Office of International Student and Scholar Services

The U.S. Department of State pauses immigrant visa processing (green cards) for nationals of 75 countries.

On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that effective January 21, 2026, it will temporarily pause the issuance of immigrant visas (visas leading to green cards) for nationals of 75 countries.  No end date has been announced yet. 

It is important to note that this measure applies only to immigrant visas (permanent visa/green card) issued by a U.S. consulate abroad for citizens who are from the 75 countries in the list.

This pause does not affect: 

• Temporary nonimmigrant visas generally used for students, scholars or temporary workers (i.e.: F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1) and similar category visas.
• Individuals in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant status (i.e.: F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1) and similar categories.
• Individuals from the 75 listed countries who are inside the U.S. and filed for Adjustment of Status application (green card) with USCIS.  
  • If UToledo is sponsoring a beneficiary from one of the 75 listed countries who is currently in the U.S. on H-1B status, this pause does not impact their permanent residency process or their Adjustment of Status application (green card) inside the U.S. as long as the application is filed with USCIS. 
• This pause does not revoke immigrant or nonimmigrant visas already issued.

How it impacts UToledo community

Impact on international students and scholars

This specific pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as F-1 Students or J-1 exchange scholars.

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and university-sponsored employees

This specific pause does not apply to UToledo international employees who are employed in nonimmigrant status (e.g., H-1B) and whose permanent residency (green card) is being sponsored by UToledo while they are in the U.S. 

USCIS to increase premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026

On January 9, 2026, USCIS announced an increase in premium processing (expedited processing) fees for most eligible petitions. The new fees will take effect on March 1, 2026.

Summary of the updated premium processing fees

• H-1B and O-1 nonimmigrant petitions and Form I-140 immigrant petitions:
  • Increase from $2,805 to $2,965.
• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
  • For certain eligible applicants, including OPT and STEM OPT: Increase from $1,685 to $1,780.
• Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
  • For applicants requesting F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status: Increase from $1,965 to $2,075.

Please refer to the official USCIS announcement for a complete chart of the updated premium processing fees.

How it impacts the UToledo community

Impact on International students and Scholars

Students on F-1 status who apply for OPT or STEM OPT may have to pay the higher premium processing fee for Form I-765 if they want faster processing.

Students who are changing or extending their status (for example, from F-1 to another visa category or from another nonimmigrant status to F-1 ) by filing Form I-539 may have to pay  the higher premium processing fee if they want faster processing. 

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and University-sponsored employees

UToledo departments/stakeholders sponsoring H-1B, O-1 or other work visas may have to cover the higher premium processing fee to expedite the processing time with USCIS.  

USCIS Policy Memo: Hold on pending benefit applications for nationals of impacted countries

• Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10998 and the expansion of travel restriction, USCIS issued a Policy Memorandum on January 1, 2026, placing a hold on all pending USCIS benefit applications and initiating a re-review of previously approved benefits for foreign nationals from designated impacted countries.
• This policy will likely cause processing delays for individuals from the impacted countries (listed below) who will file or have filed applications for immigration benefits with USCIS.  
• As the term “benefit application” is broad, these actions may affect applications for employment authorization (including OPT and STEM OPT), change of status, employment-based petitions (ex, H-1B, O-1, etc.) and adjustment of status (green card) for impacted students and workers. Please see list of countries impacted below. 
• This hold became effective January 1, 2026.

Countries impacted by the USCIS memorandum

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If you are impacted by this policy memorandum, please consult an immigration attorney for legal advice.  

How it impacts the UToledo community

Impact on international students and scholars

Pending USCIS benefit applications which can include OPT/STEM OPT (Form I-765), Change of Status (form I-539) or requests for other USCIS benefit applications for students/scholars from the designated impacted countries (listed above) are on hold pending review.

This hold may cause significant processing delays, and a final adjudication may not occur until the hold is lifted. A delay in OPT could impact employment eligibility, and a delay in a change of status may affect the ability to maintain lawful status.

Students and scholars from the impacted countries should still file for any benefits for which they are eligible during the appropriate filing window; however, they should expect extended processing times.

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and university-sponsored employees

USCIS will hold the adjudication of H-1B and O-1 petitions and Adjustment of Status/green card applications (I-485) for beneficiaries from the designated impacted countries.  

USCIS may re-review petitions that were already approved for beneficiaries who are from the impacted countries and entered the U.S. on or after Jan 20, 2021. 

