On December 12, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Alert announcing new guidance governing the submission and reuse of photographs for immigration benefit requests. For all non-immigrant requests (Example: a Form I-765/OPT …
Immigration Updates
Dec 16, 2025 Travel Restrictions Announcement
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 …
USCIS Pauses Adjudication of Benefit Requests for Citizens of 75 Countries
Updated: February 10, 2026 On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued new policy guidance to place a hold on final adjudication of immigration benefits for individuals with a nationality or country of birth that is covered by the December 16, 2025 Presidential …
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 …