Urgent Message for UCSF H-1B Visa Holders

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Update #2 (posted September 24, 2025)

Based on updated federal guidance, we believe that if you are currently abroad, you may re-enter the U.S. under the new Proclamation if both conditions apply:

  1. You have a currently approved H-1B petition that was submitted to USCIS prior to 12:01 a.m. Eastern daylight time on September 21, 2025.
  2. You hold a valid H-1B visa.

Caution

ISSO still advises caution with international travel at this time. We are not fully confident that all U.S. ports of entry are prepared to follow updated guidance. We believe U.S. ports of entry may be compliant in the coming days. We recommend postponing international travel if possible.

In advance of all international travel, be sure to review H-1B travel guidelines and consult with your UCSF supervisor and your campus HR representative about whether you may work and/or be paid if your U.S. re-entry is delayed.

Resources

Update #1 on H-1B Presidential Proclamation Issued September 20, 2025 (posted September 21, 2025)

On September 20, 2025 in late afternoon, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued public guidance on Friday's Presidential Proclamation restricting entry into the US for H-1b workers. Based on the USCIS' public statement, the Proclamation:

  • Does not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept. 21, 2025.
  • Does not change any payments or fees required to be submitted in connection with H-1B renewals.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued an internal guidance memo but did not publish official guidance for the public. Based on the CBP internal memo, the Proclamation does not apply to:

  • H-1b holders of currently approved applications
  • Petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept. 21, 2025.
  • H-1b holders with validly issued H-1b visas.

Finally, White House officials also issued social media statements. The social media statements from White House officials do not align with the text of the Proclamation or USCIS and CBP memos.

Impact

Based on the information we have this morning, we're fairly confident the Proclamation does not apply to H-1b petitions filed prior to 9/21/2025 or to future H-1b extensions, but we are awaiting additional guidance from government agencies.

International Travel and Entry in H-1B Status

ISSO continues to urge caution regarding international travel and entry in H-1b status. The CBP memo is internal and, at this time, no public guidance has been issued. CBP Ports of Entry (POE) may not have received full guidance. We're not fully confident that all POEs are prepared to follow the guidance starting today. We believe POEs may be compliant after a few days, but we recommend postponing international travel if possible.

Visa Issuance

At this time, the Department of State (DOS) has issued a FAQ for guidance. If you have a scheduled interview or need to schedule an interview, we recommend that you attend unless advised otherwise by DOS.

If you're outside the US and unable to enter the U.S., please contact us immediately at [email protected] or contact your adviser directly.

We'll continue to update you of any changes impacting UCSF H-1b holders as it becomes available.

Urgent Message for H-1B Holders (posted 9/20/2025)

On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of anyone seeking to enter or reenter the United States in H-1B status without payment of a new $100,000 fee paid by sponsoring employers per petition. Although the details are not yet clear, it is possible that some individuals may qualify for a National Interest Waiver exempting them from the required payment. The proclamation becomes effective Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time and is scheduled to remain in place for one year, unless extended.

The ISSO will continue to update you as new information becomes available. NAFSA (a professional organization focused on international education) shared a brief write-up and will be updating their webpage as more information becomes available as well. If you are outside the US and can’t re-enter due to the proclamation, please email us at [email protected].