On June 18, 2025, the US Department of State (“DOS”) issued a statement announcing it is resuming visa services for foreign students with an updated social media policy. We had previously covered the issues students faced and the announcement by DOS on May 27, 2025 that they would not be scheduling new appointments for student visas. Under the new guidelines, which are expected to be implemented within five business days all F‑1, M‑1, and J‑1 visa applicants are instructed to set their social media profiles to “public.” The purpose? Consular officers are now expected to review “applicants’ entire online presence”, not just social media bios.
Read moreTrump Administration Intensifies Immigration Crackdowns After Colorado Attack
On June 4, 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, together with US Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) announced a plan to ramp up the review and enforcement of immigration records. Under the direction of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the plan targets visa overstays, which the Trump administration claims have increased due to what they call the Biden administration’s weak immigration policies. Since the announcement, as a result of immigration enforcement campaigns carried out by ICE there have been numerous immigration protests beginning in Los Angeles and spanning the country to the East Coast.
Read moreChanges in Student Visa Rules: What It Means for International Students
Over the last few days, the Trump Administration has introduced changes to its student visa policies, prompting concerns within academic and international communities. On May 27, 2025, the US State Department issued a directive by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructing embassies worldwide to pause the scheduling of new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories). This measure is part of a broader review aimed at enhancing the screening and vetting processes for these applicants, including the implementation of expanded social media evaluations. Notably, individuals with already scheduled interviews are not affected by this pause.
Read moreNew DHS Registration Requirement for Foreign Nationals from April 11, 2025
On April 11, 2025, a significant change to US immigration enforcement took effect. The United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), began implementing a new registration requirement for certain foreign nationals physically present in the United States for 30 days or longer. This change stems from President Trump’s January 2025 Executive Order titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion and is detailed in an Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register on March 12, 2025. This post explains what the new registration requirement entails, who it affects, and what actions foreign nationals must take to remain in compliance with US immigration law.
Read moreForeign National Students Facing Visa Revocations
Since April 4, 2025, international students in the United States on valid F-1 student visas have reported receiving notice that their SEVIS (“Student and Exchange Visitor Information System”) records had been terminated and their F-1 visas revoked—effectively leaving them without lawful status. According to The Guardian, students from more than 50 universities shared that their visas were canceled around April 4 with many noting they had never been charged with any criminal offenses. These reports follow a series of alarming developments involving the detention of foreign national students for their participation in pro-Palestine activities and the Department of State’s confirmation that over 300 student visas had been revoked. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited national interest and students’ criminal records as the basis for these actions.
Read moreUSCIS Abandons Third Gender Option
On April 2, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced it is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, for all immigration-related benefits requests and documentation. Under the guidance, “USCIS considers a person’s sex as that which is generally evidenced on the birth certificate issued at or nearest to the time of birth.” The decision will impact a variety of key documents that the USCIS issues, including green cards, employment authorization documents, and naturalization certificates.
Read moreUSCIS Completes Selections from Electronic Registrations for FY2026 H-1B Cap
On March 31, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced they had received enough initial electronic registrations for unique individuals for the fiscal year 2026 (“FY26”) H-1B cap, as well as the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap) and have randomly selected enough properly submitted registrations. The Service has completed the notifications to all employers who submitted online registrations. Those with selected registrations may begin filing H-1B cap subject petitions for FY2026 as of April 1, 2025 and the period to file their petition with the service will be at least 90 days. Petitions may be filed either on paper at the correct filing location or online at my.uscis.gov within the filing period that is indicated on the selection notice.
Read moreFY2026 H-1B Lottery Kick Off
Here we are, ready to kick off the fiscal year 2026 (“FY26”) H-1B cap. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced the initial registration period for the FY26 H-1B cap will begin at 12pm Eastern on March 7, 2025, and run through 12pm Eastern on March 24, 2025. During this registration period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to submit their H-1B registrations using online accounts and pay the required fee for each registration submitted on behalf of individual beneficiaries. The Service is maintaining its beneficiary-centric selection process launched last year for FY2025.
Read moreUSCIS Cancels COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that effective January 22, 2025, the requirement for applicants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident status to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on their Form I-693 Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record has been removed. USCIS also states that the Service will not issue Requests for Evidence (“RFEs”) or Notices of Intent to Deny (“NOIDs”) asking for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, I-485 Applications to Register Permanent Residency or Adjust Status will not be denied solely on the basis of the applicant’s failure to provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation.
New USCIS Guidance for O-1’s in the AI and Tech Fields
On January 8, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released new guidance in its policy manual clarifying how the agency assesses evidence for O-1 visa eligibility for individuals with extraordinary ability. The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as those who have achieved notable success in the motion picture or television industry, with recognition at a national or international level. The updates include detailed examples from evolving industries, particularly technology and creative sectors, recognizing the changing landscape of work and innovation, thereby allowing individuals in fields like artificial intelligence, digital media, and other emerging areas to better demonstrate their impact.
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