US Government Updates

We here in International Students and Scholars know that the changes in U.S. government administrations can cause a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety. Rest assured that the ISS Office remains committed to supporting the international student population here at Oklahoma State University. We are proud to welcome students from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

In the coming months, we will prepare to report and decipher presidential and government proclamations and policies, and implement any support services that might be needed for international students.

If you have any questions or concerns about the news items on this page, please contact our office at iss@okstate.edu.

• DHS Proposal to Replace Duration of Status

  The DHS/ICE (Department of Homeland Security-US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) proposed rule to end "duration of status" (D/S) for F, J, and I nonimmigrants was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The proposed DHS rule would replace “duration of status” admissions with fixed end dates on Form I-94. Since this is at the proposed rule stage, it would not become final until after DHS reviews public comments on the proposed rule, submits a final rule for OMB review, and then publishes a final rule in the Federal Register with a future effective date.

   

  The details:

  Fixed-date admissions to the United States. Instead of being admitted for "duration of status" (D/S) as they currently are, individuals applying for admission in either F or J status (F-1 students, F-2 dependents, J-1 exchange visitors, and J-2 dependents) would be admitted for a fixed date, recorded their Form I-94, that would be limited to the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years, plus a period of 30 days following their program end date; the F-1 grace period would be reduced from the current 60 days to 30 days.

   

  Formal I-539 extension of stay process with USCIS. Individuals who need time beyond their period of admission for whatever reason (e.g., an extension of program, school transfer, moving academic levels, use of post-completion practical training or academic training) would have to timely file a complete Form I-539 extension of stay application with USCIS before their prior admission expires, with Form I-539 with fee, biometrics, and possible interview.

   

  Restrictions on transfers and changes of educational objectives. Students below the graduate level would have to complete their first academic year of a program of study at the school that initially issued their Form I-20 before changing educational objectives or transferring schools. An F-1 student at the graduate degree level or above would not be able to change programs at any point during a program of study.

   

  Restrictions on lateral or reverse matriculation. F-1 students would not be able to pursue a program at the same or lower educational level after completing one.

   

  What it means to you:

  If published in the Federal Register as a final rule it could impact your future ability to qualify for an extension of program, school transfer, change of academic level, post-completion OPT or Academic Training. 

   

  Action You Can Take:

  • Discuss your future academic/immigration plans with your OSU Academic Advisor, DSO or ARO.
  • Determine if it is appropriate for you to apply for an extension of program, school transfer, change of academic level, post-completion OPT or Academic Training soon.
  • Keep in mind that although you may have the intention to apply for one of the F-1 or J-1 benefits above you must meet the immigration requirement before an ISS advisor can process a request for you.
• Proclamation of December 16, 2025 Expands U.S. Travel Ban Effective January 1, 2026

  What it is:

  On December 16, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on January 1, 2026, that establishes a "full" travel ban on 20 countries and a "partial" travel ban on 20 countries. This expands upon Presidential Proclamation 10949 of June 4, 2025 that established a "full" travel ban on 12 countries and a "partial" travel ban on 7 countries which became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025. 

   

  Affected Individuals:

  Full ban countries. Twenty countries are subject to a full ban that suspends "entry into the United States" of nationals of those countries as "immigrants and nonimmigrants." The 20 "full ban" countries are: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria, plus any individuals who seek to travel on any travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.

   

  Partial ban countries. Twenty countries are subject to a partial ban that suspends "entry into the United States" as immigrants and of nonimmigrants on "B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas." The 19 "partial ban" countries are:  Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d ‘Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Entry is suspended only of immigrants of Turkmenistan.

   

  The ban provisions are applicable only to nationals of the subject country who are outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of January 1, 2026.

  Exceptions to the Ban:

  • Individuals who are inside the United States on January 1, 2026
  • Individuals who are outside the United States on January 1, 2026 and have a valid visa
  • Lawful permanent residents of the United States
  • Dual nationals of a designated country when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country
  • Asylees
  • Refugees
  • Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
  • Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State

  The proclamation also states that "No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation."

