Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday β¨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)
Exciting news: Bring your friends. Earn rewards. π
Whatβs better than attending Open Atlas Summit 2025? Doing it with your friends and getting rewarded! Join our newly launched referral program. Just share this link, and make sure your friends enter your name or email when they grab an All Access or VIP Pass.
The more you refer, the bigger the perks (from free passes, one-night hotel stay, to the Oura ring). β€οΈ
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Also, if you're a company looking to hire top immigrant talent, fill this form and join us at the Unshackled Job Fair on August 15th.
Now, onto the newsletter.
You're receiving this email, alongside 36,000+ immigrants, as part of the Unshackled weekly newsletter. Immigration is a complex world. So every Wednesday, I simplify that by sharing breaking news, free webinar invites, & latest trends. If you find value in reading it, share your unique referral code with a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. π |
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This week's TL;DR
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π UNfold: Breaking news
βUSCIS updates immigration fees under H.R.1β
USCIS will start charging new fees from July 22, 2025, based on the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill. Asylum applications will now cost $100, with an added $100 annual fee while pending. Work permits for asylum, parole, and TPS categories will cost $550 initially and $275 for renewals. TPS application fees increase to $500. These fees are mandatory, non-waivable, and apply in addition to existing USCIS fees.
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βFY 2026 H-1B cap reached, no additional selectionsβ
USCIS announced on July 18, 2025, that the FY 2026 H-1B regular cap (65,000) and masterβs cap (20,000) have been met. No further selection rounds will be held. Employers will soon receive non-selection notices via myUSCIS. USCIS will still process cap-exempt petitions, including extensions, employer changes, and concurrent employment for current H-1B workers.
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βJoseph Edlow confirmed as new USCIS directorβ
On July 15, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Joseph B. Edlow as Director of USCIS. Edlow previously served in key immigration roles at USCIS and the Department of Justice. He pledged to advance President Trumpβs immigration agenda and strengthen the legal immigration system. USCIS will continue focusing on national security and enforcing immigration laws under his leadership.
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[BONUS] New 1% remittance tax starts in 2026, only applies to cash transfersβ
A new 1% remittance tax will take effect on January 1, 2026, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But, but, the tax applies only to cash transfers (like those made at Western Union or with money orders) sent from the U.S. to another country. Online transfers, bank wires, WISE, Revolut, debit/credit card transactions are not affected. The tax applies to everyone, not just non-citizens. Check out my IG reel for a clear breakdown.
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π UNlock: Relevant resources
β[Free guide] In-depth guide on O-1A, EB-1A, and EB-2 NIW from Unshackledβ
This free guide breaks down EB-1A, O-1A, and EB-2 NIW, the top self-sponsored U.S. visa options for high-skilled professionals. Skip the H-1B lottery. Learn what each visa takes, who itβs for, and how to build a strong case. This is taken from Unshackled, co-authored by me & Sameer Khedekar. Check out the guide.β
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β[Fellowship opportunity] Fall 2025 SPC Founder Fellowshipβ
Check out a program designed for ambitious individuals ready to build in the AI era, even without an idea. The SPC Founder Fellowship offers $1M in flexible funding, deep mentorship, and a supportive cohort to help you go from founder-market fit to product-market fit. Whether you're just starting out or exploring your next big move, this opportunity is built to back bold thinkers. Apply by August 3, 2025.β
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β[Free resource] Directory of talent visa recipientsβ
Weβve curated a comprehensive directory of 100+ individuals whoβve received talent visas, built through in-depth research across multiple platforms. Whether youβre looking to connect with others in your field, learn from real success stories, or reach out for advice and collaboration, this resource is designed to support you on your journey. Explore the directory here.β
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π« UNcover: Latest trends
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πͺ UNveil: This weekβs partner
Want to help your child get into Stanford, MIT, or Columbia, without spending βΉ2 - 4 lakhs on overseas consultants? Visit openadmits.com, a platform led by mentors whoβve cracked these top schools themselves. At Open Admits, your child gets personalized, 1-on-1 guidance to file patents, launch projects, and build a standout profile that global universities look for. It's strategic, results-driven, and tailored for ambitious students. Book a free consultation, limited spots available.
(Note: Unshackled is not affiliated with Open Admits).β
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π Want to put yourself in front of 36,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
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βοΈ UNshackle: The Coachella for skilled immigrants
βUnshackled Conference 2025 is the largest and most influential event for skilled immigrants in the U.S. Come meet 1,000+ ambitious immigrants, tech leaders, founders, investors, and lawyers over 2 days in August 15-16, 2025.
Top 5 reasons to not miss the biggest party of the year:
- Get free consult from 10+ lawyers who will spend all day (Aug 16th) answering your questions - saving you hundreds of dollars in consultation fees
- Join a Job Fair where you can meet 50+ visa-friendly companies that are actively hiring and will sponsor (hosted with MigrateMate)
- Meet 40+ expert speakers. This includes former White House staff, Forbes 30U30 founders, EB-1 recipients, top investors, and influencers you follow on social media
- Join the extraordinary lounge to meet 50+ EB1/O1 recipients in one room for exclusive connections and opportunities.
- ...and relax with a stand-up comedy show by one of your favorite immigrant comedians :)
This is only the beginning.
We will continue adding ways to make this uniquely valuable for you.
Use code "NEWSLETTER10" for 10% off.
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Are you an EB-1/NIW/O-1 aspirant? Join our flagship course for $299 taught by an attorney.
We've launched three flagship courses consisting of 60+ in-depth modules that walk through every step of filing and getting an EB-1A, NIW, and O-1A. Don't worry thoughβthere's little legal jargon. This is for you if you want to escape the H-1B lottery or the 100-year green card backlog and secure your future in America based on merit. Click here to join for $299 today. π
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Until next week, stay lovely.
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Yours truly,
Soundarya π
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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 or visit the Unshackled lawyer directory with vetted lawyer recommendations.
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π Refer & get rewarded!
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