NAFSA submitted comments on the proposed changes to affected "information collection" instruments, including SEVIS (Forms I-17 and I-20) and USCIS Forms I-539 and I-765, that would implement the proposed rule to eliminate duration of status, if finalized as proposed.

NAFSA has updated its "USCIS Proposal on Weighted Selection of H-1B Cap-Subject Registrants and Petitioners" to include links to sign-on letters it has joined in.

On October 20, 2025, USCIS clarified when certain H-1B petitions will and will not be subject to the $100,000 fee under Presidential Proclamation 10973 of September 19, 2025 titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers." Notably, USCIS says that the proclamation will not apply to H-1B petitions that are "requesting an amendment, change of status, or extension of stay for an alien inside the United States where the alien is granted such amendment, change, or extension," and additionally clarifies that "an alien beneficiary of such petition will not be considered to be subject to the payment if he or she subsequently departs the United States and applies for a visa based on the approved petition and/or seeks to reenter the United States on a current H-1B visa."

A Federal Register notice announces the implementation of "the new immigration parole fee of $1,000 for any alien who is paroled into the United States who does not meet an exception," as required by HR-1. The action is effective on October 16, 2025. Advance parole obtained by applicants for adjustment of status is one of the ten exceptions to the parole fee requirement.

On October 8, 2025 the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sent SEVIS users Broadcast Message 2510-02: Reminder to School Officials of Program Compliance and Reporting Requirements for F, M and J Nonimmigrants. The broadcast message reminds principal designated school officials (PDSOs) and designated school officials (DSOs) of their regulatory responsibilities under 8 CFR 214.3 and 214.4 and emphasizes student compliance with regulations and the Immigration and Nationality Act. The message reiterates existing requirements such as cooperating with SEVP record requests, ensuring DSOs are knowledgeable about F-1 and M-1 regulations, and updating SEVIS within 21 days of certain actions, and highlights statutory grounds of inadmissibility and removability related to criminal conduct, threats to public safety, and activities opposing the U.S. government. While the notice does not impose new rules, its tone aligns with broader administration messaging linking immigration compliance to national security and public safety and it outlines the statutory provisions the administration has been using to exclude and remove individuals from the United States. Institutions should ensure that DSOs remain current on regulatory requirements, maintain accurate SEVIS reporting practices, and educate students about their obligations to maintain status.

On October 8, 2025 Mali, Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tanzania were added to the list of countries subject to the B1/B-2 visa bond program, with an October 23, 2025 effective date.

On October 9, 2025 E-Verify announced that it has resumed operations after a pause occasioned by the lapse in appropriations (government shut-down). The announcement instructs E-Verify employers how to create cases for employees hired while E-Verify was not available, deal with tentative nonconfirmations, E-Verify customer support, and other aspects.

"Effective October 10, 2025, U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou has temporarily paused all routine visa services. This pause includes applications for immigrant visas as well as nonimmigrant visas for tourists, business travelers, students, exchange visitors, and most other nonimmigrant categories. Visa applicants with scheduled appointments have been notified. We will update our website when appointment scheduling resumes and inform applicants whose appointments were rescheduled. Applications for A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-4, C-2, and C-3 diplomatic and official visas will continue to be processed." The DOS news alert web alert contains an FAQ on the temporary pause.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is offering two comment resources for the proposed rule on weighted selection of H-1B cap-subject registrants and petitioners. One is a sign-on letter requesting an extension of the 30-day comment period (asking for a total of 60 days, i.e., an additional 30 days beyond the posted 30-day comment period). The other is a Take Action Comment Campaign on the AILA website in response to the proposed rule that provides a customizable template for individuals or institutions to personalize for their comment on the substantive proposal.

The consequences of Federal budget shutdowns vary depending on whether specific operations are fee-funded or rely on appropriations. While some essential services, such as USCIS adjudications, State Department consular operations, and ICE functions typically continue, other services, like the Department of Labor’s labor certifications or USCIS programs dependent on appropriations, may halt until funding is restored. The FY 2026 cycle brings added uncertainty, as agencies have been directed to prepare potential Reduction in Force (RIF) plans alongside their contingency strategies.