Federal Policy Updates
The University is monitoring changes in federal policy and potential effects on international students. Refer to the Office of the Provost for the latest updates.
USCIS Update: Photo and Biometrics Requirements
January 27, 2026
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…
USCIS Increases Premium Processing Fees
January 10, 2026
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…
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…
Update on USCIS Review of Certain Benefit Applications
December 15, 2025
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…
Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence
September 8, 2025
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…
DHS Proposes Changes to Duration of Status
September 3, 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, would then…
USCIS Expands Discretionary Factors in Benefit Requests
September 2, 2025
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…
Upcoming Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Policy
August 1, 2025
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…
Visa Reciprocity Updates
July 31, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has made recent updates to the visa reciprocity schedule that may impact F and J visa holders from certain countries. These updates change the validity period of visas and the number of permitted entries for citizens of certain countries. What Is Visa Reciprocity? Visa reciprocity refers to the practice of…
Alert: Possible Online I-765 Filing Fee Error for OPT and STEM OPT Applicants
July 23, 2025
We have received reports that the online I-765 application may be incorrectly calculating the filing fee. If you’re an F-1 student applying for OPT or STEM OPT, this issue could affect your application process. About the Filing Fee Error Students have reported that the online I-765 application is not charging the correct filing fee. According…
Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants
June 26, 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 6, 2025
On June 04, 2025 U.S. 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…
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…