If you're planning to visit, study, work, or exchange ideas in the United States, recent updates to the visa application process are important to know. Starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has revised its non-immigrant visa interview waiver policy, affecting applicants across various visa categories.
Read MoreIf you're planning to study in the U.S., there’s an important update you need to know: in 2025, the State Department expanded social media screening requirements for student visa applicants (F, M, and J visas). These changes affect what foreign students must do, how consulates evaluate applications, and how careful you need to be with your online presence.
Below is what is confirmed so far, what it means for you — and how Borderless Counsel helps applicants navigate these new rules.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to implement significant changes to the employment-based green card system, aiming to modernize and clarify eligibility and evidentiary requirements for high-skilled foreign professionals. These proposed changes, expected to be published by January 2026, could reshape how individuals with extraordinary abilities and outstanding professors/researchers qualify for permanent residency in the United States.
Read MoreIf you’re planning to study abroad in 2025 — especially in the UK, EU/Schengen, or Canada — there are several recent policy changes and visa rule updates you should know. These can affect everything from how long you can stay after courses, to how many students are accepted, to the financial proof you need. Knowing these changes can help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Read MoreIn September 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed John A. Squires as the new Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). He steps into the role at a time when patent eligibility, artificial intelligence, and fraudulent trademark filings are hot issues for innovators and entrepreneurs.
For startups, leadership changes at the USPTO can directly affect how quickly applications move, how intellectual property is protected, and how disputes are resolved. Here’s what we know so far — and what it might mean for business owners and founders.
Read MoreThe Trump administration’s new H-1B policy marks one of the most significant changes to the program in years. With a $100,000 fee for many new applications outside the U.S., employers will face tougher choices, and international professionals—including those from Bahrain and the Middle East—will encounter new barriers.
For those considering H-1B sponsorship, careful planning, early clarification with employers, and exploring alternative pathways will be more important than ever.
Read MoreStarting a business often begins with an idea — a product you believe in, a service you want to offer, or a solution to a problem you’ve seen firsthand. But taking that idea from concept to a secure, functioning business requires more than passion and a business plan. Protecting your startup legally is a step many founders overlook until it’s too late.
Here’s how working with a lawyer can help you safeguard your startup from day one.
Read MoreFor decades, moving to the United States, Canada, or Europe was seen as the golden ticket to a better life. People left behind their homes, careers, and families in search of safety, stability, and opportunity in “the West.”
But in 2025, that picture is starting to change. Immigration to many Western countries is slowing down—and in some places, even reversing. For families and professionals who once dreamed of life abroad, the West doesn’t feel as welcoming, or as stable, as it used to.
Read MoreStarting a business is exciting—especially if you’re forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). But one question many solo entrepreneurs ask is:
“If I’m the only owner of my LLC, do I really need an operating agreement?”
The short answer: Yes, you do.
Even if you’re a single-member LLC, having an operating agreement is not just a formality—it’s a key legal and business tool. Let’s break down why.
Remote work has made the world feel smaller. Today, even solo entrepreneurs and small U.S. businesses can hire top talent from anywhere—whether it’s a developer in Eastern Europe, a designer in South America, or a virtual assistant in Asia.
But once you’ve found the right person, the big question is: how do you pay them legally and compliantly?
This is where many U.S. companies (especially startups and remote-first businesses) get stuck. Let’s break it down in plain English.
Read MoreYou’ve found the perfect business name—only to see the .com domain already taken. Can you still trademark it? The answer is yes, but there are important rules to understand. Domain names and trademarks are separate systems, so you’ll need to approach each strategically to protect your brand.
Read MoreWhether you’re working with a client in your city or halfway around the world, a written contract is one of the most important tools for protecting yourself and your work.
It doesn’t matter if the job is small or the client is someone you’ve known for years—skipping a contract leaves you vulnerable to misunderstandings, missed payments, and project disputes.
When work crosses borders, the stakes are even higher. Different time zones, currencies, and legal systems can make resolving conflicts more complex and costly.
Read MoreIn 2025, it’s easier than ever to find amazing freelance talent across borders—graphic designers in Colombia, developers in India, marketing pros in the Philippines. But while working with international freelancers is great for your business, it also comes with real legal risks if you don’t set things up properly.
Here’s what you need to know before hiring a freelancer in a different country—to protect your money, your brand, and your peace of mind.
Read MoreIn 2025, social media is where most brands build visibility—and where scammers, competitors, and counterfeiters are waiting to piggyback off your success.
If someone is copying your brand on Instagram—using your logo, name, content, or pretending to be your business—don’t panic. There are clear legal steps you can take to document the infringement, get content removed, and protect your rights going forward.
Let’s walk through exactly what to do.
Read MoreAs global business becomes more interconnected, the need for efficient, expert, and enforceable dispute resolution across borders is greater than ever. While the United States has long led in commercial litigation infrastructure, three international hubs—Dubai, Singapore, and London—are rising (or maintaining dominance) as premier destinations for resolving cross-border business disputes.
This article explores how each of these jurisdictions is building a legal ecosystem that caters to multinational corporations, investors, and legal professionals seeking clarity, speed, and enforceability in commercial disputes.
Read MoreThe rise of business courts is reshaping how companies approach litigation in the U.S. and abroad. These courts provide efficiency, legal clarity, and access to judges who understand the complexities of business. As this model spreads globally, companies have more options than ever to resolve disputes fairly and effectively.
For legal teams, general counsel, and executives, knowing where these courts exist—and how to navigate them—could be the difference between drawn-out litigation and a streamlined resolution. In a world where time, cost, and certainty matter, business courts may be the new normal.
Read MoreIn 2025, artificial intelligence is doing more than writing emails and social media content—it’s now being used to draft legal contracts. With tools like ChatGPT, Harvey AI, and other legal tech platforms widely available, many startups, creators, and small businesses are turning to AI for quick and low-cost agreements.
But here’s the big question:
Should you trust AI to write your contracts—without a lawyer?
Let’s break down what AI can (and can’t) do, and what recent legal developments reveal about the risks.
Each year, the H-1B visa lottery leaves many qualified professionals in limbo. If you weren't selected in the 2025 cycle, you're not alone—and importantly, you're not without options. Let's explore viable pathways to keep your American dream alive.
Read MoreIf you're running a business outside the U.S. and looking to protect your brand here, heads up: the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has tightened the rules, and a lot of international applicants are finding themselves caught off guard.
Over the past few years, the USPTO has seen a big spike in foreign trademark filings — especially from fast-growing e-commerce businesses and overseas startups. Unfortunately, not all of those applications were on the up and up. Fake product photos, shady filing services, and misused attorney credentials became a real problem. So now? The USPTO is pushing back — hard.
Let’s break down what’s happening, and more importantly, what you should do if you're an international entrepreneur trying to register a trademark in the U.S. in 2025.
Read MoreFor thousands of international students, coming to the United States on an F-1 student visa is more than just about earning a degree—it’s about building a life and a future. But transitioning from student to permanent resident isn’t simple. The path from F-1 visa to green card in 2025 involves multiple steps, different visa options, and a good deal of planning.
Here’s a human-friendly, fact-based guide to help students understand how to stay in the U.S. after graduation—legally and with confidence.
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