Category: Government Update

On May 22, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would start approving I-485 Applications to Adjust Status (“permanent resident” or the “green card” application) only in “extraordinary circumstances.” Under this updated policy guidance, USCIS officers may treat Adjustment of Status as an “extraordinary” form of relief and to generally expect applicants to complete immigrant visa processing through a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the United States through consular processing. Does this affect F and J international students?…

On December 12, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a photo and biometrics update outlining new requirements for how photographs may be submitted and reused for immigration benefit applications. USCIS no longer accepts self-submitted photographs and now limits when applicants can reuse previously taken photos. USCIS now accepts only photographs taken at an Application Support Center (ASC) during a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA), or by other USCIS-authorized entities. This guidance is effective immediately and applies to all benefit…

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an increase to USCIS premium processing fees, including fees that affect F-1 and J-1 students and their dependents. These changes reflect inflation from June 2023 through June 2025 and are authorized under the USCIS Stabilization Act, which allows fee adjustments every two years. When the New Fees Apply The updated fees take effect on March 1, 2026. Any premium processing request postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 must include the new…

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 in the U.S. or those students with a valid F-1 or J-1 visa prior to the effective date of the updated proclamation. The proclamation is…

On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued updated guidance stating that some immigration benefit applications are paused for individuals of certain nationalities, including F- and J students, based on country of birth, nationality, and travel documents. On December 2, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy memorandum (PDF) directing additional review of certain immigration benefit applications. USCIS has directed officers to hold some pending immigration benefit applications, possibly including OPT, STEM OPT, and change of status. This…

On September 06, 2025 the Department of State announced updated guidance on the adjudication of nonimmigrant visas including F and J student categories. Applicants for these visas should now schedule and attend their visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate. While this guidance has been recently updated by the Department of…

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, would then require government approval. This is only a proposed rule at this stage and is not in effect. The federal government is currently accepting public comments…

On August 19, 2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated policy guidance that clarifies how officers evaluate discretionary factors when adjudicating certain immigration benefit requests. This  includes applications for changes of status, reinstatement, and employment authorization. What are the key updates? Anti-Americanism as a Negative Factor: USCIS now explicitly considers whether an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group, including those who support or promote anti-American ideologies… or antisemitic…

Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly reduce the scope of the visa interview waiver program that has been in place in an expanded form since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those renewing F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad. This change marks the end of the broad flexibility previously available to many international students. Changes will likely…