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
Final Rule to Establish a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for F and J Visa Holders
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). The OISS team is carefully reviewing the full 533 page document to understand its impact on our international students and scholars and will provide more detailed information and guidance as soon as possible.
$100,000 H-1B Fee Restored
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.
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. At this time, we do not have further information and cannot estimate when USCIS may begin adjudicating currently pending cases. It is also possible that there will be further litigation on this issue.
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.
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
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)