On December 16, 2025, President Trump issued Presidential Proclamation 10988 which became effective on January 1, 2026. This proclamation expands previous U.S. travel restrictions, directing limits on entry and visa issuance for nationals of selected countries determined to pose national security, public safety, and vetting concerns.

This is a travel restriction and applies only to foreign nationals who are outside the U.S. on the effective date (January 1, 2026) and do not already have a valid U.S. visa.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated their website and included the following information based on this proclamation:

• Presidential Proclamation 10998 only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date AND do not hold a valid visa on the effective date (January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST).
• Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, have been or will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation.
• Visa applicants who are subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.

Full Entry Ban

Foreign nationals from these countries are fully suspended from entry and routine visa issuance (immigrant and nonimmigrant visas) if they are outside the U.S. on January 1,  2026, and do not hold a valid visa:

Partial Entry Restrictions

Nationals from these countries face suspension of immigrant visas plus B‑1/B‑2 (visitor), F‑1 (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas if they are outside the U.S. and do not hold a valid visa on the effective date:

Exceptions and Important Clarifications

Individuals in the following categories are not subject to the suspension of entry/visa issuance under this proclamation, even if they are nationals of restricted countries:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
• Dual nationals of a restricted country who are traveling using a passport from a non-restricted country.
• Certain diplomatic, official, NATO, class C visas, and specified categories
• Members of athletic teams at major international events
• Special Immigrant Visas (for U.S. government employees)
• Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
• Case by case national interest exceptions granted by the Secretary of State/Attorney General/Homeland Security

How it impacts the UToledo community

Impact on international students and scholars

International students and scholars from fully or partially restricted countries outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of January 1, 2026, may be refused entry to the U.S. and may not be able to obtain a new student/scholar visa.

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and university-sponsored employees

H-1B and O-1 beneficiaries from fully or partially restricted countries outside the U.S. without a valid visa as of January 1, 2026, may be refused entry to the U.S. and may not be able to obtain a new visa.

Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

On December 29, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule modifying the H-1B cap selection process. The new rule became effective on February 27, 2026, and applies to the March 2026 H-1B registration period for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 petitions.

Under this rule, USCIS will replace the traditional fully random H-1B lottery system with a wage-based weighted selection process for all cap-subject H-1B registrations.

Each year, Congress limits the number of new cap-subject H-1B approvals to the following:

• 65,000 regular cap H-1Bs, and
• 20,000 additional H-1Bs for individuals who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher (Master’s Cap).

When USCIS receives more registrations than available H-1B numbers (which has occurred every year in recent history), it conducts a selection process. Previously, this selection was entirely random.

Beginning with the FY 2027 cycle, registrations will no longer have equal odds of selection. Instead, the likelihood of selection will depend on the wage level offered for the position, which must be indicated during the electronic registration process.

How the new process works

USCIS uses the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) wage levels. These wage levels reflect the prevailing wage for similar positions in the geographic area of intended employment. The four wage levels are as follows:

• Level I – Entry-level positions
• Level II – Qualified positions with some experience
• Level III – Experienced positions
• Level IV – Highly experienced or specialized positions (highest wage level)

Under the new weighted system, each H-1B registration will receive a number of “entries” in the selection process based on the wage level offered:

 

This means that registrations for higher wage levels will receive more chances in the selection process compared to Level I (entry-level) positions.

Why USCIS changed the selection process

According to USCIS, the purpose of the new rule is as follows:

• Prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid workers
• Help protect U.S. worker wages
• Reduce perceived misuse or over-registration in the H-1B system
• Align H-1B selection more closely with wage-based indicators of skill and experience

How it impacts the UToledo community

Impact on international students and scholars

This change may affect international students who will be sponsored by cap-subject employers in the H-1B registration process beginning in March 2026 (FY 2027 cycle).

Key points to consider:

• Individuals offered higher-wage positions (Level III or IV) will have improved odds of selection.
• Individuals offered Level I (entry-level) positions will have lower odds compared to higher wage levels.
• However, Level I registrations are still eligible and may still be selected through the weighted system.

Many entry-level positions (especially those suitable for recent graduates) are classified at Wage Level I or II, meaning selection odds may vary depending on the employer’s wage offer and job classification.

Students are encouraged to do the following:

• Discuss wage level and job classification with their employer and the employer’s immigration counsel.
• Understand that wage level is determined based on the position, job duties, experience requirements, and geographic location.  

