North America HR News Flash: Thursday, November 12, 2026

3 items, by topic: Visa & Immigration (2), AI & HR Tech (1).

Visa & Immigration

02:31 · The Economic Times

DHS proposes ending weight given to prior approvals in work visa extensions, affecting about 208,429 petitions a year

The proposal is not final; public comments close November 13, 2026.
Per Reddy Neuman Brown estimates, about 208,429 petitions a year could be affected.
Covers H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E categories; if finalized, USCIS could re-review cases where the employer and position are unchanged.

What employers should do: Follow the proposal before the November 13, 2026 comment deadline and consider submitting comments through counsel or industry groups.; Review pending visa extension cases and allow time for possible re-review.

Proposed rule

01:08 · The Sunday Guardian

DHS proposal to end deference to prior USCIS approvals could mean stricter H-1B extension checks

DHS proposes amending 8 CFR 214.1(c)(5) to remove deference to prior USCIS eligibility determinations.
Under current practice, USCIS typically defers to an earlier approval for the same worker and facts.
The proposal is not yet a regulation.

What employers should do: Monitor the proposal's progress and assess its impact on pending H-1B extension cases.

Proposed rule

AI & HR Tech

01:36

Cognizant introduces AI Builder Role Catalogue covering staff up to associate director in India and North America; US Labor Department suspends its PERM filings

Cognizant has introduced an AI Builder Role Catalogue grouping roles as current, evolving or future.
It covers employees up to associate director level in India and North America; pay structures and reporting lines will reportedly remain unchanged.
The US Labor Department said it suspended Cognizant's PERM filings and is investigating, without giving details.

What employers should do: Review PERM-related compliance requirements and check your own labor certification filings.

Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.