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
H-1B Visa Updates
On December 3, 2025, the Department of State announced expanded screening and vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants. This new process for expanded review of online presence is in line with the screening already in place for F and J visa applicants.
On September 19, 2025, a presidential proclamation restricting the entry of certain H-1B workers into the United States was announced (i.e., a rule regarding a $100,000 fee). Click here for the USCIS FAQ page.
Click here for additional USCIS guidance posted on October 20, 2025.
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-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.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. Current rules remain in effect while the proposal is under review. OISS will send out additional information and guidance once a final rule is made available.
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.
Effective December 2, 2025, USCIS will also pause processing new and pending immigration benefit requests for individuals from the affected countries. Please visit the information page provided by immigration law firm Foster for more information.
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)