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
DHS Rule to Eliminate Duration of Status Postponed by Court Order
On September 14, 2026, a federal court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the D/S rule litigation, and the effective date has been postponed indefinitely. This pause will remain in place pending further judicial action.
On July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule in the Federal Register to eliminate Duration of Status (D/S), originally scheduled to go into effect on September 15, 2026. Click here for the OISS information page on the rule.
USCIS Expands Discretion to Deny Requests Without Prior Notice
On August 5, 2026, USCIS announced a policy update emphasizing that all filings must be complete and include all required initial evidence to demonstrate eligibility. USCIS officers may deny incomplete applications without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). When filing applications with USCIS, it is essential to review all relevant instructions and include all required supporting documentation to avoid issues.
Update to Visa Applications
Effective August 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has realigned visa operations in Africa to regional hubs. For more information on the locations currently providing visa services in Africa, please read the DOS announcement.
For all other regions, applicants should continue to schedule their visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. 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-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html
$100,000 H-1B Fee Blocked
On June 8, 2026, a federal district court vacated the $100,000 H-1B fee policy that was announced in September 2025. On June 11, 2026, the government filed a notice of appeal.
On June 12, 2026, the court granted the government's request for an administrative stay of the previous judgment until a final decision has been made, provided the government actually files the motion by June 18th. At this time, the $100,000 fee is restored.
On July 24, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit denied the federal government’s motion to stay a district court’s June 8 order vacating the $100,000 fee. This means that the fee is currently blocked, and the payment requirement cannot currently be enforced while DHS considers whether to continue the appeal.
USCIS Processing Pause Declared Unlawful
On June 5, 2026, a U.S. District Court in Rhode Island issued a ruling on Dorcas vs. USCIS, declaring the USCIS policy to pause immigration benefit processing for individuals from the "travel ban" countries unlawful. The policy was declared vacated and set aside.
USCIS Policy Memo Restricting Adjustment of Status
On May 22, 2026, USCIS issued a new policy memorandum regarding adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident. Per the policy memo, most applicants seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the country. USCIS would only approve an adjustment of status in the U.S. in "extraordinary circumstances."
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Travel Ban
On December 16, 2025, President Trump issued a new presidential proclamation adding several countries to the travel ban that was originally put in place in June 2025. In addition, the proclamation introduced some changes for the previously affected countries. The National Association of International Educators (NAFSA) has provided a comprehensive summary, which you may find helpful.
The Department of State has suspended visa issuance for individuals from the listed countries.
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)