  Implications for the non-immigrant population of OSU:

  • Students and Scholars in F-1 and J-1 status who are outside the United States and were added to the full-ban on December 16, 2025 are encouraged to re-enter the U.S. before January 1, 2026.
  • Students and Scholars in F-1 and J-1 status who are outside the United States without a valid visa and were added to the partial ban are encouraged to attempt to secure a visa before January 1, 2026.
  • Valid F-1 and J-1 visa holders intending to begin or continue an academic program on or after January 1, 2026 may enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.
  • F-1 students on Post-Completion OPT or the STEM Extension of OPT, if re-entering on or after January 1, 2026 may enter the United States with a valid visa and valid employment.
  • Individuals from the affected countries, present in the United State, in valid F-1 or J-1 status or other nonimmigrant category, are able to remain in the U.S. working and studying as appropriate for their immigration category.

   

   

• USCIS Pauses Processing of Immigration Benefits for Nationals of Travel Ban Countries

  What it is:

  USCIS Policy Memorandum: Hold and Review of all Pending Asylum Applications and all USCIS Benefit Applications Filed by Aliens from High-Risk Countries

  This memorandum directs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) personnel to:

  1. Place a hold on all Forms I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal), regardless of the alien’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review;
  2. Place a hold on pending benefit requests for aliens from countries listed in Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10949, Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, pending a comprehensive review, regardless of entry date; and
  3. Conduct a comprehensive re-review of approved benefit requests for aliens from countries listed in PP 10949 who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021.

   

  Who it affects:

  • Aliens who filed Form I-589 regardless of their country of nationality
  • Aliens from countries listed in PP 10949 who have pending benefit requests regardless of entry date
  • Aliens from countries listed in PP 10949 who entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021

  PP 10949 established a "full" travel ban on 12 countries and a "partial" travel ban on 7 countries.

  The 12 full ban countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

  The 7 partial ban countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

   

  When:

  Effective Immediately, December 2, 2025

   

  What has changed:

  This memorandum mandates that all aliens meeting these criteria undergo a thorough re-review process, including a potential interview and, if necessary, a re-interview, to fully assess all national security and public safety threats along with any other related grounds of inadmissibility or ineligibility. An individualized, case-by-case review and assessment will be done of all relevant information and facts. USCIS will also conduct a comprehensive review of all relevant policies

   

  Full details here

• Termination of the Designation of Burma (Myanmar) for Temporary Protected Status

  What it is:  Termination of the Designation of Burma (Myanmar) for Temporary Protected Status

  Who it affects:  Citizens of Burma who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.

  When: The designation of Burma for Temporary Protected Status is terminated, effective at 11:59 p.m., local time, on January 26, 2026.

   

  For more details click here.

• Terminaion of the Designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status

  What it is: Termination of the Designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status.

  Who it affects: Citizens of Ethiopia who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.

  When: The designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status is terminated, effective on February 13, 2026.

   

  For more details click here.

• Termination of the Designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status

  What it is: Termination of the Designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status

  Who it affects: Citizens of Haiti who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.

  When: The designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status is terminated, effective on February 3, 2026.

  For more details click here.

• New U.S. Presidential Proclamations Impacting Visa Issuance and Entry (Effective June 9, 2025)

  FIRST DIRECTIVE:

  
  What it is:
  

  Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and other National Security and Public Safety Threats

   

   

  Who is affected:
  Nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen for all non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories

   

  When: Effective June 9, 2025

   

   

  The Details:

  Effective June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, in line with the Presidential Proclamation on “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” the Department of State is fully suspending visa issuance to nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories with limited exceptions for:

  • Certain diplomatic and official visas

  • Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens)

  • Adoptions by U.S. citizens

  • Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran

  • Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension

  • Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees

  • Afghan SIVs

  • Participants in certain major sporting events

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)

  This Presidential Proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date AND do not hold a valid visa on the effective date (June 9, 2025). Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the Proclamation. No visas issued before June 9, 2025, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation. 

   

  More information can be found here

   

  -----------------------------

  SECOND DIRECTIVE:

   

  What it is:

  Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

   

  Who is affected:

  Nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela

   

  When: Effective June 9, 2025

   

  The details:

  Effective June 9, 2025, at 12:01 am EDT, in line with the Presidential Proclamation on “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” the Department of State is partially suspending visa issuance to nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas with limited exceptions for:

  • Certain immediate relative immigrant visas (spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens)

  • Adoptions by U.S. citizens

  • Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran

  • Dual nationals applying with a passport nationality not subject to a suspension

  • Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for U.S. government employees

  • Participants in certain major sporting events

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)

  This Presidential Proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date AND do not hold a valid visa on the effective date (June 9, 2025). Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to the Proclamation. No visas issued before June 9, 2025, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation.

