Hello Reader,
Happy Wednesday. β¨
Big week for anyone tracking immigration policy: DHS is preparing to eliminate the 60-day grace period for several nonimmigrant categories, and new USCIS data shows EB-1A approval rates have dropped to just 41.7%. We've also got hackathon prizes worth $10K+, a countdown to Open Atlas Summit, and a partner spotlight on Jumpstart.
Here's what you need to know π
The Open Atlas Weekly Bulletin
DHS Could Eliminate the 60-Day Grace Period
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EB-1A Approval Rate Falls to 41.7% in Q2 FY 2026
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Open Atlas Summit 2026 Is Almost Here
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You're receiving this email as part of the Open Atlas weekly newsletter. Immigration and global mobility can be complex. So every Wednesday, we simplify that by sharing breaking news, free opportunities, & latest trends. If you find value in reading it, forward this to a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. π |
Now, onto the newsletter.
π Immigration desk: Visa news, options & updates
The Department of Homeland Security is preparing a proposed rule that could eliminate the 60-day grace period available to certain nonimmigrant workers after their employment ends. The rule is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget and has not taken effect.
The grace period currently gives eligible E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN workers, along with their dependents, up to 60 days to find another employer, change status or prepare to leave the United States. If eliminated, workers whose employment ends early could generally be required to depart immediately unless USCIS exercises discretion. Once published, the proposal is expected to go through a 30- to 60-day public comment period before any final rule could take effect.
New USCIS data shows a sharp divide across EB-1 categories in the second quarter of FY 2026. USCIS approved 71.7% of EB-1 petitions overall, but approval rates varied significantly by subcategory: 41.7% for EB-1A, 93.8% for EB-1B and 97% for EB-1C.
For EB-1A specifically, USCIS approved 1,723 petitions and denied 2,405 between January and March 2026. The agency also ended the quarter with 27,024 EB-1A petitions pending. The numbers reinforce how much petition quality and documentation matter, particularly for self-petitioned EB-1A cases where applicants must demonstrate sustained extraordinary ability and clear impact in their field.
π«Career Resources
βWatch the Best AI for Social Good Teams Pitch Liveβ
The AI for Social Good Hackathon at Open Atlas Summit 2026, presented by Manifest, is bringing builders together to tackle real problems across immigration, healthcare, education, financial inclusion, newcomer settlement and more. After months of building, finalist teams will pitch their products live in Milpitas on Friday, August 21.
More than $10,000 in cash and prizes are available, including $2,500 for the best overall hack, a complimentary O-1 visa filing for the best immigration solution, an admissions package from GoUpBroad and prizes across financial inclusion, careers and newcomer settlement. Project submissions close August 16 at 11:45 PM PT, with finalists announced by August 19.
βReserve your spot
Open Atlas Summit returns to Milpitas on August 21β22, bringing together 1,000+ high-skilled immigrants, founders, engineers, students, attorneys and investors for two days focused on building a career and life in America.
This year includes a dedicated Job Fair and Hackathon on Friday, followed by keynotes, workshops and tactical sessions on Saturday covering immigration, FAANG hiring, startup fundraising, AI, wealth building, personal branding and alternative visa pathways. Attendees will also have access to the Legal Lounge for one-on-one conversations with immigration professionals. Student tickets are $69 and professional tickets are $119.
βReserve your spot hereβ
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Build Your U.S. Visa or Green Card Petition With Jumpstart
Jumpstart helps international founders, executives and operators prepare U.S. visa and green-card petitions across O-1, E-2, L-1, EB-1A and EB-2 NIW. Its methodology is built around USCIS adjudicator decisions, with each case going through multiple reviews before filing.
Jumpstart reports a 98% approval rate across its supported categories and aims to take clients from strategy call to a filing-ready petition in approximately three weeks. If a petition is denied, Jumpstart says it refunds its fee and provides insurance covering eligible government filing fees.
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βBook a strategy callβ
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WEBINAR ALERT
βO-1A and EB-1A Evidence Strategy With Evan Lawβ
βJoin senior U.S. immigration attorney Evan J. Law for a practical session on how USCIS evaluates O-1A and EB-1A evidence, including awards, media coverage, original contributions, critical roles, expert letters and final merits determination. Evan previously spent seven years as an appeals officer at the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office and has handled more than 1,300 cases. The session will be held online on August 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM CT and 2:00 PM PT.
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βRegister nowβ
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π Want to put yourself in front of 40,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
Until next week, stay awesome.
Yours truly,
Team Open Atlas π
π‘ None of the information shared in this newsletter is meant to be legal advice. If you're looking for legal advice, speak to a lawyer.