International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is closely monitoring immigration updates, and we have collected critical immigration updates in one place. It is very important that you independently stay aware of official updates from the Federal government. In addition, this is not a substitute for qualified legal counsel. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Note, as of April 3, 2025, ISSS is not aware of any action that significantly changes the compliance requirements or function of F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, or Permanent Resident sponsorship under the EB-1 and EB-2 categories.
Executive and Regulatory Actions
NAFSA Page on Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration
The NAFSA: Association of International Educators has collected updates that are relevant to international educators, students, and scholars. Updates are organized by relevant area.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Updates
Spring Break Travel Reminders for International Students (released March 11, 2025)
SEVP has published some helpful reminders for students on F-1 status who plan to travel over spring break.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Updates
USCIS Updates Policy to Recognize Two Biological Sexes released April 2, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that it only recognizes two biological sexes, male and female.
Alien Registration Requirement (released February 25, 2025)
Based on Executive Order 14159, It is the legal obligation of all unregistered aliens (or previously registered aliens who turn 14 years old) who are in the United States for 30 days or longer to comply with these requirements.
Update on TPS for Haiti (released February 20, 2025)
On Feb. 20, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem partially vacated the July 1, 2024, notice that extended and redesignated Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement amends the period of extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS from 18 months to 12 months, with a new end date of Aug. 3, 2025, and makes a corresponding change to the initial registration period for new applicants under the redesignation, which will now remain in effect through Aug. 3, 2025.
After reviewing country conditions and consulting with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has determined that conditions in Venezuela no longer support the 2023 designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Updated Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions (released January 15, 2025)
USCIS is updating its policy guidance to clarify how eligibility for the second preference employment-based (EB-2) classification for immigrant petitions filed with a request for a national interest waiver (NIW) are evaluated.
Department of State (DOS) Updates
Visa Interview Wait Time Info No Longer Available on DOS Web Pages (released March 11, 2025)
NAFSA has reported that the visa interview wait times for U.S. Embassies and Consulates are no longer available.
Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Update (released February 18, 2025)
DOS has provided updates on visa waiver eligibility for several non-immigrant visa classes.