On September 14, Judge Saylor of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts has issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction, postponing the effective date of the Duration of Status (D/S) final rule nationally. As a result, the final rule and new regulations will not go into effect on September 15, 2026. This is not a permanent change. The effective date of federal regulation to eliminate D/S is postponed “pending further order of this court or resolution of…
Category: Government Update
Government updates and notifications
Follow up on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy
As previously reported, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message on August 24, 2026 that provided all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and clarified their earlier CPT guidance sent to DSOs on August 12. After consultation with UW leadership as well as the Attorney General’s office, International Student Services (ISS) will continue to pause CPT approvals that are not required for all students participating…
Update on Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Policy
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issued a Broadcast Message on August 24, 2026 that provided all Designated School Officials (DSOs) with guidance regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT) policy and clarified their earlier CPT guidance issued on August 12. These messages communicate a narrower interpretation of when CPT may be considered an “integral part” of an established curriculum. Among other points, SEVP is indicating that CPT should only be authorized when the practical…
USCIS Announces New Editions of Forms I-539 and I-765
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce revised editions of Form I-539 and Form I-765 on September 15, 2026. The new forms reflect changes under the federal rule replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission for F and J nonimmigrants. The revised forms are: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: Edition dated 09/15/26 Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: Edition dated 09/15/26 F and J students and alumni use Form I-539 to extend or…
USCIS Revises Policy on RFEs and NOIDs
On August 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced updated policy guidance on evidence requirements, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs). The policy is effective immediately as of August 5, 2026 and applies to benefit requests pending or filed on or after that date. Under the updated guidance, USCIS officers have greater discretion to deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing an RFE or NOID if required initial evidence is missing or…
DHS Publishes Final Rule Replacing Duration of Status
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the final rule that will replace “duration of status” (D/S) with fixed periods of admission for F and J nonimmigrants. The final rule does not take effect until September 15, 2026. Under the current duration of status framework, most F-1 and J-1 students may remain in the U.S. for the time needed to complete their academic program or authorized practical training, provided they continue to meet all immigration requirements. The final…
Update on USCIS Review of Certain Benefit Applications
Most recent update: A U.S. federal judge has declared U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Benefits Hold Policy, Asylum Hold Policy, Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, and Country-Specific Factors Policy to be unlawful. The June 5 decision vacates the USCIS policy to halt all benefit requests for applicants from “high-risk” countries subject to an entry ban; the policy affected applications including F-1 Optional Practical Training, changes and extensions of status, and other USCIS-reviewed benefits affecting UW students and scholars. The decision is believed…
USCIS Announces New Policy on Adjustment of Status
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?…
Preparing for Possible Changes to Duration of Status (D/S)
You may recall our update last September regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to Duration of Status (D/S) and how the length of stay is managed for F and J students entering the U.S. While no final rule has been announced yet, we expect it to be published soon. At this stage, nothing has changed and current rules and guidance remain in effect. Once the final rule is published, the elimination of D/S could affect how long students…
USCIS Update: Photo and Biometrics Requirements
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…