   

  More information can be found here

• F-1 to H-1B transitions exempt from $100K fee 

  What it is:

  On October 20, 2025, USCIS clarified certain important petition filing scenarios where the proclamation will and will not apply to petitions filed at or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025. Guidance is posted on its H-1B Specialty Occupations page.

   

  Clarifications:

  • The new $100,00 H1-B visa fee will not apply to international students and other visa holders changing status in the US.
  • The fee will not apply to a “change of status” including F-1 students changing to H-1B skilled worker visas.
  • The fee will only apply to new H-1B petitions for people outside the US filed on or after September 21, 2025.
  • Those seeking an extension, amendment or change of status will not be subject to the fee, as long as the amendment, change or extension is granted by USCIS.
  • Individuals who are already in the US with an approved H-1B application will not be subject to the fee if they travel abroad.
• In Case of Government Shutdown:  Who/What is Affected?

  Government Shutdown

   

  US Postal Service will remain open.  Mail delivery continues.

   

  SEVIS and USCIS are funded by fees and as such will remain open.

   

  CBP has "essential services and personnel”, including ports of entry and law enforcement.  So those would remain open.  

   

  The State Department also uses fee-based processing so they would continue to operate, however processing delays and backlogs would likely increase. 

   

  Civilian government employees are furloughed.

   

  Active-duty military, federal law enforcement agents, doctors and nurses in federal hospitals and air traffic controllers are considered “emergency personnel” and will continue working.

   

  National parks and national monuments will be closed.

   

  State Offices, including Driver’s License Testing, will remain open, as they are not federally funded.

   

  Social Security field offices should remain open but with reduced staff. Those visiting in person may experience extended wait times as fewer employees handle a high volume of requests.

   

  For individuals applying for new Social Security benefits, processing times could slow down. Historically, SSA has continued reviewing new claims during shutdowns, but at a reduced pace due to limited personnel.

• Restriction on Entry to the United States of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers

  What it is:

  On Sept. 19, 2025, a federal proclamation was issued that became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept. 21, 2025. The proclamation seeks to restrict H-1B specialty occupation workers’ entry to the United States unless employers pay a $100,000 fee per petition.

   

  Who it affects:

  • H-1B petitioners (employers) who filed on behalf of beneficiaries (applicants) on and after the effective date of the proclamation.
  • H-1B petitioners whose H-1B beneficiary is outside the United States on or after the effective date of the proclamation and who needs to enter or reenter the U.S. during the 1-year initial coverage of the proclamation.
  • There is no automatic exemption for H-1B beneficiaries employed at institutions of higher education in the language of the proclamation; it remains to be seen whether cap-exempt employers could qualify for a national interest waiver.

   

  Who is Exempt:

  • Foreign nationals who are the beneficiaries of H-1B petitions that were filed prior to the effective date of the proclamation.
  • Foreign nationals who are the beneficiaries of currently approved H-1B petitions.
  • Foreign nationals who are in possession of validly issued H-1B non-immigrant visas.
  • Foreign nationals traveling to or from the U.S. who hold a currently valid H-1B visa.

  • Does not change any payments or fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals.

   

  Note:

  There are outstanding questions regarding some aspects of the proclamation, and its application may change depending on agency guidance. This advisory will be revised in the event that new information is made available.

   

  Full details here

• Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence

  What it is:

  The Department of State has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments.

  Who is affected:

  All nonimmigrant visa applicants.

  When:

  Effective Immediately, Sept 6 2025.

  Full details here

• Changes to U.S. Visa Reciprocity Schedules and What It Means for OSU International Students

  What it is:
  The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has recently revised the visa reciprocity schedules for over 50 countries. These changes significantly reduce the validity period and number of entries allowed for various non-immigrant visas, including student (F), exchange visitor (J), business/tourism (B), temporary worker (H), and extraordinary ability (O) visas.
  
