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On July 24, a federal appeals court allowed a lower court decision blocking the $100,000 fee on certain new H-1B petitions requiring consular processing abroad to remain in effect while the government’s appeal proceeds. The fee is not currently enforceable, although the litigation is ongoing and the policy could change. Read More

Effective August 1, the U.S. Department of State shifted routine visa processing from 26 U.S. embassies and consulates across Africa to designated regional visa hubs. Applicants from affected countries must now travel to another country for routine visa appointments, which may increase costs and processing times. Departments should be aware… Read More

ISSS has developed a frequently asked questions page regarding the new rule. See page here. This information is based on our current understanding of the new rule. This does not constitute legal advice. As we obtain more information and guidance, we will update these responses. Please check your Vanderbilt… Read More

On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to publish a final rule that replaces “duration of status” for F and J visa holders with fixed admission periods. If the final rule is published as scheduled, this… Read More

On June 5th, a federal judge vacated several USCIS policies affecting foreign nationals from countries and areas subject to the current travel ban. This includes the USCIS pause on adjudicating benefits requests such as OPT, STEM OPT, change of status, etc. from citizens of countries impacted by a travel ban. … Read More

A federal district court in Massachusetts has invalidated the USCIS policy implementing the $100,000 H-1B fee established by a September 2025 presidential proclamation. The court found that the fee exceeded executive authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act, resulting in a nationwide vacatur of the policy. As a result, USCIS… Read More

USCIS has issued a new policy memorandum on Adjustment of Status. The memo asserts that USCIS adjudication of adjustment of status applications is discretionary, and that the agency is not required to review all applications, reserving the… Read More

On May 5, 2026, DHS submitted the final rule that will eliminate F and J “duration of status” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. Once OMB’s review is complete, the final rule will be published in the Federal Register. ISSS will review the final rule once… Read More

Effective March 1, 2026, all requests for USCIS’s Premium Processing Service must include the new fee. See here. The premium processing fee for Form I-129 nonimmigrant worker petitions requesting classifications such as E-3, H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN increased to $2,965. The premium processing fee for Form I-140 immigrant petitions… Read More

Effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State is pausing issuance of immigrant visas for applicants who are nationals of certain countries. This pause applies only to immigrant visas for permanent residency processed through U.S. consulates and does not affect nonimmigrant visas, including B, F, J, or H categories. The… Read More