Immigration Alert

Alert and FAQs: Publishing final rule eliminating duration of status for students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:42:03 +0000

Alert and FAQs: Publishing final rule eliminating duration of status for students and scholars in F-1 and J-1 status Mitchell Brook… Thu, 07/16/2026 - 15:42

ISSS is aware that on July 17, 2026, the federal government intends to publish changes to the regulations governing F-1 and J-1 immigration (visa) status. ISSS is currently reviewing the rule in detail to fully understand the potential changes and their implications for the campus community.  

Our team is carefully evaluating this information to ensure that any guidance we provide is accurate, clear, and helpful. We will share additional information, including a Q&A and next steps, as soon as possible. 

ISSS recognizes that these changes are significant and may impact your status. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to monitor your email and the ISSS website regularly for updates. 

We also understand that immigration policy changes can cause stress and uncertainty. Please know that ISSS is here to support you and will continue to share information. In the meantime, we encourage you to take advantage of the on-campus support resources if needed. 

Students: Counseling and Psychiatric Services  (CAPS) is available if you would like to talk with someone about feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, or simply to have a supportive conversation.

Faculty and Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program offers confidential support and counseling. You may reach out to schedule a time to speak with a trained counselor.

ISSS appreciates your understanding and patience as we work to provide you with clear and accurate information in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a final rule affecting regulations governing individuals in F and J immigration status. CU �ֲ��ý’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is reviewing the rule, in coordination with University Counsel and campus partners, to understand its implications for our international students and scholars. Because the regulation is extensive, this analysis will take time to complete. However, the announcement by DHS stated that the rule will eliminate "Duration of Status," a policy allowing international students and scholars in F and J status to remain in the U.S. until they've completed the objectives of their academic or exchange visitor program. The policy will be replaced by a new rule that limits F and J status holders (students and scholars) to a four year admission period, and requires those status holders to apply to USCIS for an extension of stay if they wish to stay beyond their original period of admission.

Who may be affected by this rule?

The rule applies to individuals in F and J immigration status. This may include international students and scholars and other individuals in these visa categories. Because the university’s review is ongoing, ISSS will provide additional information about potential impacts as soon as guidance is available.

Does this affect all international students and scholars?

The rule applies specifically to individuals in F and J immigration status. The potential impact will depend on an individual’s specific immigration status and circumstances. Students and scholars should monitor communications from ISSS for updates and guidance.

Analysis from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, states that there are transition provisions for F and J nonimmigrants who were admitted for D/S on their Form I-94 and are inside the United States on September 15, 2026, the final rule effective date. These individuals will not have to immediately apply for a date-certain I-94, but they must still apply for an extension of stay in order to remain in status beyond the program end date on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, or four years from the final rule effective date, whichever is shorter, and will also be subject to the new academic restrictions in varied ways. If someone in this transition group exits the United States and reenters on or after September 15, 2026, CBP will readmit them with a Form I-94 with a date-specific AUD.

How does this affect my immigration status?

At this time, ISSS is reviewing the final rule and is not yet able to provide individual guidance about how it may affect specific individuals. Students and scholars should continue to follow their current immigration requirements and monitor the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs page and university email for updates.

Why is the university not providing more information yet?

The final rule is a significant federal regulation that requires careful review to understand its impacts. The university’s priority is providing timely and accurate information rather than sharing premature guidance. 

When will more information be available?

ISSS is working diligently to review the rule and develop additional guidance, including FAQs and next steps which will be shared through the ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs page as soon as the university’s review is complete.

Where can I find updates?

ISSS Immigration Alerts & FAQs page is the university’s central source for updates related to federal immigration actions affecting international students and scholars. Students and scholars should also monitor their university email for additional communications from ISSS.

What should faculty and staff do if students or scholars have questions?

Faculty and staff should refer immigration-related questions to ISSS rather than offering individual interpretations of the rule. Because the university’s review is ongoing, directing questions to ISSS will help ensure students and scholars receive accurate and consistent information. Faculty and staff can email: isss@colorado.edu with additional questions.

Will this affect enrollment, employment, research or campus activities?

At this time, the university has not announced any changes to enrollment, employment, research or campus operations. ISSS is reviewing the rule to determine whether any changes or additional guidance are needed and will communicate updates as information becomes available.

