ANNOUNCEMENTS/ Immigration Updates
United States Government shutdown began Oct. 1
All federal agencies are required to develop and maintain plans for an orderly shutdown in the event of a lapse in federal appropriations. A list of each agencies plan can be found on the COGR website: https://www.cogr.edu/considerations-federal-government-shutdown
September 21, 2025: Restriction on Entry of Certain H-1B Nonimmigrant Workers
On September 21, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation restricting the entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers. The proclamation applies only to H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025.
For more information, please visit Fragomen guidance.
September 8, 2025: Nonimmigrant Visa Interviews Must be Scheduled in Country of Residence
Effective immediately, the Department of State (DOS) announced that applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) must schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence, and that applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying. The announcement also lists "Designated Locations for Nonimmigrant Visa Processing" for nationals or residents of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations. These NIV applicants must apply in the listed country unless their residence is elsewhere.
At the time of announcement, DOS states that existing nonimmigrant visa appointments will generally not be cancelled.
Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence - September 6, 2025 update
August 28, 2025: Proposed Rule on Duration of Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new federal rule that would replace the current duration of status with fixed time periods for the length of stay for F and J visa holders, along with a formalized process for requesting extensions, which DHS would oversee. This proposed rule is not yet in effect. It is open to receive public comments through September 27, 2025. After the comment period ends, the proposal will be reevaluated and may be revised based on the public comments recived.
See this notice for more information about the proposed duration of status rule change.
Fragomen firm important updates.
PWD and PERM processing updates.
As of September 1, 2024, DOL is issuing prevailing wage determinations (PWDs) for PERM prevailing wage requests filed in February 2024 (OES) and January 2024 (non-OES) and H-1B prevailing wage requests filed in February 2024 (OES and non-OES). The agency has been processing PERM and H-1B prevailing wage redeterminations requested in May 2024. DOL is also processing PERM and H-1B Center Director reviews requested in August 2023.
These reports are available on the DOL FLAG page.
USCIS Announces Inflation Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation. Starting on February 26, 2024, there will be a slight adjustment to the USCIS premium processing fee for Form I-129. The fee will be increased from $2,500.00 to $2,805.
Form G-1055, Fee Schedule
As of 10/01/2023, USCIS updated the following form(s):
BridgeUSA
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce BridgeUSA as the new brand identity for the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP).