Federal Actions
This page highlights executive orders, policy, legislative and regulatory changes enacted by the federal government that affect visa or immigration processing and increase travel risk for our international student and scholar community. As always, we encourage members of our community to connect with a ISSO team member with any questions.
News
USDHS Proposes New OPT Fees
The US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026 entitled Optional Practical Training Fees that, if implemented, would establish an additional fee of $70,000 for a first time OPT recommendation and $30,000 fee for any subsequent OPT recommendations. This is a... More
Federal Ruling Postpones Implementation of DHS Rule To Eliminate D/S
A federal district court in Massachusetts has temporarily postponed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule seeking to replace duration of status (D/S) for F and J students and scholars with fixed periods of admission initially scheduled to become effective September 15, 2026. The nationwide preliminary relief is not a... More
New USDHS Rule Eliminates F and J Duration of Status (D/S)
The US Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) published new regulations today that will impact all F-1 student and J-1 exchange visitor categories. Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media is expected to... More
Federal Court Ruling Mandates USCIS to Resume Processing Applications From Travel Ban Nationals
DHS announced in January 2026 that they were pausing all nonimmigrant processing at USCIS Service Centers (petitions for extensions, changes of status, employment authorizations etc.) for nationals from the 39+ travel ban countries until DHS could establish new vetting procedures. See ISSO news for more details. On June 5, 2026, More
US DOS Transitions to Visa-Processing Hubs in Africa
The U.S. State Department (DOS) is consolidating visa processing in Africa beginning in June 2026. They are shifting visa processing from 50 consular posts to 20 designated regional hubs as part of a broader immigration policy to increase scrutiny according to an internal memorandum obtained by the Associated Press. Routine visa... More