I am feeling stressed or uncertain about this announcement. What support is available?

The university recognizes that immigration policy changes can create uncertainty and stress for members of our community. ISSS remains available to support international students and scholars with immigration-related questions. Students may also access support through Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). Faculty and staff may access support through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program.

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Court restores $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:55:58 +0000

Court restores $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions Carolyn Salter Tue, 06/16/2026 - 13:55

This summary is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and is not legal advice.

On June 12, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily restored the $100,000 fee imposed on certain H-1B petitions by a September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation. The case is State of California, et al., v. Markwayne Mullin, et al.

Earlier, on June 8, 2026, the same court found that the fee violated U.S immigration and administrative laws and stopped the federal government from continuing to collect the fee.

Subsequently, the federal government appealed (challenged) the court’s ruling. On June 12, 2026, the court temporarily paused its June 8 order until at least June 18, 2026.

Two other lawsuits challenging the $100,000 fee are also currently pending.

As this complex legal situation continues to change quickly, ISSS will monitor developments and update our website if additional information becomes available.

As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you! 

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Court blocks $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions

Carolyn Salter — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:25:48 +0000

Court blocks $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions Carolyn Salter Thu, 06/11/2026 - 11:25

This summary is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and is not legal advice.

On June 8, 2026, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that the $100,000 fee imposed on certain H-1B petitions by a September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation is unlawful. The case is State of California, et al., v. Markwayne Mullin, et al.

The court found that the fee violates U.S immigration and administrative laws. The judge declared the $100,000 fee unlawful and ordered the federal government to immediately stop requiring payment of the fee.

The decision is expected to apply nationwide. As of June 8, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should not require payment of the $100,000 filing fee for any H-1B visa applications. However, the federal government is likely to appeal the court’s ruling and request a stay (pause) of the order while the appeal is pending.

ISSS will continue to monitor developments and update this article if additional information becomes available.

As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you! 

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Court rules USCIS application decision pause unlawful

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:46:56 +0000

Court rules USCIS application decision pause unlawful Carolyn Salter Tue, 06/09/2026 - 09:46

This summary is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and is not legal advice.

On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ruled in Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. USCIS that several U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies affecting nationals of countries subject to the federal administration’s travel bans are unlawful. The court found to be unlawful policies that had effectively paused, delayed, or subjected immigration benefit applications to additional scrutiny based on an applicant’s nationality from one of the countries (or with travel documents from the Palestinian Authority) covered by the travel bans. These policies included adjudication pauses, the re-review policy, and guidance directing USCIS officers to treat an applicant’s nationality from a travel-ban country as a negative factor when deciding certain discretionary immigration benefits.

The court found that these policies violated U.S. immigration and administrative laws. The judge determined that USCIS could not apply these measures simply because an applicant was from a country affected by the travel bans. As a result, the court declared the policies unlawful and ordered USCIS to stop using them. The decision is expected to apply nationwide, meaning USCIS should resume processing affected immigration applications under its normal procedures across the country. USCIS is likely to appeal the court’s ruling and request a stay (pause) of the order while the appeal is pending. ISSS will update this article if there are any future changes.

Importantly, the ruling does not impact the travel bans themselves. Those travel restrictions, which govern entry into the United States, remain in effect. The court’s decision is limited to USCIS policies affecting immigration applications filed with the agency.

As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you!

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USCIS policy memo: Extraordinary matter of discretion - Approval of adjustment of status for U.S. permanent residency

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Wed, 27 May 2026 17:59:21 +0000

USCIS policy memo: Extraordinary matter of discretion - Approval of adjustment of status for U.S. permanent residency Mitchell Brook… Wed, 05/27/2026 - 11:59

05/27/2026

This summary is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and should not be considered legal advice.

On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a policy memo reminding USCIS officers that “…adjustment of status is an extraordinary matter of discretion and administrative grace not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas.” This is a significant change that will affect individuals who had been planning or intending to gain lawful permanent residence (“green card”) status without leaving the U.S.

While USCIS indicates this policy memo is consistent with existing laws, it represents a shift in its usual processing by indicating that adjustment of status is an “extraordinary” decision. The memo does not indicate a date that adjustment of status applicants will no longer be able to apply within the U.S. The memo also does not state USCIS’s stance on adjustment of status applications already in process.

