Immigration Alert
When the U.S. government has shut down temporarily in the past, the impact on the services provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been minimal. This is because the USCIS charges fees directly for their services.ISSS
Furloughs - temporary unpaid leaves of absence - can have significant implications for international employees and visitors on various U.S. visa types. The impact depends on the visa category, such as H-1B, J-1, TN, or F-1, as many employment-based- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)This FAQ provides general information based on ISSS’ understanding of currently available guidance. It does not constitute legal advice and does not address individual circumstances. ISSS will continue to update this
- On Sept. 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) changed their interview waiver policy for visa applicants. This change is effective Oct. 1, 2025. This new guidance replaces the previous guidance released on July 25, 2025.As of Oct. 1,
- On Sept. 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that, effective immediately, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, including F, J, and H-1B visas, should schedule visa interview appointments only in their country of nationality or
- ISSS understands that international students and scholars may have questions and concerns regarding the recently released proposed regulation that would eliminate the duration of status end date currently assigned to those entering the United States
- The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issues visas for varying duration and with single or multiple entries, depending on the visa applicant's citizenship, as shown in the passport, and the visa type.DOS recently reduced the visa validity for several
- On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced new visa screening requirements that significantly impact F, M, and J visa applicants. These changes include intensified vetting, mandatory social media disclosure, and the requirement that
Effective May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for this new requirement. Since
Recent presidential executive orders have resulted in increased focus on immigration compliance. Given this, it is important to highlight two general requirements to maintain lawful immigration status.Nonimmigrants (visa holders) and lawful