USCIS announces it will grant Adjustment of Status only in extraordinary circumstances
On 5/22/2026 USCIS announced a new Policy Memorandum related to the final step of the green card application process.
Department
Public Health Travel Restrictions to Prevent the Introduction of Ebola Disease into the United States
On May 18, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced targeted travel restrictions “to protect the health of the United States from the serious risk posed by the introduction of Ebola disease into the United States by covered aliens based on the emergent outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain confirmed present in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.” The travel restrictions apply for a period of 30
Country-Specific Restrictions Quick Reference Tool
Over the past year, the U.S. government has put a number of restrictions in place. To use this tool to identify which restrictions apply to a particular country, select a country from the dropdown menu to see the restrictions currently in effect for that country, including the travel ban, the USCIS Pause, the 75 Country IV Pause, F, J, and H Visa Limits, and B Visa Bond requirements.
Support and Resources for U-M Community Members Impacted by the Current Middle East Conflict
The International Center would like to express our concern for those who have been impacted by the recent events in the Middle East, or are facing uncertainty as a result of them, and remind the U-M international community of the following support resources:
USCIS increases Premium Processing fees effective 3/1/2026
On January 9, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced an increase to USCIS Premium Processing fees, effective March 1, 2026. This adjustment follows the biennial Premium Processing fee review under the USCIS Stabilization Act and reflects inflationary changes.
The updated Premium Processing fees are as follows:
USCIS Pauses Final Adjudication of Benefits for Citizens of Additional Countries
On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued new policy guidance to place a hold on final adjudication of immigration benefits for individuals with a nationality or country of birth that is covered by the December 16, 2025 Presidential Proclamation titled: Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.
Final Rule on H-1B Weighted Lottery Selection Released
On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security - US Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS/USCIS) released the text of the Final Rule regarding the “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions,” to be published on December 29, 2025.
New Presidential Proclamation Revises and Expands Travel Restrictions
On December 16, 2025, President Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation titled: Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States. This proclamation will take effect at 12:01 a.m.
Department of State cancels and reschedules some H-1B and H-4 visa interviews
On December 3, 2025, the Department of State announced that it will start conducting "online presence" reviews for individuals applying for H-1B and H-4 visa stamps, effective December 15, 2025.
USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Period for Certain EAD Categories
On December 4, 2025, USCIS announced that it will reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for several application categories, including Adjustment of Status applicants, from five years to 18 months. This change affects EAD applications that are approved after December 5, 2025. It does NOT affect the validity of EADs that were previously approved and does not apply to all EAD categories.