News

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...

Critical Updates on F and J Visa Appointment - May 2025

Critical updates impacting F-1 and J-1 students, as well as J-1 scholars applying for U.S. visas.

New H-1B, TN, E-3 Filing Fee Payment Process Starting July 1, 2025

Beginning July 1, 2025, ISSO will use a UCSF-issued credit card to pay USCIS fees for H-1B, TN, and E-3 visa types (J-1 visas are not affected). This aligns with the federal government’s planned shift to a “check-less” system this fall.

International Travel Reminder and Immigration Updates

ISSO continues to advise caution with international travel. Please review our international travel guidance on the respective web pages listed below. In addition, be sure to review ISSO's Immigration Policy updates.

Revised Exchange Visitor Skills List - Effective Dec 9, 2024

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) published a revised J-Exchange Visitor Skills List (“Skills List” or “2024 Skills List”) effective December 9, 2024. The revised list removes 37 countries from the Skills list and does not add any additional countries to the list.

International Travel Risks with the New Incoming Government Administration

ISSO urges international travelers to consider arranging their travel back to the U.S. before January 20, 2025.

USCIS Announces Inflation Increase for Premium Processing Fees 

On December 28, 2023, USCIS announced that premium processing (PP) fees will increase from $2,500 to $2,805. The change primarily impacts UCSF's employment-based H-1B population. 

Onsite Requirements for J-1 Visa Holders – DOS Guidance Directive Updated June 8, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) is ending its policy that permitted temporary modifications of EVPs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal Updates for F-1 International Students Enrolled in Remote Coursework

Beginning Fall 2023 online instruction is limited to no more than one class (or three units) per term for all F-1 students

Scams Directed at International Students and Scholars

A number of international students and scholars around the Bay Area (including UCSF) have been targeted by a phone “scam” involving someone claiming to be from a government agency.