  

  Who it affects:
  This change affects international students, scholars, faculty, staff, and departments at Oklahoma State University, as well as foreign nationals from around 50 countries. Affected countries include China, Nigeria, Iran, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Angola, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Cuba, Syria, Libya, Somalia, and several others across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
  
  

  When:
  The revised visa policies are effective immediately.
  
  

  What has changed:

  • Many non-immigrant visas are now issued with a validity period of only 3 months.

  • Most visas under this policy are limited to a single entry, requiring travelers to apply for a new visa each time they seek to re-enter the U.S.

  • Previously, many of these visas allowed multiple entries with validity periods of up to 12 months or more.

  Note:
  Visas previously issued retain their original validity and are not affected by these changes.

  
  Full details here

• Travel Information

  The ISS office has compiled the following information so students can be informed while planning international travel. It is important that you assess your individual situation and evaluate possible risks when making travel plans in the middle of your academic activities. If you do plan to travel internationally, please remain aware of any updates to the International Travel Advisory web page here.
  
  

  Please contact our office at iss@okstate.edu for any questions or to schedule an advising appointment with your DSO.
  
  

  You can find the list of required and recommended travel documents below for your convenience:
  
  Full details here

• Information regarding F1 Visas and SEVIS
  Visa revocation and SEVIS termination :
  
  

  • What does it mean: 

    Visa revocation: This means that your visa (that has been stamped in your passport) is no longer valid for re-entry into the US.
    
    

  • How would the student be notified?: 

    Typically, after a student’s visa has been revoked, they receive an email from the US consulate who issued the student’s visa to the email address that they provided during the visa interview (not necessarily their OSU email).
    
    

  • Why does it happen :

    Unfortunately, we cannot know for sure. The reason for termination varies vastly. The common reasons for termination include:
    
    

  Full details here

• Alien Registration Requirement | USCIS
  • What it is: New USCIS guidance requires young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to "re-register" with USCIS within 30 days of their birthday.
  • Who it affects: F-2, J-2, H-4 dependents and young F-1/J-1 students who entered before age 14. 
  • When: With 30 days of reaching their 14th birthday

   

  Full details here

• Vacatur of 2025 Temporary Protected Status Decision for Venezuela 
  • What it is:  Vacatur of the Jan. 17, 2025, notice that extended a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela. 
  • Who it affects:  Citizens of Venezuela who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.
  • When: The vacatur is effective immediately.

   

  Full details here

• Sudan citizen TPS extention
  • What it is: Extension of status designation of Temporary Protected Status for citizens of Sudan for 18 months
  • Who it affects: Citizens of Sudan who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.
  • When: April 20, 2025 through October 19, 2026

  Full details here

• Ukranian citizens TPS extention
  • What it is: Extension of status designation of Temporary Protected Status for citizens of Ukraine for 18 months
  • Who it affects: Citizens of Ukraine who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.
  • When: April 20, 2025 through October 19, 2026

  Full details here

• Vacatur of 2024 Temporary Protected Status Decision for Haiti
  • What it is: Vacatur of the June 4, 2024, notice that extended a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti.
  • Who it affects:  Citizens of Haiti who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status and are in the U.S.
  • When:  The vacatur is effective immediately.

  Full details here

• Department of State Visa Interview Waiver Update
  • What it is: The Department of State has updated the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview.
  • Who it affects: Applicants for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application
  • When: February 18, 2025

  Full details here

• Visa Bond Pilot Program
  • What it is: A pilot program requiring citizens of specific countries to secure a bond before they can be issued a visitor B1/B2 visa.
  • Who it affects: Citizens of Malawi or Zambia who wish to enter the U.S. on a B1/B2.
  • When: The bond pilot goes into effect on August 20th, 2025.

  Full details here

Legal Advising

The ISS can provide general immigration information, but we are not able to provide specific legal advice. Our obligation to OSU’s F-1 and J-1 students and scholars is to interpret the regulations as best as we can when presented with a specific set of facts. Students are welcome to contact an immigration attorney for specific legal advice.

Finding an Attorney

The OSU Student Government Association provides free legal services to faculty, staff, and students during the fall and spring semesters. Should you need to contact the attorney, please email sga@okstate.edu with 'Attorney' in the subject line

For assistance finding an Immigration Attorney in your area who may speak your native language please visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website.