International Student and Scholar Services

Immigration Update Summary

Summary of current immigration-related developments impacting visas, travel, and immigration benefits applications for non-immigrant international students and scholars.

Summary of Immigration Updates

For Brown University international students, scholars, and employees. This page contains summaries of summary of current immigration-related developments affecting international student and scholar travel, visa issuance, and immigration benefits. A complete list of recent news announcements can be found on our Announcements page.

Updated: 2/20/2026

Travel and Visa Restrictions

Travel Bans preventing entry to u.s.

As of January 1, 2026 citizens from 40 countries (including the Palestinian Authority) are subject to “travel bans” that may prevent travel to the U.S. Restrictions vary by country. In general, the restrictions do not apply to persons with valid visas issued before January 1, 2026. For more information, read our Current Travel Restrictions web page for a list of countries subject to entry restrictions, the scope of the entry restrictions, and exceptions and exclusions.

In addition, to learn how these travel bans will affect I-20 processing for new students for Fall 2026 arrival, see our announcement for prospective and admitted students.

visa reciprocity changes AFFECTING VISA LENGTH FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES

In July 2025, the U.S. State Department issued new Visa Reciprocity tables. These tables indicate the length of student and other kinds of entry visas for citizens of certain countries. For example, in certain cases F-1 students may only receive a three month, single-entry entry visa even if their program is expected to take longer. Read more about Visa Reciprocity on our Renewing Your Visa web page.

Immigrant Visa ISSUANCE Pause

On January 14, 2026 the U.S. State Department temporarily paused issuance of immigrant visas (permanent visas) for nationals of 75 different countries. This pause does not directly affect USCIS adjudication of I-485 applications for adjustment of status to permanent resident, although USCIS has also implemented a processing pause affecting many of the same countries. Read more about the immigrant visa issuance pause.

H-1B Entry Fee on New Visas

Effective September 21, 2025 the U.S. government has imposed a $100,000 fee that must be paid by U.S. employers for any new H-1B petition submitted after that date. The fee does not apply to those currently in the U.S. in H-1B status, extending their H-1B status, or applying to change to H-1B status. Read the H-1B entry fee announcement for more details. The fee remains in place as of this update.

USCIS Adjudication Issues

USCIS ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY PAUSE ON APPLICATION PROCESSING FOR NATIONALS OF CERTAIN COUNTRIES

On January 1, 2026 USCIS announced a pause in processing of immigration applications (including, potentially, applications for OPT, changes to H-1B status, and permanent residence) submitted by or on behalf of persons who are citizens of and/or born in a country that is currently subject to a “travel ban." While USCIS will continue to accept applications, it has not provided a clear timetable for when it will resume processing of the applications. Read the updated announcement on USCIS processing pauses.

USCIS Digital Photo Requirements

USCIS has indicated that digital photos submitted alongside Form I-765 applications for employment authorization (EADs) must meet USCIS specifications. Applicants for OPT (or other kinds of work permits using Form I-765) may receive directions to appear at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) to have their photos and biometrics taken. Read our announcement about the digital photo requirement.

Duration of Status (D/S) Elimination

A proposed rule to eliminate “duration of status" was announced on August 28, 2025, and public comments were accepted through October 27, 2025. As of February 2026, a final version of the rule has not been announced or implemented. Once implemented, the rule would change how the length of F-1 and J-1 programs are regulated by the U.S. government. Read the original news announcement about the duration of status proposed rule and Brown's public comment about the rule. Until a final rule is implemented and becomes effective, all existing regulations for F-1 students, J-1 students and scholars, and their F-2/J-2 dependents continue to apply.