Rice welcomes all its international students and scholars and is committed to supporting them.
This page includes immigration updates and resources that may have an impact on our Rice faculty, students, and staff.
Current Updates
Update to Visa Applications
Effective September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has updated its instructions for all non-immigrant visa applicants. Moving forward, applicants must schedule their visa appointments only at a U.S. consulate in their country of citizenship or residence. If the location is based on the country of residence, applicants must be able to demonstrate their residency. Citizens of countries where the U.S. government does not provide non-immigrant visa services must apply at the embassy or consulate designated by the Department of State, unless they have residency in another country. For more information and a list of the designated consular locations, see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence-sep-6-2025.html
Proposed Federal Rule Affecting Duration of Status
On August 28, 2025, the federal government published a proposed rule 90 FR 42070 that would eliminate “duration of status” (D/S) for F and J visa holders. The OISS team is currently reviewing the 160-page proposal in detail. We will share more information with you as it becomes available. In the meantime, please remember that nothing has changed at this time. Current rules remain in effect while the proposal is under review.
Travel Ban
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a presidential proclamation instituting a new travel ban affecting 19 countries, effective at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. The Department of State has also officially suspended visa processing for impacted individuals from the listed countries. OISS has reached out directly to students and scholars from the impacted countries with guidance. For more information on the travel ban, please visit NAFSA's summary page.
OISS Communications
For prior OISS-Announce messages regarding immigration updates, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/communications (Rice login required).
Executive Actions from the Current Administration
Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration (NAFSA)