News
Additional SEVP Guidance Further Restricts CPT Eligibility
In response to updated guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) narrowing standards for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) eligibility, ISSO will pause on certain CPT approvals in order to review institutional practices and academic program requirements. SEVP sent the following broadcast emails to all Designated School Officials (DSOs)... More
Proposed Fee for Cap Subject H-1 Petitions
The US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on August 25, 2026 entitled Fee for Certain H-1 Petitions that would establish an additional fee of $103,265 on all initial H‑1B cap‑subject petitions including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption that would be paid... More
New SEVP Guidance on CPT Eligibility
Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent a broadcast email to all Designated School Officials (DSOs) on August 12, 2026, restricting the definition of the term “integral” in current regulations to tighten guidance for authorizing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F-1 students. The message emphasized that CPT must be essential to... More
Immigration Enforcement Efforts in Domestic U.S. Travel
Several media outlets have reported expanded ICE activity at US airports including speculation that that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its use of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger data to target domestic air travelers, raising risks for both undocumented individuals and certain nonimmigrant visa holders. Reports indicate... More
ISSO Scholar Communiqué – August 2026
New & Improved ISSO Website Launched, New USCHS Rule Eliminates J-1 and F-1 Duration of Status (D/S) 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 Vacates $100,000 H-1 Fee
President Trump established a new $100,000 fee for employers seeking H-1 approval from USCIS to employee foreign nationals outside of the U.S. in fall of 2025. See ISSO news for more details. On Monday, June 8, 2026 the Federal District Court for Massachusetts in a lawsuit brought by the State... 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
New DHS Policy Could Limit Adjustment to Permanent Resident Status
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy memorandum that seeks to clarify how officers should exercise discretion when reviewing I-485 adjustment of status (AOS) applications from non-immigrants physically present inside the US seeking to change to permanent residence status (green card). The adjustment of status (AOS) is... More