Note that when the �ֲ��ý (CU �ֲ��ý) sponsors an international employee for U.S. permanent residency (“green card”) status, the last step in the U.S. permanent residency process belongs to the employee because it is their personal application not the university’s. This means that International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) on behalf of the university can only provide general guidance about the process and is unable to provide personal legal advice.

For the last step in the U.S. permanent residency application process, there are two options, Adjustment of Status in the U.S. or Consular Processing at a U.S. consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country. The recent USCIS policy memo reminds USCIS officers that they should evaluate applicants for adjustment of status on a “case-by-case basis” and “as a general matter the discretionary approval of such a request is extraordinary…”

While the memo does include a definition of “extraordinary,” USCIS instructs officers that they “…must consider and weigh all the relevant evidence in the record, taking into account the totality of the circumstances.” It is noted in the memo that maintaining one’s lawful immigration status in a dual intent nonimmigrant category (such as H-1B) is not sufficient on its own for the USCIS officers to warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.

Given this significant change in the government’s interpretation of an applicant’s eligibility for a discretionary grant of adjustment of status, ISSS highly recommends that international employees who have questions about the benefits, disadvantages, and/or differences between the two options, Adjustment of Status in the U.S. or Consular Processing at a U.S. consulate or embassy in one’s home country should consult with an experienced immigration attorney prior to making any decisions. ISSS has created a helpful summary of considerations when hiring an immigration attorney.

As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you!

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U.S. entry restrictions: Non-U.S. citizens present in Uganda, DRC, or South Sudan

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:00:47 +0000

U.S. entry restrictions: Non-U.S. citizens present in Uganda, DRC, or South Sudan Carolyn Salter Tue, 05/19/2026 - 09:00

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) effective yesterday, May 18, 2026, has put in place “entry restrictions on non-US passport holders if they have been in Uganda, DRC, or South Sudan in the previous 21 days” because of the Ebola outbreak in the region. Continue to monitor the CDC website for updates.

As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you!

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USCIS benefit applications: Adjudication pause

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:07:25 +0000

USCIS benefit applications: Adjudication pause Carolyn Salter Tue, 04/21/2026 - 06:07

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has paused adjudication of most immigration benefits requests/applications from individuals who were born in or are citizens of 40 countries (or having travel documents from the Palestinian Authority) included under the current travel bans (entry restrictions).

Under the USCIS policy, affected individuals may continue to file applications for immigration benefits, but USCIS will most likely not issue a final decision, such as an approval or denial. This pause affects a variety of applications relevant to international students, faculty, and staff, including applications for employment authorization, change of status from one nonimmigrant visa to another, and adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident. The most recent update from the USCIS on this and related policies may be found on their website, Update on USCIS' Strengthened Screening and Vetting.

As always, ISSS is here to answer questions and support you!

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Carry immigration documents & report changes of address

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:17:37 +0000

Carry immigration documents & report changes of address Carolyn Salter Tue, 03/24/2026 - 06:17

Nonimmigrants (visa holders) and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are required by law to:

Carry their immigration registration

Report residential address changes within 10 days

Legal Requirement to Carry Immigration Registration Document

To comply with this legal requirement, nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents should carry a printed copy of their I-94 Arrival-Departure Record or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). It is also recommended that individuals carry hard copies of relevant immigration status documents such as their Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). This is not a new requirement. It has been in existence for decades but historically it was rarely enforced.

Legal Requirement to Report Changes of Address

Nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents living in the United States for 30 days or more are required to report their change of residential address (where one lives), within 10 days of the address change.

F-1 and J-1 students actively engaged in a degree program:
- Update your address in the Buff portal.

F-1 students who have a pending Optional Practical Training (OPT) application:
- Submit address updates using your online USCIS account.
- You can also update your address in the Buff portal for alumni purposes.

F-1 students in post-completion OPT authorization period:
- Submit address updates in your SEVP portal.
- You can also update your address in the Buff portal for alumni purposes.

J-1 students in post-completion Academic Training period:
- Submit the Address & Contact Information Update Form in the MyISSS portal (General Forms).

