October Immigration Updates from ISSS

October Immigration UpdatesDHS Proposal to eliminate D/SOn September 25, 2020, a proposed rule was published to the Federal Register that would, if finalized, impact students and scholars on F and J visa status. The proposed rule seeks to eliminate D/S (duration of status) for these visa types, and instead implement date-specific admission. This impacts many aspects of international student and exchange visitor programs, including: limitations on how long a student can study, reduction of the F-1 grace period, required extension applications, and impacts on employment authorization, to name a few.It is important to note that the proposed rule is not finalized. A period of public comment recently closed on October 26^th.  Members of the Chatham community, including OIA, submitted comments opposing the proposed rule change.Additional information on the proposed rule change, as well as current updates, can be found on the NAFSA interest site.USCIS Fee Rule injunction (important for those filing OPT applications)On September 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction and stay on implementation of the 2020 final USCIS fee rule in its entirety. New fees and form versions associated with that rule that were to be required on October 2, 2020, as well as all other aspects of the rule, are now on hold while the injunction is in place. Read the court's order.Based on the court injunction, USCIS is blocked from implementing the fee increase and new forms. As you are preparing to file an OPT application, or STEM-extension application, you will be able to use the current fees ($410) and the current form (issued 8/25/20) for your I-765 application.OIA will keep you updated on the outcomes of these items. If you have any questions, please contact us at InternationalAffairs@Chatham.edu