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
B-1 Visa Bond Pilot Program Expanded Again
The US Department of State (DOS) will add 12 more countries (Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Tunisia ) to the B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Pilot Program, bringing the total countries in the pilot to 50 effective April 2, 2026. Nationals of subject... More
Visa Processing Disruptions Due to US Military Operations Involving Iran
Recent geopolitical developments have prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue a Worldwide Security Caution following U.S. military operations involving Iran. As security conditions evolve across parts of the Middle East, several U.S. embassies and consulates have temporarily closed or limited operations. These developments may affect visa interview scheduling, More
DOS Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries
The US Department of State announced that they will pause immigrant visa processing effective January 21, 2026 for nationals from 75 countries citing concerns that some of these nationals could require financial or public charge assistance upon entering the US. It is important to understand that an immigrant visa approves... More
USCIS Announces Application Pause for Increased Vetting for Nationals of Travel Ban Countries
June 5 Update: Federal Court Ruling Mandates USCIS to Resume Processing Applications From Travel Ban Nationals Original post from Jan 9, 2026 In addition to a travel ban, USCIS announced a pause to the processing of applications submitted to USCIS for changes, extensions and benefits of status from nationals of travel ban countries... More
Final Rule on Weighted Selection of H-1B Cap-Subject Registrants
The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on December 29, 2025 entitled Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions which will become effective on February 27, 2026. The new weighted system based on salary levels will replace the current random selection process... More