News

New DHS Rule: Initial Guidance for J-1 Scholars and Departments Who Support J-1 Scholars

Posted July 29, 2026On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new rule that changes how J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents are admitted to and extend their stay in the United States. The rule also impacts international students. International F-1 and J…

USCIS Adjustment of Status Memo - May 22, 2026

H-1B Premium Processing Fee Increase (Effective Feb 1, 2026)

DHS has issued a final rule increasing the H-1B premium processing fee from $2,805 to $2,965, effective for H-1B petitions submitted to USCIS on or after March 1, 2026.This adjustment reflects inflation, the DHS filing and anti-fraud fees will remain unchanged. 

Presidential Proclamation: Expanded Travel Ban (December 17, 2025)

On December 16, 2025, the U.S. President issued a new and expanded Travel Proclamation - Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect The Security Of The United States - that limits entry to the United States for nationals of certain countries.

Travel and Immigration Document Reminders

On October 24, 2025 the ISSO emailed all active UCSF-sponsored visa holders the following reminders:International TravelThe ISSO still advises caution with non-essential international travel. Our travel webpages have been updated to provide detailed guidance:

Urgent Message for UCSF H-1B Visa Holders

Update #4: USCIS Clarification on Presidential Proclamation (posted October 21, 2025)USCIS published important guidance on October 20, 2025, regarding how the Presidential Proclamation of September 19, 2025 applies to H-1B petitions.

Updated U.S. Visa Application Guidance from Department of State – Effective September 6, 2025

The U.S. Department of State (USDOS) announced updated guidance for new and renewal nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications effective September 6, 2025:

Proposed Rule to End “Duration of Status” - September 2, 2025

On August 28, 2025, DHS announced a proposal to replace the current “duration of status” rule (which lets F and J students and scholars stay for the length of their program) with a fixed end date of up to 4 years. If approved, extensions would require an application, fees, biometrics, and possibly…

UCSF Travel Guidance – Travel Advisory for Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Per the UC Office of the President Travel Advisory, due to escalating security risk within the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, all non-essential travel to this region should be avoided for the foreseeable future. Any travel determined to be essential needs to be thoroughly evaluated prior…

U.S. Travel and Visa Restrictions for 19 Countries - Effective June 9, 2025

President Trump signed a new Executive Order (EO) called “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” The EO may limit your ability to enter the U.S. and will limit U.S. visa applications for…