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Immigration Policy Updates & Resources

Stay informed with the latest U.S. immigration policy updates and resources tailored for international students and scholars on visas sponsored by Loyola University Chicago. This page is managed by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and is intended to provide timely announcements, regulatory changes, and support to help you maintain status and navigate evolving requirements.

DHS Final Rule to Eliminate Duration of Status

DHS Final Rule on Duration of Status Will Go Into Effect September 15, 2026

Review the final rule and other helpful links here:

The final DHS rule replaces "duration of status" (D/S) admissions with fixed expiration dates on Form I-94s, requires most F and J nonimmigrants to file extension applications with USCIS to remain in status, shortens the F-1 grace period from 60 to 30 days for new admissions, and limits changes to educational objectives.

Brief Overview of Key Changes

  • Fixed Admission Periods (Effective September 15, 2026): F and J nonimmigrants will receive a Form I-94 with a fixed "Admit Until Date" (AUD) based on their program end date (up to four years), plus a 30-day grace period.
  • Shorter F-1 Grace Period: Students and dependents entering or reentering the U.S. on or after September 15, 2026, will have a 30-day grace period instead of 60 days.
  • Transition Rules: Individuals already in the U.S. in D/S status on September 15, 2026, may remain under existing rules initially but must apply for an extension of stay before their program end date (or other applicable deadline).
  • USCIS Extension Requirement: To remain beyond their AUD (e.g., for program extensions, school transfers, academic level changes, OPT, or Academic Training), F and J nonimmigrants must file Form I-539 with USCIS before their status expires.
  • 24-Month ESL Limit: English language training students may remain in F-1 status for a maximum of 24 months.
  • Restrictions on Academic Changes:
    • Undergraduate students may change majors or transfer schools only after completing their first year, unless SEVP approves an exception.
    • Graduate students generally cannot change majors or educational levels and may transfer schools only with SEVP approval for extenuating circumstances.
  • Limits on Additional Degrees: After completing a program, F-1 students generally may not enroll in another program at the same or a lower educational level. This restriction applies only to programs completed on or after September 15, 2026.

Loyola University Chicago is actively evaluating how this rule may affect our students, scholars, and academic programs. We will continue to share updates and guidance with our community as additional information becomes available.

Last update: 7/17/2026

USCIS Expected to Resume Adjudication of Immigration Benefits

Policy Memorandum: Hold and Review of USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by Aliens from Additional High-Risk Countries (January 1, 2026)

On January 1, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented a temporary pause on the adjudication of certain immigration benefit applications for individuals from countries designated under recent travel restrictions. Please review the NAFSA Summary for the list of countries.

Affected applications included:

  • Work authorization (Form I-765, including Optional Practical Training (OPT))
  • Change of status (Form I-539)
  • Adjustment of status and other immigration petitions

On June 5, 2026, a federal district court blocked the USCIS policy that established adjudication holds and related re-review procedures for nationals of 39 countries.

As a result, USCIS is expected to resume adjudication of cases that have been placed on hold under these policies. The government may appeal the ruling or seek an emergency stay. However, unless a higher court issues a stay, the court’s order is immediately effective.

Last update: 6/12/2026

Foreign National Entry Restrictions

Proclamation: Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States (December 17, 2025)

The proclamation restricts entry into the United States for nationals of certain designated countries based on national security and immigration criteria.

These restrictions apply only to individuals who:

  • Are citizens of a listed country,
  • Are outside the United States, and
  • Did not have a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026.

F-1 and J-1 students and scholars may be subject to both full and partial restrictions.

Some exemptions apply (for example, lawful permanent residents and certain valid visa holders). However, affected individuals may still face significant challenges with travel and re-entry.

For a concise overview and a full list of impacted countries, please review the NAFSA summary.

Last update: 4/30/2026

Federal Court Temporarily Pauses Order Blocking $100K H-1B Fee

Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (September 19, 2025)

On September 19, 2025, a presidential proclamation imposed a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions, significantly increasing costs for employers seeking to hire foreign nationals.

The fee generally applied to:

  • New H-1B petitions requiring consular processing (typically for individuals outside the United States)

Most of the following categories were exempt:

  • Change-of-status petitions filed within the United States
  • Extensions of existing H-1B status

As a result, many international students transitioning from F-1 status to H-1B status were not affected.

On June 8, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts struck down the Trump Administration’s $100,000 H-1B fee. 

On June 12, the same court temporarily stayed (paused) that decision while the government appeals. As a result, USCIS is currently permitted to continue requiring the $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions that are filed for, or only approvable for, consular notification.

Last update: 6/17/2026

Additional Updates

Last update: 4/30/2026

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