Ukraine TPS Employment Authorization Extended Through October 19, 2026
USCIS has issued an important update for Ukrainian nationals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
For eligible TPS recipients whose renewal applications remain pending and who have not yet received a new EAD with category A-12 or C-19, USCIS is extending certain expired employment authorization documents through October 19, 2026.
Eligible employees may use their expired EAD together with the USCIS extension notice for Form I-9 purposes. Employers should enter October 19, 2026, as the applicable expiration date and follow USCIS guidance when completing I-9 or E-Verify records.
DOJ Charges 11 People in Major Marriage Fraud Investigation
Federal prosecutors have charged 11 individuals in an alleged nationwide marriage fraud operation that arranged more than 1,000 sham marriages over roughly a decade. Foreign nationals, primarily Chinese citizens, allegedly paid facilitators as much as $100,000 for sham marriages and fraudulent green card assistance.
Authorities allege the network staged wedding photographs and arranged for participants to open genuine joint accounts, file joint tax returns, and obtain insurance — real records created to support the fraud — while coaching participants before USCIS interviews. The scheme generated tens of millions of dollars.
Consequences are severe: INA § 204(c) permanently bars approval of any future immigrant petition, and participants face inadmissibility and removability for fraud. U.S. citizens are exposed too, facing up to five years plus a conspiracy count carrying up to 10 years.
FinCEN Ends BOI Reporting Requirements for U.S. Companies
FinCEN has finalized a rule permanently removing beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements for U.S. companies and U.S. persons.
The rule became effective on August 14, 2026, eliminating obligations that had affected millions of small business owners under the Corporate Transparency Act. The final rule adopts the exemptions set out in the interim final rule issued in March 2025, making the rollback permanent.
FinCEN also announced that it will delete previously reported information associated with U.S. persons who are now exempt. Certain foreign entities, however, remain subject to BOI reporting requirements, including reporting information concerning foreign individuals. The new rule also addresses FinCEN IDs, foreign company applicants, and foreign pooled investment vehicles.
The changes may significantly reduce compliance obligations for many U.S. businesses, but foreign entities can still have reporting responsibilities.
Takeaway
Immigration and business regulations continue to change quickly, creating new deadlines, compliance requirements, and opportunities.
Don’t leave your immigration or business matters to chance. Shamayev Business Law offers a Free case evaluation to help you understand your options and determine the right next steps.
This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. It summarizes publicly available government announcements as of August 20, 2026, and does not reflect any developments occurring after that date. Agency guidance, deadlines, and designation dates described here — including the Ukraine TPS designation period — may change. Descriptions of pending criminal charges reflect allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this post or by contacting the firm through this website. For advice regarding your particular situation, please consult a licensed attorney.
