Stay Informed About Immigration Policy Changes
VIS actively monitors changes to U.S. immigration regulations and guidance that may affect our students, exchange visitors, and campus partners. On this page, you’ll find recent announcements from both the university and VIS, along with current immigration updates to help you make informed decisions—whether you're studying, conducting research, working in the U.S., or planning international travel.
Federal Court Vacates $100,000 H-1B Fee Requirement
June 8, 2026
A federal judge in Massachusetts has vacated the $100,000 H-1B fee requirement that was announced earlier this year. Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) is currently reviewing the available information, consulting with immigration counsel, and monitoring ongoing litigation and agency guidance to determine whether there may be any impact on future H-1B filings...
Court Orders Changes to USCIS Application Processing
June 5, 2026
A federal court has ruled that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can no longer delay immigration benefit applications solely because an applicant is from one of the countries or territories subject to current U.S. travel restrictions. The court also ended related USCIS policies that required extra review of certain cases...
Update on USCIS Review of Certain Benefit Applications
January 1, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy guidance on January 1, 2026, USCIS stating that certain immigration benefit applications are paused for individuals of certain nationalities, including F- and J students, based on country of birth, nationality, and travel documents. Find out what changed and who may be affected...
Presidential Proclamation: Expanding U.S. Entry Restrictions
December 16, 2025
On December 16, 2025, the White House announced an update to the Presidential Proclamation titled, "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States" which further expands the list of countries whose nationals will be restricted on entering the U.S. The travel restrictions should not affect students already…
USCIS Update: Photo and Biometrics Requirements
December 12, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance on December 12, 2025 regarding how photographs and biometrics are submitted and reused for immigration benefit applications. This guidance is effective immediately and applies to applications filed on or after December 12, 2025. Find out what has changed...
Presidential Proclamation Restricting H-1B Entry
Updated October 20, 2025
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation restricting entry of certain nonimmigrant workers, placing significant new conditions on H-1B travel. USCIS later clarified that the new $100,000 H-1B fee will apply only to petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025, for candidates outside the United States seeking consular or port-of-entry processing. Petitions for individuals already in the U.S....
Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence
September 9, 2025
The Department of State announced that effective immediately, applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence, except in a narrow set of circumstances, thereby limiting the relatively common practice of applying for a nonimmigrant visa as a third-country national (TCN).
DHS Proposes Changes to Duration of Status
August 28, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that would eliminate the current “duration of status” (D/S) policy for F and J international students, replacing it with a specific length of time and a fixed end date. Any updates or changes such as an extension, transfer, or change of academic program, could require…
Upcoming Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Policy
July 25, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has announced significant changes to the visa interview waiver program. Beginning September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those in F, J, and H-1B visa categories, will be required to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Here's what's changing...
Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants
June 18, 2025
On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued updated guidance implementing expanded screening and vetting procedures for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 student categories. These changes are part of broader efforts to enhance national security and ensure thorough review of applicants’ backgrounds prior to visa issuance. What is the new guidance?…
Presidential Proclamation: Restricting Entry of Foreign Nationals
June 4, 2025
President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation titled, "Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats." This proclamation establishes a full or partial entry ban on nationals from 19 countries with limited exceptions and goes into…
Temporary Pause on New Student and Exchange Visitor Visa Appointments
May 27, 2025
U.S. Department of State has temporarily paused the scheduling of new visa interviews for F and J visa applicants to allow for expanded social media screening and vetting procedures. Please know that there are indications that this pause is temporary. Here’s what you need to know...
DHS to Screen Social Media Activity
May 7, 2025
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on April 9, 2025, that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would begin considering social media activity of foreign nationals, including F and J visa holders, when evaluating immigration benefit applications. This could include applications for work authorization, change of status, or reinstatement. According to the DHS announcement, social media content…
Clarifying Immigration Registration Requirements
April 18, 2025
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14159 which introduces changes to U.S. immigration enforcement policies. The executive order clarifies registration requirements and processes for non-immigrants including those under the F or J status. The changes in this Executive Order are scheduled to take effect on April 11, 2025. What does the…
Revised Visa Interview Waiver Policy Announced
February 21, 2025
On February 18, 2025, the Department of State announced an Interview Waiver Update that changes the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an in-person visa interview waiver. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate in your…