Skip to content

F-1 Students Safe for Now as Court Pauses DHS Rule Ending “Duration of Status”

By Jessica White, Esq. A federal court has blocked a DHS rule that would have changed how F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors are admitted to the U.S. For now, nothing changes. F-1 students are still admitted for “duration of status” (D/S), and the 60-day grace period after completing a program or OPT still applies. The government has appealed, so this could change. What the rule would have done DHS published the rule on July 17, 2026, with a September 15 effective date. It would have: Where the litigation stands

Read More »
Jessica White 4:31 pm October 5, 2026

Understanding the Latest DACA Developments

The DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) provided prosecutorial discretion against deportation for certain individuals who immigrated to the U.S. as children. The original program provided a certain amount of protection against deportation and the possibility to apply for work authorization.  The program continues to evolve amidst ongoing court decisions and administrative rules. On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that key portions of the DACA rule are unlawful—but importantly, the decision is limited in scope. The court’s stay means current DACA recipients across the nation

Read More »
Jessica White 10:46 pm November 15, 2025

USCIS to End Acceptance of Paper Payments Starting October 28, 2025

lectronic Payments Now Required by U.S.C.I.S. Beginning October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept paper payments for filing fees. This includes checks and money orders. All applications and petitions must now be submitted with either Form G-1450 or Form G-1650, authorizing payment by credit or debit card or electronic bank transfer. This update was announced in the USCIS Policy Alert dated August 29, 2025. If you have upcoming filings or are preparing an application, it’s important to plan ahead and ensure your payment method

Read More »
Jessica White 6:20 pm November 13, 2025

USCIS Policy Update: Notices to Appear for Denied Change of Status (COS) and Change of Employer (COE) Petitions

Effective Date: February 28, 2025 On February 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major policy change affecting nonimmigrant visa holders. Under this new guidance, USCIS will now issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) to foreign nationals whose Change of Status (COS) or Change of Employer (COE) petitions are denied. Background Previously, individuals in the following visa categories were generally allowed a 60-day grace period (or the time remaining on their I-94, whichever was shorter) to depart the United States or file another petition to extend or change

Read More »
Jessica White 3:34 pm November 16, 2025

The Corporate Immigration Digest is for information purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice. The circumstances of each situation are unique, and it is important to seek informed legal advice before making any decisions.  Please book a consultation with our office at 713-367-1188 to discuss the specific facts of your legal matter. You may also book an appointment online here.