J-1 scholar:
- Submit address update in MyCUinfo employee portal
- If you are unable to access MyCUinfo portal, submit the Address & Contact Information Update Form in the MyISSS portal (General Forms).

Other Non-Immigrants and Lawful Permanent Residents:
- Submit address updates using your online USCIS account.

Immigration Resources on ISSS Website

ISSS maintains a webpage with various immigration resources. ISSS resources are not exhaustive and should not to be construed as legal advice.

Any questions? Contact ISSS (isss@colorado.edu).

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USCIS announces inflation adjustment to premium processing fees

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:21:50 +0000

USCIS announces inflation adjustment to premium processing fees Mitchell Brook… Tue, 01/20/2026 - 14:21

Effective March 1, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) filing fee for the Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, will increase.

Impacted forms:
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Form I-140 (Immigration Petition for Allien Worker).
A table of adjusted fees is available on the USCIS website.

This rule is effective on March 1, 2026. If you submit a request for premium processing postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, you must include the new fee for the specific benefit you are requesting. To request premium processing, you must submit Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, and follow the form instructions.

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Jan 15, 2026: Pause of Immigrant Visa (“Green Card”) Processing for Citizens of Certain Countries

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:22:55 +0000

Jan 15, 2026: Pause of Immigrant Visa (“Green Card”) Processing for Citizens of Certain Countries Mitchell Brook… Thu, 01/15/2026 - 15:22

U.S. Department of State’s Post on X Re: Immigrant Visa Processing Pause

On Jan. 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State posted on their X account and on their website that they will be pausing immigrant visa processing for foreign nationals who are citizens of 75 countries. The federal government has not yet posted any additional or clarifying information on any websites.

Background

U.S. Department of State officials issue immigrant visas to individuals who will become U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) when they enter the United States with the immigrant visas.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below for details about this pause. The FAQ is based on currently available information. It does not relate to any specific situation and should not be considered legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the recently announced pause in immigrant visa processing affect foreign nationals who 1) are citizens of the 75 countries impacted, 2) are (or will be) international students or scholars at CU �ֲ��ý, and 3) wish to enter the United States on nonimmigrant temporary visas such as F, J, or H-1B visas?

The immigrant visa processing pause does not impact U.S. Department of State issuing nonimmigrant visas for temporary stays such as H-1B, F-1, and J-1 visas. However, citizens of certain countries may be impacted by existing restrictions on the issuance of some nonimmigrant visas. Please read the News & Alerts section of the ISSS website for immigration updates related to existing entry and visa issuance restrictions for citizens of certain countries.

Do the entry restrictions impact a U.S. lawful permanent resident’s (“green card” holder’s) ability to remain in or enter the United States?

No. U.S. lawful permanent residents are not impacted by the presidential proclamations. They can enter the United States regardless of their countries of citizenship or birth.

Does the pause require an international student or scholar who is a citizen of one of the countries impacted by the immigrant visa processing pause to leave the United States?

No. The pause does not require anyone from one of the designated countries to depart the United States.

Has the U.S. Department of State indicated which 75 countries will be covered by the pause at U.S. embassies and consulates in immigrant visa processing?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State has listed on their website the countries subject to the immigrant visa processing pause.

When does the pause in immigrant visa processing for citizens of the designated countries take effect?

The U.S. Department of State indicates on their website that the pause will start Jan 21, 2026.

Does the pause impact CU �ֲ��ý’s international scholars who 1) are citizens of one of the countries that will be under the pause, 2) are currently in the U.S. in valid nonimmigrant status (for example, H-1B), and 3) are applying for U.S. permanent residency based upon their employment at CU �ֲ��ý?

No. Immigration visa processing by the U.S. Department of State is different than the application process for U.S. permanent residency via “adjustment of status” (Form I-485) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS has not announced any pause in the processing of adjustment of status (“green card”) applications for citizens of certain countries.

Are resources available online to read more about the new immigrant visa pause by the U.S. Department of State?

As of now, the only information available is that on the U.S. Department of State's post
on X and their website

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at CU �ֲ��ý is here to support you. We want you to feel welcomed, respected, and valued in our community! Please reach out to us if we can be of assistance.

Please reach out to ISSS if we can be of assistance.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus.

Here are some resources we recommend:

Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.

Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.

Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

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