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USCIS Reduces Validity Period from 5 Years to 18 Months for Several EAD Categories, Including AOS EADs聽
USCIS announced that it will issue聽聽EAD cards for only 18 months, reduced from five years, for applicants in several categories, including EADs issued to applicants with pending adjustment applications. Combined with the聽… Read MoreDec. 18, 2025
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Social Media Vetting Expanded to H-1B/H-4
The State Department has聽expanded social media vetting聽to include H-1B and H-4 visa applicants.聽 As of December 15, 2025, all applicants for H-1B and H-4 visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on… Read MoreDec. 18, 2025
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Public Charge Under Review: What to Know
On November 19, 2025, USCIS published a proposed rule to rescind the public charge regulation in effect since December 2022. If finalized, the rule would return public charge determinations to a case-by-case assessment based on statutory factors, including age, health, family status, financial resources, and education. This gives immigration… Read MoreDec. 15, 2025
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DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions for Many Categories
On Oct. 30,聽DHS ended聽the automatic 540-day extension of many Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for renewal. Applicants must now wait for USCIS approval before work authorization continues.聽This rule does not affect STEM OPT or TPS extensions. Since this took effect as an Interim Final Rule without a… Read MoreDec. 15, 2025
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USCIS Pauses Adjudications for 19 Countries of Concern
December 2, 2025 – Citing national security concerns following the recent attack in DC, a USCIS memo聽indicated it will pause adjudicating benefit applications for individuals from the 19 countries listed in the聽Presidential Proclamation 10949聽while it conducts a review. USCIS has stated… Read MoreDec. 10, 2025
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DHS Proposes Significant Expansion of Biometric Data Collection and Use
On November 3, 2025 DHS proposed expanding biometric data collection to include palm prints, facial and voice recognition, eye scans, and DNA. If finalized, the rule would require ongoing screening for foreign nationals with immigration benefits and extend collection to certain U.S. citizens and those under 14. You can read… Read MoreDec. 10, 2025
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USCIS Clarifies $100,000 H-1B Fee
On October 20, 2025, USCIS issued guidance clarifying the September 19 Presidential Proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigration Workers.” Valid H-1B holders abroad and most change of status, amendment, or extension petitions are exempt from the $100,000 fee. However, questions still remain. You can find an FAQ here. Read MoreDec. 10, 2025
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Proposed Weighted Selection Process for H-1B Visas
On September 24, 2025 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed replacing the H-1B lottery with a wage-based system favoring higher-paid, higher-skilled workers. Cap-exempt institutions like VU are not directly affected, but it could impact international graduates and early career professionals. 五一茶馆儿 submitted a public comment which you can… Read MoreDec. 10, 2025
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DHS Proposed Rule – Updates to Forms I-17 and I-20
On September 3, 2025 DHS proposed major revisions to Forms I-17 and I-20 to expand reporting requirements for schools and students. Examples include more data on ownership, enrollment, delivery methods, degree conferral dates, and CPT. You can find more information about the proposed changes… Read MoreDec. 10, 2025
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DHS Proposed Rule: Ending Duration of Status (D/S) for F and J Visas
On August 25, 2025, DHS proposed聽 a rule to end Duration of Status (D/S) for F and J visa holders. NAFSA has released an explainer document you can read for more details on this proposed rule. On September 29, 2025, 五一茶馆儿 submitted submitted a… Read MoreDec. 10, 2025