If you have questions about how this change may impact your individual situation, please consult your employer and immigration attorney, or contact our office for guidance.

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and university-sponsored employees

This change does not impact UToledo departments or stakeholders, as institutions of higher education are cap-exempt. They may file H-1B petitions year-round and are not required to participate in the H-1B registration process.

The U.S. State Department announced on December 3, 2025, that they will expand the social media vetting and conduct an “online presence review” for H-1B and H-4 applications, which is similar to the requirements for F-1 and J-1 visa applications.  Based on the announcement, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must set their social medial accounts to “public” so consulates can conduct the review.

As a result of the additional vetting requirements, please be prepared for your social media accounts including LinkedIn to be reviewed as part of your visa application process.  The expansion of social media screening may delay the visa issuance process; therefore, be prepared for the visa delays when traveling abroad.

Additionally, according to Media reports (Reuters article), through the  diplomatic cable (messages between the State Department and U.S. embassies/consulates), consular officers were asked to “review resumes or LinkedIn profiles of H-1B applicants - and family members who would be traveling with them - to see if they have worked in areas that include activities such as misinformation, disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance and online safety, among others.”

When applying for an H-1B and/or H-4 visa please consider the following:

• Adjust the privacy setting of your social media accounts to public.
• Allow extra time for the visa issuance by the consulate.
• Request a travel letter through the iRocket portal before your departure from the U.S.

How it impacts the UToledo community

Impact on international students and scholars

Although this specific measure applies to H-1B employees and their dependents, similar requirements are already in place for international students, who are currently subject to online presence vetting. The additional screening measures are likely to cause processing delays and create backlogs at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, particularly at high-demand locations.

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and university-sponsored employees

This enhanced social media vetting/online presence review does impact H-1B employees who are applying for the H-1B visa stamp abroad to re-enter the U.S.  The new vetting process may result in delays in scheduling visa interviews, extended review times, and possible interview rescheduling.

On September 19, 2025, the President issued a Presidential Proclamation titled the Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.  The Proclamation became effective on September 21, 2025.  Its stated purpose is to limit entry of certain H-1B workers into the United States unless a $100,000 payment is made in connection with specific petitions.

Following the issuance of the Proclamation, The White House released an H-1B FAQ to clarify the proclamation, and CBP also issued a Memorandum (guidance) regarding the scope and implementation of the proclamation.  

Summary

When the $100,000 fee applies:

The $100,000 fee applies only to new H-1B petitions submitted on or after September 21, 2025, where the beneficiary (potential H-1B employee) is outside the U.S. at the time of filing or is not eligible for a change of status within the U.S. 

When the $100,000 fee does NOT Apply:

• Initial H-1B petitions requesting a change of status for individuals already lawfully present in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant category (e.g., F-1, L-1, TN), provided they are eligible for a change of status.
• H-1B amendment petitions (e.g., changes in employment).
• H-1B extension petitions filed to extend the stay of an existing H-1B worker.
• Petitions filed before September 21, 2025, the effective date of the Proclamation.
• Individuals with approved H-1B petitions, where the petition was filed prior to the effective date.
• Individuals who already hold valid H-1B visas.

The proclamation is set to expire 12 months after its effective date (September 21, 2025), unless extended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This proclamation is currently being challenged in courts. We will provide updates as they become available.

How it impacts the UToledo community

Impact on international students and scholars

• International students in the U.S who are changing status to H-1B while they remain inside the U.S. are not subject to the $100,000 fee.  
• This policy does not impact international students continuing their studies, on campus employment or OPT/STEM OPT employment.  
• The $100,000 fee applies when a new H-1B petition is filed for consular processing instead of change of status in the U.S.  This usually happens when an international student leaves the U.S and plans to re-enter the U.S. using the H-1B visa.  In that situation, the employer must pay the $100,000 fee for USCIS to adjudicate the petition.

Impact on UToledo departments/stakeholders and university-sponsored employees

• This policy does NOT affect new H-1B petitions when the prospective H-1B employee is already in the U.S. and UToledo is requesting a change of status in the petition.
• This policy does NOT affect H-1B extensions, amendments or H-1B port (transfer).
• This policy does NOT affect H-1B employees who already have an H-1B visa.  
• This fee applies only when UToledo hires from outside the U.S. and must submit a new H-1B petition on the employee’s behalf.