The DHS F-1 duration of status rule takes effect September 15, 2026, replacing open-ended D/S admission with fixed stays. New students may receive up to four years, while eligible students already in the U.S. receive transition protection and new extension filing requirements. The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule ending the “duration of status,” or D/S, admission system for F-1 students. Published on Friday, July 17, 2026, the rule takes effe

A US federal appeals court has kept the Trump administration’s $100,000 charge on new H-1B petitions blocked, preserving a lower-court injunction while the government continues its appeal. The Trump H1B fee ruling affects employers, skilled workers and applicants following the wider immigration dispute. H-1B Fee Block Remains in Place On Friday, July 24, the Boston-based First US Circuit Cour

The United States has introduced global US visa restrictions for foreign nationals linked to cyberscams, sextortion and cyber-enabled crime. The policy may also affect immediate family members and supports a broader campaign using prosecutions, sanctions and international cooperation. The United States announced a global visa restriction policy on Thursday, July 23, 2026, targeting foreign nationals responsible for or comp

  Canada’s C$47 million Pakistan aid package combines security funding with support for education, climate resilience and reproductive health. Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s Islamabad visit also advanced talks on trade, investment, renewable energy and agricultural cooperation. Canada Details C$47 Million Pakistan Aid Package Canada announced more than C$47.2 million in

The Trump student visa rule would replace duration of status with fixed admission periods of up to four years. F-1 and J-1 students may face new USCIS extension filings, shorter departure periods, travel effects and tighter limits on school or program changes. WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on Friday, July 17, 2026, replacing the “duration of status” system for F-1 students, J

Columbia’s student visa advisory recommends that international students return to New York before classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The guidance comes before a DHS rule establishing fixed admission periods for F and J visa holders takes effect. Columbia University has advised international students to return to New York before classes begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, ahead of a major change to U.S. admissi

The proposed green card bond has led many applicants to believe it is another government filing fee. However, immigration bonds and green card application fees serve different purposes. Understanding the distinction can help applicants avoid confusion as the proposal continues to receive attention. The Trump administration's reported proposal to require certain green card applicants to post bonds of up to $100,000 has created confusion among p

The proposed green card bond has created uncertainty among immigrants applying for permanent residency. Although no final policy has been announced, reports suggest certain applicants processing immigrant visas abroad could be affected if the proposal is implemented. The Trump administration's reported proposal to require certain green card applicants to post bonds of up to $100,000 has raised questions about who could actually be affected. Wh

The proposed green card bond has raised questions for immigrants applying through U.S. embassies and consulates. Understanding the difference between Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status is important because the reported proposal has primarily been linked to immigrant visa applicants processing their cases outside the United States. Could the Green Card Bond Affect Consular Processing?

The proposed $100,000 green card bond has created uncertainty among H-1B professionals seeking permanent residency. Here's what is currently known about who could be affected, the difference between Adjustment of Status and consular processing, and why the proposal has not yet changed existing immigration procedures. The Trump administration's reported proposal to require certain green card applicants to post bonds of up to $100,000 has raised questions among H-1B

The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 green card bond for certain applicants completing consular processing abroad. The unconfirmed proposal would examine financial self-sufficiency but leaves eligibility, refund rules and implementation unclear. The Trump administration is considering requiring certain people applying for U.S. green cards through consulates abroad to post bonds of up to $100,000, according to

An H-4 visa 221(g) administrative processing case from Hyderabad reportedly ended in approval after 90 days. The account details the interview documents, follow-up emails, a senator’s inquiry, and the CEAC status change from refused to approved and then issued. According to a user-shared account that has not been independently verified, an H-4 visa renewal applicant in Hyderabad received approval after 90 days under Section 221(g). The timeline describes one case

Microsoft Xbox layoffs have intensified the US debate over H-1B visas after Rep. Riley Moore linked the job cuts to foreign-worker approvals. Microsoft says the restructuring is based on business needs and that H-1B employees were also affected. Microsoft announces thousands of job cuts Microsoft’s Xbox layoffs have renewed political scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, with critics questioning

The Indian Embassy in UAE has warned residents not to pay fake appointment agents after BLS International and SGIVS Global ceased operating as authorized service providers. Passport, visa and attestation appointments are now offered free through the missions’ official portal. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai have warned the public against unauthorized agents offering paid appo

Australia has assured India that opportunities for Indian students in Australia will remain open and fair despite visa delays and stricter assessments. The MEA also rejected reports of broad application restrictions and highlighted expanding university partnerships. Australia Assures Indian Students of Fair Study Opportunities Australia has assured India that genuine India

The Trump H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned in connection with whistleblower claims. U.S. labor officials are investigating alleged H-1B and PERM abuse, labor trafficking and possible worker displacement. The Trump administration’s H-1B visa fraud probe has drawn attention after Cognizant was mentioned while U.S. officials described a wider investigation into alleged abuse of employment-based visa programs.

Losing a bag while traveling can be stressful. But when the bag contains a passport, EAD card, driver’s license, visa documents, bank cards and other IDs, the situation can quickly become serious. For students, workers, visitors and immigrants in the United States, the first few hours are important. The affected person should create an official record, protect their identity, arrange safe domestic travel and begin the replacement process for

An F-1 student on Optional Practical Training shared a personal U.S. re-entry experience after returning from India following a 40-day family visit. According to the student’s account, the return journey was on Etihad Airways. During the transit process at Abu Dhabi, the student said there was no full U.S. immigration interview. Airport staff reportedly checked the student’s passport and Form I-20 before placing a clearance stamp on the boarding pass. F-1 OPT