On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a new Presidential Proclamation expanding U.S. travel restrictions. This policy builds upon the previous June 2025 Proclamation. The travel restrictions impact nationals of the countries below who …
Immigration Updates
USCIS Pauses Adjudication of Benefit Requests for Citizens of 19 Countries
December 9, 2025 On November 27, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy guidance directing officers to consider “relevant country-specific facts and circumstances such as those outlined in Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10949,” …
Guidance on immigration and international travel during federal government shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues, the UW–Madison community should be aware of the potential impact on immigration processes and international travel. Changes to some immigration services are likely, including: Fee-based immigration processing – including …
Update to Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant Designated Locations
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that only certain geographic locations are acceptable for nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F and J students and scholars, effective September 6, 2025. Nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their …
Proposed Changes to “Duration of Status” (Stay) in the U.S. for F and J Visa Holders
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule change to eliminate the current I-94 Duration of Status (D/S) to instead apply an exact date of lawful stay in the U.S. for F …
U.S. Travel Entry Restrictions for 19 Countries
Updated June 9, 2025 On June 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced the suspension of visa issuance to foreign nationals, in alignment with the Presidential Proclamation restricting entry to the U.S. for foreign …
Update for Chinese Students Regarding May 28 Visa Policy Announcement
We want you to know we are aware of the U.S. Secretary of State’s announcement on May 28 that the administration is developing a policy that may lead to the revocation of visas for some …
Visa Appointments Resume after Three-week Suspension
Updated 18 June 2025 The following message was sent on 18 June 2025 to F-1 and J-1 international students with a UW-Madison-issued immigration document. Media outlets have reported that the U.S. Department of State …
Important Reminders to Maintain Your F-1 or J-1 Student Status
The following message has been adapted from a Terra Dotta Systems email sent to F-1/J-1 students and recent alumni on April 7, 2025 This message includes important reminders and resources to understand and maintain your …
Updates for our international community
View a message from Vice Provost and Dean Frances Vavrus regarding updates for the international community at UW–Madison.