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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.

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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