity.

If your date hasn't been called yet, don't stress over a one-month freeze. Keep your paperwork organized and stay ready for the new fiscal year ahead.

💚 Family-Based Categories: Solid Progress
Family-sponsored petitions had a strong month across both Chart A (Final Action Dates) and Chart B (Dates for Filing), with notable jumps in F2B, F3, and F4. For families who have been waiting years, this brings things one step closer to the finish line.

Monthly movement will always go up and down. Focus on the long-term trend rather than just a single month's update.

🌹 Congrats to everyone whose Priority Date became current this September!

📌 Save the 2 charts below to check your Priority Date.

💬 Are you waiting on EB-3, F1, F2A, F2B, F3, or F4? Drop your category below to follow the next updates together.

08/06/2026

USCIS UPDATES EVIDENTIARY STANDARDS AND RFE/NOID GUIDANCE

On August 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance concerning initial evidence, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).

Under the revised guidance, USCIS may deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing an RFE or NOID when:

▪️ Required initial evidence is missing;
▪️ The submitted documentation does not establish eligibility; or
▪️ The request lacks a legally sufficient basis for approval and additional evidence would not cure the deficiency.

What does this mean for applicants and petitioners?

The updated guidance does not eliminate RFEs or NOIDs. However, applicants and petitioners should not assume that USCIS will always provide an additional opportunity to correct an incomplete or insufficient filing.

Preparing a complete, consistent, and well-supported submission from the outset is therefore more important than ever.

🔎 Read our full analysis and practical considerations here:
https://attorneyjenha.com/en/2026/08/06/uscis-evidence-rfe-noid-guidance/

Disclaimer: This post is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

08/03/2026

COULD INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FACE A $100,000 FEE TO WORK AFTER GRADUATION?

A recent report from The Wall Street Journal says the Trump administration is considering a proposal that could involve a $100,000 fee connected to international students’ ability to work in the United States after graduation through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

The report has raised concerns among F-1 students who plan to use OPT to gain work experience directly related to their field of study.

However, one point is important: This is not a final rule.

At this time, international students are not required to pay a $100,000 fee to apply for or participate in OPT.

Several major details remain unclear, including:
• Whether the proposal will be approved
• Who would be responsible for paying the fee
• Whether it would apply to all OPT participants or only certain cases
• When or how it would be implemented

If adopted, the proposal could affect international students, U.S. universities and employers that recruit international graduates.

For now, students should avoid changing their academic or career plans based solely on headlines. Continue following official government updates and speak with your school’s Designated School Official if you have questions about your OPT plans.

Key takeaway: This is a proposal under consideration, not an existing requirement.

Have questions about how a future policy change may affect your immigration status?

Consider speaking with a qualified immigration attorney about your specific circumstances.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Weighs $100,000 Fee for Foreign Students Wanting to Work After Graduation

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

07/29/2026

🚨 USCIS RESCINDS THE 2022 PUBLIC CHARGE RULE: WHAT IMMIGRANTS SHOULD KNOW

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule rescinding the 2022 Public Charge regulation. The change will take effect on September 18, 2026.

📌 3 KEY POINTS TO KNOW:
1. Officers will have broader discretion
After the rescission takes effect, immigration officers may evaluate each applicant based on the totality of their circumstances, including age, health, family status, finances, education, skills, required financial sponsorship, and other relevant factors.

2. Receiving public benefits does not automatically lead to denial
Officers may consider the type of benefit, when it was received, and the applicant’s overall circumstances. Applicants should not cancel necessary health care or public benefits solely because of online rumors.

3. USCIS will issue a revised Form I-485
The new rule applies to adjustment-of-status applications postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026. Prior editions of Form I-485 submitted on or after that date will be rejected, so applicants should verify the accepted form edition before filing.

The public charge ground does not apply equally to every immigration category, and certain humanitarian classifications may be exempt.

🔗 Source: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-rescinds-2022-public-charge-regulation

📌 Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration eligibility depends on the specific facts of each case.

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07/26/2026

PERM DENIED BUT THEIR EB-3 JOURNEY WASN’T OVER.

After their PERM case was denied by a previous firm, this couple could have given up on their American dream.

Instead, they decided to start again.

Following a careful review of their circumstances, their EB-3 process moved forward with a new legal strategy, thorough preparation, and years of patience.

Attorney Jennifer C. Ha later personally accompanied them to their I-485 interview, providing legal support as they navigated one of the most important stages of their Green Card journey.

Their story is a powerful reminder that a PERM denial does not necessarily mean the end of the road. With a careful legal review, another appropriate path may sometimes be available.

▶️ Watch the full video to follow their journey from PERM denial to a successful outcome.

💬 Read the client’s original recommendation in the comments below.

Follow JLJ Law Group for more real client journeys, immigration updates, and practical information about the EB-3 process.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.

07/23/2026

🇺🇸 U.S. VISA UPDATE: $750 PAID EXPEDITE PILOT NOW LIVE IN MEXICO

The U.S. Department of State has launched a voluntary pilot program allowing eligible B visa applicants (tourist/business) to pay an additional $750 for an earlier interview appointment.

Applicants must first pay the standard $185 MRV fee and schedule a regular interview. If expedited appointments are available, eligible applicants may select an interview date within the next 10 business days.

⚠️ Important: The $750 fee ONLY provides an earlier appointment, subject to availability. It does NOT guarantee visa issuance or expedited visa processing.

The expedited appointment:
▪️ Is nonrefundable and nontransferable
▪️ Cannot be rescheduled
▪️ Must be paid within 10 minutes after selecting a slot
▪️ Requires a separate $750 payment for each applicant
▪️ Is not available to interview-waiver applicants

Applicants whose regular emergency appointment requests were denied may still use the Paid Expedite option if they meet the eligibility requirements.

The pilot began at the U.S. Embassy and all U.S. Consulates in Mexico on July 21, 2026, and is scheduled to continue through December 31, 2026. Additional locations may be announced.

Official source: U.S. Department of State
🔗 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/niv-visa-expedited-appointment-pilot-program.html

💬 Would you pay $750 for an earlier visa interview?

Address

332 E 3300 S, STE 201
South Salt Lake, UT
84115

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Website

http://www.attorneyjenha.com/

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